Wicked (the series) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

I just began this series and I'm really not sure how I feel about it yet.  The book that I have is actually the first two books in the series (Witch and Curse) in one volume.  This is not to be confused with Gregory Maguire's Wicked, which is the book that the musical is based on.

I guess the trouble I am having with this book is that it keeps switching between time periods.  First, we are introduced to Holly Cathers, an only child who has taken a white water rafting trip with her parents and her best friend.  Holly keeps referencing arguments between her parents and something that had happened to her a year ago (she refers to it as a "nightmare").  This nightmare seems to be the catalyst that caused all of the subsequent events and arguments to happen.  As though these events aren't dark and foreboding enough, a huge storm forms overhead as Holly and her family are rafting.  It doesn't look good for them as even their rafting guide becomes nervous and encourages them to jump ship.  As Holly becomes submerged under water, the novel switches to a witches' gathering that seems to have taken place hundreds of years ago (based on the language used by the characters).  At this point, the story became increasingly strange and I skimmed ahead enough to know that Holly's parents do not survive the rafting accident.

While I am curious as to how Holly is involved in the events that happened hundreds of years ago (as the book seems to imply), I am unsure whether I want to continue reading.  However, knowing me, I will finish reading (at least the first book), because I have to give it a chance.  I think I might end up liking it, if I keep plugging along.  It almost seems as though the witches from hundreds of years ago want Holly for some reason.  I'm not sure if she's a descendant of these witches or if she's important for some other reason, but that's probably one of the main issues keeping me interested in continuing with this book.