Review - - The Anatomy of Magic

The Anatomy of Magic

by J.C. Cervantes

Publisher: Park Row

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Lilian Estrada seemingly has it all: an ob-gyn star on the rise, a master at balancing work with whirlwind romances and part of a family of fiercely loyal and exceptional women, all bound together by an extraordinary secret. The Estrada women each possess a unique power, and Lily shines with the rare gift to manipulate memories. Yet not even her mystical abilities can shield her from a harrowing event at the hospital, one that sends her powers—and her confidence—spiraling out of control.

Seeking solace, Lily retreats to her family's ancestral home in Mexico, only to find herself face-to-face with a ghost from her past—Sam, the first love she never forgot. Nearly a decade since she last saw him, Sam is hardly the boy she once knew, and as old flames spark to life, Lily must navigate the mysteries of their shared history and the depths of her own heart if she hopes to control her unpredictable magic.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been looking forward to this book since turning the final page of book one, The Enchanted Hacienda (read my Top Dish review). I'm happy to say it did not let me down. Cervantes has once again crafted an immersive, magical, hard-to-put-down book that reached into my soul and held me captivated from start to finish. 

From the first scenes, we are witness to the chaos and internal pain of Lily's life and given one reason for it. But there is much more at play here - secrets that gradually unfold as Lily and Sam are given a second chance. I love how Cervantes plunges me into the emotions of her characters, how she gradually opens them up to all the pain and joy of life. How she allows them to make questionable decisions, to make the wrong choices, then gives them the opportunity to grow, to right the wrongs, to do better. Be better. I was with them every step of the way, experiencing all the emotions. 

The Estrada family farm with its magical flowers, of course, plays a pivotal role in Lily's evolution as do the members of her family. The strength, resilience, and bond that these women share is the core of these stories. I love how they support one another while also holding each other accountable. Their bonds may stretch but they never break and when the need is great, they all come. 

If you have not yet experienced the magic of these beautifully written stories, I encourage you pick one up and spend time with the women of the Estrada family. I'm already looking forward to whatever Cervantes has in store for them next. 

You could enjoy The Anatomy of Magic on its own but I strongly recommend reading The Enchanted Hacienda first. I loved them both. 

Coastal Magic 2025 Featured Author Spotlight & Giveaway - - Tere Michaels

Coastal Magic Convention Featured Author Tere Michaels is in our spotlight today. Tere’s specialties are snark, angst, and happily ever afters, set in the big city. It might take some time to get there but no worries - she believes in love conquering all! She has written eighteen books including her popular Faith, Love & Devotion series, the superhero saga The Vigilante, and "Broadway or Bust." Her most recent series has kicked off with Whisk-y Business, of The Love Broker series.

Welcome to The Romance Dish, Tere!  It’s a pleasure to have you visit with us today. 

Thank you so much for having me! 

For those readers who have yet to discover you, please share what they should expect when they read Whisk-y Business, book one of your The Love Broker series (which I thoroughly enjoyed - so much fun!).  

Sarcasm, Idiots to Lovers, Magical Weirdness, and sort of a reverse Hallmark Holiday Movie. 

I'm sitting here laughing out loud at that perfect description of this book! 

I love the food Annalee makes at the bakery and especially the bond with her late grandmother that it represents. Are you a baker? If so, who taught you and what’s your favorite item to bake? If not, which items catch your eye and tempt your taste buds when you walk into a bakery? 

I am not a great baker, but my mom used to make cream puffs ALL the time - like every family anything, she’d be required to bring them. Since she passed, I’ve tried to make them every Christmas. When I go to a bakery, you can usually tempt me with something that has baked apples in it, or crumb cake. (But only if it’s real NJ crumb cake, which means a huge stack of crumbs on a tiny sliver of cake. lol) 

Oh and the pastina soup she dreams about is something my Nan (grandmother) would make. I make it for myself when I need a little warmth.

I looked up the recipe for pastina soup. I will definitely be adding that to my winter soup menu!

I did not see that twist coming in the second epilogue of this book. What fun (no spoilers)! Do you already know how everything will play out over the course of the series? How many books will there be? Will the rest of them be set in Pine Lake or will you be taking readers back to the “big city?” 

Ooo, I love that. I have a pretty solid idea for the next few books. When this came together for me, I had a list of pun titles that jumped into my head so I have up to Book 5 already worked out! And I’ll keep writing them until I run out of words. Honestly, I love this world and all the chaos these folks are causing. 

