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Audiobook Review: The Anatomy of Magic by J.C. Cervantes

March 6, 2025

The anatomy of magic book review | The Soft and Slow Life

Ever wish you had a magical power to rewrite certain memories? In this The Anatomy of Magic book review, we dive into J.C. Cervantes’ enchanting novel about love, magic, and second chances. In The Anatomy of Magic, J.C. Cervantes delivers a heartfelt and enchanting story about love, loss, and learning to embrace the beautiful messiness of life. With a touch of family magic, a dash of rekindled romance, and a journey of self-discovery, this book is perfect for fans of Practical Magic and The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina.

I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you, bookish gods!), and let me tell you—I was immediately drawn into this deeply emotional yet hopeful story.


The Anatomy of Magic Book Review: The Story

Lilian Estrada seems to have everything figured out. She’s a rising-star OB-GYN, a master at compartmentalizing emotions, and a proud member of the extraordinary Estrada family, where each woman is gifted with a unique magical ability. Lily’s power? The rare ability to manipulate memories. But even magic has its limits, and after a traumatic event at the hospital shakes her to her core, Lily finds herself unraveling.

In search of healing, she retreats to her family’s ancestral home in Mexico, hoping to regain control of both her powers and her sense of self. What she doesn’t expect? Running into Sam, the first love she never quite forgot. Nearly a decade has passed, and while Sam is no longer the boy she once knew, the chemistry between them is undeniable. As Lily wrestles with her past, her unpredictable magic, and the possibility of second chances, she must decide if she’s ready to embrace both the imperfections of life and the vulnerability of love.


The Anatomy of Magic Audiobook Review: Narration by Diana Bustelo

The audiobook, narrated by Diana Bustelo, adds an extra layer of magic to this story. Her voice perfectly captures Lily’s emotional turmoil, the warmth of the Estrada family, and the tenderness of reconnecting with a lost love. If you enjoy audiobooks that bring characters to life with depth and authenticity, this one is worth listening to.


Why You’ll Love The Anatomy of Magic

✅ The Estrada Family & Their Magic – The Estradas did not disappoint! Each woman’s gift was beautifully woven into the narrative, creating a sense of history and connection that added so much depth to the story.

✅ Lily’s Personal Growth – This wasn’t just a romance or a magical tale—it was a journey of self-discovery. Seeing Lily navigate her trauma, rediscover her confidence, and embrace her own imperfections was incredibly rewarding.

✅ The Setting – The descriptions of Mexico, the ancestral home, and the deep-rooted traditions made the book feel immersive and vibrant. It wasn’t just a backdrop—it was an integral part of the story.

✅ Second-Chance Romance – Who doesn’t love a well-done second-chance romance? Sam and Lily’s chemistry was undeniable, and their history made every moment between them feel charged with emotion.


Is The Anatomy of Magic the Right Book for You?

📖 Fans of magical realism and heartwarming family stories

💞 Readers who love second-chance romance with deep emotional stakes

✨ Anyone who enjoyed Practical Magic or The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

🏡 Those who appreciate books with strong family bonds and self-discovery themes


Final Thoughts on The Anatomy of Magic Book Review

Overall, The Anatomy of Magic is a beautifully written, deeply emotional, and enchanting read about healing, love, and embracing life’s imperfections. It balances heartfelt family moments, romance, and magical realism in a way that feels organic and compelling.

If you love books that weave together family, magic, and second chances, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 5 stars

Big thanks to NetGalley for the early copy! Have you read this one yet? What are your favorite books with a touch of magical realism? Let’s chat in the comments! ✨🏚️

*Don’t forget to check out my other book reviews!

