Some Kind of Magic: A True Story of Love, Life, and Wanderlust

by Sonya Moore

This is a love story, but maybe not the kind you expect.
It started with an epiphany and a desire to live life more fully. One fateful day in 2017, a thirty-something American woman—up until that point, a responsible, hard-working, tax-paying citizen—decided to leave her home and career and set off to explore the other side of the world. That choice led to a three-year journey laced with serendipity and unexpected twists of fate that would show her more than she ever could have imagined.

Joyful and uninhibited, this soul-nourishing tale of love and adventure intertwined with discovery explores the mystery of life and human nature across cultures and continents, from the cloud-fringed mountains of Myanmar to the pristine beaches of southern France. Sometimes hilarious, occasionally shocking, always honest, this deliciously told travel memoir entertains and captivates while examining synchronicity, choice and destiny, the roots of happiness, and multiple facets of love against a vivid backdrop of some of the world’s most beautiful and little-known places.

Genres: Memoir

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2023

Reviews

[Jane RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sonya Moore has written a love letter to the universe. The author's life story transports the reader on an incredible journey filled with spiritual insights, miracles, travel tips (man, do I need to travel to Asia) and inspiration to seize each moment, be courageous, fearless and trust the universe. The humor, love, wonder and exploration will help you to consider your own life purpose and be inspired by this amazing woman and her incredible story. I devoured this book and you will too.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some Kind Of Magic" is a captivating and inspirational travel memoir that showcases the beauty of embracing the unknown, following one's heart, and discovering the enchantment in the world that surrounds us.

It is an extraordinary journey into the depths of self-discovery, written by a brave and adventurous soul who decided to break free from the matrix of modern existence to follow her heart's calling. This honest account is a testament to the power of intuition, synchronicity, and the universal signs that guide us.

The book beautifully weaves together the author's personal experiences with a compelling narrative that draws readers into her world. As I delved into her story, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to her journey. It's as if the numbers on the clock aligned perfectly with the words on the page, making me acutely aware of the universe's subtle messages.

The author's journey takes us across cultures and continents, offering a vivid portrayal of some of the world's most beautiful and lesser-known places. The serendipitous twists and turns of her adventure are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the profound mysteries of life and human nature.

"Some Kind Of Magic" serves as a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, we often forget to listen to ourselves highlighting the importance of prioritizing self-care and in doing so, how life falls into place to help us find what makes us truly happy.

This book will leave you feeling uplifted, reconnected with your own journey, and inspired to seek what the world has in store for you.

[Kelly Pramberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are the types of books I love to read. Moore has done such a good job with this magical story about places all over the world that they travel to! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I was left inspired. Five stars.

[Lauren Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. Sonya’s writing is so full of honesty, genuine openness and radiant energy. It felt like I was instantly transported into the beautiful journey she has taken us along on. Some Kind of Magic reawakens the joy that comes from trusting in guidance from the universe. This book will energize your heart.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, easy read that takes you through a beautiful journey both emotionally and all over the world. I loved seeing all these gorgeous places through her eyes and it almost felt like I was right there with her, meeting all those lovely people, eating yummy food, climbing through waterfalls, practicing yoga and meditating :) I loved that her words felt real, truthful, human. The little quotes at the beginning of each chapter were thought-provoking and I have already added many of her book recommendations to my to-read list! :0) I was left so inspired that as soon as I finished it, I went online and booked my first silent meditation retreat. It was last week and it was an amazing (although quite challenging) experience. Would definitely recommend it!

[Michelle Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling read for me; I finished it in just a few days. The author’s experiences and perspectives are so outside my own that I found myself drawn into a new world from the very first page. This book is full of adventures and written with humor—- not to mention a refreshing dose of self-awareness and self-reflection. Sonya has chosen to view the world in an open-handed and open-hearted way, taking ups and downs as opportunities to learn and grow. This was a timely message for me, and I will be continuing to mull over its possible applications.

[Heather Graeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! Sonya's choice to leave it all behind and follow her passion is both brave and exciting. She takes us along her journey to exotic lands, meeting incredible people and having life changing experiences along the way, so that you can't wait to see what happens next! Well written, thought provoking, and inspirational! I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves memoirs or just a great story that spans the globe 🌎.

[Alicja]

This book is wonderful and magical. The writing is captivating and you will not want to put it down once you start. The author describes multiple locations that have already been on my “want to visit” list and it makes me want to go even more. If you like travel memoirs this book is for you- you will feel the urge to travel and have your own amazing experiences.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC.

