A Cozy Dive into Witchy Reservations: My Thoughts on Mystic Inn #1
There’s a certain charm in stumbling upon a book that aligns perfectly with your mood, and that’s exactly what happened to me with Witchy Reservations by Jessica McBrayer. On a sick day, while on the hunt for an easy, feel-good read, I accidentally snagged both the ebook and audiobook. It felt serendipitous—until I realized how much my foggy brain might color my experience with this enchanted tale. Nonetheless, it was a cute way to escape reality, and given I’m a Chicago native like our protagonist, Angelica, I couldn’t resist diving in.
Angelica’s return to her witchy hometown after thirteen years away sends ripples through her life, reminding us how hard it can be to confront the past. The genius twist of her aunt convincing her to come home under the guise of illness was clever and undeniably relatable. How many of us have felt the pressure to return to our roots, especially when family is involved? It struck a chord with me, and I admired the way McBrayer used this emotional lever to bring Angelica back into the fold.
However, the execution of the world-building left me wanting. The town, designed as a charming tourist trap for all things paranormal, confused me. With a password required for entry, I couldn’t help but wonder how it could thrive as a tourist destination. If non-magical folks are glowing to alert witches of their presence, it feels counterintuitive to promote tourism. The muddled rules about who can be involved in this world—whether magical or not—made me pause more than once. If the town is so protective, why drag in Angelica’s non-magical boyfriend for accounting help? Where are the magical CPA wizards?
As for the magic itself, it occasionally felt too reminiscent of Harry Potter, casting a shadow over its originality. When wand cores made their appearance, my inner critic raised an eyebrow. Couldn’t there have been unique aspects to the magic? Lifting spells and terminology from previous works can dilute the reader’s experience, and I craved something fresh to invigorate the narrative.
The cozy mystery element surrounding a murder also intrigued me, but I felt disoriented regarding the fall harvest festival. Did I miss it due to my haze, or did the momentum just fizzle out? The mentioned Excel sheets tracking donations were great details—but it felt like we were gearing up for an event that never truly unfolded. I have to admit, I was a bit frustrated by the loose ends.
Despite my critiques, Witchy Reservations sparked enough curiosity in me to pick up the second book. Maybe it will provide the clarity and depth that the first installment lacked. It’s a lighthearted, charming read that has potential, and I hope the series truly finds its footing.
Overall, if you’re seeking a cozy, whimsical getaway with some witchy fun, this might be worth your time—just perhaps keep a box of tissues on hand for those sniffles! There’s a hint of charm that could blossom into something enchanting through the rest of the series, and for those who love a splash of magic mixed with everyday realities, I think you might just find a gem here. Who knows, you might even end up enchanted enough to stay through to book two.
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