In the aftermath of her mother's passing, Marisol Espinal returns to her childhood home in the quiet community of Willowshade, Ohio. Low on funds and desperate to move on, she takes a regular job working beside her close friend Kia. While investigating the circumstances surrounding her mother's death, she stumbles upon a dark family secret. One that ties all the women in the Espinal family to Hallowthorn Hill and a curse so deadly that it has consumed all who have tried to put an end to it. Will Marisol's determination to unearth this family mystery and do what others before her could not lead to her downfall? Only time will tell in Johanny Ortega's The Ordinary Bruja: Marisol's Story.

Johanny Ortega unfolds Marisol's origin story in stages, gradually introducing readers to the reasons she was reluctant to return to Willowshade and exploring the relationship she had with her mother. This amplifies the suspense while simultaneously immersing readers in Marisol's entertaining family history. The author blends Spanish and English in the dialogue, which adds a realistic cultural element that will resonate with readers from minority demographics. Marisol's debate with Kia on the source of her gifts will appeal to deep thinkers. What stands out in Ortega's beautiful narrative style is how she brings together seemingly inconsequential elements, such as a change in temperature and the scent of a cigar, amplifying the terror in a way that horror and thriller enthusiasts will enjoy. An impressive amount of work went into The Ordinary Bruja.

The Ordinary Bruja: Marisol’s Story by Johanny Ortega is the story of a young girl, Marisol Espinal, who hails from a line of women who possess magical powers. Still mourning her mother, when Marisol learns that she has been chosen to guard the magic from their evil ancestor, Salvador, Marisol is beyond terrified. She has always seen herself as average and has difficulty accepting her new role. But she’s not alone. With her mother’s close friend Elvira’s help, she will face the evil spirit and reclaim the Espinal women’s power, but to do so, she must accept herself and the heritage she was born into first. If not, it will mean the end of a powerful line of women and the start of Salvador's evil reign.

Profoundly moving, The Ordinary Bruja: Marisol’s Story is a beautiful tale of taking pride in one’s roots and upholding one’s family name. Marisol’s journey of self-love and acceptance is sweet and endearing, as plenty of young girls will be able to relate to Marisol, especially those who’ve been bullied and made to believe that they were never good enough. The support Marisol received from the women closest to her was inspiring and testifies to the fact that nobody can shoulder everything alone; family and friendship are incredibly important in times of need. Johanny Ortega highlights the importance of preserving your heritage for future generations and of carrying your family name with pride. The Ordinary Bruja is a powerful story of love, hope, and remembering who you are.