Book Review: Spells For Forgetting by Adrienne Young

Spells For Forgetting is a contemporary paranormal mystery about the residents of a small Pacific Northwest island and the secrets they keep. 

August Salt left the island of Saoirse where his family had lived for generations after a local girl (Lily Morgan) was found dead. The community decided he was guilty and he and his mother had no other option but to leave. But he left behind Emery, the girl who he loved and vowed a future with. Now after fourteen years his mother is dead and she’s asked to be buried on Saoirse. August has no choice but to return to the island where everyone still suspects him of murder, settle his mother’s estate and face the girl he left behind. But in order for both Emery and August to move forward they have to figure out once and for all…who killed Lily? 

This novel is an atmospheric with witchy vibes and an angsty second chance romance. There is so much history and connection between August and Emery it’s hard not to root for them. Adrienne Young slowly reveals the secrets of the island and what really happened the night of Lily’s death but the tension between August and the community is what kept me turning the pages to see what will happen next. I liked how magic and spell work was subtly included in the history of the island and it’s occupants without hitting us over the head with “WITCHES”. 

Spells For Forgetting is one of my top reads for 2022. I loved the entire mysterious atmosphere of Saoirse and the unresolved connection between Emery and August. I highly recommend it to mystery, paranormal and romance fans.