themarginaliawriter's Reviews (47)

This YA novella had some good ideas, but it didn’t really come together for me. I get that novellas are short, so there’s less room to dive deep, but I wish the author had spent more time on the world-building. It could’ve made the story feel less tied to a specific time and helped it stand out as a cute, timeless YA romance.

The story hints at character growth, mostly through the main character switching love interests and helping each other grow, but the way it played out wasn’t super convincing. Some parts were just plain cringy and hard to get past.

The book’s approach to body image was also really rough. It wasn’t soft or inspiring, and honestly, it came off harsh and in-your-face. If you struggle with body image issues, I’d say that’s something to watch out for.

I didn’t vibe with Bayleigh, the main character, either. She came across as really immature and way too rebellious for my taste, which made it hard to root for her.

While there are some familiar tropes like Small Town Romance and Bad Boy vs. Nice Guy, they didn’t do enough to save the story for me. Overall, it didn’t give me the warm, fuzzy feelings I look for in a YA romance. I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if body image discussions are a sensitive topic for you.

I really enjoyed Motheater, more than I expected, honestly. That said, there were some parts of the story I wasn’t crazy about. I actually found the book a little intimidating at first and wasn’t sure I’d like it. It’s interesting because I haven’t heard many people talk about it, which I think added to my thoughts of not liking it. The uniqueness of the storyline though definitely bumped up my rating.

I loved the dual perspective, especially getting to see an Appalachian witch practicing  after the Civil War during the Industrial Revolution and the coal mining boom. It was a really cool way to show the history of the mines and then bring it back to the present day to highlight how the mountains are still suffering. The romance didn’t feel necessary to me. It was such a small part of the story, I’m not even sure why it was included.

I absolutely loved Esther. When I think of an Appalachian witch, her voice, the way she spoke, and how her practice was so tied to the earth and the Bible felt really authentic.

I’d recommend this book, especially if you already own it and aren’t sure about reading it. If you’re after a strong romance, this probably isn’t the one since that’s not the focus. But if you want to learn about Appalachian history through coal mining and explore the witch culture of the region from both a historical and modern fictional perspective, this is definitely worth a read.

This review covers both Cursed Princess Club Volume 2 and Volume 3, as they continue to dive deeper into the lives of the pastel princesses and plaid princes. 

In Volume 2, Gwen faces some tough realities, including negative self-talk, the possibility that she may have misunderstood Frederick, and the patience needed for changing opinions. We’re also introduced to the Princels, a group of princes with severe self-esteem issues, adding even more depth to the story. The volume ends on an exciting note as Gwen meets Lord Leopold, a potential suitor who truly sees her beauty. 

 

Volume 3 picks up with the pastel princesses in lockdown while their father is off traveling somewhere. Lord Leopold arrives, eager to win Gwen’s heart, but not everyone in the Cursed Princess Club is thrilled about her presence. Rumors begin circulating, questioning whether Gwen might actually be cursed, especially after seeing her family portrait. One of the funniest moments is Jamie stripping to create a distraction so Leopold can approach Gwen, only for Jamie to show up again in Leopold’s paintings. The scene is hilariously chaotic and such a standout.

 

This series continues to balance heartfelt lessons and humor perfectly, making it a delight to read.