This review was first posted on http://www.rubysreads.com. 
 Okay, I unexpectedly loved this book. I almost didn't even want to read it, because Kendra didn't seem a very interesting character to me. I tend not to enjoy fairytale retellings told from the perspective of the "fairy godperson." I don't know why. It's an unexplained prejudice, but I'm not up for any reformation, guys. Luckily for me, I read between the lines. Most of Bewitching is told from the perspective of Emma, despite the tone of the description. Kendra's story is interwoven between Emma's in a mostly entertaining way. Fortunately for me, Kendra's forays into times past were skimmable. I enjoyed the tale of the French prince, but skipped most of the mermaid and the Titanic. I don't think my overall reading experience suffered from this--but feel free to set me straight if you disagree. 
 Emma's story is a refreshing, new take on the Cinderella story. You probably think you've seen it all, read every reinvention of Cinderella--and I don't blame you. It's definitely been overdone. Not that I'm complaining--I love a Cinderella story--but I really enjoyed what Flinn did with it. Emma is part evil stepsister, part Cinderella, and all a character to root for. There are definitely times where you might want her to act, but you end up admiring her in the end. She's smart enough not to make the mistakes that most Cinderella rehashes do--but that doesn't mean she's perfect. I just admire that her mistakes are the same-old, same-old. They're what make this retelling of the classic fairytale fresh and new. 
 I can't say that Bewitching was one of my favorites so far this year, but I definitely enjoyed it. In fact, I will definitely be looking forward to the rest of the books in this series, and I wishlisted Beastly and Cloaked directly upon reading the last work on the last page. This is the perfect pick-me-up, the thing to read when you're in a slump, or you just want something that will flow easily from beginning to end. There's a place for these kind of books on my shelf. I treasure them almost as much as the Desert Island Keepers. 
 4 1/2 Points: 
 I'd go on a second date with this book.