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The anatomy of magic book review | The Soft and Slow Life

Audiobook Review: The Anatomy of Magic by J.C. Cervantes

February Notes

Close Your eyes and count to 10

Audiobook Review: Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger 🎧🔍

✨ This is your sign, bestie! ✨⁣
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If you’re craving more cozy vibes, crafty moments, and a little more joy in your life — you NEED to be part of the Soft & Slow Craft Club.⁣
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Every week, I’m dropping a little love note in your inbox with ways to slow down, get creative, and make life way more fun. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s do this.⁣
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💛 Join the club — your seat is waiting!⁣
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[Link in bio!]
March roundup - a little photo buffet. A lot of cr March roundup - a little photo buffet. A lot of creativity, gardening, cozy comforts and time with friends. 🪴 🎨 🌊 ❤️
Fast forward… and now we’re here. Not hustling Fast forward… and now we’re here.
Not hustling. Not performing.
Just living a life that feels soft, slow, and mine.

Books I actually read.
Crafts that bring me joy.
Beach walks. Messy mornings.
Laughter. Quiet. Time that stretches.
It’s not perfect — but it’s real.

I’m not here to teach you how to do it.
Just holding the door open,
in case you need a reminder that it’s possible.

A little softer. A little slower.
A little more like you.

If you’re craving that too —
The Soft & Slow Club is your place.
When you sign up, and you’ll get weekly love notes from me (books, crafts, small joys, all of it).

Come get comfy — the link’s in my bio.
POV: You started living for the little moments — POV: You started living for the little moments — and they made life feel big again.⁣
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Because it’s not always about doing more.⁣
Sometimes it’s about noticing what’s already here.⁣
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The sound of laughter from the other room.⁣
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The way your hands move when you’re ⁣
creating something just for fun.⁣
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That feeling of peace when you stop rushing and let the moment stretch out a little longer.⁣
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These aren’t just filler moments — they’re the ones that make up a life.⁣
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The good stuff isn’t always loud or flashy.⁣
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Sometimes it’s soft, quiet, and tucked into the corners of your day.⁣
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Lately, I’ve been reminding myself: maybe we don’t need to chase the next big thing.⁣
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Maybe it’s about noticing the daily glimmers, the little luxuries, the small sparks of joy that light us up — and letting those be enough.⁣
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If you’re into that kind of life too… you’re in the right place. Stick around — I’m just getting started.⁣
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#softandslowlife #everydayreflections #dailyglimmers #slowjoy #littleluxuries #lifelately #scrapbookvibes #cozycorneroftheinternet #creativepause #joyintheordinary⁣
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How lucky am I?⁣ 🍀 (blessed, really) ⁣ Luck How lucky am I?⁣ 🍀 (blessed, really)
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Lucky to make memories with the people I love.⁣
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Lucky that my kid still thinks I’m cool (I’m holding onto that like gold).⁣
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Lucky for morning coffee and the quiet ritual of starting fresh.⁣
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That little sigh when the day begins and it’s just… mine for a moment.⁣
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Lucky for walks in the sunshine, digging my hands in the dirt, and remembering what it feels like to be grounded.⁣
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Lucky to make time for joy — to create, to play, to chase what makes me feel alive, instead of waiting for some mythical “later.”⁣
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Lucky to live a life that’s not perfect, but mine — full of softness, effort, hope, and meaning.⁣
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And lucky for the friends who remind me who I am on the days I forget.⁣
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The ones who add that little razzle dazzle, that sparkle, that oh yeah, this is what it’s all about.⁣
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If you’re in a season of noticing the good stuff — even in the middle of the mess — I see you.⁣
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We’re lucky to feel it. To live it.⁣
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What’s something you’re lucky for lately?
What even *is* this magical life?✨ ⁣ ⁣ Hones What even *is* this magical life?✨ ⁣
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Honestly? Last week dragged harder than my feet on a Monday morning… but somehow, it was still full of those sparkly little moments that make life feel *weirdly* magical.⁣
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Board games? Always a yes—especially when I win (which I did, obviously). ⁣
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Turning travel days into treat-yourself adventures? Say less. ⁣
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Sunshine and digging around in the garden? Literal heaven. ⁣
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And don’t even get me started on that blood moon under a sky full of stars—main character energy.⁣
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Somehow, even in the chaos, there’s still space to dream, play, and romanticize the little things.⁣
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Because let’s be real—a magical life isn’t always a big moment... sometimes it’s just snacks, stargazing, and pretending your errands are a rom-com montage.⁣
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