Apart from the Harry Potter books I have not read any books involving magic. But when I read the blurb for this debut novel by Breanne Randall I was intrigued. The book is well written, the descriptions beautiful and from the from the very first page I felt as though I entered a world of magic. As I love to escape from the real world through literature this story ticked many boxes for me and I can honestly say this is a genre I will be reading again.
The Revelare family have been granted a gift - this is a single magic power. However, to ensure balance every power has a curse attached to it and there are rules to follow. Each gift and each curse are unique to that particular family member.
This book follows the story of Sadie who believed that the curse of four heartbreaks would be worth the gift of her magic. It also, provides plenty of background into how the family acquired their powers and feels very much as though it could be the first book in a series if that was an avenue the author wanted to explore.
Sadie's third heartbreak is imminent as the matriarch of the family - her grandmother, announces she has cancer and very little time to live. If this isn't enough for Sadie to cope with a life time of secrets are revealed bringing about challenges for the whole family. With the arrival of her twin brother Seth and her first love Jake things become really complicated. The suspense levels start to rise with a race against time to solve problems caused in the past.
Excellent debut novel.... I can not wait to read this authors next book.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall is a tasty treat for book lovers. A cozy read perfect for the weather we are currently experiencing here in the metropolis. I could almost see myself transported to the witchy life of our protagonist.

Truly a book with the perfect pace and loveable characters.

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of this book!

I was instantly struck by the inspiration from Practical Magic - things like family, hereditary magic, small town vibes are evident throughout the entire story. I think the Gilmore Girls vibes (that were part of the book's pitch) are shown in the small town vibes especially; the book does not have the witty banter than Gilmore Girls was known from, which was kind of what I was expecting going in.

This was a heartwarming story. The close-knit family, the magic, and ultimately, the loss experienced by the main character were really well written. I also really enjoyed the recipes in the story; that gave me something to look forward to at the end of each chapter. That being said, I didn't really enjoy the characters, and being in Sadie's head the whole book was tortuous at times. And Jake was just yuck.

This was a fun book, but not one I will be purchasing or re-reading. I honestly am not sure if it's the book or the marketing that led me to this feeling, though. The Practical Magic meets Gilmore Girls pitch was a little misleading, and may have given me false expectations for the book.

Rating: 3⭐️

This was a cute read especially if you are a Gilmore girl fan as it has the same type of vibe. I enjoyed the plot even though it was slightly predictable. I definitely wanted to bake while reading this but loved the magic/ baking relationship.

A beautiful story of family, love, sacrifice, grief, and finding yourself. Reading this book felt like having a cup of coffee that is the perfect temperature with a good friend. A cozy read.

The cutest witchy book you will ever read!!! 4 stars and a 4 star cook too 😉. The characters were so loveable and the plot so intriguing in this Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls like rom-com! Had me kicking my feet and wanting to bake!

First and foremost: thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this lovely adult fiction book!

Sadie is a witty, realistic character that I immediately loved from the moment I met her. She's flawed, funny, sarcastic, and just so real that I could relate to her plights and struggles. Lost love and heartbreak are no strangers to Sadie and she handles them like real people do: life loves to dish out lemons, and sometimes you can't make real lemonade, so you pretend until can.

My favorite thing about this book is how all of the baking ties into her magic. The Revelare magic, taught to her by her grandmother (who is a fantastic, hilarious character that reminds me of my own grandma), is weaved into her baking and acts as "potions" in their bakery. There's no shortening of baking puns and it keeps the book light-hearted in even the toughest of moments.

This book is fresh and overall lovely! Absolutely perfect for fans of Alice Hoffman and Ruth Hogan. I'd recommend this book if you're looking to dip your toes into magical realism because the balance is perfect - just like a perfect dessert recipe.

This book was okay. This was a cozy, small-town, witchy fantasy, and on those things it delivered. It's a cute, feel-good story. I really like the descriptions of Sadie's magic with the bakery as well as the enchanted garden. I feel like the book had great potential. It had major cottagecore witchy vibes, and I feel that the plot was good, if not a little predicable.

However, there were a few things that made me roll my eyes a little, and ultimately they kept me from rating the book higher. As a personal preference, I hate pop culture references in books, and this author mentions both Voldemort from Harry Potter and Elsa from Frozen. There are some pretty heavy traditional gender roles enforced. Women all help in the kitchen, and literally all men are kicked out because they are somehow all useless. No one respects the main character's boundaries with regards to her past and present relationships. The book is a little preachy about going to church for a book that is supposed to be about witchcraft, magic, and curses. As well, there are a few references to Bible stories with no background supplied for context. The reader should not have to be Christian to understand meaning in a fantasy book.

