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The Unwritten Rules of Magic
For fans of The Midnight Library and In Five Years , The Unwritten Rules of Magic is a spellbinding novel that blends magic and memory in an unforgettable journey through love, grief, and the hidden cost of perfection across three generations of women.
Emerson Clarke can’t remember a time when she felt in control of her life. Her father—a celebrated author—blew in and out of her childhood like a hurricane until he got Alzheimer’s. Her mother numbed loneliness with gin. And recently, her teen daughter has shut her out without explanation. The only place Emerson has ever been in charge is in front of the keyboard where, as a ghostwriter, she dictates everything that happens on the page. If only she could arrange reality the same way, life could be perfect. An impossible fantasy—or so she believes until she makes a startling discovery.
After her father’s wake, Emerson steals her father’s vintage typewriter—the very one he’d forbidden anyone to touch—and tests its keys by typing out a frivolous wish. After it comes true the very next day, she tries another. When those words also spring to life, she becomes obsessed with using the typewriter to engineer happiness for herself and her daughter. Easier said than done.
As Emerson shapes her real-life circumstances, she uncovers disturbing truths about her family’s history and the unexpected cost for each story-come-true. She should destroy the typewriter, but when her daughter's secret finally emerges, Emerson is torn between paying the price for bending fate and embracing the uncertainty of an unscripted life.
Emerson Clarke can’t remember a time when she felt in control of her life. Her father—a celebrated author—blew in and out of her childhood like a hurricane until he got Alzheimer’s. Her mother numbed loneliness with gin. And recently, her teen daughter has shut her out without explanation. The only place Emerson has ever been in charge is in front of the keyboard where, as a ghostwriter, she dictates everything that happens on the page. If only she could arrange reality the same way, life could be perfect. An impossible fantasy—or so she believes until she makes a startling discovery.
After her father’s wake, Emerson steals her father’s vintage typewriter—the very one he’d forbidden anyone to touch—and tests its keys by typing out a frivolous wish. After it comes true the very next day, she tries another. When those words also spring to life, she becomes obsessed with using the typewriter to engineer happiness for herself and her daughter. Easier said than done.
As Emerson shapes her real-life circumstances, she uncovers disturbing truths about her family’s history and the unexpected cost for each story-come-true. She should destroy the typewriter, but when her daughter's secret finally emerges, Emerson is torn between paying the price for bending fate and embracing the uncertainty of an unscripted life.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2026
68 people are currently reading
21058 people want to read
About the author
Harper Ross
1 book101 followersHarper Ross’s debut magical realism novel, The Unwritten Rules of Magic, releases with St. Martin's Press on January 27th, 2026. She's eager to meet every bookworm who picks up her work and hopes they’ll stay in touch via social media or email.
Harper has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the dramatic story worlds in books and movies. After leaving her legal practice, she discovered her own creative side and began writing novels that explore friendship, family, and forgiveness. Because she also appreciates the magic in everyday life—from the spark of attraction to those serendipitous moments we all experience—you’ll find a dash of that in her work too. When she’s not at the keyboard, she’s likely to be singing badly in her car, dancing in her kitchen, or walking her adorable dog, Mo. She’s also a lucky wife and mother to a very patient and supportive family.
Harper has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with the dramatic story worlds in books and movies. After leaving her legal practice, she discovered her own creative side and began writing novels that explore friendship, family, and forgiveness. Because she also appreciates the magic in everyday life—from the spark of attraction to those serendipitous moments we all experience—you’ll find a dash of that in her work too. When she’s not at the keyboard, she’s likely to be singing badly in her car, dancing in her kitchen, or walking her adorable dog, Mo. She’s also a lucky wife and mother to a very patient and supportive family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
November 30, 2025
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3.5 Stars
Touted as "For fans of In Five Years", this story is about a ghostwriter named Emerson whose father recently died. She also has a very strained relationship with her daughter and is dealing with an alcoholic mother. After her father's death, she realizes his typewriter can make wishes come true. Emerson then decides to fix her life's mistakes and make everyone happy, which soon turns into an obsession that reveals dark family secrets and makes her realize she should be careful what she wishes for.
This premise was a fabulous idea, and Ross executed it very well. The thought of a magic typewriter is very clever and offers a fresh take on the magic realism genre. I liked that it was a breezy fantasy and not too heavy-handed that way, and I enjoyed the quirks and consequences of Emerson's use of the typewriter. The latter part of the book really got into the relationships of these three female family members. As much as I enjoy family dramarama, I just wish we had more of the magical part, but I do see what the author was trying to do, though.
The playfulness of the writing and quick pace made the story an easy one to sink into and enjoy over a couple of days. I did find the plot predictable and the ending a little too neat (I wanted the emotions to hit harder!), but this book has a lot of charm and warmth. Overall, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile read, especially for fans of magical realism. It's a solid 3.5 stars and a wonderful escape. I just wish the author had dug just a little deeper into the magical world they created. This is a pretty good debut, and I would read more by the author, which says a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
Touted as "For fans of In Five Years", this story is about a ghostwriter named Emerson whose father recently died. She also has a very strained relationship with her daughter and is dealing with an alcoholic mother. After her father's death, she realizes his typewriter can make wishes come true. Emerson then decides to fix her life's mistakes and make everyone happy, which soon turns into an obsession that reveals dark family secrets and makes her realize she should be careful what she wishes for.
This premise was a fabulous idea, and Ross executed it very well. The thought of a magic typewriter is very clever and offers a fresh take on the magic realism genre. I liked that it was a breezy fantasy and not too heavy-handed that way, and I enjoyed the quirks and consequences of Emerson's use of the typewriter. The latter part of the book really got into the relationships of these three female family members. As much as I enjoy family dramarama, I just wish we had more of the magical part, but I do see what the author was trying to do, though.
The playfulness of the writing and quick pace made the story an easy one to sink into and enjoy over a couple of days. I did find the plot predictable and the ending a little too neat (I wanted the emotions to hit harder!), but this book has a lot of charm and warmth. Overall, it was an enjoyable and worthwhile read, especially for fans of magical realism. It's a solid 3.5 stars and a wonderful escape. I just wish the author had dug just a little deeper into the magical world they created. This is a pretty good debut, and I would read more by the author, which says a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
January 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Single Mom Emerson Clarke is a “perfectionist” who can’t remember the last time when she actually felt in control of her life.
As a ghostwriter for a successful Romantic Suspense series, she feels as if her success has paled in comparison to her father’s-as he was a celebrated author of two bestselling series-written under his own name.
And, now he has passed away after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s, and she is juggling her mother Dorothy’s alcoholism which has become a serious problem, and her teen daughter, Sadie suddenly shutting her out without explanation.
IT’S A LOT!
After her father’s wake, as a memento, Emerson takes her father’s vintage typewriter—which he called his “lucky charm” and tests its keys by typing out a frivolous wish. When it comes true, she types out another. When life also seems to mimic those words, she becomes convinced it is the typewriter’s doing.
No wonder she was FORBIDDEN to touch it!
Excerpts from her father’s journal will shed light on what wishes typed out on the 1935 Underwood typewriter CAN and CANNOT do.
The first half of the book, as Emerson experiments with the typewriter was actually much lighter and more enjoyable than the second half-despite her father’s death, but any whimsy ended here.
