The Pumpkin Spice Spell (Wisteria Cove, #1)

by Erin Branscom

And what's better than a cozy bookstore and coffee shop in the fall? Absolutely nothing, that’s what.

I built this life…this sanctuary…this

And most of the time, it’s enough. But lately it just feels lonely. There has to be more than this, I just don't know what.

Losing a parent is the worst, and not a club anyone wants a membership to.

We all have nicknames for Derek, depending on the day and whatever he’s done to Ivy. Last week he was Bruno. Because we don’t talk about Bruno. Last week Rowan referred to him as Caillou because he’s going bald and he acts like a whiny child.

You don’t have to stay tied to a past that doesn’t fit anymore. Not for anyone.”

“Sometimes I think that’s why I love fiction books so much,” she says. “They’re safe pain. You feel it, but you know it’s not real. You know the ending’s coming. You know someone wrote it, and it’s not real pain, not usually, anyway.”

“I can do this by myself,” I whisper, defensive even as my voice trembles. His eyes soften. “But that doesn’t mean you have to.” I look away, throat tight. “It’s just easier when I do it.”

I just want to matter to someone, you know? I want someone to love me and show up for me like I show up for them.”