The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

Emmeline Thistle has always had a mysterious bond with cows, beginning on the night of her birth, when the local bovines saved the infant cast aside to die in the forest. But Emmeline was unaware that this bond has also given her a magical ability to transform milk into chocolate, a very valuable gift in a kingdom where chocolate is more rare and more precious than gold or jewels. Then one day Owen Oak, a dairyman’s son, teaches Emmeline to churn milk into butter—and instead she creates a delicious chocolate confection that immediately makes her a target for every greedy, power-hungry person in the kingdom of Anglund. Only Owen loves Emmeline for who she truly is, not her magical skill. But is his love enough to save her from the danger all around her?
In a departure from her contemporary teen romances, Suzanne Selfors crafts an irresistible re-imagined fairy tale that will tempt readers with a delicious story of love that is sweeter than the richest chocolate.

Goodreads Summary

    This book taught me a value of the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover.”  When reading the back of the book, I thought the book seemed silly and too young for teen readers.  After reading The Sweetest Spell, I quickly realized that I was wrong.  Selfors wrote a fun book, with a good plot, strong characters, and good lessons.  The plot of the book is about a collapsing kingdom with two defined groups of citizens.  The lesser citizens, the Flatlanders, are blamed for the loss of a delicacy, chocolate and are persecuted because of it.  One Flatlander girl is seen as completely undesirable.  Emmeline Thistle was born with a curled foot and was left in the forest to die, but did not.  She survived because of four local cows that kept her warm and fed until Emmeline was returned to her family.  The event caused Emmeline’s community to think of her as unlucky and strange.  Emmeline now must face another hardship.  Her village has been washed away by a raging river and she is one of the only survivors.  This is where the second main character comes into the story.  Owen Oaks found Emmeline in the river, alive, but near death and saves her.  He does not care that she is a Flatlander.  As they spend time together, he helps her discover that she possesses a rare and highly desirable talent that could save the kingdom. 
    Selfors has a great talent.  She is able to tell a memorable story.  The Sweetest Spell would most likely be enjoyed by female readers, but female readers of any age.  I don’t think we ever out grow a good story with good messages.  Love whoever you want and be the most you can be.  This book earns five out of five stars.   

5 Stars

*Reviewed by Kristin*

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