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heabooknerd's review
3.0
THE MAGICIAN'S ANGEL was a cute historical romance with an intriguing mystery to solve. Christopher was devilishly charming and a great match to the more stoic Edward. They fall in love quickly and gently and I enjoyed following along for the ride.
a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
3 Hearts
Well… apparently this historical murder mystery just did not do it for me as much as the first two novellas in this charming series of loosely connected stories about a benevolent wooden angel who helps people find love.
However, if you like said historical plus murder mystery then I don’t think one will find much fault if any, and that is evident in the many glowing reviews already out there.
For me, things proceeded a bit too quickly without the whimsical magic from the decorative angel whose presence and “interference” were felt so strongly in the prior stories. Here, it’s almost an afterthought. It doesn’t help that it’s gonna take a lot of goodness and greatness for me to rally behind a period piece and a whodunnit - 2 lesser liked tropes on my part - and this fell short on keeping my interest. Obviously, this is a personal preference and others have shown their appreciation of this 3rd installment!
Regardless, a great holiday vibe was brought to the table and of course, a wonderful happy ending!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for Chelsea’s thoughts!
Well… apparently this historical murder mystery just did not do it for me as much as the first two novellas in this charming series of loosely connected stories about a benevolent wooden angel who helps people find love.
However, if you like said historical plus murder mystery then I don’t think one will find much fault if any, and that is evident in the many glowing reviews already out there.
For me, things proceeded a bit too quickly without the whimsical magic from the decorative angel whose presence and “interference” were felt so strongly in the prior stories. Here, it’s almost an afterthought. It doesn’t help that it’s gonna take a lot of goodness and greatness for me to rally behind a period piece and a whodunnit - 2 lesser liked tropes on my part - and this fell short on keeping my interest. Obviously, this is a personal preference and others have shown their appreciation of this 3rd installment!
Regardless, a great holiday vibe was brought to the table and of course, a wonderful happy ending!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
Check out the blog for Chelsea’s thoughts!
teresab78's review
5.0
Sweet story with a murder mystery. Luckily the details weren’t gory and the rest kept up the holiday feel. I really liked the characters and the resolution to the main tension. I suspected the culprit early on but liked that I wasn’t sure before the reveal. I am especially happy for the epilogue.
missysreadingcorner's review
5.0
A Nice Surprise
I was positive I wasn’t going to like this based on the first chapter because I wasn’t ready for a murder mystery. However, I really enjoyed this story. I also like how this was the first story to reference pieces of the previous book.
I was positive I wasn’t going to like this based on the first chapter because I wasn’t ready for a murder mystery. However, I really enjoyed this story. I also like how this was the first story to reference pieces of the previous book.
shanaqui's review
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.0
This Christmas-themed novella by Jordan L. Hawk features two people who've encountered setbacks and bitterness, and who team up to become more than the sum of their parts, finding an ease and comfort with each other that shocks them. It's a little bit insta-love, since they don't spend much time together, but I did believe that a quick and strong connection formed between them, given the circumstances and their pasts, and I could believe that they'd manage to form something stronger and less ephemeral.
I suppose the part I found least convincing was the race to the departing train at the end, such a typical Hallmark type moment -- but it's still a relief to meet the happy ending at the station, even if it's predictable and melodramatic.
The mystery itself wasn't too surprising or in-depth, given the length of the novella, but it worked to give the characters time and space to talk and show us who they are. I enjoyed it as a whole package, romance and mystery and a little bit of Christmas magic and all.
I suppose the part I found least convincing was the race to the departing train at the end, such a typical Hallmark type moment -- but it's still a relief to meet the happy ending at the station, even if it's predictable and melodramatic.
The mystery itself wasn't too surprising or in-depth, given the length of the novella, but it worked to give the characters time and space to talk and show us who they are. I enjoyed it as a whole package, romance and mystery and a little bit of Christmas magic and all.
tetiana's review
5.0
After reading several uninspiring books in a row I suddenly remembered I had this novella by one of my fave romance authors tucked away especially for a time like this (and because I’m a weirdo who hates reading holiday stories during actual holidays).
And what a treat it was! Intriguing mystery and a fulfilling romance and overall a very lovely story. Fantastic little pick me up which rescued me from a reading slump.
And what a treat it was! Intriguing mystery and a fulfilling romance and overall a very lovely story. Fantastic little pick me up which rescued me from a reading slump.
sarful's review
4.0
Nice little historical novela about a vaudeville magician and an accountant. Hoping to save the local theater, Edward allows his little brother to bring in a big show for the Christmas season. During rehearsals Edward sees the dashing magician Christopher, who also wears the telltale green carnation.
The two hit it off in Christopher’s dressing room during intermission. So too does a murder, that becomes known halfway through the magic show. The rest of the book is Christopher and Edward searching for the culprit. They also, and it’s actually quite sweet, fall in love.
I really enjoyed this. I enjoyed the recall of the angel and a bit of its mysterious qualities.
The two hit it off in Christopher’s dressing room during intermission. So too does a murder, that becomes known halfway through the magic show. The rest of the book is Christopher and Edward searching for the culprit. They also, and it’s actually quite sweet, fall in love.
I really enjoyed this. I enjoyed the recall of the angel and a bit of its mysterious qualities.