Sunday, March 15, 2015

Nightbird

Alice Hoffman

An enchanting novel from bestselling author Alice Hoffman: a charmed New England village, a family secret, and a friendship destined to defeat a witch.

"Some things could only be found in Sidwell it seemed: pink apples, black owls, and my brother, James."

Twelve-year-old Twig's town in the Berkshires is said to hide a winged beast, the Monster of Sidwell, and the rumors draw as many tourists as the town's famed pink apple orchards. Twig lives in the orchard with her mysterious brother James and her reclusive mother, a baker of irresistible apple pies. Because of a family secret, an ancient curse,Twig has had to isolate herself from other kids. Then a family with two girls, Julia and Agate, moves into the cottage next door. They are descendants of the witch who put the spell on Twig's family. But Julia turns out to be Twig's first true friend, and her ally in trying to undo the curse and smooth the path to true love for Agate and James (from Netgalley)


My Thoughts
Twig lives in Sidwell with her Mom and brother. Their family has a secret - a curse placed on the family many years ago that only effects the men. They’ve spent all their lives hiding this secret. What will happen when the truth finally comes out?

There are many different reasons that I look forward to reading a book. Perhaps it is next in line for a series I am enjoying. Maybe that much anticipated third book of a trilogy. Or another new story from a favorite author.

But what to think when one of my favorite author of adult stories decides to change things up and write a book geared toward middle grade readers? Will the foray into a new genre be successful?

Coming from Alice Hoffman, the only answer can be a resounding Yes! I found Nightbird to be truly magical. The reader can’t help but fall in love with Twig. She is like an young girl who just wants to fit in, but can’t due to the family secret. She is loyal to a fault and will do anything to help her brother James.

This was just a delightful read. Very uplifting, a bit of a mystery, with focus on family, friendship and the power of believing that doing the right thing will win out in the end. A great story for young and old alike.

Many thanks to Random House Children’s, via Netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.

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