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Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
28 reviews
amandaboyer's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Cancer, Drug use, Death, Suicide, Abandonment, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Suicide attempt
cc_shelflove's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
From the first page of this book, I was already starving. As a foodie, I loved the many descriptions of Sadie making her way around the kitchen and serving delectable sweets. š There were even recipes in between each chapter! The other aspects of the book, howeverā¦ā¦ š„“ It was so discombobulated itās not even funny. For the āromanceā course of the novel, I was served second chance and forced proximity tropesāones I actually enjoy. Where the author lacked is character development. I was given next to no background into Sadie and Jakeās relationship before his return; I didnāt know either character well enough to care if they got back together or not. I also felt like I was thrown into the middle of Sadieās familial problems, and it was expected that I care with no further explanation. The long chapters killed my reading experience, as well as the randomness of the plot. I definitely skimmed the last two chapters and I was left disappointed as I thought this would be the perfect fall read. š My thoughts summed up in one word: unfortunate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Cancer, Mental illness, Grief, Pregnancy, and Suicidal thoughts
rromero721's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Cancer, Grief, Domestic abuse, Cursing, and Alcohol
rowanhill's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This cozy, witchy book is the perfect fall read! Family, baking, magic, romanceā¦what more can you ask for?! Despite some of its heavier themes, this book feels like cider and a warm hug throughout and I found it hard to put down just on vibes alone. And the icing on top? There is a recipe to try yourself at the end of each chapter! If you thrive on the fall vibes like me and are interested in magical realism, this is the perfect read for you.
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is compared to Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls, but I actually feel like Under the Whispering Door is a far more comparable story. It follows Sadie Revelare, a talented magic user who owns a bakery in the small town her family has lived in for generations. However, all magic comes at a cost and Sadie is destined to lose hers after 4 heartbreaks. When her grandmother is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Sadie knows her passing will be the third heartbreak. But as Sadie soon learns, there is far more than her magic at stake.
I really love all of the characters in this book! Though I find Sadie a bit irritating at times, she is a realistically flawed character who is very relatable as she tries, and often fails, to navigate a very difficult time in her life. Each of the other characters is quirky in their own way and I love how their magic (for those that have it) match their quirks perfectly. Randall really excels at showing how these various personalities interact and allowing both tension and love/comradery to exist at the same time. Though I wouldnāt fully call this a ācharacterā book, these characters and their love for each other definitely form the heart of the story.
Despite the fact that I devoured this book like it was a piece of pumpkin pie, it definitely has its flaws. There was enough repetition in the writing that it started to earn some eyerolls from me towards the end. I never really got annoyed with it, but it did start to undermine the stronger storytelling elements. There were also a few elements that I wished had gotten a little more meaningful development and/or tied together better by the end of the book. This obviously didnāt stop me from loving the book, but it did make me hesitate to give it top marks.
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Grief
Moderate: Cancer and Terminal illness
Minor: Abandonment, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
paperbackportals's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
3.0
Review: The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall
Looking for an adventurous witchy read? This might be the one.
Read it if you love:
š§āāļøwitches and magic
šļøsmall towns with quirky characters
ā”ļøfamily drama
ā¤ļøsecond chance romance
šdelicious fall vibes
š°baking (thereās recipes!)
It is no secret that I love a book with baking and even more so if it includes recipes. This was a fun and light read that let me feel some of the fall vibes Iām looking forward to. I enjoyed the dynamic of the characters and the inclusion of adorable animals. I admit that at times I found the pacing a bit slow and some of the language jarring, but overall it was an enjoyable read with quirky characters, and delightful message to celebrate life and embrace your own personal magic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Mental illness
Minor: Pregnancy
nrogers_1030's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak & Magic is something magical. I laughed, cried and felt every emotion in between. I feel like it could pull anyone's heart strings. It's been compared to Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic and I agree in a sense; it has characteristics of both, but it has a heart of its own. Ms. Randall has spun a story that is so charming, but real. The importance of self-care and being mentally healthy is a huge in this novel, but it's done subtly so it doesn't feel as if you're listening to a self-help lecture. I can't recommend this book enough. I loved the recipes included; it made you feel like you could bake something alongside Sadie. I feel the same way about The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak & Magic that I do about Legends and Lattes. I could reread this again and again.
Here's some quotes that held meaning for me:
āNo, your problem, carina, is that itās practically impossible for anyone to get in that heart of yours. And when they do, you love them forever. No matter what. No matter how much they shit all over you.ā
'"Time ceases to exist for you in bookstores, and I am not sitting by for three hours while you get hot over books you have no intention of buying.āāBut they need me,ā Sadie argued.'
'"All the cousins there and endless games of hide-and-seek and secrets and sprinklers. Sticky watermelon fingers and sidewalk chalk. As the years went on, the memories stuck, but the get-togethers didnāt."' - This could have come from a page of my life.
"I will love you every moment of forever."
When your heart is split in two, you canāt be true to either piece. Itās like youāre two different people with one beating heart.ā
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing an advanced reader copy of the book for an honest review. Any quote(s) used in my review have been uncorrected.
Here's some quotes that held meaning for me:
āNo, your problem, carina, is that itās practically impossible for anyone to get in that heart of yours. And when they do, you love them forever. No matter what. No matter how much they shit all over you.ā
'"Time ceases to exist for you in bookstores, and I am not sitting by for three hours while you get hot over books you have no intention of buying.āāBut they need me,ā Sadie argued.'
'"All the cousins there and endless games of hide-and-seek and secrets and sprinklers. Sticky watermelon fingers and sidewalk chalk. As the years went on, the memories stuck, but the get-togethers didnāt."' - This could have come from a page of my life.
"I will love you every moment of forever."
