Allison Darling lives in the town of Monrovia with her husband and three kids. It's a picture perfect town, and there's a group of women known as the Glamour Girls. They have the best of everything, volunteer for everything, and always look beautiful and polished. They're the envy of every woman in town who struggles to juggle work, family, and bills. Allison secretly longs to fit in and be part of this group, but she's got a little secret: she's a witch. Not a very good one, but a witch. Her childhood memories are few: living with her mother Wilhemena and her Aunt Aurora, learning simple spells and living near the ocean. Her life with her mother was suddenly cut short at age seven, when she was put into foster care. Now in her thirties, Allison gets a call that her mother is dying. It's been 30 years since Allison has heard from her mother, and she's both angry and torn. Does she go to see her mother one last time? Can she forgive her? Meanwhile, Allison is invited to have a Glamour Girls party at her house. Hosting a party could mean she finally gains entry into the secret sisterhood. The charismatic Astrid, founder of the Glamour Soap Company, has taken a keen interest in Allison, and what Astrid wants, Astrid gets. She runs the whole darn town, influencing everyone from the school principal to the mayor. She can make or break careers and marriages, and make your kids popular or pariahs. Clearly something strange is going on....
This was an entertaining read, but at the same time, it also is a reminder to keep what's real close at heart. Remember what matters most in life: love, family, and forgiveness, as well as embracing who we really are and not trying to bury it. We all have natural talents, and they will shine through.
Fans of Sarah Addison Allen, Paula Brackston, Alice Hoffman, and Melissa de la Cruz will enjoy this tale of modern day witchery.
Rating: 7/10 for a heroine who isn't perfect, an interesting back story, and all the magical shenanigans that happen in Monrovia.
Available in paperback and e book.
I loved this book, it is one which, as you say, has an imperfect heroine, and that I can never resist.
ReplyDeleteOne which I would recommend, if you like that sort of thing, is "How Many Friends Could A Bibbolybob Make If A Bibbolybob Came To Earth?"
It's a fabulous book which I came across by chance through book crossing. I think you'd love it. It has fantasy and science fiction in a soft friendly way.
I love your blog, it is so beautiful.