“MAGIC IN THE MIX,” by Annie Barrows, Bloomsbury, $16.99, 270 pages (f) (ages 8-12)
“Magic in the Mix,” the sequel to “The Magic Half,” continues the adventures of the Gill family, which consists of two sets of twins — Robbie and Ray and Nell and Nora, who are identical twins — and Molly and Miri, who consider themselves to be twin sisters.
In the first book, “The Magic Half,” Miri time traveled to 1935 and saved Molly from a disastrous situation. Miri brought Molly home, and now they live as twins. They look, act and even think alike.
The Gills live in a magical old house under renovation. When the back porch is removed, the world of 1918 is waiting to be rediscovered by Miri and Molly, whose insight and magic open questions about former residents of their home with possible legacies.
As part of a school homework project, Ray and Robbie are invited to participate in a re-enactment of the 1864 Civil War battle of Cedar Creek. Later, after traveling through a portal, they find themselves in that actual time and area and are accused of being spies and then jailed by Union soldiers. Miri and Molly are also thrust back to Civil War times as they work to save their brothers.
Molly also comes to terms with her own past, which strengthens the "sisters" for the future.
Throughout both books, Miri and Molly are reminded that there is “never only one way a story can turn out.” There are many twists and turns to the Gill family adventures, and at many points, their stories could turn out in a variety of ways.
The language in both books is sprinkled with slang and local colloquialisms and includes occasional swearing. There are no inappropriate descriptions or violence.
In the author notes, Annie Barrow tells of the sources used to establish the settings for the books, delineating documented Civil War battles, army officers and historical outcomes.
Fans of Miri and Molly will hope for further adventures of the Gill family since the delightful twins and the cat, Cookie, leave room for more possible magic antics.
Barrow is the author of the Ivy and Bean series for children as well as adult titles including “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.”
If you go ...
What: Annie Barrows book signing
When: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, anniebarrows.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Email: marilousorensen@ymail.com