There’s a version of motherhood we’re all sold. It’s calm. Organized. Meaningful. There are smiling babies, clean kitchens, and a mom who somehow has time to shower, exercise, and make thoughtful meals. And then there’s the real version. The one with crying babies, zero sleep, reheated coffee, and that quiet moment where you wonder if there’s a secret manual everyone else got… and you didn’t. If that sounds even remotely familiar, Family Magic by Michele Emmy might be the most relatable—and entertaining—Mother’s Day gift you could give.
Meet Family Magic
Tina is already overwhelmed. Life is chaotic, her baby won’t stop crying, and postpartum blues are hitting harder than expected. So when her best friend introduces her to a parenting class that promises something different—something easier—she’s willing to try it. This isn’t your average parenting class. This one teaches spells. At first, it seems harmless. Helpful, even. A little magic to smooth out the rough edges of motherhood? Honestly, who wouldn’t want that? But something isn’t right. There’s a strange pull toward a creepy building across the alley. Something darker is going on beneath the surface, and Tina can’t ignore it. What starts as a desperate attempt to survive motherhood turns into something far more unsettling.
Why This Book Hits So Hard (in the Best Way)
What makes Family Magic work isn’t just the fantasy—it’s how real everything feels underneath it. Michele Emmy taps into the raw, unfiltered side of motherhood. The exhaustion. The overwhelm. The moments where you’d honestly consider a spell or two if it meant getting through the day. And then she layers in humor, absurdity, and just enough darkness to keep things interesting. It’s funny without being fluffy, relatable without being heavy, and just unsettling enough to keep you turning pages.
About the Author
Michele Emmy is a Clarion graduate and Colorado Gold fantasy award winner who clearly enjoys putting her characters through a little chaos. She writes fantasy and science fiction with humor, strange twists, and just enough bite to keep things from getting too comfortable. When she’s not building imaginary worlds or wrangling diabolical creatures, she’s managing five Instant Pots and thinking—very seriously—about exercising. Her background in parenting and education adds a layer of authenticity to Family Magic that makes the story hit even harder.
The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift (For the Mom Who Needs a Break)
Not every mom wants another candle. Some want to laugh. Some want to escape. Some want to feel seen without having to explain anything. Family Magic delivers all three. It’s the kind of book a mom can pick up at the end of a long day and think, “Okay… at least I’m not dealing with cursed parenting classes.” And honestly, that alone might be worth it.
Grab a Copy for Mom
Right now, paper copies are 10% off through Mother’s Day, making this the perfect time to give a gift that’s a little different—and a lot more memorable. Because sometimes the best Mother’s Day gift isn’t something pretty. It’s something that makes her laugh, nod, and maybe wonder… what if a spell would actually help?