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Practically Magic
On the eve of Halloween, a sister’s well-intentioned love spell turns into a curse in this witchy, flirty rom-com perfect for fans of The Ex Hex, Gilmore Girls, and Practical Magic.
The Hadley sisters of Mystic Hollow are magic. Literally.
But for all the generations of witches behind her, Kat Hadley could swear that she’s utterly invisible to boys.
Then she learns that her perfect older sister, Harriet, cast a curse to protect her from heartbreak. Kat is so furious, she loses control—and it’s not just their sisterhood that shatters. It’s magic itself.
Suddenly, every spell a Hadley witch has ever cast starts reversing. Spells to do good start bringing evil. Curses to repel suddenly attract. And the veil between worlds begins to thin. If Kat and Harriet don’t do something fast, this Halloween might be Mystic Hollow’s last.
As they race to repair the balance of magic—and their relationship—Kat notices that every crush who’s ever rejected her is suddenly magically lovesick. Even her annoying class rival seems to have fallen under her spell. For the first time in her life, she feels practically magic. Who cares if it’s all just a spell?
The Hadley sisters of Mystic Hollow are magic. Literally.
But for all the generations of witches behind her, Kat Hadley could swear that she’s utterly invisible to boys.
Then she learns that her perfect older sister, Harriet, cast a curse to protect her from heartbreak. Kat is so furious, she loses control—and it’s not just their sisterhood that shatters. It’s magic itself.
Suddenly, every spell a Hadley witch has ever cast starts reversing. Spells to do good start bringing evil. Curses to repel suddenly attract. And the veil between worlds begins to thin. If Kat and Harriet don’t do something fast, this Halloween might be Mystic Hollow’s last.
As they race to repair the balance of magic—and their relationship—Kat notices that every crush who’s ever rejected her is suddenly magically lovesick. Even her annoying class rival seems to have fallen under her spell. For the first time in her life, she feels practically magic. Who cares if it’s all just a spell?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Jen Calonita
93 books3,899 followersHi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
August 23, 2026
Mystic Hollow is like Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow mixed with Hocus Pocus’s Salem: a cozy, Halloween-obsessed town where the witches are real, the community message board is unusually entertaining, and one teenager’s disastrous love life might unleash supernatural chaos.
Kat Hadley has spent her life in the shadow of her seemingly perfect older sister, Harriet. While Harriet appears to succeed at everything, Kat’s attempts at magic have a tendency to go spectacularly wrong. Case in point: she nearly burns down her school’s chemistry lab while trying to convince her crush, Colton, to attend her Halloween party. Did I mention she has also been telling her family she already has a boyfriend named Peter Parker?
Kat is convinced Colton will finally confess his feelings, despite having approximately zero evidence that those feelings exist. Normally, that would be standard teenage romantic delusion. Unfortunately, Kat also expects him to help perform an important ritual protecting Mystic Hollow when the veil between worlds grows dangerously thin. The ritual requires two people in love, and readers will probably recognize the problem long before Kat does.
For the sake of this book’s audience, I tried to see everything through the eyes of a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed teenager who still believes in love at first sight. As an adult, however, I occasionally found Kat’s fixation on Colton frustrating, especially when her academic rival, Zach, seems considerably more interested in her than she realizes. Even her aunts notice the chemistry. Can anyone say Sabrina the Teenage Witch?
The situation becomes more complicated when Kat discovers Harriet may be responsible for her history of romantic disappointment. Kat erupts with the anger and blind vengeance only a teenager could have, but unlike an ordinary sibling argument, this one threatens to unravel the magic protecting their entire town. Suddenly, Mystic Hollow has considerably bigger problems than whether Colton will show up to a party.
The town itself was one of my favorite parts of the story. Excerpts from Mystic Hollow’s online community page announce festive Halloween activities before gradually documenting the increasingly bizarre horrors loose in the streets. Those updates add personality and humor while making the supernatural chaos feel even more entertaining. Prepare yourself for spooky events, unexpected creatures, and plenty of seasonal atmosphere.
Although the romance is fairly easy to predict, the relationship between Kat and Harriet adds welcome depth. Beneath the spells, crushes, and magical disasters is a story about sisterhood, resentment, insecurity, and learning that being overlooked is not the same as being unworthy.
Ferdelle Capistrano does an excellent job bringing the characters to life, especially the Hadley sisters as they attempt to repair both their relationship and the damage their conflict has caused. Her narration complements the humor, heightened emotions, and Halloween spirit throughout the audiobook.
Practically Magic is best suited for readers who enjoy cozy witchy settings, teenage romantic drama, complicated sisters, and Halloween stories with more charm than genuine scares. Kat’s decisions may test your patience, but Mystic Hollow’s spooky atmosphere and magical mayhem make the journey an entertaining one.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Kat Hadley has spent her life in the shadow of her seemingly perfect older sister, Harriet. While Harriet appears to succeed at everything, Kat’s attempts at magic have a tendency to go spectacularly wrong. Case in point: she nearly burns down her school’s chemistry lab while trying to convince her crush, Colton, to attend her Halloween party. Did I mention she has also been telling her family she already has a boyfriend named Peter Parker?
Kat is convinced Colton will finally confess his feelings, despite having approximately zero evidence that those feelings exist. Normally, that would be standard teenage romantic delusion. Unfortunately, Kat also expects him to help perform an important ritual protecting Mystic Hollow when the veil between worlds grows dangerously thin. The ritual requires two people in love, and readers will probably recognize the problem long before Kat does.
For the sake of this book’s audience, I tried to see everything through the eyes of a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed teenager who still believes in love at first sight. As an adult, however, I occasionally found Kat’s fixation on Colton frustrating, especially when her academic rival, Zach, seems considerably more interested in her than she realizes. Even her aunts notice the chemistry. Can anyone say Sabrina the Teenage Witch?
The situation becomes more complicated when Kat discovers Harriet may be responsible for her history of romantic disappointment. Kat erupts with the anger and blind vengeance only a teenager could have, but unlike an ordinary sibling argument, this one threatens to unravel the magic protecting their entire town. Suddenly, Mystic Hollow has considerably bigger problems than whether Colton will show up to a party.
