Leigh Goff

Writing Enchanting Ever-Afters

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Why August Feels Like the Most Enchanted Month

August hits different. The sun is still blazing, but there’s a shift in the air—like the world is whispering secrets right before everything changes. Summer isn’t quite over, yet fall is already casting its shadow. It’s the ultimate liminal month, and if you ask me, it’s pure witchy magic.

First, there’s the golden-hour glow. The light gets thicker, almost honeyed, turning ordinary backyards into magical realms. Late-summer storms roll in with dramatic flair, thunder cracking like spells being cast. Then comes the harvest energy—Lammas vibes on August 1, when traditions say the first loaves are baked and the veil feels just a little thinner. Even the nights start stretching, hinting that cozy, mysterious season is coming.

And don’t forget that back-to-school electricity. New notebooks, sharpened pencils, fresh starts… it’s basically ritual preparation. You’re shedding your summer skin and stepping into a new chapter, which is exactly what magic is all about—transformation.

This is precisely why August is the perfect time to dive into DISENCHANTED, my YA fantasy novel. In a world where enchantments rule and star-crossed love runs deep, my protagonist, Sophie, discovers that breaking free of a true love curse is harder than it seems. And similar to Sophie’s magic, sometimes the enchantments dissipate when you least expect it, like when the season shifts—when the light changes and you’re forced to see things as they really are. August captures that exact moment: the beautiful, uneasy, exciting space between what was and what’s next.

If you’re craving a story full of hidden magic, reluctant heroes, and a swoony romance, DISENCHANTED is your late-summer spell. Perfect for reading on a warm evening when the crickets are loud, and the sky still holds that last bit of light.

Grab a copy here, light a candle (or just turn on your reading lamp), and let August work its witchy charm on you before the leaves start turning! ✨


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End of Summer Checklist: Magic, Romance & Renewal Before Classes Begin

Summer is slipping away like fireflies at dusk—make these final weeks count. Before the books pile up and the alarm clocks return, carve out time for joy, mystery, and gentle self-care. Here’s your enchanted end-of-summer checklist.

✨ Magic

  • Watch the sunrise or sunset with intention—journal what you want to release and what you want to call in for the new semester.
  • Take a full-moon walk and whisper your dreams to the night sky.
  • Read Disenchanted, Bewitching Hannah, and Koush Hollow—these spellbinding stories are the perfect bridge between summer magic and academic focus. Aim to finish all three before syllabi land in your inbox. BUY LINK

❤️ Romance

  • Plan a dreamy date night: picnic under the stars, stargazing with a loved one, or a sunset drive with the perfect playlist.
  • Write a love letter (to yourself or someone special) sealed with wax and a pressed flower.
  • Dance barefoot in the grass or living room with your summer fling to slow, sultry music—no audience required.

🧖‍♀️ Renewal

  • Declutter your space and wardrobe—make room for fresh energy and cozy fall layers.
  • Treat yourself to a DIY spa day: face mask, herbal bath, and your favorite playlist.
  • Meal prep nourishing foods and hydrate like the magical being you are.

Print this list, check it off with colorful pens, and savor every golden moment. Summer’s end isn’t goodbye—it’s a soft transition into a new chapter filled with possibility. You’ve got this. Now go make it memorable. 🌙


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Novel Settings

By C.D. Hersh

One of the most asked questions to authors is, “Why did you set your book there?” For us it started with a car commercial. In the commercial, a grandmother is telling her granddaughter that she met grandpa under a tree. Then the two hug the tree and in a subsequent scene are joined by the child’s parents. As they leave the area, the car passes a sign marked Woodstock.

Honestly, we don’t even remember the make of the car that was being advertised, but we did remember the tree hugging scenario and the Woodstock sign. When Donald proposed the setting of Woodstock to me (Catherine) I was like, What???? It wasn’t a place I expected him to go. But the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. After all, who doesn’t like a walk down memory lane? I was into folk music in the Sixties. I sang and played Peter Paul and Mary songs on my guitar so many times I could have done it in my sleep, and I liked rock ‘n’ roll. And maxi coats and the cool threads. Since we’re both musicians, it was a short leap to making our hero and heroine musicians, too.

