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itshannahshardcovers's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
*ARC Review, Honest Feedback*
I had the amazing opportunity to read an advanced copy of @taradwyatt 's newest book, Just Like Magic. This book was exactly that, magical.
When I first started reading I feared there would be too much reliance on magic, spells, and all of the other things you get from a fantasy novel. But Tara wrote this so tastefully, that even with it having a magical aspect, it felt more like fate.
This entire book, I felt almost as though I was watching a movie. I could see everything happening as it happened, and it was beautiful. Tara wrote a beautiful little town, with such fun characters, and very real struggles people may go through.
This books followed an author on her journey for not only self discovery after divorce, but on her journey of continuing to find joy in what she'd always loved. The MMC we follow was trying to balance being a good son/doing what was almost expected, and trying to find his spark again. This book was genuinely perfect. And I cannot recommend it enough!
This is one of my top reads for the year, and I cannot wait for book 2 in this installment!
5/5
I had the amazing opportunity to read an advanced copy of @taradwyatt 's newest book, Just Like Magic. This book was exactly that, magical.
When I first started reading I feared there would be too much reliance on magic, spells, and all of the other things you get from a fantasy novel. But Tara wrote this so tastefully, that even with it having a magical aspect, it felt more like fate.
This entire book, I felt almost as though I was watching a movie. I could see everything happening as it happened, and it was beautiful. Tara wrote a beautiful little town, with such fun characters, and very real struggles people may go through.
This books followed an author on her journey for not only self discovery after divorce, but on her journey of continuing to find joy in what she'd always loved. The MMC we follow was trying to balance being a good son/doing what was almost expected, and trying to find his spark again. This book was genuinely perfect. And I cannot recommend it enough!
This is one of my top reads for the year, and I cannot wait for book 2 in this installment!
5/5
thekindredreader's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
[4.25 Starsš] Just Like Magic is my first book by Tara Wyatt, and it definitely will not be my last! I was lucky to have gotten the ARC of the first book in her Gossamer Falls series, and I immediately fell in love with her immersive writing and characters! At one point, it felt like I was curled up in the sunroom at the Shephard Inn with a mug of apple cider while Grams ādeliversā the exact book I need to read (IYKYK š).
I highly recommend this book if you love:
ša Gilmore Girls setting
āØwarm, rich storytelling
š§”āgoodā magic
šÆļøinstant chemistry between MCs
šself-discovery and growth
āØsmall town, forced proximity, found family
š§”no 3rd act breakup
šÆļøHallmark after dark
I couldnāt stop smiling when I read this book and it left me feeling like I just had a warm hug š„° Trust me when I tell you that you will get all the cozy fall vibes with a hint of magic and the right amount of spice from picking up Just Like Magic.
And ya better believe Iām already on the lookout for the announcement for the next book!
***A HUGE thank you to Tara Wyatt for the ARC of Just Like Magic. All thoughts in this review are my own.***
____________________________________
Details:
šContemporary romance
šDual, third-person POV
š«Magical realism
š¹No 3rd Act breakup
šWould re-read
Tropes:
šForced proximity
ā¤ļøāš„Instalove
š”Small town
Spice:
š„Explicit sex (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
š¤©Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
šGreat (4.25-4.75)
šGood, but not great (3.50-4.25)
šJust OK (2.75-3.50)
šIt's A No (1.00-2.75)
š«DNF
I highly recommend this book if you love:
ša Gilmore Girls setting
āØwarm, rich storytelling
š§”āgoodā magic
šÆļøinstant chemistry between MCs
šself-discovery and growth
āØsmall town, forced proximity, found family
š§”no 3rd act breakup
šÆļøHallmark after dark
I couldnāt stop smiling when I read this book and it left me feeling like I just had a warm hug š„° Trust me when I tell you that you will get all the cozy fall vibes with a hint of magic and the right amount of spice from picking up Just Like Magic.
And ya better believe Iām already on the lookout for the announcement for the next book!
***A HUGE thank you to Tara Wyatt for the ARC of Just Like Magic. All thoughts in this review are my own.***
____________________________________
Details:
šContemporary romance
šDual, third-person POV
š«Magical realism
š¹No 3rd Act breakup
šWould re-read
Tropes:
šForced proximity
ā¤ļøāš„Instalove
š”Small town
Spice:
š„Explicit sex (hot)
____________________________________
Emoji Ranking System:
š¤©Fantastic (4.75-5.00)
šGreat (4.25-4.75)
šGood, but not great (3.50-4.25)
šJust OK (2.75-3.50)
šIt's A No (1.00-2.75)
š«DNF
kryle's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rahanahava's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4-4.50 stars
Oh, my days! I want to move to Gossamer Falls and live out my days there! This town and the people who live there already feel like old friends after just one book. I gobbled this up in 1 1/2 days and I can't wait for the 2nd book and Jack's story.
