Sisters, Spells, and Sorrows

Clementine "Clemmie" Monroe's life is in shambles: her boyfriend has left her for another woman, taken their cat, and she's about to lose her job. Her sisters, Serena and Lil, arrive to comfort her, bringing their own brand of chaos and love. The sisters' dynamic is messy, hilarious, and deeply supportive, rooted in their unconventional upbringing as the daughters of a famous, absent rock star and three best-friend mothers. Their bond is a lifeline, and as they gather in Clemmie's empty flat, the pain of heartbreak is softened by the familiar rituals of sisterhood—pizza, wine, and the promise that, together, they can weather anything.

The Breakup Box Ritual

In a haze of nostalgia and champagne, the sisters revive their childhood tradition: the "Weird Sisters" coven and the breakup spell. They dig out the old breakup box, filled with spells and wishes from their teenage years, and perform a new ritual to help Clemmie heal. Each sister makes a wish for her: hot sex, a job she loves, and big, soulmate love. The spell is both a joke and a genuine act of hope, a way to reclaim agency in the face of loss. As smoke fills the kitchen and laughter turns to tears, the sisters' magic is less about the supernatural and more about the power of intention, memory, and unconditional support.

Family, Funerals, and First Encounters

The death of Uncle Carl, the family's surrogate father figure, brings the extended, blended family together at their childhood home. The funeral is a circus of celebrities, journalists, and unresolved family drama, with Clemmie dreading the presence of her famous, unreliable father, Ripp. Amid the chaos, Clemmie has a mortifying encounter with a handsome stranger—Edward—who helps carry the coffin. Their chemistry is immediate, but Clemmie is distracted by grief, nostalgia, and the return of old heartbreaks. The family's eccentric warmth is a shield, but Clemmie can't escape the sense that her life is stuck in a holding pattern.

The Return of Sam

At the wake, Clemmie is blindsided by the reappearance of Sam, her first love and the source of her deepest heartbreak. Sam is now a successful musician, still charming and infuriating, and his presence reopens old wounds Clemmie thought she'd buried. Their brief, awkward exchange leaves her shaken, reminding her of the pain and betrayal that shaped her adult relationships. The encounter is a catalyst, forcing Clemmie to confront the patterns she's been repeating—seeking safety, avoiding risk, and letting fear dictate her choices. The past is not as distant as she'd hoped, and its grip is tightening.

A Night of Magic

Fleeing Sam and her own emotions, Clemmie stumbles into her childhood bedroom—only to find Edward, the mysterious pallbearer, hiding out from the party. Their conversation is easy, intimate, and laced with humor and vulnerability. As they share stories and tequila, the connection between them deepens, culminating in a passionate, impulsive kiss. For the first time in years, Clemmie feels seen and desired for who she is, not who she's supposed to be. The night is a whirlwind of laughter, honesty, and sex—an unexpected, liberating break from her carefully controlled life.

One-Night Stand, New Beginnings

Clemmie wakes in Edward's hotel room, exhilarated and terrified by her first one-night stand. She sneaks out, leaving a note, determined to treat the encounter as a fleeting adventure. But the experience lingers, challenging her assumptions about herself and what she wants. Therapy with Ingrid helps her process the mix of guilt, excitement, and longing. Meanwhile, her sisters' lives move forward—Lil finds new love, Serena's career soars—and Clemmie is left to reckon with her own inertia. The spell's wishes seem to be working for everyone but her, and she wonders if magic is real after all.

The Aftermath and Therapy

As Clemmie's job ends and her flat empties, she spirals into self-doubt and isolation. Social media taunts her with images of her ex's happiness, while her own future feels uncertain. Therapy becomes a lifeline, offering perspective and a safe space to grieve. Clemmie's sisters push her to attend Serena's birthday party, where she's offered an unexpected job: house-sitting for a famous musician in Northumberland. The opportunity is both a lifeline and a risk, forcing Clemmie to confront her fears of change, failure, and being truly seen. The stage is set for transformation, but she's not sure she's ready.

The Job Offer

Serena's job offer is too good to refuse: six weeks in a remote house, acting as a "housekeeper" for a reclusive musician who needs to finish his album. The pay is generous, the setting idyllic, and the timing perfect. Clemmie is wary—her history with musicians is fraught, and she's still reeling from recent losses—but the alternative is moving back home in defeat. Encouraged by her sisters and therapist, she accepts, determined to treat it as a professional opportunity. The promise of escape, solitude, and a fresh start is irresistible, even as old anxieties simmer beneath the surface.

