Published February 9th,
2016 by Ballantine Books
Amandine Bisset has
always had the power to feel the emotions of those around her. It s a secret
she can share only with her friends all professors, all witches when they
gather for the Cambridge University Society of Literature and Witchcraft.
Amandine treasures these meetings but lately senses the ties among her
colleagues beginning to unravel. If only she had her student Noa s power to
hear the innermost thoughts of others, she might know how to patch things up.
Unfortunately, Noa regards her gift as a curse. So when a seductive artist
claims he can cure her, Noa jumps at the chance, no matter the cost.
Noa s not the only witch in over her head. Mathematics professor Kat has a serious case of unrequited love but refuses to cast spells to win anyone s heart. Her sister, Cosima, is not above using magic to get what she wants, sprinkling pastries in her bakery with equal parts sugar and enchantment. But when Cosima sets her sights on Kat s crush, she conjures up a dangerous love triangle.
My Thoughts…
I love that the story
is told about characters from different characters points of view. The world these witches lived in was so
normal, not witch like, that it was easy to fall into the story and picture
what was happening. While each
character had their own story the entire book was the story of all 6 main
characters together. I found it easy to
follow the story and easy to relate to the characters.
The witchcraft was
not so out of there that it was crazy.
It was more quirky than magical and I found myself wanting to know more
about their special gifts. I enjoyed
learning about each characters special skills and anticipating how it would
affect the story and their lives.
Noa was the
character that I wanted to be best friends with. Maybe because I felt like she was young,
hip, and in need of a good friend that isn’t put off by her gift. I
felt sorry that her gift was so hard on her that she actually wished it
away.
This is not my first
Menna van Praag book and it certainly will not be my last. I recommend checking it out. I devoured it and cannot wait to tell my
friends about it.
Book Links
See my review of The Dress Shop of Dreams by Menna
van Praag HERE
Praise for Menna van
Praag’s The Dress Shop of Dreams
“Van Praag’s latest is filled with magic, love and
the bonds of family. The writing is thoroughly
engaging
and will whisk readers away
to a place where anything is possible. Detailed, likable characters and a
swift-moving plot combine
for a wonderful reading experience.”
—Romantic Times Reviews, TOP PICK
“A
brightly colored fabulist confection… sure to delight those looking for a
little fairy dust in their romance.” —Kirkus
“A delightful blending of many love stories plus a tale of murder and suspense. Van Praag has a knack for balancing a large cast ofengaging
characters, and her references to beloved authors and historic scientists are
enjoyable touchstones between doses ofmystery and magic.”
—Booklist
Praise for Menna van Praag
“Reminiscent of Love Actually and P.S.
I Love You, this cute little book is recommended to readers who want to be
charmed by the possibilities of love.”
—Adrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library on The
Dress Shop of Dreams
“The Dress Shop of Dreams is a light,
sweet and shimmering confection, well worth a read.”
—Bookloons
“Dreams, dresses, magic, and mystery swirl in this
enchanting novel. The Dress Shop of Dreams is the
book to read before turning off your bedside light.
—Nancy Thayer, New York Times bestselling
author of An Island Christmas
“Big-hearted, beautiful and brushed with magic, this novel
celebrates life's moments of joy, possibility and transformation.
Menna van Praag's writing is bright with sparkles and lovely grace notes.”
—Susan Wiggs, bestselling author of The
Beekeeper’s Ball on The Dress Shop of Dreams
“The Dress Shop of Dreams is a dream
come true for lovers of romantic tales with a
twist of fantasy. Utterly enchanting! Menna van
Praag’s imaginative, endearing characters will stay with you long after
you close the book.”
—Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling
author of The Summer Wind
"Beguiling and bright...delights with deft writing and
charming characters."
—Kirkus Reviews, on The House
at the End of Hope Street
"Van Praag's fairytale first novel features a house
that can change one's life. . . .
Fans of Alice Hoffman and Sarah Addison Allen
should like."
—Library Journal, on The House
at the End of Hope Street
“Van Praag’s writing is bright and hopeful. . . . A
delightful and engaging read [for] fans of Jasper Fforde, Gloria
Naylor, or Sarah Addison Allen will especially appreciate this story as a
celebration of feminine strength and accomplished women through the
ages.”
—Booklist (STARRED Review), on The
House at the End of Hope Street
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