Magical realism
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic
Debut
We love supporting debut authors. Congrats, Breanne Randall, on your first book!
Quick take
By turns heartwarming and clever, this story about loss but also profound love is dusted with just the right magic.
Good to know
Foodie
Witchy
Siblings
Second Chance Romance
Synopsis
Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.
With the news of their grandmother’s impending death, Sadie’s estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie’s world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn’t sure she’ll have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.
As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?
Content warning
This book contains scenes that depict suicide.
Free sample
Get an early look from the first pages of The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
Why I love it
Lori Nelson Spielman
Author, The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany
What better month than October to dive into a cozy, witchy tale of magic, spells, and tantalizing treats? The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic delivers all three, and more. From the very first page, I was bewitched by this enchanting debut of love and loss, heartbreak and hope.
Sadie Revelare has given up on romance and having a family of her own. She was born with a gift of magic, but with it, the curse of four heartbreaks. So, when Sadie’s old boyfriend returns, and her beloved grandmother Gigi falls ill, Sadie’s closely guarded heart begins to crack. However, it’s her estranged twin brother’s reappearance that truly breaks it wide open. He comes bearing secrets that threaten Sadie’s magic, and quite possibly, her life. In the end, Sadie must decide what’s more important, magic or love.
I was happily transported to Sadie’s charming small-town, seated in her warm café watching Sadie and her grandmother concoct magical treats for the townspeople. (And bonus, recipes are included at the end of each chapter!) I was so invested in Sadie’s struggles with love and grief and forgiveness that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. This story was simply a joy to read.
If you’re in need of a bit of magic and a heaping dose of hope, look no further than The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
Member ratings (5,051)
Gina D.
Santa Monica, CA
“Hold onto hope no matter the cost, because as long as there’s hope, everything else just is the unfortunate side effects of heartbreak and magic.” 👌 for 🍂 📖 + recipes at the end of every chapter
Sabrina S.
Arden, NC
I loved this book and was immediately drawn to the many colorful and interesting characters. A dash of life lessons, a handful of romance, and a hearty serving of family dysfunction ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kathy A.
Cobb, CA
Like a pair of warm, fuzzy socks… Wonderfully magical with delightful characters. I loved the story and especially liked all the recipes included. love, heartbreak, magic, friendship..wonderful read
Allison B.
Smethport, PA
I loved this book. Beautiful and heartbreaking, but it puts you back together, too. Hold onto hope no matter the cost… Love the recipes at the end of each chapter! Perfect fall read, great debut ☺️
Shelbi G.
Comfort, TX
I love the recipes that were in here can't wait to try them all! This book was beyond beautiful and it had me laughing and talking to the characters about being stupid and the answers right there. ❤️