The Magic All Around
by Jennifer Moorman
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Pub Date Jan 16 2024 | Archive Date Not set
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Description
In this latest enchanting novel from bestselling magical realism author Jennifer Moorman, a treasure hunt through the past reveals one woman’s extraordinary gift for arranging the future.
The Russell women have always lived in a house that is as special as they are—a century-old Victorian with a radio that tunes itself to the listener’s mood and a pantry that rearranges to provide just the right ingredients for any baking need. Lilith Russell was the exception. She left the family home in Ivy Ridge, Georgia, and has been flitting like a hummingbird from place to place with her daughter, Mattie, in the decades since, only returning each summer to drop Mattie off with Lilith’s sister, Penelope.
When Lilith dies suddenly, Mattie is left without her sole companion and the captain who steered her ship. That is, until she visits Ivy Ridge and learns Lilith charted one last course for Mattie: a series of tasks that she must complete to earn her inheritance, with Penelope overseeing the process.
Both Mattie and Penelope are outraged by Lilith’s seemingly random stipulations: throw a Halloween party, take a local pizza cooking class, share secrets with someone . . . But Mattie soon realizes that if she completes the tasks, she may unearth her mother’s secrets, including the identity of Mattie’s father. She may also discover more about the Russell family “gifts” and why Lilith chose Penelope’s former love to be the executor of the will. She may even learn how and why Jonathan Carlisle, the boy who stole her heart ten summers ago, also happens to be back in town.
Mattie can only hope that Lilith’s final map will finally point her home.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781400240487 |
PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 368 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
What an enchanting book!
Love, mysticism, family, friendship, and magic are all here within the pages!
Anyone who is not able to believe the old adage "Everything happens as it is supposed to or meant to be" truly must read this story and meet Lilith, Mattie and their family and friends.. You will definitely be caught up in this amazing group.
It sure made my day!
Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harper Muse for this special ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review. Well done!
A fun escape into an enchanted house where hearts heal, relationships are repaired, and magic is all around.
First, thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book early in exchange for an honest review.
Romance with no spice
Cozy
Magic and a magical house
This book was amazing for me. It's a cozy book, filled with family, love, grief and magic. This heart warming story follows Mattie and her family while they work through their grief with different tasks to help them find their way to find happiness.
This story has different POVs including the POV of a love interest.
I love that the house is a character of its own, and I enjoyed the simple magical abilities the Russell family has and how different they were among each other.
If you're looking for a book that brings you joy and comfort this is the book to read. I really enjoyed reading this book and I love how everything had a purpose and was connected.
The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman
Mattie's journey to heal and repair in a magic place where she understood her Father and learned to appreciate her true-self. I love this and enjoy it very much. 10/10
I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
This is my second novel by Mrs. Moorman. I really enjoyed it a lot. If you are a fan of Sarah Addison Allen then you will not be able to put this book down.
This novel when you open it up on the first page just hugs you like good southern comfort food. It just satisfies your soul! Highly recommend.
I enjoyed this novel even more than Jennifer Moorman's previous novel.
"The Magic All Around" is an enchanting story that highlights the transformative power of love and family. All of the characters are super entertaining, and you can tell Moorman crafted their characteristics with a lot of forethought and planning. I especially enjoyed following along Mattie's journey. The tasks she must complete keep the story moving in a lovely way and she really changes as she unravels various family secrets. The romance storyline is sweet and heartwarming.
Recommended for fans of the wonderful Sarah Addison Allen.
I look forward to more from this author.
I received a complimentary e-galley from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my review; all opinions are my own.
I have never read a more accurate description from a publisher than this, "This enchanting and whimsical tale of mothers and daughters, home, and love will open readers’ eyes to the magic all around them." I absolutely adored this novel of family and magic. The small town atmosphere and quirky characters held my interest long after the last page. As a person who lost their mother too young myself, this book really touched me and I more than enjoyed watching Mattie learn to engage with the outside world in a new way and reframe what her future could be.
