I wasn’t able to finish this book. Because of this, it is my policy not to review the book on my site or on Goodreads/Amazon. I also didn’t mark it DNF.

Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family Wicca gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific magical talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate.

WItches are one of my favorite creatures to read about, so I was really excited to get into this and it did not disappoint.
The MC isn't the most special and unique character in the world, but I connected with her. I understood her motivations. The reason for her cheerlessness.
I liked the pacing of this book and quite enjoyed the style of writing as well.
I loved the romantic aspect (which often tends to make or break the book for me).
This was a very cute story, I'd love to find out what happens next.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I loved the MC's mom, I loved the romance in it, and I loved the magic. It was a sweet and romantic book that still kept me on my toes with the action. I love the idea of seeing someone's soul mate.

This story was so magical! set in one of my favorite cities. I could not put this down! i want to find my own matchmaker friend whose also a witch! it was such a feel good story. i love it so much.

This book was a cute fast read. I love how snarky Amber is; it is my favorite thing about the character. I like the idea of the world building in this. My only issue is though the characters are elder teens it reads middle grade to me. It caused the experience to be nothing memorable for me. A cute story but not a compulsive must keep reading. I saw someone in another review say this should be a Disney channel show. I 100 % agree. This would for sure appeal to a middle grade audience so Disney could probably make a killer show! Three stars.

A cute and fun witch story with interesting set of characters. Amber, the main character, is likeable enough. There's not enough action than I expected but it is definitely an enjoyable read. I'm already on a lookout for the second book.

The Best Kind of Magic is the first book in new series, Windy City Magic and it was such a delight to read. The book has a cute whimsical look on magic and everyday life, that made it a fun read.

In the Sand bloodline there are witches. Unfortunately for Amber Sand she didn't inherit that talent or a least not completely. In a world of real witches, her mother being one of them, the only magical talent Amber received is the ability to be a matchmaker. People / supernaturals from all over Chicago come to Windy City Magic shop to find true love but Amber has never experienced love for herself, how can she when every time she looks at a guy all she is his perfect match. So when classmate (and sort of family friend) Charlie ask for a little magical assistance with his dad's girlfriend, Amber is not prepared for the amazing adventure they will go on or her sudden developing feelings for Charlie. What is a girl to do when she looks into his eyes and she she's not his match?

The Best Kind of Magic surprised me a little, I thought that the plot was going to be centered on Amber's romantic situation but the story went beyond that. There was not only moral dilemmas, magic, mystery and family drama. Not only was a magical mystery afoot but there is also the stressed relationship of a mother and a teenage daughter who doesn't think she lives up to her mother's reputation.

I really liked Amber as character, she puts up with a lot, first from the kids at her prep school who all look down on her (I still don't get why) and then there is the magical community that is filled with all sorts of powerful magical beings who look down on her because her only talent is matchmaking. However she does what she does with her head held high and she doesn't let their hangups get to her, also she has an excellent sense of humor and can banter with the best of them.

I am not going to lie I at first thought being a matchmaker in a magical community sucked. However after reading the book, hearing Amber explain things and deal with the prejudice of her skills (that she doesn't have more power) I have a lot more respect for Amber. Another thing I liked about Amber, who has a sweet tooth I can appreciate, is that she is an excellent baker and creates delicious confections and is very proud of that skill.

Crystal created a lovely blend of magic and everyday life. A magic shop in the middle of downtown Chicago with new age customers and witches in the same shop. How you can see a person who is one-fourth fairy get on a bus or a troll stroll down the boardwalk but all under human disguise. The supernatural world and human world blend perfectly together.Crystal manage not only to do a nice little introductory build to this world but give a nice representation to the supernatural community.

Something that was a little change-up was that Lucille (Amber's mom) was involved in Amber's life and was always suspecting that Amber was up to something. Also Lucille had her own stuff going on that flowed into the story as well. Lucille while maybe a good mother but she comes across a little cold to me and I know that it makes for good representation because that how people can be sometimes but I just wished they softened her up a bit.

Best Kind of Magic was kinda the perfect title for the book and you would have to just read to find out why. I really enjoyed the story and I am very interested to see where the story goes next because I have some questions about backstory and I am hoping more will be explained in the next book.

