madzsmiled 's review for:

Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan

3.25

challenging emotional funny mysterious tense slow-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: Yes

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Bless Your Heart was a delightful Southern vampire story with nods to both Practical Magic and Night of the Living Dead. The Evans Women, generation after generation, keep the dead in the ground, and all the while, they bicker at each other. Their relationship was familiar - my own grandmothers are strong, opinionated women - and I felt at rush of love as they fought for each other. Luna felt like your typical teen, but her heart was in the right place in a way that suited the story. I also love me a Wiccan boy in a trenchcoat. 

Despite being full of memorable and colorful characters, this book felt a bit light. The mystery seemed to be drawn out with not enough clues to follow, making the ending feel a bit unearned. The body horror was grotesque (in a good way), but the actual action scenes sometimes felt confusing. I would have liked a bit more time with Luna and Grace instead of shifting to non-Evans perspectives. 

All in all, it's a very strong concept. I enjoyed reading it, and very well may pick up the next one. 

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