Behind the Book ⏐ The Book Magic Series
You know that feeling when a character walks into your story, plops down, and says, “I’m the one you’ve been looking for”? That was Pippin Lane Hawthorne for me.
When I began writing The Bibliomancer’s Daughter, the first book in my Book Magic series, I had a loose idea of the story I wanted to tell—family secrets, inherited magic, hidden truths passed down through generations of women. But the moment Pippin appeared in my mind, I knew the story belonged to her.
And yes, if you’re wondering, she is named after Peregrin Took from The Lord of the Rings—a not-so-subtle nod to my love of Tolkien. Like her namesake, my Pippin is curious, brave, a little impulsive, and completely devoted to the people she loves (which, at the beginning of the series, are few and far between).
✨ A Little Bit Bookish, A Little Bit Magical
Pippin isn’t your typical heroine. She’s not wielding a sword or leading a rebellion—she’s quietly powerful, and her strength comes from her mind, her heart, and her deep connection to the women in her family–and her twin brother Grey (named after Gandalf the Grey).
She’s also a bibliomancer, someone with the rare ability to draw truth and insight from books. I was fascinated by the idea of books as magical conduits—and what it would mean to inherit a power that is both beautiful and dangerous.
As I wrote, Pippin’s character unfolded in ways I hadn’t planned. She’s:
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Untrusting and has few friends
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Filled with fierce determination
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Brave in quiet, unexpected ways
She doesn’t want to be at the center of a dangerous legacy… but she also can’t walk away from it. And honestly, I love her for that.
✨ Inspiration from Real Life
Pippin’s last name, Hawthorne, isn’t random, either. In folklore, hawthorn trees are often seen as gateways between worlds—connected to fairies, magic, and protection. Pippin’s world is grounded in reality (if you don’t consider the 2000-year-old Irish curse, of course, but just off-kilter enough to make you wonder what might be hiding behind the veil.
Also: fun fact! Her favorite bookshop in the fictional town of Devil’s Cove was inspired by a real place I visited on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. There was something about that cozy, tucked-away shop that begged to be written into a story.
✨ Psst… Want to Meet Her?
If you haven’t read The Bibliomancer’s Daughter yet, now’s the perfect time. It’s the first book in a generational series that blends family drama, small-town secrets, and just the right amount of magic. Think Practical Magic meets The Da Vinci Code, with a Southern twist.
And if you’re already a fan of Pippin? I’d love to hear from you! Who are your favorite bookish heroines? What fictional characters have stayed with you long after the final chapter?
Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram (@bookishly_cozy) with your thoughts. 🖤
P.S., You can learn a little bit more about Pippin Lane Hawthorne HERE.
🌟 Pin it to Read Later!
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