The town itself was one of my favorite parts of the story. Excerpts from Mystic Hollow’s online community page announce festive Halloween activities before gradually documenting the increasingly bizarre horrors loose in the streets. Those updates add personality and humor while making the supernatural chaos feel even more entertaining. Prepare yourself for spooky events, unexpected creatures, and plenty of seasonal atmosphere.
Although the romance is fairly easy to predict, the relationship between Kat and Harriet adds welcome depth. Beneath the spells, crushes, and magical disasters is a story about sisterhood, resentment, insecurity, and learning that being overlooked is not the same as being unworthy.
Ferdelle Capistrano does an excellent job bringing the characters to life, especially the Hadley sisters as they attempt to repair both their relationship and the damage their conflict has caused. Her narration complements the humor, heightened emotions, and Halloween spirit throughout the audiobook.
Practically Magic is best suited for readers who enjoy cozy witchy settings, teenage romantic drama, complicated sisters, and Halloween stories with more charm than genuine scares. Kat’s decisions may test your patience, but Mystic Hollow’s spooky atmosphere and magical mayhem make the journey an entertaining one.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2026
Loved this author since the Disney twisted tales. When I saw she was doing a fall themed book!!! I Iiterally can’t find any Halloween or new fall books this year. So jumped on this one!!!! It did not disappoint has the perfect amount of magic and romance 🥰
September 30, 2026
This was a cute fall romance, although there were some aspects I didn’t like. I loved the fall vibes especially the descriptions of fall activities such as pumpkin patch and fall treats like pumpkin spiced latte. This book reminded me of Practical Magic and HalloweenTown. I loved the sprinkle of magic and spooky creatures such as vampires, witches, and werewolves. The plot was fun and interesting. The pacing was slow in the beginning, but picked up in the middle and end. I had mixed feelings about the main female character. Kat was selfish, boy crazy, clueless and didn't think about decisions before making them. She did develop by the end, but she frustrated me for most of the book. I really liked Zach, he was sweet, smart, funny, competitive, and cared for Kat a lot. I also loved his glasses (reminded me of Spencer Reid 😍) and how much he yearned for Kat. The side characters were funny and interesting especially Kat's Aunts, her best friend and her parents. Similar to Kat I had mixed feelings for her sister Harriet, she had good intentions but didn't explain them to Kat and didn't make well thought out decisions. I didn't like how the sisters treated each other at first, but I'm glad they made up and it is relatable for many people. I'm glad that I have a great relationship with my sister. I enjoyed the interactions between Kat and her Aunts, they were funny and sweet. The romance felt one-sided, Zach really cared for Kat, but she didn't even notice him until the end. I did like how slow-burn the romance was, but wanted to see more development and expression of Kat's feelings. The chemistry was good, but I wanted for depth and connection. Overall, this was a sweet fall romance, but it felt short on some characters and the romance was lacking.
September 9, 2026
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Insta Book Tours.
Practically Magic is a fun, sweet and humorous YA cosy Halloween read perfect for the autumn season.
Kat has always felt a little inferior to her older sister Harriet who is seemingly perfect in her and her family's eyes and she feels stung that their close sibling bond has begun to fray since Harriet went away to Uni.
When the opportunity to prove herself as a Hadley witch presents itself, Kat is all for proving she has what it takes to perform the rituals to protect the town from all things supernatural as the family have been doing since the time of the Headless Horseman the town is famous for. All she needs is her one true love to help her cast the spell. However, each crush she's had each halloween has gone heartbreakingly wrong. Now she just has to convince Colton (her recent crush) to realise he's head over heals for her. A piece of cake right?
This was such a fun read and had me giggling all the way through at the community page posts at the start of each chapter, the paranormal and supernatural antics and the banter between the characters. Filled with teenage angst and sibling fall outs this book will connect with its target audience well. If you love hocus pocus, gilmore girls, frozen and practical magic - you need to pick this one up.
Practically Magic is a fun, sweet and humorous YA cosy Halloween read perfect for the autumn season.
Kat has always felt a little inferior to her older sister Harriet who is seemingly perfect in her and her family's eyes and she feels stung that their close sibling bond has begun to fray since Harriet went away to Uni.
When the opportunity to prove herself as a Hadley witch presents itself, Kat is all for proving she has what it takes to perform the rituals to protect the town from all things supernatural as the family have been doing since the time of the Headless Horseman the town is famous for. All she needs is her one true love to help her cast the spell. However, each crush she's had each halloween has gone heartbreakingly wrong. Now she just has to convince Colton (her recent crush) to realise he's head over heals for her. A piece of cake right?
This was such a fun read and had me giggling all the way through at the community page posts at the start of each chapter, the paranormal and supernatural antics and the banter between the characters. Filled with teenage angst and sibling fall outs this book will connect with its target audience well. If you love hocus pocus, gilmore girls, frozen and practical magic - you need to pick this one up.
September 3, 2026
I enjoyed this book, somewhat inexplicably, but it had almost exclusively MAJOR issues at its core. For starters, how unimaginably stupid does this whole family have to be to allow an ACTUAL CHILD who HASN’T COME INTO HER MAGIC YET (well, as far as they know. In point of fact, she’s obviously had it for ages and is somehow just too…oblivious? Down on herself? Dense? To recognize the signs) to cast the MOST VITAL RITUALS OF THE YEAR, WITHOUT SUPERVISION, with a VITALLY IMPORTANT PARTNER that NO ONE HAS MET, who needs to be her TRUE LOVE, but no one has even confirmed he actually even exists or has made sure that they seem to be the real deal? Like. This is UNBEARABLY stupid. Really. Especially when we’re to understand everyone in this family is both exceptionally intelligent and exceptionally perceptive—OH, WAIT, NO, THEY’RE NOT. Ugh.