The Magic All Around is cozy, comforting, and of course full of magic. Its one neck of an enjoyable read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced digital copy.
The title of this novel is so aptly fit because it is so magical. As I was reading this book I felt both my heart and mind expanding. I didn’t want the beautiful story to end
What a lovely book! For fans of light romance, magic and small town goodness. If you enjoy books by Heather Webber and Sarah Addison Allen, you'll enjoy this one.
What a lovely novel about family, love and many other things.
I enjoyed this so much that parts of it made me cry. You'll definitely want a box of tissues.
For a long time I felt like Mattie after her mom passed away. Where was home? This was what Mattie was sent on her life's journey to find out what it meant. I loved how Lilith left many clues. In a way it's almost like a squavenger hunt for clues as to who Mattie really is.
In some ways I'm still questioning it. Is it where your heart is? Is it where you come from or where God is?
I liked to think it's where God is.
The author has done very well with this delightful novel. It started out slowly so I almost didn't finish it but now I'm glad I did. I really did enjoy this sweet novel of love and family.
5 stars for a job well done and for leaving my heart full and satisfied.
Jennifer Moorman's "The Magic All Around" is a heartwarming book with a healthy dose of magic. The story is told from the perspective of Penelope, her niece Mattie, and Mattie's high school sweetheart, Jonathan. Now grown up, Mattie and Jonathan reconnect when Mattie's mother and Penelope's sister, Lilith, unexpectedly passes away. Mattie expects to pop in for the funeral and disappear again, but she learns that Lilith planned a series of seemingly arbitrary tasks she has to complete before receiving her inheritance. As aunt and niece reconnect, they both rediscover love -- and themselves -- in a variety of ways.
There are no high-conflict scenes or shocking plot twists in this story, and that's the fun of it. It's like drinking a warm cup of tea: simple, comforting, and delicious. The characters are unique and believable and the story is engaging. I'll be buying a copy for my sister-in-law to enjoy as well. 5 stars!
Encanto for adults! The Magic All Around was such a magical book. It's right there in the title, but I also felt so enchanted with the characters and storyline within its pages. The way everything comes together was perfectly done. I spent a chunk of time thinking about Lilith, especially, long after the book concluded. Pick this book up if you're looking to smile!
An enchanting story of magic swirling around family secrets, doubts, and love. The will of Lillith, Mattie’s mother and Penelope’s sister, is full of riddles that baffle Mattie and Penelope. It draws them to analyze their choices and face a different reality. Along the way, Mattie reconnects with Jonathan-a boy she dreamed of long ago, now a man. Is everything that happens a coincidence or something magically orchestrated by Lillith? A truly bewitching novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC or The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman. This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. This is a feel good story with a bunch magic thrown in for fun! The characters are all likable and believable. All the main characters are women with lots of personality. I will be recommending this book!
The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman Review by Shirley W November 24, 2023
Mattie, the young female protagonist is left alone and a bit adrift after her mother, Lilith suddenly dies. She returns to where she enjoyed family love and protection with her two aunts, Sophia and Penelope and assorted relatives in Ivy Ridge, Georgia. The family lives in an old Victorian home that is enchanted with an old radio that seems to know the resident’s moods, and makes unusual sounds and movements. Mattie is not sure where she is headed, but her mother left a will with certain tasks she must complete before she receives a substantial inheritance. Jonathan is the next door neighbor’s son, now grown up, who remembers a chance encounter with Mattie 10 years ago. Sparks fly as they remember each other and get reacquainted again while they are both in Ivy Ridge for a few months.
A delightful, quick read that holds your attention and peaks your imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed this amusing book!
