A fun read, wanted more plant magic used. I don’t think I wanted her to find the natural casting potion, but I just enjoy plant magic in stories

This was on a list of Studio Ghibli vibes reads. It was just ok for me. I think 1) I’m not huge on bookstore based books and 2) English translation books often fall flat for me. I’m not familiar with the Korean culture and I think that makes me miss a lot of nuance. I can see how someone might find this cozy. I found almost unbearably slow.

Contemporary lost in Austen. Sweet and cozy.

Knowing now that Cecily was based on the author’s grandmother, makes her history so much better. That said, did not like Cecily. I liked her book and I wish Kate’s contemporary book would be real. The writing about food was absolutely delightful. The title of the book feels wrong. It never felt like Cecily had lessons for Kate, except to just live and not waste her one and precious

I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, narrated by Nicola Coughlan. I didn’t mind the repetition of Marjella’s days. But there was never any resolution. I was so frustrated by the ending. The description says “In fact, there just may be a whole big world outside her small town.” But I never got the feeling that Marjella was interested in that. I felt that she was just resigned to her life. I thought maybe something would happen to her mom. Or they’d find out who killed her grandma. But the most exciting thing she decided to do was buy a new duvet?

I was expecting a slow burn and instead it moved so fast. Like too fast. Things I’ve learned: I hate the “Little sister dates big brothers best friend” trope. Overly aggressive jealously in the male feels like such a red flag. And maybe it’s just a romance book thing, but I’m annoyed that I already know who Teddy, Gus, and Wes will end up with. Esp Teddy/Gus. You can’t write them hating each other so aggressively and it not be glaringly obvious.