Mona's Return

by María J. Estrada

“Family ties are the strongest magic.”

Nine-year-old Mona is a witch's apprentice living in the Seventh Realm. Every summer, she must go home, so her mentor can regenerate, and Mona can spend time with family.

She is reluctant to go home to the earthen plane—especially because she has to go to school for a few weeks. The kids are cruel to her since she is different.

Things take a turn for the worse, when a mean boy calls her sister, Christi, a slut, and Mona accidentally releases a demon into the earthen plane. . . . Will Mona defeat the creature despite her lack of experience? Will she have to bend the laws of magic, making her what her family fears: an evil witch?

A magical realism novelette.

53 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

MARIA J. ESTRADA is an English college professor of Composition, Literature, and her favorite, Creative Writing. She grew up in the desert outside of Yuma, Arizona in the real Barrio de Los Locos, a barrio comprised of new Mexican immigrants and first-generation Chicanos. Drawing from this setting and experiences, she writes like a loca every minute she can—all while magically balancing her work and family obligations. She lives in Chicago’s south side with her wonderfully supportive husband, two remarkable children, and a menagerie of animals. You can learn more about her other books and writing happenings at barrioblues.com and barriobluespress.com.

Reviews

[Carmen Baca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical realism at its best.
It’s not often that I come across a Hispanic author who writes stories which speak to me. The Latina authors I’ve read in the past bring new insight into their own cultures from diverse countries, but it’s rare to find one who is American and writes about growing up Hispanic in the United States.
Maria uses the dialect with which I’m familiar and often makes me laugh out loud at the memories the words evoke. She brings back the recollections of the close-knit Hispanic familia, whether we’re in conflict or in harmony. But she also ties in the human experience with real life trials with serious consequences.
Bringing these situations to light with a mix of the supernatural in the most magical way, Dr. María’s novelettes entertain and leave me wanting more. I personally want a third installment to Mona’s story—this is one little girl I would love to read about again.
Carmen Baca, author

[Jay M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maria casts a powerful spell. A tale packed full with intrigue. The situations the protagonist finds herself and the choices she has to make hold a learning for the reader. A great read, for readers evolving, and evolved.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book today and just couldn't put it down till I read it to the end. Great read, looking forward to read more books by Maria J. Estrada.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "Mona's Return". It is a continuation of the first book, "La Bruja in the Orchard". You will not understand it fully without reading the first book, but both are well worth your time. The story is intriguing and I love how she bases them on folktales and legends from her Hispanic/Chicano heritage. Mona has grown up since she originally came under the tutelage of her 'Ama in the sixth realm, having been taken to save her life. Now she has returned to the seventh realm, essentially our world, and just in time to save her older sister, Christi, and the special baby she carries. Great read and I recommend it!

[Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love La Muerte. I want more La Muerte.

[Mehreen Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes us on a riveting journey with Mona, as she explores the realms. It is ultimately the unraveling of Mona's character which is interesting; her responses to innumerable situations she encounters, both adventurous, and poignant at times. It is an unputdownable magic realism which glitters and draws readers to its path.