Back in a Spell

Description

An awkward first date leads to a sparkling romance between one of the most powerful witches in town and a magical newbie in this rom-com by Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Payback’s a Witch.
 
Even though she won’t deny her love for pretty (and pricey) things, Nineve Blackmoore is almost painfully down-to-earth and sensible by Blackmoore standards. But after a year of nursing a broken heart inflicted by the fiancée who all but ditched her at the altar, the powerful witch is sick of feeling low and is ready to try something drastically different: a dating app.
 
At her best friend’s urging, Nina goes on a date with Morty Gutierrez, the nonbinary, offbeat soul of spontaneity and co-owner of the Shamrock Cauldron. Their date goes about as well as can be expected of most online dates—awkward and terrible. To make matters worse, once Morty discovers Nina’s last name, he’s far from a fan; it turns out that the Blackmoores have been bullishly trying to buy the Shamrock out from under Morty and his family.
 
But when Morty begins developing magical powers—something that usually only happens to committed romantic partners once they officially join a founding family—at the same time that Nina’s own magic surges beyond her control, Nina must manage Morty’s rude awakening to the hidden magical world, uncover its cause, and face the intensity of their own burgeoning connection. But what happens when that connection is tied to Nina’s power surge, a power she’s finding nearly as addictive as Morty’s presence in her life?“The third in Harper’s ‘Witches of Thistle Grove’ series is just as suspenseful and action-packed as the first two installments.”—Library Journal, starred review

“This is sure to enchant series fans and new readers alike.”—Publishers Weekly

“The delightful lore of charming Thistle Grove continues to grow in this evocatively written story… While the romance is important, the meaningful and inspiring broader story is of Nina learning about herself and choosing what to stand up for. Another enchanting visit to Thistle Grove.”—Kirkus ReviewsLana Harper is the New York Times bestselling author of Payback’s a Witch. Writing as Lana Popović, she is the author of four YA novels about modern-day witches and historical murderesses. Born in Serbia, she grew up in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria before moving to the US, where she studied psychology and literature at Yale University, law at Boston University, and publishing at Emerson College. She recently moved to Chicago with her family.Reader’s Guide
Back in a Spell by Lana Harper
Discussion Questions:

1.   When we first meet Nina Blackmoore, she feels powerless and downtrodden, stuck in an “emotional fugue state” after having been all but ditched at the altar by her fiancée a year ago. Did her feelings resonate with you?

2.   Right before her first date with Morty, Nina has a very unusual experience at Lady’s Lake. Did you have any thoughts about what might be happening beneath the water’s surface, and how did your expectations fit with what we later discover about the lake?

3.   Nina and her brothers have a deeply damaging and complicated relationship with their mother and grandmother. Can you identify with or recognize any of these destructive patterns, or are you more familiar with loving and supportive families like Morty’s?

4.   Did learning more about the Blackmoores and their toxic background shed a different light on Nina’s brothers, Gareth and Gawain, for you? Did you find that your perspective on the Blackmoores shifted over the course of the story, or did it stay the same?

5.   Nina loves Castle Camelot, and feels that it’s much more of a home to her than Tintagel, the Blackmoores’ ancestral demesne. What did you think of Castle Camelot after seeing it through Nina’s eyes?

6.   As a Thistle Grove “normie,” Morty has a lot of (largely negative) opinions about the ethics of the oblivion glamour cast over Thistle Grove. To what extent did you agree with him, and could you see Nina’s counterpoints as to why the glamour is necessary for the witch community’s enduring safety?

7.   Nina and Jessa have a very tight-knit relationship; Jessa even moved to Thistle Grove to be closer to her best friend. Do you think Nina’s qualms about the fact that Jessa is unaware of her friend’s witchy identity are well-founded? Do you think she’s letting Jessa down by not trying harder to be more honest with her?

8.   Nina’s power grows exponentially over the course of the story. What struck you the most about seeing her grapple with her enhanced strength, while guiding Morty on his own journey of magical discovery?

9.   What did you think of Nina’s behavior at Tomes & Omens? Do you understand why she chose to take such drastic action, or do you condemn her for it?

10. Why do you think Belisama chose to bind Morty and Nina? Do you think it was ultimately helpful to Nina’s development—and possibly to Morty’s, as well?

11.  On the whole, do you think you’d enjoy being the recipient of divine favor the way Nina experienced it? Why or why not?

12. What did you think of the punishments—and promotions—Emmy Harlow doled out at the Thorns’ Yule celebration? Would you have chosen similarly or differently?US