The Crescent Moon is thriving after a much-needed expansion, with the ladies who step through its doors continuing to seek comfort in the glimpses of their futures found in the swirls at the bottom of their teacups. Anne is leading the city’s witches as Chicago’s Diviner, Beatrix is swept away on a book tour across the country, and Violet has found her place with her feet swinging through the air above the circus crowds. That is, until the Quigley sisters find themselves stumbling on their chosen paths, and they are drawn back home in search of refuge in each other’s company. But when the threads of fate begin to unravel, Anne must lean on her sisters and team up with a mysterious --- and oddly infuriating --- necromancer to save the city from an uncertain destiny and help old friends find a happy end.

Ever since the untimely death of their parents, Anne, Beatrix and Violet Quigley have made a business of threading together the stories that rest in the swirls of ginger, cloves and cardamon that lie at the bottom of their customers’ cups. Their days at the teashop are filled with talk of butterflies and good fortune. That is, until the Council of Witches comes calling with news that the city Diviner has lost her powers, and the sisters suddenly find themselves being pulled in different directions. As Anne’s magic begins to develop beyond that of her sisters’, Beatrix’s writing attracts the attention of a publisher, and Violet is enchanted by the song of the circus --- and perhaps a mischievous trapeze artist threatening to sweep her off her feet --- it seems a family curse that threatens to separate the sisters is taking effect.