The Rockstar Reveal

At Serena's party, Clemmie is stunned to discover that Edward, her one-night stand, is actually Theo Eliott—the world-famous musician she's been hired to house-sit for. The revelation is a gut punch, shattering her sense of safety and trust. Both are mortified, but circumstances force them into a truce: they'll be housemates, nothing more, for the duration of the job. The tension is electric, a mix of attraction, resentment, and unresolved longing. Clemmie is determined to keep things professional, but the universe—and her sisters—seem to have other plans.

Northumberland Retreat

Clemmie and Theo settle into an uneasy coexistence in the remote Northumberland house. The landscape is hauntingly beautiful, filled with memories of childhood summers and old heartbreaks. Theo is distant, moody, and demanding, while Clemmie struggles to find her footing as both caretaker and creative. Their days are marked by awkward silences, small kindnesses, and the slow thawing of old defenses. As they navigate the rhythms of shared space, the house becomes a crucible for change—forcing both to confront their fears, desires, and the possibility of something more.

Awkward Housemates

The first weeks are fraught with misunderstandings and missed connections. Theo is prickly and withdrawn, hiding behind routines and dietary demands. Clemmie is anxious, eager to please but terrified of overstepping. Illness brings them together unexpectedly, as each cares for the other through fever and vulnerability. The enforced intimacy breaks down barriers, revealing the loneliness and longing beneath their facades. Small acts of care—tea, soup, a well-timed joke—become gestures of trust. The house, once a place of exile, begins to feel like a home, and the possibility of friendship—and more—emerges.

Illness and Intimacy

When both fall ill, the walls between them crumble. Fever dreams, late-night confessions, and shared laughter create a new intimacy. Clemmie's defenses drop, and Theo reveals his own struggles with fame, addiction, and creative block. They bond over childhood stories, music, and the absurdities of their situation. The experience is transformative, teaching them that real connection requires risk, honesty, and the willingness to be seen at one's worst. As they recover, the dynamic shifts: they are no longer just housemates, but allies—two people learning to trust again.

Walls Come Down

With their health restored, Clemmie and Theo settle into a new routine of creative work and gentle companionship. Clemmie begins writing a children's book inspired by her sisters and their magical childhood, while Theo slowly finds his way back to music. Their friendship deepens, marked by inside jokes, shared meals, and the quiet joy of being understood. The house becomes a sanctuary, a place where both can heal and grow. As Clemmie's birthday approaches, Theo orchestrates a surprise celebration, enlisting her family and reaffirming the power of chosen family and love.

Writing, Wishes, and Wounds

The arrival of Clemmie's family for her birthday brings joy and anxiety. The sisters confront her about her feelings for Theo, urging her to take a chance on love. Clemmie is torn between fear and desire, haunted by the trauma of her past with Sam and the risk of repeating old mistakes. Theo, too, is vulnerable, revealing his own history of heartbreak and the pressures of fame. Their mutual confessions lay the groundwork for something real, but the specter of public scrutiny and personal baggage looms large.

Birthday Surprises

Theo's birthday surprise for Clemmie is a masterclass in thoughtfulness: flowers, gifts, and a family beach party that brings together everyone she loves. The day is filled with laughter, music, and the bittersweet recognition that happiness is fleeting. As the sun sets, Theo serenades Clemmie with a song written just for her, and their connection deepens into something undeniable. The night ends with passion and promises, but the outside world is closing in. The line between private joy and public exposure grows thinner, and both sense that change is coming.

The Wedding and the World

Theo's sister's wedding is a glittering, high-stakes affair, and Clemmie is thrust into the spotlight as his date. The event is a test of their relationship, as paparazzi, fans, and family drama threaten to overwhelm them. Clemmie's insecurities flare, but Theo's unwavering support and love help her navigate the chaos. The wedding is both a celebration and a crucible, forcing them to confront the realities of life in the public eye. When scandal erupts—intimate photos leaked, old wounds reopened—Clemmie and Theo are forced to make impossible choices.

Scandal and Separation

The release of private photos and a media firestorm shatter the fragile peace Clemmie and Theo have built. Old traumas resurface, and the pressure becomes unbearable. Theo, desperate to protect Clemmie, orchestrates a public breakup and a fake reunion with his ex to divert attention. The separation is agonizing, but both believe it's necessary for the other's happiness. Clemmie retreats to her family, grappling with grief, anger, and the fear that she's doomed to repeat the past. The sisters rally around her, offering comfort and perspective, but the pain is raw and unrelenting.

