I'm not a big fan of flowery writing, and there wasn't anything special about the story as such that I liked, but the atmosphere and world were really nice, and I did like the message the book beat you over the head with. ( )

I'm not sure why I am drawn to witches in small coastal/ island new england-y towns who spend all their time on the beach, but it seems to be a thing I enjoy. Anyway, I'd say this book is better than most in that very exclusive genre, although it is very teen in romance and drama and has some heartbreaking moments. I love that one sister is straight and one is not and everyone is completely supportive of that. I also love that bird watching is the tourism that allows the island economy to exist -- that sense of a seasonal family who comes and goes from the inn is quite compelling, for all that it doesn't go well this year.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

diverse teen fiction (magical realism on small island with LGBTQA interest, lesbian teen meets bisexual teen, and her friend is a-romantic asexual)
this is not a very surprising story (lots of foreshadowing), but it is great for its diversity and warmth of character. Parental notes: contains drinking, drug use (pot). Sex is not explicitly described but there are conversations about it, with potential trauma triggers. ( )

If you like Alice Hoffman, I think you'll like this book. Georgina and Mary Fernwah live on an island called By-the-Sea and come from a family of women with magical powers. The girls are twins: Mary can float in the air, but Georgina hasn't found her power yet. It's the summer of their eighteen birthday and they both plan to finally leave the island in the fall to attend college. But first, they must help their mother in the family inn for the annual trek of the birdheads to see Annabella, their ancestor who turned into a bird.
This is magical realism at its best. The writing is first-rate and the story is well-done with enough horror to leaven the sweetness. I think I picked the book up because I loved the cover, but I have to say that the story grabbed me too. I do need another book that tells the story of Vira in California because, I mean, come on, that would be awesome. But meanwhile, I'll read Ms. Leno's back catalog. ( )

4.5 🌟

This was such an amazing, heartwarming story. Honestly, I couldn't find a single gripe against this book. It was the perfect length for me. It had perfect pacing. The characters were fantabulous, lovable people. It pulled me out from my slight reading fatigue. It reminded me why I like books.

The plot was predictable but I had 0 issues with it because I never mind a predictable plot if it gives me the satisfaction of reading a good story. And this was a solid one.

I am not a huge fan of small town stories, maybe because I have always been a city girl. So towns, villages & the "everybody knows everybody & everybody's business" concept genuinely creeps me out and makes me anxious. But, surprise surprise I loved this tiny isolated Island setting a lot! So much so that I could imagine myself living there without feeling suffocated!

I am glad I read this book, I honestly don't remember who recommended this to me. But, I am sure I saw somebody talk about this in their booktube channel. Thanks to whoever it was, you cheered me up on a gloomy day because just as in the novel it's been raining cats & dogs in my place. ☺️ ( )