As a critique for a general audience, I think cliche rules the day here. The Charmed List is cute and bubbly like a taro boba, not effervescent like a Ramune. It is clear that the author has come from the world of middle grade books, which you can see in the repetitive and tell, don't show nature of the plot points. That is not to say that it made the book unenjoyable, simply something that proves to be a bit distracting. Characters could be fleshed out more, arguments and grudges could be given more weight- it is all a little surface level, but I have no doubt the author will grow to meet the needs of the readers who have grown up with her books.

As an aside just for me, it felt so good to see myself in a main character, to recognize the food and the shops of home in the San Jose area. It made me incredibly nostalgic and desperate for cherry blossom mochi. Someday again soon hopefully...