I’m already beyond excited for book two. When can we expect its release? Are you able to tell us anything about it?  

The Man Date, which is Book 2, should already be out. I had it up for pre-order (uploaded with an old draft to be replaced), then it got released before it was supposed to so I took it down. Drama! Then I decided to rewrite the last third of the book. LOL I am MUCH happier with it now so…yeah. I’m a menace to myself. 

This book is a gay romance featuring two seemingly different men who find what they have in common brings them together. We also spend some time with a character who very briefly showed up in Book 1 and is going to blaze across the series, particularly Book 4. Oh. and matchmaking Malamutes, because why not? These guys were delightful to write, and I also enjoyed delving into friendship - what happens if your two best friends hook up? How does the third wheel react? I also added a bit more of the lore around Trudye’s tree, which was FUN. I hope everyone enjoys the book. 

I've already downloaded The Man Date and am looking forward to returning to Pine Lake. 

Let’s wrap things up with a few rapid-fire questions. 

What are your passions (aside from writing)?

Reading. I always have a book going and will sometimes spend most of my weekend reading. I also like to run (no, really!). 

What would readers be surprised to learn about you? 

What an introvert I am. LOL 

What are you currently reading or looking forward to reading? 

I’m currently reading Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis. My jam lately has been magical worlds with romance. I am waiting for SO many books in the new year. The new Ali Hazelwood, the next in the Assistant to the Villain series, the next Emily Wilde’s Fairy book series…I can keep going. Oh and the next book in the Fourth Wing series. I loved it. 

Where can readers find you online? 

I’m mostly on Threads, Bluesky, and occasionally Facebook and Instagram. I also have a Substack that’s primarily about the process of writing. My business partner is going to be handling all our media stuff because she is young and I am old. lol 

Thank you, Tere! Would you like to add anything or ask a question of the readers? 

Oooo…let’s see. First off, I love you all. Thanks for reading my books, and being so sweet throughout the year. I can’t wait to see everyone at Coastal.

My question, I suppose, is about The Love Broker series. What sort of tropes do you want to see me write? Not promising anything but I’d love to hear your ideas. 

Thank you so much for allowing me to visit!

Readers, let's help Tere out. What are your favorite contemporary romance tropes to read?

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM, January 2 will receive a Kindle copy of Whisk-y Business. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Lightning in her Hands

Lightning in her Hands

by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Wild Magic - Book 2

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: October 15, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

Teal Flores is desperate for two things—control over her gift of weather, and a date to her ex’s wedding. The first isn’t possible until she finds her long-lost mother, but the second has a very handsome last-ditch solution: Carter Velasquez.

Carter needs Teal too. His chance at receiving an inheritance is dependent on him being married by age thirty (blame his traditional Cuban grandmother), so who better to pose as his wife than Teal? But fake marriage and cohabitation prove tricky when mutual attraction charges the atmosphere—quite literally for Teal, whose volatile emotions cause lightning strikes.

Together, Teal and Carter embark on a quest to find her mother and the answers she’s searching for. But along the way, they’ll discover something even better: a love that can weather any storm.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've read several friends-to-lovers tropes recently but this one has unique twists that make it stand apart from the rest. Gilliland pulled me into this dysfunctional family in her first book, Witch of Wild Things, leaving me eager to discover more about the Flores sisters, their sibling relationship, romantic relationships, and magical abilities. After reading book one, I thought I knew what I'd be getting with middle sister, Teal. I got so much more.

This book has so many layers and Gilliland expertly navigates every one of them. Teal is a complex character. I didn't like her in book one, wasn't sure I liked her in the first part of book two, and ended up loving her by the end. My heart ached for her when all she had been through was revealed. It answered so many questions. I enjoyed her growth throughout the book, how hard she worked to achieve that growth, and especially her efforts to mend her relationships with her sisters. It was all realistically depicted and relatable, as was the ebb and flow of her evolving relationship with Carter, a genuinely nice guy who loves and supports her but isn't without flaws to overcome himself.

Then there's the magic. The abilities these sisters have, and the things that have happened to them, should be unbelievable and yet Gilliland crafts them in such a way that they seem perfectly natural and believable. Of course, Teal's emotions control the weather. Of course, Sage communicates with plants. Of course, animals talk with Sky. And speaking of youngest sister, Sky, you won't believe what she's been through. I cannot wait for her book. Can. Not. Wait. 

