Nim has escaped a past of torture. Now embracing the magic she didn't know she had, she's working as a witch selling spells and cookies. The children adore her, but witches have a bad reputation, and so the parents prefer to stay away. Convinced the hatred surrounding her is punishment for her past, she learns to cope, and to be content.Things are quiet until a Mr. Newton comes to the village. Since bumping into her he refuses to be chased away, and soon makes it clear he has every intention of wooing her. But things are complicated before they even get started, for Nim learns that Mr. Newton is a witch hunter, and she's almost positive that he is after her.