A parent might reach for this book when their teen is wrestling with external pressures versus their own desires, whether from family, friends, or tradition. This story explores that classic teen dilemma through a magical lens. Protagonist Amber comes from a family of witches who receive a vision of their one true love. The problem is, she's already in love with someone who is not the boy from her vision. The book is a sweet, lighthearted romance that uses fantasy to ask big questions about fate, free will, and self-determination. It's a wonderful choice for teens who are figuring out who they are and who they want to be, separate from the expectations placed upon them.
The primary theme is the conflict between destiny and free will, explored through the metaphor of magic. It directly addresses the pressure of family expectations and tradition. The approach is secular and positive. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, championing the idea that individuals can and should forge their own paths.
Ideal Reader
A teen, aged 13 to 16, who enjoys contemporary romance with a supernatural twist. This is perfect for a reader feeling the weight of expectations, whether about college, career choices, or relationships. They are starting to define their own identity separate from their family and will resonate with Amber's desire to make her own choices. It's for fans of authors like Sarah Dessen or Kasie West who want a touch of magic.
Parent Prep
No specific prep is needed. The book's magical system is easy to understand, and the romantic content is very mild. It can be read cold. Parents can use it as a gentle entry point to discuss the teen's own feelings about their future and the pressures they might be feeling. The parent hears their teen express anxiety about the future or frustration with family expectations. For instance: "Everyone just assumes I'm going to [do X], but what if I don't want to?" or "I feel like I don't have any choice in my own life."
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the charming magic, the prom-posals, and the central romantic triangle. They will enjoy the sweetness of the story. An older teen (15-17) will connect more deeply with the allegorical nature of the plot, relating Amber's magical destiny to the real-world pressures of choosing a college, a career, and a life path that may differ from their parents' hopes.
What Makes It Special
Unlike epic YA fantasies where fate involves saving the world, this book scales the concept down to a personal, deeply relatable level. The magic is cozy and domestic (love-luck charms baked into cookies), which makes the high-concept dilemma of fate versus free will feel grounded and accessible. It's the blend of everyday high school life with these magical stakes that makes it unique.
Read plot summary
This is the second book in the Windy City Magic series, focusing on Amber, a teen witch from the magically gifted Violet family. A core family tradition is the "glimpse," a vision that reveals a witch's one true love. Amber has had her glimpse, but she is happily dating a non-magical boy named Charlie, who is definitely not the person in her vision. As she navigates her senior year, prom, and her relationship, Amber must decide whether to trust her family's belief in fate or follow her own heart. Her journey leads her to uncover family secrets that make her question the very foundation of their magical traditions.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Amber feels torn between the boy in her vision (her supposed destiny) and her real boyfriend, Charlie. What do you think is more powerful: fate or choice? Explain your reasoning using examples from the book.
2
Amber's grandmother reveals a secret about her own 'fated' love. How did this information change the way Amber viewed her family's traditions and her own situation?
3
If you could get a magical 'glimpse' of the person you were 'meant to be with,' would you want to see it? Why or why not?
4
Throughout the story, Amber has to decide whether to trust her magic, her family, or her own feelings. Which one do you think she relies on most by the end of the book, and how has that changed from the beginning?
