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thehobbitbarbie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My biggest complaint is that this book, like so many new adult romance novels, makes great use of tropes, but still seems embarrassed by them. When I pick up a romance novel like this, I expect and want to see tropes. When a book points out how ridiculous its tropes are, it completely rips me out of the world and makes me feel like I'm being ridiculed for enjoying it. Romance novelists, it's okay to be a little corny! That's why we're here!
Soap box aside, this is a fantastic cozy fantasy that will give you all the warm fuzzies to carry you from fall into the cold, dark winter months.
Minor: Homophobia, Racism, Abandonment, and Alcohol
lunep's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcohol, Cursing, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Child abuse, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, Bullying, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Misogyny, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Xenophobia, Forced institutionalization, Racism, Abandonment, and Classism
clarabooksit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This gem of a feel-good story was a very happy surprise, for me. I just loved it.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a cozy, engaging and diverse read with a likable lead, cute kids, found family and a soft enemies-to-lovers romance. I fell hard for the way Mandanna wove loneliness and whimsy together in her writing and I’m really looking forward to the sequel coming out this year.
Moderate: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Racism, Xenophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
daphne_430's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death of parent and Abandonment
Moderate: Grief and Cursing
Minor: Racism, Sexism, and Death
boba_n_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved Mika and the way she was able to work through her trauma and even help Primrose with hers. Mika was able to create space for everyone around her including the three young witches who needed it most. The slow burn between Jamie and Mika was really sweet and showcased the grumpy x sunshine trope well.
Overall, I came to love each of the characters and the way they fit into the family. Was it a tad predictable? Sure. But was it heartwarming and fun? Absolutely.
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Child abuse
Minor: Racism and Homophobia
karen_lo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia, Cursing, and Racism
lauren_shilling's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Abandonment and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
margaret_k30's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment and Grief
Moderate: Racism, Homophobia, Death, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Confinement, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Blood, and Physical abuse
samchase112's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Cursing, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Child abuse
Minor: Murder, Racism, and Xenophobia
leonorb's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
An absent archaeologist, a housekeeper, a librarian, a gardener, a retired actor, and three unlikely witches. As backstories went, it was one of the weirdest Mika had ever heard.
Her eyes very round, seven-year-old Altamira said, with perfect gravity, "That was some excellent Mary Poppins shit right there"
When disaster struck, as disaster inevitably does, Mika was somewhat distressed to find that, on account of being knocked out cold, she was unable to take any satisfaction in being proven well and truly right.
The second book with a Mika that I read this year 🤍 I felt hugged by the book and, at the same time, just wanted to give Mika a hug.
Cozy fantasy with a bit of romance on the side. V cute!
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Racism and Homophobia