A review by sarahlindenn
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall

dark emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

2.25

This book was pitched as Gilmore girls meets practical magic. While I could see the PM, I didn’t see any Gilmore Girls. I liked the idea and it felt like it had a good story in it somewhere but then got lost. I like magical realism a lot in books so that kept me reading this book but other parts lost me. I wish the author had focused more on Sadie and Jake in this book and maybe expanded to a series to focus on other characters like Seth and Raquel. I just didn’t get enough background of Jake and Sadie to want to really root for them. 

Magic: 

I liked the idea that Sadie’s magic is infused in everything she bakes and cook. I like how Sadie spent time in that magic garden and was deeply connected to the earth and the magical pieces of nature. But I would have loved more here. 

Themes: Too many in one book. 

Grief and death of a family member 

Mental health 

Family dynamics 

Reunited love