Overall 3.5 stars

In this fun to read first book in the series, high school student Amber Sand is not a witch, although her mother is one. Amber is a matchmaker. She can look into people's eyes and see their true love. When the mayor's son, a classmate of hers, asks for help finding his missing stepmother, Amber is drawn into more mystery and romance than she had counted on! I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next in the series.

The Best Kind of Magic was a complete impulse pick up at ALA MW. I’m a sucker for anything with magic in the title really. Admittedly, my expectations were pretty low because for some reason I thought it was a middle grade and I’d heard absolutely nothing about it (which, given Cover Snark, I’ve generally at least heard of most everything). The Best Kind of Magic turned out to be a surprise, under the radar gem of cuteness and fluff, which was just what I needed in a reading doldrums.


The voice is utterly charming, though on the more youthful side of YA; sometimes that bothers me, but I thought it worked in Amber’s case. Amber’s the daughter of a powerful witch, and she’s really disappointed that she didn’t inherit her family’s impressive magical gift. She’s merely a matchmaker; when she makes eye contact with someone, she can see their true love. Amber doesn’t mope, though: she makes the best of her power and tries to get others to take her seriously. It’s a really admirable attitude, and it made me root for her.

When the mayor comes to her mom for help, Amber tries to get the deets, but her mom won’t spill. Fortunately (or not?), the mayor’s aloof son Charlie, who goes to her school, approaches for help about the same situation. Where Charlie’s dad wants to find his AWOL fiancee, Charlie wants Amber to prove that the fiancee is not the right person for the mayor.

The magical world and powers are unique, and I really loved the setting too. It’s not super serious business, but it’s a clever take on paranormal norms. The matchmaking power could have been the absolute worst, but Cestari’s throwing in complications for poor Amber, and I’m eager to see how the situation develops in book two. Also, Charlie and Amber are totes adorbs. I ship ship ship it (and, no, she’s not the one she sees in his eyes).

I haven’t had a lot of fluffy, shippy reads this season, so The Best Kind of Magic completely hit the spot. If you’ve been missing those reads too, pick this one up. It may just be a perfect match.

There was something quite sweet about this book - it had a great deal of energy and the main character certainly comes with loads of personality. Amber Sand, a teenage matchmaker, is part of a long line of witches - but it appears apart from seeing who another person should spend the rest of their life with, she has completely missed out of the family genes. While she isn't really a witch herself she does help out in her mother's magic shop so she is never far from the action.
Enter stage right, Charlie Blitzman, the son of an old family friend (this friend is now the mayor of Chicago) - at first it seems that while Amber is quite attracted to this young man, he is destined for someone else. But sometimes magic doesn't work out the way you expect and there are always exceptions to the rule.
This book is a rollercoaster ride of adventure and sass (though there are no real surprises) - it has many a laugh out loud moment and I think the characters are pretty awesome. There are a couple of moments here and there where we are left hanging for a little too long at the top of the ride and you want to just get going again but this doesn't stop the story from being a really good read.
The whole vampire - best friend hookup that Amber orchestrates is really hilarious - this whole see the 'soulmate' skill comes with some interesting complications. This is an urban fantasy that works for the older tween market and translates quite well to older readers including adults if you are willing to suspend judgment and enter into the magic of Amber's world.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.

The first novel of Windy City Magic was a fantastic start to a bran new series, one I had not anticipated to like so much and one I absolutely loved.
From the easy to read writing and the brilliant heroine, all the way to the powerful message it emphasizes, which can be applied in so many different and deeper levels.

But, first things first...
Amber Sand is the descendant of a long ancestry of witches. But, she isn't one herself.
However, she does have a unique magical gift. She is a matchmaker. She has learnt to believe that everything is set to stone and once a love match has been declared, it is the only and absolute truth.

And, that book was all about slowly witnessing her realization that things aren't always so solid and concrete. In fact, her gift will even prove to wrongfully match two people right in front of her eyes. And, what about the matter of the heart? Sometimes, this is the organ that makes all the decisions, and doesn't really rely on the Fates.

Amber herself, is a strong character, one I grew to completely like, and one I trusted even if I suspected that some of her choices wouldn't turn out in the best possible ways. I loved her relationship with her best friend, Amani, who is in fact another supernatural, as she can 'see' the future, and a person that has been constantly mysterious about Amber's future. Which only served to exhilarate me even more, trying to catch the smallest of hints throughout the book.