What a very special, fun read this woman’s fiction is. I simply loved it. There is magic all around Mattie as she returns home for her beloved mother’s funeral. Even the house is a character in the book. Mattie finds out she has to complete some very unusual tasks in order to claim her inheritance. Most of the tasks require her to spend time with family, friends and ex-loves in the small town that she loved as a child. The radio in the house plays random music that fits the atmosphere. The pantry rearranges itself to provide meal plans, and there is a mysterious phone that never rings and so much more. Jennifer Moorman weaves a spell of magic in the heart of the reader and had me hooked from the start. Even the cover of this book gets 5 stars. Do not miss this book. Book clubs will love it.
I wish to thank NetGalley and Harper Muse Publishers for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was sooooo good! Everything I love in a story- great female lead, Magic, adventure and a bit of romance. Will be easy to talk this one up!!!
I just finished this book and wow. I was heading into a reading slump and jumping between several books, none of which could keep my attention. Once I started this thar slump was over!
I lived all the characters in the book, and especially the house. What I would give to live in a house that charming!
I immediately went to fond more books by Jennifer and was pleased to see there are several. Now I just have to figure out which one will be next!
I originally picked this one for the absolutely stunning cover but stay lid for the book. I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. Not what I was expecting but so much better
Loved it!!! This book is pure magic and beautifully written. All the Russell women have something special about them. They all have certain "powers." Lilith left home and never wanted to return. It seemed as Mattie got older, Lilith didn't want to share her with anyone. I understand why, she wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. I really didn't understand why Mattie was dead set on leaving Ivy Ridge. It was the only place that was truly her home and she would be surrounded by family who loves her. Mattie was determined to keep living Lilith's life even if it didn't really make her happy. The house definitely didn't want Mattie to leave. Every magic house needs a cat and Enid was the purrfect one. I knew what the numbers from the plants would end up being. My review doesn't do the book justice.
Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed how the book alternated chapters between Penelope, Mattie and Jonathan. I couldn't put the book down, but was sad when I got to the end because I wanted to keep reading about the Russell family. This was the first book I read by the author and I look forward to reading more. Absolutely love the cover of the book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Muse through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely adore a Jennifer Moorman book, I've never read one that isn't a 5-star read for me, they always have great characters with that little bit of magical realism threaded throughout the book.
In this story we have Mattie, who has returned to the Victorian family home in Ivy Ridge after the unexpected death of her mother, Lilith. Penelope, her aunt, lives there with Sophia and Robert, her godparents, but Mattie has only ever visited for short periods of time whilst growing up when Penelope looked after her for a holiday. Initially Mattie only comes back for the funeral, but ends up having to stay longer because of stipulations in her mother's will where she has to complete various tasks to inherit a sum of money (that she didn't even realise her mother had).
Mattie is used to constantly travelling the country with her mother, so isn't used to staying in one place for too long a period of time, so this is different for her, but she starts to slowly put down roots, albeit very reluctantly at first.
I loved all the gentle magical aspects of this, how each member of the family has a slightly magical touch, including the house itself and the radio etc. playing various songs to suit the occasion, very funny! I loved how the tasks each led into one another and brought different people (and unexpected family) into Mattie's life, making her slow down a bit and reassess what she actually wanted to do with her life.
A quite gentle book, but just such a lovely read. One of those books that makes you have a big sigh of happiness at the end that everything has worked out as it should.
I completely fell in love with this book I was concerned at first because I felt the book was dragging on a bit in spaces, but it was necessary. The back story on each character was thought out and told in a way that kept the story alive and rolling. It was not just to add pages to the book. I was completely invested in Mattie and her relationships with her family, new found friends and family, and her love interest. Jennifer Moorman did a phenomenal job with this book, I am currently looking to see if she has a back log.
This is a hug in book form and what I wanted PRACTICAL MAGIC (movie) to be. If you like Sarah Addison Allen you’ll love this!
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Harper Muse. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Women's Fiction, Magical Realism, Romance Elements, Fantasy
Spice Level: Sweet (past pregnancy mentioned, kissing)
Magic System: Soft system with undefined rules
Themes: Family love, Romantic love, Loss, Finding yourself
What a thoroughly enjoyable book!
