Potion Problems (Just Add Magic Book 2) by Cindy Callaghan

Potion Problems (Just Add Magic Book 2) Reviews

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  Tales Untangled

  In Just Add Magic: Potion Problems 2 the three best friends, Kelly, Darbie, and Hannah, are back but they have a big problem - their magic cookbook is missing. Their problems continue to grow as their soccer coach seems to have gone mad with works outs to make the girls win in their soccer games, their favorite cooking class at school is about to be canceled, and their friend's shop may close because of ridiculously high rental rate hikes. Whew! That's a lot for three girls to handle. 
  
  It's fun to see how the girls work together and their distinct personalities. Each brings something unique to the (cooking) table as they work through each problem. The girls are having so much fun that others want to be included. They bring on the Rusamano twins, an ice cream shop employee, Kelly's aunt, and even Charlotte. It's great to see how the girls' attitudes change toward Charlotte and gain a new perspective on their own behavior. 
  
  A key aspect of this volume in the series is the element of mystery. They need to discover who the altruistic KE is to understand the magic of the book. By searching for the true identity of KE, they end up going down false trails until the surprise is revealed. By discovering more about the nature of the magic cookbook, Kelly gains insight into herself which helps her solve all the other problems, even though she could never do it alone. 
  
  The dialogue is snappy and funny, there are pop-culture references, and yummy treats (including recipes in the back) which all mix to make a fun and witty book perfect for middle grade. I highly recommend this book!
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  Barbara Brodhead

  I was sadly disappointed with this book. I suppose I thought it would be more like the fun Amazon Prime movie that came out a few years ago. It was not.
  The writer is good at keeping the interest in the reader, but I didn’t like the “modern teenager” approach that I think she was trying to achieve. I thought the girls were kind of mean sometimes, and Kelly was rude to her mother a few times.
  I also do not appreciate the usage of the Lords name in vain, or the derivatives of it. There were a couple of these.
  Also, the movie is not very much like the book in other ways- people, the way magic happens, etc. I guess this is to be expected, as the book was written before the show was made.
  So, in spite of the way the writer keeps you interested in the story, I really didn’t have that “feel good” feeling after reading it. Not sure if I would recommend it to my granddaughters.
  Watch the sho- it’s TONS better!!!
• 
  Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book*

  Potion Problems (Just Add Magic #2) by Cindy Callaghan, 201 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2018. $18.
  
  Content: G
  
  BUYING RECOMMENDATION: EL - ADVISABLE
  
  AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
  
  Kelly and her friends love their potion-making recipe book. But then Charlotte, Kelly’s evil next door neighbor gets her hands on the book and threatens to expose them. The trio needs the help of the original recipe crafters, but they have no idea how to find them! Plus, Charlotte’s dad is raising the rent on shop where they buy their special ingredients -- what will they do if Mrs. P. has to close the doors?
  
  I wish this had stayed under the Mix imprint -- much more a paperback worthy book. Plus, now I’ll have two different bindings. Nothing special about the girls’ problems. I keep wondering if they are ever going to get into serious trouble for playing with magic.
  
  Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
  
  https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
• 
  Destiny Bridwell

  I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. So many things can go wrong when cooking and magic are involved. Just ask the three friends in this book. It seems it all starts when their magical cookbook goes missing and everything else just seems to be crumbling around them. La Cucina might be closing and where would they get their magical ingredients. But they only found out about that when going to get ingredients for a cooking contest that has a large cash prize. There is mystery and intrigue going on around. So will the solve the mystery of KE and find out who returned the book and win the contest?  You will have to find out for yourself because I will not reveal the magic. 
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  Christine

  This second volume seems to be written after the series was aired. I like how the world’s a little different in the book than the Amazon show. The girls showing altruism and kindness by attempting to save the home ex program was great.
  
  WOverall,though, I was disappointed in the book b3cause I’ve seen the series. Was I’m annoyed with myself that I pre purchased this book from Amazon. Next volume, it’s public library all the way.
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  Staceywh_17

  Received my first ever thriftbooks read today.
  
  It's a slightly battered used copy, but was perfectly readable. I know it's a mid grade kinda book, but I got sucked into the Amazon Prime series (I'm a big kid at heart) & wanted to see how the book differed from the televised version. It's 100% totally different! 🙆‍♀️
  
  This book followed Kelly, Hannah & Darbie as they try getting their magical cookbook out of the hands of their arch enemy Charlotte 💫💥
  
  𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 🌟 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴.
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  Samantha

  My daughter and I started reading these after watching the show on Prime. Unfortunately this is one of the rare occasions the show is better than the books. The characters were lacking depth, were pretty mean to each other, and the general story was complicated with too many elements going on at once.
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  Terri

  Kelly and her two friends found a mysterious cookbook which had magical recipes. They are learning the rules and things don't always turn out the way they expect. It is a lighthearted story and an Agatha nominee. Sweet tale of friendship and food.
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  Nurul

  The book is most definitely different than the television series. I'm not sure whether I love the TV show or the book more as each has its own unique storyline.
  One of the few difference is that Grandma Quinn is not in the book which is kinda sad.
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  Pinkpigg33

  These are just such cute books! We loved the Amazon Original series and then got the 2 books and read them together with my daughters. Great read for 9-12 year old girls.
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  Katy Lovejoy

  I'm in a light hearted story mood right now.
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  Holly Letson

  I do like the books, but I like the Amazon Video series better.
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  Lilly Bolles

  A great follow up to the first book, I loved all the events and how the trio made amends with Charlotte.
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  Deeksha Nathan

  3.5⭐️
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  Colleen

  A fun read about friendships and making sure to include everyone.
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  Vinay Patil

  If you have read the first part, this story will take you deeper into the magical world.
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  ░▒▓█ Nguyễn Thiên Hà

  I think this book is better as the girls care more about the cookbook.But still,lack of magic.
  Plot:
  Cally and her friends have to get back their cookbook from their neighbour frenemy,before it's too late.Cally worries that when she firgures out how to use it,she'll turn her and her friends into frogs.But there's much more ahead of them.The main place where they sell the secret ingredients for the recipes is closing due to a lack of budget.Then,one day,the cookbook their frenemy has stolen came back to them with a marking K.E..HOW WILL CALLY AND HER FRIENDS SOLVE THE MYSTERY OF WHO IS OR...WHAT K.E. STANDS FOR AND PREVENT THE STORE FROM SHUTTING DOWN??
  3.5 STARS