If you enjoy fast-paced stories with flawed characters, emotional depth, snappy humor, sibling dynamics, Latin (Mexican/Cuban) culture, magical realism, and hard-won happy endings, give this series a try. For the best reading experience and understanding of the characters, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. 

Have you read any of the books in this series?

What are your thoughts about magical realism in romance?

If you could have one magical ability, what would you choose?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, October 30 will receive a print copy of Lightning in her Hands.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Witch of Wild Things

Witch of Wild Things

by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.
 
Sage Flores has been running from her family—and their “gifts”—ever since her younger sister Sky died. Eight years later, Sage reluctantly returns to her hometown. Like slipping into an old, comforting sweater, Sage takes back her job at Cranberry Rose Company and uses her ability to communicate with plants to discover unusual heritage specimens in the surrounding lands.

What should be a simple task is complicated by her partner in botany sleuthing: Tennessee Reyes. He broke her heart in high school, and she never fully recovered. Working together is reminding her of all their past tender, genuine moments—and new feelings for this mature sexy man are starting to take root in her heart.

With rare plants to find, a dead sister who keeps bringing her coffee, and another sister whose anger fills the sky with lightning, Sage doesn’t have time for romance. But being with Tenn is like standing in the middle of a field on the cusp of a summer thunderstorm—supercharged and inevitable.

PJ's Thoughts:

This is an interesting story about coming home, dysfunctional family, forgiveness, sisters, romance, and finding one's self. And if that isn't enough, there's a bit of a mystery as well as some very intriguing magical realism. 

The characters are well developed, drawing me into the story almost immediately and eliciting a variety of emotions. There are a lot of layers to sift through for more than one of them, especially within Sage's family. It's never easy coming home and the circumstances of Sage's departure and return make it less so. A boring reunion, this is not! 

I enjoyed the AOL instant messenger flashbacks between Tenn and Sage. It was a clever and effective way to dig into some of those layers (of both characters) and give readers a more complete understanding of their personalities, motivation, and feelings both past and present. 

Overall, the story moves at a steady pace and maintained my interest with a good balance of humor, character evolution, conflict, and emotional depth. Parts of the magical realism are easy to buy into while others require significant suspension of disbelief (I have many questions). It has me wondering if Gilliland is planning more books for this family. 

If you enjoy coming of age novels with magical realism, family dysfunction, and a touch of romance, give this one a try. It's an intriguing read. 

Do you enjoy books with magical realism?

Sage's gift is the ability to communicate with plants. What magical gift would you choose for yourself?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 16 will receive a print copy of Witch of Wild Things. 

*U.S. Only

*Must be 18

Review - - The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove

by Karen Hawkins

Dove Pond Series - Book 3

Publisher: Gallery Books

Release Date: August 15, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

Three lives converge as a wildly talented baker returns to Dove Pond to face her past in this entry in the charming series that proves that sometimes miracles really do happen...

Ella Dove is an acclaimed baker whose desserts spark vivid, cherished memories in those who taste them. A restless soul, Ella goes wherever the wind takes her—but driven by a haunting dream, she’s coming home to Dove Pond. Years ago, her mentor, Angela Stewart Harrington, falsely accused Ella of stealing her beloved family recipe book, known as the Book of Cakes. Now, Ella believes it’s time for them to reconcile.

Angela has her own share of amends to make. Her daughter Jules has never forgiven her for divorcing her father, and they’ve been estranged ever since. But just as Angela begins to hope that she and Jules might mend their tattered relationship, a miscommunication turns into a lie that could destroy everything.

Meanwhile, Jules’s son Gray is shocked that Ella, his first love and his first heartbreak, has returned to Dove Pond. But even though he knows Ella is a wanderer and will soon leave, he’s unable to stop himself from falling for her once again. Can Gray find a way to convince Ella to give him, and their town, a serious chance? Or is he once again on the road to a broken heart?

With so much at stake, Ella, Angela, and Gray must learn to accept each other—flaws and all—forgive the many mistakes of their pasts, and trust that love can, and will, always find a way. For fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen, The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is a delicious and magical read that will warm your heart and charm your senses.

PJ's Thoughts:

Once again, Karen Hawkins quickly swept me into all the ups and downs of life in Dove Pond, and within the Dove family, holding me there, happily flipping pages to discover what would happen next, until the very end.

