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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
While I found this book interesting & at times intriguing, I did not find it compelling enough to eat it up as quickly as I could have. I thought it was interesting and I liked the characters but I think it just lacked a certain spark that I can’t really identify.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Bullying, Death, Drug use, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Alcohol
kylosten's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Sexual content
creolelitbelle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Books set in Louisiana or with Louisiana culture (done right) hook me every time. I was curious how this narrative could work with the majority of the story set in California, but Augusta's memories of life in New Orleans really make the story come alive. The events in the book are not plentiful but more of an everyday life sequence with the voodoo tied in, which might sound boring, but the POVs from 3 generations of Montrose women keeps everything exciting. Willow provides a good balance between her sister Victoria, her mom Madelyn, and her niece Nickie, and I felt the calming nature she brings to the family. Normally, I would wonder how a character who never speaks can propel her part of the plot forward, but Gallant by V E Schwab taught me everyone can communicate somehow with the other characters and their environment; Augusta is no different. I wish there was a little more magic voodoo in the book, but that is not necessary to give a full picture of the Montrose history or present. I have yet to read the book Practical Magic but still attest to the cursed love reminding me of its movie adaptation. The only aspect keeping me from rating this a little higher to 5 stars is the bit of predictability in some parts. I highly recommend the book as a good mix of history, a little magic, and New Orleans flavor with family as a core theme... plus a side of romance. Case in point - I read the whole book in 3 days. I could barely put it down with short chapters and sections divided by months.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infidelity, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Drug abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, and Pregnancy
calicat42's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
As a young woman who was raised by a single mom and her grandma, after being named in honor of three generations of grandmas, I felt like I was part of this family. The family unit the women have created is unbelievably relatable in terms of emotions, the strain of conflict, the village mentality in raising children, and the recognition of their strength and empowerment as women. What a beautiful story to be shared with, I hope, many generations of women to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
analenegrace's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a Native New Orleanian, Black Candle Women came highly recommended. It was a beautiful story with so many fun new orleans references (Pat O'Brien's Stealing the Hurricane Recipe... I'm obsessed) and a complete and wonderful narrative. I highly recommend to those looking for lit fic with aspects of fantasy.
As a note, I work with Bernice McFadden and she was so delighted when I told her she got a name drop in this beautiful book!
As a note, I work with Bernice McFadden and she was so delighted when I told her she got a name drop in this beautiful book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Grief, and Gaslighting
bedtimesandbooks's review against another edition
hopeful
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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Grief, and Car accident
Minor: Pregnancy