About the Book
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Author:
- Meg Cabot
Cover Story: This Night Is Sparkling
BFF Charm: Best Witches
Talky Talk: Meg Cabot School Of Positivity
Bonus Factors: Small Towns, Witches, Magical Clothes
Relationship Status: LYLAS
Cover Story: This Night Is Sparkling
I feel like a quirky small town fall vibe, like seeing the front windows of Jessica’s shop all decorated as the cover, would’ve been adorable. The purple and clouds feel like a specific nod to the Taylor Swift song the title makes me sing every time I think about the book, and it’s a bit more general “this is a romance!” than I’d want, but at least the motorcycle ride does make an appearance in the story.
The Deal:
An off-hand remark from Jessica Gold’s dad when she was a child mistakenly led her to believe her mother was a witch, and from there little Jessica became obsessed. As she grew, she learned anyone can be a witch if they practiced hard enough, but a thoughtless love spell in high school ruined her chances of ever being taken “seriously” by the World Council of Witches.
Now Jessica is grown, running her own clothing store where she judiciously applies her magic to help her customers find their perfect fits. She’s not ready for Derrick Winters, a witch affiliated with the WCW, to wander in one day and tell her she’s The Chosen One; the only person who can help the Bringer of Light save the town from certain evil.
Jessica’s arch-nemesis from high-school is still lurking around, Derrick is an eye-candy hunk of distraction, and her business is drowning in orders for the West Harbor Tricentennial Ball (coincidentally also the night shit is supposed to go down). What’s a witch to do?
BFF Charm: Best Witches
I am under the impression that all of Meg Cabot’s protagonists contain a little bit of her personality, and that’s probably why I love them. They’re all a bit snarky, nerdy (they love random facts), usually with little chill, but they’re always kind and upbeat. Jessica loves her work because she likes making people feel good, and she doesn’t hesitate when she finds out who she has to help in order to save her town.
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Derrick starts off tall, Viking, and taciturn, but his hulking figure hides a heart of gold, and he immediately appreciates Jessica for who she is—sa-woon. Cabot’s romances never quite make things sizzle for me, but they generally portray romantic relationships in a healthy, fun way that makes me want to root for the couple.
Talky Talk: Meg Cabot School Of Positivity
Witches, small towns, and Meg Cabot? I couldn’t request this book fast enough. There’s something so comforting and wonderful about her writing, and I don’t mean to say that in a “she’s predictable and boring” kind of way, but…you do know what you’re getting when you pick up one of her books, and I totally love and appreciate that. Everything moves at a snappy pace; there’s usually a good lesson about being true to yourself or sticking up for what’s right; and, there’s emphasis on life-long friendships and adorkable love interests. Enchanted to Meet You had all of that with a side of witchy supernatural-ness. I loved spending time with Jessica and her trivia group, and the Light Bringer was bad-ass. I always feel good after reading a Meg Cabot novel, and this was no exception!
Bonus Factor: Small Towns
For a minute it was like going back to some place like Stars Hollow or Mystic Falls with West Harbor’s Tricentennial Ball coming up and the whole town in a tizzy about it. Sure, in a small town you may have to constantly deal with annoying people, like your love-sick ex and the popular girl from high school he ended up marrying who will just not leave you alone, but there’s also that time you dressed the mayor and random Thursdays wine nights on your porch with your besties you’ve known for decades.
Bonus Factor: Witches
Cabot’s version of witchy magic leans into herbs and potions and things like eating porridge out of a wooden bowl while staring at your intended to make them fall madly in love with you, but also comes from a well-spring inside of you that anyone can tap if they’re in-tune enough with the world and themselves. I dig it.
Bonus Factor: Magical Clothes
How I wish Jessica’s store existed in real life, where you could go and with a few magical tweaks you could find the best clothes to fit your personality and body shape. The real world is so boring.
Relationship Status: LYLAS
Book, you’re my sister from another mister. I love how we can gossip like no time has gone by, and you always hype me up when I’m feeling down. Trivia next week?
Literary Matchmaking
Ninth Key (The Mediator #2)
Reunion (The Mediator #3)
Darkest Hour (The Mediator #4)
Haunted (The Mediator #5)
Twilight (The Mediator #6)
If you’re new to Meg Cabot, a) I’m so excited for you and b) if you want another supernatural-y series from her, one of my favorites is The Mediator series featuring a hot ghost.
I’ve often thought that Rachel Hawkins writes in a similar kind of style to Meg, and her Hex Hall series features a boarding school and magic AND supernatural creatures.
Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1) by Jessica Spotswood also features a witch having to make a choice against a magical ruling entity.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Avon. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. Enchanted to Meet You is available 9/5/23.
I love Meg Cabot! I wrote her an e-mail when I was in high school, talking all about how much I loved Mia Thermopolis and she wrote back!!! The excitement I felt:)
I read this upon your recommendation, Stephanie, so thank you!! I completely agree with this statement: “I always feel good after reading a Meg Cabot novel, and this was no exception!” ENCHANTED was a cozy, witchy, super satisfying read. Like you said, Meg Cabot romances don’t exactly *sizzle* but they’re always fun and healthy relationships. I reeeeally dug the boutique element (DYING to shop there!) and the friendships.