Synopsis:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato comes a poignant and romantic novel about two teens trying to find their place in the world after being unceremoniously dragged to Salem, Massachusetts, for the summer.

Willow has never felt like she belonged anywhere and is convinced that the only way to find a true home is to travel the world. But her plans to act on her dream are put on hold when her aloof and often absent mother drags Willow to Salem, Massachusetts, to wrap up the affairs of an aunt Willow didn’t even know she had. An aunt who may or may not have been a witch.

There, she meets Mason, a loner who’s always felt out of place and has been in and out of foster homes his entire life. He’s been classified as one of the runaways, constantly searching for ways to make it back to his mom; even if she can’t take care of him, it’s his job to try and take care of her. Isn’t it?

Naturally pulled to one another, Willow and Mason set out across Salem to discover the secret past of Willow’s mother, her aunt, and the ambiguous history of her family. During all of this, the two can’t help but act on their natural connection. But with the amount of baggage between them—and Willow’s growing conviction her family might be cursed—can they manage to hold onto each other?

Spells for Lost Things, the latest book by Jenna Evans Welch, provides her signature style of charm and sweet romance, but throws in a little magic, as well. One of the things I like most about Welch’s writing is her ability to paint a story around a place. She always manages to make the setting come alive, enhancing the story in a deeper and more meaningful way. This time the setting is the historical town of Salem, Massachusetts. 

“It turns out that home and belonging aren’t necessarily the same thing.”

Jenna Evans Welch, Spells for Lost Things

When we meet Willow and Mason, they’re both quite unmoored, longing for family, a stable home, and a connection with each of their mothers. Willow’s life has felt untethered since her parents’ divorce and Mason has lost contact with his mother, being shuffled around the foster care system. They both end up in Salem for the summer and have an adorable meet cute that is the start of a friendship that leads them on a search for answers.

Willow and Mason’s easy friendship made my heart melt like a gooey ball of warm caramel. I only wanted the best for these two characters, and witnessing them finding someone to share their loneliness with was the balm for my weary soul. I had fun along with them as they searched for clues to Willow’s past, explored her aunt’s eclectic house, and stole around the town.

“Mason is more than a good listener; he’s a landing space.”

Jenna Evans Welch, Spells for Lost Things