A review by creolelitbelle
Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown

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.  
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