The second half focused on Emerson’s VERY complicated relationships with both her mother and her daughter, and they did ring true, but how you perceive this book may depend on if you sympathize with Emerson or if you find her too controlling. It did get a bit preachy, and SOME of her choices and opinions may offend some readers.
It is a story that in the words of the author reminds us to FEEL our way through life, instead of THINK our way through the ups and downs.
Seeing the three generations of women come together by the end was satisfying, and a wonderful white cat named Mopsy was a bonus too.
A buddy read with Marilyn, DeAnn and Mary Beth. Be sure to watch for their reviews for additional thoughts!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Single Mom Emerson Clarke is a “perfectionist” who can’t remember the last time when she actually felt in control of her life.
As a ghostwriter for a successful Romantic Suspense series, she feels as if her success has paled in comparison to her father’s-as he was a celebrated author of two bestselling series-written under his own name.
And, now he has passed away after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s, and she is juggling her mother Dorothy’s alcoholism which has become a serious problem, and her teen daughter, Sadie suddenly shutting her out without explanation.
IT’S A LOT!
After her father’s wake, as a memento, Emerson takes her father’s vintage typewriter—which he called his “lucky charm” and tests its keys by typing out a frivolous wish. When it comes true, she types out another. When life also seems to mimic those words, she becomes convinced it is the typewriter’s doing.
No wonder she was FORBIDDEN to touch it!
Excerpts from her father’s journal will shed light on what wishes typed out on the 1935 Underwood typewriter CAN and CANNOT do.
The first half of the book, as Emerson experiments with the typewriter was actually much lighter and more enjoyable than the second half-despite her father’s death, but any whimsy ended here.
The second half focused on Emerson’s VERY complicated relationships with both her mother and her daughter, and they did ring true, but how you perceive this book may depend on if you sympathize with Emerson or if you find her too controlling. It did get a bit preachy, and SOME of her choices and opinions may offend some readers.
It is a story that in the words of the author reminds us to FEEL our way through life, instead of THINK our way through the ups and downs.
Seeing the three generations of women come together by the end was satisfying, and a wonderful white cat named Mopsy was a bonus too.
A buddy read with Marilyn, DeAnn and Mary Beth. Be sure to watch for their reviews for additional thoughts!
NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
September 1, 2025
The synopsis for this book says it’s for fans of “The Midnight Library”, and “In Five Years”- which are two of my favorite books of all time. So of course I couldn’t wait to read this book. I wouldn’t say that I’m a huge fan of magical realism, but I do enjoy reading it from time to time, and I thought this book would be filled with it. Well, the storyline was very well written, and the story did start out with some “magic”, but then about halfway through there was no more magic, and just some heavy, real-life issues…
In this story we have Emerson Clarke, who is dealing with the recent passing of her very famous novelist father, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Emerson feels very emotionless after the funeral, and is having a hard time dealing with her mother who is an alcoholic, and a teenage daughter who seems to be pulling herself away from her.
After the funeral, Emerson begins to clean out her father’s personal office and comes across his typewriter that no one was allowed to touch. Emerson takes the typewriter home, and decides to test out the keys and writes out a paragraph- a wish if you will- and then the things start to come true. Is it magic? Or merely coincidence?
In the mix of this story we get to read pages of Jefferson Clarke’s (Emerson’s father), journal entries. He called the typewriter his good-luck charm, and perhaps it was. I always looked forward to reading those entries throughout the story.
I really did enjoy this story. However, I do feel that some parts did drag on a bit- especially with Dorothy (Emerson’s mother). I think I was looking for more magic, more typewriter. We got some chapters that were too long, and some issues were discussed that probably aren’t going to sit very well with some readers toward the end.
This is the author’s debut novel, and I think she had some great messages she was trying to deliver in this book. I especially enjoyed the Author’s Note at the end. I also resonated with that of our main character, Emerson. With that being said, I do plan on reading more from this author.
(3.5 stars)
Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for an ARC of this book in which I had the pleasure of reading in exchange for an honest review.
Publication date: January 27, 2026
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Read
June 4, 2025Dear Reader,
One of the things that first drew me to writing was the sense of control it offers. On the
page, I can shape the world to be exactly as I want—with neatly resolved conflicts,
characters who say the right thing, and endings that make sense. It's a comforting
contrast to real life, where outcomes are rarely guaranteed.
That desire—for clarity and certainty—was this book's first building block. Like Emerson,
I had been working hard to keep all the plates spinning, always looking ahead, worrying
about what came next, and wishing for a crystal ball to guide my family toward the
"right" choices. I was great at doing but not so great at being.
It wasn't until a routine surgery became a medical crisis—and I spent nine days in a
hospital bed with an NG tube down my throat—that I was forced to stop. Stripped of
control, I was left with stillness. And in that stillness, I realized how much of life I'd been
missing by constantly living in the future instead of the now. That epiphany became the
seed for the typewriter's magic: what it gives . . . and what it quietly takes away.
As I wrote, the story shifted—from one about control to one about letting go. Emerson's
journey pushed me to reflect on how we try to shape the people we love and where the
line falls between helping and holding too tightly. As a parent, that question felt
incredibly personal. More and more, I'm learning that love isn't about scripting
someone's life—it's about walking beside them as they write their own.
What began as a story about managing uncertainty became a reminder: life doesn't
have to be tidy to be beautiful. Imperfection isn't something to fix. And sometimes, the
most meaningful growth happens in the moments we never planned for. Most
importantly, we shouldn't fritter the time we are blessed with today by constantly looking
ahead.
Thank you for spending time reading this story. I hope it meets you in a moment when
you need it—and leaves you with just a little more grace for life's messy middle.
Warmly,
Harper Ross
One of the things that first drew me to writing was the sense of control it offers. On the
page, I can shape the world to be exactly as I want—with neatly resolved conflicts,
characters who say the right thing, and endings that make sense. It's a comforting
contrast to real life, where outcomes are rarely guaranteed.
That desire—for clarity and certainty—was this book's first building block. Like Emerson,
I had been working hard to keep all the plates spinning, always looking ahead, worrying
about what came next, and wishing for a crystal ball to guide my family toward the
"right" choices. I was great at doing but not so great at being.
It wasn't until a routine surgery became a medical crisis—and I spent nine days in a
hospital bed with an NG tube down my throat—that I was forced to stop. Stripped of
control, I was left with stillness. And in that stillness, I realized how much of life I'd been
missing by constantly living in the future instead of the now. That epiphany became the
seed for the typewriter's magic: what it gives . . . and what it quietly takes away.
As I wrote, the story shifted—from one about control to one about letting go. Emerson's
journey pushed me to reflect on how we try to shape the people we love and where the
line falls between helping and holding too tightly. As a parent, that question felt
incredibly personal. More and more, I'm learning that love isn't about scripting
someone's life—it's about walking beside them as they write their own.
What began as a story about managing uncertainty became a reminder: life doesn't
have to be tidy to be beautiful. Imperfection isn't something to fix. And sometimes, the
most meaningful growth happens in the moments we never planned for. Most
importantly, we shouldn't fritter the time we are blessed with today by constantly looking
ahead.
Thank you for spending time reading this story. I hope it meets you in a moment when
you need it—and leaves you with just a little more grace for life's messy middle.
Warmly,
Harper Ross
Read
January 30, 2026"For fans of The Midnight Library and In Five Years, The Unwritten Rules of Magic is a spellbinding novel that blends magic and memory in an unforgettable journey through love, grief, and the hidden cost of perfection across three generations of women."
Um, sign me up!!!!!! Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC. The Midnight Library is one of my favorite books, and I love magical realism!
Themes explored:
✨The Illusion of Control
✨Generational Trauma & Grief
✨The Price of Perfection
✨Complex Mother-Daughter Relationships
My thoughts, kind of a rant, but it's fine!!!! ->
I really loved the whole concept of this story. The magical typewriter gave me a bit of Divine Rivals vibes, but the book still felt totally its own. I love the spin the author took on this.
Emerson was such a layered character, and watching her grow, sometimes painfully and sometimes beautifully, was one of my favorite parts. All the characters were decent, and the book as a whole had so much depth.
Of course, the magic is my favorite part. I love magical realism because the magic is gentle and subtle. I thought the way the consequences were portrayed was perfect. I appreciated how the book gradually revealed what those costs truly meant. The magic consistently felt meaningful, adding emotional depth to the story.
Okay, so what stood out most to me? Honestly, this book has so much heart. It spills onto the pages.
The main focus is on family, healing, and the messy ways we try and sometimes fail to love the people closest to us. (Very relatable!!)
I really felt it balanced hope and heartbreak in a way that felt honest. It puts your life in perspective and helps you reflect on your choices and relationships. This book is a reminder that there is always room for connection, growth, and a little bit of everyday magic (if only!!!).
Overall, a good real, just a few bits I either felt were lacking, unnecessary, or I’d change.
Listened to audio book post publication and stand firm with my 4 star rating.
As always, all thoughts are my own. 💕✨
Um, sign me up!!!!!! Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for sending me this ARC. The Midnight Library is one of my favorite books, and I love magical realism!
Themes explored:
✨The Illusion of Control
✨Generational Trauma & Grief
✨The Price of Perfection
✨Complex Mother-Daughter Relationships
My thoughts, kind of a rant, but it's fine!!!! ->
I really loved the whole concept of this story. The magical typewriter gave me a bit of Divine Rivals vibes, but the book still felt totally its own. I love the spin the author took on this.
Emerson was such a layered character, and watching her grow, sometimes painfully and sometimes beautifully, was one of my favorite parts. All the characters were decent, and the book as a whole had so much depth.
Of course, the magic is my favorite part. I love magical realism because the magic is gentle and subtle. I thought the way the consequences were portrayed was perfect. I appreciated how the book gradually revealed what those costs truly meant. The magic consistently felt meaningful, adding emotional depth to the story.
Okay, so what stood out most to me? Honestly, this book has so much heart. It spills onto the pages.
The main focus is on family, healing, and the messy ways we try and sometimes fail to love the people closest to us. (Very relatable!!)
I really felt it balanced hope and heartbreak in a way that felt honest. It puts your life in perspective and helps you reflect on your choices and relationships. This book is a reminder that there is always room for connection, growth, and a little bit of everyday magic (if only!!!).
Overall, a good real, just a few bits I either felt were lacking, unnecessary, or I’d change.
Listened to audio book post publication and stand firm with my 4 star rating.
As always, all thoughts are my own. 💕✨
January 27, 2026
3.5⭐
This contemporary fiction debut weaves together a story filled with magical realism and family drama. The premise for this magical story is unique, and the delivery kept me engaged, while within the story the narrative highlights the interactions linking mothers and daughters.
Following the death of her father who was an extremely successful author, Emerson pulls out an old typewriter that has been off limits to her since she was a child. She quickly finds that it might be magical and have the ability to make some of her wishes come true. Who wouldn't like one of those? But at what cost? Did Emerson's father use the magic of the typewriter to affect his and his family's lives, except with disastrous outcomes? Is the typewriter a good luck charm or is it a curse?
The mystery surrounding the typewriter was interesting and I was intrigued to find out how everything would be resolved. However, Emerson's selfishness, her mother's battle with alcoholism and her daughter's hidden secret were the parts that I liked the least, but overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next book by this author.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This contemporary fiction debut weaves together a story filled with magical realism and family drama. The premise for this magical story is unique, and the delivery kept me engaged, while within the story the narrative highlights the interactions linking mothers and daughters.
Following the death of her father who was an extremely successful author, Emerson pulls out an old typewriter that has been off limits to her since she was a child. She quickly finds that it might be magical and have the ability to make some of her wishes come true. Who wouldn't like one of those? But at what cost? Did Emerson's father use the magic of the typewriter to affect his and his family's lives, except with disastrous outcomes? Is the typewriter a good luck charm or is it a curse?
The mystery surrounding the typewriter was interesting and I was intrigued to find out how everything would be resolved. However, Emerson's selfishness, her mother's battle with alcoholism and her daughter's hidden secret were the parts that I liked the least, but overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next book by this author.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me the opportunity to read a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
The Unwritten Rules of Magic (releasing January 27, 2026) is a stunning novel that touched me deeply and left me reflecting long after I finished. Harper Ross weaves magical realism into a heartfelt story of three generations of women learning to love, grow, and grieve together. The book beautifully captures the challenges of motherhood, the weight of loss, and the power of grace and forgiveness as we all do our best to survive and thrive. It’s an emotional and an uplifting reminder that even in hardship, love and resilience can guide us forward. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Happy Release Day to this amazing book! ❤️
Thank you so much to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Happy Release Day to this amazing book! ❤️
November 24, 2025
Friends, this book was not for me. I truly disliked the main character, Emerson. She was judgmental and said some things during inner dialogue that just irked me. She “indulged” in putting “an entire teaspoon of sugar” into her tea. Because she’d had a stressful day. What? And also referred to a minor character as looking like a “tomato with two toothpicks for legs”— yikes.
I enjoy magical realism but there just wasn’t a lot of it in this book. It’s more about grief and complex family relationships and the magical typewriter mentioned in the blurb just is a very small plot line.
Also; there is a alcohol/addiction/sobriety storyline in this- and while there was a ton of detail about court drama, potential charges, and a court ordered alcohol treatment plan, there was no mention of 12 step as an option. I don’t think 12 step/ Alcoholics Anonymous is the only way to get sober. And that it certainly doesn’t work for everyone, but it seemed strange to read a book that had such a big alcoholic storyline and it isn’t even mentioned as an option. Not even in a “I am not doing AA, I’m not interested because XYZ.” Not a big deal, but thought that was odd. Maybe I missed it.
Anyway, I think others may like it, not all books are for everyone. I thought the narrator did a good performance.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
I enjoy magical realism but there just wasn’t a lot of it in this book. It’s more about grief and complex family relationships and the magical typewriter mentioned in the blurb just is a very small plot line.
Also; there is a alcohol/addiction/sobriety storyline in this- and while there was a ton of detail about court drama, potential charges, and a court ordered alcohol treatment plan, there was no mention of 12 step as an option. I don’t think 12 step/ Alcoholics Anonymous is the only way to get sober. And that it certainly doesn’t work for everyone, but it seemed strange to read a book that had such a big alcoholic storyline and it isn’t even mentioned as an option. Not even in a “I am not doing AA, I’m not interested because XYZ.” Not a big deal, but thought that was odd. Maybe I missed it.
Anyway, I think others may like it, not all books are for everyone. I thought the narrator did a good performance.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
July 18, 2025
This was such an interesting and captivating book to read. I for one was impressed with the authors portrayal with the emotions of the main character and the ability to relate to it. I think we can all agree that we have most likely experienced not knowing what to do with our lives and feel like we are going no where with the career we have. Overall this novel really opened my eyes.
We are introduced to Emerson who is a ghost writer and her own llife has never been easy. She has never had a good relationship with her father and of course with his death the chance of making up is very unlikely to happen. When cleanibg out his house she discovers his old type writer and decides to start using it herself
However, the great power that the typewriter holds over Emerson is of great responsibility. However, Emeraob doesn't realize that and soon her actionsand emotions become questionable and worrying.
We are introduced to Emerson who is a ghost writer and her own llife has never been easy. She has never had a good relationship with her father and of course with his death the chance of making up is very unlikely to happen. When cleanibg out his house she discovers his old type writer and decides to start using it herself
However, the great power that the typewriter holds over Emerson is of great responsibility. However, Emeraob doesn't realize that and soon her actionsand emotions become questionable and worrying.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5☆ | This book wasn't necessarily bad, it's just that I feel like I didn't connect to any of the characters. Even the main character, Emerson, wasn't entirely likeable in my opinion.
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I went into the book with relatively high expectations, and I thought that because there was a magical typewriter, the book would be more...𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭. And that disappointed me quite a bit.
The pacing was pretty slow and I didn't really like any of the characters, and there wasn't a ton of characters either.
I do enjoy magic realism in books, though it isn't a personal favorite genre. This book did have magic, and it was obviously from a magic typewriter, but I feel like after a point there was just no magic at all. The book didn't exactly feel magical and a few times I forgot there even was magic in the book.
Despite the title, cover and description the magic just felt very underdeveloped and small. I feel like there was so much potential for the book but that it wasn't executed very well.
I did feel like the ending was nice and that it wrapped everything up quite well but not perfect.
The book was entertaining enough, though I feel like its quite forgettable and probably not something I'd re-read.
I did like the writing style though, so I think I'd be interested in any more books Harper Ross may release in the future.
──────
Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for allowing me to have and read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0 🌶 - 2.5 ☆
𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
I went into the book with relatively high expectations, and I thought that because there was a magical typewriter, the book would be more...𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭. And that disappointed me quite a bit.
The pacing was pretty slow and I didn't really like any of the characters, and there wasn't a ton of characters either.
I do enjoy magic realism in books, though it isn't a personal favorite genre. This book did have magic, and it was obviously from a magic typewriter, but I feel like after a point there was just no magic at all. The book didn't exactly feel magical and a few times I forgot there even was magic in the book.
Despite the title, cover and description the magic just felt very underdeveloped and small. I feel like there was so much potential for the book but that it wasn't executed very well.
I did feel like the ending was nice and that it wrapped everything up quite well but not perfect.
The book was entertaining enough, though I feel like its quite forgettable and probably not something I'd re-read.
I did like the writing style though, so I think I'd be interested in any more books Harper Ross may release in the future.
──────
Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for allowing me to have and read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Ebook - 0 🌶 - 2.5 ☆
September 14, 2025
3.5 Stars- The premise of this book pulled me in. Who wouldn't take advantage of a magical typewriter?
Emerson is our main character and she is dealing with a lot. She is a single mom who just lost her father, a famous author. Her mother is an alcoholic who just wants to move past her father's death and sell the house. Emerson's teenage daughter has not been acting like herself and is now getting in trouble at school. With all of these events spiraling, Emerson just wants a little control. While cleaning out her father's office, she comes across her dad's typewriter. She types out a wish and then it comes true in an unexpected way. Emerson thinks this has to be a coincidence so she does it again. Emerson has to decide if this is the answer to her prayers or is there an even greater cost to this typewriter.
There was lots of family drama as we got to know Emerson, her daughter Sadie, and her mother, Dorthy. I think many readers could relate to their problems and would definitely wish they had a magic typewriter to solve their problems. The consequences of the wishes did make one think, are the wishes worth it? I did figure out Sadie's secret pretty early on but it did not detract from the story. There were some moments where I was really interested in where the story was going and then other points where I just wanted to shout at Emerson to do the right thing. Overall, this book would be great for book clubs as there was a lot to unpack and discuss about the premise and choices the characters made.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
Emerson is our main character and she is dealing with a lot. She is a single mom who just lost her father, a famous author. Her mother is an alcoholic who just wants to move past her father's death and sell the house. Emerson's teenage daughter has not been acting like herself and is now getting in trouble at school. With all of these events spiraling, Emerson just wants a little control. While cleaning out her father's office, she comes across her dad's typewriter. She types out a wish and then it comes true in an unexpected way. Emerson thinks this has to be a coincidence so she does it again. Emerson has to decide if this is the answer to her prayers or is there an even greater cost to this typewriter.
There was lots of family drama as we got to know Emerson, her daughter Sadie, and her mother, Dorthy. I think many readers could relate to their problems and would definitely wish they had a magic typewriter to solve their problems. The consequences of the wishes did make one think, are the wishes worth it? I did figure out Sadie's secret pretty early on but it did not detract from the story. There were some moments where I was really interested in where the story was going and then other points where I just wanted to shout at Emerson to do the right thing. Overall, this book would be great for book clubs as there was a lot to unpack and discuss about the premise and choices the characters made.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
August 12, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this ARC❤️
The Unwritten Rules of Magic by Harper Ross is a charming story where the reader has a chance to take a look at three generations of women. You are following Emerson, a full time ghostwriter, whose famous father just passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease. She is trying to juggle being a single mom to a teenage daughter that is grieving, as well as being there for her alcoholic mother whom she has a complicated relationship with.
When going through her late father’s things, she finds his notorious typewriter. After typing a wish she has on it, she soon discovers that it can change fate and grant wishes. However, this does not come without complications. Emerson is now forced to navigate this new found impossibility while staying true to her morals and family.
Overall, I enjoyed Emerson’s character and I found myself relating to her in multiple aspects. I thought that the author’s voice was very engaging and kept me interested in the story. This is very much a character driven story with commentary on messy family dynamics. I very much enjoyed this aspect of the story as these types of books usually end up being my favourites.
At times, I found that the way Emerson was treating her daughter was irritating to me. Their conversations felt unrealistic to real people and frequently had me annoyed at our main character. She did not seem capable of emphasizing with her daughter and often outright disrespected her feelings. I also would have liked a more satisfying ending that brought all of the storylines together.
Overall, this was a fun and charming magical realism read that explored topics of grief, love, and generational voids. Perfect for fans of the Midnight Library.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Unwritten Rules of Magic by Harper Ross is a charming story where the reader has a chance to take a look at three generations of women. You are following Emerson, a full time ghostwriter, whose famous father just passed away from Alzheimer’s Disease. She is trying to juggle being a single mom to a teenage daughter that is grieving, as well as being there for her alcoholic mother whom she has a complicated relationship with.
When going through her late father’s things, she finds his notorious typewriter. After typing a wish she has on it, she soon discovers that it can change fate and grant wishes. However, this does not come without complications. Emerson is now forced to navigate this new found impossibility while staying true to her morals and family.
Overall, I enjoyed Emerson’s character and I found myself relating to her in multiple aspects. I thought that the author’s voice was very engaging and kept me interested in the story. This is very much a character driven story with commentary on messy family dynamics. I very much enjoyed this aspect of the story as these types of books usually end up being my favourites.
