The Witch Is Back

With this tongue-in-cheek paranormal rom-com, Morgan (Her Wish) draws readers into a world of magical mayhem. Emmaline “Emma” Bluewater and her best friend Bastian Truenote, both scions of powerful New Orleans witch families, were betrothed as children. Then Bastian ran out on Emma without explanation right before their wedding day. Seven years later, Emma has left witch society behind, moving to Chicago and opening a bar with her best friends. It’s a good life—complete with a cute canine familiar—until Bastian walks into her bar, pulling her back into the magical world. He’s discovered a “nasty side effect” to him breaking their enchanted engagement contract: the witnesses to the contract—their respective parents—will die prematurely if they do not get married. Bastian had good reason for leaving when he did, but he’s still sorry he hurt Emma—even if he’s not entirely sure he can trust her. Will their arranged marriage lead to real love? Though the pace occasionally lags, watching the endearingly awkward protagonists navigate witchy high society is a joy. This is sure to win Morgan some new fans. Agent: Lizzie Poteet, Seymour Agency. (Aug.)