Switchcraft »

Mary Castillo attenteded the University of Southern California, where she majored in History. During that time she went on medical missions to Mexico (where she helped deliver a baby), and interned at L.A. County Hospital. But when it was time to choose a career, Mary went back to her original love of storytelling and began writing screenplays and novels. She has worked in public relations, advertising, and as a reporter for the L.A. Times Community News. She lives in Orange County, California, with her family.

Best friends since back in the day, Aggy and Nely are as different as two women could possibly be. Aggie's slim, stylish, and owns an upscale boutique and a long history of no-strings relationships. Nely has a busy baby, a metiche mother-in-law, and some extra post-pregnancy pounds she can't quite shed. And when they reconnect at a New Age spa, each friend finds herself wishing just a little that she had the other one's life.

Big mistake!

Thanks to the metaphysical meddling of a somewhat grumpy guru, Nely is now Aggie and Aggie is Nely--switching bodies, love lives, families, closets . . . everything! The grass may not be quite as green as it originally appeared. As luck has it, they'll be stuck this way until the next full moon! And with a husband, his very suspicious mama, a temperamental tot, a business on the brink of disaster, and a sort-of boyfriend--not to mention a sleazy stalker--thrown into the mix, Aggie and Nely suddenly find they're not just walking in each other's shoes . . . they're running!

Publishers Weekly

Best friends Nely Mendoza and Aggie Portero share a life-changing switcheroo in Castillo's spirited romantic comedy. Past 30, curvy wife and mom Nely and hot, no-carb spitfire shop owner Aggie are a little jealous of each other's life. But after the two switch bodies during a "transcendental meditation ceremony," they realize that the other's grass isn't necessarily greener. Aggie, who's been yearning for marriage and a baby, experiences some reality checks while taking care of Nely's toddler, and Simon, Nely's cop husband, all the while handling Simon's manipulative mother. Nely's challenges as Aggie include rescuing her friend's shop from financial meltdown, fending off a stalker and figuring out what's up with Aggie's playboy pal, chef Kevin Sanchez. Although the trading places idea isn't a fresh concept, Castillo's effervescent style and likable characters sweeten the deal. (Oct.)