Check out our interview with Heather Spellman, the author of "Two's a Charm."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
Two’s a Charm is a cozy fantasy about two estranged sisters coming together to overcome a sinister magical plot. I wanted to write a gentle story about love, friendship and community, and all the ways our relationships enrich our lives. With added fun settings and cute animals, of course! I had a blast creating this world, and hope that readers have as much fun visiting the town of Yellowbrick Grove as I did building it!
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, Reading Rainbow is about uplifting and embracing all of the different ways we love, and the diversity of ways we have of being.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Reading is such an empathetic act, and it gives us an opportunity to spend time with characters from a variety of different communities. Our communities are so rich and diverse, and it’s so important that the tapestry of our world is reflected in the pages of what we read – it affirms, builds connections, and creates moments for connection and reflection.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
Sisters Effie and Bonnie couldn’t be more different. Effie is an introverted librarian, while Bonnie is the owner of the Silver Slipper, their town’s hot new bar. But when skeezy Uncle Oswald ropes Bonnie into a get-rich-quick scheme involving some enchanted cocktails, things quickly go awry – and Bonnie and Effie need to set aside their differences (and their pride) to undo the spell before the whole town suffers.
Two’s a Charm is a love story, but not necessarily a romantic one – it’s a love story between two sisters and between those two sisters and their community. If you take anything from it, I hope it’s that we all have our own special brand of magic that makes us unique and helps connect us with each other, whether that’s being good with animals, great at crafts, or brilliant at remembering names.
What can fans expect from your book?
Two’s a Charm is a warm, gently comedic fantasy set in the fictional town of Yellowbrick Grove. It features library craft sessions, a possible haunting, some light Mean Girls and Daria vibes, cute dogs, baked goods and excellent interior design. And of course some fun nods to The Wizard of Oz!
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Next up is Cruel Summerween, a cozy, witchy romantasy about a young witch who finds her heart torn between two possible loves – and realizes that making the wrong choice could unravel her future…and the very fabric of her magical world. It’s set in a warm, beachside town, and it’s brimming with a cast of charming characters you’ll absolutely want to spend time with!