So. The very premise of the book is flawed to its core, and that’s just the beginning of what’s wrong with this clusterfuck of a story. The conflict between the sisters is impossibly stupid, especially once all the minutiae of each side comes out. The stubborn refusal to accept or understand why they broke magic with their fight and why their completely phoned-in apologies and forgivenesses didn’t fix it is pigheaded beyond bearing. The way every single member of this family approaches this situation from beginning to end is unfathomably foolish and nonsensical. Seriously, why would anyone brush off something with such high stakes so casually?
The emotions are all hollow and shallow, the conflicts are stupid, the driving force behind pretty much every beat of the story is absurd or downright insane, the characters’ reactions to the things going on around them are entirely disconnected from reality—really, there’s VERY little to recommend this book. It’s a profoundly stupid and terrible read.
However. I read it very quickly and spent more time enjoying it than raging about the idiocy of the goings on. So. That definitely deserves to be noted. I don’t know WHY I enjoyed it—honestly, maybe it’s just straight vibes. Maybe it’s as simple as: my autumn-starved little soul wanted something SUPER autumnal, and goddamnit, this filled that need! And maybe that’s enough. I dunno.
The cover was GORGEOUS. That does need to be said. I wouldn’t have picked it up at all were it not for the cover. Everything else was quite astoundingly bad, though.
So. The very premise of the book is flawed to its core, and that’s just the beginning of what’s wrong with this clusterfuck of a story. The conflict between the sisters is impossibly stupid, especially once all the minutiae of each side comes out. The stubborn refusal to accept or understand why they broke magic with their fight and why their completely phoned-in apologies and forgivenesses didn’t fix it is pigheaded beyond bearing. The way every single member of this family approaches this situation from beginning to end is unfathomably foolish and nonsensical. Seriously, why would anyone brush off something with such high stakes so casually?
The emotions are all hollow and shallow, the conflicts are stupid, the driving force behind pretty much every beat of the story is absurd or downright insane, the characters’ reactions to the things going on around them are entirely disconnected from reality—really, there’s VERY little to recommend this book. It’s a profoundly stupid and terrible read.
However. I read it very quickly and spent more time enjoying it than raging about the idiocy of the goings on. So. That definitely deserves to be noted. I don’t know WHY I enjoyed it—honestly, maybe it’s just straight vibes. Maybe it’s as simple as: my autumn-starved little soul wanted something SUPER autumnal, and goddamnit, this filled that need! And maybe that’s enough. I dunno.
The cover was GORGEOUS. That does need to be said. I wouldn’t have picked it up at all were it not for the cover. Everything else was quite astoundingly bad, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Halloweentown and Sabrina the Teenage Witch fans, this is for you! Jen Calonita writes the cutesiest most wholesome YA contemporary out there (and I’ve been reading her books since I actually was the age of her target audience). If anyone grew up reading Bras and Broomsticks by Sara Mlynowski, this book was so similar in style to that. This was autumnal, light, witty, tongue in cheek, filled with magical mishaps, and absolutely adorable. The setting also has every halloween stereotype you can think of, from everything in the town named after something related to Halloween, to Kat living in a 200 year old Victorian house rumored to be haunted. Which is fitting for a family of witches. Down to the eccentric witchy aunts. And of course, this tiny halloween obsessed town named Mystic Hollow happens to be one of the places where the veil between the supernatural is the thinnest.
Speaking of, Mystic Hollow is a Halloween lovers dream. Aside from the small town New England coziness, there’s even a Halloween themed restaurant, a local coffee shop called Witches Brew, All Hallows Inn, practically every local shop named something Halloween related, ghost tours, pumpkin patches, you name it. This town takes Halloween verrry seriously. This is truly one of the most autumnal reads out there and as a fall lover, it made me giddy and excited for when the world feels like this again. The atmosphere is witchy, cozy and autumnal, down to the cider donuts, apple spice cookies, and PSLs served inside a pumpkin. Also, reading these really made me crave those waxy candy pumpkins. The ones that are made of the same thing candy corn is made of but tastes way better because the shape is more satisfying. If you know you know.
This was so much autumnal fun. All sorts of stereotypical Halloween creatures terrorizing a Halloween obsessed town. The veil between the living and the supernatural realm being thinner and one witch family tasked to prevent it from falling. It was like Goosebumps meets Halloweentown. I’m not the target audience, but honestly, I loved it. It was cute rather than spooky, and was like one of those family friendly Halloween movies, which tbh I prefer. Books like these make it easiest to romanticize my favorite season. I read this in the miserable dead heat of June and it gave me a spark of joy of my favorite time of year, when the weather cools, and life feels more fun and easier to romanticize. The cutesiest Halloween book I’ve read yet!
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
Speaking of, Mystic Hollow is a Halloween lovers dream. Aside from the small town New England coziness, there’s even a Halloween themed restaurant, a local coffee shop called Witches Brew, All Hallows Inn, practically every local shop named something Halloween related, ghost tours, pumpkin patches, you name it. This town takes Halloween verrry seriously. This is truly one of the most autumnal reads out there and as a fall lover, it made me giddy and excited for when the world feels like this again. The atmosphere is witchy, cozy and autumnal, down to the cider donuts, apple spice cookies, and PSLs served inside a pumpkin. Also, reading these really made me crave those waxy candy pumpkins. The ones that are made of the same thing candy corn is made of but tastes way better because the shape is more satisfying. If you know you know.
This was so much autumnal fun. All sorts of stereotypical Halloween creatures terrorizing a Halloween obsessed town. The veil between the living and the supernatural realm being thinner and one witch family tasked to prevent it from falling. It was like Goosebumps meets Halloweentown. I’m not the target audience, but honestly, I loved it. It was cute rather than spooky, and was like one of those family friendly Halloween movies, which tbh I prefer. Books like these make it easiest to romanticize my favorite season. I read this in the miserable dead heat of June and it gave me a spark of joy of my favorite time of year, when the weather cools, and life feels more fun and easier to romanticize. The cutesiest Halloween book I’ve read yet!
