“The Magic All Around” by Jennifer Moorman, narrated by Kathleen McInery, is a wonderful, feel-good book of self-discovery, mixed together with a bit of magic. Mattie grew up with a free-spirited mother, and the two of them moved every couple of years, making it difficult to put down any roots. When Lilith, Mattie’s mother passes away, she returns to her Ivy Ridge, Georgia for her mother’s funeral. At a loss as to what to do now that she is alone, she things she will just move on and somehow “wing it”. But first, she must attend the reading of her mother’s will. Believing her mother was impoverished; it is a huge surprise to learn that she must complete a number of tasks before she can receive quite a substantial inheritance. While carrying out these tasks, she discovers her own magical power and she discovers what is important in life.

I found this story utterly charming and I spent a couple of days doing little else but listening to the book. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this audio book. Five stars!

I don’t like to compare books, but the parallels between The Magic All Around and Practical Magic are undeniable, and not in a good way.

While Moorman filled her story with strong female characters, the author’s focus on their looks pulled me out of the story. It didn’t help that the primary love interest also compared the protagonist’s physical beauty to other women.

The plot held my interest, and I hoped the author would pull off the story and give us enough character growth to redeem the novel. Sadly, the only character I connected to was the house.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This is the story of Mattie, who ends up back in her hometown of Ivy Ridge after her mother's death. Mattie is set to inherit a small fortune for her mother, but first she must complete a series of tasks before the money is released to her. At first, nomadic Mattie balks at the silly idea and is anxious to get the heck out of this nothing town. But soon she begins to find that Ivy Ridge has a certain magic of its own. With the help of her Aunt Penelope, Mattie begins to learn that Ivy Ridge may just be the best place for her after all.

This was a charming little story. I liked Mattie. Penelope was okay, but I didn't much care for Jonathan. One other problem I had was that at times this book seemed overly focused on the physical appearance of its characters. I don't need such excessive details to envision the characters, but apparently the author did. Maybe that's a me thing, but it seemed superfluous.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. Kathleen McInerney was an okay narrator. Her voice was halting at times and that was distracting.

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook! The narrator is compelling and drew me into the novel. She kept me interested and invested. Now I’d like to find a print copy to annotate!

I absolutely adored this wonderfully witchy story. Fans of practical magic will love this book. The central mystery to the story unravelled at just the right pace, the slow burn, second chance romance was well written and believable and the storyline kept me hooked until the end.
The audiobook was well narrated. The narrator has a beautiful lyric tone to their voice that fit with the magic of the story.

Mattie’s mother, Lilith has passed away. Mattie is totally unmoored. She returns home to Ivy Ridge, Georgia to discover Lilith has left her some tasks to achieve her inheritance. These tasks seem mundane. But Lilith knows her daughter and she, even in death, is steering Mattie onto the right course.

I give this story 3.5 stars…you round up right! It moved a bit slowly in places. But, I loved the magic and the characters. They are truly charming! Oh! And the setting! So southern and just touched my heart!

This author has another book that I have read, A Slice of Courage Quiche. Add it to your list as well! It was very close to a five star read for me.

Need a sweet story with a hint of magic…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This was sweet but not quite as magical or deep as I expected. The writing and story were plain. From the blurb, I expected something heavier. Overall decent but not memorable. Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalog.

“The Magic All Around” by Jennifer Moorman is a fantastical story of loss and love and finding home.

In a mid-sized city of Georgia, after Maddy’s mom passes away, she begins to discover pieces of herself and her history, that she didn’t recognize she needed until that point. While Maddy sets out to complete the items on the to-do list her mother left her, her path of self discovery both scares and enlivens her.

The first 40% of the story was a little mundane, as Maddy feels lost and confused while she processes her grief for her mother. At the 40% mark the story picks up and begins to get more interesting as Maddy sets out to have the will read and complete the tasks set for her. I really enjoyed the tasks and how they set Maddy on a path to find more than she anticipated. I also loved all the characters and friends she made along the way, and the home she makes for herself in the end. All of this is set along the backdrop of a magical house that while not quite meddlesome, seems to know best. I loved the house’s influence, and the magic that was all around.

