Housewitch: A Novel

More than anything, Allison Darling has wanted to fit in with the trendy, gorgeous housewives that seem to run her small town on Monrovia, to belong to their sisterhood and to bring her own family into the inner fold. Suddenly, after the sudden death of her estranged mother, Allison is given a chance. Invited to get involved in the Glamour Soap Company, Allison finally is offered what she has always wanted—but it comes at a price. For with her mother’s death, Allison also learned about her own family legacy: She comes from a long line of powerful witches. And it seems that the leader of the Glamour Girls wants Allison’s magic and is willing to destroy her marriage and her family to get it.

Katie Schickel introduces a fun parallel reality with Housewitch, her debut novel. Allison is not necessarily the most likeable character, but she is one that many readers will be able to identify with. The simple magic present in this world is intriguing, and the author provides just enough information to make it seem plausible without bogging the book down with details. The book also provides the fascinating back story of Allison’s mother and her sisters, which adds a wonderful amount of extra depth. Housewitch is a fun novel for a late night.