Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon is a luxury salon that offers a unique and magical experience for all its clients. The salon is known for its innovative use of technology and its commitment to providing the best beauty treatments and services. One of the standout features of Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon is its use of magic mirrors. These mirrors are equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows clients to virtually try on different hairstyles, makeup looks, and even clothing. With just a wave of their hand, clients can see themselves transformed in the mirror, without actually making any physical changes. This technology not only saves time and effort for both the clients and the stylists but also gives clients the freedom to experiment with different looks before committing to a particular style.
The story is packed with snappy dialogue. I loved that so much. It’s got an upbeat feel to it mostly, but I definitely cried in the scenes where Hapless and Aurelie are confronted by the lies they believe in all their ugliness. Those scenes were really heartbreaking.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn t dare to dream big until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones.
This technology not only saves time and effort for both the clients and the stylists but also gives clients the freedom to experiment with different looks before committing to a particular style. The salon offers a wide range of services, including haircuts, hairstyling, hair coloring, makeup application, manicures, pedicures, facials, and more. The highly trained and experienced staff at Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon are dedicated to providing personalized services that cater to each client's unique needs and preferences.
REVIEW: Something Close to Magic by Emma Mills
Summary: A baker’s apprentice reluctantly embarks on an adventure full of magic, new friendships, and a prince in distress in this deliciously romantic young adult fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Margaret Rogerson and Gail Carson Levine.
It’s not all sugar and spice at Basil’s Bakery, where seventeen-year-old Aurelie is an overworked, underappreciated apprentice. Still, the job offers stability, which no-nonsense Aurelie values highly, so she keeps her head down and doesn’t dare to dream big—until a stranger walks in and hands her a set of Seeking stones. In a country where Seeking was old-fashioned even before magic went out of style, it’s a rare skill, but Aurelie has it.
The stranger, who turns out to be a remarkably bothersome bounty hunter named Iliana, asks for Aurelie’s help rescuing someone from the dangerous Underwood—which sounds suspiciously like an adventure. When the someone turns out to be Prince Hapless, the charming-but-aptly-named prince, Aurelie’s careful life is upended. Suddenly, she finds herself on a quest filled with magic portals, a troll older than many trees (and a few rocks), and dangerous palace intrigue.
Even more dangerous are the feelings she’s starting to have for Hapless. The more time Aurelie spends with him, the less she can stand the thought of going back to her solitary but dependable life at the bakery. Must she choose between losing her apprenticeship—or her heart?
Read my reviews of other books by the same author:
“I’ll think of you if that day arrives.”
The smile turned brighter. “I do hope you’ll think of me before then.”
I am the biggest Emma Mills fan ever, so I have been desperately counting down the days once she finally announced a new book. And! This is a fantasy, which was an interesting departure from her contemporary books but I knew it was going to be good. With the same heart and wit of Mills’s other works, Something Close to Magic was an adorably cozy fantasy with a lovable cast of characters.
A baker’s apprentice, Aurelie is resigned to a mundane life. When Iliana walks into her shop one day looking for a seeker—someone who can do the rare act of magic of finding—Aurelie agrees to help her with her bounties. Soon enough, she finds herself dragged along for a quest to find someone, alongside Iliana and Quad, an Uncommonfolk troll. They run into Prince Hapless after he was ambushed and detour to take him back to the capital. There’s a plan afoot though, and he might be in more danger than they originally anticipated.
Much like in my reviews of this author’s other books, I don’t know how to properly express my love for this book in words. I had to reread it just to put my thoughts in order, and even then, I’m still at a loss for how to capture what I loved about this book but I’ll give it a try.
If you’ve read Lucky Caller, you’ll probably recognize these characters’ names. While I don’t remember everything about the game in that book, I believe some of the basic characterizations took inspiration from the personas the characters in Lucky Caller played as. This was just such a fun connection to Mills’s other book and made me want to reread Lucky Caller all over again.