Because Rose, our heroine, is a music teacher, who plays several instruments, we decided to give her a love of all music, including classical. To broaden her horizons, we introduced classical music rebels into her music lexicon.

In one of the scenes, she is wandering around the festival grounds when she happens on another female hippie playing her flute and twirling to the melody. Rose decides to join in and plays a counter melody on her flute. Then the hippie begins playing “Bach’s Minuet in G”, to which Rose creates a counter melody.

We were so intrigued with the idea of two flutes playing Bach’s Minuet in G that we decided to compose the counter melody Rose played. If you click on the audio link, you can hear what we heard in our minds when we created this scene.

Now that you’ve heard the music in our heads, we hope you’ll enjoy an excerpt from our story.

The Soul Mate Tree . . . An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds. To some, it’s nothing more than a dream. To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations. For those in critical need of their own happy ending, a gift.

Our book, Can’t Stop the Music, is a blast back to the Sixties and Woodstock. For college senior and hippie wannabe Rosemary—Rose for short—a teaching job is within her grasp, but she wants more. She wants love, the kind of love that has bound her parents for so many years. When she’s dumped by her current boyfriend because her morals can’t bring her to give in to free love, she finds herself at Woodstock in the middle of the biggest free-love, music festival of the Sixties. Alone, again. Until a magical tree grants her wish and she finds the man of her dreams—and loses him before she really knows who he is.

Dakota meets the girl of his dreams at Woodstock, but a jealous wannabe girlfriend drives them apart before he can discover Rose’s last name and where she comes from. After he sees a disappearing tree that promises him true love, a frantic search to find Rose comes up empty-handed.

Magic and music brings them together at Woodstock in 1969. Misunderstandings tear them apart. Will two flower children find one another again, or live with missed opportunities? 

Short Excerpt:

As they made their way to the festival site, Rose and her friends grooved to the music coming from the stage. 

When they reached the makeshift bridge over the road, someone yelled, “Hey beautiful! You with the red hair.” 

She looked around to see if there was anyone else with red hair. Then she glanced up and spotted two guys, one blond and the other dark-haired, leaning over the side of the bridge. 

“Yeah, you,” the blond called out as he caught her gaze. 

Willow halted beside her. “He’s cute. How about him?” 

Rose looked away, her gaze landing on the other guy. 

He jabbed his companion in the ribs. “Quit trying to pick up every girl you see.” Then he leaned farther over the rail. “Don’t pay any attention to him. He’s high.” 

“So, she’s not beautiful?” Willow yelled to the hippie. 

She poked her friend. “Stop it, Willow, you’re making a scene.” In spite of her protest, her gaze remained on the dark-haired guy. 

He rested his elbows on the rail and stared back at her. The intensity of his expression shot heat into her belly. 

“I didn’t say that, just that she shouldn’t pay attention to him.” He flapped a hand at his blond buddy, then tapped his own chest with his thumb several times as if to say, ‘Choose me!’ 

Does he want me to pay attention to him? Her heart thumped in rhythm to his jabbing thumb. 

“Take that one,” Willow whispered. “He’s the real cutie.” 

Before she could respond, the crowd pushed them forward. When they reached the other side of the bridge, she looked back, searching for the dark-haired hippie, but the spot where he’d stood was empty. 

Just my luck. I see someone who’s intriguing and he disappears.

With a sigh, she continued the trek to the festival grounds.

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after, and that’s why they write romance.

In addition to writing Catherine and Donald love antiquing, traveling, singing, and going to the theatre. Catherine is also an avid gardener and has drawn Donald into her garden as a day laborer. They figure the couple who plays together and works together, stays together—and that’s just what they aim to do.

