If you crave a little magic, mystery or frolicking, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the best whimsical books that will have you feeling like a fantasy heroine.
The Sun and the Starmaker by Rachel Griffin
This book is set in the secluded town of Reverie, which is hidden from the sun by the Lost Range. The town’s livelihood is sustained by the Starmaker, who pulls streaks of sunlight across the glacier every morning. Nobody knows anything about the Starmaker…that is, until Aurora, an ordinary girl preparing for marriage, encounters him in the woods. He discovers she has magical abilities and must study with him in his secluded ice castle. As her powers blossom in his frostbitten walls, so does the attraction between them. They must navigate their relationship while also preserving the village’s fate. Though the setting is icy, this swooning fantasy burns hot enough to be the perfect summer escape.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Thisadorable Ghibli-esque story proves just how warm magic can be. It follows Mika, a lonely young orphan who keeps her powers secret from the world… except for online videos, where she “pretends” to be a witch for fun. Her just-for-fun videos aren’t serious until she receives a message from Nowhere House, asking that she tutor three young witches living there. Going against the rules that have kept her isolated for so long, she enters the house to find not only a whole set of friends, but a connection with Jamie, the grumpy young librarian who balks against anything or anyone from the outside world—including Mika. As Mika discovers a sense of belonging she’s never felt before, she must decide how much she’s willing to risk for her newfound family.
Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno
Imagine if Mamma Mia! involved magic. Discover a beachy retreat and a lineage of witchcraft in this generational story. On a small and mystical island, Georgina awaits the magical abilities that have graced every woman in her family, including her twin sister Mary. As her eighteenth birthday looms closer, she fears her powers will never come. That is until an unexpected tragedy strikes, and her family is thrown into suspicion for their strange craft. The summer that follows is one of storms, love and self-discovery (and, of course, magic).
We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer
Tabitha’s deep-seated belief in true love came from a visit to Sommerland, a magical amusement park with a selection of coveted princess roles, and ever since its been her dream to work there. When she lands a job at the park’s summer program, she is thrilled to finally live out her dreams as an enchanted heroine. But when the program’s unfair weight and beauty standards prevent her from getting her role as a princess, and she is instead vanquished to the very unmagical nacho stand position, she realizes she’s going to have to take matters into her own hands to make magic…including with a brand new crush.
The Between Worlds B&B by Amy Mae Baxter
This delicious cottagecore treat takes a drifting girl, a cozy inn and a cute receptionist to prove just how magical a sprawling summer can be. Feeling directionless during the summer before graduation, Margo spontaneously checks into a B&B after getting locked out of her house. Everything feels too good to be true, from the beautiful library to the swimming pool to Finn, who works at the front desk and has a penchant for making Margo blush. However, as she spends more time at the B&B, she discovers some otherworldly secrets…including ones of her own.
Check out our book club on Insta @glbestiebookclub for more reads!
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Image: @sugarcookiefaerie
