Book review may contain spoilers, read at your own risk!
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings is a polarizing piece, leaving its readers torn between loving or hating it. I firmly fall into the “love it” camp, though I’ll admit there are parts I struggled with. The “made for each other” trope, which drives the relationship between Magnolia and BJ, hooked me and had me rooting for them despite their flaws. Their undeniable chemistry and history kept me invested, even when their choices frustrated me.
My Book Review
The level of toxicity in Magnolia and BJ’s relationship throughout the novel was hard to ignore. I genuinely wanted to believe in their connection. The betrayal, miscommunication, and pain that both Magnolia and BJ experienced made this an emotional read for me. I deeply empathized with both of them. Throughout the story, I found myself repeatedly thinking, “Why can’t they just get it together?” Their constant back-and-forth emotional turmoil was frustrating, but it kept me hooked nonetheless.
Despite the toxic nature of their relationship, it’s undeniable that they love each other deeply. Hastings portrayed their pain and heartbreak with such eloquence that it felt raw and real. This level of emotional authenticity is something only truly talented authors can achieve, and for that, Jessa Hastings deserves immense credit.
Something about their relationship was so captivating that I couldn’t stop myself from reading. I found myself rooting for them, even as I doubted whether they could ever overcome their toxic cycles. The emotional weight of their story lingered with me long after I finished the book. In fact, I obsessed over this book for weeks after completing it.
Their romantic turmoil alone is intense, but when combined with the additional drama woven throughout the book, it makes for a heavy read—definitely not a light and fluffy romance. However, this is one of the aspects I truly loved about the novel. Personally, I don’t have anywhere near the level of intense drama that the characters in Magnolia Parks experience, and perhaps that’s why I found it so addictive. It offered a glimpse into a chaotic, glamorous, and emotionally charged world that felt far removed from my own, and for that reason, I devoured every page.
Real Issues Behind the Glamour
As mentioned earlier, this book delves into some heavy topics, such as addiction, infidelity, and grief, among others. If you have experienced or are sensitive to these issues, you might want to consider skipping this read.
These topics demand to be addressed with care and sensitivity, and I believe Hastings handled them beautifully. While these aren’t ideal subjects, I appreciated how they were thoughtfully woven into the story. Beneath the guise of high-class relationship struggles, the novel explores terrible realities that many people face. These elements added depth to the story and grounded it in a sense of realism. I’m certain that many readers felt seen and understood while reading this book, as it sheds light on experiences that are often left unspoken.
Escapism & Fashion
Despite the drama, I thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in this novel. The glamorous lifestyle of the characters was captivating and had me daydreaming about shopping at Gucci for a million dresses I don’t need.
I especially loved Magnolia’s passion for fashion, which added a charming layer to the story. Her ability to identify a clothing brand at a glance is such an impressive and unique skill, and it added depth to her character while enriching the luxurious vibe of the book. And BJ buying her all those clothes knowing how much she loved to shop, made my heart melt.
3.5/5 Stars
I would give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. Honestly, I was obsessed with it while reading. Right after finishing, I thought, this is the pinnacle of reading. While I still hold that opinion to some extent, I’ve realized my personal taste leans more toward happy, fluffy love stories. That doesn’t mean I don’t love this book—because, trust me, I do.
I’m definitely planning to continue with the series, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts as I dive deeper into the universe Hastings has created. Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear what you think! Talk to you soon!
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