This was a sweet, charming, and clean romance story infused with magical realism. It was a quick and easy read, perfect for cozying up with. There is no strong language or explicit content.

I loved the small-town vibes of this Southern seaside village; it felt incredibly cozy. The quirky town characters brought the place to life, making me laugh with their nosiness and constant meddling in everyone’s personal business. This charming trait only made me love the town more. The beachy elements added a wonderful atmosphere, immersing me completely in this enchanting setting.

The two main female protagonists, Ava and Maggie, were both likable and relatable characters. I found myself rooting for them throughout the story. They each faced physical health challenges along with periods of loss and grief. They are also both dealing with some personal traumas that happened in their pasts. I enjoyed getting to know them both individually and through their friendship dynamic. Additionally, I appreciated how the story addressed mental health issues.

This story blends elements of women’s fiction, romance, and magical realism. The romance aspect is particularly cute and sweet, reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. I found both love interests for Ava and Maggie quite likable. The addition of pets added a humorous touch that I appreciated. If you enjoy second chance romances, this book is definitely worth a read.

However, the magical realism in this story was subtle, almost incidental. I hoped for a greater emphasis on it rather than it feeling like a minor subplot. Throughout most of the book, I almost forgot about this element since it wasn’t integrated into the story frequently enough.

This was my first time reading this author, and I’m glad I chose this book. I look forward to exploring more of her books. Definitely recommend!