As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch-like monster in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen & her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too. When their stepmother casts Gretchen & Ansel out as teens, they stumble upon a sleepy Southern town & are invited to stay with Sophia Kelly at her sweet shop. Sophia moulds candied magic: coveted treats that inspire confidence, bravery, & passion. Life seems idyllic & Gretchen & Ansel finally start to forget their haunted past
- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel, who gives Gretchen a reason to fear Sophia: girls have been vanishing at Sophia's annual chocolate festival, taken by the insatiable 'witch' of Gretchen's nightmares. Can Gretchen save herself, the girls of Live Oak, & Sophia?? Of one thing, Gretchen is certain: a monster is coming, & it will never go away hungry.