Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Twelve-year-old magic user Winifred Mosley is an intuitive baker who lives in the enchanted town of Honeycomb Hill, R.I., with her family, who own a bakery. The reputation of Wini's birth mother --whom she's never met--as a curse worker repels customers, and the rising cost of magical ingredients has the business in dire straits. To save the store, Wini concocts a plan: Step one involves "captur some of the love floating around" to spread it through town. But Wini must be discreet; "taking emotions" is forbidden by the Enchantment Agency, which polices magic use. Meanwhile, Kaliope Clarke, a novice word enchanter, moves from Boston to Honeycomb Hill with her queer father and retired Enchantment Agent grandfather so that she can learn and practice magic safely. Upon arrival, her grandfather is called out by residents for bringing "wicked magic" into town. When Kali and Wini meet, the two bond over having single fathers and aid each other during magic lessons. Dow (A Song of Salvation) delivers a magical story about family, friendship, and love that is both beguiling and surprising. An unforgettably rendered magical world paired with delicious descriptions of impeccable baked goods will leave readers wanting more. Wini is Black, and Kali reads as white. Ages 8--12. (Oct.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Two 12-year-olds find the friendship they've craved and unite to save their magical town. Winifred has grown up in Honeycrisp Hill, Rhode Island, where her family is despised, thanks to her biological mother's curse. The only place she feels at home is the family bakery, but as the cost of enchanted ingredients rises, business is suffering. Wini's plan to help involves executing a slightly illegal love spell from her family's grimoire. Her first goal: finding her dad the perfect man. Meanwhile, Kaliope is from Boston, where she couldn't practice magic. She welcomes the move to Honeycrisp Hill, hoping it'll mean more time with her frequently absent father, but the grandfather she knew nothing about shows up to help them reopen the town's haunted bookstore. Next, an Enchantment Agency officer arrives to investigate "a wickedness that's been called to town." Despite a bumpy start, Wini and Kal become friends; together they try to banish the wickedness and even play matchmaker between their dads. YA author Dow's middle-grade debut is brimming with magic--and enticing recipes for readers to try. She holds space for the loneliness that both girls experience and for Kal's struggles with anxiety. Her superb worldbuilding and the authentic dialogue between the quirky, beguiling characters will draw readers in, while the heart-pounding tension and strong pacing will lead them to the satisfying conclusion. Wini and her family are Black; Kal's dad is white, and her birth mom is from Chile. An enchanting tale of love. (author's note) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.