Reviews

The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes

Only show reviews with written explanations

paulineerika's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

This book had a great premise and started off so promisingly. However, the magic aspect of it quickly faded to the background and instead, the romance between Ben and Harlow took up most of the story. Unfortunately, for me, that was the least interesting part of the story. Also, that storyline hinged so much on the magic, but the magic wasn't well-explained, so it ended up feeling thin, with too many loose ends that weren't tied up satisfactorily,

Spoiler

like Alicia and why William dreamed of Harlow and Harlow's own magic.

There seem to be hints of a sequel involving another cousin/sister, but it's not clear.

Also, this is a little irritation for me because I happen to be going through it a little with my family, but one of the characters has dementia and the way it's written feels a lot more like what you think dementia would be like and how people handle it, versus the reality of the situation.

zebrakat's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.25

I was really enjoying this until there was a random third act breakup and the characters failed to communicate properly with each other.

laupm's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

pipinghotbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

caitygrace9's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

natashaleighton_'s review against another edition

Go to review page

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

bibliobrookers's review against another edition

Go to review page

Not enough character development for the angsty, guilty response to the situation. Felt like Encanto meets the Witcher (Yen and Geralt). Sooo predictable up to the 3/4 spot I listened up to. Just couldn’t continue.

jbpalumbo's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I wanted to like this book and, I guess, got swept up in the publicity around it. I do appreciate its focus on finding your power where you are, but the language the author used to bring that to fruition felt uneven - like she was still tethered to the kids/YA world, trying to be mostly approachable and informal while weaving in some SAT vocabulary. Similarly, her treatment of the book’s themes felt too heavy-handed for an adult audience. The magical world building (or lack thereof) felt a bit sophomoric and the book-within-the-book trope a bit tired. I’m looking forward to moving onto the next thing.

Content Warnings

madibellewest's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious sad medium-paced

5.0

rachwebsmith's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

More...