Spells, strings, and forgotten things A novel

Calliope Petridi is the only one of her three sisters who still uses their magic, continuing the family tradition of protecting their town of Gold Springs and the secret of the Dark Oak's ancient magic. Her family is cursed to sacrifice memories to access their Lightcraft power--the more powerful the memory, the more powerful the magic. When ill omens begin appearing, she finds her sisters resistant to acknowledging that evil may be coming, and she makes a reckless choice that not only makes things worse but binds her to mysterious Shadowcrafter Lucien Deniz. He's been following Calliope for reasons of his own and can't let her incessant chatter and fierce personality distract him. Still, as he works to help her break their bond and discover the secrets surrounding her family, he may need to alter his plans to save the sisters, especially Calliope. VERDICT Randall (The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic) has created an appealing cozy magical world. This enemies-to-lovers romance has plenty of twists and secrets that build tension alongside the slow-burn of Calliope and Lucien's relationship. Hand to fans of Sangu Mandanna and Sarah Hawley.--Morgan Lockard