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onceupon_a_bookdream's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet, witchy, queer novella.
Rep: Trans MCs
Rep: Trans MCs
nachokid's review against another edition
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
hadas's review against another edition
3.0
This was a short and sweet book. I especially like the style of the story, old-west with beautiful descriptions of magic. I can definitely read more stories in the same settings.
Definitely recommended to those interested in LGBTQ stories.
Definitely recommended to those interested in LGBTQ stories.
ens's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked the worldbuilding and the characters. The romance didn't quite do it for me.
Spoiler
When Roy started getting called to the resurrection frame, I was convinced that the heart itself was affecting him rather than Ceily's spell. In that interpretation, their romance is coming at least in part from Caroline's heart affecting Roy and giving him memories of their relationship. That interpretation (which I don't think is what the author was going for but wasn't totally contradicted either) makes the romance slightly sinister, since the outside forces acting upon Roy make him fall so quickly rather than his own feelings.ceceewing_'s review against another edition
4.0
I could read books by Austin Chant every single day of my life and be ridiculously happy. This is the third of Austin's novellas that I have read this year, and I want to tentatively say this one is my favorite of the bunch? Seriously, let me gush a little here.
The main character and love interest of this novella are both trans. While this is in a historical setting, and the words trans/transgender are never used, the novella is still super clear about identities, in regards to both both gender and sexuality which was fantastic. This book was phenomenally queer and I absolutely ate it up.
Roy, the main character, is a cowboy who set out on his own to make a life for himself away from his family. He is quiet, charming, and sometimes a bit stubborn, and I love him so very much. Cecily, the love interest, is a witch. She uses her magic mostly to create prosthetics, though of course it can also be helpful to conjure food whenever you're hungry, and has closed herself off from the people around her after she lost her love, Caroline. The romance is fantastic, and I loved how these characters interacted. Austin has never failed to make me swoon over a couple.
And!! This is so very up my alley setting-wise. It's set in the 1800s, and starts out in Texas, but then there's also witchcraft. If you know anything about me at all, the phrase "there's also witchcraft" is my favorite phrase of all time. It immediately improves upon every idea, and it was really used well in this particular story.
This is spooky, sweet, and wonderful in all the best ways. Please, please, please check it out, and give Austin's other work a read too.
*I received an early copy of Caroline's Heart from the author but that in no way influences my review*
The main character and love interest of this novella are both trans. While this is in a historical setting, and the words trans/transgender are never used, the novella is still super clear about identities, in regards to both both gender and sexuality which was fantastic. This book was phenomenally queer and I absolutely ate it up.
Roy, the main character, is a cowboy who set out on his own to make a life for himself away from his family. He is quiet, charming, and sometimes a bit stubborn, and I love him so very much. Cecily, the love interest, is a witch. She uses her magic mostly to create prosthetics, though of course it can also be helpful to conjure food whenever you're hungry, and has closed herself off from the people around her after she lost her love, Caroline. The romance is fantastic, and I loved how these characters interacted. Austin has never failed to make me swoon over a couple.
And!! This is so very up my alley setting-wise. It's set in the 1800s, and starts out in Texas, but then there's also witchcraft. If you know anything about me at all, the phrase "there's also witchcraft" is my favorite phrase of all time. It immediately improves upon every idea, and it was really used well in this particular story.
This is spooky, sweet, and wonderful in all the best ways. Please, please, please check it out, and give Austin's other work a read too.
*I received an early copy of Caroline's Heart from the author but that in no way influences my review*
ajcousins's review against another edition
If you're looking for an excellent Halloween read, definitely pick up Austin Chant's fantasy historical Caroline's Heart. <3 It's a Southern Gothic-flavored trans romance with a witch and a cowboy, powerful magic wrapped up in memory and grief, and a lovely HEA. Chant is a magical writer and his books are all on my rec list. This one is no exception.
irasobrietate's review against another edition
4.0
Short and bittersweet. Explores the pain of learning to move on from loss and embrace new connections and new people.
princessandthepages's review against another edition
4.0
(Actual rating 3.9)
Any problems I had with this novel were problems of personal preference. I didn't do enough research before picking this up and I didn't realize it was an american western set novel, which is a setting I generally don't like reading. Other than that I absolutely adored both the story and the characters, and I found the magic absolutely fascinating. I'd read an entire series based off the magic in this novella. This was my first introduction to this author and I think I'll definitely be picking up another novel by them in the future!
Any problems I had with this novel were problems of personal preference. I didn't do enough research before picking this up and I didn't realize it was an american western set novel, which is a setting I generally don't like reading. Other than that I absolutely adored both the story and the characters, and I found the magic absolutely fascinating. I'd read an entire series based off the magic in this novella. This was my first introduction to this author and I think I'll definitely be picking up another novel by them in the future!
inkphoenix's review against another edition
4.0
The only reason I can't give this a higher rating is because I WANT MOOOOOOORE.