Perfect for fans of Practical Magic and The Lager Queen of Minnesota: a coming-of-age novel following three generations of witches in the 1960s, this enchanting and heartwarming debut explores the importance of family and the delight and heartbreak of discovering who you truly are. It’s 1968, and the Watry-Ridder family is feared and respected in equal measure. The local farmers seek out their water charms, and the teenagers, their love spells. The family’s charms and spells, passed down through generations of witches descending from the Black Forest, have long served the small town of Friedrich, Minnesota. Eldest daughter Elisabeth has just graduated high school—she is expected to hone her supernatural abilities to take over for her grandmother, the indomitable Magda. She’s also expected to marry her high school sweetheart and live the rest of her life in Friedrich. But all she can ask is, why her? Why is her path set in stone, and what else might be out there for her? She soon discovers that magic isn’t the only thing inherited in her family. That magic also comes with a great price—and a big family secret. The more she digs, the more questions she has, and the less she trusts the grandmother she thought she knew. Who is Elisabeth without her family? She must ultimately decide what she’s willing to sacrifice for her family, for their secrets and their magic, or risk it all to pave her own way. Navigating the bittersweet tension between self-discovery and living up to familial expectations, What We Sacrifice for Magic is a touching look at coming into one’s own.

The genesis of this poetry collection includes years of travelling and an internal journey leading to a serene California garden. The map of the stages on the journey is created by the appearances of six angels: Amor, the angel of romance, Eros, the angel of desire, Eloe, the angel of sorrow, Thanatos, the angel of death, Ellenai, the angel of consolation, and Sophia, the angel of timeless wisdom. Eros and Thanatos are Greek twins, Amor is their baby cousin. Eloe died of sorrow and Ellenai carried her on his wings in Juliusz Slowacki's romantic drama, Anhelli. Sophia needs no introductions, since she is the wise Queen, the best friend of Rumi and all Christian mystics. Maja Trochimczyk is a Polish-American poet, music historian and non-profit director based in Los Angeles.

Caretaker's Apprentice: Curse of the Pika By: Karen Lindsey Gillespie After a confrontation with a classmate results in her suspension from school, thirteen-year-old Lyric Thindrell is shipped off to her reclusive Aunt Reverie’s house for the summer. At first she believes she’s being punished—although, she insists she never fought back against her classmate’s abuse—Lyric soon discovers her mother has been hiding a myriad of secrets, including their magical heritage, the existence of supernatural creatures, and a heartbreaking family curse that spans three generations. Finding herself in a remote location removed from the comforts of technology, battling feelings of betrayal and anger against her mother, Lyric throws herself into harnessing her powers and gathering clues to break the curse and bring her family happiness and peace.

He was a talented youth, but he had been schemed to lose all of his strength. In the God of Heaven Continent, where strength reigned supreme, just how could he ever step foot onto the peak again? How could he kill his enemy? Was he just drinking his hatred or rising up to fight? I used my blood to purify the righteous energy of the world; I used my anger and rage to burn away the evil winds of the Buddha! QQ Bookmates: 327629138 

"The Merryweathers" is a heartwarming children's book written by Laura E. Richards. The story revolves around the lives of the Merryweather family, a charming and lovable group of siblings living in a small town. The Merryweather family consists of six siblings: Jasper, Max, Katy, and Gypsy, who are the older children, and Polly and Baby, who are the younger ones. Each sibling has a distinct personality and endearing quirks, making them a delightful bunch to follow. The book chronicles the various adventures and misadventures of the Merryweather children as they navigate through the ups and downs of daily life. From hilarious escapades to tender moments of sibling camaraderie, each chapter is filled with laughter, love, and life lessons. Jasper, the eldest brother, is responsible and caring, often taking on the role of a protective older sibling. Max, the imaginative and mischievous middle child, constantly finds himself in amusing predicaments. Katy, the only girl in the family, is gentle and nurturing, looking after her younger siblings with tenderness and grace. Gypsy, the outdoorsy and adventurous sibling, has a knack for getting into exciting and sometimes amusing scrapes. Polly, the youngest daughter, is sweet and innocent, bringing a sense of innocence and joy to the family. Lastly, Baby, the youngest of them all, is a bundle of joy who brightens up their lives with his laughter and smiles. Throughout the book, readers witness the strong bond among the Merryweather siblings and the support they offer one another. They face challenges together, celebrate victories, and learn important life lessons about friendship, compassion, and the importance of family. Laura E. Richards' storytelling weaves together moments of laughter, playfulness, and tenderness, making "The Merryweathers" a delightful read for children and adults alike. The vivid descriptions and relatable characters allow readers to immerse themselves in the Merryweathers' world, feeling like a part of their close-knit family. The book's themes of sibling love, friendship, and the value of family resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of the simple joys and wonders of childhood. Laura E. Richards' writing style captures the essence of childhood innocence and the magic of growing up in a loving and supportive family. "The Merryweathers" is a charming and timeless tale that celebrates the joys of childhood and the bonds that hold families together. It leaves readers with a warm and happy feeling, inspiring them to cherish the little moments of happiness and the love of their own families."