At times, I found that the way Emerson was treating her daughter was irritating to me. Their conversations felt unrealistic to real people and frequently had me annoyed at our main character. She did not seem capable of emphasizing with her daughter and often outright disrespected her feelings. I also would have liked a more satisfying ending that brought all of the storylines together.
Overall, this was a fun and charming magical realism read that explored topics of grief, love, and generational voids. Perfect for fans of the Midnight Library.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 16, 2025
“The Unwritten Rules of Magic” by Harper Ross is a heartwarming and deeply moving story that reminds us to release our grip on what we can’t control and enjoy life as it is while you still have it.
The story revolves around a talented ghostwriter who is dealing with the current loss of her famous and beloved father, an alcoholic mother who finally feels free after years of emotional abuse, and a teenage daughter who refuses to communicate and is harboring secrets of her own. As she struggles to develop her own creative ambitions and deal with her fractured family she inherits an old Underwood typewriter that seems to have the magical power to transform her noble wishes into reality, but with powerful unintended consequences.
From reading the description of this book I thought it would be a novel filled with magical realism but instead the magical typewriter is an introspective metaphor. It is used to remind us to give up trying to control other people’s lives, that it’s never too late to reshape relationships, and to accept others without judgement. This beautifully written book inspired me to reflect on my own life and I loved it!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story revolves around a talented ghostwriter who is dealing with the current loss of her famous and beloved father, an alcoholic mother who finally feels free after years of emotional abuse, and a teenage daughter who refuses to communicate and is harboring secrets of her own. As she struggles to develop her own creative ambitions and deal with her fractured family she inherits an old Underwood typewriter that seems to have the magical power to transform her noble wishes into reality, but with powerful unintended consequences.
From reading the description of this book I thought it would be a novel filled with magical realism but instead the magical typewriter is an introspective metaphor. It is used to remind us to give up trying to control other people’s lives, that it’s never too late to reshape relationships, and to accept others without judgement. This beautifully written book inspired me to reflect on my own life and I loved it!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and honestly, it took everything in me to finish it. The pacing was painfully slow, and the story dragged on without much payoff. I also struggled to connect with the main character. Hard to root for someone who feels so unlikeable from start to finish. While I can appreciate the effort that went into the book, it just wasn’t for me.
November 23, 2025
3.75 This one hit close to home. I’m not sure if it was too close to home- maybe that’s why I’m a little unsure of whether I loved or just liked the book.
This story explored messy family dynamics through a magical realism lens. Emerson Clarke’s father was a renowned fantasy novelist. His professional success allowed his family to live comfortably, but didn’t make them a happy family. A magical typewriter sounds ridiculous, but Emerson Clarke stumbles upon one after her father’s death. The events that occur after she types some wishes on the typewriter cannot be coincidence. She realizes words have great power. Her actions, and wishes, can control and manipulate her family- for better and certainly for worse.
The mother/daughter dynamics are real and raw. Emerson’s mom is an alcoholic (though not overtly). Emerson’s teenage daughter becomes distant. If her living family isn’t enough drama, Emerson grapples with learning that her father didn’t deserve the pedestal she put him on. Really tough themes like abortion, DUI, and death are addressed in this book.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was great. I really have no notes - other than I think I would not have been able to complete the story if it wasn’t an audiobook. This character-led story is heavy on internal monologue, which usually puts me to sleep. Emerson’s internal struggles are relatable for anyone who’s ever dealt with self-doubt and a dysfunctional family.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
This story explored messy family dynamics through a magical realism lens. Emerson Clarke’s father was a renowned fantasy novelist. His professional success allowed his family to live comfortably, but didn’t make them a happy family. A magical typewriter sounds ridiculous, but Emerson Clarke stumbles upon one after her father’s death. The events that occur after she types some wishes on the typewriter cannot be coincidence. She realizes words have great power. Her actions, and wishes, can control and manipulate her family- for better and certainly for worse.
The mother/daughter dynamics are real and raw. Emerson’s mom is an alcoholic (though not overtly). Emerson’s teenage daughter becomes distant. If her living family isn’t enough drama, Emerson grapples with learning that her father didn’t deserve the pedestal she put him on. Really tough themes like abortion, DUI, and death are addressed in this book.
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was great. I really have no notes - other than I think I would not have been able to complete the story if it wasn’t an audiobook. This character-led story is heavy on internal monologue, which usually puts me to sleep. Emerson’s internal struggles are relatable for anyone who’s ever dealt with self-doubt and a dysfunctional family.
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC.
Read
December 16, 2025I received a free copy of, The Unwritten Rules of Magic, by Harper Ross, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Emerson Clarke is going through a hard time, she is a ghost writer, and wishes she can ghost write her life. This is a heavy read, a few heavy topics in this book, like Alzheimers. this was an intriguing read.
November 21, 2025
My first reaction to this book was is it a common practice for authors to use a ghostwriter to write their books? The main character in this story is a ghostwriter. The author gives her the ideas and outline, but she actually writes the books. I know celebrities etc. do this, but an author of novels? I found it crazy. Why wouldn’t the ghostwriter write her own books? It also feels very dishonest.
Once I got over that, I really enjoyed this story of three generations of women coming together to move on after the death of the Patriarch. There was also a touch of magic which I always enjoy in the books I read.
Once I got over that, I really enjoyed this story of three generations of women coming together to move on after the death of the Patriarch. There was also a touch of magic which I always enjoy in the books I read.
July 19, 2025
Rating this a weak four; perhaps 3 3/4 stars. I think the fact that it took me 10 days to read is an indication that I was not compelled to read it.
I think I was at least 3/4 of the way through the book before I could say I cared about any of the characters. The primary characters - Emerson, her mother, her daughter and her best friend - were not particularly likable, or not developed in a way I would hope. In addition, at about the 3/4 mark we get thrown not one but two rather serious issues to deal with (in addition to the death of Emerson’s father early in the story).
The premise - a magical typewriter that grants wishes, with a price - is a good one. Parts of the book were enjoyable, parts felt like a lecture.
In the end, I feel like I’m a little more disappointed than I have a right to be… if that makes any sense.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital ARC. Opinions are my own.
I think I was at least 3/4 of the way through the book before I could say I cared about any of the characters. The primary characters - Emerson, her mother, her daughter and her best friend - were not particularly likable, or not developed in a way I would hope. In addition, at about the 3/4 mark we get thrown not one but two rather serious issues to deal with (in addition to the death of Emerson’s father early in the story).
The premise - a magical typewriter that grants wishes, with a price - is a good one. Parts of the book were enjoyable, parts felt like a lecture.
In the end, I feel like I’m a little more disappointed than I have a right to be… if that makes any sense.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the digital ARC. Opinions are my own.
January 27, 2026
Audiobook/Book Review 📖🎧✨
thank you so much partner @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for the gifted ARC + audiobook!
The Unwritten Rules of Magic
by Harper Ross
Read by Mia Hutchinson-shaw
out TODAY!
Emerson Clarke has never felt in control. Her author father was chaotic before Alzheimer’s took him, her mother turned to gin, and now her teenage daughter has shut her out. If only she could shape real life the way she shapes the stories she ghostwrites.
After her father’s funeral, Emerson steals his forbidden vintage typewriter and types a wish only to watch it come true. As more wishes follow, she becomes determined to rewrite happiness for herself and her daughter.
