In the fast-paced and hectic world we live in today, it's easy to become caught up in the mundane and forget about the magic that surrounds us. We often find ourselves consumed by work, responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do list that always seems to grow longer rather than shorter. But amidst all this chaos, it's important to take a step back and remind ourselves of the magic that exists in our lives. The magic can be found in the small moments - a child's laughter, a breathtaking sunset, or the feeling of sand between our toes on a sunny beach. In our quest for success and achievement, we often lose sight of the simple pleasures that make life truly magical. We become so focused on reaching our goals that we forget to appreciate the journey itself.
Werlin’s new novel is cause for celebration—for its sleek, sharp prose; intelligent ideas; and precise characterization, to name but a few of its attributes. Set in 1531 France, this is the tale of Sylvie, an untaught telepathic healer, who, after the death of her grand-mère, mistakenly removes much of her mother’s memory while trying to ease her grief. In the company of clever, rambunctious young neighbor Martin, Sylvie leaves her tiny hamlet in quest of a mentor to teach her how to use her powers safely; the two travel to Lyon with the caravan of an enterprising trader to find the renowned magic-user Madame du Bois. But both Madame du Bois and the trader turn out to be something of a surprise—and will Lyon’s new inquisitor prove to be a help to Sylvie, or a danger? Every sentence here pushes character and plot forward, so there’s plenty of momentum and suspense; but what is more unusual is the way Werlin prods characters (and readers) to think through ideas of faith and reason in making their own choices. The story has its articulate and challenging “lessons” (for instance, even after you discover who it is you’re meant to be, “you must work hard every day to become that person”). Just as much, it invites questions and rigorous reasoning, refusing to bow to romantic sentiment (“But men owned their wives,” Sylvie thinks, considering the legal realities of marriage). A refreshingly honest and elegantly written work of historical fantasy.
In the company of clever, rambunctious young neighbor Martin, Sylvie leaves her tiny hamlet in quest of a mentor to teach her how to use her powers safely; the two travel to Lyon with the caravan of an enterprising trader to find the renowned magic-user Madame du Bois. Although Werlin skillfully evokes Healer and Witch s period setting, Sylvie s journey of self-discovery and its accompanying themes of female empowerment are timeless.
We become so focused on reaching our goals that we forget to appreciate the journey itself. We forget to stop and smell the roses, to marvel at the wonders of the world around us. Bringing back the magic means reconnecting with our inner child, the one who believed in fairy tales and saw the world as a place full of endless possibilities.
Healer and Witch - by Nancy Werlin
"Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved, trusted healers in their medieval French village, though some whisper that fifteen-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than herbs and medicines. After her grandmother dies, and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother's grief brooks tragic consequences, Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher."--
Book Synopsis
After eleven young-adult novels, best-selling and award-winning author Nancy Werlin casts a brilliant new spell in a middle-grade historical fantasy for fans of classic fare.
Nancy Werlin's first story for middle-grade readers tackles and transcends traditional fantasy tropes: can a young woman gifted with magic learn to manage her powers--and claim her strength--without violence? Sylvie and her mother and grandmother are beloved, trusted healers in their medieval French village, though some whisper that fifteen-year-old Sylvie and her grand-mere deal in more than herbs and medicines. Perhaps they're a bit . . . witchy? After her grandmother dies, and an attempt to use magic to heal her mother's grief brooks tragic consequences, Sylvie leaves her village in search of a teacher. The journey subjects her to strange alliances, powerful temptations, danger, and deceit. In the end, there may be only one wise woman Sylvie can trust in a world that would define her limits: herself. Beautifully crafted, this quietly powerful work for younger readers assures a whole new audience for an established author.
Review Quotes
Werlin's first foray into middle grade is a thrilling and suspenseful experience; there are twisting reveals and adventure aplenty, though the story isn't afraid to stop for lovely moments of quiet contemplation and recollection along the way. A budding, respectful romance and hints of deeper powers will have readers hoping for a sequel. It's well worth joining kind and clever Sylvie on her harrowing journey of discovery.
