Scan barcode
annameix's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
inkreads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman is a charming, magical story and Kathleen McInerney narrated it wonderfully.
The book is written from multiple POV's and creates an encompassing, fluid narrative that is warm, engaging and entertaining all at once
Mattie struggles with how to conduct her life following the passing of her mother but this event brings the siblings back together in an enchanted house in Ivy ridge. A simple core premise is a strong foundation for elegantly woven storylines and Moorman does no dissapoint. The character development is wonderful and written so well that you cannot help but feel empathy for each one of these strong personalities as you listen to the book
The book is about reflection, family, honesty and dreams, but most of all about love for each other
Definitely a book of the warm fuzzies and perfect for this very cold winters evening
Thank you to Netgalley Harper Collins Focus, Harper Collins Muse, the author Jennifer Moorman and the stunning narrator Kathleen McInerney for this beautiful ALC. My review is left of my own volition
The book is written from multiple POV's and creates an encompassing, fluid narrative that is warm, engaging and entertaining all at once
Mattie struggles with how to conduct her life following the passing of her mother but this event brings the siblings back together in an enchanted house in Ivy ridge. A simple core premise is a strong foundation for elegantly woven storylines and Moorman does no dissapoint. The character development is wonderful and written so well that you cannot help but feel empathy for each one of these strong personalities as you listen to the book
The book is about reflection, family, honesty and dreams, but most of all about love for each other
Definitely a book of the warm fuzzies and perfect for this very cold winters evening
Thank you to Netgalley Harper Collins Focus, Harper Collins Muse, the author Jennifer Moorman and the stunning narrator Kathleen McInerney for this beautiful ALC. My review is left of my own volition
kyproff's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
llothspeich's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
5.0
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Harper Muse. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Women's Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance Elements, Fantasy
Spice Level: Sweet (past pregnancy mentioned, kissing)
Magic System: Soft system with undefined rules
Themes: Family love, Romantic love, Loss, Finding yourself
What a thoroughly enjoyable book!
Mattie is adrift after the death of her nomad-like mother, and this is primarily the story of her figuring out her life. Her Aunt Penelope and Jonathan, the boy Mattie kissed when she was seventeen, are also on journeys to find peace with the past and move forward.
I wish there was a little bit more about the family magic. It seemed like Penelope was going to talk to Mattie about it more specifically, but that was a minor point. I would say the magic was embodied in the Russell home as though it was a character separate from the people, and each family member received gifts for herself to help her on her journey.
The entire book gave me a warm feeling like a hug and a cup of coco. I loved seeing how Mattie learned more about her mother and herself through the list of requirements her mom gave her to keep her inheritance. I can easily see this being made into a movie because it's so vivid.
I highly recommend this book.
Happy reading!
Genre: Women's Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance Elements, Fantasy
Spice Level: Sweet (past pregnancy mentioned, kissing)
Magic System: Soft system with undefined rules
Themes: Family love, Romantic love, Loss, Finding yourself
What a thoroughly enjoyable book!
Mattie is adrift after the death of her nomad-like mother, and this is primarily the story of her figuring out her life. Her Aunt Penelope and Jonathan, the boy Mattie kissed when she was seventeen, are also on journeys to find peace with the past and move forward.
I wish there was a little bit more about the family magic. It seemed like Penelope was going to talk to Mattie about it more specifically, but that was a minor point. I would say the magic was embodied in the Russell home as though it was a character separate from the people, and each family member received gifts for herself to help her on her journey.
The entire book gave me a warm feeling like a hug and a cup of coco. I loved seeing how Mattie learned more about her mother and herself through the list of requirements her mom gave her to keep her inheritance. I can easily see this being made into a movie because it's so vivid.
I highly recommend this book.
Happy reading!
collie6's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Magical realism has quickly become one of my favorite genres, allowing me to escape and get lost. While reading this book I had obligations that caused me to have to put the book down a couple of times but it was such an easy story to fall right back into when I was able to pick it back up, and for me that says a lot. It's been a couple of weeks since I finished this book and it still stays with me.
With a small southern town setting and characters that are loveable and struggling, you find yourself crying along with them and laughing right beside them experiencing their joy. The magic all around is a great story of family, loss, healing, and lost love, and I'm so glad Moorman brought us along for the ride.
