Review: Switchcraft

Summary: Best friends since back in the day, Aggy and Nely are as different as two women could possibly be. Aggie's slim, stylish, and owns an upscale boutique and a long history of no-strings relationships. Nely has a busy baby, a metiche mother-in-law, and some extra post-pregnancy pounds she can't quite shed. And when they reconnect at a New Age spa, each friend finds herself wishing just a little that she had the other one's life.

Big mistake!

Thanks to the metaphysical meddling of a somewhat grumpy guru, Nely is now Aggie and Aggie is Nely—switching bodies, love lives, families, closets . . . everything! The grass may not be quite as green as it originally appeared. As luck has it, they'll be stuck this way until the next full moon! And with a husband, his very suspicious mama, a temperamental tot, a business on the brink of disaster, and a sort-of boyfriend—not to mention a sleazy stalker—thrown into the mix, Aggie and Nely suddenly find they're not just walking in each other's shoes . . . they're running! -- Avon

When Mary Castillo contacted me about reading her latest novel SWITCHCRAFT, I jumped at the opportunity. Every once in awhile I really enjoy reading a light, "chicklit" book. SWITCHCRAFT certainly fit the bill -- it was a very fun read. And after the last few books that I've read, I needed something where I could totally escape!

I thought the premise for this book sounded cute -- two friends who envy what the other one has suddenly switch bodies for one month. I loved the original Freaky Friday as a kid (both the movie and the books) so why wouldn't I enjoy this concept for 30 somethings? I liked that the story made them live in each other's bodies for a month rather than just a day or two. It definitely made the story a little more interesting since they really had to "become" the other person and convince their family and friends. To make it even more complicated, one friend was living the single life while one was a stay-at-home mom of a toddler -- I can speak from experience that those are two very different worlds.

The plot in SWITCHCRAFT was actually a very cute concept; and I especially enjoyed how both women ultimately learned how to appreciate their own lives. I also thought it was sweet how they realized how special their friendship was too. I liked that the author addressed the friendship issue between single girls and married moms. I think we all recognize how difficult it can be to find things in common with our long-time girlfriends when our lives go in opposite directions. I felt like the book was a little more complex because she didn't have the women in perfect relationships.

Another thing that I enjoyed about this book was the humor (and honesty) that the author used in telling this story! I loved the tongue-in-cheek way that she handled the "Mommy and Me" groups as well as meddling mother-in-laws. Ms. Castillo is the mother of a young child, and it definitely showed that she "gets" the whole yuppy mom world. I also appreciated that she showed that being a stay-at-home mom does not mean that a woman has given up her identity (or her brain.)

I was very impressed with Mary Castillo's writing style. She has written a few other novels that I certainly wouldn't hesitate to read! If you would like to learn more about Ms. Castillo and her books, you should check out her website. She also has a blog called Chica Lit which is fun to read too!

One more thing: I forgot to mention how adorable I think the cover is. It fits the book perfectly!