You can probably tell I wasn’t gripped by this adventure. Yet it was well told, with occasional detours to tell the story behind the creation of the curse. Thinking about it, my problem may be that I didn’t see much difference between Sorsha (the curser) and Betty (our heroine) voice-wise, so I mixed them up between reads. Realising that I was finding it all too easy to put down and forget about, I determined to read to the end in one go. A Pinch of Magic is a brilliantly crafted story from author Michelle Harrison, which we shared in our book club. The group really enjoyed the storytelling of Abi Elphinstone, Catherine Fisher, Katherine Rundell and Piers Torday, and if you like those authors, too, then you’ll be bowled over by this book. Not at all predictable, the book is full of imagery and I love the way Michelle Harrison describes the feelings of Betty, Fliss and Charlie in great depth. The three Widdershins sisters are unlike in looks and personality. The eldest, Fliss, is famed island-wide as much for her beauty as for her flirting, middle child Betty is the straight-taking one whose eyes are always resting on the horizon, and youngest Charlie is a bundle of energetic trouble, who can usually be found with a four-legged rescue hiding somewhere inside her overalls. All three reside with their granny on dreary Crowstone and all three are longing for adventure. This last fact is where lies their problem.

But the sisters. My god did I love reading that bond between the three Widdershin sisters. It was so authentic, full of loyalty and annoyance and all the complicated emotions that come along with such relationships - even the age differences showed. I don’t even HAVE siblings, and I could tell this is exactly how it is a lot of the time. And their progression through the book only added to my love for them, so much so that I’m itching to read the next book immediately. I want to know where they could possibly end up! Three determined sisters are forbidden to leave their home. The youngest, Charlie, is unpredictable, caring and kind. Betty, the middle sister, is adventurous and daring. Fliss is thoughtful and kind. Desperate for an adventure, Betty plans a secret outing to neighbouring Marshfoot on her 13th birthday, but is furious when Granny stops her. Granny then breaks the devasting news that all Widdershins’ girls are trapped by an ancient curse and if they ever leave Crowstone, they will die by the following sunrise.Sisters, secrets and spellbinding adventure . . . the perfect magical world to cosy up with this Christmas! Take three sisters, add the cruelest of curses and a pinch of magic, and you'll have a tantalising tale you cannot put down' Tamsyn Murray, author of Completely Cassidy

Finished my re-read of A Pinch of Magic and I love it even more than I did when I read it last year. I didn’t think it was possible.A cliffhanger at the end of each chapter persuaded me to read on each time. A truly magical book, I was gripped by every single word. On the isle of Crowstone, set upon eerie marshes with a prison as its closest neighbour, the Widdershins sisters: Betty, Fliss and Charlie, set out to break a deadly curse which has haunted their family for generations. This is a very well-written book, particularly the way in which Michelle Harrison describes the feelings and emotions of the three sisters - there is a fantastic atmosphere to the book. I haven’t read a book like it. Anyone looking for a book about determination, thrills, love and friendship should definitely read A Pinch of Magic. Michelle Harrison is a very creative author, who had me hanging on every word. Read this book - I promise you will love it.