These books are character driven and oh, what flawed, complex, delightfully complicated characters they are. Do I like them? Do I despise them? Do they make me laugh? Cry? Cheer for them or want to toss them off a cliff? Yes, to all of the above. Hawkins' characters are realistic. They're relatable. They embody emotions - and issues - many of us face in our daily lives. They're also quirky, sometimes devious, beautifully developed by the author, and always entertaining. 

I love Hawkins' sense of humor which is on full display in this book, especially in the scenes featuring Angela. Her interactions with both Ella and with Gray had me frequently chuckling and often laughing out loud while those with her daughter brought a depth of emotion that gave substance, tension, and hope to a fraught relationship. 

There are so many layers to Ella and Gray. I enjoyed their second chance at romance. While not the primary focus of this book, it holds a fair amount of weight in the overall story, especially as it relates to Ella's personal evolution, and comes with a happy ending. I appreciate that Hawkins devoted time to each character's issues and their individual growth as well as the slow progression into becoming a romantic couple. By the end of the book, I was firmly in their corner. And, bonus! Who knew Gray would come with a Highland Coo calf who is most definitely "Adorbs." I can't wait to see more of these three in future books (hopefully).

I've been reading Karen Hawkins for a long time. Her Scottish historical romances are among my favorites but this new contemporary fiction series with romantic elements, family dynamics, and a touch of magical realism is hitting all of my happy spots. Hawkins' Dove Pond stories touch my heart, tickle my funny bone, and leave me eager for more. I highly recommend this book and this series.

Review & Giveaway - - In the Shadow Garden

In the Shadow Garden

by Liz Parker

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Reviewed by PJ

There’s something magical about Yarrow, Kentucky. The three empathic witches of the Haywood family are known for their shadow garden—from strawberries that taste like chocolate to cherry tomatoes imbued with the flavors of basil and oregano. Their magic can cure any heartache, and the fruits of their garden bring a special quality to the local bourbon distillery. On one day every year, a shot of Bonner bourbon will make your worst memory disappear. But the Haywoods will never forget the Bonners’ bitter betrayal.

Twenty years ago, the town gave up more than one memory; they forgot an entire summer. One person died. One person disappeared. And no one has any recollection of either.

As events from that fateful summer start to come to light, there must be a reckoning between the rival Haywood and Bonner families. But untangling the deep roots of this town’s terrible secrets will expose more than they could ever imagine about love, treachery, and the true nature of their power.

PJ's Thoughts:

Magical realism is a tricky thing. In many books, I can enjoy the concept while being fully aware that it isn't real. But then there are those few, shall we say "magical," books where I willingly suspend disbelief, immersing myself in all the story has to offer, knowing logically that it's fiction but believing with everything in me that it's real. In the Shadow Garden is one of those books. 

Parker's writing is perfectly pitched, with a dreamy - almost mystical - quality that drew me in, kept me enthralled, and left me with the firm certainty that somewhere in Kentucky there is an actual Shadow Garden, in a small town shrouded in gloom, where grief is softened, traditions are revered, bourbon flows, and magical produce thrives under the gentle care of multiple generations of Haywood women.  

The characters are engaging, with interesting backs stories, tangled relationships, and more than a few obstacles ahead. I love that the story is told from different generational perspectives. It gives the reader views into the past and present, offering a more complete picture of events that led to current situations. The family dynamics, a key element of the story, are realistic and believable, not only between the Haywoods and Bonners but within each family as well, and volatile enough to keep me eagerly flipping pages to find out what was going to happen next. 

Nothing is as it seems as the author takes the characters, as well as the reader, along a twisted path laced with magical mysteries, unexpected revelations, betrayal, danger, and the possibility of love reclaimed. I was fully invested before I reached the end of Chapter One and read late into the night, finishing the book somewhere around 3:30 AM. Then, when I woke up the next morning, I went back and re-read my favorite parts, savoring the various nuances that were so expertly rendered. It's a book I can see myself reading again and again, probably each fall, a perfect time to lose myself in the murky, magical, mysteries of Yarrow, Kentucky.

In the Shadow Garden is Liz Parker's debut novel, a fact that I find difficult to believe. I was sure I was reading a book written by a well-seasoned author with numerous publications under her writing belt. I really hope she's a fast writer because I plan to buy every book she publishes...and I'm not getting any younger. ;-) 

 

Do you enjoy magical realism in books you read or movies you watch?

Do you have any favorite books/movies/TV shows that feature magic or witches?

One person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 14 will receive a print copy of In the Shadow Garden.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited