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A review by bookcheshirecat
Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
“The best revenge is making peace with a past you can’t change and figuring out how to make the future a happier place for yourself to live in. That’s how you come out on top.”
➽ Just Like Magic is a goofy, festive rom-com and I loved it!! The premise is a bit outrageous, but that's just right up my alley! The story follows Bettie Hughes, the granddaughter of a famous actress who is now broke and homeless and trying to hide her predicament from her family. Bettie's a great unlikable main character, as she's often very petty and out to get revenge on the people who made fun of her in any way. Yet there's also a vulnerability in her that she usually keeps hidden from her family. Plus, she can be pretty funny and creative in her plans of revenge, so I found her very entertaining! When she accidentally summons a holiday spirit called Hall, Bettie finally has the magical means to make all her dreams come true and she's fully planning to take advantage of her luck!
➽ I adored Hall and his relationship with Bettie!! The audiobook is fantastic because it really brings both of their personalities to life. While Bettie is jaded and gleefully planning her revenge, Hall is jolly, optimistic and has a huge heart! I loved him immediately, as he's naturally kind, a bit awkward and also shocked at Bettie's plans. Nevertheless, since she summoned him, he has to obey her wishes. Bettie is ready to show her family that she's not a failure and introduces Hall as her boyfriend. I loved how the fake dating played out here, especially as Bettie cannot help but be charmed by Hall's innocent charm and wonder for the world. There are so many hilarious situations and I had the best time listening to this book!
➽ Just Like Magic is a goofy, festive rom-com and I loved it!! The premise is a bit outrageous, but that's just right up my alley! The story follows Bettie Hughes, the granddaughter of a famous actress who is now broke and homeless and trying to hide her predicament from her family. Bettie's a great unlikable main character, as she's often very petty and out to get revenge on the people who made fun of her in any way. Yet there's also a vulnerability in her that she usually keeps hidden from her family. Plus, she can be pretty funny and creative in her plans of revenge, so I found her very entertaining! When she accidentally summons a holiday spirit called Hall, Bettie finally has the magical means to make all her dreams come true and she's fully planning to take advantage of her luck!
➽ I adored Hall and his relationship with Bettie!! The audiobook is fantastic because it really brings both of their personalities to life. While Bettie is jaded and gleefully planning her revenge, Hall is jolly, optimistic and has a huge heart! I loved him immediately, as he's naturally kind, a bit awkward and also shocked at Bettie's plans. Nevertheless, since she summoned him, he has to obey her wishes. Bettie is ready to show her family that she's not a failure and introduces Hall as her boyfriend. I loved how the fake dating played out here, especially as Bettie cannot help but be charmed by Hall's innocent charm and wonder for the world. There are so many hilarious situations and I had the best time listening to this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Toxic relationship