Second Editions Coming Soon:

Ghosts and Gardenias

The Promised One The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 1
Blood Brothers The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 2
Son of the Moonless Night The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 3
The Mercenary and the Shifters The Turning Stone Chronicles Book 4

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Pack Your Bags (No Passport Needed!)✈️✨

3 Epic Magical Destinations Waiting for YOU in Books📚

Wethersfield, Connecticut – Curses, Ancient Bloodlines & Hidden Power 🏠✨First stop, a historic New England town where the past doesn’t just haunt you—it tries to control you. In Disenchanted, 16-year-old Sophie is dealing with wild, unpredictable gifts and a mysterious heirloom necklace that pulses with dangerous magic. One wrong move and centuries-old curses could destroy everything. Picture cobblestone streets hiding family secrets, haunted graveyards whispering forgotten spells, and a girl fighting to break free from her bloodline’s grip. If you love stories where history collides with explosive magic, small-town drama, and a protagonist figuring out who she really is… this is your portal. Warning: you might never want to leave.

Ready to ditch reality and dive headfirst into worlds packed with curses, secrets, and seriously powerful magic? Books are your ultimate escape ticket—zero suitcases, zero airport drama, and 100% pure adventure. If you’re craving small-town mysteries, coastal thrills, or bayou supernatural vibes, these three reads will teleport you straight into the action. Let’s go!

Annapolis, Maryland – Waterfront Magic, Rivalries & Destiny ⛵🌊⚡Next up, sail into the moody, breathtaking waterfront of Annapolis in Bewitching Hannah. Here, 16-year-old Hannah gets pulled into an ancient prophecy that could change everything. Hidden rivals, magic waking up inside her, and a high-stakes game where one wrong choice could cost her everything. Imagine kissing a star-crossed love under stormy skies, coven meetings in the shadow of the historic statehouse, and a girl discovering she’s way more powerful than she ever imagined. Fast-paced tension, beautiful maritime vibes, and that delicious “who can I even trust?” energy—this book is pure adrenaline for anyone who loves prophecies, rivalries, and swoony romance.

Koush Hollow, Louisiana – Bayou Secrets, Dark Waters & Rebel Energy 🐊🌿🔮 Last (but definitely not least), plunge into the misty, mystical bayou near New Orleans in Koush Hollow. When 16-year-old Jenna returns, she walks straight into exclusive social circles, environmental mysteries, and waters hiding way more than alligators. Beneath the Spanish moss and humid nights lies a battle for truth, power, and doing what’s right in a town built on secrets. There’s a forbidden romance, too. If you’re into rich, atmospheric worlds, strong heroines who refuse to back down, and stories where magic and real-world stakes collide—this one will pull you under (in the best way).

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a blanket, some snacks, and your next favorite escape. These books don’t just tell stories—they transport you. No passport. No limits. Just pure magic. Which destination are you packing for first? Drop your pick below—I need to know! 📖🌍

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A Glam Summer Reading Pick: Bewitching Hannah 

If you’re hunting for the perfect summer read that’s equal parts addictive, romantic, and dangerously magical, look no further than Bewitching Hannah.

One must rise. One must die. 

Sixteen-year-old Hannah Fitzgerald has spent her entire life suppressing the dark, restless power humming in her veins. But when an ancient prophecy awakens, foretelling the rise of a deadly young witch and the brutal death of another, her hidden magic begins to stir — and it’s hungry. Suddenly thrust into a lethal game of dark magic, hidden rivals, and shifting alliances, Hannah must confront secrets that could destroy everything she loves. 

Enter W, the mysterious, breathtaking stranger bound to her fate. With eyes like midnight and a past even darker than her own, he might be her salvation… or her downfall. In a world where trust can be fatal, Hannah quickly learns that no one is who they seem, not even the boy she’s falling for.

Glamorous, tense, and spellbinding, Bewitching Hannah delivers everything you want in a summer YA fantasy: slow-burn romance, high-stakes magic, fierce friendships, and a protagonist who’s both powerful and deeply relatable. 

