Love Fortunes and Other Disasters

Gr 7 Up—Fallon Dupree dreams about falling in love. Starting high school in the town of Grimbaud is the first step to finding a perfect match because in Grimbaud, love charms from Zita's Lovely Love Charms are a guarantee to happiness. Devastation awaits the protagonist when she unfurls her fortune to discover that her love will never be requited. This is far from the flawless start to high school Fallon envisioned. However, rebellion is brewing and she is invited to participate in a secret charms club with select students harmed by their love charms, including heartbreaker Sebastian. The goal—dethrone Zita's love charms and prove that everyone deserves to find love. Fallon's heart is on her sleeve and she is sure that romantic happiness is around the corner. Initially heartbroken by her fortune, soon she is ready to take up arms against Zita and put the power of love back in her own hands. Fallon's growing independence is a welcome dose of realism in this magic-infused story. As her relationship expectations grow beyond the idea of true love, the heroine starts to appreciate her friends more and better understand Sebastian. The writing style matches the tone of the story, adding ambiance to Grimbaud and Fallon's quest.