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
Read
August 9, 2026Wow! This was really cute! If you’re looking for a book to get you into the Halloween and cozy vibes, grab your PSL and give this YA cozy a read. 🎃🍂
It has one of those towns you wish was real. Everything is Halloween-focused, complete with the witchy Hadley sisters. I truly enjoyed going along on younger sister Kat Hadley’s journey to find love, even if she has to use a little magic to do it.
I was thankful to receive the complimentary audiobook from Harper Children’s Audio via NetGalley to read ahead of publication on August 25, 2026, which is the perfect time for cozy season reading.
While I loved reading this with narrator Ferdelle Capistrano, who brought age-appropriate vocals and pacing to the story, I did get frustrated with several mispronounced words that were not regional dialect-based. They were simply incorrect. One example was “row,” as in a fight, which she mispronounced over and over. It happens, but especially when you have a book intended for young adults, it’s disappointing to have it happen as often as it did in this production.
So, with that being said, I personally would recommend the physical book for this one. But regardless of the format you choose, this is such a wonderful coming-of-age tale that goes beyond the young romance. I think readers young and old will eat this one up this cozy season! 🍁🎃
It has one of those towns you wish was real. Everything is Halloween-focused, complete with the witchy Hadley sisters. I truly enjoyed going along on younger sister Kat Hadley’s journey to find love, even if she has to use a little magic to do it.
I was thankful to receive the complimentary audiobook from Harper Children’s Audio via NetGalley to read ahead of publication on August 25, 2026, which is the perfect time for cozy season reading.
While I loved reading this with narrator Ferdelle Capistrano, who brought age-appropriate vocals and pacing to the story, I did get frustrated with several mispronounced words that were not regional dialect-based. They were simply incorrect. One example was “row,” as in a fight, which she mispronounced over and over. It happens, but especially when you have a book intended for young adults, it’s disappointing to have it happen as often as it did in this production.
So, with that being said, I personally would recommend the physical book for this one. But regardless of the format you choose, this is such a wonderful coming-of-age tale that goes beyond the young romance. I think readers young and old will eat this one up this cozy season! 🍁🎃
August 15, 2026
(4.25 rounded up)
Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Practical Magic meets Halloweentown!
This book has the nostalgia and quirkiness of the old Sabrina the Teenage Witch that was on Nickelodeon. It has the charm and elegance and values of Practical Magic (but for teens). It has the cozy Halloween vibes of Halloweentown. It was cute and funny, and reminiscent of the shows and movies I watched when I was younger. It made me feel young again!
Yes, it’s a teen book, but don’t let that fool you. It has depth and heart for YA. It’s funny and cute and has a good moral lesson on family. Plus you get some really cute and funny magical creatures….some might be a little scary!
The story features two sisters, two cool aunts, and parents. The girls are left to mend the wards and spells that keep the town safe. What ensues is a heartwarming magical story of family. Everything about it is enchanting.
Narration was wonderful. The narrator chosen did an excellent job bringing the story to life.
Tropes/themes: FAMILY BONDS (this is heavy), secrets, sacrifice, magic, magical creatures, growing up, teen love, bonds, teen life, witches, sisters
Thank you Harper Audio Children and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this magical book
Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Practical Magic meets Halloweentown!
This book has the nostalgia and quirkiness of the old Sabrina the Teenage Witch that was on Nickelodeon. It has the charm and elegance and values of Practical Magic (but for teens). It has the cozy Halloween vibes of Halloweentown. It was cute and funny, and reminiscent of the shows and movies I watched when I was younger. It made me feel young again!
Yes, it’s a teen book, but don’t let that fool you. It has depth and heart for YA. It’s funny and cute and has a good moral lesson on family. Plus you get some really cute and funny magical creatures….some might be a little scary!
The story features two sisters, two cool aunts, and parents. The girls are left to mend the wards and spells that keep the town safe. What ensues is a heartwarming magical story of family. Everything about it is enchanting.
Narration was wonderful. The narrator chosen did an excellent job bringing the story to life.
Tropes/themes: FAMILY BONDS (this is heavy), secrets, sacrifice, magic, magical creatures, growing up, teen love, bonds, teen life, witches, sisters
Thank you Harper Audio Children and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this magical book
May 3, 2026
Ahhh so cute I can’t wait for Halloween!🎃
Thank you Edelweiss and Avon a for giving me the opportunity to read this early!
Thank you Edelweiss and Avon a for giving me the opportunity to read this early!
August 8, 2026
Adorable and magical, I’d have loved maybe 10 more pages, wrapping up Kat’s story and setting up a next one, as I thought both the climax and ending were a bit abrupt, but overall good magical autumnal fun! Thanks to #Netgalley for an eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2026
🌙 🎃 3 stars 🐈⬛ 🍂
Practically Magic is a cute YA romance about Kat Hadley, a teenage witch, who accidentally reverses all spells made by her family after finding out her older sister Harriet cast a spell to make all her crushes avoid her until she meets her soulmate. However, this also makes all the boys Kat has ever liked become completely in love with her.
The book centers around their New England town of Mystic Hollow and its Halloween celebrations. The Hadley family has used their magic to protect the town for years, but after Kat reverses the spells, magical creatures start coming into the real world, threatening to destroy Mystic Hollow. Kat now has to learn to control her unpredictable magic with the help of her academic rival, who Kat seems to have underestimated.
I enjoyed the first half of this book with its cute fall vibes and Kat’s internal conflict, but the second half with all the magical creatures and the romance was very rushed and underdeveloped. The book was very short, so I just think there wasn’t enough time for worldbuilding and evolution of the romance.
I might recommend this book if you’re looking for a cute fall book, but in my opinion the only real standout of the novel is its Halloween vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing date: 25 August 2026
Practically Magic is a cute YA romance about Kat Hadley, a teenage witch, who accidentally reverses all spells made by her family after finding out her older sister Harriet cast a spell to make all her crushes avoid her until she meets her soulmate. However, this also makes all the boys Kat has ever liked become completely in love with her.
