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The Ordinary Bruja

For fans of Mexican Gothic and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina, The Ordinary Bruja is a psychological horror and magical realism novel about grief, ancestral secrets, Dominican brujería, and one woman’s fight to reclaim the magic her family tried to bury.

When strange messages appear in mirrors, and the scent of cigar smoke follows her through her small Ohio hometown, Marisol Espinal must confront the ghosts of her past, the truth about her mother’s death, and the family curse waiting for her on Hallowthorn Hill.

Her family buried the magic. Now it wants out.

December 24, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales

“Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring” is a refreshing take on Christmas tales, filled with suspense, adventure, and valuable life lessons. Set during a frosty Massachusetts winter, it follows the journey of a brave nine-year-old, Isla, who faces her biggest fear – her stepmom. Along the way, Isla and her family learn to let go of long-held…
Read more: Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales
December 21, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

Echoes of Despair: A Glimpse into Gaza’s Crisis Through an Outsider’s Eyes

Thus Far: An Overview On October 7, 2023, an act of violence broke through our subconscious and enlightened most to see something that has been going on for 75 years. Hamas, a rebellious group from Palestine that has been categorized as a terrorist group by various countries, attacked and killed Israeli civilians attending a concert.…
Read more: Echoes of Despair: A Glimpse into Gaza’s Crisis Through an Outsider’s Eyes
July 14, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

Diving Into a Sapphic YA Horror Read: A Review of “A Guide to the Dark” by Meriam Metoui

Rating: 5/5 “A Guide to the Dark” by Meriam Metoui is a captivating YA horror novel that skillfully explores the themes of grief, guilt, and the intertwining of these emotions. Reminiscent of Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House,” this book takes readers on a chilling journey set in a small town in Indiana, where…
Read more: Diving Into a Sapphic YA Horror Read: A Review of “A Guide to the Dark” by Meriam Metoui
July 12, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

Home: A Superb Reimagining of the Immigration Story

Rating: 5/5 stars In “Home,” written by Julio Anta and illustrated by Anna Wieszczyk and Lisa Sterle, readers are taken on a poignant journey through the experiences of Juan, a young immigrant forced to cross the border due to the violence and threats he faced in his home country. The gripping illustrations vividly depict the…
Read more: Home: A Superb Reimagining of the Immigration Story
July 12, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

Monster Match Book Review: A Monster Book with a Heart

Rating: 5/5 In Caryn Rivadeneira’s delightful book, “Monster Match Book 1,” readers embark on an extraordinary adventure alongside the endearing protagonist, Frank ergh I mean Fred or no, I mean Frankinschool 😉 From the very first page, this captivating tale hooks readers and takes them on a journey filled with mystery, imagination, and unexpected friendships.…
Read more: Monster Match Book Review: A Monster Book with a Heart
May 28, 2023

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Johanny Ortega

A Millennial’s Guide to Overcoming Heartbreak and Finding Love

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash Whenever Selena Gomez is mentioned in gossip, people always bring up her ‘failed’ relationship with Justin. Content creators spread Selena Gomez’s song “Lose You to Love Me” with a montage of pictures. Photos of Selena, Justin, and Hailey show the love triangle timeline. And I, trapped in the gossipy web,…
Read more: A Millennial’s Guide to Overcoming Heartbreak and Finding Love
May 9, 2022

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Johanny Ortega

The Story I Told Myself to Lift my Spirits While Mothering

The Baby Story Photo by Austin Wade on Unsplash “Do you want me to tell you The Baby Story?” I asked the curly hair boy tucked in his second-hand toddler bed that I got from a couple who was changing duty stations. My baby, as if the day had not been arduous. As if I hadn’t lost…
Read more: The Story I Told Myself to Lift my Spirits While Mothering
March 20, 2022

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Johanny Ortega

Lessons Mamá Taught Me: Love Thy Sister

First Lesson Photo by Ben White on Unsplash My grandma raised me when my mom decided to immigrate to the United States and couldn’t get my sister and me papers. It sounds more horrible than what it really was. To be honest, I didn’t know any of this until I became older. When I was little,…
Read more: Lessons Mamá Taught Me: Love Thy Sister

Johanny Ortega | Have A Cup Of Johanny LLC

The Ordinary Bruja

For Bookstores & Libraries

Bring The Ordinary Bruja to Your Shelves

Mrs. Franchy’s Evil Ring: A Fresh Spin on Christmas Tales

Diving Into a Sapphic YA Horror Read: A Review of “A Guide to the Dark” by Meriam Metoui

Home: A Superb Reimagining of the Immigration Story

Monster Match Book Review: A Monster Book with a Heart

A Millennial’s Guide to Overcoming Heartbreak and Finding Love

The Story I Told Myself to Lift my Spirits While Mothering

Lessons Mamá Taught Me: Love Thy Sister

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Johanny Ortega | Have A Cup Of Johanny LLC

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