Perfect for:

  • Teens who love strong heroines, dark romance, and witchy vibes
  • Moms who enjoy reading the same books as their daughters (hello, epic mother-daughter discussions!)
  • Fans of Serpent & Dove, The Cruel Prince, and These Violent Delights

Whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, or curled up with iced coffee on the porch, this newly relaunched edition is the glamorous escape you’ve been waiting for.

One prophecy. Two fates. No second chances. 

Bewitching Hannah is out now on Amazon — grab your copy today and let the magic pull you under. Have you started reading yet? Drop your favorite witchy or dark fantasy read in the comments — I’d love to hear what you’re obsessed with this summer! Happy reading.

Leigh Goff is a published YA author. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). 

Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Florida with her husband, enjoying the sun, sea, and a little puppy dog.

CLICK FOLLOW ON THE HOMEPAGE & JOIN THE ENCHANTED COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, NEWS, AND UPDATES! 


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SPF, Sunglasses, and Spells🔮🌴 

Don’t forget to pack some magic in your beach bag this summer!

There is nothing quite like lounging poolside or listening to the crashing waves while completely losing yourself in a world of dark secrets, forbidden romance, and dangerous spells.

Whether you are sunbathing on the sand or hiding out in the refreshing blast of the AC on a rainy afternoon, the ultimate summer escape requires a story that burns hotter than the July sun.

Lucky for you, two spellbinding, witchy YA page-turners just got a fresh relaunch and are officially ready to dominate your summer reading list in both paperback and ebook formats.

First up, toss Disenchanted into your beach bag and prepare for the ultimate summer crush dilemma. Sixteen-year-old Sophie is a powerful witch struggling to hide her chaotic gifts, but her world completely shatters when a dangerous thief attacks her for her heirloom necklace. She is saved by Alexavier Mather—who just happens to be the gorgeous descendant of the man who sent her ancestor to the gallows. Talk about a sunburn-level family feud! Alexavier is hiding a devastating secret, and to survive the summer, Sophie has to awaken the volatile magic sleeping inside her diamond charm and risking far more than just a summer heartbreak.

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Once you finish that novel, dive straight into the deep end with Bewitching Hannah. This gripping story plunges you into a deadly game of dark magic and hidden rivals where one must rise and one must die. As Hannah races against time, her powers awaken with a fierce, hungry edge that changes everything, making it the perfect fast-paced thrill for late-night reading by the glow of a campfire. Packed with jaw-dropping twists, intense power struggles, and high-stakes sorcery, these books are impossible to put down.

Grab your copies today in paperback to feel the pages between your fingers, or download the ebooks instantly to start reading under your beach umbrella right now! 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leigh Goff is a published YA author. She is a graduate from the University of Maryland and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI). 

Born and raised on the East Coast, she now lives in Florida with her husband, enjoying the sun, sea, and a little puppy dog.

CLICK FOLLOW ON THE HOMEPAGE & JOIN THE ENCHANTED COMMUNITY TO RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE CONTENT, NEWS, AND UPDATES!

 


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Some Curses Are Born of True Love…

What if the boy who saves your life is the one person destined to destroy you?

Something wicked is coming soon… and if you love witchy YA fantasy with forbidden romance, dark family secrets, and impossible choices, you’re going to want to hear this. 

Sixteen-year-old Sophie comes from a long line of powerful witches, but she’s barely keeping her unpredictable gifts hidden. 

That’s the least of her problems. 

When a dangerous thief tries to rip her mysterious heirloom necklace from her throat, she’s saved by the last person she’s allowed to want—Alexavier Mather, a descendant of the man who sent her ancestor to the gallows. He carries a devastating secret that could destroy them both. 

To survive, Sophie must awaken the dangerous power sleeping inside her diamond charm. But unlocking it means digging into the wicked, blood-stained pasts of both their families… and risking far more than her heart. 