The book centers around their New England town of Mystic Hollow and its Halloween celebrations. The Hadley family has used their magic to protect the town for years, but after Kat reverses the spells, magical creatures start coming into the real world, threatening to destroy Mystic Hollow. Kat now has to learn to control her unpredictable magic with the help of her academic rival, who Kat seems to have underestimated.
I enjoyed the first half of this book with its cute fall vibes and Kat’s internal conflict, but the second half with all the magical creatures and the romance was very rushed and underdeveloped. The book was very short, so I just think there wasn’t enough time for worldbuilding and evolution of the romance.
I might recommend this book if you’re looking for a cute fall book, but in my opinion the only real standout of the novel is its Halloween vibes.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Publishing date: 25 August 2026
September 7, 2026
FTC DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This was such a cute concept. I loved all the fall and Halloween vibes (the concept of drinking coffee out of a pumpkin??! 😍), and the sister storyline. Also, the aunts were iconic!
It was a lot witchier than I was expecting with rituals, undead and supernatural creatures, and naturally occurring magic. I'll admit, I was rather uncomfortable reading it, and I'm not sure I would pick up a book like this again, but that's just a personal preference. 😉
Perfect read for fall. 🧡
This was such a cute concept. I loved all the fall and Halloween vibes (the concept of drinking coffee out of a pumpkin??! 😍), and the sister storyline. Also, the aunts were iconic!
It was a lot witchier than I was expecting with rituals, undead and supernatural creatures, and naturally occurring magic. I'll admit, I was rather uncomfortable reading it, and I'm not sure I would pick up a book like this again, but that's just a personal preference. 😉
Perfect read for fall. 🧡
October 2, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ / Audiobook 🎧
This was super cute and fun! Perfect start to my fall reading.
Kat was absolutely the most stereotypical teenage girl, obsessed with boys' attention and falling in love with any boy who moves. The romance was honestly very subtle and not in your face, which was a nice change. I like that the story focused more on Kat and Harriet, with their sisterly challenges. Both girls drove me absolutely insane and they were both in the wrong but it was super cute to see them work out their differences and come together in the end.
This was super cute and fun! Perfect start to my fall reading.
Kat was absolutely the most stereotypical teenage girl, obsessed with boys' attention and falling in love with any boy who moves. The romance was honestly very subtle and not in your face, which was a nice change. I like that the story focused more on Kat and Harriet, with their sisterly challenges. Both girls drove me absolutely insane and they were both in the wrong but it was super cute to see them work out their differences and come together in the end.
Did Not Finish
September 6, 2026Not rating this book because if I were a 11/12yr old girl….this book would be right up my alley! It is very juvenile & perfect for those young readers! My local Barnes & Noble had this in the adult section so it was a little misleading when I bought it but I still wanted to give it a go! I DNF’d this on pg 158 & I was 59% into the audiobook. Again this is a PERFECT book for young readers!
September 15, 2026
This was such a cute, wholesome, quick read!
I really loooooved the message of sisterhood<333 And I also loved the small town vibes too; it was really reminding me of Halloweentown/Gilmore Girls.
It wasn’t something I’ll probably continue to think about in the future, but I do think reading this closer to actual Halloween would be so much fun!
I really loooooved the message of sisterhood<333 And I also loved the small town vibes too; it was really reminding me of Halloweentown/Gilmore Girls.
It wasn’t something I’ll probably continue to think about in the future, but I do think reading this closer to actual Halloween would be so much fun!
September 4, 2026
I wish I liked this. It had elements that were cute but overall I'm disappointed and am so glad to be done with this book.
September 10, 2026
6 stars. I’m NOT an emotional person, like I almost never cry, and I cried twice in this book. It is a clean fall rom com and for this being Jen’s first Rom com it’s so good you wouldn’t know it. It does curses once.
Trope:
Sisterhood
Family
Small town romance
Magic/ witches
Trope:
Sisterhood
Family
Small town romance
Magic/ witches
August 21, 2026
This is such a cute YA romance, with all the fall & witchy vibes. It’s a quick read, and I listened to it in one sitting!
Kat is part of a magical family where all the women are witches. Each Halloween, they cast a spell to protect their town, but it must be cast with the love of their life. Kat is determined to find her love with the cute boy in school, even though she has had her heart broken every past Halloween (which we visit in flashbacks), and cast the spell this year. But when her perfect sister, Harriet, arrives to do the spell instead, Kat finds out that the reason she’s been invisible to boys is that Harriet cast that curse, to save her from more heartbreak. When they argue about this, the magic breaks & all past spells have been reversed. It leads to scary consequences for the town & hilarious moments for all the boys that were turned away from Kat.
This is the perfect lighthearted spooky season book..The magic system was so fun & different, and it was a blast watching how it fell apart. The setting of the small town that loves Halloween had all the Stars Hollow meets Halloweentown vibes. I also really enjoyed the posts from the community page that started each chapter. It was a really unique way to show the temperature of the town citizens over the course of the book. They were fun asides at first & then they increasingly showed how things were spiraling.
I listened to the audiobook & the narration was fantastic. I was glad that the high schoolers actually sounded young & Ferdelle did a wonderful job differentiating the characters. I really enjoyed her voices for the supernatural creatures too.
Thank you to HarperAudio Children’s, Avon a, and NetGalley for providing the ARC, this is my honest review!
Kat is part of a magical family where all the women are witches. Each Halloween, they cast a spell to protect their town, but it must be cast with the love of their life. Kat is determined to find her love with the cute boy in school, even though she has had her heart broken every past Halloween (which we visit in flashbacks), and cast the spell this year. But when her perfect sister, Harriet, arrives to do the spell instead, Kat finds out that the reason she’s been invisible to boys is that Harriet cast that curse, to save her from more heartbreak. When they argue about this, the magic breaks & all past spells have been reversed. It leads to scary consequences for the town & hilarious moments for all the boys that were turned away from Kat.
This is the perfect lighthearted spooky season book..The magic system was so fun & different, and it was a blast watching how it fell apart. The setting of the small town that loves Halloween had all the Stars Hollow meets Halloweentown vibes. I also really enjoyed the posts from the community page that started each chapter. It was a really unique way to show the temperature of the town citizens over the course of the book. They were fun asides at first & then they increasingly showed how things were spiraling.
