I liked the mystical aspects of this one. I thought Lillian was a strong character. At times I was a little bored because of some longer descriptions, but then the chemistry between Sam and Lillian would reel me back in.

FROM GOODREADS: 3.75 stars (rounding up)

This is Ashley Poston meets ENCANTO in an adult romance with magical realism.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

SUMMARY: Lily is an OBGYN and after a tragic event at work, she runs home. But she’s been running for a long time from life and love.

In this journey of healing, Lily must confront her past including her first love, Sam. There is just something about first loves ...

MY THOUGHTS: (SOME SPOILERS ISH)
I loved the magic and the family dynamics in this book. The way the family interacted and respected nature and used their magic for love and healing was incredible. The story of Sam and Lilian was the true gut punch of first loves. It felt a little bit like Sam was a bit insta-forgiven and would have liked to see a bit more development of his story/communication but that is just probably more about how I would have responded in Lilian's shoes (lol)

Overall I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to J.C and her publishing team for honoring me with the chance to read it early.

This was such a comforting read, fun, cosy and low stakes. A very sweet romance and unique magic system,this is definitely a feel good read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I adored this novel! It was a fresh take on witches and the perfect Fall, spooky time read. The writing was poetic and beautiful. I loved learning how the family acquired their magic and the relationship between the magic and the flowers. The romance in this story was stellar! The longing between Sam and Lil was beautifully portrayed. This story was enchanting and reminded me of an adult version of Encanto with the magical hacienda. I NEED a physical copy of this book for my bookshelf!!

loved this romance about lily and sam that see each other 10 years later. Loved the magic of flowers and trying to help someone. Loved that both still really loved each other after the time. Love her family.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved this book! I felt like it was fun, entertaining and well-rounded.

MAGIC:
The magic system was so unique and probably my favorite thing about this book. The Flowers? How interesting that their family's ancestral power is linked to the magical soil and flowers. The flowers hold the power. It reminded me a lot of the Disney movie Encanto (where the magic is in the house/a candle)

CHARACTERS:
Lilian and Sam were one rollercoaster of a ride. Lil, the tough "i dont need anyone" persona matched with the "sees good in everyone" Sam. Lilian's story is so relatable, hiding and guarding your heart after a devastating heartbreak. I do feel as though her inner monologue got redundant at times and had me saying "we get it, move on." And maybe that's just me a personal reaction to her character. I also didn't like how easily she forgave Sam. I understand he was sick, but before she even knew he was sick, she was already falling back in love with the man that DESTROYED her. I personally feel like he could have groveled for longer, there should have been a "1 year later" situation where after a year of them being friends again, they rekindled their relationship.

The rest of the Estrada family was perfect. I actually enjoyed the side characters banter more than the main FMC. Lana, Harlow, Rosa... all perfect.

ROMANCE:
Wow, the longing, the lust, the "first love never dies", it was POTENT and POWERFUL in this book. Had me hot and bothered all over. Sam and Lil have undeniable chemistry and I think it was beautiful written without being explicit or overtly sexual.

OVERALL:
I loved that I read this book during Latin Heritage month (as a Latina myself). What a fun and enjoyable ride through a magical hacienda in Mexico filled with secrets, love, power and forgiveness.

Bravo J.C. Cervantes! A beautiful book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Anatomy of Magic was a highly entertaining and heart warming story about a family of witches, one in particular who has closed off her heart to love to the point that it is impacting the very fabric of her magic. Lili is at first the strong woman she wants everyone to think she is. A doctor who hasn’t needed anyone, everything starts to come crashing down on her and in the process the glorious flowers her and her family’s magic has a symbiotic relationship with start to suffer. I loved the concept of magic in this story, how the family gained it and the exploration of what they should do for it. But more than that I adored Lili’s relationship with her family and with Sam, and of course Bullet.

I have read quite a few books about witches and magic but not one recently that showed so much ingenuity. I recommend this for anyone with an interest in the subject (and if you have a passion for gardens if won’t hurt at all).