The Modern Girls Guide to Magic follows Aria, a witch who has always struggled to control her magic, who’s living in London and jumping from job to job. But when she’s contacted by her Gran, requesting her return to her home town, she can’t say no. And is thrust into a battle of sorts, to control the most beautiful, resourceful garden in the magic community. Unfortunately, this means competing against Callan, an old spark and someone she deeply dislikes after he built on top of her Grandfathers favourite spot. But all isn’t as it seems. And as it becomes apparent that wires we crossed between herself and Callan, her feelings towards him grow. And with the competition hitting its peak. Who will win the garden? And can Aria finally figure out her magic and her feelings for Callan?

This book is such an easy read. I enjoyed every page, it really made me smile and giggle. Linsey knows how to hit all the right emotional spots! And with me being a UK reader, this book felt so familiar, in a way that I feel made me enjoy it even more!

I adore all the characters. They all have their own massive personalities, especially Boris (hehe).

All in all it’s a lovely refreshing, quick read for anybody who enjoys romance and fantasy or wanting to get into the genre, without all the massive world building and over complex descriptions. In all the good ways, I would recommend this book to anyone.

Thank you so much to Linsey Hall and the publishers for sending me the arc!

The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall is one of those books that's meant to give off cute and quirky vibes, but that forces that so much that it ends up being annoying. Picture Jess from New Girl, but she's a witch and she's bad at being a witch because she can't control her powers. Was this problematic? No, but I didn't want to read about a witch in her twenties or thirties saving her magical village and falling in love with the guy who literally gets introduced in the first chapter so we know is going to be the love interest.

It was a okay read for me. The story in the first half was very engaging but the second half felt flat. The characters were flat. This story and the characters lack depth which I think is the main point that I gave it 3 stars but I still recommend to read it because it’s a happy lighthearted read for those who love to get flowed by the story , this one is for you. Though I felt the lack of depth the novel was very easy to read through and I finished it so fast

Thanks to NetGalley and the editors for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sincerely, I thought this was a really good book until 60%. The magic, the relationships between characters... All great! But I like my romances with some spicy scenes, and I noticed that the MC's chemistry started to fail around the 65% of the book. Maybe that's only my perception because I would've included a sex scene there, but I felt that the relationship wasn't evolving. And then the "spicy" scene (that wasn't explicit) was a bit meh for me. It was kinda hard for me to end the book because those are important aspects in a romance for me.

I liked the rest of the book, and I recommend it to people that want to read romances without very explicit sex scenes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

This book is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets contemporary witches and gardens. My favourite part was Boris the badger familiar. Definitely the highlight of the book for me.

I struggled with some of the conceits of this book. A big one was that one of the leads has been obsessed with the other since they met them as a child and the obsessor was an adult. He acknowledges this is "pervy" but that's really the only condemnation and he still pursues her.

I was also confused on whether this is the most important witches' garden in the world or Cornwall or the UK because surely if it was the world, you'd have way more people not from this teeny town or even the UK to compete? But they keep saying they can't get any of this stuff anywhere else? So I don't really understand what's up there.

Also, there are an instance where the main character is told she's "not like [the other girls]. you're better.", so -- gross. I really wished someone would tell Aria she didn't need to unlock super special powerful magic to be herself, she just needed confidence.

The competition ending was pretty anti-climactic and <spoiler> Callan gets rid of the cafe for Aria even though it seemed like the whole town loved it and it provided jobs and entertainment and stuff, so that's pretty selfish. </spoiler>.

The book definitely has it issues, but there is a cute romance in there. Too bad we're gonna have to eat Callan when we eat the rich. 3 stars.

This book was such a fun, cozy, charming read. I adored the characters, the pacing, and the village of Charming Cove.

Callan & Aria's relationship grew organically and helped contribute to the storyline. This really was an enjoyable, quick, and fun witchy read.

This is a cute book full of magic and family working together. I had a hard time following the romance side of the story though. The main characters were enemies for the majority of the book. It felt as though sometimes he would disappear completely and they didn’t have enough time to be “in love”. The story was a bit predictable. Overall, not a bad book a good light magical read. This was an advanced reader copy #netgalley

Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of The Modern Girls Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall!

Thanks, NetGalley, for this ARC.

The premise of this book held so much promise; sadly, it disappointed me.

