Mindy Klasky, Girls Guide to Witchcraft

Girls Guide to Witchcraft

Mindy Klasky

Red Dress, October 2006, $13.95

ISBN: 0373896077

In the Washington DC area, librarian Jane Madison dreams of a boyfriend who is committed to her; none have surfaced since her long time boyfriend Scott Randall dumped her nine months ago. Now she has a fantasy beau, Professor Jason Templeton, her Imaginary Boyfriend. She even dreams of applying magic as she tells her beloved Gran, perhaps with a wand or an instruction book Magic for Idiots she can change things, like making Imaginary Boyfriend real.

Her boss tells Jane that they will change the Peabridge into a colonial America interactive library by wearing costumes. Jane is appalled with the heresy, as this facility contains the world's leading book and related paraphernalia collection on life in eighteenth century America. At the Peabridge, Jane finds a secret room filled with books, including a tome Compendium Magicarum. She applies a spell to make her more attractive to men and a few others that come to the attention of Warder David, who must stop her from getting out of control, though he finds himself desiring her as much as she wants him when he is not a grouch.

In some ways this is a terrific coming of age tale, as the heroine goes from self pity to confidence in her skills, though she believes the magic enabled her to do so. The storyline is fast-paced as Jane balances her normal life as a librarian and family member with her bewitching new life that attracts males like Pooh Bear to honey. Mindy Klasky provides a beguiling enchanting chick lit tale, and a refreshing storyline that casts a spell on readers.