Mattie is adrift after the death of her nomad-like mother, and this is primarily the story of her figuring out her life. Her Aunt Penelope and Jonathan, the boy Mattie kissed when she was seventeen, are also on journeys to find peace with the past and move forward.
I wish there was a little bit more about the family magic. It seemed like Penelope was going to talk to Mattie about it more specifically, but that was a minor point. I would say the magic was embodied in the Russell home as though it was a character separate from the people, and each family member received gifts for herself to help her on her journey.
The entire book gave me a warm feeling like a hug and a cup of coco. I loved seeing how Mattie learned more about her mother and herself through the list of requirements her mom gave her to keep her inheritance. I can easily see this being made into a movie because it's so vivid.
I highly recommend this book.
Happy reading!
This book was like a warm, magical hug. I love stories surrounding strong independent women who are on journeys of discovery. The Russell women did not disappoint.
The Russell women all have their own unique gifts and the house they live in, has gifts of its own. When Mattie’s mother passes away she heads back to Ivy Grove with her aunt, Penelope, to tend to her mother’s funeral and will. To Mattie’s surprise, her mother leaves her a significant inheritance all contingent on the completion of seven seemingly random tasks. This is a wonderful story of family, self-discovery, healing, and the meaning of home.
This book is a must read, and not just because it comes out on my birthday! 😊 This amazing, magical book has family, loss, love, second chances, finding yourself, and a magical house! When Mattie loses her mother, Lilith, she goes back to Ivy Ridge, GA to stay with her Aunt Penelope in the house that she visited every summer. Lilith left Mattie an inheritance, but she must complete 7 random tasks before she can receive her money and leave town. While the tasks seem random, they are anything but. They lead her on a journey of self-discovery and bring her the things that she didn’t even realize she wanted or needed. This book is full of a cast of wonderful characters and a house with a mind of its own. One of my favorite quotes: “Being different in a small Southern town was worse than wearing white after Labor Day-an unfortunate circumstance that people couldn’t help but gossip about.”
This was my first book by Jennifer Moorman, but it won't be my last!
The Magic All Around follows Mattie Russell’s journey out of unexpected heartbreak and into an enlightening search where she unlocks clues about her unusual upbringing and a special gift. When Mattie learns to slow down and stop trying to be anywhere but where she is, she finds all of the reasons she needs to stay…family, friends, and love. Once again, Jennifer Moorman’s highly enjoyable storytelling welcomes you into a magical Southern town and introduces you to characters who make you want to move there.
The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman is a charming story full of magic that was heart warming and delightful.
Goodness I thought this book was extremely well written.
I was honestly hooked and found it extremely hard to out my Kindle away.
Her characters are vividly drawn and made me want to know even more about them. There's the perfect amount of intentionality by the author to craft an imaginative and moving tale.
An engaging story of family, love and friendship with magic and a touching story.
Thank You NetGalley and Harper Muse for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
This story revolves like a fantasy mystery around family and this century old Victorian house and loyalty of the Russell sisters..There is a past that causes magical things happening within the house in Ivory Ridge Georgia. Lilith is the exception of loyalty , and leaves the home, living from home to home with her daughter Mattie.
The story moved abit slow at first, I had to start over again to understand the characters more. Once I did this, I couldnt put the book down. Mattie's mother isnt around later in the book(reason says why later) and in order for her daughter to be the beneficiary of an inheritance, Mattie must fulfill a list of intriguing tasks.
The journey is delightful and mysterious ,plus Mattie is trying to find out who her father is.
Give this book a chance, it does capture your attention once you get into the storylines. Thank you Netgalley for your ARC and my perosnal opinion.
This was such a fun book to read. It is about family, dreams, destiny, truth, and love.
The Russell women could be considered enchanted, as they have the ability to make life better for themselves and others around them through their talents. While decisions made by some kept the family apart, her death brings them back together. It is also about looking past the choices made in your younger years to discover your destiny for today.
