Spells for Lost Things

Willow only wants to spend her senior year in Paris with a cousin and isn't too happy when her mother informs her they need to take care of business in Salem. Mason is a foster kid who has been bounced around after his addicted mother leaves him. Both come together after Willow's mother puts a witch house on the market that her twin Sage left her. The problem is Willow never knew her mother had a twin or that she grew up in Salem. When Mason's new foster father, a realtor, tries to put the house on the market, her meets Willow. There's a magical chemistry between the two that is helped along by Willow's 'aunties' when they try to solve a mystery that Sage left behind for her twin. Add a book of spells to the mix and you'll find that sometimes there is magic in the cards.

What worked: Poignant story of two teens who try to make sense of their lives after coming to Salem, Massachusetts for the summer. This is a sweet, endearing new story by the author of LOVE GELATO. Readers are introduced to two very unlikely love interests. Seems fate has brought them together. I really loved the backstory of the witch house and the eccentric witch aunties. Willow's reaction to learning about her mother's past is very realistic. She's hurt, confused, and angry. When she sees the house Sage left her mother, Willow feels at home.

There's secret messages left throughout the house. I loved the letters that tell the backstory of Willow's family. Great pacing and chemistry throughout.

Mason's story is poignant and heart-wrenching at times as he continues to try to find his mother. His big escape is stargazing and astrophysics. Little by little he opens himself up to Willow as he tries to help her solve a mystery that Sage left behind.

Magical story of two teens who try to find themselves and learn that sometimes fate is where you least expect it.

SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS is a lovely YA contemporary about finding a place to belong and family. Willow has always felt a fire to travel and see the world, but her mother has other ideas. Since the divorce and moving across the country, her mother's business has flourished, but Willow feels the distance between them feeling impossible to cross. When the sister Willow never even knew her mother had dies, her mother takes her to Salem, Massachusetts to deal with the estate. Suddenly, Willow is realizing how very little she knew about her mother and the family from which she came.

Mason has been in foster care for a long time, but he wants to be with his mother. However, his mother is an addict and none of the rehab programs seemed to be working. A couple years earlier was the last time he saw her, and now, he has no idea where she is or if she is even alive. One of her childhood friends, Emma, and Emma's husband, Simon have become foster parents solely to foster him. Once he arrives, he is overwhelmed by their 4 daughters and the way his life has again shifted.

When Mason and Willow meet, it seems like a sign from the universe for both of them. As they each work on solving the mysteries of their families, they find kinship and romance in each other.

What I loved: This was a really lovely story that tackles some heavy and important themes around family and complicated relationships in them. Mason has had some trouble in foster care, and he really just wants to be with his mother - something that seems impossible as he has no idea where she is. As he enters Emma and Simon's house, he finds a new kind of family, but it is hard to let himself feel a part of it. Willow has been challenged by her relationship with her mother, and now she is learning new things about who her mother was and the family she never knew she had. Salem is a chance to find her place in the world, much like the potential of the family for Mason.

Both Willow and Mason are also dealing with mysteries. About halfway through the book, Willow finds a scavenger hunt left by her aunt to learn more about her family's witchy past and the secrets that have been buried. This allows the two to really bond, while Willow learns more about the way her family and her mother are and have been, with the allure of magic and spells woven throughout.

Willow and Mason are both heartfelt and genuine characters, who are so easy to cheer for. They are each struggling, but really doing their best amidst some complex situations. Their growth and relationship really make the story, as it is quite character driven. The romance is slow-building, and the way that they get to know each other makes it feel quite powerful in the end. Both of them have much to learn, and this summer in Salem is the place where their journeys really begin, together.

Final verdict: Ultimately, SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS is a heartfelt and compelling YA contemporary about complicated family, the good of humanity, and falling in love with a bit of witchy flair. Highly recommend picking up this sweet read.