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A review by hungryandhappy
Caroline's Heart by Austin Chant
fast-paced
5.0
Some time ago I happened to see a gorgeous cover of a book called “Peter Darling” and decided to read it. I fell in love with the quality of writing and the originality of how the story of Peter Pan was retold. I decided to keep an eye on Austin Chant because I knew he was going to give me more magical tales full of representation and fantasy themes.
This is a story about Roy, a trans cowboy who finds himself involved in the life of the town’s witch, Cecily, after a fight resulting in him almost losing his life. Cecily has to put inside Roy the mechanical and magical heart of her long lost lover, Caroline, ruining her chances to resuscitate her with a spell she designed. The book is not about Roy finding out he is trans and it’s not about people finding it out and bullying him, beating him or worst, trying to kill him because he’s different. This is a book about the everyday lives of Roy and Cecily forced to live together until Roy heals completely and adjusts to the new heart. It’s sweet, emotional, and of course, magical.
It wasn't only magical because of Cecily being a witch but mainly because the writing style of Austin Chant is enchanting. One second you’re trying your best not to freeze to death on your couch, then the next second you’re fully immerse in the story you don’t realize you barely feel your nose and fingers. I felt warm and good inside with every page I read. It's a novella so it's short, worth every second you spend reading it. Cecily and Roy are two wonderful characters and, even though Roy doesn’t have magic powers, he is plenty magical himself with his kind nature, sincerity and his optimistic personality. It’s easy to feel for them and want them to be happy and serene.
If you have a couple hours or less to spare, then I recommend you read this novella. Who wouldn’t want to have magic powers to conjure food and clean the house? I know I would. I’m in a lasagna mood right now.
This is a story about Roy, a trans cowboy who finds himself involved in the life of the town’s witch, Cecily, after a fight resulting in him almost losing his life. Cecily has to put inside Roy the mechanical and magical heart of her long lost lover, Caroline, ruining her chances to resuscitate her with a spell she designed. The book is not about Roy finding out he is trans and it’s not about people finding it out and bullying him, beating him or worst, trying to kill him because he’s different. This is a book about the everyday lives of Roy and Cecily forced to live together until Roy heals completely and adjusts to the new heart. It’s sweet, emotional, and of course, magical.
It wasn't only magical because of Cecily being a witch but mainly because the writing style of Austin Chant is enchanting. One second you’re trying your best not to freeze to death on your couch, then the next second you’re fully immerse in the story you don’t realize you barely feel your nose and fingers. I felt warm and good inside with every page I read. It's a novella so it's short, worth every second you spend reading it. Cecily and Roy are two wonderful characters and, even though Roy doesn’t have magic powers, he is plenty magical himself with his kind nature, sincerity and his optimistic personality. It’s easy to feel for them and want them to be happy and serene.
If you have a couple hours or less to spare, then I recommend you read this novella. Who wouldn’t want to have magic powers to conjure food and clean the house? I know I would. I’m in a lasagna mood right now.