In some ways this is a five-star story; who the protagonists are, and why they do what they do, are compelling. The prose is almost dream-like, often very evocative. I'm not sorry I read it, not at all. That would be like resenting the weight of a snow globe that's entertained me with its pretty, glittery scene. Where the narrative fell short for me was the climax. It felt more dreamlike than served the events, easing me through so that all of what followed took too long. I left the book with a shrug rather than a smile.

But I love the messages this book offers. Some of us struggle to be who we really are, and measure our success by not drawing attention to ourselves. So, to be seen and yet accepted without question? That is rare and wonderful. Sometimes being visibly very different is good, sometimes bad. Grief tangles everything up. Grief and obsession can become poison. These themes aren't new, but I do love what the author did with them. If you need a fairly gentle take on these themes, try this book. ( )

Love this story! Gentle and sweet. All sorts of hopeful. ( )

It's absolutely beautiful! I didn't enjoy Peter Darling but I liked Coffee Boy and I love, love, love Caroline's Heart. Maybe it's more relatable for me, personally. Maybe the writing is smoother and, story more gripping although it isn't quite a drama. Again, representation matters and that's why this book is important. ( )

I have seen many people recommend this story, but what really made me pick it up was the end of RoAnna Sylver's review of it:

Ultimately this is a story about letting go of a clenched fist so your hand can be open for whatever goodness next comes to you. The same is true of hearts.

This story was exactly as good as everyone said it would be. It is a magical love story between two trans, bi protagonists in the 1800s, and also about holding on to and moving on from lost loved ones.

I really loved the writing in this story - I was captivated by the story, especially towards the end when everything started unraveling. I also loved the little details or choices, like Cecily making prosthetic limbs and the people loving and remembering her for it even years later.

I'm not very coherent with this review, but trust me when I say that I loved this and you should read it too. ( )

A delightful romance in a world I'd love to see more of. The magic of this story wasn't simply the in spells, but in the beautifully built relationship between the main characters. The world needs more trans romance like this! ( )