Sisters, Closure, and Courage

In the aftermath, Clemmie confronts the ghosts of her past: Sam, Len, and her father, Ripp. Each encounter is a step toward closure, as she reclaims her narrative and refuses to be defined by old wounds. Therapy and honest conversations with her mother reveal new truths about love, sacrifice, and the importance of choosing happiness. Clemmie realizes that the love she's been seeking has always been present—in her sisters, her family, and herself. The courage to risk her heart again is born not of magic, but of hard-won self-knowledge and hope.

The Album of Us

Clemmie's sisters deliver a secret gift: Theo's unreleased album, a collection of songs written for and about her. The music is a revelation—tender, funny, and deeply personal, filled with references to their shared history and private jokes. Listening to the album is an act of catharsis, a reminder that love is worth the risk of exposure. Clemmie understands that Theo's greatest act of love was holding back the songs to protect her privacy, but she also sees that denying their story would be a loss. The music becomes a bridge, connecting past pain to future possibility.

Grand Gestures and Goodbyes

Determined to reclaim her story, Clemmie races to Theo's London concert, enlisting her father's help to get backstage. In a scene both chaotic and romantic, she interrupts the show, confesses her love, and urges Theo to share their story with the world. Their reunion is passionate, messy, and utterly authentic—a testament to the power of vulnerability and the willingness to be seen. Together, they choose each other, not in spite of the risks, but because love is worth it. The past is not erased, but transformed, and the future is theirs to write.

Happily Ever After

Months later, Clemmie and Theo are building a life together—balancing creative work, family, and the ongoing challenges of fame and self-doubt. Clemmie's children's book is being published, Theo's album is a hit, and the sisters' bond is stronger than ever. The magic of the Weird Sisters endures, not as supernatural power, but as the everyday miracle of love, resilience, and chosen family. The story ends not with a spell, but with a promise: to keep choosing joy, to keep risking vulnerability, and to keep believing in the possibility of happily ever after.

Characters

Clementine "Clemmie" Monroe

Clemmie is the heart of the story—a thirty-something academic whose life is upended by heartbreak, job loss, and the return of old traumas. Raised in a chaotic, loving, and unconventional family, she's both fiercely independent and deeply afraid of vulnerability. Her relationships—with her sisters, her parents, and her lovers—are shaped by a longing for safety and a fear of repeating the past. Clemmie's journey is one of self-discovery: learning to trust, to risk, and to believe she deserves happiness. Her humor and intelligence mask deep wounds, but her capacity for love and growth is boundless.

Theo Eliott (Edward)

Theo is a world-renowned musician, haunted by the pressures of fame, creative block, and a history of failed relationships. Beneath his charm and confidence lies a profound loneliness and a longing to be seen for who he truly is. His connection with Clemmie is immediate and transformative, challenging him to be vulnerable and honest. Theo's journey is about shedding the armor of celebrity, confronting his own fears, and choosing love over self-protection. His music is both a gift and a curse, a means of expression and a source of pain. With Clemmie, he finds the courage to be real.

Serena Ojo-Harris

The eldest sister, Serena is a powerhouse—successful, sharp-tongued, and unafraid to speak her mind. As a record executive, she's used to control and efficiency, but her love for her sisters is her soft spot. Serena's relationship with Clemmie is both supportive and challenging, pushing her to take risks and confront uncomfortable truths. Her own journey toward vulnerability—falling in love with Bee, embracing her own happiness—mirrors Clemmie's, and her tough love is a crucial catalyst for change.

Lil (Lilian) Harris

The youngest sister, Lil is a musician and a gentle soul, often underestimated but deeply perceptive. Her optimism and belief in magic are both a comfort and a challenge to her more cynical sisters. Lil's journey is about embracing love—both romantic and familial—and trusting her own voice. Her relationship with Henry is sweet and affirming, and her creative partnership with Theo is a testament to the power of collaboration and trust. Lil's faith in wishes, spells, and the possibility of happiness is the story's emotional anchor.

Ripp Harris

The sisters' father, Ripp is a legendary rock star whose fame and narcissism have left deep scars on his daughters. He is both a source of pain and a symbol of the dangers of unchecked ego and emotional neglect. Ripp's journey is one of belated self-awareness, as he confronts the consequences of his choices and attempts, however clumsily, to make amends. His presence is a reminder that family can be both a wound and a source of healing.

