Marvelous Middle Grade Monday # MMGM Book Review: The Carrefour Curse by Dianne Salerni

 

Twelve-year-old Garnet and her mother, Emerald, run a small shop far away from family. Garnet wishes she could meet her relatives and see the family house where her mom grew up, but her mom won't allow it. Then one day, they get summoned to the family home. Even then, her mother tries to resist the magic, using every counterspell, alas they had no choice but to go once Garnet started spitting up frogs. When they entered the Carrefour family house, they learned that Garnet's great-grandfather would soon be passing. He's been the connection from the family magic to the house's magic for years. There are all kinds of magical rules that surround the house, and the house won't let Garnet and Emerald leave until the magic has switched hands. It’s a lot for Garnet to take in! She is learning about the house that she’s always heard so much about but has never been allowed to visit. Then there are the relatives whose names she doesn’t know and relationships she doesn't understand. She feels lucky to have cousins her age, and it helps her to have people who can fill her in on some of the family dynamics. Her knowledge about stones and magic didn't prepare her for the strange visit she has with her great-grandfather in the middle of the night. Although Garnet is told she must stay away from a dangerous section of the house where a visitor died years ago, the house seems to want her to go there. Strange occurrences keep happening, but Garnet doesn’t get the chance to talk to her mother about them due to the family drama. Is the house going to do something bad to Garnet? Will her magic be able to ward off any evil? What happened to the girl who disappeared at the house in 1998? You'll have to read this page turner to find out!

I read the Eighth Day series by Dianne Salerni years ago and loved it. I was only disappointed
that there weren’t more books in the series! So, when I saw that she had a new book, I knew I had to pick it up. I absolutely loved The Carrefour Curse. It was so interesting to learn about the different gems and earth materials at the top of each chapter, along with how to recharge them, and what they’re used for. I liked the way Garnet and her cousin Ash became friends, and I liked getting to see all the different personalities in Garnet's family. I could really picture the things that were happening to Garnet and loved that there were surprises along the way. I’d love to be friends with her- we both have experiences with houses that have a mind of their own! I recommend this book to anyone in 4th grade and up who enjoys spooky books, ghosts, and other supernatural stories. This was scary, without being too scary. Although there was danger, nothing was gory. It is perfect for the spooky season!

 
Has anyone else read The Carrefour Curse? Or have you read another book by Dianne Salerni? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy Reading!
~L


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