what_karla_reads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5/5 stars
1.5/5 spice
An enchanted flower farm, a family with magical powers directly connected to their flowers, and an intense love affair... loved it.
Tropes:
Enchanted flower farm
Strangers to lovers
Writer FMC
Magical realism
Hidden magic
Angsty 3rd act break up
Family dynamics
Single POV
HEA
I kept hearing about how this book is like an adult version of Encanto but with the magic tied to the flowers. And in a way, yes, it has those elements if you strip it down to its bare bones, but this was definitely a different story. I didn't expect the angsty romance and the emotional damage of the 3rd act break up. Ben and Harlow had an interesting meet cute and just tumbled (literally) into a tumultuous romance that was very insta-love... until it wasn't. I don't like spoliers, so my only argument for those who don't like insta-love in contemporary romance would be that THIS story isn't anywhere near that kind of cringe fest. The magic plays a huge part in Ben and Harlow's romance and what leads to their breakup... but there is an HEA! Just to remind y'all...
Aside from the romance, I really liked that Harlow was able to connect to her roots after being lost for so long in a complacent relationship. She found herself and her creativity while helping her family at their flower farm. She grew as a person, and she was able to use what she found to create a better life for herself.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for any fans of magical realism, latinx representation, and cozy witchy vibes. There are a few spicy scenes, but they aren't overly detailed and focused more on the emotion.
1.5/5 spice
An enchanted flower farm, a family with magical powers directly connected to their flowers, and an intense love affair... loved it.
Tropes:
Enchanted flower farm
Strangers to lovers
Writer FMC
Magical realism
Hidden magic
Angsty 3rd act break up
Family dynamics
Single POV
HEA
I kept hearing about how this book is like an adult version of Encanto but with the magic tied to the flowers. And in a way, yes, it has those elements if you strip it down to its bare bones, but this was definitely a different story. I didn't expect the angsty romance and the emotional damage of the 3rd act break up. Ben and Harlow had an interesting meet cute and just tumbled (literally) into a tumultuous romance that was very insta-love... until it wasn't. I don't like spoliers, so my only argument for those who don't like insta-love in contemporary romance would be that THIS story isn't anywhere near that kind of cringe fest. The magic plays a huge part in Ben and Harlow's romance and what leads to their breakup... but there is an HEA! Just to remind y'all...
Aside from the romance, I really liked that Harlow was able to connect to her roots after being lost for so long in a complacent relationship. She found herself and her creativity while helping her family at their flower farm. She grew as a person, and she was able to use what she found to create a better life for herself.
Overall, I highly recommend this book for any fans of magical realism, latinx representation, and cozy witchy vibes. There are a few spicy scenes, but they aren't overly detailed and focused more on the emotion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
sariereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Sexual content
Minor: Death
chelseylb1988's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
J.C. Cervantes’ swoon-worthy (and magically realist) new romance takes the romantic whimsy of Sarah Addison Allen, the emotional complexity of an Emily Henry heroine and the lush, vibrant beauty of Disney’s Encanto to create a cosy, (and magically compelling) contemporary romance that will almost certainly steal your heart.
It follows Harlow Estrada who, after losing her dream job and breaking up with her boyfriend (in a single day) finds herself fleeing New York for her family’s goddess blessed farm, Hacienda Estrada— and the enchanted flowers that are lovingly cultivated by her mother, sisters, aunt and cousins.
As the only member of the Estrada family without a gift, Harlow is completely unprepared for the special task (involving the family’s magic) that her mum and aunt assign her, so it’s not long before (in Harlow’s panicked state) things start to go wrong.
But once Harlow begins to open up her heart, embrace her own uniqueness and believe in herself, she may finally discover the power she’s been searching for all along…
I loved this! The cosy and whimsically romantic, magical vibes were utterly enchanting and reminded me a little of the magical realism of Sarah Addison Allen. I loved the gorgeously detailed, Mexican folklore-infused prose and how emotionally complex our MC was,—J.C. Cervantes has definitely earned her place on my list of favourite new authors!
The beautifully descriptive, nature-based setting was a satisfyingly soothing balm to delve into, and had me thoroughly immersed. I also loved exploring all the meanings and symbolism of flowers and how different processes could draw out each bloom’s individual magical properties—I lived for all the witchy-esque, Alice Hoffman vibes.
I was also really impressed with the character development, particularly in protagonist Harlow, whose journey to self discovery, happiness and success (in life and love) was well written and teeming with emotion. The tight knit, matriarchal-style family dynamics were incredibly fascinating and I really hope we see more of Harlow’s sisters (and cousins) in future books.
The romance aspect was really sweet as well and our tall, dark and sexy love interest, Ben was rather swoon-worthy. It is a bit of a slow-burn so do bear in mind if that’s not your kind of thing.
Overall, a charming and thoroughly enjoyable contemporary romance that fans of Practical Magic and Encanto will absolutely love.
Also, a massive thanks to Headline Eternal for the finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, and Dementia
Moderate: Sexual content and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Racial slurs, and Infidelity
busynmne16's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Racial slurs
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