The Book of Spells: a Private Prequel

Brief Description: Originally published in hardcover in 2010. Brief Description: Explains the origins of the Billings girls and how they became witches, beginning with the arrival of sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Williams at the Billings School for Girls in September, 1915. Marc Notes: Prequel to the Private series.; Originally published in hardcover in 2010.; Explains the origins of the Billings girls and how they became witches, beginning with the arrival of sixteen-year-old Elizabeth Williams at the Billings School for Girls in September, 1915.;014-up. Publisher Marketing: The year is 1915 when sixteen-year-old Eliza Williams arrives at the Billings School for Girls in Easton, Connecticut. Her parents expect her to learn the qualites of a graceful, dutiful wife. But Eliza and her housemates have a dangerous secret: They're witches. After finding a dusty, leather bound spell book, the Billings Girls form a secret coven. Bonded in sisterhood, they cast spells--cursing their headmistress with laryngitis, brewing potions to bolster their courage before dances, and conjuring beautiful dresses out of old rags. The girls taste freedom and power for the first time, but what starts out as innocent fun turns sinister when one of the spells has an unexpected-and deadly-consequence. Magic could bring Eliza everything she's ever wanted...but it could also destroy everything she holds dear. Review Citations:

Kirkus Reviews 11/01/2010 (EAN 9781442412361, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 12/01/2010 pg. 124 (EAN 9781442412361, Hardcover)

Voice of Youth Advocates 02/01/2011 (EAN 9781442412361, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2011 pg. 92 (EAN 9781442412361, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Brian, Kate Kieran Scott writes under the pen name Kate Brian, whose best-known books are "The Princess and the Pauper", "Megan Meade's Guide to the McGowan Boys", "Fake Boyfriend", and the bestselling Private series.