Bianca

I really enjoyed this book! The characters, the vibe, the romance 10/10!! I loved that the FMC comes from an Italian family like me

“Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman left me feeling underwhelmed. While Hoffman's writing shows potential, with a few memorable quotes and reflections that stand out, the story itself felt lazy, and the characters failed to engage. While the portrayal of motherhood was handled reasonably well, the depiction of sisterhood was disappointing. The sisters shared no genuine connection until a traumatic event, making that part of the plot feel forced and underdeveloped. The portrayal of women was particularly disappointing, as they seemed defined by their beauty or their relationships with men, which felt outdated and reductive. The murder plot, which had the potential for real intrigue, ultimately fell flat. Instead, we spent full chapters on side characters who added little to the narrative, detracting from the main storyline (which I'm still trying to figure out if there was one). Overall, this book was a letdown despite its moments of promise. I've heard the movie is better and am excited to watch it!

Now THIS IS A CHRISTMAS STORY. I love these characters so much. This story has family drama, heartache, unconditional love, romance, laughter, and the holiday vibes to tie it all together. Going to the library IMMEDIATELY to get the second book because I need to keep up with this family. ❄️

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is an emotionally gripping tale that left me in sobs, yet it's a journey I would willingly take over and over again. Hannah crafts a narrative so powerful and poignant, exploring the resilience and complexity of sisterhood against the bleakness of WWII. Her storytelling has a way of pulling you into a world of despair and hope, making every choice and sacrifice of the characters deeply resonate. This book not only made me sob at the beauty and tragedy intertwined within its pages but also left a lasting impression that I find myself constantly thinking about. Awarding it a full 5 stars for its historical accuracy, emotional depth, and the indomitable spirit of love and resistance it portrays. The Nightingale is a testament to the power of the human spirit, a book that breaks you and rebuilds you with every reading.

Wow! I have been thinking about this book all day after finishing it. It took me a little while longer than usual to finish because the middle did slow down quite a bit. But the ending was perfect. Marissa Meyer captured the essence of the Looking Glass/Alice in Wonderland perfectly, with lyrical and clever prose and characters that come to life. OFF WITH HIS HEAD is my new life motto.