I listened to the audiobook & the narration was fantastic. I was glad that the high schoolers actually sounded young & Ferdelle did a wonderful job differentiating the characters. I really enjoyed her voices for the supernatural creatures too.
Thank you to HarperAudio Children’s, Avon a, and NetGalley for providing the ARC, this is my honest review!
August 23, 2026
I enjoyed this book but the cover had me believing this would be a romance book when its really not. Romance here is a very tiny subplot while the main story is about sibling relationship between the main character and her sister which i enjoyed however i felt like the cover was misrepresenting the book.
Other than that the main character is fun and relatable despite at times being very stupid. There were some plot holes but i can look over that. I had a lot of fun reading this and i would definitely recommend it to a teen audience but readers older than that might find this book too juvenile.
The narration was great and the audio quality was good.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperAudio Children’s for an ARCs copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Other than that the main character is fun and relatable despite at times being very stupid. There were some plot holes but i can look over that. I had a lot of fun reading this and i would definitely recommend it to a teen audience but readers older than that might find this book too juvenile.
The narration was great and the audio quality was good.
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperAudio Children’s for an ARCs copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Want to Read
June 13, 2026Obsession meets the Gilmore Girls with magic. This sounds so cute.
September 23, 2026
There are books that completely blow me away with their originality, and then there are books that are simply so much fun that I don't really care whether the plot is reinventing the wheel. Practically Magic definitely falls into the second category for me. This was such a cozy, witchy, autumnal read, and honestly, sometimes that is exactly what I want from a book. Give me witches, small-town Halloween festivities, pumpkin spice, magical chaos, and a little romance, and I'm happy.
The story follows Kat Hadley, a teenage witch from a long line of Hadley women who have protected their town of Mystic Hollow for generations. Kat is convinced that she's hopeless when it comes to boys, especially compared to her seemingly perfect older sister, Harriet. Determined to prove herself, Kat wants to take part in the Halloween ritual that protects Mystic Hollow from the supernatural forces beyond the veil. Unfortunately, things go spectacularly wrong when Kat discovers that Harriet secretly cast a spell on her to protect her from heartbreak.
Understandably, Kat is furious. But her anger has consequences far beyond a sisterly argument. Their magic begins to unravel, and spells that were meant to protect Mystic Hollow start doing the exact opposite. Suddenly, the town is dealing with supernatural mayhem, the veil between worlds is weakening, and Kat's former crushes are inexplicably falling all over themselves for her. What initially seems like a dream come true becomes another magical disaster that she and Harriet have to fix before Halloween becomes Mystic Hollow's last.
Kat was a really fun protagonist. She's impulsive, stubborn, boy-crazy, and constantly getting herself into magical trouble, but that made her incredibly entertaining to follow. I also liked that beneath all of her romantic drama was a girl trying to figure out who she was outside of her sister's shadow.
Harriet is the perfect older-sister foil to Kat. She's responsible and powerful, but her desire to protect Kat ultimately becomes the source of their biggest conflict. Their relationship is really the emotional heart of the book, and I enjoyed watching them work through the resentment that had built between them.
The supporting cast, especially the Hadley family, adds a lot of charm and humor. And then there's Zach, Kat's academic rival, whose dynamic with her provides some of the more entertaining moments of the story. I also absolutely loved the supernatural side characters and creatures. The Headless Horseman subplot was probably my favorite part of the larger magical storyline and gave the book that extra Halloween-y edge I wanted.
Is this the most fascinating or original plot I've ever read? Definitely not. Some of the story felt fairly predictable, and I occasionally wanted a little more depth from the characters and magical conflict. But honestly, I had so much fun reading it.
The biggest selling point for me was the atmosphere. Practically Magic feels like curling up under a blanket in October with a pumpkin spice latte while something witchy plays in the background. It's cozy, playful, charming, and unapologetically autumnal.
Sometimes a book doesn't need to be profound to be enjoyable. Practically Magic gave me witches, Halloween, magical mayhem, sisterhood, romance, and a Headless Horseman—and I had a great time with all of it.
The story follows Kat Hadley, a teenage witch from a long line of Hadley women who have protected their town of Mystic Hollow for generations. Kat is convinced that she's hopeless when it comes to boys, especially compared to her seemingly perfect older sister, Harriet. Determined to prove herself, Kat wants to take part in the Halloween ritual that protects Mystic Hollow from the supernatural forces beyond the veil. Unfortunately, things go spectacularly wrong when Kat discovers that Harriet secretly cast a spell on her to protect her from heartbreak.
Understandably, Kat is furious. But her anger has consequences far beyond a sisterly argument. Their magic begins to unravel, and spells that were meant to protect Mystic Hollow start doing the exact opposite. Suddenly, the town is dealing with supernatural mayhem, the veil between worlds is weakening, and Kat's former crushes are inexplicably falling all over themselves for her. What initially seems like a dream come true becomes another magical disaster that she and Harriet have to fix before Halloween becomes Mystic Hollow's last.
Kat was a really fun protagonist. She's impulsive, stubborn, boy-crazy, and constantly getting herself into magical trouble, but that made her incredibly entertaining to follow. I also liked that beneath all of her romantic drama was a girl trying to figure out who she was outside of her sister's shadow.
Harriet is the perfect older-sister foil to Kat. She's responsible and powerful, but her desire to protect Kat ultimately becomes the source of their biggest conflict. Their relationship is really the emotional heart of the book, and I enjoyed watching them work through the resentment that had built between them.
The supporting cast, especially the Hadley family, adds a lot of charm and humor. And then there's Zach, Kat's academic rival, whose dynamic with her provides some of the more entertaining moments of the story. I also absolutely loved the supernatural side characters and creatures. The Headless Horseman subplot was probably my favorite part of the larger magical storyline and gave the book that extra Halloween-y edge I wanted.
Is this the most fascinating or original plot I've ever read? Definitely not. Some of the story felt fairly predictable, and I occasionally wanted a little more depth from the characters and magical conflict. But honestly, I had so much fun reading it.