This story is told from several points of view - Mattie, Penelope, and Jonathan. Mattie is dealing with the death of her mother and what this means for her going forward. Her life was following her mother from town to town and living a nomadic lifestyle. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when the person dies that you had those experiences with, it changes your life forever. Penelope has been locked into her world in Ivy Ridge for a few decades based on some decisions she made in the past. But life is about second chances and the strength to change the trajectory your life is on. The same could be said for Jonathan. He might not think that he would be happy in Ivy Ridge, but a medical scare with his father gives him the opportunity to rethink what life might be like in this little town.
I really liked how the story came together, weaving in the past with the present. The three main characters all learn something about themselves and what they believe to be true when it might not be the truth. The characters all get happily ever afters, but it is a journey to get to that point.
And I would be remiss if I didn't mention the house and its enchantment in helping guide Penelope and Mattie in the right direction.
We give this book 5 paws up and suggest adding it to your TBR list
What can I say? This was a pleasant, magical story that I read through quickly and contentedly. This is as good as it gets--good feeling magic--nothing stressful, very relaxing and definitely not boring or slow. Thank you to the Harper Muse and NetGalley. I have absolutely nothing negative to say and this book receives a full 5 star rating for providing me with a very perfect day. This opinion is my very own but I would be surprised if it were not shared by many others. I definitely want more from this author.
The Russell women are known for their special abilities, and the large Victorian home the live in has powers of it's own. While Lilith has the ability to persuade anyone to give her what she wants or needs, Penelope's magic is in her sewing. With each item of clothing that she makes for someone, she imbues it with whatever the person needs - things like courage, joy, or love. Lilith's daughter Mattie paints beautiful paintings of things that she can picture in her mind, things she has never seen before, and then those paintings are immediately sold to people who have a personal connection to those places that she painted. The house has a radio that turns on automatically, and plays random songs that fit the current situation. Doors refuse to open unless you ask them nicely. Items rearrange themselves in the pantry.
When Lilith was pregnant with Mattie, she left the Russell house and started traveling. She and Mattie never lived in one place more than two years, but Mattie didn't mind the bohemian lifestyle they lived, because it was all she knew. Then, unexpectedly, Lilith dies when Mattie is in her twenties, leaving her all alone. She heads to the Russell house for the funeral and to figure out what she is going to do next. Then, as she is all set to leave Ivy Ridge, she gets an unwelcome surprise, her mother left her a series of tasks that she must complete to earn her inheritance, with Penelope overseeing the process. At first, Mattie balks at the process, but then she slowly leans into it. Mattie soon realizes that if she completes the tasks, she may unearth her mother’s secrets, including the identity of Mattie’s father. She may also discover more about the Russell family “gifts” and why Lilith chose Penelope’s former love to be the executor of the will. She may even learn how and why Jonathan Carlisle, the boy who stole her heart ten summers ago, also happens to be back in town. Then, maybe she can figure out where home is for her..
This book was utterly charming, and I was unable to put it down. This is perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Karen Hawkins. It was the perfect combination of magic, romance, and just a hint of mystery. I loved all of the characters in the book, which is a rarity for me. The storyline kept me engaged and between the quest to figure out who Mattie's father was, what happened between Penelope and Stephen all those years ago to break them up, and then the intrigue about the phone that doesn't ring, kept me glued to the pages. I highly recommend this one!
