The main character, Sierra, in this story is a powerful witch, but her mother was the reckless one. Sometimes it's a little high on the cheese factor but there are others when the characters are so sweet I would tear up. Take time to give yourselves the joy from reading one of her stories. The characters pull you in and their companionship is something to long for. I think of words such as 'Heart Warming' and 'Deep Smiles' as descriptors of the reading experience with Debora Geary's stories. It would normally be a fast read but, I had to frequently stop, take off my glasses and clear the tears from my eyes before I could continue.

I find myself tearing up with the shared emotions that an extended loving family expresses. If you enjoy the warmth of family, the expression of love that is frequently shown by teasing between siblings and the sharing of intimacy that includes participating in a birthing, then Debora's stories are for you. A lonesome child was turned into a responsible member of the family of witches and loved as one of their own. Nell's children, nine year old triplet girls and Aervyn, the superboy four year old witchling adopted Sierra and made her part of the family. Love and example rather than imposed restrictions was determined to be the better path. He had been a risk taker his entire life and recognized a kindred spirit. It took Jamie's brother Devin to bring balance into the discussion. Their concerns suggested shutting down Sierra's magic until they could insure she was adequately trained and responsible enough to not be a risk to the rest of them and the planet. Some of the witches feared that Sierra was as reckless as her mom had been and was equally as irresponsible. This new witch had amazing powers but, lacked the training and judgement to use them without risking others. Her mother, Amelia, had a reputation as a reckless user of magic, much too impulsive and a risk taker which concerned the more conservative among them. Moira had known Sierra's mom and had participated in her training when she was younger. They decided to test her powers so they might know what type of training she might need to become a responsible member of the magic community. Once the loving witches found her, Nell was transported to Oregon to formally make Sierra a job offer and invitation to live with them in Witches Central, the area witches gathered and put together a real welcoming party. She had spent this period concealing her magic and only practicing it when she was sure to be alone. She had lived in foster care for the last six years, moving from family to family and never getting very close as the transitional nature of foster care and families didn't work to promote any long term loving relationships.

The witch's search found her in Oregon six years later as she was about to graduate from the social service support and foster care that expired when she turned eighteen in four days.

A modern witch by debora geary