The Review

“The Enchanted Hacienda” by J.C. Cervantes offers a bouquet of magical realism, family bonds, and romance, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark for those who expected more. While the book’s enchanting elements and the vivid description of the Estrada flower farm and Mexican countryside provide a delightful backdrop, the romance takes center stage overshadowing the promised magic.

The story follows Harlow Estrada, the only member of her family without magical abilities tied to the charmed flowers cultivated on their farm. When Harlow faces setbacks in her life, including the loss of her dream job and a breakup, she retreats to the Hacienda Estrada in Mexico. Here, she meets Ben, and their instant attraction turns into a whirlwind romance, oddly a large chunk of which is actually in Canada, not the hacienda.

The book’s strengths lie in its exploration of flower symbolism, family dynamics, and Harlow’s journey of self-discovery. The magical connection between the Estrada women and their flower-based abilities adds depth to the narrative, and the supportive relationships within the family are heartwarming. As Harlow discovers her latent powers, readers are treated to a unique and captivating magical system that revolves around the language of flowers.

However, the book’s romance is where the book falls flat for me. The relationship between Harlow and Ben feels rushed and lacks depth. Their instant connection is difficult to believe, and the insta-love element may leave readers wanting more development and emotional connection between the characters. Additionally, Harlow’s character arc is frustrating, as her low self-esteem and self-pity hinder her growth throughout the story.

While the book promises an enchanting experience akin to the movie “Encanto,” it leans more toward contemporary romance with a sprinkle of magic. The title did mislead me as I was expecting a stronger focus on the hacienda and its magic system. I personally would have enjoyed this novel more had it focused on Harlow growth as an individual, especially since the novel starts with her getting out of a relationship with someone else that took over the majority of her life.

In conclusion, “The Enchanted Hacienda” offers a mixed bouquet of magic, family, and romance. While it successfully explores the world of flower magic and family bonds, the rushed romance and Harlow’s character arc may leave some readers wanting more. If you’re a fan of magical realism with a heavy dose of romance, this book might appeal to you, but be prepared for a story that leans more toward matters of the heart than enchantment.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

“The Enchanted Hacienda” by J.C. Cervantes combines elements of magical realism, family bonds, and romance, but it falls short of expectations for those seeking a stronger magical focus. The book’s enchanting descriptions of the Estrada flower farm and Mexican countryside provide an engaging backdrop, but the central romance between Harlow and Ben often overshadows the promised magic. Harlow, the only family member without magical abilities, faces setbacks in her life, prompting her retreat to the Hacienda Estrada in Mexico, where she embarks on a whirlwind romance with Ben, even though a significant portion of the story is set in Canada.

The book shines in its exploration of flower symbolism, the bonds within the Estrada family, and Harlow’s journey of self-discovery. The magical system based on flower language adds depth to the narrative. However, the rushed romance and the lack of emotional depth between Harlow and Ben may disappoint readers, as may Harlow’s character development. The title may mislead those expecting more focus on the hacienda’s magic, making the novel feel more like a contemporary romance with a touch of magic than a full-fledged enchanting tale. Despite its shortcomings, “The Enchanted Hacienda” offers a blend of magic, family, and romance that may appeal to fans of magical realism and love stories, albeit with a preference for matters of the heart over enchantment.