Feb. 25, 2026
By Camila Bernal
Staff Writer
In “Spells for Lost Things,” Jenna Evans Welch combines young love and ambition with a hint of fantasy to create a compelling young adult novel.
The book opens in Los Angeles, with 17-year-old Willow Haverford trying to persuade her mother to let her spend her senior year studying in Paris, France.
Shortly after, readers are introduced to 17-year-old Mason Greer, whose social worker is driving him to Salem, Massachusetts, to meet his new family. Disillusioned by his experiences in foster care, Mason expects this family to be just like the others, only presenting itself favorably when a social worker is watching.
The setting adds an extra layer of uneasiness because of Salem’s association with the witch trials of the late 1600s.
Meanwhile, Willow struggles in the aftermath of her parents’ divorce.
A year earlier, Willow moved from New York City to Los Angeles with her mother. Since her father lives in the Bronx with his new family and has an intense work schedule, Willow and her dad no longer connect like they used to. Willow’s relationship with her mother is also problematic, as her mother is consumed by her job and rarely speaks with her daughter, even though she works from home.
Despite their tension, Willow and her mom fly to Salem for the summer to address a family matter. Once in Salem, Willow meets her relatives and learns about her family’s secret curse from her Aunt Sage. The setting adds an extra layer of uneasiness because of Salem’s association with the witch trials of the late 1600s.
Looking for ways to have fun in Salem, Willow breaks into her aunt’s house and looks around. Simultaneously, Mason leaves his new home to clear his mind and walks to Willow’s aunt’s house, which catches his attention because of its large size and impressive garden.
Before leaving Sage’s home, Willow decides to view Salem from the roof, where she finds Mason, who falls in love with her at first sight. After their encounter, Mason cannot stop thinking about Willow because she resembles a red-haired mermaid he had seen in a painting.
In the following days, Mason and Willow wind up at the same cafe and then continue meeting up to try to break Willow’s family curse by following a trail of clues. They create a deep connection, as this mission causes them to learn more about each other and open up about their pasts.
The book tackles the serious topics of abandonment and divorce, but positive elements like love, trust and a shared interest in adventure are evident in Willow and Mason’s relationship. Their lives are interesting and full of change, keeping readers entertained from chapter to chapter.
“Spells for Lost Things” portrays real, raw emotion, allowing readers to feel deeply connected to Mason and Willow on their journey toward love and belonging.