But each change exposes darker truths about her family’s past and the dangerous cost of bending reality. When her daughter’s secret emerges, Emerson must decide whether to keep controlling fate or embrace an unscripted life.
✨ My thoughts:
I didn’t expect this story to settle into my heart the way it did. I split my time between the physical book and the audiobook, but found myself reaching for the audio more and more. The narrator was absolutely fantastic and added so much depth and emotion to the experience. I went in expecting something on the lighter side, but this book ended up being far deeper and more layered than I anticipated. The first part carries a softer, almost gentle tone before the story takes a more serious and emotional turn later on. It felt like a natural progression rather than a jarring shift, and it made everything hit that much harder. Magical realism is one of my favorite genres, and I thought the author handled it beautifully. It was subtle, meaningful, and woven seamlessly into the story. This was thoughtful, tender, and quietly powerful. I’m excited to read more from this author! The Unwritten Rules of Magic is out today.
Happy reading 📖 ✨🎧
thank you so much partner @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for the gifted ARC + audiobook!
The Unwritten Rules of Magic
by Harper Ross
Read by Mia Hutchinson-shaw
out TODAY!
Emerson Clarke has never felt in control. Her author father was chaotic before Alzheimer’s took him, her mother turned to gin, and now her teenage daughter has shut her out. If only she could shape real life the way she shapes the stories she ghostwrites.
After her father’s funeral, Emerson steals his forbidden vintage typewriter and types a wish only to watch it come true. As more wishes follow, she becomes determined to rewrite happiness for herself and her daughter.
But each change exposes darker truths about her family’s past and the dangerous cost of bending reality. When her daughter’s secret emerges, Emerson must decide whether to keep controlling fate or embrace an unscripted life.
✨ My thoughts:
I didn’t expect this story to settle into my heart the way it did. I split my time between the physical book and the audiobook, but found myself reaching for the audio more and more. The narrator was absolutely fantastic and added so much depth and emotion to the experience. I went in expecting something on the lighter side, but this book ended up being far deeper and more layered than I anticipated. The first part carries a softer, almost gentle tone before the story takes a more serious and emotional turn later on. It felt like a natural progression rather than a jarring shift, and it made everything hit that much harder. Magical realism is one of my favorite genres, and I thought the author handled it beautifully. It was subtle, meaningful, and woven seamlessly into the story. This was thoughtful, tender, and quietly powerful. I’m excited to read more from this author! The Unwritten Rules of Magic is out today.
Happy reading 📖 ✨🎧
dnf
November 16, 2025Thank you to Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my honest review. Unfortunately, this one was not for me and I had to DNF at 25%.
I think the concept of the story was really creative but I feel like the blurb and the title didn't quite match up with the actual book. The pacing was slow, I couldn't connect with the characters and it just wasn't holding my attention at all.
But just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you!
I think the concept of the story was really creative but I feel like the blurb and the title didn't quite match up with the actual book. The pacing was slow, I couldn't connect with the characters and it just wasn't holding my attention at all.
But just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you!
September 14, 2025
Ghostwriter Emerson Clarke has just lost her father to early onset Alzheimer’s & is trying to piece her life together in the aftermath of his loss. In the process she discovers his old typewriter & learns that it’s capable of granting your hearts desires but nothing is ever free. Now she must decide what she’d be willing to lose for a chance at the life she thinks is ideal.
The story definitely didn’t go in the direction that I originally thought it would, but it was still surprisingly thought provoking. It basically ponders the question of how far a mother would be willing to go to keep her family safe & guarantee their happiness. At what point would the cost of protecting your children from life’s pain be too much. Emerson without a doubt always has good intentions but until she meets Sawyer, fails to see that the ups and downs of life are what truly make it so amazing.
To me the added bonus of the book was knowing all of the places that Harper Cross was talking about, even having worked at one of the places. It added something special to the book for me being able to truly visualize the locations as opposed to creating images solely from imagination (which I do love to do). My only gripe and probably why I gave it four stars is because the ending seemed super abrupt. Like I thought there would be another chapter because the conclusion was a little lackluster in my opinion. But overall I enjoyed it.
**Thank you NetGalley & St Martins Press for the ARC**
The story definitely didn’t go in the direction that I originally thought it would, but it was still surprisingly thought provoking. It basically ponders the question of how far a mother would be willing to go to keep her family safe & guarantee their happiness. At what point would the cost of protecting your children from life’s pain be too much. Emerson without a doubt always has good intentions but until she meets Sawyer, fails to see that the ups and downs of life are what truly make it so amazing.
To me the added bonus of the book was knowing all of the places that Harper Cross was talking about, even having worked at one of the places. It added something special to the book for me being able to truly visualize the locations as opposed to creating images solely from imagination (which I do love to do). My only gripe and probably why I gave it four stars is because the ending seemed super abrupt. Like I thought there would be another chapter because the conclusion was a little lackluster in my opinion. But overall I enjoyed it.
**Thank you NetGalley & St Martins Press for the ARC**
October 27, 2025
The Unwritten Rules of Magic was more about family and relationships than magic. I liked the characters and I was happy to see Emerson, her mother and Sadie reconnect.
This was a 4 star read for me until I got to chapter 38, where the author hurled her political views and misconceptions all over the place. It was unnecessary, some of it was untrue, and it was jarring. It did not blend with the storyline, even though Harper Ross clearly wanted to justify her viewpoint. So 3 stars because of that.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
This was a 4 star read for me until I got to chapter 38, where the author hurled her political views and misconceptions all over the place. It was unnecessary, some of it was untrue, and it was jarring. It did not blend with the storyline, even though Harper Ross clearly wanted to justify her viewpoint. So 3 stars because of that.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
October 7, 2025
Emerson, our FMC, discovers a lucky typewriter left by her deceased father and learns a few lessons in life and magic.
Overall, I enjoyed the read and as a mother could relate to always wanting sound proof your parenting choices are right. While Emerson was struggling with her relationship with her daughter, she also was dealing with an alcoholic mother, past family trauma, navigating her career as a writer and finding room for love. 😮💨
While the book features a magical typewriter, I found myself wishing for a bit more magic ✨, especially for a fantasy novel. Go in knowing that the magic isn’t the central focus here. That said, as a debut, it’s well-written, easy to follow, and delivers a meaningful message about choices and their consequences.
Just a note: there’s a part of the story that could be triggering, or at least controversial, for some readers.
Thank you for the ARC NetGalley and HarperRoss 🙏
Overall, I enjoyed the read and as a mother could relate to always wanting sound proof your parenting choices are right. While Emerson was struggling with her relationship with her daughter, she also was dealing with an alcoholic mother, past family trauma, navigating her career as a writer and finding room for love. 😮💨
While the book features a magical typewriter, I found myself wishing for a bit more magic ✨, especially for a fantasy novel. Go in knowing that the magic isn’t the central focus here. That said, as a debut, it’s well-written, easy to follow, and delivers a meaningful message about choices and their consequences.
Just a note: there’s a part of the story that could be triggering, or at least controversial, for some readers.
Thank you for the ARC NetGalley and HarperRoss 🙏
January 3, 2026
This was not really what I was expecting. It's marketed as a book featuring magical realism that also touches on themes of grief, coping, and love, but there is very little magical realism to be had. I was expecting something a little more along the lines of Sarah Addison Allen's books, but that is definitely not the case here. The story is about family and the complicated relationships they contain, with the magical realism almost feeling like an afterthought..