[Serlina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Kind of Magic is a nicely written and touching book that leaves you inspired and hoping to achieve your goals that you have set out to do as well. The author did a wonderful job with writing this piece and I must say that I am happy to have read this book. Some Kind of Magic is a journey of finding self, peace and love. Definitely a recommended read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Doc Cokie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must-read! I loved every sentence of it. It's definitely a book you're not going to want to put down and something you'll want to read over and over again. It's a book about self discovery, empowerment, and finding love. The writing is absolutely phenomenal. It's the best self discovery book since Eat Pray Love.

[Margot Doucet · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the dreamers, the seekers, and for the thirsty souls…
I would add, for all those interested in the journey that life has in store for us, with its winding paths,
chasms, enchanted valleys and deserts. With great honesty and courage, the author shares with us
the initial challenges that enabled her to become someone else, different, more serene and stronger.
This book fell into my hands during a summer of grief and upheaval, and sowed little petals of joy
and courage in my days. Strictly speaking, it's not a feel-good book, it's better than that, teeming
with tasty details that document the adventure of daily life in Asia and the twists and turns of the
author's love life with humor and self-deprecation. Through the pages, I discovered a spirituality far
removed from my own Judeo-Christian one, and the power of practices such as yoga and meditation.
A must-read!

[Navjit Kalsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me captivated from the opening paragraph and I just knew that it would not disappoint. Sonya takes you on a rollercoaster of love with will it or won’t it happen and you feel her frustration, pain and joy at every turn. Her storytelling is full of strength and openness and moments when she lets you see her!
Thoroughly enjoyable and it does take you into some kind of magic.

[Mareeha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing to see how a mindset change and going with the flow can absolutely change your life! This book shows you how life is full of surprises and we should embrace them as the come. A very enjoyable read.

[Florence Assomany · Rating 4 out of 5]

“… this is happening for a reason and everything is going to work out perfectly.”
I think this sentence sums up the book very well.

Sonya Moore’s work reveals a personal journey to find happiness. She left a comfortable life for adventure, discovery, love and beauty, far away from home but closer to her heart.

Reading it transported me from one place to another and get me to explore beautiful things. I could sense her feeling of freedom that is sometimes scary because it brings to the unknown. But it can be also hurtful. We can witness it in her love story.

I would recommend this book for it is easy to read and you can find beauty in it.

[Ameera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read which makes me want to travel to all the amazing places she visited in Asia.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

[Diana Womble · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a book for everyone

This was a hard book for me to finish. Following her life in Asia became hard to continue reading. I am sure those who are into Yoga would enjoy it.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a great read. If you have ever thought of quitting your job and pursuing your dreams, this is the book for you. The author is so open and honest in her quest to discover herself and I couldn’t stop reading it. I could see Asia through her eyes and now I really want to go! Strongly recommend this book!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly put this down, I loved it so much.
Sonya’s voice is present from the first page, and she was right that it reads like fiction rather than non-fiction.
I loved Eat, Pray, Love and this had the same energy, which felt profound and I enjoyed greatly.
The last chapter or two I found a bit slow, her on again off again with Julian bothered me, but other than skimming a little of that it ended wonderfully and I really loved the 2023 add on notes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

[Amanda Chay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book reminded me of "Eat Pray Love" minus the eating section. It was enjoyable to read the authors journey through self-discovery with traveling and yoga as the means to achieve this. "Don't make other people or situations responsible for your happiness" is a book quote that resonates with me and Sonya embodied this across idea her romances. She chose to put herself first and this is certainly applaudable.

The author's journey with her spiritual enlightenment was fun and interesting to read. Now I am hankering to go to many of the locations she described in her book, including Bali and Cambodia.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, itself, is a bit of magic from the universe. And as with magic, it came into my hands at the perfect time. I’m a prolific reader and the book I was reading was coming to an end. I’d seen Sonya posting about the book but I tend to allow books to flow to me and this one was clearly meant to. We spoke and within days I had a copy. I was immediately captivated by Sonya’s story and whilst tempted to devour it, I managed to savour and draw out the enjoyment of reading it until about half way through, then I allowed myself to be fully absorbed only putting it down to ensure I’d go to sleep or get to work 🤣
Pure magic and the best book I’ve read in a very long time!! ✨✨

[Katia Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love memoirs,this is an irresistible,inspiring and deeply moving story of Sonya.
She had a secure and steady life but something was missing…she took a brave and admirable decision to move forward looking to fill a larger puzzle..through the chapters, you reader will travel..feel …encounter new exotic places and people….Sonya can teach us that “life” is still worth living….and explore…!!
A book I will recommend!

[Amy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, I didn’t want it to end. I’m at a similar point in my life where I just need a change, out of the corporate rat race, to find my passion, what I’m meant to do. I loved the quotes and spiritual references. I highlighted so much in the book and will likely read it again soon. Highly recommend!

[Karimckellar4gmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story, I was googling all her destinations as I read and it felt as if I was on the destinations with her and the wonderful friends she encountered on her journey! I was routinely cheering her on for her quest for love.
Please continue writing your story it is so uplifting!