To be clear, there are no baddies or evil to overcome. This is a contemporary fiction novel centered on one woman’s self discovery, with many others along the way. By 80% I was too invested and couldn’t stop listening. The narrator Kathleen McInerery was perfect for this story and I am plan to look up more audiobooks she narrates. This book was easily 4-4.5 stars, and has me considering the magic all around that influences our lives everyday.

"The Magic All Around" by Jennifer Moorman is magical realism x Hallmark-movie-esque book.
My biggest issue with this book is that the characters don't feel authentic and just aren't believable. Mattie is a 26 year old woman who has lived all over the US and had lots of jobs. She is not likely to be extremely sheltered and socially inept as written. A man like Jonathan with his life in the city isn't likely to go for such an immature lady. The characters are not complex enough. Not every woman needs to be gorgeous.
The plot of getting the inheritance for doing tasks is OK, but the tasks are silly.
Story is enjoyable and pretty light once you're past the grief.

Series or Standalone - standalone
Genre- Women's fiction
Target Age - seems more like young adult or teen to me
Cliffhanger? No
Will I read again? No
Recommended for? Teens
Who will like it most?
Teen girls maybe. I would have liked it when I was 14.

Ratings:
Characters - 1/5
Writing - 2/5
Plot - 3/5
Pacing - 3/5
Unputdownability - 3/5
Enjoyment - 3/5
Narration - 3/5 by Kathleen McInery
Cover - 4/5
Realism - 1/5

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus/ Harper Muse for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

"The Magic All Around" is a wonderful story of a young woman whose mother has recently passed away. Mattie Russell and her mother, Lillith, were best friends, travel companions, and nomads. So Mattie had never really had a place to call home before. But with her mother's passing, Mattie has to return to Ivy Ridge, where her remaining relatives live, to settle the estate and spend time with the rest of her family, who are decidedly NOT nomadic.

But when she gets there, she is confronted by a confusing past and a confounding future. Having never had a place to call home before, how we she know "home" if she saw it?

I have to admit, I loved the enchanted bits of the story. But initially, I was a little confused. Last summer, I read Ann Aguirre's "The Only Purple House in Town," which also had a house with its own mind that wasn't afraid to insert itself into things. And when this house clearly started to stand out as a character in its own right, I thought perhaps I'd picked up the same book again. But other than that shared element, the two stories are each distinctly their own, and I truly enjoyed "The Magic All Around!"

Mattie's search for answers was compelling, and we were brought along on the ride as she sought to figure out what she wanted out of life, now that she was no longer being pulled along in her mother's wake. Ultimately, Mattie's discovery of who she was and what she wanted most was heartwarming.

Thank you to Jennifer Moorman, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Sometimes all you want on a cold dreary/rainy day is to read (in my case, listen) to a cozy witchy story on finding life again after loss + navigating grief. It's centered around family relationships, searching for your own path, and finding love.

I liked the "magical" qualities of the house + the unique gifts the family members each had and I wished I could befriend all the characters.

If you're on the market for a whimsical feel-good read set in a charming small town, this will be perfect for you!

This book was so sweet and heartwarming. Read beautifully by the talented narrator, The Magic All Around focuses on family ties, destiny, and the subtle magic surrounding Penelope and Mattie. I think this is one of those stories that fits a certain mood, When you're feeling like you need comfort, reassurance, and a soothing story about love and loss, this is the perfect option!

2.5/5
Meh. Never judge a book by its cover as this one is very pretty and easy to pick up but I’m not much of a fan of cheesy Hallmark movies and that’s what this felt like. Lacks the magical realism you’d expect. Superficial characters and a SLOW build with the pacing never really picking up. Romance lovers might like this one if you don’t mind the vapid characters. Sorry, Just not one for me. Thank you NetGalley and HarperMuse for the ALC

I really wanted to like this book, but it was so slow and tedious. I really struggled to get through it. Magic is typically my jam. but I just couldn't with this one.