The book follows Emerson, who is dealing with the recent death of her father, along with a daughter who doesn't want to speak to her and an alcoholic mother in denial about her addiction. Emerson can be hard to like at times - she is very controlling and can't accept anyone wanting to make their own decisions. While cleaning out her father's belongings, she comes across his old typewriter than he refused to let anyone touch. She takes it home, uses it, and discovers it can make wishes come true. This is about the extent of the magical realism, and really, it almost feels like coincidence at times. Emerson uses the typewriter much like her father did - to try and control people's lives to fit what she thinks should happen. It can be really heavy handed at times with the lessons the reader is supposed to take from the story. I appreciate the lessons, but I prefer being able to suss them out myself and not have them smack me in the face.
I was also not a fan of how Emerson reasoned with her daughter over her secret (which I guessed pretty early on). This is one of those hot button topics, and everyone will have a drastically different take, but I really didn't agree with how it was handled by either of them. And then Emerson immediately wanting to use the typewriter to erase everything was really grating.
This isn't terrible - I think a lot of people will probably relate to it rather well, as many people do have tough family dynamics. Emerson and her choices just made it difficult to enjoy at times.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Emerson, who is dealing with the recent death of her father, along with a daughter who doesn't want to speak to her and an alcoholic mother in denial about her addiction. Emerson can be hard to like at times - she is very controlling and can't accept anyone wanting to make their own decisions. While cleaning out her father's belongings, she comes across his old typewriter than he refused to let anyone touch. She takes it home, uses it, and discovers it can make wishes come true. This is about the extent of the magical realism, and really, it almost feels like coincidence at times. Emerson uses the typewriter much like her father did - to try and control people's lives to fit what she thinks should happen. It can be really heavy handed at times with the lessons the reader is supposed to take from the story. I appreciate the lessons, but I prefer being able to suss them out myself and not have them smack me in the face.
I was also not a fan of how Emerson reasoned with her daughter over her secret (which I guessed pretty early on). This is one of those hot button topics, and everyone will have a drastically different take, but I really didn't agree with how it was handled by either of them. And then Emerson immediately wanting to use the typewriter to erase everything was really grating.
This isn't terrible - I think a lot of people will probably relate to it rather well, as many people do have tough family dynamics. Emerson and her choices just made it difficult to enjoy at times.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Harper Ross for providing this e-ARC book for my honest review. All opinions on this book are my own.
The description was right in comparing this to Midlight Library in that it has a self-help vibe to it, however, not quite as impactful. I also was not a huge fan of Midnight Library (I enjoyed it but not a 5 ⭐️ read for me) so I might not be the target audience for this book.
I did enjoy the way the author portrayed alcoholism in family dynamics. I think what I loved the most about this book, though, was the FMC and how realistic her struggles were as a mother and daughter. I resonated with her and her struggle with ceding control and her internal reflections on how she treated her own mother vs how her daughter treats her. It was very relatable. I also liked what happened with the daughter at the end. It was unexpected.
One thing I didn’t really enjoy was the repetitiveness of it all. It felt like the same “therapy-like” themes completely drowned out the “fantasy” portion. I was expecting much more fantasy. I’d say this was more of self help book with a TINY bit of magical realism. There wasn’t really any magical world building or whimsy. It felt off. Something was missing in the cozy fantasy aspect of the book. Close to the end, I just wanted to finish it and be done, unfortunately.
If you did not like Midnight Library then I probably would not recommend this book.
If you did, then go for it!
If you reading mainly for fantasy or a big portion of the plot dedicated to cozy magical realism, then I would not recommend.
If you enjoy self-help books, then I would recommend.
Major TWs: alcoholism
0 🌶️
* please disregard grammatical errors due to accessible voice texting. Thanks!
The description was right in comparing this to Midlight Library in that it has a self-help vibe to it, however, not quite as impactful. I also was not a huge fan of Midnight Library (I enjoyed it but not a 5 ⭐️ read for me) so I might not be the target audience for this book.
I did enjoy the way the author portrayed alcoholism in family dynamics. I think what I loved the most about this book, though, was the FMC and how realistic her struggles were as a mother and daughter. I resonated with her and her struggle with ceding control and her internal reflections on how she treated her own mother vs how her daughter treats her. It was very relatable. I also liked what happened with the daughter at the end. It was unexpected.
One thing I didn’t really enjoy was the repetitiveness of it all. It felt like the same “therapy-like” themes completely drowned out the “fantasy” portion. I was expecting much more fantasy. I’d say this was more of self help book with a TINY bit of magical realism. There wasn’t really any magical world building or whimsy. It felt off. Something was missing in the cozy fantasy aspect of the book. Close to the end, I just wanted to finish it and be done, unfortunately.
If you did not like Midnight Library then I probably would not recommend this book.
If you did, then go for it!
If you reading mainly for fantasy or a big portion of the plot dedicated to cozy magical realism, then I would not recommend.
If you enjoy self-help books, then I would recommend.
Major TWs: alcoholism
0 🌶️
* please disregard grammatical errors due to accessible voice texting. Thanks!
January 7, 2026
The Unwritten Rules of Magic
Harper Ross
Pub: 1/27/26
4.5☆
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the #gifted copies. #MacAudio2026
For fans of The Midnight Library and In Five Years , The Unwritten Rules of Magic is a spellbinding novel that blends magic and memory in an unforgettable journey through love, grief, and the hidden cost of perfection across three generations of women.
👆🏻This could be my whole review because it is SO spot on and perfectly stated in way more eloquent words than I will muster up.
“Hope is a foolish squatter I’ve never learned to evict “.
I absolutely adored every moment! The multigenerational story, the sprinkle of magical realism, and the heartfelt story… all of it was so well done and had me feeling ALL the feels (including grace) from beginning to end. Emerson’s story in Ross’s words reminds us “sometimes the beauty of life is in its imperfections, in the messiness we cant predict or fix”. 🥰
Harper Ross I am still in awe that this was a debut novel and hopefully it’s not too soon to say… but I am already looking forward to what’s next.
What I loved;
📃 Character Driven
📃 Multigenerational
📃 Magical Realism
📃 Mother/Daughter Relationships
📃 Jefferson’s Journal
📃 ALL The Feels
I mostly read this in physical form (a new-ish goal for 2026) but also dabbled in the audio when working/driving since physical reading is “frowned upon” 😆 during those activities, and loved the mix. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw’s narration was impeccably matched to bring this story to life. IMO Whatever format you choose, you can’t go wrong.
If you’re a fan of emotional family reads with magical realism sprinkled in, this one is for you!
Harper Ross
Pub: 1/27/26
4.5☆
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the #gifted copies. #MacAudio2026
For fans of The Midnight Library and In Five Years , The Unwritten Rules of Magic is a spellbinding novel that blends magic and memory in an unforgettable journey through love, grief, and the hidden cost of perfection across three generations of women.
👆🏻This could be my whole review because it is SO spot on and perfectly stated in way more eloquent words than I will muster up.
“Hope is a foolish squatter I’ve never learned to evict “.
I absolutely adored every moment! The multigenerational story, the sprinkle of magical realism, and the heartfelt story… all of it was so well done and had me feeling ALL the feels (including grace) from beginning to end. Emerson’s story in Ross’s words reminds us “sometimes the beauty of life is in its imperfections, in the messiness we cant predict or fix”. 🥰
Harper Ross I am still in awe that this was a debut novel and hopefully it’s not too soon to say… but I am already looking forward to what’s next.