[Mindy Oldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. An adventure of great proportions. Truly enjoyed this book.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy this book, though the author's writing was good. I enjoyed her descriptions of the scenery of the places she went to. She was very honest in sharing her story. I read the book because it was about travel to different countries and said it had a happily ever after ending. However, the book was way too long and it felt like I was hearing the same story every place she went - every place was the most wonderful and peaceful place she had ever been to and the food was wonderful everywhere. Every place seemed quite similar; I didn't feel like we got a good sense for the differences in the cultures. What this story is really about is her spiritual journey. I could not relate to or agree with her theology. A huge part of her experiences centered around yoga, though she blended elements of Buddhism, Christianity (which she was raised with) and came up with her own belief system centered around how the Universe was greatly blessing her. It was great that she did learn to have peace and handle things well when things went wrong. However, she struggled with relationships with men, being OK with one night or one location hook ups. It was quite painful to watch her relationship with the one she ended up with because it was on again, off again so many times and seemed to have poor communication (perhaps partly due to being from different cultures). To be honest, I ended up skimming through some of the last part of the book, so I could get through it quicker. If you are into yoga and new age type beliefs you will probably will enjoy this book.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enchanting, beautiful and emotional real-life love story of these two souls and all the faith, time, miracles, obstacles, tribulations, heartbreaks, trust and magic it took for them to be together for good. I love the spiritual side of these two people's journeys and their understanding of why things happened and turned out the way they did... including even the struggles, breakups, mistrusts, heartaches, which all played a lesson and was the step leading to their ever after. Once I started SOME KIND OF MAGIC, I couldn't do anything else until I learned how the author's story ended. Reading this book makes me want to spend time traveling around Asia and witnessing all the beauty and landscapes and delicious food this beautiful planet of ours has, gracing us with. This book can make the hopeless feel hopeful and believe again in the beauty and magic of the Universe. So many quotes throughout the book resonated deep within. I loved the reminder that love comes in all forms and is all around us in nature, beauty, love, friendships, relationships and within ourselves. I believe it was fate that I came across this memoir when I did. So much gratitude to Victory Editing and NetGalley for the digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sonya’s conviction and unfailing optimism takes us on the journey many Westerners have wondered about but would never attempt. She doesn’t travel — she lives. Without hesitation or fear, she channels masterful acceptance as she tries out experiences and locales in the way most of us readers might try a new brand of coffee. Her bright personality manifests new friendships along the way without fail … though it’s the times she’s alone that seem the most challenging and rewarding.

Outside the confines of corporate work, responsible only to herself, she pushes beyond nonphysical boundaries. But as she fully embraces each new retreat and meditation center and personal challenge, the underlying question remains — was her freedom available to her all along? At a temple high above a beautiful view she stops to look inward, “I wanted that constant restlessness to be gone. I wanted to be able to just be still and be content.”

I won’t spoil the ending for you because it was following her journey that helped me reflect on my own hidden limitations and think about how I can be more open to both the endless world around us and within us.

[Erica Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Kind of Magic by Sonya Moore is an enchanting and heartfelt exploration of the modern woman’s journey through ambition, burnout, and the quest for deeper connection. Moore masterfully captures the compelling narrative of Eastern women who, driven by high expectations and relentless ambition, find themselves yearning for love and a more fulfilling life. The book’s true magic lies in its relatable stories, which feel almost too extraordinary to be real yet resonate deeply with anyone who has felt the pressures of modern life. It resonated deeply with me, a 40-year-old never-married female in a high-paced startup tech gig.

Through captivating tales of women stepping away from their demanding routines, Moore illustrates the transformative power of tuning into oneself. These stories are a powerful reminder that happiness and the capacity to love fully often come from within. For world travelers or those with a desire to explore new horizons, Some Kind of Magic offers a refreshing perspective on life, love, and the importance of self-discovery. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to find balance and meaning in today’s fast-paced world.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you need to go away and distance yourself from the life you had to get the life you need. That’s exactly what Sonya Moore did. She discovered herself and wrote about it in her memoir - travelogue Some Kind of Magic.
This is not Eat Pray Love however, it does share many similarities in terms of the yoga meditation, travel, self-discovery, empowerment and finding love. Moore has a wonderful writing style, she incorporates magnificent inspirational quotes throughout the book, and includes a link to photos. I hope she adds more. Her photos are brilliant – I would have loved to have photos in each chapter as she took us along for the ride.
I am glad she found peace and happiness. She shows her readers how we too can find peace thorough yoga, meditation and facing our fears and embracing the signs – Afterall who hasn’t looked at the clock at 11:11 and thought someone is thinking of me ☺️

Reader beware after reading this book you just may catch the travel bug 😉

Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.