Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for a review. The premise of Impractical Magic is cute and one I would typically love. However, it was poorly executed and I failed to connect to the story. The writing style changed often, the female main character was insufferable most of the time, and it was hard to buy in to her and the love interest’s relationship.

Impractical Magic seems like it was written by a teenager, AI, and then poorly edited by an editor. I truly believe this book was written heavily with the aid of AI. The more I read, the more the writing style felt AI generated. So, I started doing some digging. While I couldn’t find anything definitively saying it was AI generated (why would a publisher announce that) I did see that other readers seem to agree.

I also hate the author’s bio and normally I would not care about that. The author’s name, Emily Grimoire, is clearly fake. It isn’t unusual for author’s to use an alias. But this author’s bio is a complete rip off of Emily Gilmore. It is one thing to have a similar name but to have the same biographical information is unnecessary.

To be completely honest, I can’t believe this book was published in its current form.

I honestly saw Gilmore Girls and immediately wanted to download it without looking at anything else. It gives whimsical vibes and does have a bit of the Gilmore Girls nostalgia. However, the conversation and dialogue is so hard to follow. I struggled to follow conversations between characters and took me a bit to read it.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

A charmingly fun read that's perfect for autumn - this witchy romance is about grief, family pressures, miscommunication, and coming home.

Scarlett has avoided her magical hometown for ten years, but a cryptic phone call from her older sister summons her back. When she arrives, she's faced with a problem that is concerningly similar to the emergency that ended up driving her away all those years ago. The trouble is, she might be the only one who can solve the crisis, but the trauma of the past is hard to overcome...

I enjoyed Impractical Magic. It's an easy read that's mostly lighthearted and full of quirky details. It does read a bit like a strange alternate reality Gilmore Girls fanfic, but that's not a bad thing. It's familiar and silly and full of show references that are filled with love. Plus, the book does its own thing with plot and relationships despite relying heavily on GG character models and Stars Hollow-esque locations.

I did find Scarlett's constant guilt a but wearing, especially as she almost reveals what happened so many times. I just wanted the facts laid out so the story could move beyond her feeling sorry for herself and feeling like she doesn't deserve a place at home. When it finally is explained, I was like 'that's it???' - there was a ton of build up but then it rushed onwards.

And that was my only big issue with this story. The pacing is great until about 85-90% through, and then it's like a speeding train that's frantically trying to make its final destination. The ending was so quick and didn't have the same level of care as the rest of the book. The actual conflict didn't even get fully resolved, as the root of the problem is left untouched.

Everything else was good fun though - I liked the characters, the romance was safe but cute, the goofy rivalry between witches and magicians was comical and twisted, books come alive and try to murder you while you browse shelves... It was just so full of whimsy and magic!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Avon Books UK. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romantasy, Fantasy, Witch, Paranormal, Magic
Subgenre: Mystery
Spice Level: Closed-door

This is a fun second-chance romance where Scarlett has returned to her hometown, where she ruined her life. The slow burn is perfect in my opinion—it just feels a little more realistic.

I enjoyed the mystery element of trying to figure out why magic is going askew. Another delightful aspect is how Scarlett's youngest sister has traveled the world to learn more about other witches and how they accomplish their magic. The characters all have interesting backstories—right down to the grumpy teen.

Anyone who enjoys Halloween vibes, magic, witches, and romance are going to eat up this book faster than chocolate chip pumpkin cookies.

Happy reading!

To the publisher - what is this? It has to be an established author in order for this calamity to be traditionally published.

Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic? No - Let me steal exact lines and scenes from the two. But don't forget to throw in a Donald Trump jump scare (so out of place) and grooming of a small child.

I did not enjoy this but I did unfortunately finish it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC! I love witchy vibes and just in time for spooky season. Okay, I’ve read a lot of these types of books but this one was definitely lacking. The dialogue was rushed and just felt off. Things happens so quickly and it felt a bit elementary. The plot though, loved this! I was so into them savinf the trees, Scarlett coming into her own, and just the story line. For me, it just needed a little more. Loved reading it!!

Scarlett returns to her hometown after a decade away where something is affecting the town’s magic. She, along with her mother, sisters, and the town, have to work together to come up with a solution to set things right. Scarlett spends time repairing relationships affected by her time away. She also comes face to face with a one potential love, Nate.