What I loved;
📃 Character Driven
📃 Multigenerational
📃 Magical Realism
📃 Mother/Daughter Relationships
📃 Jefferson’s Journal
📃 ALL The Feels
I mostly read this in physical form (a new-ish goal for 2026) but also dabbled in the audio when working/driving since physical reading is “frowned upon” 😆 during those activities, and loved the mix. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw’s narration was impeccably matched to bring this story to life. IMO Whatever format you choose, you can’t go wrong.
If you’re a fan of emotional family reads with magical realism sprinkled in, this one is for you!
December 7, 2025
Thank you, @macmillan.audio, for the gifted ALC.
Narrator: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
Rundown:
✨️three generations
✨️magical typewriter
✨️Alzheimer's
✨️ghostwriter
✨️complicated family relationships
Synopsis ✒️
Emerson is a ghostwriter in the shadow of her famous father. When he passes from Alzheimer's, she inherits his typewriter. Her life seems to be falling apart as she tries to help her mother with her drinking and fix the strained relationship she has with her daughter. By using the typewriter, she realizes she can try to make her loved ones' lives better, but what's the cost?
Thoughts 💭
This book wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting a little more magic and a little less heavy family drama. A lot of the characters weren't really likable, especially her teen daughter, so that made it hard to get into it initially. I am glad I stuck with it. This story does pose some interesting questions. If you could change hardships for your loved ones, would you? What if the cost was high? How do we help shape the lives of those around us? It was nice to see the growth in each of these women and to see their journey through. This had a satisfying ending that was worth the wait. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw narrates this one. This is my first time listening to her, but I hope to listen to some more of her narrations in the future.
Narrator: Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
Rundown:
✨️three generations
✨️magical typewriter
✨️Alzheimer's
✨️ghostwriter
✨️complicated family relationships
Synopsis ✒️
Emerson is a ghostwriter in the shadow of her famous father. When he passes from Alzheimer's, she inherits his typewriter. Her life seems to be falling apart as she tries to help her mother with her drinking and fix the strained relationship she has with her daughter. By using the typewriter, she realizes she can try to make her loved ones' lives better, but what's the cost?
Thoughts 💭
This book wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting a little more magic and a little less heavy family drama. A lot of the characters weren't really likable, especially her teen daughter, so that made it hard to get into it initially. I am glad I stuck with it. This story does pose some interesting questions. If you could change hardships for your loved ones, would you? What if the cost was high? How do we help shape the lives of those around us? It was nice to see the growth in each of these women and to see their journey through. This had a satisfying ending that was worth the wait. Mia Hutchinson-Shaw narrates this one. This is my first time listening to her, but I hope to listen to some more of her narrations in the future.
January 18, 2026
The Unwritten Rules of Magic by Harper Ross is a multigenerational family drama with a hint of magical realism. The story features Emerson, a ghostwriter who is grieving the loss of her famous-writer father from Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile her mother’s alcoholism is spiraling out of control and her 17-year old daughter is pulling away from her. Emerson soon finds herself with an ethical dilemma when she discovers that her dad’s “lucky charm” typewriter grants wishes, but at a cost.
The novel’s premise is promising but I was disappointed by the execution. I did not think that Emerson was a sympathetic character. She seemed too manipulative and controlling to me, and I felt she lacked emotional growth. The magical elements were also not as charming as I had hoped.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. Her warm voice brought emotional depth to the characters and kept me engaged for the most part when all of Emerson’s internal dialogue might have otherwise lost me. I didn't love this one personally, but I think the unique premise and emotional family drama will appeal to a wide audience (available 1/27/26). 2.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy of The Unwritten Rules of Magic in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The novel’s premise is promising but I was disappointed by the execution. I did not think that Emerson was a sympathetic character. She seemed too manipulative and controlling to me, and I felt she lacked emotional growth. The magical elements were also not as charming as I had hoped.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mia Hutchinson-Shaw. Her warm voice brought emotional depth to the characters and kept me engaged for the most part when all of Emerson’s internal dialogue might have otherwise lost me. I didn't love this one personally, but I think the unique premise and emotional family drama will appeal to a wide audience (available 1/27/26). 2.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener copy of The Unwritten Rules of Magic in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 4, 2025
✨📝✨
❓If you had access to a magical typewriter that could grant your wishes, would you use it to get what you want? ❔If yes, would you still use it if you knew there was a cost to each wish?
This a story about family, hope, and relationships with a touch of magic. This story addresses tough topics including grief, strained mother/daughter relationships, control over other’s choices, alcoholism, and women’s health issues.
I felt the three female characters were well developed and the reader was able to see growth of the characters throughout the story. I do feel the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, but this did not overall impact my reading experience.
I really enjoyed the concept of the magical typewriter. As a person who likes to have control over everything, this read was very thought-provoking for me. It was a great reminder that life is meant to be messy and that is okay.
Overall, I enjoyed this debut novel and will read future work from this author. I recommend this book to those who like women’s fiction with a touch of magical realism.
I received this book as an ARC. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending this book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
❓If you had access to a magical typewriter that could grant your wishes, would you use it to get what you want? ❔If yes, would you still use it if you knew there was a cost to each wish?
This a story about family, hope, and relationships with a touch of magic. This story addresses tough topics including grief, strained mother/daughter relationships, control over other’s choices, alcoholism, and women’s health issues.
I felt the three female characters were well developed and the reader was able to see growth of the characters throughout the story. I do feel the pacing slowed a bit in the middle, but this did not overall impact my reading experience.
I really enjoyed the concept of the magical typewriter. As a person who likes to have control over everything, this read was very thought-provoking for me. It was a great reminder that life is meant to be messy and that is okay.
Overall, I enjoyed this debut novel and will read future work from this author. I recommend this book to those who like women’s fiction with a touch of magical realism.
I received this book as an ARC. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sending this book for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2026
This book was not at all what I expected but it was suspenseful and hard to put down. When Emerson’s father passes, she discovers a typewriter that just might be the magic answer to the problems plaguing her dysfunctional family. Of course, magic is not as simple as it seems and everything has a cost.
Emerson wrestles with balancing the cost of doing magic with her intense desire to help her withdrawing teenage daughter and her mother struggling with substance abuse.
The main characters inner voice can be incredibly frustrating at times, but I sort of feel like that’s the point. As the author points out in the authors note— this is a book about life’s messy middle, it’s grey areas. It’s also about healing, giving up control, and coming to terms with the fact that our own perceptions of ourselves are not entirely accurate.
This was unique, complicated, and overall very good. I recommend it to readers looking for something engaging but a little bit different.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC. Opinions in this review are an honest representation of my reading experience.
Emerson wrestles with balancing the cost of doing magic with her intense desire to help her withdrawing teenage daughter and her mother struggling with substance abuse.
The main characters inner voice can be incredibly frustrating at times, but I sort of feel like that’s the point. As the author points out in the authors note— this is a book about life’s messy middle, it’s grey areas. It’s also about healing, giving up control, and coming to terms with the fact that our own perceptions of ourselves are not entirely accurate.
This was unique, complicated, and overall very good. I recommend it to readers looking for something engaging but a little bit different.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this ARC. Opinions in this review are an honest representation of my reading experience.
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