Our story begins in the village of Nadgewicke. It is a time when villages are isolated and small; often owned by powerful landowners, and where children go to school in fear. Gerta and Mary must overcome the terrible affliction that has befallen their village and the evil deeds of Mrs Ramsbottom, the most horrid teacher in the world. What is she doing with so many cockroaches, and come to that, the bumbling and not so godly vicar?Gerta and Mary embark on a perilous journey that tests their deepest beliefs and fears, and strengthens their bond through humour and gritty determination.They must decide who to trust: The witch who lives in the spooky house in the ancient woods? After-all not all witches are bad . . . are they? Or the fox who seems to know them so well? And what of Ebelina, Gerta’s beautiful and confident older sister—can it be true that love can be torn from her so suddenly, to be replaced by the villainous intentions of the selfish and scheming landowner’s son?This is a story of magic, mystery and heroism; of humour and romance–a story of friendship–and the power of love.