The plot was very interesting, and I loved the fact that all the magic was taking place in Chicago, amidst all the standard and 'normal' craziness of the city. Amber's classmates were your typical non-supernatural beings, calling our heroine a freak and not believing in magic, unless it suited their purposes to ask her to confirm a match, and unless there was a confirmation of their current boyfriend being the one.

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the second book of the series, because I can already tell just how much I will miss Amber and her crazily amazing life.

All in all, 5 stars for a book that deeply mesmerized me and made me devour it, unable to leave it down for more than five minutes.

I thought this would be a good book especially since it was about witches, I guess it just wasn't my type of book.

“The Best Kind of Magic” is a promising start to the new “Windy City Magic” series. It has just the right blend of magical realism, suspense, the supernatural, and romance to make for a fun, light read. It flows well and the sass of Amber kept me laughing. It’s the perfect book for when you need a break from reality. Good for grades 7 through adults. Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this sweet story. Amber is from a magical family. In fact, if history had been kind she would have carried on the family tradition of being a witch. Instead, she's a matchmaker. Which means she can see other people's true loves. She's mostly made her peace with her place with the world, but when a family friend goes kissing, and a cute boy asks for her help, her world is turned upside down. And she just might find that there's more within her than she believed.

Primero, tengo que avisar que soy una ñoña y me encantan las historias de almas gemelas unidas por algo más allá de lo normal (llámalo destino, llámalo magia, llámalo x, me da igual), así que empecé este libro con muchas ganas y, a ver, gustarme me ha gustado, pero me parece que podía haber dado mucho más de sí.

No he terminado de encajar con ningún personaje de los importantes, excepto quizás con Amani, porque es como si aún me faltara mucho que conocer del resto. En parte tiene sentido porque, pese a que la trama principal del libro acaba, quedan muchos cabos sin atar que te deja con curiosidad para continuar con la saga. Quedan muchas preguntas sin respuestas y mucho que conocer de los personajes.

La trama principal está dividida en la "misión" que surge y el trasfondo de los personajes, de Amber que quiere saber si va a ser capaz de estar con un chico aun sabiendo que no es su alma gemela, pequeñas dosis de otras historias que no terminan de quedar del todo claras, como la madre de Amber y los problemas que tiene con el cónclave, la tienda, etc.
La trama principal se resuelve bien, pero de las otras nos quedan dudas al final del libro, dando pie a una continuación que puede alargarse en más de un solo libro.

La forma de escritura de la autora no es la más fluida que he leído, pero tampoco hace que te atasques en mitad del libro. A mi gusto quizás hay demasiadas descripciones, pero hay gente a la que les gusta mucho eso, porque te permite imaginarte mejor el ambiente del libro, así que para gustos colores.

En general el libro me ha gustado, podía haber dado más de sí y ha dejado demasiadas preguntas en el aire, pero ha sido un libro entretenido, lleno de magia y personajes sobre los que quiero saber más cosas. La idea del mundo que vive con magia en él sin que la gente lo sepa es bastante común, pero los diferentes niveles de magia y la pirámide de poder, en la que nuestra protagonista no está en lo más alto, sí que es algo original y que me ha gustado mucho.


Read more: http://miestanteliterario.blogspot.com/#ixzz4sAtgA2Gv

There is so much that I loved about this book!! 'Windy City Magic #1' felt like a cozy mystery for teens and it was my JAM!!! Or you could look at it as Urban Fantasy/Romance for teens just the same. A couple of my little pet peeves showed up and made my eyeballs twitch a bit, but overall, I can't wait for the second book! Or third or fourth! Let me first give a brief synopsis, and then I'll cover my opinions:

The Best Kind of Magic gives us a tour of all kinds of magic in the Windy City (Chicago): goblins, fairies, leprechauns, werewolves, vampires, sirens, and of course, witches. Amber Sand is a not a witch. Her mother is, but she is a matchmaker. Meaning that she can look into people's eyes and see their true love. One day, the mayor's son (who is also the most talked-about boy in school) comes in to Amber and her mother's shop, Windy City Magic, requesting Amber's help finding his father's missing girlfriend. Thus begins an adventure with romance, humor, bad guys, a twist and a turn and a to be continued in book 2!! (not a cliffhanger! This book wraps up nicely.)

