The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

"Book of magic, recipes, and was slow. I looked to see how much I had left to go and saw I was only 75% through. Ugh…I found aspects predictable like with the fiancé. Others not really useful, the extended family, overall meh."

"2.5 ⭐️ i started this because i was looking for something cozy to read and the idea of gilmore girls meets practical magic sounded right up my alley, but unfortunately this was a miss for me. i did like the vibes up until 50% of it, but i couldn’t get attached to the story or the characters. the protagonist often sounded childish and the other characters weren’t given a lot more depth. i could see the twists coming a mile away, so i just got annoyed when they took super long to figure things out."

"This was recommended to me as Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls and that is definitely the aesthetic it goes for, but there is just a little too much going on to make this work. "

"I loved this book! It was so sweet but also had some deeper underlying themes without feeling too heavy. I wanted to continue reading about these characters and their lives. I would totally recommend reading, I only wish I had read this in the fall because it would have fit the book perfectly!"

"It was a sweet witchy book and I enjoyed reading it. But. It seemed like it would be a better tv series. So much was happening so fast. I felt like the end of almost every chapter should have been the end of that day’s program with a cliff hanger for the next week. Only I kept reading. I couldn’t really get emotionally invested in what was happening that I had no problem putting the book down for bed at night. Having said that, if there is a second book in the series, I would probably read it. Simply because I love a sweet witchy book. Spice level: 1 (out of 5) And it probably shouldn’t have been there. I feel like a hallmark-y ending would have been more appropriate for this particular book."

"This was the cozy October book I was looking for! It truly is Gilmore girls meets Practical Magic. I love the family bond created in this story and that there was no spice. Perfect for a cozy fall day ! "

"I was interested in the premise of this story, but hesitant because of some of the reviews.<br/>I think some of the low reviews might stem from misunderstanding the purpose of this book.<br/><br/>It’s not an epic magic quest nor romance. (While both themes are involved)<br/>This book is intended for a much simpler form of escapism.<br/><br/>This is the story of a small town family with complicated relationships and history. A story of generational curses and blessings and idealistic family connection. The magic is just a fun addition to this journey of inner healing and growth.<br/>Imagine this as a light, cozy, feel good read. Perfect for a palate cleanser from darker, heavier reading. <br/>"

"I thought this would be a fun, cute, and cozy romance, but it wasn't as much like I thought it would be.<br/><br/>This was very much like Practical Magic, etc like, almost too close and too much like it. And well, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. I thought this would be a light-hearted, cozy, fun romance, but it wasn't as light-hearted as I'd hoped, it had some fun parts and some humor, but not quite the light-hearted fun type of romance story I was hoping for.<br/><br/>I know a lot who will like this and if you like this kind of story, then feel free to check it out. This just wasn't what I hoped and not for me. <br/><br/>Thanks to Alcove Press and LibraryThing for letting me read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.<br/>"

"i thought this book was fine but it was marketed in the exact wrong way"

"This book is described as for fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls and I can totally see that. There's a small town vibe to it reminiscent of Gilmore Girls and the messy lives of a family of witches like Practical Magic. <br/><br/>Sadie loves her magic - it's what makes her her. So the fact that she has a curse that if/when she experiences four heartbreaks she'll lose her magic she was fine leading a lonely life away from people that could cause her heartbreak. She's already had two and she's as guarded as can be. But when her first heartbreak and childhood sweetheart, Jake, moves back home and her second heartbreak, her estranged brother, also comes back home she has her walls up. Then her grandmother who raised her and her brother is diagnosed with cancer her world is turned upside down. As family secrets comes to light Sadie is doing everything in her power to maintain some semblance of control. <br/><br/>This book was both exciting and like being wrapped in a warm hug. I found the FMC, Sadie, to be kind of annoying and frustrating but I also loved her dearly. It made her character arc so much more satisfying. I did fall in love with every other character and I think my frustration with Sadie was not seeing herself the way the people around her saw her (for good or for bad). <br/><br/>The small town setting was also so perfect. And the magical aspects made the book.....magical for lack of a better word. There was some great buildup and foreshadowing that kept me intrigued through each chapter. And each chapter has some recipes that, along with the descriptions in the book, will make you hungry and want to curl up with a cup of tea. The ending was great and could be a satisfying ending to a standalone or open it up to have a sequel. I, for one, would be ecstatic for a sequel as I've fallen in love with these people and their town.<br/><br/>Highly recommend - perfect read for any season."