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Spells for Lost Things

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About The Book

From the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato comes a poignant and “beguiling” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) 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 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?

About The Author

Photograph © 2022 by SamanthaPierson/PiersonPhotoCompany
Jenna Evans Welch

Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato, Love & Luck, and Love & Olives. When she isn’t writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young children. Visit her online at JennaEvansWelch.com.

Why We Love It

“The author of Love & Gelato brings to this book what she knows best—atmosphere, romance, and family dynamics—but this time she is branching out with a dual POV and taking us to the magical city of Salem where witches, and curses, abound.”

—Nicole E., Senior Editor, on Spells for Lost Things

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2022)
  • Length: 368 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781534448896
  • Ages: 12 - 99
  • Lexile ® 770L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

* "Welch utilizes an extraordinary sense of place, a lightly magical story line, and the healing power of love—both familial and romantic—to great effect."

– Publishers Weekly, starred review

A magical romance with a strong sense of place and a focus on family...[r]eaders will fall under the spell of this lightly magical, thoroughly enjoyable romance.

– Kirkus Reviews

Awards and Honors

  • ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
  • TAYSHAS Reading List (TX)

Resources and Downloads

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More books from this author: Jenna Evans Welch