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gaby_readsss's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Garden Spells was an interesting book.
I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked this book; I chose it because I adored Other Birds and had to read more books by this author.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. However, I kept expecting for something bad to happen so I couldn’t fully “relax” and enjoy the more “lighthearted” aspects in the story. I think knowing the backstory of Sydney and her abusive husband made me uneasy and I was expecting him to show up at any time.
The side characters weren’t my favorite. I didn’t like Emma’s character and her whole family to be honest. She had zero personality other than being good in bed, which I thought was odd. In the end when she called Sydney and tried to warn her I did like her a little bit.
Tyler was also giving me creep vibes at the beginning and I was fully expecting him to be a serial killer or something lmao. Also the fact that he’s still “friends” with his ex was a red flag to me.
My favorite characters were Sydney, Bay, and the apple tree! <3
At its core, this is a book about family and I thought the magical realism aspect added a nice touch to the story. I loved the descriptions of the garden, how all the different flowers are meant to do something to the person who consumes them, and the magic each of the Waverley women each have. This was very a unique read and the house felt so whimsical and “homey”.
I’m not sure how to rate this book yet but I’m between 3.75 and 4 stars.
I think that if I were to reread this book, I would enjoy it more knowing how everything unfolds.
I didn’t know what to expect when I first picked this book; I chose it because I adored Other Birds and had to read more books by this author.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. However, I kept expecting for something bad to happen so I couldn’t fully “relax” and enjoy the more “lighthearted” aspects in the story. I think knowing the backstory of Sydney and her abusive husband made me uneasy and I was expecting him to show up at any time.
The side characters weren’t my favorite. I didn’t like Emma’s character and her whole family to be honest. She had zero personality other than being good in bed, which I thought was odd. In the end when she called Sydney and tried to warn her I did like her a little bit.
Tyler was also giving me creep vibes at the beginning and I was fully expecting him to be a serial killer or something lmao. Also the fact that he’s still “friends” with his ex was a red flag to me.
My favorite characters were Sydney, Bay, and the apple tree! <3
At its core, this is a book about family and I thought the magical realism aspect added a nice touch to the story. I loved the descriptions of the garden, how all the different flowers are meant to do something to the person who consumes them, and the magic each of the Waverley women each have. This was very a unique read and the house felt so whimsical and “homey”.
I’m not sure how to rate this book yet but I’m between 3.75 and 4 stars.
I think that if I were to reread this book, I would enjoy it more knowing how everything unfolds.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Gun violence, Blood, and Death of parent
galaxies's review against another edition
4.0
A magical, whimsical story whose characters you’ll fall in love with.
I wouldn’t really describe it as cozy because it does contain some descriptions of domestic violence, abuse and rape.
I wouldn’t really describe it as cozy because it does contain some descriptions of domestic violence, abuse and rape.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, and Rape
fiddle_leaf_ferg's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence
anastasia_priscilla's review
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Abandonment
booksanddopamine's review against another edition
4.0
This was very Practical Magic - two magical sisters with contrasting personalities, one who moves away and ends up in an abusive relationship; small town where the sisters feel like outcasts; eccentric aunt; romance... but I enjoyed it (more than I thought I would, even).
The magical elements are sweet and down to earth. Although there's romance, I'd say the story is more about the relationship between the sisters and their personal self-discovery.
Maybe it's just me, but as an autistic person Claire read like a coded autistic character. She struggles with social situations and reading people, she doesn't like people moving her things around because she likes them in their place, doesn't like change, and experiences a magical sort of sensory overload. She does have trauma and a fear of abandonment, but I still believe she reads as autistic. I get you, Claire!
The magical elements are sweet and down to earth. Although there's romance, I'd say the story is more about the relationship between the sisters and their personal self-discovery.
Maybe it's just me, but as an autistic person Claire read like a coded autistic character. She struggles with social situations and reading people, she doesn't like people moving her things around because she likes them in their place, doesn't like change, and experiences a magical sort of sensory overload. She does have trauma and a fear of abandonment, but I still believe she reads as autistic. I get you, Claire!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape, and Abandonment
kryskross's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Rape
Moderate: Gun violence and Sexual content
Minor: Car accident
itsalina's review
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Rape
Minor: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
cedardleland's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence
loving_u_4_ever'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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Abandonment
hellsbellsbeepbeep's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Rape, Violence, and Abandonment