This book says right on the cover “perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls…” I am a fan of GG, but unfortunately this was not perfect for me. I think it really wanted to give a Stars Hollow vibe to the town, incorporating different quirky characters, but I didn’t feel connected to any of it. The side plot romance talked of how Scarlett and Nate were “going to give a relationship a real try before she abruptly left town, but all their interactions are more of a “I’m dying to hook up with you right now.” I still wanted to see this book through, and it was a winding road to get to a resolution in the plot. It felt like there was some more editing needed.

I am very interested to know more about the author. Maybe it’s because I was simultaneously listening to Kelly Bishop’s audiobook, but Emily Grimoire’s About the Author sounds a LOT like Emily Gilmore at the end of A Year in the Life.

2.5 stars

Autumn for me means normally a rewatch of Gilmore girls, and reading books with magic, so when I saw that this was perfect for fans of charmed and Gilmore girls I jumped at the chance.

This was such a lovely cozy read and definitely got me in the mood for autumn. I definitely got the charmed vibes and while read it I really did imagine their town being like a small town just like Gilmore girl.
Slow burn romance with friends to lover vibes. Golden retriever male love interest.

If you are looking for an easy fall witchy read, this book might be it. After all, this is exactly why it was written and set to be released on the first day of October.

Anything that you might want in your cozy, magical romance is here.

✅Small New England town
✅Pumpkins, gourds (eventually), and foliage
✅Witchy sisters
✅Will They, Won't They romance with a town hardware store owner/pirate descendant
✅An enchanted inn, currently in trouble
✅A magical problem that can only be solved with a sacrifice
✅Plenty of banter
✅A cultural reference for every millennial reading, from Gilmore Girls to Taylor Swift to Trump, for some strange reason?...

The problem is not the sum of the parts of the book but the strands connecting all this fall-themed, magic-infused mess. Is it a cute mess? At times. But the novel could use some editing, from repeating words and setups to cleaning up the plot. The pace is uneven, and the race to save the town from utter demise seems not to suffer at all if the characters take a break to try their luck at a casino, hit the buffet, or spend an afternoon peeling potatoes and conjuring various birds.

I think I would have enjoyed it more as a cheesy Hallmark movie where the plot is condensed, and we get to also enjoy the visuals. (Sadly, I doubt Tom Hardy can be persuaded to play Nate.)

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books, for sharing an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review. The book is out on October 1.

I really wanted to love this book as it had everything I’m looking for in a cosy, witchy read but unfortunately, Impractical Magic wasn’t for me.

I enjoyed the small town setting and the concept of the magic system such as the Forgetting Spell. However, I feel that there were parts of the book that could have been expanded and developed. I would have liked to know more about the characters and their backgrounds a little more too.

A perfect cosy read for the Autumnal weather we have been having (in Northern Ireland anyway!).

I ADORE the grumpy x sunshine trope in romance novels so this was right up my street! Add in magic, small-town vibes and a little bit of chaos when spells go wrong and this is one i'll be recommending to my bookstagram friends!

Well I got the Gilmore Girls vibes but not in a good way.
Every single character in this was unlikeable, Scarletle the FMC was so self involved it was infuriating to was. The romance relationship with Nate was also weird as I got friends vibes from them but that's it.
Also the ending was pretty crap and feels dragged out and rushed at the same time. Not much of it made a lick of sense

Such a great autumn read! So cute! I really enjoyed it. The magic with trying to save the town. I’ve never watched Gilmore girls or charmed, but it reminded me of Halloween town. How the witches needs to come and save the town. I highly recommend this book, also loved the little love story!

Thank you for the advanced reader copy of Impractical Magic and for the opportunity to be an ARC reviewer.

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this book. I struggled connecting to the characters and story. Everything felt underdeveloped and the writing felt rushed. The overall concept of the story caught attention and I think it could have been better if it didn't feel rushed.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book! This was such a cute fall story, it really got the autumn vibes going for me. This story had alot of angst coming from the middle sister, who's POV we follow. She was a little annoying at times with her interactions with her family but sometimes family dynamics are weird. This story was a good time and was a great start to my fall reads!