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

The synopsis said “for fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls” - 2 of my favorite things, so I had to request this ARC. I could definitely see elements of both of these cult classics within this book. I’m not generally a fan of romance, and that was my least favorite aspect of this story. I’m a little disappointed because there were some things I just didn’t like about this book and I think there was a lot more potential with this premise than was executed. I did love the creativity of the author though. I was hooked instantly by the charming and witty characters and the cozy setting. Read this if you love books about cute small towns (think Stars Hollow) 🏡, cozy family-run bakeries 🍰, fall vibes 🍁, and magic ✨.

Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press and Breanne Randall for this ARC ebook. The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic will be published September 19, 2023.

This one is for those who watch Practical Magic as a yearly tradition, order Pumpkin Spice Lattes the day they’re released, and wish they had their own magic. It’s me. This book was for me.

“She’d always believed the curse was worth the magic. But with each heartbreak, she was less certain.”

What an incredible story unlike any other witchy book I’ve read (and i’ve read a lot.) Our main character, Sadie Revelare, has her own individual kind of magic, just like the rest of her family members. But, as nature demands balance, each Revelare has their own individual curse as well. Sadie’s curse is that she will experience four heartbreaks, each worse than the last.

When we are first introduced to Sadie, two of her heartbreaks have already occurred- One of them in the form of Jake McNealy. The one who got away. Only…he’s back in town, and as much as she feels drawn to him, Sadie refuses to waste another heartbreak on him. With her heart locked down, and her magic spiraling, she will be put to the ultimate test to save those she loves the most. Is it worth falling in love, if you already know the way it will end?

“Doing something in spite of heartbreak and fear, that’s where courage came in.”

This was an absolutely incredible story of love, family, magic, heartbreak, and sacrifice. I could see myself relating to Sadie so much that it felt as if she were my friend, and I was desperate to help her with her struggles. This will be one of those books I will think about re-reading every fall (as I sip my PSL and listen to the Practical Magic soundtrack. What a vibe.)

I am a sucker for witch stories and cozies so there was no way I was passing up a chance to read this book. Luckily, It did not disappoint in either genre for me. It is light-hearted and fun and the relationships aren't just romantic - there is also a lot of different family issues the MC needs to work through as well. The magic system is also a favorite cozy trope of mine - herbs and baking - and there are lots of tasty sounding recipes to try throughout. It also ends with the possibility of sequels to come without leaving you hanging, and I do hope we have more in the future. Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

amazingly poignant story that explores identity, love, heartbreak, family and family secrets. Sadie returns home to confront her past and her present, even though the past may overwhelm her future. Very reminscient of Practical Magic in the very best way.

Prepare to immerse yourself in a cozy world of magic, mystery, and romance with Breanne Randall's debut novel, "The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic." If you're a fan of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls, this book will surely resonate with you.

Sadie Revelare, a young woman with a magical gift, has always believed that the four heartbreaks tied to her magic were a price worth paying. However, when her grandmother's cancer diagnosis shakes her world, and her first heartbreak returns to town, Sadie's life takes an unexpected turn. As her estranged twin brother reveals buried family secrets, Sadie faces the challenge of keeping her family and magic together during these trying times.

The book seamlessly weaves elements of cozy mystery, fantasy, romance, and witchcraft, making it a delightful read for fans of these genres. The story follows a familiar pattern, similar to Practical Magic and The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, without introducing major surprises or twists. Nevertheless, it remains an enjoyable journey into the world of magic and personal growth.

Randall's writing effortlessly transports readers to the heart of the story, creating a warm and enchanting atmosphere that will capture your heart. The themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit are beautifully explored throughout the narrative.

While "The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic" is a delightful debut, it falls short of reaching its full potential with a rating of three stars. Nonetheless, it provides a charming escape into a world of witches and magic, making it a worthwhile addition to your cozy reading list.

A special thanks to Alcove Press, Breanne Randall, and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest feedback.

2.5/5 Stars (Minor spoilers)

Received from NetGalley as an Arc.

The only word I can think of to describe this book is fine. It wasn't bad and I was entertained for the times I was actually reading, but at the same time, I wasn't excited to continue reading it once I had put it down. It is a solid middle-of-the-road book.

Positives:
The story is cute and heartwarming with sprinkles of humor and genuine emotion. The plotline did surprise me at times, specifically regarding the twin's origins and Gigi's sacrifice. The book also does throw some red herrings at you to keep you on your toes. This book does character relationships very well and Sadie, as a main character, does have a likable, unique personality. The setting was quaint and I did genuinely get small-town vibes from the book. I loved the recipes at the end of every chapter. That really helped drive home the message of the book and the notes from Gigi made me smile. It very much reminded me of flipping through my own grandmother's recipe books. The magic baking and bakery were lovely. I love the concept of infusing pastries with specific intent to get an outcome and I think that's the perfect setting for a cozy urban fantasy.

