Review: Very sweet story
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 20, 2012
This is a book I was given in exchange for a review. It's a cute story about a twelve-year-old girl who is on the brink of inheriting a magical ability. But more important than magic, it's about discovering oneself and about love and family.Michaela is so excited to be visiting the mountain where Granny and Grandpa live. And bonus! Aunt Sharon will be there too, along with her big dog, Blackie. But things don't go quite according to plan. Mom can't seem to get along with Aunt Sharon for anything, she's so distrustful of the dog that Michaela's not even allowed to touch it, and she absolutely refuses to believe that the supernatural family gift even exists. She's short-tempered and unreasonable, and after two days she announces that they're leaving. Michaela's furious! But things have a way of working out when your family sticks together like Michaela's does.I enjoyed the sweetness of this story. And I liked the way Michaela thinks for herself, speaks for herself, and acts for herself, even when some big surprises catch her off guard. She grows into her gift, and I do appreciate a character who learns and changes. The story makes sense. It comes together well. The prose flows easily enough. And the setting and characters are quite satisfactory. My only complaint is that the story just isn't very snappy. All those things I mentioned are very nice; they're simply not exceptional in any way. It's not a story that will stay with me.But I do love the cover. (What's not to love about a Newfie?) And I commend Ms. Dinsmore on the age-appropriateness of her work, even when it delves into the supernatural. I think kids ages 9-12 will enjoy the read. I did. It's easily worth its 2.99 price tag.