Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem

by: Vera Jane Cook

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:
From the Salem Witch trials through the Nineteenth Century and beyond, Annabel Horton is pursued by the devil’s disciple, Urban Grandier, the demonic priest from the incident at Loudon. She must take the bodies of those that the devil favors to protect her family. She must uncover the motive behind the illusive Ursula/Louis Bossidan, the scandalous cross-dresser who is pursuing her beautiful granddaughter, and she must learn, being one of God’s most powerful witches, how to use her power. But will it be enough to save her husband from Urbain’s fiery inferno? Will it be enough to save her children from demons greater than themselves? Read on, you will learn more…..

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This book gave me chills. Following Annabel as she went from body to body, visited time periods past and future, and fought for lover and family over and over. This book is chocked full of action, magic and philosophy.

All through the book, though Annabel knows she is a witch, she also knows she is a Christian and that God has blessed her. She also spends a lot of time battling a demon who doesn't even have a bone to pick with her, it's a great aunt or something.

I will admit, while I adored this book I was uncomfortable with the idea that the only religions touched on were Christianity and Satanism (media's definition on that one, too). But that being said, it really did drive the story. There is such a stark disparity between God and Satan. It made the story so colorful.

As for Annabel, she is not without sin. She stole the bodies of innocents early on. Then she only stole from those she deemed "evil" but I think the problem in that is thinking she has the right to judge. The other mistake is working so hard for revenge over the loss of money in the time period she keeps returning to.

It's kind of weird. She goes all over, but there's a central progression to the story that anchors it. I liked all the characters - and truly there's not a complete hero among the bunch. Annabel has caused some of her own problems, and her children and grand children have caused others. It's not all on that demon.

The story also has some harsh reality in it. It's very well written, with a polished and professional feel to it. Yeah! Seriously couldn't put this down. I worked so hard yesterday to clean the boys room and do the house work that needed to be done...but all I could think about was when it was time to stop and pick up that book again! So yup, this one is getting 5 stars.