Sydney Shields's Reviews > The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is a poignant reminder to love loudly for as long as we can.

This book is as if Amy Sherman-Palladino (writer of Gilmore Girls) wrote the adaptation of Practical Magic! The dialogue is quick and charming with that signature Gilmore wit. It is a richly atmospheric tale of grief, love, and hope.

There were so many scenes that made me laugh so hard that my sides hurt! Sadie Revelare is one of us—she’s a bookish mirrorball girlie who’s trying to carry the world on her shoulders without losing her smile. As the story unfolded, I felt like I was part of the Revelare family. The author doesn’t shy away from depicting honest familial hardship, but there are comforting details (and delicious recipes—the vanilla jasmine tea with black pepper and cinnamon is my new go-to) tucked in every chapter.

This is the ultimate comfort novel that readers will want to revisit every single Autumn!