mia_farias's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
4.25
I loved Willow and Mason's story. It was interesting to read about the characters go through very relatable things. Mason's struggles of trying to find his mom and never feeling like he had a real home felt so realistic. I loved how it talked about the struggles of being in foster care and trying to feel like you belong. Willow also had her own struggles like never feeling like she had a real home and struggling in her relationships with her parents after their divorce. The setting of Salem was so magical and it made me want to go there. From Sage's gorgeous House to the Star Wars Pizza Place, and even the singing beaches, the scenery was so vividly described. I loved reading about Willow's love to travel and Mason's love for astrology. Every Character was important, from Mason's foster family to the aunts, and made the story so much better. I actually really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more from Jenna Evens Welch.
zoeyreif's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
3.0
kaitlyn_06's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
coolcatsbookshelf's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A cute story that's perfectly acceptable entertainment.
aevpoetry's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
cute, cozy YA novel. i'd like to see this made into a netflix film.
sinpai_reads's review
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
4.25
m_liz's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction
robingibson's review
5.0
I’m not a reviewer. I’m just not. But when I grabbed this book I was not prepared for what was within. This is a love story, yes, but not just between the two main characters - It’s a love story about families.
A note about Mason and his discussion on his journey thru foster care. Like Cait/Caitlyn, I’m a social worker. I’ve worked with teenagers in foster care for almost 25 years. Mason’s articulation of those experiences are beautiful and powerful, and close to reality with the youth my team works with. When he asks “can anything be permanent for me?”, tears pricked my eyes. So many young people feel this way.
I don’t know if this was the result of excellent research or lived experience, but I particularly appreciated the thought that went into his portrayal.
You won’t regret this read. (Even if it is YA ish.)
A note about Mason and his discussion on his journey thru foster care. Like Cait/Caitlyn, I’m a social worker. I’ve worked with teenagers in foster care for almost 25 years. Mason’s articulation of those experiences are beautiful and powerful, and close to reality with the youth my team works with. When he asks “can anything be permanent for me?”, tears pricked my eyes. So many young people feel this way.
I don’t know if this was the result of excellent research or lived experience, but I particularly appreciated the thought that went into his portrayal.
You won’t regret this read. (Even if it is YA ish.)
mackenna_'s review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
5.0
i liked this a lot more than i thought i was going to. i loved mason so so much and watching his relationship with emma develop was so sweet and he was so awkward with willow in the beginning it was so endearing. the two of them were so cute together. i absolutely adored willow and her wanderlust. getting to see her and her mom break the curse was incredibly sweet and i’m so happy they’re staying in salem!! i hope mason is happy with emma and simon but god i cried when he found his mom and she shut the door, my heart broke for him.