Negatives:
The plotline is fairly predictable, to the point where I got bored of reading it, and the magic system is fairly confusing. While the character relationships are interesting as to how they relate to Sadie, the characters themselves are completely two-dimensional. The only characters that feel like they get any genuine characterization are Sadie, Gigi, and Seth, which is ridiculous because family is supposed to be the most important thing to Sadie. It feels like a bunch of characters were introduced and we were told that they have quirky personalities, but didn't actually see any of them. It felt like there was too much focus on description rather than actual character development. The diversity feels a little stilted and awkward, for instance, we're told at the beginning of the book that Raquel has Bipolar Disorder, but beyond her telling everyone to get therapy, there doesn't seem to be much of a point to it. The romance between Sadie and Jake?, is forgettable, though the plot twist regarding their relationship did surprise and delight me.

Overall, I enjoyed this book while I read it, but I will not be able to tell you anything about it tomorrow nor would I go out of my way to recommend or sell this.

I really enjoyed the writing and the cozy vibes, and the recipes are wonderful! The magic was charming, and romance was angsty.
That said, the plot and romance fell a little flat for me. For the plot, I think some action was missing, especially in the third act. The resolution was a bit underwhelming, there were no twists at the end, only in the middle. After the main plot points have been revealed, it was quite obvious what will happen to Sadie.
As for the romance, we didn't really get to see much of Jake. He got pushed to the background in favor of the magic plot. And he almost didn't play any role in the resolution at the end. So he seemed kind of irrelevant.
Sadie was a nice character, but I thought her slightly manipulative. The way she dragged a confession out of Jake all those years ago irked me a little. Same with the scones and the pecan pie. She uses her magic to influence people and not in a good way.
This book works best as a love letter to Gigi, and as evident from the author's note, it is.
I really loved the descriptive imagery created by the author! But I think the dialog needs a little work. I really missed the banter between the characters, it didn't feel like Gilmore Girls, except for some quirky characters.
All that said, I think the author has great potential, and I would love to read her new releases!

"The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic" is a lovely little read, a pleasant blend of magic and family drama and romance that's perfect for a summer afternoon reading session. Although it doesn't exactly break any new ground in the genre, or come bearing any major plot twists of its own, it follows a lovable bunch of characters in a picturesque setting, and stands solidly on its own two feet as what it is. For fans of lighthearted novels that make really touching observations of what it means to be part of a family and what it means to get a second chance, and contain a ton of mouthwatering recipes, this is definitely worth picking up.

I loved this steamy witchey book! It was so fun and had me laughing and loving the characters. This was well worth the read.

This book held a lot of potential, but just didn't hit the mark for me. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not at the writing and up until the family came into play I was about to DNF this book. There was not one character in this book that had any ounce of depth and the level of emotions didn't go as far as annoyance. This one wasn't for me, but there was a lovely moment near the end that hit home to me in regards to how to deal with family. For that, I gave it a 2.5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Can witchy books be cute, because this was the cutest book I've read!
With the perfect amount of magic, mixed with wholesome romance, a family curse, baking, and gardening, it was a well-rounded book that made you feel like a warm hug.
Even if you're not into witchy reads or romance, you're going to want to pick this one up simply for all the amazing recipes hidden between each chapter!
I'll be purchasing the physical copy for my library and cookbook collection!

This book was marketed as a cross between Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic which made me so excited to read it! The vibes were so fun and I loved how atmospheric it was. Every chapter ended with a recipe as well which made my foodie heart SO HAPPY!! Those two things really saved the book for me.

The story itself landed a little flat. It was similar to Gilmore Girls in that it had a cast of quirky small town characters but I found that I wasn’t particularly attached to many of them. The love interest didn’t really do it for me either. Most of the character relationships felt shallow to me—I wished they could’ve been explored more. However, the relationship between Sadie and Gigi was strong. I definitely would say that it was the heart and soul of the book.

There were a lot of similarities to Practical Magic which I loved! The matriarchal family, the use of magical herbs and plants, an enchanted garden, and a curse involving love and heartbreak all reminded me so much of that classic movie.

I gave this book three stars because of the critiques I mentioned above and also because of a few technical issues. There were times when the writing felt unclear or pacing was a little off. That being said, it was still a book I enjoyed and don’t regret reading! I saved all the recipes from the end of each chapter and am excited to work my way through them this fall. Definitely give this a read if you love Practical Magic and want an atmospheric witchy book to dive into around Halloween!

**Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**