The hotel witch by Jessica Miller

The Hotel Witch written by Jessica Miller is a beautiful story about adventure, mystery and determination. Filled with spells, magic and strong family connections, this story is one to capture your attention and fill you with joy.

Protagonist, Sybil, is an apprentice witch who lives in The Grand Mirror Hotel with her grandma, the official Hotel Witch. Her mother lives in the nearby Black Mountains, and Sybil is always waiting in anticipation of a visit from her.

As an apprentice witch, Sybil spends her days busily completing spell patterns within the hotel; to keep the patrons’ content. Sybil and her Grandma endeavour to make the stay of the hotel’s guests highly enjoyable by shining guests’ shoes, finding lost things and cleaning thoroughly. But Sybil is desperate to do more complicated spells like her Grandma.  She sees her skills as merely simple and she wants to prove herself and show that she is capable of so much more. Yet her Grandma continually reminds her of her need to concentrate, as Sybil’s mind can often wander, and she can lose focus for the task at hand.

Everything is going smoothly, and it is very busy and everyday blends into the next. But when Sybil notices a shadow is missing from the large grandfather clock she is perplexed.

Things become even more complicated when Grandma gets stuck in last Tuesday, after entering the thirteenth floor. So, Sybil is left to step up and take over the role as Hotel Witch. As more strange things occur throughout the hotel, will Sybil find the strength in her abilities of seemingly simple spells, or will she become too overwhelmed with the whole situation?

Jessica Miller has written a wonderful story that will keep the audience captivated and enchanted.  This novel will appeal to those lovers of fantasy and adventure. The Hotel Witch is filled with excitement and mystery, friendship, love and self-belief. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Friendship, Problem solving.

Michelle O'Connell