Because some curses are born of true love.

And the only way to break this one might cost Sophie her soul. 

If you love:

  • Slow-burn, forbidden romance with serious tension 
  • Ancient curses and witchy lore with teeth 
  • Deep family secrets and high-stakes choices

…then keep your eyes on this space. Big news about Disenchanted is headed your way soon.

 In the meantime, I’d love to know: Would you risk everything, including your soul, for a love you’re forbidden to have? 

Drop your answer in the comments. 


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Moonlit Manifestations: Make 2026 Your Best Year Ever

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, imagine channeling your inner witch from those captivating YA novels like Disenchanted and Bewitching Hannah. Think brewing potions of confidence and casting spells of self-love under a full moon.

This year, empowerment isn’t about rigid resolutions, it’s about infusing magic into your glow-up journey. Picture yourself as the protagonist in your own story, wielding crystals and affirmations like wands to banish doubts and summon abundance. By embracing these whimsical, witchy practices, you’ll not only level up your vibe but transform 2026 into your most enchanted chapter yet, filled with growth, joy, and unapologetic power.

Start with ritualistic intention-setting, a staple in any teen witch’s grimoire. Grab a journal (your modern spellbook) and, by candlelight, jot down your dreams as if scripting a powerful incantation. Add a twist by incorporating herbs like lavender for calm or rosemary for clarity, sprinkling them over your pages or brewing them into a tea to drink while you write. This isn’t just goal-setting, it’s manifesting with flair.

For a fun glow-up boost, create a “glamour spell” by mixing natural ingredients into DIY face masks or body scrubs, visualizing your skin and spirit radiating from within. These small, magical acts build momentum, turning everyday routines into empowering adventures that make you feel unstoppable.

Dive deeper into self-empowerment with crystals, those shimmering allies from YA lore like Sophie’s powerful, red diamond bloodcharm in Disenchanted. Carry amethyst for intuition or rose quartz for heart-healing in a pouch, treating them like talismans against negativity.

To glow-up physically, enchant your workouts by imagining them as potion-mixing sessions. Yoga flows become fluid spells for flexibility and runs turn into quests for endurance. This playful approach shifts exercise from chore to charm, fostering a body-positive mindset that celebrates your unique magic.

Finally, seal your empowered year with communal magic, even if it’s just you and your reflections. Share your “witchy wins” on a vision board adorned with moon phases and tarot-inspired art, tracking progress like chapters in your novel. Remember, true power comes from within, so forgive slip-ups as plot twists that build character. By weaving these fun, teen-witch-inspired practices into your life, you’ll not only glow up but craft a narrative where you’re the hero—confident, resilient, and ready to conquer whatever enchantments 2026 brings. Here’s to your best year yet, spellbound and sparkling!

If you’re looking for the perfect New Year’s read with a kiss of romance, check out Disenchanted! (You can see Sophie wearing her diamond bloodcharm necklace on the cover!)

Disenchanted

Meet Sophie Goodchild, a young witch entangled in a centuries-old curse that has haunted her true love’s family for generations. Join Sophie on a thrilling adventure as she navigates a world of curses, enchantments, and star-crossed romance, where the lines between magic and reality blur. Disenchanted is a heartwarming exploration of the human experience. With its unique blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy, this book will cast a spell on your heart and leave you enchanted from start to finish.

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Wine & Words: Swirl, Sip, Scribble

By Leigh Goff

clear wine glass

Photo by Torsten Dettlaff on Pexels.com

Wine tasting and writing fiction may seem like two very different realms, but when you look closer, you’ll see that they share intriguing similarities. Both experiences involve sensory exploration and the art of storytelling.

I recently began a journey into wine tasting and passed my level 2 certification (yes, the homework rocks). How wine tasting appeals to me is similar to how I feel about writing. After some research, I discovered there is a connection. Just as a wine taster engages their senses to explore the intricacies of a wine, a fiction writer harnesses the power of sensory details to bring their story to life.