--Booklist (starred review)
A refreshingly honest and elegantly written work of historical fantasy.
--The Horn Book (starred review)
A delightful page-turner that will entice readers of historical fiction and fantasy alike. It's a refreshing stand-alone novel with a resilient protagonist who realizes the greatest magic of all is being true to oneself. . . . Thoroughly enjoyable and engaging, filled with magic, mystery, strength, and love.
--Kirkus Reviews
An introspective historical fantasy . . Werlin's gentle reflection on trauma and healing, the ethics of power, and seemingly dual natures explores Sylvie's place in the world and her relationship to those she cares for.
--Publishers Weekly
Gracefully explores themes of identity, family and belonging. . . Werlin (Zoe Rosenthal Is Not Lawful Good) brings compassion and complexity to her depictions of the relationships between characters, challenging standard notions of good and evil. . . . Although Werlin skillfully evokes Healer and Witch's period setting, Sylvie's journey of self-discovery and its accompanying themes of female empowerment are timeless.
--Shelf Awareness (starred review)
Against the backdrop of a turbulent era Nancy Werlin spins a sophisticated coming-of-age story in 'Healer & Witch, ' a novel for readers ages 9-12 that is set in France. . . . a properly inventive, historically respectful story with a touch of magic (and romance) in its realism.
--The Wall Street Journal
About the Author
Nancy Werlin (she/her) is the author of eleven books for teens, including Zoe Rosenthal Is Not Lawful Good, the National Book Award Finalist The Rules of Survival, the Edgar Award winner The Killer's Cousin, and the New York Times bestseller Impossible. Nancy Werlin lives outside Boston.
Review Quotes
It means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and open to the beauty and wonder that exists in everyday life. To bring back the magic, we must learn to slow down and savor each moment. We must learn to be present, to fully engage in whatever we are doing, rather than allowing our minds to wander to the next item on our to-do list. We can bring back the magic by cultivating a sense of gratitude for the simple things in life. By appreciating the beauty of a flower, the taste of a delicious meal, or the warmth of a loved one's embrace, we can rediscover the wonder and awe that often gets overshadowed by the noise and distractions of modern life. In our pursuit of the magical, we must also be willing to take risks and step outside of our comfort zones. We must be open to new experiences, to seeing the world through fresh eyes. By embracing the unknown, we allow ourselves to be surprised and delighted by the unexpected, and this is where the magic truly lies. So let us embark on a journey to bring back the magic - to find joy in the ordinary, to appreciate the beauty in the everyday, and to embrace the unknown with childlike wonder. Let us rediscover the magic that exists in our lives and share it with others, spreading joy and enchantment wherever we go..
Reviews for "The Magic of Mindfulness: How to Bring Back Wonder in the Present Moment"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Bring back the magic". The storyline felt cliché and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The dialogue was also quite cheesy, making it hard for me to connect with the story. Overall, I found the whole experience quite underwhelming and was left wanting more.
2. Mark - 1 star - "Bring back the magic" was a complete letdown for me. The plot was poorly developed, and the pacing was all over the place. I couldn't fully grasp the motivations of the main characters, and the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. The acting was also subpar, with wooden performances that made it hard to become emotionally invested in the story. I definitely would not recommend this movie.
3. Jennifer - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Bring back the magic", but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The special effects were lackluster, and it felt like they were trying to compensate for a weak storyline with flashy visuals. The dialogue was cringeworthy at times, and the acting felt forced. Overall, I found the whole experience quite mediocre and forgettable.
4. Alex - 2 stars - "Bring back the magic" didn't live up to the hype for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional, and I found it hard to care about their fate. The magical elements felt forced and superficial, and I was left feeling unsatisfied after watching the movie. Overall, it was a disappointment for me.
5. Emily - 1 star - "Bring back the magic" was a complete waste of my time. The acting was atrocious, with over-the-top performances that made it hard to take the movie seriously. The plot was poorly executed, and the storyline felt disjointed and confusing. The magical elements were poorly integrated into the narrative, leaving me feeling confused and frustrated. I would not recommend this movie to anyone.