With the promise of romance, magic and even a little gardening, as a green-fingered romantic, I wanted to love the story, but the romantic interactions were flat and awkward, making it difficult to invest in the relationship. Some moments felt forced, and long-held beliefs were overturned quickly, leaving an unconvincing connection.

The magical elements were intriguing, particularly toward the end, but I wish they were more fleshed out.

That being said, if your looking for a quick magical cosy read, this might be just the ticket. It has charming characters, quaint settings, and whimsical adventure. A sweet spot to get lost for a little while.

Things I loved: the plot really sucked me in. This felt like a Hogwarts Legacy side quest in a book and Aria's village felt like visiting Hogsmeade.
Things didn't love: basically whole the love interests
POV. There was some weird age gap commentary that felt unnecessary to the story and the only thing he ever describes liking about her is the way she looks.
The writing itself was okay but the plot was so good it more than made up for it.
Tags:
- dual POV
- he fell first
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity/stuck together
Overall, this was a cute magical read that I think just needs a little re-working/editing.

‘The modern girl’s guide to magic’ is a story about Aria, a young witch who left her hometown because she felt like she didn’t belong. But when her grandmother asks her to participate in a competition that could help them save the family’s shop, she cannot say no. Returning to her hometown, Aria discovers that not everything (and everyone) is as it first seems.

This book was really cosy and read easily. Aria is a fun character and the setting is described really nicely. But there are two reasons that made me decide to give this book ‘only’ three stars.

First of all I felt like some parts of the story were really slow, while others went by really fast. Sadly, the most interesting parts felt a bit rushed.

The second reason has to do with the characters. Aria was described well and I feel like I got to know her, but I cannot say the same of the other characters. Compared to Aria, they felt a bit flat. I cannot say that I feel like I know who they are.

But all in all the story was nice and I was invested in finding out what would happen to Aria, so if the author writes a sequel, I will probably read that one as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and … for the ARC of this book!

I wasn't really a fan of the writing style but the idea behind the story is really good! Interesting and unique it's something for everyone!

I love a witchy rom-com. Cute plot line, quirky characters. nothing super special but an enjoyable read. would recommend to anyone looking for a quick, light read.

A fun and light romantic comedy that will make you smile and enjoy the story from start to finish.

This is such a fun light romantic comedy with a side of witchiness! A very cosy rom com vibes and exactly what you'd expect, I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the plot, it was such a lovely quick read. Would be perfect as a little palette cleanser or getting you out a reading slump

Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnie Doon Press, and Linsey Hall for granting me an advance copy of this eBook in return for my honest opinions.

This book is a wonderful a cozy paranormal fantasy romance. I enjoyed reading it so much. It is such a quick read.

Aria leaves Charming Cove believing her magic is broken,but comes back at her Grandmother's request to compete for ownership of a magical garden.

Aria discovers her nemesis, Callan Hawthorne, is a competitor. Callan tries to win her affection. He has been in love with her for a long time.

The romance is sweet and all of the characters are so, so loveable. Tabitha (Aria's best friend) her niece (Catrina), and Aria's familiar the badger named Boris, were favorites. I especially loved the antics of Boris! He was my absolute favorite!!!

The slow burn romance was beautifully crafted.

Highly recommend. Five Stars!

This was a cute and fun read. I loved Boris and I wish we got a bit more of him. Hopefully there are more books in this town. The romance was cute. I also loved that even though there was only a 4 year age gap between the two, when they met she was 17 and he was 21 and thought that was too young.

This was a great story of coming into your own, a found family and overcoming past difficulties

I knew this was going to be a 5 star read after only a few chapters and it didn't disappoint! A witch whose powers were just as likely to blow something up in her face then do something useful, a mage who has made himself a millionaire by buying properties and turning them into profitable masterpieces but leaves little time to make friends or have a family. A competition for the most highly coveted magic garden and all the profits that came along with it. Shenanigans, witty banter, a sassy badger and a chance of love and finding a family will bring this mismatched pair together to create something amazing.

Loved it. Lightweight easy reading that just makes you happy as you read it. Aria is returning home to enter a contest that she feels she has no chance to win. However her winning is important to her grandmother and friends . But how can she, with her wonky magic, win such a major competition, especially against a powerful mage ad Callan? Totally enjoyable

Captivating urban fantasy with a strong heroine and a thrilling blend of magic, action, and romance. Hall's world-building is enchanting! 5 stars!!