We Could Be Magic by Sarah B. Parker: A Whimsical Review
I can’t resist a good amusement park romance, and when I heard Sarah B. Parker’s latest release, We Could Be Magic, was centered around the enchanting world of a fictional Disneyland, I was immediately intrigued. Who doesn’t dream of the magic behind the scenes? Unfortunately, while I was looking forward to a delightful read, I ended up feeling a bit let down by the experience—hence my three-star rating.
The premise of the book is undeniably charming. Tabi, our hopeful protagonist, steps into the park with dreams of becoming a character princess, believing wholeheartedly in the fairytale magic surrounding her. The setting is unique and refreshing; I don’t think I’ve come across many stories that give a behind-the-scenes look at such a beloved and iconic backdrop. The opportunities for vivid scenarios and amusing escapades were ripe for the picking, and for this aspect alone, I felt a sparkle of excitement.
A Sweet, Yet Flawed Romance
In terms of romance, I found Tabi and her love interest to be endearing. Their development felt believable, and I enjoyed watching their chemistry unfold amidst the backdrop of cotton candy skies and rollercoaster rides. However, I was left hungry for more depth, especially concerning their lives outside the amusement park. I felt like I had stepped into a whimsical bubble where the complexities of their real lives were largely absent. Who were they as individuals, beyond their roles in the park? I couldn’t quite grasp my love interest’s character, leaving unanswered questions about age and backstory lingering like fairy dust.
One of my main gripes was how the narrative glossed over the harsh realities of working at such a famous amusement park. When Tabi encounters disgruntled staff expressing their grievances, her initial reaction feels frustratingly naive. It seemed like a missed opportunity for character growth—learning that even magical places have their shadows. Instead of acknowledging the duality of such environments, the story leans heavily into glorification, which felt uncomfortable and unrealistic.
Narrative Style and Structure
The writing style, while charming at moments, occasionally veered into overly simplistic territory. I found myself wishing for more nuanced storytelling that explored the intricacies of Tabi’s journey. Furthermore, certain plot developments felt rushed or implausible—a deus ex machina ending that didn’t land as intended left me scratching my head rather than swooning.
Despite its charming premise and sweet romance, there were moments when the narrative missed an opportunity for deeper insight into characters and themes. Questions such as why Tabi remained clueless about body diversity in her casting aspirations lingered too long, pulling me out of the story.
Final Thoughts
While We Could Be Magic is a light, feel-good read that could delight younger audiences or devoted fans of whimsical romance, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. This book might be perfect for readers looking for a quick escape into a pastel universe filled with rollercoasters and love—but if you’re someone who craves more substance and depth in your stories, you might find yourself wanting.
As for me, I’ll take away the charming amusement park vibes and the set piece’s uniqueness, but I wish the story had ventured into deeper waters—because sometimes, magic comes from understanding the reality beneath the glitter.
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