When your heart is split in two, you canāt be true to either piece. Itās like youāre two different people with one beating heart.ā
Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing an advanced reader copy of the book for an honest review. Any quote(s) used in my review have been uncorrected.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment, Cancer, Cursing, Grief, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Suicidal thoughts, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual content, Murder, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, and Pregnancy
midnitebrz's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you netgalley and publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book
This book was amazing. It made me fall in love with the characters and really feel for them. I cried a few times, not gonna lie. Sadie in the beginning is so closed off to everyone because she is afraid of another heartbreak, yet she does so much good for her community. She feels realistic and I like that she is 28 rather than the younger protagonists that are in most books. It shows how an adult handles the challenges of life. Also, she is relatable to most who love to read from when Raquel says, "No way. Time ceases to exist for you in bookstores, and I'm not sitting by for three hours while you get hot over books you have no intention of buying," and Sadie responds,"But they need me." Yes, Sadie, I too drag my loved ones around book stores to look at books.
I think the book does a good job of invoking a sense of community as they come together to help her family in their time of need. I also love how the family works together despite past troubles, finding a rhythm that is familiar. My heart also goes out to Jake who is really just a sweet guy trying to do what is right and doing his best.
On another note, I think the recipes in between chapters is a really unique idea and it feels like we're getting to see Sadie write her cookbook as the story unfolds. I have the recipes bookmarked and plan on trying a few, especially the orange honey vanilla scones. I also had fun trying to guess what recipe was going to be at the end of the chapter based off of what Sadie had made, it was like a little mystery that was revealed.
This book was amazing. It made me fall in love with the characters and really feel for them. I cried a few times, not gonna lie. Sadie in the beginning is so closed off to everyone because she is afraid of another heartbreak, yet she does so much good for her community. She feels realistic and I like that she is 28 rather than the younger protagonists that are in most books. It shows how an adult handles the challenges of life. Also, she is relatable to most who love to read from when Raquel says, "No way. Time ceases to exist for you in bookstores, and I'm not sitting by for three hours while you get hot over books you have no intention of buying," and Sadie responds,"But they need me." Yes, Sadie, I too drag my loved ones around book stores to look at books.
I think the book does a good job of invoking a sense of community as they come together to help her family in their time of need. I also love how the family works together despite past troubles, finding a rhythm that is familiar. My heart also goes out to Jake who is really just a sweet guy trying to do what is right and doing his best.
On another note, I think the recipes in between chapters is a really unique idea and it feels like we're getting to see Sadie write her cookbook as the story unfolds. I have the recipes bookmarked and plan on trying a few, especially the orange honey vanilla scones. I also had fun trying to guess what recipe was going to be at the end of the chapter based off of what Sadie had made, it was like a little mystery that was revealed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Terminal illness
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Grief, Mental illness, and Infertility
Minor: Pregnancy
pagewanderer_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
When I saw that this was a mix of Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic, I knew I needed to read this right away. Unfortunately, it fell flat for me. Although there was definitely a sense of community and cozy small time vibes, I didnāt think that it screamed Gilmore Girls specifically. I definitely saw the Practical Magic side of it, in the setting, family relationships, and main characters.
However, Sadie came off selfish and one-dimensional until the very end so it was hard to root for her but I did like her relationship with her grandmother. Jake, the love interest, felt bland and only there to create road bumps. I didnāt feel a connection between the two of them and it seemed like we were just supposed to accept that they had a really strong bond from ten years ago that carried over to present day and blossoms. I didnāt really get the point of the dog Bambi or the cat Simon..? I also didnāt really understand the plot until about 40% in because that first part was just Sadie reiterating that people left her. I know this is important but it seemed dragged out and repetitive. The last 50% was more interesting and I wished the entirety of the book was like that.
I liked the rest of the characters. They were lively and fun. Big families are my jam and I wished there was more of it! Their reunion and journey through grief was warm and heartfelt and hands down my favorite part about the whole book.
Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder were mentioned but almost as an afterthought and though I commend the inclusion of this representation, it just made it seem like therapy was the answer to all and thatās not always the case.
This also made me mad at Sadie when Seth admitted to her that heās depressed and all this darkness heās feeling and she can only focus on herself: on her curse and āfixingā Gigi and so unforgiving for him leaving even after she finds out this is what he was dealing with. He persists on keeping a strong face up for her, but she canāt even keep an open mind about why he needed to be away. She makes a lot of things about herself. And then they make up right away!
However, Sadie came off selfish and one-dimensional until the very end so it was hard to root for her but I did like her relationship with her grandmother. Jake, the love interest, felt bland and only there to create road bumps. I didnāt feel a connection between the two of them and it seemed like we were just supposed to accept that they had a really strong bond from ten years ago that carried over to present day and blossoms. I didnāt really get the point of the dog Bambi or the cat Simon..? I also didnāt really understand the plot until about 40% in because that first part was just Sadie reiterating that people left her. I know this is important but it seemed dragged out and repetitive. The last 50% was more interesting and I wished the entirety of the book was like that.
I liked the rest of the characters. They were lively and fun. Big families are my jam and I wished there was more of it! Their reunion and journey through grief was warm and heartfelt and hands down my favorite part about the whole book.
Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder were mentioned but almost as an afterthought and though I commend the inclusion of this representation, it just made it seem like therapy was the answer to all and thatās not always the case.
The kitchen/garden-magic system was fun, and the recipes at the end of each chapter were a nice touch, but there were so many similes that were food related. Or there would be too much description within scenes that you lose the feeling of it. Or there would be past/present mixed together in the same paragraph. All of which made the writing/pacing a bit awkward.
Overall, I think the premise is fantastic and the feels are there, but there were too many nuances that I couldnāt ignore to truly enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press, and Breanne Randal for this eARC. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Cancer, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Mental illness
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