Member Reviews
Unfortunately, I had to DNF this pretty quickly. When the word “mansplaining” was in the first chapter, I was immediately taken out of the story and the dialogue just felt so unrealistic.
This book unfortunately was not for me. I had such a hard time with the dialogue, the main character's internal dialogue, the choices, etc. This felt very very young - except for the curse words and spice. It was very trope-y, and the conflicts didn't always make sense.
The vibes, and overall premise of this book had such potential, and I hope the author continues to build on that.
This is my own personal review, and please do take it with a grain of salt.
Thank you to Avon Books UK & NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Did not really connect with the main character. A lot of her internal dialogue felt very repetitive and immature for my preferences. The love interest and the romance part was cute and enjoyable. The family dynamic felt really harsh at times- the mom and older sister especially felt very hard to like. The witchy/paranormal elements were pretty well done.
I love reading witchy books at this time of year and I feel like impractical magic gave me what I wanted. A cosy read where all turns out just fine with a little bit of romance thrown in. I did feel like I never really understood why the oaks were poisoned nor the motive for those behind it. It seemed a bit wishy washy and not really reason enough to justify what was done. But overall I enjoyed the read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have some mixed feelings about this book. Firstly, I LOVED that this was basically a witchy nod to Gilmore Girls!
the fast talking, strained mother-daughter relationship, town with a gazebo, William’s hardware, AND the magician is totally elderly Kirk and I was HERE FOR IT.
However, it was a little TOO witchy. There were so many bizarre occurrences and chaos. I know that was done intentionally but the reader kind of gets lost when it comes to the point of the story admist the commotion.
I think this book has a lot of potential. I loved the feeling of the book and the mystery. However, the relationships are lacking, and the characters have no depth. The romance felt inevitable—not in the soul mate sense, but more a might as well. If you don't care about character connections or relatability and just want a good mystery, buy your copy today.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Avon Publishing for giving me the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an e-arc!
3.5 stars!
Looking for a cozy, festive book to read this fall full of magic, lovable witches and a charming small town? Impractical Magic is your book!!
It’s been 10 years since Scarlett moved away from Oak Haven, her magical hometown that no one seems to leave. Scarlett enjoys her life in California, pretending to be a normal person and not a witch. Scarlett has avoided using her magic for the past 10 years, following a terrible accident that she has blamed herself for. Scarlett hasn’t even been back to Oak Haven to visit within the past decade, and didn’t have plans to-until she gets an urgent call asking for help.
When Scarlett returns to Oak Haven, she immediately notices something is wrong- the town doesn’t look like it’s same perfect, enchanting self…because all of the magic in the town is going haywire. No one’s magic is acting correctly, making for many accidents and unusual situations. Scarlett has been called back to Oak Haven to help with the problem, which she agrees to do. She plans on getting back to her life out west once the magic issue is resolved. Only, running into her almost, could have been boyfriend Nate makes it harder to want to leave.
Nate and Scarlett were great friends, on the verge of taking the next step to a relationship, when Scarlett hurriedly left town all those years ago. Now that Scarlett is back, their will they or won’t they vibe picks up right where it left off. Nate is obviously still into Scarlett, but she doesn’t see the point in starting anything when she plans to leave again.
Juggling the fate of the town and her relationship with Nate, Scarlett is determined to find a solution that helps everyone…with some help along the way.
This book was really cute and enjoyable! The town definitely did make me think of a witchy, magical Stars Hollow. I definitely recommend this as a fall time, cozy read!
This book was perfect for autumn 🍁 it has the perfect mix of witches, realness and Gilmore girls quotes.
Scarlett had left home and hadn't returned for 10 years. Her sister asked her to return after her home towns magic went haywire. Can Scarlett fix it or will she make the wrong decision again ?
I really enjoyed this story and it's perfect for this time of year!
I’ve been reading some pretty intense books lately, so this was a much-needed palate cleanse. It was light, sweet, and delightfully predictable—exactly what I was looking for. However, I couldn’t give it a full 3 stars because there were moments where the dialogue felt a bit cringey, and some of the punchlines didn’t quite land for me. The ending also wrapped up a little too quickly. I was hoping for just a bit more, but overall, I didn’t hate it!
2.5 Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Sorry for the late review I suffered a family bereavement a month ago so haven’t been reading at all.
Title: impractical Magic
Author Emily Grimoire
Rating 4.5 stars Cawpile 8.86
Release date 1st October
I really enjoyed this book, especially the family dynamic. This book hit me in the feels in more ways in one. When you have run away from your past and it calls back what do you do. That is what happens for Scarlett who left her home 10 years ago when her father died. Now her sisters have called her back.
Let’s add another complication she is a witch.
This book had all the family angst that was needed of someone coming back home after a long time. Sprinkle in some romance and I was invested at page one. I emphasised so hard with Scarlett but also all the other sisters because I felt in some way each represented part of me and how I have navigated grief in my life myself. We sometimes forget others when we need to go through our own pain but it’s okay to.