If you like Practical Magic, you will like this book. I love all of Jennifer Moorman's books, but this one might be my favorite yet. The story follows a multigenerational family - the Russell women - as they navigate life after loss. I found that this book handled grief really well (and accurately). Although the subject is at times heavy, this book, in my opinion, is joyful and full of light. It is definitely a story about finding the magic in every day life (true to the title). One of my favorite things about it are the way Jennifer describes things. The house has magic itself, all of the objects are magical, and the people have enchanted abilities. But it's not just that - this book makes me want to wake up and cook breakfast for a house full of family members and loved ones. There are so many descriptions of yummy food, pretty gardens, even the house itself comes alive on the pages. It explores family dynamics, finding your own identity, and more, wall wrapped up in a pretty package. There are lots of small details and long descriptions in this book, to the point that you feel like you're there, standing in the kitchen or in the back yard at Halloween. I also liked that each character had depth and were more than what met the eye. The characters were likable and also not - aka they were human. All around, I think this book does a great job of capturing the human condition as well as the pretty, magical details that make life worth living. Maybe I just liked it because I would do exactly what Lilith did, ha. (No spoilers). I found The Magic All Around to be funny and charming and I'm glad that Jennifer put it out into the world, because we all need more magic, especially when times aren't as happy as they might seem.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
A sweet and enchanting novel about the relationship between mothers and daughters.
I was not sure at first if this would be a book I would enjoy but after I started it I realized it just pulled me in.
Enjoyable, hard to put down and enchanting.
A magical, extraordinary story! The Russell women are special… they have gifts. Lilith charms people without trying and Penelope sews magic into the clothes she makes. The house is special too. It feels and listens and helps them. Lilith left years ago and constantly traveled with her daughter Mattie. When she unexpectedly dies, Mattie goes back to Ivy Ridge, where she’d spent many a magical summer. She leans that her mom left a series of tasks for her to complete to receive her inheritance. Are they random or is her mom trying to lead her somewhere?
Reminiscent of Practical Magic! Well written, sweet, and such a heart warming story. I loved this one!
Jennifer Moorman creates an enchanting novel with rich characters. Is it magic or is it destiny if you stop to watch the signs? It is a wonderful journey of a young woman searching for her past intertwined in a mystery quest after her mom dies. A magic house that has a voice of its own so well written into the story that one wonders if all homes have a voice we do not hear. This novel was a breath of fresh air with family charisma and romance. This was my first Jennifer Moorman novel and now I will be looking into her other books as well.
The Magic All Around
By: Jennifer Moorman
5 Stars
For the first time in as long as Mattie can remember, she is alone with no place to go. With the passing of her mother and the loss of their nomadic life, she now has to find a new path. Little does she know that her mom may just have a plan for her. With help from her Aunt Penelope and a very odd set of guidelines set out by her mothers will, she may just be on the path to her future yet.
I loved this story. It was truly magical. I loved the characters. ALL of them made this story. I found myself giggling a few times. The storyline was fun to follow. It had bits of sadness and drama but still presented the reader with a funny and heartfelt read at the same time. It was well written and descriptive. It just had a "feel good" feeling when reading. At least for me. I loved picking this story up and hated to finish it. The romance was sweet and so heartfelt and real.
Overall, if you love a good story, you will love this. If you love or just need a little magic in your life, you will love this. I know I enjoyed it greatly. This story was by far one of the best I have read in a long while.
*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*
Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews
So glad I was able to read this book! It was a magical family, friendship, love meant to be type of story. The characters were lovely and totally legit. I look forward to reading more by this author. Lived it. Recommend!!
This was such a cute book. And reading it was a great way to jumpstart my year of reading.
Just do yourself a favor and trust the reviews here instead of reading the description of the book, that practically gives everything away! Don't read them, just trust us all; you will have the warm fuzzies and really enjoy this book!! Oh and if "magic" turns you off, this book very subtly introduces it, but it's not a major theme of the story. The tiny little bits of it just add to the endearing parts. <3
This book is good for all ages! A perfect book for a mom/daughter reading club, teens book club, etc.
Jennifer Moorman has created a magical, delightful web of family, whimsical happenings, and a deep love for home! Excellent novel. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"The Magic All Around" is a wonderful story of a young woman whose mother has recently passed away. Mattie Russell and her mother, Lillith, were best friends, travel companions, and nomads. So Mattie had never really had a place to call home before. But with her mother's passing, Mattie has to return to Ivy Ridge, where her remaining relatives live, to settle the estate and spend time with the rest of her family, who are decidedly NOT nomadic.