A highly skilled winemaker tends to the grapes and the winemaking process to produce a wine like a Napa Cabernet that boasts flavors of ripe blackberries, velvety dark chocolate with subtle hints of cedar, culminating in a full-bodied magical experience on the palate. When I craft a story, I construct compelling plots, drawing on my sensory experiences to enhance them and then refine the work through editing and revision. In my first novel, Disenchanted, the story I created was filled with sensory details. I wanted to immerse the reader in the magic of Sophie’s world, her star-crossed romance, and the haunting history of Old Wethersfield.

green leaf on pile of books

Photo by Wallace Chuck on Pexels.com

Some writers through the centuries, such as Jane Austen, were known to imbibe on too much wine. Research from the University of Graz shows that drinking wine enhances creative thinking for writers. Of course, it does! Now winemakers are harnessing the art of storytelling to enhance their connection with consumers. Using a new phone app called Winerytale, the user can unlock videos, narratives, and histories about a wine and learn about the winemakers.

While wine tasting and writing fiction may seem unrelated, the parallels are undeniable. Both pursuits involve sensory exploration, layered complexity, subjective interpretation, storytelling, and a blend of artistry and craftsmanship. The next time you savor a glass of Napa Cabernet or dive into a captivating fantasy novel, take a moment to appreciate the shared essence of these two worlds, where sensory delights and imaginative tales intertwine. Cheers!

79410-leigh2bgoff-1502bret.jpgLeigh Goff I have three published young adult novels–KOUSH HOLLOW (2020), BEWITCHING HANNAH (2017), and DISENCHANTED (2015). I’m a graduate from the University of Maryland, and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).When I’m not writing, I love reading, running, and finding new inspiration for my writing. I’m a proud advocate for type one diabetes awareness (T1D) as a thriving individual with the condition.

Learn more about her and her writing on her website. Stay connected on Instagram, Twitter, and Amazon.


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Double, Double, Toil & Trouble

By Leigh Goff

As the days grow cooler and the holidays approach, it’s time to get your book club in the mood for magic! Here are some fun ideas on how to brew up a fabulous gathering for your next book club meeting.

First, you want to set the mood. Change your meeting space into a cozy gathering spot. Dim the overhead lighting, break out the scented candles, and dangle fairy lights. Display seasonal decor such as pumpkins and autumn leaves (or pine boughs and berries for winter). Don’t forget to drape soft throw blankets over your seating and fluff the throw pillows to make your guests extra comfortable.

Create a magical menu of potions and treats to fuel your book discussion. Serve a variety of herbal teas or a fun cocktail like Midnight Magic Espresso Martini (recipe below) on a beautiful tray. Offer snacks like magical mushrooms (stuffed mushrooms), witches’ fingers and dip (veggie sticks with hummus), or moonbeam macarons (store bought is fine!).

Encourage guests to dress in themed costumes. Invite a tarot card reader to start the evening on a mystical note. Give guests a takeaway “magic bag” filled with herbal teas, crystals, love potions (perfume samples), or patchouli scented votive candles.

Finally, close the meeting with a gratitude circle. Ask the group to join hands and offer appreciation for each other, the books, and the magic of friendship. What could be better?

Recommended Witchy Reads

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Midnight Magic Espresso Martiniimages

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 oz Kahlúa
  • 1/2 oz Crème de Cacao Dark Chocolate liqueur
  • 1 shot of Espresso
  • 1/2 oz Chocolate Simple Syrup (simple syrup with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder)
  • 3 espresso beans

Instructions:

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, Kahlúa, Crème de Cacao, and espresso.
  2. Add simple syrup and stir to combine.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to combine and chill.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with three espresso beans and cast your spell.

As I sip this midnight brew,
I conjure magic, old and true.
With every taste, my senses align,
And the magic within me starts to shine.

Cheers to a magical meeting, book clubbers!

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