The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel Review

Title: The Marvelous Magic of Miss Mabel
Author: Natasha Lowe
Series: The Power of Poppy Pendle #3
Publisher: Simon Schuster/ Paula Wiseman Books
Publication Date: 30 August 2016
Source: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reading Timeline: 18 October 2017










Goodreads Synopsis:

The morning Nora Ratcliff finds a baby in the flowerpot o her front steps her life changes forever. She had always wanted a child, but after her husband passed away, Nora never thought she would have one, but her flowerpot child was a miracle and she decided to name her Mabel. As Mabel grew up, she showed a distinct talent for magic.

When Mabel is accepted to the prestigious witch school, Ruthersfield Academy, she excels at the magic curriculum but is constantly in trouble for experimenting and invention her own potions. One day she is asked to write a paper on her magical roots and discovers the truth about her birth after a mean classmate blurts out what everyone seems to know except Mabel. Mabel is shocked but the revelation does explain a lot. In rebellion, Mabel changes her name to Magnolia and tries to understand why she was left in the flowerpot and who her birth family might be.

Will Mabel find the answers she's looking for - or will she discover that families are people who love each other and look after each other and that's most important of all.

Book Review:
Pre-reading Thoughts:

I am so excited for this book. I have been in a bit of a middle grade craze and just cannot get enough of them. When I read the synopsis of this book, I just knew that I had to request it! And as always the lovely people at Jonathan Ball Publishers are way to kind and sent me a copy! Thank you so much to them! Just a small disclaimer for those reading this review. I have received this book in exchange for an honest review. Please note that this does not affect my opinion in any way. All thoughts are my own.

Writing Thoughts:

This middle grade novel is set in the late 1800s and the writing reflects that. The language is slightly elevated but not too the extent where it is too much and boring for younger readers. The dialogue is stiff with the social requirements of the time but also with the curiosity of young children. I really enjoyed the writing and found myself envisioning the setting of the book.

Plot Thoughts:

The plot was really enjoyable. There was a point where I got a little bored but I definitely think that the author has done a really great job at weaving little lessons into her story. I really wish that we got to get a little more of Mabel's life after this book. I loved the different classes and the very unique classes that Mabel had to take.

Character Thoughts:

I loved Mabel. She was just this cute little girl whose curiosity got the best of her at times. She reminded me so much of myself. I loved experimenting with things that I shouldn't have and whilst my experiments weren't as wondrous, I felt connected to little Mabel. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. From the great setting and interesting dialogue to an enjoyable plot and a little nostalgia, this book was great. I really loved reading this. I highly recommend this for younger girls who are about eleven or so. I think that this is something that they would really enjoy. Thank you so much to Jonathan Ball Publishers for sending me a copy of this book!

Yours in Reading,

Melleny

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