The first thing I liked about this book was the genre feel. I am a sucker for a cozy mystery, I enjoy paranormal romances, and then put those things in a YA format....have I died and gone to heaven?! Almost too good to be true. I loved it. I wish there was more of this writing out there. So with this genre comes the characters. There was a good mix of humans and paranormals. I liked how Amber and her mother, and even their coven, had a certain struggle with Amber's matchmaking talents. It was a very different and clever spin on the traditional coming of age story that you usually get in YA books and I really liked that. Amani (Amber's best friend) has her own struggles with her magical gifts of being a precog. Their friendship in the book is wonderful, by the way. I just saw a meme the other day that went something like this:

Friend: Oh, I'm so sorry, what can I do?
Best friend: 1/2 price shakes at Sonic. Get your butt in the car.

That's the kind of friends Amber and Amani are. Partially because of their mystic powers and partially because they are comfortable and secure in their own selves (which other high school students find "weird" and "different" of course), the two friends are outcasts and have a very close friendship. Back on track. Charlie is a human and he does a great job taking in everything in the PRN world. You almost wonder every once in a while if he and his father have trace amounts of supernatural in their blood somewhere.

Ok, I will speak of my one biggest pet peeve that occurred in this book: immature language. I hate when authors frequently use immature language. If you want to call it that. To me, its almost Valley Girl...rich snob...Pretty Little Liars...I barely hear kids talking like that and I work in a private high school. Granted, not in Chicago, but in Northern Illinois within 60 miles of Chicago. I do not hear students commonly using the words "natch" instead of natural (I've never heard that), or "cas" for casual (I have heard this, but not frequently). In the first 100 pages of the book when we are first meeting the characters, this kind of abbreviated language is EVERYWHERE. It DEFINES Amber's personality and sense of humor. Toward the middle, it fades out and she is more just sarcastic and witty with Charlie but in the beginning, we are NOT talking to a lowly girl. I just didn't see her as having that much of a consistent attitude. Ivy, the blonde cheerleader mean girl? For sure. But Amber? No. I hated that. I like to read full English sentences. Maybe that's the adult reading a YA novel in me so excuse this paragraph if so. But I'm just saying. I HATE abbreviated teen-speak. Ugh! Not appropriate for books, IMO.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Best Kind of Magic by Crystal Cestari
Level of Romance: Sweet

Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a sweet story and they don’t get much sweeter than Crystal Cestari’s The Best Kind of Magic. (Amazon | B&N | Kobo) Amber Sand’s mom is a real witch. The kind that can cast spells with a snap of her finger. The Sand family Wicca gene rolled right over Amber however, leaving only one small bit of magic in its wake: She’s a matchmaker. She can gaze into your eyes and see your true love. It works on absolutely everyone – but her. Either she has no true love or she just can’t see him. When hero of her high school and all around amazing man Charlie Blitzman asks for her help finding his father's missing girlfriend, Amber can’t keep from falling for him. She knows there’s no happy ending possible in this affair of the heart because she can see his perfect match and of course, it’s not her. Still, is there anything wrong with Amber grabbing a little Happy For Now even if it may not be her Happily Ever After? Charlie doesn’t think so:

Amber, I don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but I want you to know every time I’m around you, I feel like a non-fatal firework is lit inside me. It’s magic – actual magic – and you’ll have to forgive the pun, but I don’t want to be under anyone else’s spell.

Are swoonworthy love declarations the best or what? This story captures that moment of first love perfectly.

My younger son (14.5 yrs old) and read it together for the first chapter and then I had to race him to my kindle every free minute after that! It gets 5 stars from us.~ His quote was: "its got cool stuff like witches but its not super scary and its not baby-ish either. This book was awesome!" I loved it, even at 42~. Enjoyably fun read with enough romance and witchcraft to keep Mom interested and age appropriate enough for me to feel comfortable letting my almost 15 year old read it. Great Job Crystal Cestari, we hope there are other books in this series!!!

Not only does the main character have the same name as me, but she's full of sarcasm and snarky comments...which I happen to make a lot of so I instantly found myself connecting to her character.
I love how she was able to adapt to different situations.

The concept behind the book was so fun! In short, Amber resides in a house full of witches. Now, she should have inherited the gene to become a witch herself, but that gene seemed to have other plans and therefore left Amber hanging. Amber does however have the talent of being able to see other peoples soulmates, matchmaker! But sadly, cannot see her own.

A colorful cast, that is well thought out. They each have their own fun, or not so fun personalities. The world that the author created was well done also. It really appealed to the magic lover in me!
I would most certainly recommend this book, as well as possibly even give it a reread!