3.5 Stars This review contains minor spoilers. I read this trilogy years ago because my mother enjoyed them. I needed something light after the trainwreck that was The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, and this came to mind. Nell Channing is on the run from a dark past when she finds her way to Three Sisters Island. There she discovers that she has a magical link to the island's history as well as finding the chance for a new life. Although this was a little frothy, it also had deeper themes about finding strength and overcoming abuse. I definitely forgot that the magic in this book is super cheesy. It was all very new age zen stuff that made me roll my eyes. The magic aspect of this book leans towards disappointing. And it is almost more of a subplot. It helps Nell self-actualize, but it is more of a catalyst to building confidence and help her face her past. Nell was a not my favorite heroine, but Zack was such a sweetheart. (view spoiler)[I did not like the way she led Zack on. I understand why she was gun shy, but she went far, far past the point where she either needed to trust him or back off. (hide spoiler)] I liked some of the other characters as well although Mia was my least favorite. She was just too perfect. It was a sweet story with a nice message underneath. Although I strongly question Roberts' knowledge of cooking. I had to laugh at the (unintentionally funny) scene where she describes making a pie and a jack-o'-lantern from the same pumpkin. RATING FACTORS: Ease of Reading: 4 Stars Writing Style: 3 Stars Characters and Character Development: 4 Stars Plot Structure and Development: 3 Stars Level of Captivation: 4 Stars Originality: 3 Stars

I will be completely honest... I went into reading this book, even though I liked the concept of the book, thinking I was not going to like this book.... Because I was very against Nora Roberts. Yes that is my only reason. I have well and truly eaten my words and really enjoyed this book. The book isn't perfect... As much as I enjoyed it Zack really rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. He tends to be very uncaring of how his behavior can trigger Nell's trauma and almost seems to treat her like she should get over it. I also was mildly frustrated with how time would lapse and you would have no idea it lapsed till someone reference how Nell had been on the island for whatever amount of time. I truly enjoyed the vibes of the book, small town, sea side landscapes, tight knit community, baking, magic... I mean this book was a mix of all my favorite themes. I will definitely be reading the next book and will be thrilled to keep trying Nora Roberts books, even though I think I'm having an existential crisis.

I'm a closet Nora Roberts aficionado, and I love to binge sometimes, especially in the summer. I believe I read this series a way long time ago, but we received these gorgeous new editions at my library so I'm giving it another go. I also recently finished her Cousin's O'Dwyer series, set in Ireland, and man do these two series share a lot of plot points (even magical incantations). I'm pretty over "so mote it be." BUT, that said, I vastly prefer this series as Roberts spends far less time with the old Salem witches the modern women are based off of, and a lot less time on the magic. Roberts excels when she focuses on characters.

3.5 Stars