Who doesn't love a good second-chance romance?!
Add to that the subtle nods to Gilmore Girls, the autumnal setting, the hint of mystery and the witchy small town vibes and you have what I think is the perfect cozy fall read. I don't give out 5 star-ratings easily, but this one just hit all my marks.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon UK for the ARC.

The book was cute but kind of cringy. Hard to get into and I wasn’t loving it until the last 30%. The characters were not my favorite

**Review of *Impractical Magic***

*Impractical Magic* is a delightful, whimsical tale that masterfully blends romance, family dynamics, and magical mishaps, making it a perfect pick for fans of cozy mysteries and enchanting escapades.

Scarlett Melrose’s return to Oak Haven is anything but smooth. The call from her estranged sisters hints at chaos, and the atmosphere brims with magical tension that instantly pulls the reader in. Scarlett’s reluctance to confront her past and her family adds depth to her character, making her relatable as she navigates her complex feelings about home and responsibility.

The setting of Oak Haven, with its charming inn and quirky magical undertones, serves as a vibrant backdrop that enhances the story’s cozy feel. The author paints a vivid picture of the town, making it easy to imagine the enchanting yet chaotic world Scarlett finds herself in. The blend of familial love and tension is palpable, with the dynamics between Scarlett and her sisters providing both humor and heart.

The introduction of Nate, Scarlett’s old flame, adds a layer of romantic tension that’s both sweet and nostalgic. Their chemistry crackles with unresolved feelings, and their interactions bring a lightness to the story amid the magical turmoil. As Scarlett grapples with her feelings for Nate and the pressing need to restore magic to her home, readers are treated to a beautifully woven narrative of love, responsibility, and personal growth.

The mishaps that occur during Scarlett's attempts to fix the magic are both humorous and relatable, making her journey feel genuine. The theme of learning from one’s mistakes resonates throughout the book, reminding us that growth often comes from the most chaotic situations.

Ultimately, *Impractical Magic* is a heartwarming and entertaining read that captures the essence of magic—both the enchanting kind and the magic found in love and family. With its engaging characters, charming setting, and a sprinkle of romance, this book is sure to leave readers enchanted and eagerly turning the pages. Perfect for those cozy fall nights, it invites readers to embrace the messiness of life and love with a dash of humor and a splash of magic.

This was a cute, cozy, and witchy fall read that I enjoyed in terms of the Gilmore-esque fall vibes of Oak Haven and the 2nd chance romance between the main character, Scarlett, and her best friend growing up turned almost lover, Nate. However, in terms of plot and character development, this book left me wanting more. After a disastrous spell 10 years ago caused Scarlett to flee her cozy, magical town and live as a normal person in San Francisco, she thinks she'll never return to her sisters and mother due to her guilt surrounding her father's death. But when her sisters frantically request her presence because Oak Haven's magic is all scrambled, she reluctantly returns and falls right back into her witchy role and her connection with Nate. As they all work together to figure out what is threatening the magical safety of Oak Haven, Scarlett has to work through her issues with her sister and her mother and if she can ever feel comfortable living in this town again. The mystery of who or what is causing the magical disturbance is pretty easy to figure out and rather too convenient, although I do feel like Grimoire is possibly setting up a sequel here where the same responsible group will attack again. I also felt like the miscommunication between Scarlett and her mother and her sisters wasn't developed as well as it could be. Ten years is a long time to go without speaking about a matter that could have been easily resolved if they would've just talked, and they were all so awful to Scarlett throughout the book that then when they do finally speak about the matter, all is so easily forgiven and tidied up so quickly. It just fell a little flat for me, as I didn't find it believable or well-developed in terms of character resolution. The last chapter of the book also follows this odd, fairytale-esque structure that felt out of place with how the rest of the book was written and structured. If you love witchy, quirky books like the Ex-Hex series, this may be for you, but if not, skip it.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the e-ARC. This is out October 1st!

A fun, cozy autumn read perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, Halloweentown, and Hocus Pocus! Emily's story gives you witches, small-town vibes, and a sweet second chance romance wrapped in a pumpkin spice bow! I found the pacing to be a bit slow for me and the writing wasn't really my cup of tea, but I'm a sucker for a sister story and this one fit the bill!