Jennifer Moorman has created a magical, delightful web of family, whimsical happenings, and a deep love for home! The narrator was phenomenal as well. Excellent novel. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

In a world where others may see trigger warnings, Moorman invites readers to see the beauty and wonder that exists all around us. Through heartfelt anecdotes and insightful reflections, she weaves a narrative that touches the soul, leaving readers both teary-eyed and smiling.

What sets this book apart is its ability to resonate deeply with readers, offering comfort and inspiration during challenging times. Moorman's wit and wisdom shine through, reminding us to embrace the magic woven into the fabric of our existence.

In essence, "Magic All Around Us" is a heartwarming journey that celebrates the extraordinary in the ordinary. It's a testament to the power of perspective and the resilience of the human spirit. This book is a treasure trove of warmth and wisdom, reminding us to keep our hearts open to the magic that surrounds us each day.

Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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The Magic All Around was such a cute story that had me in all my feels. This is in multiple points of view. I loved the characters especially the Russell clan and the house. I was getting some Encanto and Practical Magic vibes - two movies that I absolutely adore.
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I found myself totally entranced by the mystery surrounding why Lilith left the tasks for Mattie. I loved where the tasks led Mattie and how much she grew as a character. The Magic All Around has so many themes, including - grief, finding oneself, second chances, heartbreak, family and love. I devoured this book in a day and found it to be super sweet and uplifting. Also, that ending had me screaming with joy!
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I listened to this one via audiobook, it was narrated by Kathleen McInerney and while I enjoyed the story and thought she did a good job, her voice for Mattie at times made me think of her as a child instead of an adult. Other than that I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it.
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The Magic All Around was released on 1/16 of this year. Recommending this one to my magical realism / contemporary fiction dabbling in slight romance friends. Huge thank you to NetGalley, Libro.fm, Jennifer Moorman and Harper Collins Focus for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

The Magic All Around reminds me of so many beloved, witchy families. Only no one ever uses the word "witch." The family house is like that of Diana Bishop's family home in Discovery of Witches. The garden is like Sally's in Practical Magic. I love the idea that anyone can have little abilities that make them special.

In my opinion, the narrator was a little too perky for me. It came off as a little juvenile which maybe is the point because she's voicing multiple characters of various ages. Books like this can be a little cheesy. But that's part of what people like. You know things are going to end up okay,

The author did a great job creating a small town full of quirky neighbors and shops. I'd love to spend a day there!

If you enjoy mysterious houses, unusual families, and love stories you should read The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman. Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Moorman, and Harper Collins Focus for the opportunity to read this. I have written this review voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley for the early audiobook.

It took a little while to get into this story, but eventually I got swept into the sweet, magical story of Penelope and Maddie and their family. This book has a bit of a Practical Magic feel to it, if you're into that.

What a magical book! The Magic All Around. The touches of magic made it believable and a world I desperately want to live in. I loved the inventive magic of the victorian house not so subtly showing Mattie what it would like her to do. It takes some talent from Jennifer Moorman to make a house feel like a sassy and vital character in the book!

I enjoyed the layers of plots in this book. Mattie was exploring her relationship with her mother, her father, her newfound love, and the town she was returning to. In addition to Mattie, I loved how Penelope got her own storyline! That was unexpected, and I loved it! I was rooting for everyone to have a happy ending!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think I would have given it a higher rating if I had read the hard copy as opposed to listening to the audiobook. I found that the voice that was used for Mattie seemed very childish. In my head she kept looking like a preteen instead of an adult, and it was really throwing me off. I was getting distracted. All of the other voices and narration were fine, but Matties really got to me.

This is a book I recommend to anyone who loves a fun story with a bit of magic. Fans of Sarah Addison Allen books will fall in love with Jennifer Moorman's stories. This is a book I will reread in the future, but would love to get my hands on the physical copy and see how much more I love this already great book!