P.s. one of my favorite characters was the house.
Magical realism has quickly become one of my favorite genres, allowing me to escape and get lost. While reading this book I had obligations that caused me to have to put the book down a couple of times but it was such an easy story to fall right back into when I was able to pick it back up, and for me that says a lot. It's been a couple of weeks since I finished this book and it still stays with me.
With a small southern town setting and characters that are loveable and struggling, you find yourself crying along with them and laughing right beside them experiencing their joy. The magic all around is a great story of family, loss, healing, and lost love, and I'm so glad Moorman brought us along for the ride.
P.s. one of my favorite characters was the house.
lisbethwhite's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jacks623's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
Jennifer Moorman's latest novel, THE MAGIC ALL AROUND, is enchanting— a magical journey about the memories of places and people we carry throughout our lives —sometimes physical mementos and others intangible.
Meet the Russell family. Eldest Penelope, her younger sister, Lilith (free-spirited), lives with her daughter, Mattie (independent and artistic).
Lilith left the family home in Ivy Ridge, Georgia, and has been flitting like a hummingbird from place to place with her daughter, Mattie, in the decades since, only returning each summer to drop Mattie off with Lilith’s sister, Penelope.
The old Victorian Russell home is at the center and has its own personality. The house often understands the family's needs before they do. It keeps their secrets, shares in their joys, embraces them when they grieve, and gives them the push they need.
When Mattie finds herself back in the family home after her mother's unexpected death, she has no desire to stick around in this small town. She is accustomed to living in a new city every few years with Lilith as her sole companion.
She hesitates to get involved in the Russell family secrets and their special gifts.
But while reading the will, the family is shocked to learn Lilith included a testamentary trust that requires Mattie to stay in Ivy Ridge long enough to complete a series of seemingly absurd tasks to claim her inheritance.
Mattie soon discovers her mother had a plan that would lead her to discover her birth father as well as teach her things about love and life. That staying in one place can produce something magical.
Beautifully written; what a stunning cover with the hummingbird— a reminder to keep our hearts open to receive the magic around us daily.
THE MAGIC ALL AROUND has a strong theme of mothers and daughters and their relationships—some we are born with and others we receive as a bonus.
From friendship and love, art, nature, self-discovery, and being true to yourself. Enchanting and thought-provoking for Southern fiction fans and authors Sarah Addison Allen, Laren Denton, Sarah Jio, and Meg Shaffer.
Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a gifted early reading copy for an honest opinion. I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Kathleen McInerney.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 16, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter
Meet the Russell family. Eldest Penelope, her younger sister, Lilith (free-spirited), lives with her daughter, Mattie (independent and artistic).
Lilith left the family home in Ivy Ridge, Georgia, and has been flitting like a hummingbird from place to place with her daughter, Mattie, in the decades since, only returning each summer to drop Mattie off with Lilith’s sister, Penelope.
The old Victorian Russell home is at the center and has its own personality. The house often understands the family's needs before they do. It keeps their secrets, shares in their joys, embraces them when they grieve, and gives them the push they need.
When Mattie finds herself back in the family home after her mother's unexpected death, she has no desire to stick around in this small town. She is accustomed to living in a new city every few years with Lilith as her sole companion.
She hesitates to get involved in the Russell family secrets and their special gifts.
But while reading the will, the family is shocked to learn Lilith included a testamentary trust that requires Mattie to stay in Ivy Ridge long enough to complete a series of seemingly absurd tasks to claim her inheritance.
Mattie soon discovers her mother had a plan that would lead her to discover her birth father as well as teach her things about love and life. That staying in one place can produce something magical.
Beautifully written; what a stunning cover with the hummingbird— a reminder to keep our hearts open to receive the magic around us daily.
THE MAGIC ALL AROUND has a strong theme of mothers and daughters and their relationships—some we are born with and others we receive as a bonus.
From friendship and love, art, nature, self-discovery, and being true to yourself. Enchanting and thought-provoking for Southern fiction fans and authors Sarah Addison Allen, Laren Denton, Sarah Jio, and Meg Shaffer.
Thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for a gifted early reading copy for an honest opinion. I look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by the fabulous Kathleen McInerney.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 16, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Jan 2024 Must-Read Books
Jan Newsletter