The biggest selling point for me was the atmosphere. Practically Magic feels like curling up under a blanket in October with a pumpkin spice latte while something witchy plays in the background. It's cozy, playful, charming, and unapologetically autumnal.
Sometimes a book doesn't need to be profound to be enjoyable. Practically Magic gave me witches, Halloween, magical mayhem, sisterhood, romance, and a Headless Horseman—and I had a great time with all of it.
September 3, 2026
Did you enjoy Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Practical Magic, Charmed back in the day? If so, Practically Magic will be right up your street.
Two sisters. Small town. Magical powers. Curses on boys. You know it.
Kat feels invisible to boys. She also feels she’s been living in her sister’s shadow for years. So, it’s time she stood her ground and took responsibility for the annual ritual that takes place on Halloween night, to protect and guard the town of Mystic Hollow. A small, spooky, quaint town.
The ritual, however, can only be performed with two people. Kat needs to perform this with someone she loves, and she may have told a teeny tiny little white lie to her family… that she will have Peter by her side. Peter is her boyfriend, they are in love, Peter has never met the family, so they are none the wiser. But there is a reason why Peter has never met the family. Peter, does not exist. BUT! Kat has a plan. Throw a Halloween party whilst her family are out of town, Harriet is at university, her town crush will be there, realise his true feelings for her and fall madly in love, just in time to help complete the ritual.
Risky? Sure. Doable. Absolutely. Not.
Of course, one person who does know the truth is Harriet. The perfect older sister and protector of her younger sister, she cast a curse a few years back to protect Kat from heartbreak and make her invisible to all boys. Unbeknownst to Kat. Obviously.
In learning of this curse, it does not go down at all well, as one would expect. And of course, things take a little turn. So much so, things, go, wrong. So very wrong. Kat loses control - of herself, of their sisterly bond and, more importantly, of magic itself.
It’s like Opposites Day. Good brings bad.
All of a sudden, Kat wishes she was in fact still invisible. Every boy, every crush, now finds her irresistible. Time is running out to try to fix this - not only to repair the balance between the worlds, and the town, but also the sister’s relationship. Will this be the last Halloween Mystic Hollow ever sees?
I had a good time with Practically Magic. It was a little more YA than I was expecting, and I definitely felt the writing was more juvenile than I would have personally liked. However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Kat carried the typical teenage attitude, determination and fought for her place in ‘society’ just how you’d expect any teenager to be. Her focus on boys, her stubbornness and her blind optimism that her plan was absolutely going to work, despite all evidence to the contrary, really nailed the typical teenage mentality.
The subplot storyline between Kat & Zach – I called that instantly – was sweet and fun, brought an elevated level of comedy to the plot. Her obliviousness to what was going on there, was really cute, I have to say!
Kat and Harriets aunts? Hello, Hilda and Zelda! Honestly, this brought Sabrina back for me - the TV show in book form. I loved that.
Whilst the romance element wasn't actually the focal point, this really homed in on the idea of sisterhood, learning to trust yourself and others, and working together just like Sally & Gillian in Practical Magic - magic goes wrong, but you can fix it, if you come together, trust one another.
I think that was the overall message as the sisterly bond brought it all together and gave the story that extra added depth.
This was a cute, cosy, sweet read, and whilst it was a little TOO YA for me, I think if you were a witchy teen, looking for a cosy Halloweeny read, this would be the perfect one for you – ready for a Sunday October afternoon wrapped up in a blanket with a hot chocolate and marshmallow or two.
Thank you to Jen Calonita & Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy, in exchange for an honest review.
Two sisters. Small town. Magical powers. Curses on boys. You know it.
Kat feels invisible to boys. She also feels she’s been living in her sister’s shadow for years. So, it’s time she stood her ground and took responsibility for the annual ritual that takes place on Halloween night, to protect and guard the town of Mystic Hollow. A small, spooky, quaint town.
The ritual, however, can only be performed with two people. Kat needs to perform this with someone she loves, and she may have told a teeny tiny little white lie to her family… that she will have Peter by her side. Peter is her boyfriend, they are in love, Peter has never met the family, so they are none the wiser. But there is a reason why Peter has never met the family. Peter, does not exist. BUT! Kat has a plan. Throw a Halloween party whilst her family are out of town, Harriet is at university, her town crush will be there, realise his true feelings for her and fall madly in love, just in time to help complete the ritual.
Risky? Sure. Doable. Absolutely. Not.
Of course, one person who does know the truth is Harriet. The perfect older sister and protector of her younger sister, she cast a curse a few years back to protect Kat from heartbreak and make her invisible to all boys. Unbeknownst to Kat. Obviously.
In learning of this curse, it does not go down at all well, as one would expect. And of course, things take a little turn. So much so, things, go, wrong. So very wrong. Kat loses control - of herself, of their sisterly bond and, more importantly, of magic itself.
It’s like Opposites Day. Good brings bad.
All of a sudden, Kat wishes she was in fact still invisible. Every boy, every crush, now finds her irresistible. Time is running out to try to fix this - not only to repair the balance between the worlds, and the town, but also the sister’s relationship. Will this be the last Halloween Mystic Hollow ever sees?
I had a good time with Practically Magic. It was a little more YA than I was expecting, and I definitely felt the writing was more juvenile than I would have personally liked. However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Kat carried the typical teenage attitude, determination and fought for her place in ‘society’ just how you’d expect any teenager to be. Her focus on boys, her stubbornness and her blind optimism that her plan was absolutely going to work, despite all evidence to the contrary, really nailed the typical teenage mentality.
The subplot storyline between Kat & Zach – I called that instantly – was sweet and fun, brought an elevated level of comedy to the plot. Her obliviousness to what was going on there, was really cute, I have to say!
Kat and Harriets aunts? Hello, Hilda and Zelda! Honestly, this brought Sabrina back for me - the TV show in book form. I loved that.
