“The New Witch” by Nancy Smith Gibson –BOOK REVIEW

About “The New Witch” by Nancy Smith Gibson::

“A WOMAN LEARNS DEEPLY HIDDEN FAMILY SECRETS WHEN SHE INHERITS BROUSSARD COURT APARTMENTS IN NEW ORLEANS FROM A GREAT-AUNT SHE DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED.

Madame’s extraordinary powers, helping those in need as well as punishing evil doers, are held in awe throughout her neighborhood and even in the greater city of New Orleans. Madame, however, is old and sees the mists forming telling her she will soon die. She leaves her considerable holdings to her only known relative, Addie Zappo, who is completely unaware of her great aunt and the power she wields. Already Madame has set in motion events that will bring together the lives of four unsuspecting women in unimaginable ways, but it will be up to Addie, the New Witch, to ward off the evil already gathering to strike at the women. ”

“The New Witch” wasn’t the story I anticipated. Going into it, I imagined a supernatural atmosphere and while many spiritual beliefs and practices were present, they were presented as such and not proven as absolute fact. Nonetheless, this was an absolutely wonderful read!

I met Nancy Smith Gibson in passing at Garland County, AR’s Local Author Day. We didn’t really speak much like I had the chance to with some of the other authors, but I wished we had. She seemed nice and if this book is anything to judge on, she’s also very compassionate. A friend of mine later saw the book in my ‘to read’ list and recommended it so I made it the next on my list of local authors to read.

The story begins with a different chapter each presenting a new character from a different place. Most of the book centers around the female characters who not only have troubling pasts, but find themselves in New Orleans while fleeing horrible domestic situations. It is through Madame, a hoodoo practitioner, and her heir, ‘the new witch,’ that these women are drawn together to overcome what seems to be the last of their biggest obstacles, becoming a loving family in the process.

Unlike a great deal of books that start with the worst of a person’s trauma and ends with them winning out, “The New Witch” focuses on a group of people who have already dealt with and conquered major hurdles that nobody should have to endure. These include physical and emotional abuse, rape, manipulation, poverty, discrimination, and loss.

The author brings us into their lives at a time I would refer to as the final stretch of their healing. Writing in this way gives the audience a wholesome story by showing how much a person can accomplish; that they can get past trauma and have the happy life they deserve.

With that in mind, it may seem that the story lacks conflict since the majority of the characters’ hurdles have already been jumped. Regardless, the setting, plot, people, and message of the book are all interesting enough to keep the reader’s attention while also warming their heart. One hundred percent would recommend to anyone who is struggling or has struggled with problems they feel may ruin their life. “The New Witch” is a charming, empowering tale of hope.

~Side note~ I love the New Orleans culture that is described in the book. Half of my family is actually from Biloxi, where a lot of the same things can be found (the author also mentions this town in the book). Got me craving jambalaya, gumbo, and po’ boys with a nice cold Barqs from the glass bottle. xD

You can buy the ebook here: https://amzn.to/2RnILsI
or the paperback here: https://amzn.to/2XmYiyA

Nancy Smith Gibson can be found on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nancy-Smith-Gibson-Author-521194474570462/
Twitter: @NancySGibson4
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancysmithgibsonauthor/

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~Sahreth ‘Baphy’ Bowden