This fast-paced, whimsical fantasy set in a kitchen-witchery world is perfect for younger YA readers.

SECRETS, SPELLS, AND CHOCOLATE
by Marisa Churchill
Page Street/St. Martin’s, November 2025

All 14-year-old Sylvie Jones wants is to attend her dream cooking school, Brindille School of Culinary Arts and Magic. After years of gossip and threats against her family, Sylvie is ready to prove that she’s got the skills to be a great chef and put an end to the rumors that her famous chef mother cheated her way to victory at the world’s greatest magical cooking competition, The Golden Whisk. But the new head of the Council of Culinary Sages, Jack Bass, has mandated that Sylvie must finish first in her class during a preparatory program or she’ll be banned from attending Brindille. To make matters worse, her mom must compete in the highly-anticipated Golden Whisk All Stars, putting herself back in the spotlight or risk losing her right to cook with magic. But some will go to great lengths to ensure her mother can’t compete.

With the unlikely help of frenemy Georgia Shaw, and rising-star-student Fleur, Sylvie must find a way to The Golden Whisk to help her mother before it’s too late. But betrayal has a taste all its own, and Sylvie will soon discover that not everyone is who they seem. Will Sylvie be able to save her family and her future or will it all end in burned butter and broken dreams?

Marisa Churchill spent a decade of her career working in some of San Francisco’s most notable restaurants, was a competitor on Top Chef season two, and competed multiple times on Food Network Challenge. She is the author of two cookbooks Sweet & Skinny and My Sweet & Skinny Life. Her recipes have appeared in almost every culinary publication, from Food & Wine to Epicurious. Her recipes have also been featured in Oprah.com, Women’s Health, and on numerous TV shows: The Talk, Access Hollywood, Hallmark’s Home & Family, and more.