'Practical Magic' - how was it?

[Bookworm]

Hi!

I was reading and have finished Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I really want to discuss this book and hear an opinion of people that liked it.

I admit I was hooked on the story, but I did not like the way women in the book could only achieve happiness in the arms of the men. I was put off by a vision of good mother that makes healthy meals but pays no attention to girls being mean to each other.

Did you like it?
Did you notice and was bothered that in the book only once author use "making love" and every other time just "fuck" instead of having sex? Is it American way of saying?
Did you like the characters? Why?