Sam Turner

Clemmie's first love and greatest heartbreak, Sam is a cautionary tale—a man who uses charm and ambition to mask insecurity and selfishness. His betrayal is the catalyst for much of Clemmie's adult pain, and his reappearance forces her to confront the ways she's let fear and hurt dictate her choices. Sam's inability to take responsibility for his actions is contrasted with Theo's willingness to be vulnerable and accountable.

Dee Monroe

Clemmie's mother, Dee is the emotional center of the family—a former musician who chose a quieter, more meaningful life after the chaos of fame. Her love is unconditional, her advice grounded in experience and empathy. Dee's journey is about letting go of guilt, embracing change, and supporting her daughters as they forge their own paths. Her relationship with Clemmie is a model of healthy, honest love.

Henry

Lil's partner, Henry is a grounding presence—kind, patient, and unafraid of emotion. His relationship with Lil is a model of healthy, mutual support, and his integration into the family is seamless. Henry's quiet strength and humor are a balm in the midst of chaos, and his proposal to Lil is a testament to the power of simple, enduring love.

Lisa Eliott

Theo's sister, Lisa is a touchstone for both him and Clemmie—a reminder that family can be both complicated and redemptive. Her own struggles with fame-by-association mirror Clemmie's, and her support is crucial in helping both protagonists navigate the challenges of public life. Lisa's wedding is a turning point, a celebration of love and the importance of chosen family.

David

Theo's assistant, David is both comic relief and a symbol of the costs of fame. His obsession with routines, lists, and boundaries is a coping mechanism for the chaos of celebrity life. David's relationship with Theo is both professional and personal, and his behind-the-scenes support is essential to the story's resolution. His dry humor and exasperation are a counterpoint to the emotional intensity of the main characters.

Plot Devices

The Breakup Spell

The sisters' ritual of casting spells is both a literal and symbolic device, representing the power of intention, memory, and collective support. The wishes made during the breakup spell—hot sex, a job Clemmie loves, and big, soulmate love—become a narrative thread, shaping the story's structure and providing a lens through which to view the characters' growth. The spell is a reminder that change requires both action and belief, and that the real magic lies in the willingness to risk, to hope, and to love.

Dual Timelines and Flashbacks

The story weaves together present-day events with memories of childhood, past relationships, and formative heartbreaks. Flashbacks to Clemmie's relationship with Sam, her upbringing in the "coven," and her early experiences with fame and betrayal provide context for her fears and desires. This structure allows for deep psychological exploration, showing how the past shapes the present and how healing requires both confrontation and forgiveness.

Music as Metaphor and Catalyst

Music is both a literal and symbolic force in the novel—shaping relationships, triggering memories, and providing a means of expression. Theo's struggle to write his album mirrors Clemmie's journey to find her voice, and their creative partnership becomes a metaphor for intimacy and trust. The unreleased album, filled with songs about Clemmie, is a love letter and a test of courage: to share one's truth with the world, even at the risk of exposure.

Public vs. Private Self

The tension between public image and private reality is a central plot device, explored through the lens of celebrity, social media, and family legacy. Clemmie and Theo must navigate the dangers of exposure, the pain of betrayal, and the challenge of maintaining authenticity in a world that demands performance. The leaked photos, media firestorm, and fake breakup are all manifestations of this conflict, forcing the characters to choose between safety and honesty.

The Power of Chosen Family

The novel's structure is anchored by the bond between Clemmie, Serena, and Lil—a relationship that is both a source of comfort and a crucible for growth. The sisters' rituals, arguments, and interventions provide both comic relief and emotional depth, illustrating the ways in which chosen family can heal old wounds and inspire new beginnings. Their unwavering support is the true magic at the heart of the story.

Analysis

Under Your Spell is a contemporary romance that uses the language of magic, music, and sisterhood to explore the complexities of love, trauma, and self-discovery. At its core, the novel is about the courage to risk vulnerability in a world that rewards caution and punishes authenticity. Clemmie's journey—from heartbreak and self-doubt to creative fulfillment and romantic joy—is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The story interrogates the legacy of family, the costs of fame, and the power of narrative to shape identity. By weaving together humor, heartbreak, and hope, Laura Wood crafts a narrative that is both escapist and emotionally honest. The novel's central lesson is that real magic lies not in spells or wishes, but in the willingness to be seen, to choose joy, and to keep loving—even when it hurts. In a world obsessed with image and control, Under Your Spell is a love letter to imperfection, resilience, and the transformative power of connection.

Last updated: September 6, 2025