Reviews

Wishing Day by Lauren Myracle

mbenzz's review against another edition

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2.0

This book is all over the place. It has a feel of fantasy/fairy tale, as in takes place in a different world/time, yet kids have cell phones and talk about various products that are in the real world.

There's a missing mom, a love interest, and two Russian Aunts who aren't telling the sisters the whole story. Molly, the best friend, is one of the most annoying characters ever, and overall, I had a really hard time getting into this.

The middle-grade set this book is intended for may have a better time with it as they may not recognize the identity crisis this book clearly has, but I won't be continuing on with this series.

stefaniejane's review against another edition

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2.0

I'm left with feelings of utmost annoyance. The non-ending should have been 2/3 through book, then an actual conclusion to follow. The fantasy aspects of this book were so uneven, that to package this as fantasy or magic or magical realism.... just no. I might skim the sequel to see if answers are provided, MAYBE.

brandypainter's review against another edition

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3.0

I have a lot of wold building issues with this one.

hulahoopes's review against another edition

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3.0

I need some time to think before I can write a review. Maybe I'll like it more at the end of the series? Very mixed feelings right now.

gretarutt's review against another edition

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4.0

I received an ARC copy of this book through some giveaway that I entered ages ago. I was studying abroad in Scotland and this came while I was away and that is what has taken me so long to get to this review.

First of all, I was skeptical because I'm not usually into books about kids younger than 16 because I feel like authors tend to dumb down kids these ages, but let me say, Lauren Myracle did not do that. Natasha was a relatable heroine that will have readers of all ages rooting for her from the minute they start reading. The premise of this story is great, though I'd love to have learned more about the background of magic in this town that has to do with the wishing day and tree.

This story lost a star, because, while I enjoyed it, I felt like it just sort of Ended in a very unsatisfying way. I understand ending and leaving it open for the sequel to tie up loose ends, but I wasn't sure if my copy had left out the last chapter or something because the ending isn't a very good one and did not leave me wanting more in the same way as a cliffhanger ending does.

Otherwise, if you love stories about family and sisterhood and strong female characters as well coming of age, I definitely think this book is a book for you!

mindfullibrarian's review against another edition

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4.0

A magical middle grade story that is perfect for readers looking for just a little bit of magic, a little bit of sadness, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of suspense. I really enjoyed this story and know it will be a hit in my libraries with students in grades 4 - 7. Those students who love realistic fiction, but aren't always wanting the gritty reality being written about so much now. Those students who like magic, but don't want JUST magic. Oh, and the COVER! This is one of my all-time favorite middle grade covers - it's just gorgeous. I really appreciated the depression storyline and the sweet and innocent romance/crush angle. The family dynamics were touching and Natasha was a well-developed character. The ending was abrupt, but that is often the case in a story that is designed as the first in a series. I can't wait to read Darya's story in the next book in this trilogy!

The publisher donated this book to my library for review - all opinions are my own.

sandraagee's review against another edition

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3.0

A nice enough book, but the ending didn't offer any true resolution and killed my interest in the story. I see now that this book is first in a series so maybe we'll get more in subsequent books, but I'm not convinced that I'm hooked enough to bother.

lestaslettering's review against another edition

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2.0

It was okay but there was this problem that it lacked any plot. Also most characters were infuriating.

gracevclark's review against another edition

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4.0

This book was great! The ending was a total cliffhanger and I found out that Lauren Myracle came out with a second book about the middle sister, Darya. I am also hoping she will write another book about the youngest sister, Ava, and make this a trilogy. The story was a little hard to follow because there were so many different things happening at once. This book reminds me of the Willow Falls series by Wendy Mass. Although I enjoyed the Willow Falls series more than this book I would still give Wishing Day a try if I were you. Natasha, the main character has so many pieces of here life confused and missing like her mother, you can't help but feel her pain. This is one of the many books I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading the sequel and hopefully ( if it comes out ) a third book.

moshang's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0