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aieshab 's review for:
The Conditions of Will
by Jessa Hastings
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A beautifully crafted, gut-wrenching exploration of love, family, and the weight of the past. This book is my first foray into the Magnolia Parks universe, and what an introduction it was! I didn’t anticipate was just how layered, intense, and emotionally gripping this story would be.
The dynamics between the characters were compelling and often heartbreaking. I’ll admit, there were moments when Georgia’s choices frustrated me (namely getting involved with your alcoholic brother's AA sponsor), but it dawned on me that this was part of the brilliance of Jessa Hastings’ writing. It felt like I was seeing Georgia through the lens of her family and community—a perspective that left me shaken when I realised what was happening.
This book consumed me. I cried—multiple times—because the story doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it pulls and unravels them, until it's spooled on the floor. The emotional devastation comes in waves, hitting you in different ways as you learn more about the family’s past, the hidden depths of their father’s life, and Georgia’s struggles.
One of the things I adored was the attention to detail, especially the references to specific fashion and furniture pieces. These touches grounded the story in a vivid, tactile world and made certain scenes so much easier to picture. It added a richness to the narrative that I hadn’t expected but thoroughly enjoyed.
If you’re looking for a book that will emotionally wreck you (in the best way), Conditions of Will is it. It’s not just about romance—it’s about family, identity, and the fragility of human relationships. I’m officially hooked on the Magnolia Parks series and can’t wait to dive into more of Jessa Hastings’ work.
The dynamics between the characters were compelling and often heartbreaking. I’ll admit, there were moments when Georgia’s choices frustrated me (namely getting involved with your alcoholic brother's AA sponsor), but it dawned on me that this was part of the brilliance of Jessa Hastings’ writing. It felt like I was seeing Georgia through the lens of her family and community—a perspective that left me shaken when I realised what was happening.
This book consumed me. I cried—multiple times—because the story doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it pulls and unravels them, until it's spooled on the floor. The emotional devastation comes in waves, hitting you in different ways as you learn more about the family’s past, the hidden depths of their father’s life, and Georgia’s struggles.
One of the things I adored was the attention to detail, especially the references to specific fashion and furniture pieces. These touches grounded the story in a vivid, tactile world and made certain scenes so much easier to picture. It added a richness to the narrative that I hadn’t expected but thoroughly enjoyed.
If you’re looking for a book that will emotionally wreck you (in the best way), Conditions of Will is it. It’s not just about romance—it’s about family, identity, and the fragility of human relationships. I’m officially hooked on the Magnolia Parks series and can’t wait to dive into more of Jessa Hastings’ work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault