Small town, big magic

This spellbinding magic-infused rom-com from Nicole Helm (the North Star series) and Megan Crane (the Alaska Force series), writing as Beck, brings modern witchcraft away from the typical New England setting, with quirky protagonists, stoic love interests, and fanciful interpretations of history in tow. Emerson Wilde has backup plans for her backup plans, and she's determined to see her beloved hometown of St. Cyprian, Mo., thrive. But there's more to St. Cyprian than meets the eye--as Emerson learns when a vicious attack by magical beasts awakens her innate magical power and her best friends let her in on a secret: they're all witches. A decade ago, Emerson's magical memory was wiped after she failed to show enough potential during a magical aptitude test. Unused to being unprepared, Emerson struggles to make sense of this new world order, control her abilities, solve the mystery of her power's resurgence--and reckon with the chemistry that's reignited between her and Jacob, a member of her coven. Beck delivers a wonderfully realized heroine with a voice so clear readers will feel like one of her friends. This is sure to be a hit with any fan of paranormal romance. Agents: (for Helm) Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary, (for Crews) Holly Root, Root Literary (Aug.)

Indie bookstore owner Emerson Wilde is the youngest president of the Chamber of Commerce in her small Missouri hometown and is determined to pull off a successful local festival. However, she wasn't planning on an assassination attempt, dangerous situations for her tight circle of friends, or the threat of the world ending. Her life as she knows it is tipped on its axis when she learns of the existence of magic and its deeply rooted presence in her past. On top of all the chaos disrupting her perfectly scheduled life, she finds herself drawn to her stoic friend Jacob. With her friends (now her coven) by her side, she must quickly learn to embrace her magic as they fight to protect their town and all of humanity. VERDICT This first series entry from Beck (the pseudonym of Nicole Helm and Caitlin Crews/Megan Crane) introduces a great circle of friends and lovers, while bringing adventure, mystery, and heart along with small-town charm.--Jenna Harmison