Title: Hopeless Magic
Author: Rachel Higginson
First published August 6, 2011
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.24
Overview
In Marcia Lynn McClure’s The Visions of Ransom Lake, a young woman named Vaden Valmont yearns for adventure and mystery, and she finds it in a man named Ransom Lake. Ransom is a solitary recluse who is uninterested in people and their affairs, but somehow Vaden manages to always be in his way.
Despite his seemingly callous demeanor, Ransom unwittingly becomes Vaden’s tutor in life and in love. Through him, she experiences joy and passion like never before, but also learns the darker sides of life such as despair, guilt, and heartache.
Will Ransom be the cause of Vaden’s dreams coming true or her complete desolation? Find out in The Visions of Ransom Lake.
About the Author
Meet Rachel Higginson, a talented writer who has penned several successful books including The Five Stages of Falling in Love, Every Wrong Reason, Bet on Us, and The Star-Crossed Series. Rachel grew up in Nebraska but ventured out during her college years to explore the world.
She fell in love with Eastern Europe, Paris, Indian cuisine, and the stunning beaches of Sri Lanka. Despite her love for adventure, Rachel returned home to marry her high school sweetheart.
These days, she spends her time writing captivating stories and raising her five incredible children.
Editoral Review
Rachel Higginsons Hopeless Magic is a beautifully written and heartfelt young adult novel that explores themes of family, love, and acceptance. First published on August 6, 2011, Hopeless Magic is a standalone novel that has captivated readers with its magical atmosphere and enchanting characters.
Centered on two sisters, the story follows seventeen-year-old Amber and fifteen-year-old Ivy as they return to their hometown of Magnolia Cove, Alabama, after spending five years away from their mother and the small town life they once knew. As the sisters navigate the bittersweet memories of their childhood, they discover a family secret that could change everything they thought they knew about their mother and the world around them.
Higginsons writing is poetic and imaginative, immersing readers in the charming and mystical world of Magnolia Cove. The town is brimming with magic, from the mystical creatures that inhabit the local forest to the roots of the trees that seem to have a life of their own.
The author has a talent for describing the setting in vivid detail, bringing each scene to life and making readers feel as if they are right there alongside the characters. The characters themselves are equally fascinating, as Higginson skillfully weaves together their personal stories and inner struggles to create a poignant and heartwarming narrative.
Amber and Ivy are both complex and relatable, each with their own fears and desires that drive the plot forward. Supporting characters such as their quirky grandmother and their childhood friend, Tate, add depth and richness to the story, making the world of Magnolia Cove feel all the more real.
One of the book’s standout features is the authors ability to tackle difficult topics such as mental illness, addiction, and family trauma with sensitivity and nuance. Higginson does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities that the characters face, but she does so with a sense of hope and resilience that is inspiring.
However, the pacing of the book can be slow at times, and the plot may feel predictable to some readers. The themes of love and forgiveness may also seem clichd to some more cynical readers.
Overall, Hopeless Magic is a touching and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are a fan of magical realism or simply enjoy a good coming-of-age story, this book is sure to capture your heart.
I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4/5
