I didn't think this book was going to hit as hard as it did. I was obsessed and loved every minute of this. No notes!

Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is a heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice. It details family bonds that are complex in their own right, but still full of love. This book is a love letter to sisters everywhere. I love how strong each Petredi sister is in their own individual way. They each bring their own unique strengths and weaknesses in the mix. They all humble and empower each other in their own way. Families are so difficult and I love that this book didn’t sugarcoat that. With a theme of magic and a small town destination, it’s easy to get lost in the cozy atmosphere, but this book really is one emotional ride. It doesn’t shy away from difficulties while keeping a level of entertainment. This book was also super inclusive, showcasing characters from many different backgrounds. The author managed to display diverse characters without it feeling forced. I feel like each moment and character in this book flowed so naturally within the plot line and made a genuine contribution. Don’t get me started on our tortured male main character. Lucien is the perfect angsty male love interest. I loved reading through Lucien and Calliope overcoming ancient prejudices together and finding out people aren’t just black and white. I can already feel this book becoming the book of the spring in 2025

I had high hopes for this read. It was deeply descriptive and slow paced for my taste. It might be wrong timing or just not for me but it was hard for me to engage with the characters.

A Spellbinding Tale of Magic, Love, and Sacrifice
As a practicing witch, this book resonated deeply with me, weaving an authentic and moving portrayal of the complexities of magic. The story of Calliope and her sisters, each bound by their own struggles and secrets, was captivating from start to finish. The concept of sacrificing memories for magic was beautifully unique, adding emotional depth to every spell and decision Calliope made. The tension between her and the charming yet dangerous rival coven leader kept me hooked, as did the dark secrets and ancient magic lurking in Gold Springs.

The book explores themes of love, trust, and self-discovery, all while navigating the intricacies of family bonds and the painful cost of holding onto (or letting go of) the past. It’s a thrilling and enchanting read that will appeal to anyone who loves stories about magic and the personal sacrifices it demands.

Like the unfortunate side effects of heartbreak and magic, this follows calliope in a town called Gold Springs about 2 hours from where Sadie and her grandmother resided.
Calliope and her 3 sisters lost their mother 15 years ago when she hopped in a cab and never came back. Their magic is a finicky one where they were cursed centuries ago and have to forfeight memories if they want to cast spells and use magic. Calliope is the only sister who kept up with magic, Dissy didn’t use it often and Thalia swore it off after their mother’s warnings about the danger and curses that were bestowed upon their family.

During calliopes search on what omens were waiting, she did a dangerous thing and tried to repair the dark oaks enchantments by herself and ended up almost being swallowed by an evil shadow demon, she reached for anything to help strengthen her to ward it off and ended up binding herself to a shadowcrafter, one of the very family line that made the curse present on her family line.

They go through so many trials and tribulations, love, loss, rebirth in a sense. But one thing stands true is that their string of fate connecting the three sisters, and her string coursing through her connecting her to Lucien Deniz will never be broken.

I loved the bond between Calliope and her sisters. I loved the banter between characters. A good read!

Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is a beautiful story of love, hardship, and the resilience found within both. From the very beginning, with Joni Mitchell’s music setting the scene in a quirky small Stars Hollow-esque town outside of a cozy tea shop/bookstore, I was completely drawn in. The immersive descriptions evoked the warmth of chamomile tea in a mug, the comforting atmosphere of cascading plants, and the smell of freshly baked pastries—so much so that I had to light a candle and grab a mini Bundt cake while reading! The balance of cozy and ominous elements added a lot of depth to the story. One moment, you’re rifling through Calliope’s messy sock drawer, watching her choose yet another mismatched pair (I really need to go back and make note of all the different socks she wore—she’s got quite the collection); the next, you can practically hear her stumbling through the woods, her foot crunching through a deer skull, sending a shiver down your spine. This contrast between the comfy and the unsettling kept me captivated—not to mention the tall, dark, and handsome, enemies-to-lovers romance sprinkled in! A special note for readers who enjoy sensory experiences: every meal, pastry, and beverage mentioned throughout the book is so detailed and vivid that you can practically taste it—and to top it off, there’s a recipe section at the end, so you can bring those flavors to life in your own kitchen. I look forward to flipping through the recipes to decide what I’ll make for release day on March 4, 2025, and rereading this book!

