The Witches of Cambridge (Pre-Order Sept. 8, 2026)

The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman (Pre-order Sept. 8, 2026)

The spellbinding first novel in a new fantasy series from the bestselling author of Practical Magic, blending historical fiction, dark academia, sisterhood, and witchcraft in 1950s Cambridge, Massachusetts.

A secret society. Ancient magic. A friendship that could change everything.

From beloved bestselling author Alice Hoffman comes The Witches of Cambridge, an enchanting tale of magic, friendship, and female empowerment set against the atmospheric backdrop of Radcliffe College in the 1950s.

When Ava, a gifted young woman from rural Maine, begins her first year at Radcliffe, she expects an education that will transform her future. Instead, she discovers a hidden legacy that stretches back to the earliest days of colonial New England.

There she meets Lauren, a confident and rebellious classmate from one of Cambridge's most influential families. Though vastly different, the two women are brought together after being invited into the mysterious Lilith Society—a secret sisterhood of witches founded centuries earlier in honor of Lilith, the legendary first wife of Adam who refused to submit.

As Ava and Lauren embrace their magical inheritance, they forge a powerful friendship while navigating first love, self-discovery, and extraordinary new abilities. But outside their hidden world, the fear and suspicion of the McCarthy era threaten intellectual freedom, and when members of the Lilith Society begin disappearing, the young witches uncover a terrifying truth: the persecution of witches never truly ended.

Rich with history, folklore, magic, and unforgettable characters, The Witches of Cambridge is a mesmerizing novel about courage, resilience, female friendship, and the enduring power of women who refuse to be silenced.

Why readers love The Witches of Cambridge:

🧙 A captivating blend of historical fiction, dark academia, and witchcraft

📚 Secret societies, magical legacies, and feminist themes

✨ Atmospheric 1950s Cambridge and Radcliffe College setting

🖤 Perfect mix of mystery, friendship, romance, and supernatural suspense

Perfect for fans of:

Practical Magic, The Once and Future Witches, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Babel, and readers who love witch fiction, historical fantasy, and dark academia.

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