But when she gets there, she is confronted by a confusing past and a confounding future. Having never had a place to call home before, how we she know "home" if she saw it?
I have to admit, I loved the enchanted bits of the story. But initially, I was a little confused. Last summer, I read Ann Aguirre's "The Only Purple House in Town," which also had a house with its own mind that wasn't afraid to insert itself into things. And when this house clearly started to stand out as a character in its own right, I thought perhaps I'd picked up the same book again. But other than that shared element, the two stories are each distinctly their own, and I truly enjoyed "The Magic All Around!"
Mattie's search for answers was compelling, and we were brought along on the ride as she sought to figure out what she wanted out of life, now that she was no longer being pulled along in her mother's wake. Ultimately, Mattie's discovery of who she was and what she wanted most was heartwarming.
Thank you to Jennifer Moorman, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.
"The Magic All Around" is a cozy, magical in a good way, journey. I want to echo all of the positive reviews this book has already received by just saying, "Please give us a sequel soon."
I was transported to this world and wished that I had a connection with a house and family that outlasts death.
Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer Moorman, and the publisher for allowing me to visit this amazing family and home.
I adored this sweet magical tale. Like a hallmark movie crossed with practical magic. A fun and compelling read with a little bit of mystery and a dash of romance to keep readers interested
What a cute story. It was just pure magic. At least to me it was. A little bit of sadness but overall this was a story of a family touched by magic.
I've not read any of this author's books before. This one was a good one to start with. It left me feeling happy. Lighthearted. With a song in my heart if you will.....
When Mattie returns to Ivy Ridge, Georgia after her mother dies she's devastated. Her mom, Lilith, was her best friend. The one constant companion in her whole life. Not that their life had been normal by any means. They moved a lot. A whole lot. It was what Mattie was use too and she never thought much about it.
Mattie's aunt, Penelope has been a rock for her. She spent many summers in her earlier years with her Aunt. She met a boy on her fifteenth birthday who she never truly forgot about. She has a lot of good memories in Ivy Ridge. But her life has been turned upside down with the death of Lilith. Mattie was so close to her mother. Maybe it was time for her to spread her wings and fly now. Find her own path..
Lilith left Mattie an inheritance but with stipulations for getting it. Many clues are left in the tasks she has to do to get the money. All of these clues are to help Mattie. To help her move forward with her own life. Possibly find a path of her own to find the father she never knew anything about. A love that could be just around the corner. Or next door. Money to help her with her talent of painting. To do what she wanted with her life. To finally settle down and have a stable life.
I loved all the characters in this story. There was no real drama and not thriller aspect in any way. It was just a story of a girl and what all she had to do and had done. The path that lead her to find her way in life. To find true happiness. A magical house. Magical music. Magical family. This book was just pure magic and I loved that. It was such a fun one to read.
Thank you #NetGalley, #JenniferMoorman, #HarperMuse, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this book. Pure magic...
Five big stars from me. Read it. Enjoy.
This was just the book I needed. Light-hearted and hopeful with amazing characters, I could not put down The Magic All Around. A story told through magical realism with themes of happiness and fate, I was fully invested in Mattie, her aunt Penelope, and her mother Lilith - they were believable, unique, and inspiring each with their own story and struggles. This might be one of my favorite books I read this year.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for an ARC of this book. in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
I adored this book. It was magical! The house was a character! I loved the little mystery, the family, the romance--just everything. I'm ready to move to Ivy Ridge and make friends with all the characters.. This book was a warm hug. If you need a feel good book this is it.
*Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of "The Magic All Around" by Jennifer Moorman.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I could not put it down. I don't want to spoil a thing for you, but let's just say this magical family is sure to enchant you. This book is full of family dynamics, travel, art, romance, self-discovery, and a healthy dose of fantasy and magical realism.
You will not regret picking up this book, y'all — "The Magic All Around" is so special.
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Children's Fiction