I loved Nate and how team Scarlett he was, he is so cute I wanted to wrap him up and the friends references as well as the Taylor references this book is a must read as we head into the spooky season.
I cannot wait to read more from this author because it was a fun ride but also an emotional one which had me stop and stare at my kindle for a bit when I did not want it to end in my eyes a sign of a book needed at the time. Everyone go read this book now for magic, romance, with some angst.
Review will go up 22nd again sorry for the delay
If I had to sum this book up in a word it would be fun. It was like The Ex Hex meets Halloweentown. Right away it was clear that the book didn’t take itself too seriously and was goofy, which I appreciate in a witchy romcom. It had great cozy small town vibes with a good dose of romance and genuine stakes for the magic — a perfect add to an autumn TBR. Luna was a really fun character that I would love to see get her own story.
This one was a no for me, which is really disappointing because I was very excited about its potential. I love Gilmore Girls, and you offer me a read alike but with magic? I’m in. Unfortunately, this read less like a read alike and more like Gilmore Girls fanfic for me to really be into it. I mean - “Williams Hardware” and a “cardigan clad town selectman?” There was too much pulled directly from the pages of a Gilmore Girls script. I don’t know. It just didn’t work for me. The characters were all one dimensional, the main POV was WAY too into victim shaming herself, and the story was flat. Just not a win.
✨ Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire ✨
Super cute! 🪄 This story teaches us that sometimes we blame ourselves for things beyond our control, but learning to overcome adversity is key. When Scarlett returns to her hometown to help with a curse, all she wants is to flee back to her quiet San Francisco flat. But she can’t run away forever. With time slipping away, she’ll need all the help she can get to untangle this magical mess, discovering that the greatest spells often come with the greatest responsibility—especially when love is involved. 💫
This was a cute fall cozy read. I enjoyed the romance parts of the book but found the main character to be tough to like and to root for. I also felt that some of the main character’s interpersonal struggles were left unresolved despite the happy ending.
The book offers a delightful mix of family dynamics, humor, and romance. Reviewers have praised its cozy and atmospheric setting, likening it to the feel of Gilmore Girls but with a magical twist. The story is said to be a quick read, with a narrative that blends lighthearted humor and more serious themes about family and responsibility. While many enjoyed the enchanting town and the fun twists in the story, some felt that the ending felt rushed and could have delved deeper into certain elements
A cute and quirky romance with Stars Hallow vibes. Loved the setting and giggled at many of the unfortunate events she found herself in.
This was such a cute story. The descriptions of the town, the witchy vibes, the sweet romance, and the mystery throughout the book was all the perfect combination of what I look for when I want to curl up with a cozy read. I loved the competition between the coven and magicians and thought the story was overall very unique. I could’ve used a little more world building and a little less of the family drama, but all of that got better in the end. If you’re looking for a book with witches, magic, and all the fall things, this is perfect for that.
2.75⭐️
A cute little fall witchy vibe story with a mystery element and a sprinkle of romance. Emphasis on the sprinkle of romance because calling it a second chance romance is very misleading as that element was barely an afterthought.
That being said, the book could totally stand on its own without the romance and I could totally see the charmed meets Gilmore girls elements. It was cute and a perfect cozy fall read but I think the marketing was misleading and this ultimately impacts the perception of the book due to expectations.
The story itself was interesting and I love the different twists and turns it took, albeit sometimes a little too stretched on for longer than necessary. I did have some good laugh and giggles here and there and really liked the FMC.
The romance was very underwhelming however and maybe this is because friends to lovers and second chance are not my favorite tropes, but I felt the characters lacked chemistry and found myself wanting to skip their moments to get back to the main plot.
This book was heartwarming and perfect for the fall season. If you loved practical magic then you will love this book.
This book took me on a whimsical journey through the magical small town of Oak Haven, where spells go awry, family bonds are tested, and love is rekindled.
The town itself is brimming with a cozy, witchy aesthetic that instantly draws you in. Grimoire's descriptions of Oak Haven and its charming, quirky inhabitants make you feel like you're right there among the autumn leaves and magical mishaps! The atmosphere has a warm, Gilmore Girls-esque vibe, but with more spells, potions, and a dash of chaos (which I love)!
The romance between Scarlett and Nate is subtle but charming, especially for fans of the grumpy x sunshine and second chance tropes. There’s a lot of tension, warmth, and nostalgia between them, which feels real without being overly dramatic.
While the book is fun and lighthearted, deeper themes are woven throughout—family, responsibility, and learning to face the consequences of past actions. It’s a perfect blend of cozy magic and emotional depth that will resonate with readers who enjoy witchy small-town stories.
Overall, Impractical Magic is an enchanting, feel-good read with just the right balance of humour, magic, and heart. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, witchy vibes, and finding your way back home—both physically and emotionally—this book is for you! 🍂✨