Title: Spellbound
Author: Ann Charlotte
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1420827499
Pages: 336
Genre: Teen & Young Adult
Reviewer: Liz Konkel

Read Book Review

In 1861, during the Civil War, Clarissa Montgomery was a young wife who faced the
reality of her husband Charles enlisting with the Confederate Army despite not agreeing
with what was being fought for. Desperate to keep her family safe, Clarissa turns to the
teachings of her Cajun grandmother by performing a spell. However, she never could
have predicted the ramifications that would follow. Over a century later, Claire LePaige
searches for a new chapter in her life following her husband’s death, bringing her to a
Virginia town. Despite being her first trip to Shenandoah Valley, she can’t stop feeling as
if she has been there before and feels drawn to an abandoned house rumored to be
haunted by a Civil War soldier. While her children believe the ghost is real, Claire isn’t
as easily convinced until she makes a discovery which could change her mind about
what is possible.

The story is divided into three perspectives and two time periods with Clarissa
beginning the story as a catalyst to what eventually leads to Claire’s story. Through her,
you’re introduced to the concept of magic, though from her lack of belief in it, and the
ramifications the Civil War has on her family. The magic is part of the mystery as it is
unclear whether or not it is real until later in the story. It is Clarissa’s desperation which
leads her to perform a spell and represents the horrors she was experiencing at the
hands of the war. The format is unique as it weaves from her perspective to her
husband’s and then jumps to 2007 where you meet Claire. Journal entries are
incorporated throughout her perspective as a way to show further insights into her
upbringing with Grandmama and to shape her opinion about the war. You get to know
her better through her internal thoughts which will ultimately have an impact on how the
story progresses forward.

Charles is the second perspective and shows more insight into the war as Charles feels
forced to enlist despite not supporting the Confederate side. This creates friction in their
relationship and sets into motion the tragic romance that develops as a result. The story
is character-driven with the historical setting kept primarily in the background; however,
the writing does not shy away from the horrors or reality of it. His perspective is a
necessary bridge between Clarissa and Claire’s stories as you watch through him the
loss of his family and create a foundation for what will occur in 2007. Attention to detail
is an effective tool in the writing style as every part of the story ties together by the end.
You soon discover everything is connected and nothing in the story is by accident with
every choice helping to develop the characters further.

The story ends with Claire’s journey as she embarks on a new chapter in her life and is
experiencing a similar grief as what Charles did. This loss is a prominent theme which is
felt in each character’s arc and is part of what’s driving Claire forward. This balances the
theme of the past haunting the present as the story ties together pieces of Clarissa and
Charles’ love story into the mystery. This is successfully done through various letters
which bring their story into the present and serve a similar purpose to the journal entries
by providing insight into their relationship. The town draws her to it which creates a
basis for the mystery and what pulls her into the middle of it. To find answers, Claire
learns she needs to be open to what’s possible.

Spellbound is an unexpected historical romance blending themes of loss and ghosts to
tell a story about magic, tragedy, and love powerful enough to transcend time.