The town of Sjall has been buzzing with excitement ever since the announcement of the sequel to the wildly popular book, "Big Magic." Written by renowned author Elizabeth Gilbert, the first installment captured the readers' imaginations and left them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the story. In "Big Magic," readers were introduced to a mystical town called Sjall, where the magic of creativity was alive and thriving. The book explored the idea of embracing one's creative instincts and following their passions. It delved into the joys and challenges that come with pursuing a creative life, encouraging readers to overcome their fears and stay true to their artistic visions. The sequel to "Big Magic" promises to continue the enchanting tale of Sjall and its inhabitants.
The sequel to "Big Magic" promises to continue the enchanting tale of Sjall and its inhabitants. Gilbert has hinted that the upcoming book will delve deeper into the magical aspects of the town, introducing readers to new and intriguing characters. Rumors abound that the protagonist from the first book will embark on a new adventure, facing greater challenges and discovering a whole new level of creativity.
Small Town, Big Magic By Hazel Beck
Small Town, Big Magic is a witchy contemporary romance that entertains.
There’s no such thing as witches…right?
Emerson Wilde has built the life of her dreams. Youngest Chamber of Commerce president in St. Cyprian history, successful indie bookstore owner, and lucky enough to have her best friends as found family? Done.
But when Emerson is attacked by creatures that shouldn’t be real, and kills them with what can only be called magic, Emerson finds that the past decade of her life has been…a lie. St. Cyprian isn’t your average Midwestern river town—it’s a haven for witches. When Emerson failed a power test years ago, she was stripped of her magical memories. Turns out, Emerson’s friends are all witches.
That’s not all, though: evil is lurking in the charming streets of St. Cyprian. Emerson will need to learn to control what’s inside of her, remember her magic, and deal with old, complicated feelings for her childhood friend–cranky-yet-gorgeous local farmer Jacob North—to defeat an enemy that hides in the rivers and shadows of everything she loves.
Even before she had magic, Emerson would have done anything for St. Cyprian, but now she’ll have to risk not just her livelihood…but her life.
I really loved a lot of this book: the premise, the plot and the huge cast of characters. It’s a super entertaining story that I enjoyed reading. I’m still thinking about parts of the story now, especially as the book ends on a cliff hanger and there are 4 books slated in the series. Am I ready for the next book? Yes! As an aside, Hazel Beck is actually two romance writers who’ve come together to write paranormal romance.
I have to admit, out of all of the characters in the book, Emerson Wilde, the main heroine is the one I struggled with the most. I found her insufferable at times. A type A strong woman with her life together, she seems right up my alley. However I found two areas in her character that I had a hard time moving on from: firstly she is the organizer and planner in ehr group. Which is great. However she was fairly annoying in her belief that she was superior over everyone for so much of her life. I think I’d have a hard time being friends with her. While she was clearly set up to to be the saviour in her town, her attributes became grating: her independence becomes a weakness in the book, and I like how Hazel worked through her character growth, but at times Emerson seemed one dimensional in her focus on achieving perfection in all aspects of her life. The other quibble I have with Emerson is how easily she, a type A SERIOUS person just accepts and then masters magic (this isn’t a spoiler alert, you find out that Emerson is a witch on the back of the book). I didn’t find it believable that someone so grounded in reality wouldn’t even waver a bit at discovering that not only does she have magical powers but that her best friends, indeed everyone in town, is magical. I will leave out why she didn’t know, as that IS a spoiler. Let’s talk about what’s good about Emerson, because there is a lot: she’s loyal and strong and smart. Can she be a little inflexible, sure. Does she think she’s always right, yes. Is she a kick ass heroine who needs to learn to trust both other people and her heart, heck yes. I will say that Emerson’s faults do make her feel like a very real person. There is a lot of depth to her character development that makes Small Town, Big Magic a fabulous read.
There is a big focus on found family in Small Town, Big Magic, and Hazel’s cast of characters really shines in this book. I love a team united against evil, and you get that here. Emerson’s friends have their own issues and backstories, including the mysterious immortal Nicholas Frost, and while we don’t dive deeply into their full stories in this book as it’s focused on Emerson’s journey, I do hope we find out more over the series.
As far as romances go, part of the plot involves Emerson learning to open up to people and one of them is her friend Jacob. This is a sweet friends to lovers romance that I mostly enjoyed. The story is told from Emerson’s point of view only which worked for me as we as the readers feel her frustrations and confusion because we aren’t getting Jacob’s perspective. The only time I faltered about it is that their relationship delved into soulmate territory at times – a trope I love in YA fiction but not so much in my adult fiction. However, Hazel uses the soulmate idea as a line in the bigger story about fate, choice and destiny, so it did work for me in the end. I’d love to know what other people feel about the romance!
Finally I must mention the setting: St. Cyprian seems to be the perfect midwest town. It’s lovely and charming and I hope I get to see more of it in the rest of the series. The setting is an important part of Emerson’s journey and is almost a character in itself. It reminds me a lot of Nora Roberts’ small towns/ Star Hallows and I mean that as the best compliment. It’s a place I would happily visit and wander through with a cup of tea and a terrific baked good. I bet St. Cyprian puts on a wonderful fall festival.
Small Town, Big Magic is a fun and charming witchy romance book. First in a series, I can’t wait to read the rest.
Thank you Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Fans of "Big Magic" are eagerly anticipating the release of the sequel, as they hope to reconnect with the familiar and beloved characters that captured their hearts. They also look forward to Gilbert's signature blend of storytelling and wisdom, which has inspired countless readers to unleash their own creative potential. The anticipation for the Sjall town big magic sequel has reached unprecedented levels, with pre-orders pouring in and fans organizing reading groups and book clubs to discuss their theories and predictions. Social media platforms are abuzz with excitement, as readers eagerly share their love for "Big Magic" and their hopes for the sequel. As the release date approaches, bookstores in Sjall are preparing special events and promotions to celebrate the arrival of Gilbert's much-anticipated sequel. From book signings to Q&A sessions, fans will have the opportunity to engage with the author and delve deeper into the world of Sjall. The Sjall town big magic sequel promises to transport readers back to the magical world created by Elizabeth Gilbert. Whether they are long-time fans or new readers eager to embark on this enchanting journey, the sequel is sure to captivate and inspire all who enter the town of Sjall..
Reviews for "The Magic Continues in Sjall Town: A Big Magic Sequel"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Sjall Town Big Magic Sequel" to be incredibly underwhelming. The story lacked depth and failed to captivate my interest. The characters felt one-dimensional and the plot was predictable. I was hoping for a thrilling and engaging sequel, but instead, I was left disappointed. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I was a fan of the first book in the series, but unfortunately, the sequel did not live up to my expectations. The pacing was slow, and the storyline felt disjointed. It seemed like the author was trying to introduce too many new elements without fully developing them, which left me confused and disconnected from the story. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. Overall, I was let down by "Sjall Town Big Magic Sequel" and would not recommend it to fans of the original book.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
I was excited to delve back into the world of "Sjall Town" with the sequel, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The characters, who were once relatable and endearing, seemed to have lost their charm. The plot felt rushed, and important events were skimmed over, leaving me wanting more depth and development. Additionally, the writing style felt repetitive and lacked the magic that made the first book so enjoyable. I was left feeling unsatisfied and hoping for a stronger continuation of the story.