Sarah Hogle's novel "Just Like Magic" is a delightful and enchanting story that captures the essence of love, transformation, and personal growth. The book follows the tale of a young woman named Ainsley, who inherits her childhood home from her eccentric aunt. As Ainsley explores her new home, she stumbles upon an unconventional system of organizing possessions known as 'Advanced Style Decluttering'. This system introduces her to unconventional housemates, including a surly gardener named Henry, who challenge her perspective on life and help her confront her emotional baggage. The main idea of the story revolves around the transformative power of love and self-discovery. Through her interactions with Henry and her newfound community, Ainsley learns to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future.
Through her interactions with Henry and her newfound community, Ainsley learns to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. She discovers that true magic lies not in external objects but within herself and the connections she cultivates with others. Hogle's writing style is whimsical and humorous, laced with delightful metaphors and witty banter that adds depth to the characters and keeps the reader thoroughly engaged.
A Latina Bruja's Guide to Candle Magic
Chances are you've seen a number of TikTok videos about candle magic on your FYP and it sparked your interest. Now you're excited and equally curious but lost on how candles can create "magic." Something about using candles to manifest feels intuitively right. You've finally worked past the colonial Latinx fear of candle magic's bad brujería stigma and landed here, ready to explore your inner magia. ¡Bienvenida, amiga!
Whether you recall your abuelita lighting candles during your childhood or remember seeing a plethora of candles lit while being forced to attend church, intuitively you know candles have a deep connection to your culture. With the recent emphasis on reconnecting with decolonial spiritual roots, you've found yourself wanting to explore taboo subjects like candle magic. Candle magic is the ritual practice of using velas (candles) to manifest specific spells or goals, and it literally helps you ignite your light from within with its various uses, from intention setting to money magic.
Candle magic can be found on altars across the world. Beyond using candle magic to honor your muertos (dead loved ones), this practice can assist you with breaking ancestral curses as well as reversing mal de ojo (evil eye). Candle magic is the art and intention of using the element of fire as a vehicle to read messages from the spirit realm. This practice is another way to connect with your intuition and spirit guides, and it's a method to honor your ancestors beyond stereotypical self-serving spells. You don't have to be a bruja (witch) to appreciate its significance. Candle magic is an open practice that you can personalize according to your level of comfort.
Why should you pursue candle magic in your personal spiritual practice? This type of magia uses the power of flame to ignite your passions and propel your wishes. Begin adapting candle-magic rituals to reconnect with and reclaim your decolonial healing. Ready to invoke your big bruja energy? We thought so!
The author effortlessly blends elements of romance, fantasy, and self-help, creating a unique and captivating narrative. The novel also explores themes of family, friendship, and the importance of embracing one's true self. Ainsley's journey serves as a reminder that personal growth and finding happiness often require stepping out of one's comfort zone and taking risks. Overall, "Just Like Magic" is a heartwarming and charming novel that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and reminds them of the beauty that can be found in unexpected places. With its enchanting storyline, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a must-read for those seeking a magical escape from reality..
Reviews for "Love Conquers All: A Review of 'Just Like Magic' by Sarah Hogle"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Sarah Hogle's Just Like Magic" but was ultimately disappointed. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with their journey. Additionally, the plot felt predictable and formulaic, leaving no room for surprise or excitement. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and not worth the hype.
2. Mark - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Sarah Hogle's Just Like Magic" as I found it to be incredibly dull and unoriginal. The writing style was lackluster, with poorly developed descriptions and a choppy narrative. The characters also fell flat for me, lacking any real personality or relatability. I was hoping for a captivating and unique story, but unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations.
3. Lisa - 2 stars - "Just Like Magic" by Sarah Hogle left me feeling unsatisfied. The plot was slow-moving and lacked any real substance, making it difficult to stay engaged. The dialogue between the characters was also unconvincing and seemed forced. While the premise of the book had potential, the execution fell short, resulting in a forgettable reading experience. I would not recommend this book to others looking for a captivating and enjoyable read.