Book Review: Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by the author, publisher, or other related entity.

Synopsis:

Breakdown Review:

This year, I have been returning to a love of magical realism works. With charming magical realism and a distinct semblance to Sarah Addison Allen's Garden Spells (one of my historical favorites), Heather Webber's Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is a wonderful and heartwarming work. The story is emotional and somewhat mysterious, with a fabulous cast of characters reminiscent of a gathering in Stars Hollow. (If you're not a Gilmore Girls fan, you're missing out.)

The writing is natural and flowing, feeling almost comforting as the reader moves through the pages. The narrative is bifurcated, focusing on two primary protagonists, Anna Kate and Natalie. Though their stories intertwine, there are two distinct plots at work throughout the piece, with Anna Kate's story (appropriately) burning brighter. The alternating point of view works well in this particular situation, balancing out the narrative and lending a secondary eye to the reader to gather additional information.

The characters are very vibrant and memorable, each with a distinct personality curated in a way that creates a whole town within the pages. Each character has a part to play and contributes the the progression of the story. They are fantastic individuals, some quirky and comical, some stoic and quiet. Together, it is a perfect blend that makes everything feel quite natural and real. Unique, but still real. I particularly enjoyed the existence of the supporting characters of the town, from boisterous Faylene to grumpy old Mr. Lazenby, as well as the wondrously sly Bo and Jena. I was not the first to recognize that such an eclectic cast of characters was mildly reminiscent of Stars Hollow. And truly, the town made the book. Webber's writing is fantastic, make no mistake, but the characters she created propelled the story from good to great.

The magical qualities of the narrative were endearing and I just found myself overwhelmed with joy at every turn of the page. There is obviously a fantastical element to the story, but rather than feeling fake and ridiculous, it is fun and enjoyable. I am drawn to works like this and find them incredibly enjoyable when written well. This one fit the bill. Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe is wonderful and magical and everything I love in a fantastical magical realism read.


Emotional Response:   

I loved this book so very much. Huggable? Absolutely! Lovely and whimsical, and just the thing I needed. The word that fits this bill is simply...ecstatic.

Rating: