The Reimagining of Thornwood House - (Magic of Iskendra, the) by Jaleigh Johnson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A witch and her young ward discover a magical, walking house and learn the true meaning of home in this cozy, enchanting novel from New York Times bestselling author Jaleigh Johnson.

Evelyn Sharpe is accustomed to dealing with natural disasters as a land witch, but she longs for a life with a little less danger for her and her adopted daughter, Ruby. So when the opportunity to take over as Caretaker of Thornwood House--a sentient home that acts as the magical heart of the village of Iskendra--arises, it seems almost fated.

When they arrive in sunny Iskendra, Evie and Ruby find the house is nothing like what they expected: First of all, it has walked away from the address. Thornwood House is also grumpy, guarded, and extremely hesitant to allow the two witches through its doors.

Armed with gentle hearts and wild magic, Evie and Ruby begin to form tentative bonds with the house and the citizens of the small town. But there's something deeply damaged about the building seeping into the forests surrounding Iskendra, and Evie will have to use all her power to protect the roots she's started to grow.

Review Quotes

"Johnson has created something from the soul here -- a story warm-hearted and full of wild magic that feels like slipping back into a half-remembered dream. The prose is luminous, the atmosphere, luxuriantly cosy; it's cottagecore, but the cottage is sentient and has an attitude. Running throughout is a deft exploration of family, mother-daughter love, and what it means to find a place to call home. The Reimagining of Thornwood House is for those who love their fantasy sweet, ethereal, Ghibliesque, with some slightly spooky dark corners."--Brigitte Knightley, New York Times bestselling author of The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy

"Absolutely delightful! The Reimagining of Thornwood House is everything you want it to be: warm, wonderful, and magical in all the best ways! I loved every page! A new favorite!"--Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

"Each page of The Reimagining of Thornwood House is a hug that will warm your soul. Jaleigh Johnson has made an inspiring delight for anyone longing to begin again."--Samantha Sotto Yambao, national bestselling author of Water Moon

"Achingly lovely and full of warmth, The Reimagining of Thornwood House evokes a rare comfort -- the kind that makes you feel like a child again, tucked into bed, listening to a fairy tale you never want to end. A truly magical book."--Auralee Wallace, national bestselling author of The Late-Night Witches

"The Reimagining of Thornwood House is like drinking hot cocoa from your favorite mug after a long day--warm, sweet, and comforting. Jaleigh Johnson's lovely writing effortlessly weaves themes of belonging and community into a magical story that is filled to the brim with kindness and whimsy. Cozy fantasy lovers will feel right at home in Thornwood House!"--Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of Violet Thistlewaite is Not a Villain Anymore

"The Reimagining of Thornwood House is an utter delight, packed with charming characters, small-town hijinks, and a grumpy house that is hiding more than it seems under its shingles. I loved the strength of the bond between Evie and Ruby, the sweet blossoming romance, and the overarching message that people (and houses) are not always what they seem! Magical, whimsical, and full of heart!"--Keshe Chow, international bestselling author of Strange Familiars

"Looking for a cozy fantasy with Studio Ghibli vibes this summer? Then you'll need to add Jaleigh Johnson's The Reimagining of Thornwood House to your reading list."--WinterIsComing.com

"Johnson weaves a sumptuous tale around the themes of chosen family and new beginnings. With shades of Howl's Moving Castle and Baba Yaga folktales, this playful fantasy charms."--Publishers Weekly

"Johnson is skilled at portraying Evie's deep love for her daughter and the ways Thornwood house cares for those who live in it...This cozy fantasy should appeal to fans of Sarah Beth Durst and TJ Klune, with familiar and comfortable tropes of found families and second chances, plus a gentle romance."--Library Journal

About the Author

Jaleigh Johnson lives and writes in the wilds of the Midwest. Her middle grade debut novel, The Mark of the Dragonfly, is a New York Times bestseller. Her other books from Delacorte Press include The Secrets of Solace, The Quest to the Uncharted Lands, and The Door to the Lost. She has also written fiction for Dungeons & Dragons, Marvel, and Assassin's Creed. Johnson is an avid gamer and lifelong geek.