This book is delightful, and I am thrilled that is the first in the new Dove Pond series! When I read a description that indicated this was a book for book lovers and compared it to a Matilda for adults, I was excited to read it. I became even more excited when I realized that it had elements of magical realism. The cherry on top was that it was written by an author who has written books I have loved in the past. I anticipated this being a treat, and it was as delicious as I had hoped.
This was written in an easy to read style, and I enjoyed that this was told from the perspective of several different characters. One of the things that I particularly liked was that even though this was a pleasant reading experience, this book contained several realistic and serious topics, including foster care, PTSD, and Alzheimer's. I believe it is the author's skill that allowed this to be both sensitive and charming.
The small town setting of Dove Pond is another thing I loved. I wish it were a real place that I could visit. The characters were so descriptive, think a neighbor described as looking like Khal Drogo or Audrey Hepburn, yet they were not caricatures. This was a story and characters with plenty of personality and heart. I also love the premise of sisters who each appear to have a special 'gift' or magical ability, and they come from a long line of a family where this has been so.
I personally would have liked even more of the romance storylines, but I realize that this is women's fiction, and I enjoyed the relationships that developed. I also would have liked a longer epilogue, but since this is a series, I am anticipating returning to some of these characters. I think this was an excellent set up book for the rest of the series.
If you want a book that feels cozy and has magical realism, you will enjoy this one!
This was written in an easy to read style, and I enjoyed that this was told from the perspective of several different characters. One of the things that I particularly liked was that even though this was a pleasant reading experience, this book contained several realistic and serious topics, including foster care, PTSD, and Alzheimer's. I believe it is the author's skill that allowed this to be both sensitive and charming.
The small town setting of Dove Pond is another thing I loved. I wish it were a real place that I could visit. The characters were so descriptive, think a neighbor described as looking like Khal Drogo or Audrey Hepburn, yet they were not caricatures. This was a story and characters with plenty of personality and heart. I also love the premise of sisters who each appear to have a special 'gift' or magical ability, and they come from a long line of a family where this has been so.
I personally would have liked even more of the romance storylines, but I realize that this is women's fiction, and I enjoyed the relationships that developed. I also would have liked a longer epilogue, but since this is a series, I am anticipating returning to some of these characters. I think this was an excellent set up book for the rest of the series.
If you want a book that feels cozy and has magical realism, you will enjoy this one!