The Carrefour Curse

I loved this latest book from Dianne K. Salerni, and I highly recommend all her books, but especially The Eighth Day series.In this tale, the magic comes from a place, and when the heir nears their end, everyone is summoned to Crossroads House, including Garnet and her mom who thought they'd escaped. But the Carrefour magic is strong and once it has them back, it won't let go until the heir, Jasper Carrefour, has chosen his replacement. But Jasper isn't ready to go yet, even though it's long past his time, and Garnet soon discovers that he's magically leaching the life from family members in order to prolong his own existence. Additionally, people have gone missing, and a foretelling by one of her relatives suggests Garnet might become one of them.The house, however, has something to show her, a window into the past, and possibly a way to find the missing and prevent Garnet from joining them.This was a super fun story and Jasper was horribly good. I loved hating him!

What tropes, vibes and themes does this book include?Elemental magic, time travel, big family, sleuthing/mystery; Obvious themes of courage, family bond, and self-discovery.Who should read this?Anyone who likes a good mystery with a spattering of magic.What ages are appropriate?Generally, I think ages 10 to 13 are a safe bet. But this of course depends on the child's fear tolerance.Trigger warning: mass dead bodies and near-death accidents.Review with minimum spoilers:This book was more compelling that I anticipated! It started off a tad slow with not a whole lot happening, but it really did pick up fast. It was a really well written family mystery with lots of twists I didn't see coming! Really, some of them genuinely surprised me.I loved the idea of a magical family -- and I especially loved their names -- but it did give off suspiciously Encanto vibes. A family with magical gifts, but unique to each person? A prophecy that dooms the MC? An aunt that can control the weather, and a hermit uncle? The house crumbling because the magic is failing? The elder head of the family a pseudo villain? The similarities end there, however. Likely, it's just coincidence, and it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.The cast was also a bit too big and might be confusing keeping all the characters separate. Sometimes I thought, "wait, who is this guy again? Somebody's cousin, or a spouse?"In parts it did feel like it might be a bit morbid for kids. Even in adult fiction, mass corpses seems excessive.Overall, a really good read!

This middle grade story is a clever and engaging page-turner that had me hooked from the first sentence: “You’ld think spitting up frogs would be a lot like the worst stomach flu you’ve ever had, but it’s surprisingly different.” Who wouldn’t want to read on after that hook?There is so much that is fresh and original in this ghostly tale of power, charm, curses, and magic. The use of gemstones and their properties as chapter titles adds another layer of intrigue and originality to this kid-friendly and delightful story. Will there be a sequel? Sure hope so.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨4.5/5 STARSThis is a middle grade paranormal mystery.Vibes:Addams FamilyEncanto (but dark)Synopsis:Garnet, 12 year old girl, is reunited with her magical relatives that live in a haunted mansion. Missing people and unexplained accidents lead her to uncover the secrets of the house.This was a very fun middle grade book. First, all the chapters are named for various gemstones with facts about each of them. I love learning little tidbits in books.It reminded me of a haunted Encanto house with dysfunctional family members. The mystery is solved by the end and I loved all the magical elements. I would read more from this author!Thank you Holiday House for the ARC! 🏠

Nice middle grade read!I listened on audiobook. Narration was very good except one part where characters are yelling lol. But not a deal breaker.Slight spoiler. The main character can hear/feel gemstones and I loved that aspect. Especially the stone description at the beginning of each chapter.This story is a little bit Encanto (an important house) a little bit Halloweentown (magical family). Also felt a little like This Poison Heart to me, not really at all the same though lol.

This New to me author has me positively hooked. Garnet who is 12 & her mom, Emerald, are experts at stones & their powers. They have the magic to understand and use them. They are just living their life when suddenly Garnet has a case of throwing up frogs. This means they have to return to her mother's home, her estranged family and their curious world of magical things and people. She is happy to meet her family, but upset that her great - grandfather is dying and that the the family is having some mysterious problems. Garnet  decides to get to the bottom of things. She begins working with her cousins to help save the family and  right the wrongs the are destroying her family. She learns new things about herself, her family and what she can do with her special magic. I absolutely loved this story. I have always been fascinated by the different powers and uses that stones like mica, amethyst and Emerald can hold. I loved that each chapter started with a description of a different stone  and what powers it can have. Her writing was so detailed and she made me feel like I was part the mystery and magic. I know this book is perfect for any middle-schooler or for anyone who loves a story full of magic & mystery.I give it high ratings and I will be telling everyone to read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks so much to NetGalley.