So I’ve been on a YA kick lately because I realized there are some really amazing stories that I am missing just because I felt like they were too young for me to read. This was a book that caught my eye for of both the cover and the blurb. I was a staunch reader of the Babysitters Club in the ‘90s and it was my first book club; so I might have a soft spot for stories that pay tribute to my first book loves.

This story was such a delight to read I would liken it to Adventures in Babysitting crossed with the Babysitters Club with a dash of Practical Magic (the YA version). This book while YA did has great narration, dealt with some genuine topics and was filled with amusing antics and engaging encounters. It was easy to follow and was engaging enough to get my niece to stay involved and she is not a dedicated reader.

The story starts out by introducing the reader to Esme, a baby sitter and a high schooler trying to find her place in her ever changing life. She has a few “accidents” and soon discovers both life and the new girl in school is different then she could have ever imagined. I loved the way this story developed from an everyday coming of age story into a fun story of witches and the ultimate battle of good vs evil. The way the author blended the Babysitters club and the coven was wonderful, they seem to fit so well together that I never once questioned the odd pairing.

I really think that this is a story that needs to become a classic for young readers the world over. It is funny and sweet, kind and all inclusive. It left me with a delightful sense of gratification; not only for great stories, but for past book loves and a renewed sense of wonder. I had the delight of an ARC via NetGallery and I am leaving my honest review. #NetGallery #TheBabysittersCoven

Oops, wrong review initially posted here but I loved this fun book!! Such a unique concept and executed with wit and heart. I have so many friends who will enjoy reading this one and I look forward to recommending it!

This was a cute book! The writing style felt grounded in the authentic Teenage Experience; I related to how hard but also adorable babysitting was 100% from my own teenage babysitting days. The main character was down-to-earth, tired, and tried so hard.

I do think the plot was somewhat slow and boring. Half the time I was reading, I wanted the main character to stop observing things (breaking the immersion). But the emphasis on female friendship! and the Halloween setting made up for that.

Review to come on my blog closer to publication date!

Sometimes comp titles get me so excited about reading a book that actually reading it is a let down. This was not the case with The Babysitters Coven, as Williams expertly weaves together a tale that entertains all! I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did!

This was a very entertaining book! I liked most of the charters, and thought the premise was cute and reminded me a lot of movies and shows I watched growing up. Really fun read!

My daughter, who is 12, and I read this together, essentially. I didn't know how much I'd like it, because, obviously, it is written for teens, but I actually ended up really enjoying it. (My daughter did as well- she asked me to pre-order it on Amazon or through my store, which I have). It reminded me a lit of the shows, books, and movies I grew up on- The Craft, The Baby Sitter's Club, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.... I would definitely recommend this to middle schoolers, possibly 9th graders. I know I would have LoVED to get my hands on this at those ages. If a book written for teens or young adults can hold the attention of a 35 year old mother if three, it speaks volumes about how entertaining that book is.

The aesthetic of this book will be very popular among our younger teen readers--I really think it gets at something that young readers are looking for these days. I'm excited to see the published version.

This was .... interesting. And a little hard to rate. For the first half of the book I was bored out of my mind and totally not invested in the characters. I didn't like them very much, they were boring, there wasn't much going on, etc. But then things picked up a bit towards the second half and it got a little better. I still did NOT like the characters at all though. Cass was a terrible person, a huge jerk throughout the entire story. Selfish, rude, entitled, the whole gamut. Esme is better, but still oblivious and kind of awful. Not nearly as bad as Cass, but still awful. She is just as selfish and self-centered, but in a less obvious way.
The story was a predictable trope and the solutions were stretched to fit, without making much sense. For example, four people doesn't really mean four people and can mean some people and some animals. And you need a situation where the adult is gone so he gets mysteriously arrested. But then POOF everyone forgets everything because MAGIC. I'm sure that middle schoolers will enjoy it but it was a huge meh for me.