SORCERY AND CECELIA OR THE ENCHANTED CHOCOLATE POT by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer, 2003

A great deal is happening in London and the country this season. For starters, there's the witch who tried to poison Kate at the Royal College of Wizards. There's also the man who seems to be spying on Cecelia. (Though he's not doing a very good job of it--so just what are his intentions?) And then there's Oliver. Ever since he was turned into a tree, he hasn't bothered to tell anyone where he is. Clearly, magic is a deadly and dangerous business. And the girls might be in fear for their lives . . . if only they weren't having so much fun! (Amazon)

Reviewed by Laina, writer, bookworm, and British television addict

It was how SORCERY AND CECELIA was written that I’m so crazy about. The story goes that Patricia and Caroline wrote each other letters back and forth while in character and in the end they decided to tidy it up a bit and publish it as a story. I’m glad they did (I’m also glad they kept doing it and wrote a few more books)

Told in ‘letters’, the story is about cousins Kate and Cecelia. The setting is an alternate and magical 1817 England, which is utterly brilliant. The cousins are ‘separated’ (which may or may not have to do with them getting into trouble) and Kate is off in London having her Season while Cecilia is stuck at home in the country, much to her chagrin. The two exchange letters frequently. Then the magic comes in and many rather hilarious escapades ensue as the girls realize that though they are apart, the people they are dealing with in league. And of course there’s the business of an Enchanted Chocolate Pot. There is danger, mystery, intrigue, and some delicious dashes of romance in unexpected places. 

So I adore how the book was written and I also love Kate and Cecelia’s voices in the story. It is a delightfully humorous tale full of quirky characters and magic, believable and entertaining. If you need a fun read, this is a good pick.

Market: young adult and upwards

Language: none, or just good ol’ british stuff

Sensuality: none

Violence: mild if any

Mature Themes: stealing, secrets, magic