Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck
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Web ID: 15058483“If fairy tales are real, I’m going to be....”
I found this book highly enjoyable even though at times the leading lady was a little too ‘girl power’ for me personally. That didn’t detract from the well crafted story that unfolded that had me on the edge of my seat until I turned the last page thankful I already have book 2 in my tbr pile considering how it ended!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Let the misandry slide. It pays off.
Okay so, the in-your-face, men-are-pigs misandry and ham-fisted social justice agenda lines shoehorned into every other paragraph were jarring and a little hard to get past. That said, I kept waiting and hoping for the protagonist to grow out of her insufferable pomposity and, lo and behold, she actually did. She started out almost comically puffed up and full of herself, then gradually evolved into a mature, vulnerable, funny and finally very likable person. It’s like most of this book was written by a sensitive author with a good understanding of human foible on the one hand, and a bigoted, man-hating SJW with an preachy agenda on the other. One minute the main character is subtly moving beyond her earlier arrogance, and her love interest is written as the the strong, caring yin to her yang as she comes into her power as a savior and force for good. The next minute though, the other au Thor takes over and we have a barking public service announcement railing against “men” and the evils of “the patriarchy”. It’s weird as hell and not a little disjointed. That said, the sensitive and nuanced development of the characters and their relationships as the story progresses more that make up for it until, by the end you’re rooting for everybody. This is a well-written, surprisingly layered and ultimately enjoyable read, and one I’m pleased to recommend. I can only hope that for the next books in the series, which I’m eagerly anticipating, the writing and editorial team opts to move the SJW away from the keyboard and maybe onto the street corner with a sandwich sign and a bullhorn where they can do more good.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Let the misandry slide. It pays off.
Okay so, I’m not gonna lie. The in-your-face, men-are-pigs misandry and ham-fisted social justice agenda lines shoehorned into every other paragraph were a little hard to get past. That said, I kept waiting and hoping for the protagonist to grow out of her insufferable pomposity and, lo and behold, she actually did. She started out almost comically puffed up and full of herself, then gradually evolved into a mature, vulnerable, funny and finally very likable person. This is a well-written, surprisingly layered and ultimately enjoyable read, and one I’m pleased to recommend.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
It's ok..
The main character is a narcissistic, I-know-better-than-everyone- else type. Really couldnt like her or care much. It's a fade to black type book (and the bit where "she "puts down readers that like spicy books was not ok, along with why she doesn't carry certain books or likes a type of jewelry). I finished it but I wouldn't pick up the next. The writers had so much opportunity to make it better and just MORE. Maybe next book they'll tell why she couldn't call her PARENTS the TEACHERS.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
So Much Fun!
SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC by the writing duo known as Hazel Beck is an unexpected treasure! My reactions as I read: OOOHH!! Wow! And Darn It!! I am now waiting on pins and needles for the next one it the series! SMALL TOWN, BIG MAGIC is a somewhat different look at witches and magic, full of interesting characters and an engrossing storyline. Emerson feels she must do everything herself, and, when things that don’t make sense start happening in her beloved St. Cyprian, she has a lot to come to terms with the realization that things aren’t as she believed and learn to ask her friends, who have always been at her side, for help navigating her new reality and everything that comes with it. Don’t miss this one! Thanks to the publisher for the chance to read an early copy. All opinions are my own and are freely given. #SmallTownBigMagic #HazelBeck #GraydonHouse
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
I loved this book
Many years ago, Emerson Wilde had her magical memory erased. She had no idea her friends were witches and the town where she lives is was full of them too. And the biggest surprise of all is Emerson herself is a witch who comes from a long line of powerful witches. When Emerson is attacked and she unknowingly performs a spell, her friends finally tell her the truth. Emerson immediately finds herself involved in the world of witches when she is needed to help ward off the eminent danger that is coming to St. Cyprian. There is also a romance in this story too. Emerson realizes one of her good friends and her went meant to be together. I enjoyed seeing how her and Jacob found their way to each other. I was really surprised by this book. I loved it. I couldn’t get enough of it. The only drawback is it does end in a slight cliffhanger, but the main part of the story wraps up. I can’t wait to get the next book in my hands to read it and see what happens next.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Cute!
I just completed Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck. This was a fun and witchy light romance. The main character was a stubborn feminist, Chamber of Commerce President, bookstore owner and just so happens to be a witch. Her friends are loyal and loving and put up with her crazy actions! This was a fun read - there is romance but no steam or smut - just in case you were wondering! The ending makes me think there will be a sequel - so be forewarned - the ending was not exceedingly satisfying! Still worth the read. I gave it 4 stars.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Captivating
Small Town, Big Magic by Hazel Beck was an amazing story that really made me think and wonder if this story could be true. A theme that ran through this story is that the right friends will always be there for you no matter what, as well as with the right friends and even family you can get through anything. Emerson Wilde’s life is devoted to improving St. Cyprian, the small town her family’s lived in for generations. The bane of her existence since childhood is Skip, the town’s mayor. Emerson discovers that there’s more to St. Cyprian, Skip, and herself than she realized. The magic is real. Emerson loves her town, fighting for what she believes in: making her town a better place. It’s hard to argue with her passion; especially she unexpectedly lands in the middle of something bigger than she can possibly comprehend. Emerson has a very close group of friends who are incredibly supportive and loving. Georgie and Ellowyn and Jacob and Zander are each different, unique, wonderful, and united in their efforts to take care of Emerson; despite her not wanting it. Do not miss the rivers, the magic embedded into the town itself, the familiars, as well as the awe Emerson has for her magic. This new series by Hazel Beck shines with humor, romance, and surprising gothic danger, it had me hooked from the first page and kept me turning pages. Emerson Wilde is confident, organized and a small town businesswoman with big plans; that is until they all unravel as she discovers her town isn't quite what it appears to be, and for that matter, neither is she. A fun opening into the Witchlore series, Hazel Beck gives us a cast of characters to cheer and love and enough magic and suspense to keep the pages turning. I highly recommend Small Town, Big Magic to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com