Back to Hazel and Adam. Ugh. His dirty mouth and her openness are just so good. The way they both not only support each other, but also seem to fill in what the other is lacking creates this even stronger foundation. I'm not normally a fan of insta-love, but with them, it's not insta...it's the fate of the falls and magic!
I'm also not that big into series', but you best believe I'm going to keep up with this one because I'm already in love with all the Shephards and I want to see all of their stories!
Thank you so much Tara for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Oh, my days! I want to move to Gossamer Falls and live out my days there! This town and the people who live there already feel like old friends after just one book. I gobbled this up in 1 1/2 days and I can't wait for the 2nd book and Jack's story.
Back to Hazel and Adam. Ugh. His dirty mouth and her openness are just so good. The way they both not only support each other, but also seem to fill in what the other is lacking creates this even stronger foundation. I'm not normally a fan of insta-love, but with them, it's not insta...it's the fate of the falls and magic!
I'm also not that big into series', but you best believe I'm going to keep up with this one because I'm already in love with all the Shephards and I want to see all of their stories!
Thank you so much Tara for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
timap's review
3.5
Hazel, the female author lead, has been struggling to write since she separated from her ex-husband/editor and she has an advance that sheās been advised sheāll need to repay if she canāt produce. Desperate to get past her writerās block, she books a holiday based on a random ad she saw in a magazine.
Adam, the male ex-author/hotel owner/manager lead, hasnāt been the same since his father and idol died. Heās going through the motions but feels like life is passing him by. When he meets Hazel, thereās instant attraction, but Adam doesnāt engage like that with guestsā¦
But maybe thereās more to their connection than coincidenceā¦
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and the beginning of a new contemporary romance series for this author. I admit that the whole magic business is not my speed and, because it underlaid so much of the story, has influenced my rating. I enjoyed the small town setting. I enjoyed Adamās family and other secondary characters. I enjoyed the character development of both Adam and Hazel. I enjoyed the way they worked together and the joy in the relationship they built, including their intimate scenes. I just struggled with the background. But, if magic is your thing, this is a great story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Adam, the male ex-author/hotel owner/manager lead, hasnāt been the same since his father and idol died. Heās going through the motions but feels like life is passing him by. When he meets Hazel, thereās instant attraction, but Adam doesnāt engage like that with guestsā¦
But maybe thereās more to their connection than coincidenceā¦
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and the beginning of a new contemporary romance series for this author. I admit that the whole magic business is not my speed and, because it underlaid so much of the story, has influenced my rating. I enjoyed the small town setting. I enjoyed Adamās family and other secondary characters. I enjoyed the character development of both Adam and Hazel. I enjoyed the way they worked together and the joy in the relationship they built, including their intimate scenes. I just struggled with the background. But, if magic is your thing, this is a great story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
memull17's review
4.25
Just Like Magic is a hallmark movie with spice. Itās set in a picturesque small town, has a welcoming family, a local legend/myth that draws people in and it involves two writers.
Hazel needs to get out of the city and the looming deadline for her upcoming book is causing her more stress but when she steps off the train in Gossamer Falls something in the air tells her this is the place to be. Hazel isnāt sure she believes in magic or fate but after visiting the falls and hearing about the legend sheās open to anything coming her way; she just didnāt expect Adam. Adam is the oldest Shephard and manages the family in and does not believe in any of legend until he sees Hazel.
The draw and connection between them is beyond anything they could ever explain and the chemistry is even deeper. Together they embark on several new journeys together and even though itās only been a few weeks it feels like theyāve known each other forever. Canāt wait for more of this series; the small town, the Shephard family and everything in between!
Thank you @taradwyatt for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
synnepe's review against another edition
4.0
Iām not happy that I finished this book, because now I have to wait for another Tara Wyatt book to keep me warm inside.
I donāt know what Tara puts in her books but it feels like you just drank a ton of hot chocolate and are spending time with your favorite people.
Just like magic was such an fun book and the atmosphere were so cozy and welcoming that I now wanna move to Gossamer falls
I donāt know what Tara puts in her books but it feels like you just drank a ton of hot chocolate and are spending time with your favorite people.
Just like magic was such an fun book and the atmosphere were so cozy and welcoming that I now wanna move to Gossamer falls
dmc3970's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
What a great book to start a new series. Very different book from what this author usually writes (usually darker and angsty) but I really loved the story. Hazel and Adam are lovely and I love the way they met. Can't wait to read the rest of the series and get to know Adam's siblings better.
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