This book is not just a story; it’s an experience. The immersive world-building, the complex emotions, and the anticipation of what’s to come make Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things a standout. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next! I am immediately adding Breanne Randall’s previous book to my TBR! Thank you to NetGalley and Breanne Randall (@houseofrandall) for my very first ARC!

*I was given an advance copy of this book to read*

I enjoyed this story. I loved the world building and the descriptive exploration of the characters and their surroundings. This was a sweet and fairly easy read and I do recommend for lighter weight fantasy lovers. My favorite part of Brianne Randall’s books remains the included recipes! Such a lovely added detail.

Maybe this was just a poorly timed read for me but I couldn’t get into the magic and it felt repetitive. I wish there was more distinction between conversations with grim and with memories, as I found it hard to follow. I agree that this could have been shortened by at least 100 pages.

I gotta dnf this one besties. I'm at 32% and have been trying to read this for nearly a week. If you love reading heavily descriptive books this may be up your alley but it is entirely too slow paced for my brain. I have continued to love the premise of Breanne Randall's books, she definitely knows how to market to my brain and heart, however, the stories just can't seem to resonate with me as I am hoping. I think this is my sign that perhaps Randall's writing is just not for me.

✨🌙Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall 🌙✨

Three sisters, one town, and a legacy of magic that comes at a cost… memory. In Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, Breanne Randall weaves a tale of magic, sisterhood, and the sacrifices made to protect a town unaware of the darkness lurking.

Calliope, has had good relationships, but never one she was willing to share all her secrets. A walk through the woods leaves her bound to a handsome guy with dark magic. Their connection? Passionate, raw, and filled with all the complexities of light and dark magic. The tension between them was powerful. Their love felt dangerous, but also incredibly tender—accepting each other, flaws and all.

If you love a mix of magic, sisterhood, and a steamy, forbidden romance, this is a must-read. Breanne Randall delivers a beautifully crafted story where every spell comes at a price. 🌙✨

Was an ok premise. Writing was a little juvenile. Magic system was intriguing, but plot wise it was a bit uneven. Overall a decent book, just would like to little more finishing.

I loved this book SO MUCH! It was better than I could have ever expected and I’m so sad everyone has to wait until next spring to read it 😭

Born Enemies, Bonded Lovers. Together they must save Gold Springs from the Dark Oak. Though I did feel some of the writing was repetitive, it was so descriptive and beautiful I could see the settings and story play out so vividly. While magic is the main plot here, there is romance/spice and it is such a breadcrumb trail of tension and heat, I ate it up! A+ banter! Adored the sisterly love and inclusion 🏳️‍🌈Much appreciation to what I felt like were nods to Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic 🪄

Don’t even get me started on the recipes at the end! I will be buying a physical copy when this comes out next year.

Thank you NetGalley & Random House Publishing for this ARC. My favorite one yet!

“A gentle melody that sing of spells, strings, and forgotten things. Come, sisters, it called. Come see me where the shadows sing.”

This book is for anyone that grew up with Charmed or Gilmore Girls. It is a good mix of the three gifted sisters living in a small cozy town. I think it is even better, cause its cast of characters are more diverse and it has more spice than those two tv shows it is reminiscent of. This story follows three sisters; Calliope, Thalia, and Dissy in their pursuit to keep their town safe from evil forces. In comes hot shadow daddy Lucien and throws a wrench at their plans, sort of. Lucien and Calliope get into a situation where they dislike each other but are forced to work together and over time learn that not everything is at it seems. This is a cute read with some medium level of spice. Loved their interactions and can’t wait to see what will happen with the other sisters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5 stars)

Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall is an enchanting blend of magic, love, and emotional depth, but its premise—centered on a witch who sacrifices memories to cast spells—truly sets it apart. This tale of self-discovery and sacrifice weaves together the complexity of family bonds, the pain of lost love, and the haunting power of forgotten things.

