Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches

A witchy, atmospheric lesbian contemporary romance set in Salem—from the acclaimed author of Fans of the Impossible Life. Perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Becky Albertalli.

Seventeen-year-old Eleanor is the last person in Salem to believe in witchcraft—or to think that her life could be transformed by mysterious forces. After losing her best friend and first love, Chloe, Eleanor has spent the past year in a haze, vowing to stay away from anything resembling romance.

But when a handwritten guide to tarot arrives in the mail at the witchy souvenir store where Eleanor works, it seems to bring with it the message that magic is about to enter her life. Cynical Eleanor is quick to dismiss this promise, until real-life witch Pix shows up with an unusual invitation. Inspired by the magic and mystery of the tarot, Eleanor decides to open herself up to Pix and her coven of witches, and even to the possibility of a new romance.

But Eleanor’s complicated history continues to haunt her. She will have to reckon with the old ghosts that threaten to destroy everything, even her chance at new love.

Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches is an atmospheric and romantic coming-of-age about learning to make peace with the past in order to accept the beauty of the present.

She’s guarded her heart for a year. Can a coven of witches—and one enchanting girl named Pix—show her how to let magic in?

• A Modern Witchy Romance: Set in Salem, where a cynical girl who works in a souvenir shop meets an enchanting, real-life witch who might just make her believe in magic—and love—again.
• Found Family: Eleanor has been on her own for too long. But when Pix invites her into a coven of queer teen witches, she might finally find a place where she belongs.
• Tarot and Real-World Magic: When a mysterious tarot guide shows up in the mail, it sets Eleanor on a new path. This is a story woven with the magic of the major arcana, from The Fool’s first step to The World.
• Cynic Meets True Believer: Still haunted by the loss of her first love, Eleanor will have to confront her old ghosts before she can accept a new, magical future with Pix.

PRAISE FOR FANS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE: “The characters’ stories are so beautifully told and their struggles so hauntingly familiar that they will stay with readers long after they have finished the book.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Rounded characters large and small, drawn with insight and empathy, drive the plot. Buoyant writing and wry humor balance the pathos in this powerful debut, a moving tale of friendship as refuge and shield against a hostile world.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A deeply moving story about friendship and individuality in an often inhospitable world.” - Nina LaCour, Printz Award-winning author of We Are Okay

“I wish my high school self could read this book. Fans of the Impossible Life perfectly captures the complexity of love, sexuality, and the cost of secrets. Mira, Sebby, and Jeremy will stay with you long after you finish the last page.” - Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’

“In this beautiful and devastating novel, Kate Scelsa introduces three of the most memorable and original characters in recent memory. Fans of the Impossible Life is a truly unconventional love story that will challenge everything you think you know about the nature of love and friendship.” - Bennett Madison, author of September Girls

“Magic is found through personal growth and accepting love in this enchanting tale.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Scelsa explores public opinion and self-perception alongside themes of forgiveness, relational toxicity, and commercialism. Symbolic magic lends an underlying sense of enchantment as Eleanor opens herself up to new ideas and possibilities, and a sweet, gentle central chemistry sells the central romance.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“In Salem, everyone has secrets, and two teenagers struggle to keep their fledgling relationship alive through Eleanor’s past, and Pix’s best intentions in this charming, heartrending LGBTQIA+ YA.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Cleverly arranged as a journey through the Major Arcana of a tarot deck, this is a queer romance [with] a witchy flourish.” - ALA Booklist