When I finished Magic Lessons, the first prequel in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic series, I didn’t think it could be topped. I love all the connections with the witch hunts and Salem. However, The Rules of Magic was also a wonderful read. This second prequel brings readers back to the Owens Family, but now it is their descendants in New York in the 1960s. Three siblings, Franny, Jet, and Vincent Owens grow up in a strict household. Not the normal type of strict like no staying out late, no smoking, no drinking. Their rules are no books about magic, no walking in the moonlight…and never fall in love. The Owens siblings know they are different but they won’t fully grasp it until they discover the family secret.

I wanted to get to know more of the Owens Family after the Salem Witch Trials. So I was a little disappointed when this book jumped ahead to the 1960s. But that disappointment immediately went away. Again, we have a clear coming-of-age story for a new generation of the Owens family. But coming-of-age with magic is different from the average teenager. Of course, Alice Hoffman does a wonderful job at incorporating the historical events with the plot and characters. Readers will read about the Stonewall Riots, The Vietnam War, and The Summer of Love.

Just like with Maria Owens, the curse of love still haunts the family. Jett falls in love with a descendant of the Hawthornes. Franny falls for her childhood best friend. And Vincent? Well, he struggles. He knows he can charm anyone. In fact, someone tried to take him from the hospital as a baby because he was the most beautiful baby they had ever seen. But as he gets older, he not only discovers his magic but who he truly is and who he loves. All the love stories intertwine and they are beautiful and tragic. Just like with the first book, the writing just feels magical and I can’t wait to see what the next book holds. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.