Calliope Petridi, the youngest of three witch sisters, has lived her life in the small town of Gold Springs, guarding not only the secret of their magic but also the price they pay to wield it: memories. As someone who’s been hurt deeply by her past, Calliope has no problem with forgetting. In fact, forgetting is what she longs for—memories of her mother’s abandonment, her growing distance from her sisters, and most of all, the heartbreak she still carries from a love lost. But when an ancient evil threatens to destroy everything, Calliope is forced to confront what she’s been running from, or risk losing even more.

Randall’s concept of memory-linked magic is fascinating. Every spell costs something precious, and this adds a sense of urgency and tension to the narrative. Calliope’s willingness to sacrifice pieces of herself to forget is both heartbreaking and compelling, making her an intriguing protagonist. The emotional stakes are high from the very beginning, as the reader watches Calliope grapple with how much she’s willing to lose in order to protect her town and the people she loves.

The story really hits its stride when Calliope accidentally binds herself to the leader of a rival coven, a man known for his ambition and ruthlessness. Their sizzling chemistry immediately heats up the page, adding a layer of romance to the already tension-filled plot. However, it’s not just their attraction that drives the story—it’s the mistrust and the constant push-and-pull between them that keeps you guessing. Can Calliope truly trust him, or will this connection be her downfall? The dynamic between them brings both fire and frustration, keeping the romance element engaging without overwhelming the main plot.

However, while the premise and relationships are strong, the pacing can feel uneven at times. The middle of the book tends to drag as Calliope confronts her memories and the story shifts between the past and present. There are moments where the action slows down a bit too much, losing some of the momentum built by the intriguing plot and the high stakes of memory magic. That said, the emotional exploration of Calliope’s past adds depth to her character, even if it comes at the cost of pacing.

Randall also shines in her depiction of the fractured bond between Calliope and her sisters. Their relationship is complex, layered with both love and resentment. As their magic begins to fade and old secrets bubble to the surface, their bond is tested in ways that feel authentic. Family is at the heart of this novel, and the exploration of how trauma and loss can create distance, even between those who love each other, is one of the story’s most poignant elements.

By the time the climax arrives, Randall deftly weaves together the threads of Calliope’s journey—both magical and emotional. She is forced to face her darkest memories and the truths she’s been avoiding, making for a satisfying and emotional resolution. However, the ending does leave a few loose ends, particularly regarding the rival coven and the nature of the ancient evil, which could have been explored in more depth.

Overall, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is a captivating read for fans of witchy romance with high emotional stakes. Its unique premise and rich character dynamics make it a story worth exploring, even if it falters in pacing at times. Calliope’s journey of sacrifice, self-discovery, and love is a magical and heartfelt tale that lingers long after the final page.

The Petridi sisters are the sole guardians of the Dark Oak and must use their magic to protect it. However, their magic comes with a delicate cost: their memories. With the disappearance of their mother and an overwhelming heartbreak, Calliope dabbles in magic for trivial tasks as all she wants to do is forget the pain and suffering she has faced.

When evil enters their town of Gold Spring, Calliope does all she can to keep her sister and the Dark Oak safe. As a result, she accidentally binds herself to one of the most dangerous rival coven leaders, Lucien Denize. While working to sever the bond, Calliope’s forced proximity with Lucien turns fierce hate into fiery chemistry. Will Calliope be able to protect those that she loves and the Dark Oak before evil prevails?

I thoroughly enjoyed the style of writing as it had beautiful descriptions of the characters worlds but also felt like perfect pacing. I enjoyed that as the characters were learning information and experiencing twists and turns, the reader was learning about them in parallel. It was fun having mystery and massive plot twist to explore throughout.

The characters in this story are incredibly inclusive which made me extremely happy to see. The main character, Calliope, is a bi female who we see with both women and men throughout the story. While she is with Lucien, the reader learns that Calliope feels accepted by him as he never questions her sexuality or asks her to explain her past, but truly loves her for who she is. The story also includes Danny, who is the Petridi sister’s non-binary best friend and eventual love interest of Thalia. There are many nationalities highlighted throughout and the reader gets glimpses of important pieces of their culture woven in. The characters also face dealing with prejudice and inherited beliefs or biases. When Calliope meets Lucien, her nemesis by inherited belief, the reader is told “she detested him on principle.” Overtime, Calliope recognizes how Lucien is nothing like the tales of evil she learned from her family, but someone who is also loving, caring, and kind.