I loved the characters in this book, as well! Aurelie can do magic, which is more-or-less unfashionable in the kingdom now; she’s trained in seeking, which is even more rare since it’s so out-of-date. She very much just wants to live her quiet life until she meets Iliana. Once the quest to help Hapless sets off, how can she return back to her apprenticeship?
Iliana, meanwhile, is very different from Aurelie, in ways that sometimes frustrates her. She’s mysterious and keeps her secrets close to her chest, yet incredibly perceptive and helpful. Quad brought even more humor to this book with her acerbic asides about mortal inventions (including age, since trolls track their age by what rocks they’re older than). I laughed so much throughout this book! And then we have Hapless, a lovably clumsy and kind-hearted prince. He’s forever characterized by his penchant for being absent-minded, but he learns to stand up for himself.
The plot was fun to follow, and this book is a pretty fast read too. I just love Emma Mills’s writing so much that I flew through this both times I read it. There’s also a letter-writing interlude by the way, and Aurelie’s and Hapless’s voices shine through these letters. Mills is such a strong character writer, and I always love seeing how she builds up characterizations.
Something Close to Magic was such a sweet, soft fantasy with a new cast of characters that I adored. I genuinely couldn’t stop smiling and laughing while reading this book, and I need everyone to read it immediately. I can’t recommend Something Close to Magic enough, especially if you like cozy, light-hearted fantasies with a lovable found family and great writing!
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About the Author: Emma Mills is the author of five YA contemporary romances, including First & Then and Foolish Hearts, and one YA fantasy, Something Close to Magic. When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package.
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They take the time to listen to their clients and understand their desired outcome, ensuring that every visit to the salon is a satisfying and enjoyable experience. In addition to its exceptional beauty services, Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon also offers a luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. The salon is beautifully decorated with elegant furniture, soft lighting, and soothing music, creating a serene ambiance that helps clients unwind and pamper themselves. The attention to detail and commitment to creating a welcoming and comfortable environment sets Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon apart from other salons. Moreover, the salon uses high-quality products from top brands in the industry to ensure that clients receive the best results. From professional-grade hair care products to premium makeup and skincare products, every product used at Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon is carefully selected to deliver outstanding results without compromising on the health and well-being of the clients. Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon is not just a place to get a haircut or a makeup application; it is an experience that leaves clients feeling refreshed, confident, and beautiful. With its innovative use of technology, personalized services, and commitment to excellence, the salon has become a go-to destination for anyone looking to enhance their natural beauty and indulge in a little bit of magic..
Reviews for "Reflections of Elegance: The Magic of Beauty Salon Mirrors"
1. Jessica - 1 star
I had a terrible experience at Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon. First of all, the staff was extremely rude and unprofessional. They didn't greet me when I walked in and seemed annoyed when I asked a simple question about their services. The salon itself was not in great condition either. There were dirty towels and hair clippings all over the floor. The hairstylist I had was also very careless and didn't pay attention to what I wanted. I left the salon feeling extremely unsatisfied with my haircut. I would not recommend this salon to anyone.
2. Michael - 2 stars
I was disappointed with my visit to Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon. The staff seemed disinterested in providing good customer service. When I arrived, they didn't even acknowledge my presence and continued their conversation without even looking up. The salon was also quite dirty and cluttered. It gave off a very untidy and unprofessional vibe. The haircut I received was just average; nothing special. Overall, I wouldn't say it was a terrible experience, but I definitely won't be going back.
3. Sarah - 1 star
Magic Mirrors Beauty Salon is by far the worst salon I have ever been to. The staff was extremely rude and unwelcoming. Not only did I feel like an inconvenience, but they also did a terrible job on my hair. I asked for a simple trim and they ended up chopping off way more than I wanted. The hairstylist did not listen to my instructions at all. On top of that, the salon was dirty and poorly maintained. I would strongly advise anyone considering this place for their beauty needs to look elsewhere.