November 16, 2015
The magic that works wonders for modern-day English witches also charms readers in this delightful and quirky romantic tale from Van Praag (The Dress Shop of Dreams). Several people are brought together by their supernatural abilities: Amandine, an art professor who can feel others’ feelings but fears her husband is cheating; her mother, Heloise, who was a psychic until the untimely death of her husband; Cosima, who infuses her café food with uplifting spells and whose greatest wish is to be a mother; her brilliant and beautiful sister, Kat, a math professor suffering from unrequited love; and their timid but kind friend, George. They all convene monthly meetings of the Cambridge University Society of Literature and Witchcraft, away from the prying eyes of normal folk. Noa, an art student, also has a unique ability: she can see people’s deepest secrets, and she always reveals them. When Noa meets Santiago, a beguiling artist who promises to cure Noa of what she considers a curse, she’s thrilled. As Noa and Santiago’s lives intersect with the Cambridge crew, secrets are revealed and danger is confronted in this intriguing and original tale of friendship and courage. Agent: Andrea Cirillo, Jane Rotrosen Agency.
December 1, 2015
Amandine has the ability to supernaturally sense what others are feeling. It is a secret she keeps to herself, except during her book-club meetings with the other Cambridge witches. Now, as her once-perfect marriage is faltering, she wishes she could read secrets instead, the way her young student Noa can. But Noa's magic compels her to reveal secrets as soon as she divines them, making her more enemies than friends. At her introduction to the book club, her unchecked honesty opens a rift that threatens longstanding friendships and safeguarded loves and ousts Noa from its ranks. Frustrated, Noa accepts the help of a mysterious gentleman who promises to rid her of her power. But when she gets in over her head, the other witches must overcome their differences and difficulties to lend her a hand. Van Praag (The House at the End of Hope Street, 2013) again takes everyday Cambridge and imbues it with magic and wonder. A lively and whimsical tale of romance, family, and friendship sure to delight her fans and newcomers alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)