Lilly Peppertree: Lilly’s Spell is a young adult historical fiction novel by author Julie Hodgson. The plot centers on ten-year-old Lilly in 1612, whilst England is under the rule of the Stuart dynasty. At the ominous gathering place of Pendle in Lancashire, the often puritanical crowds fear that there are witches amongst them. For Lilly, her only concern is the tragic loss of her mother, dead since Lilly was seven, but whose spirit seems to be returning to her in her dreams, only to be ripped away again every single night. Traumatised by these visitations, it may take Lilly a while to realise that Mama has a purpose for her, a purpose which may endanger the young girl in a town full of suspicion.

As a huge fan of history, I got very excited even from the opening of Lilly Peppertree: Lilly’s Spell. The legends of the Pendle witches are slow to weave into the narrative of Lilly’s tormented life, but once they get going, there’s some very interesting magic afoot. The suggested reading grades (between 3rd and 12th) are certain to find Lilly a relatable character whom they can connect with at once. Her supporting cast of relations - Grandpa, Maggie and Amber - are well formed characters that enhance Lilly’s feelings of isolation, strengthening her connection to the incomplete message she wants to receive from beyond the grave. Overall, Julie Hodgson has produced a fascinating and lively short novel that brings history, and a little magic, to life for young readers.

Lilly Peppertree: Lilly's Spell is a young adult and preteen fantasy novella written by Julie Hodgson. When Lilly is asleep, she relives being outdoors with her mother. The two of them gather herbs and berries in the wild, and lie down on the ground and watch as clouds form themselves into animals and other wondrous shapes. Lilly is convinced that her mother is trying to tell her something in those dreams, but she just can't figure out what it is. Her grandfather sits by her bed at night to make sure her dreams do not trouble her. He's been her guardian and family ever since that day, three years before, when her mother died. Maggie, a woman her grandfather met in church, also lives in the little cottage in the woods, as well as her young daughter, Amber. Lilly sees Amber and her mother cuddle together, and it makes her smile and feel sad all at the same time. While she's happy for Amber, and loves having the two of them in her life, she's not gotten over losing her own mom.

Julie Hodgson's young adult and preteen fable, Lilly Peppertree: Lilly's Spell, is a lovely fantasy novella about a young girl whose ancestral legacy is misunderstood and has led to the deaths by hanging of her mother and grandmother. My favorite parts of this book saw Lilly out in the woods and fields, both with her mother in her dreams, and in her own explorations as she discovers her gift and learns to practice her craft. I was delighted to learn that 'eye of newt' is actually a plant-based product rather than a piece of an animal, and found the historical base for this tale to be both tragic and fascinating. This magical, lyrical, and sweet tale is highly recommended.

This was a wonderful witchy story. I love anything to do with pendle, the history behind the hill is great and the author has made a pretty good job of telling the tale of Lilly.