The romantic elements in this story were not at the forefront, but I love how they were woven in delicately. Calliope and Lucien start off as enemies and realize through their forced proximity and unintentional soul bond that they actually care for one another. The banter in this book was absolutely divine and had me blushing on the train heading to work. The romance wasn’t overly spicy, but had some hot flames and steamy moments dispersed throughout. If someone talked to me the way Lucien talked to Calliope, I would be swooning.

“They kissed the way they fought, with abandon and fire.”

I loved how there was a unique magic system in play as the Petridi sisters must offer a memory to use their magic, and the more powerful the magic or spell the more important or cherished memory would be needed to do it. I haven’t seen any other books use a magic system like this. It was interesting to see how the sisters all handled their magical capabilities as they all differed. Calliope wanted to forget many things, so she used those memories to do menial tasks around the house, whereas Thalia swore off magic altogether claiming cherished memories weren’t worth the price. At the end of the story, Calliope had to sacrifice her most powerful memory to save everyone - how she fell in love with Lucien. Before she offers this memory, “she looked at Lucien with pleading eyes. ‘Make me remember,’ she said softly.”

“I think,” she said as they neared the tree line, “that I sacrificed a memory that was to big.”

This book was far more emotional than I had anticipated when I picked this book up to read. Throughout this story, Calliope is dealing with immense grief. Not only is she dealing with the disappearance of her beloved mother, but she has also lost the love of her life. I think this book shows how challenging it can be to continue on and fight for those that you love that are present in your life while dealing with insurmountable loss due to those that are no longer present. I felt like this story shows readers that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, but also that it’s okay to struggle. I think this story also shows us that while some memories may be painful, they are important in shaping who we are as individuals.

“Hope doesn’t have to be a blazing fire,” Thalia said, her voice growing gentler. “Sometimes, it’s just a flicker in the darkness, but it’s enough to guide us through.”

“But now, as she stood at the precipice of her past, she realized the true essence of being human, of being alive, lay in those little moments, the threads that wove the tapestry of her soul. Each memory was a star in her own constellation, and in her quest to protect, she had forgotten the most important magic of all - self-preservation.”

This book made my heart and soul happy; it was a cozy read laced with emotional elements. The ending of the story tied up many of the loose ends, but still left a few unanswered questions which makes me HOPE there will be a sequel to this story. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for giving me the chance to read this as an e-ARC!

This book was a well written, intricate, and well thought out book. And for some reason, I struggled with it. It may have been the main character’s self-destructive behaviors. The latter half did pick up, with some surprises and unexpected events. For me, it was a 3.5, but I’ll round up to 4.

Pros:
~Well-fleshed out backstory, with a well-thought out magic system
~Plot forward
~Great prose / beautiful writing
~Inclusivity - queer & non-binary characters
~Compelling backstory for the Shadowcrafter coven, with an intriguing and interesting main male lead
~Wrapped up well

Cons:
~Main female lead was a self-sabatogeur, and quick to jump to conclusions
~Main female lead + her sisters had complicated relationships that were overall grating and not enjoyable for most of the novel, complete with a lack of communication
~Did not enjoy magic system of Lightcasters having to give up a memory to do magic
~slower pacing

Thanks to Netgalley & Penguin Random House Publishing for the ARC version of this book. I adore this author and this was another super cute read of hers! I’m already so excited for the sequels!

3.5 stars

Spells, strings and forgotten things was a lovely book was a whimsical story that follows Calliope, a light magic witch and Lucian a shadow magic magician. It's set in the spring around Ostara but it was a perfect autumn read. The book had major Pride and Prejudice vibes. It was wonderful to get to know Calliope, her sisters, Lucian and all of the other important characters.
I personally struggled a little bit with the book in the beginning before I got a hang of how it was written but that is on me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to get more of this story in the upcoming book in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC.

This was a fantastic book. Had I not had so much going on in life I would have finished it a lot sooner. I love the stories of the 3 sisters and how they each vary so much in personalities. It honestly reminded me a lot of me and my sister. The story was well written. Lucien was one of my favorite characters and I love the relationship between him and Calliope. The added bonus was the recipes at the end of the book…. I can’t wait to cook up some Petridi sister’s recipes!