Book Review: The Cottage Around the Corner by D.L. Soria
There’s a certain magic to books that draw you in at first glance, and The Cottage Around the Corner by D.L. Soria is a perfect example. Isn’t it just stunning? Seriously, I found myself pausing to admire the cover more than once, making a mental note to give a standing ovation to the designer. But let’s be honest: while we might like to think we can resist judging a book by its cover, when that cover is this beautiful, it can’t be helped!
Once I dove into the story, I was immediately drawn to the main character, whose struggles mirror real-life dilemmas with a delightful sprinkle of whimsy. The elevator pitch is spot-on: imagine You’ve Got Mail fused with a dash of magic. Our heroine finds herself in a spot of trouble as her business withers amidst a landscape of enchantments gone awry. As I followed her journey of self-discovery and community involvement, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the cozy, small-town vibes intertwined with tangible magical elements.
One theme that resonated with me deeply was sibling love. It’s always a favorite trope of mine, and Soria handles it with such warmth and authenticity. Even the “broom sibling” added a quirky charm that had me grinning from ear to ear. The dialogue throughout had me laughing out loud, especially in those moments of playful banter—who wouldn’t crack a smile at references to a “Goddamn Dickosaurus”? 😂
However, if I’m being honest, I did feel a bit of a yearning for deeper engagement with the fantasy elements. The magic system felt a tad vague at times, perhaps because I’ve indulged in so many fantasy reads that my expectations are sky-high. Also, I found myself predicting certain plot twists way too easily. While I appreciate a well-structured narrative, the thrill of surprise is essential for a truly captivating experience.
One moment that stood out in particular was a quote that sent shivers down my spine: “‘Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live,’ he quoted, which would have been more frightening if his voice weren’t shaking…” It strikes a perfect balance of humor and tension, pivoting the tone effortlessly and setting the stage for unexpected community dynamics.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Cottage Around the Corner for fans of Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison and Ashley Poston, as well as readers who enjoy a touch of Heather Fawcett’s vibe. This book is perfect for cozy reading sessions during the fall, especially for those who crave small-town drama sprinkled with sweetness. Also, it’s definitely a heartwarming reminder that love is love is love is love.
In essence, my reading experience left me wishing Chanterelle Cottage were real—I’d certainly frequent it! I’m rounding my rating to 3.75/5 stars, a lovely win for any mood reader seeking a smirk-worthy escape. Thank you, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, for the ARC—this was my very first NetGalley adventure, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with where it took me!
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