Whilst the romance element wasn't actually the focal point, this really homed in on the idea of sisterhood, learning to trust yourself and others, and working together just like Sally & Gillian in Practical Magic - magic goes wrong, but you can fix it, if you come together, trust one another.
I think that was the overall message as the sisterly bond brought it all together and gave the story that extra added depth.
This was a cute, cosy, sweet read, and whilst it was a little TOO YA for me, I think if you were a witchy teen, looking for a cosy Halloweeny read, this would be the perfect one for you – ready for a Sunday October afternoon wrapped up in a blanket with a hot chocolate and marshmallow or two.
Thank you to Jen Calonita & Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy, in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2026
Kat Hadley has lived in her older sister’s shadow for too long and wants to be trusted with the responsibility of performing an important ritual on Halloween to help guard the town. Unfortunately, the ritual needs to be completed with someone you love and Kat may have told her family a little white lie….her boyfriend, Peter Parker, doesn’t exist. She’s convinced that her crush, the town’s golden boy, will realise his feelings for her and help her complete the ritual…not a risky judgement call at all…
This was such a cute, wholesome kind of read. The setting was absolutely perfect autumn vibes. Mystic Hollow was like if you made Salem an adorable small town - everything leant heavily into the cosy Halloween vibe and I loved it. It felt like immersing myself in a pumpkin spice latte.
Kat has the blind optimism and stubborn determination that only a teenager can have. Her focus on boys and her teenage crush threw me straight back to being 16. It took Kat a minute to accept that maybe her plan had some flaws and that she was going to need help - especially after an argument with her sister sends their magic haywire and the town’s magical defences fall.
The romance with Zach was sweet and I enjoyed their rivalry. Kat was oblivious to Zach’s fairly obvious crush and very much buried her own feelings, so it was lovely to see them come together.
However, the romance isn’t the main focus here, and more of a lovely little cherry on top. The story is one of family, sisters and learning to trust in your own magic. The storyline bringing Kat and Harriet back together gave the book a little more depth, and I enjoyed the focus on the sisters.
I don’t tend to read much YA and I don’t think that’s going to change, but this was a really cute and quick read and I very much enjoyed the cosy Halloween vibes. I definitely think this is the sort of book I’d have ate up as a teenager as well!
*I received a review copy from the publisher - this is my honest opinion.
This was such a cute, wholesome kind of read. The setting was absolutely perfect autumn vibes. Mystic Hollow was like if you made Salem an adorable small town - everything leant heavily into the cosy Halloween vibe and I loved it. It felt like immersing myself in a pumpkin spice latte.
Kat has the blind optimism and stubborn determination that only a teenager can have. Her focus on boys and her teenage crush threw me straight back to being 16. It took Kat a minute to accept that maybe her plan had some flaws and that she was going to need help - especially after an argument with her sister sends their magic haywire and the town’s magical defences fall.
The romance with Zach was sweet and I enjoyed their rivalry. Kat was oblivious to Zach’s fairly obvious crush and very much buried her own feelings, so it was lovely to see them come together.
However, the romance isn’t the main focus here, and more of a lovely little cherry on top. The story is one of family, sisters and learning to trust in your own magic. The storyline bringing Kat and Harriet back together gave the book a little more depth, and I enjoyed the focus on the sisters.
I don’t tend to read much YA and I don’t think that’s going to change, but this was a really cute and quick read and I very much enjoyed the cosy Halloween vibes. I definitely think this is the sort of book I’d have ate up as a teenager as well!
*I received a review copy from the publisher - this is my honest opinion.
August 17, 2026
Practically Magic was a cute, witchy Halloween read with plenty of cozy fall vibes. I really enjoyed the premise of a well-intentioned love spell turning into a curse and causing all kinds of magical chaos. The sisterly relationship at the heart of the story was also a sweet addition, especially as Kat and Harriet have to work through their issues while trying to save Mystic Hollow.
There were some fun moments, a little romance, and just enough spooky atmosphere to make this a great seasonal listen. Ferdelle Capistrano did a nice job bringing the story to life on audio.
Overall, I thought the storyline was cute and had a lot of potential. It just didn’t completely pull me in the way I was hoping it would, but I can definitely see this being a fun choice for readers looking for a light, magical Halloween read.
Thank you to HarperAudio Children’s and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
There were some fun moments, a little romance, and just enough spooky atmosphere to make this a great seasonal listen. Ferdelle Capistrano did a nice job bringing the story to life on audio.
Overall, I thought the storyline was cute and had a lot of potential. It just didn’t completely pull me in the way I was hoping it would, but I can definitely see this being a fun choice for readers looking for a light, magical Halloween read.
Thank you to HarperAudio Children’s and NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2026
Thank you Harper audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4 Stars
Practically Magic was such a fun, cozy listen! The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the characters and magical town to life, making it the perfect audiobook to curl up with.
This story had all the cozy fall and Halloween vibes I was hoping for witches, family magic, small town charm, a little romance, and just the right touch of humor. I really enjoyed the sister relationship at the heart of the story and loved watching everything unfold as the magic spiraled out of control.
If you’re looking for a light, charming, witchy rom-com that will have you reaching for a cozy blanket and a pumpkin spice drink, this is a great pick. It definitely put me in the mood for fall, and I’ll happily be reading more from Jen Calonita!
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4 Stars
Practically Magic was such a fun, cozy listen! The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the characters and magical town to life, making it the perfect audiobook to curl up with.
This story had all the cozy fall and Halloween vibes I was hoping for witches, family magic, small town charm, a little romance, and just the right touch of humor. I really enjoyed the sister relationship at the heart of the story and loved watching everything unfold as the magic spiraled out of control.
If you’re looking for a light, charming, witchy rom-com that will have you reaching for a cozy blanket and a pumpkin spice drink, this is a great pick. It definitely put me in the mood for fall, and I’ll happily be reading more from Jen Calonita!
August 30, 2026
✨️🍂 Practically Magic 🍂✨️
Thank you so much to insta book tours
harper 360 ya and Jen calonita for having me along on this tour and for my gorgeous copy of the book 📖
Reading this book to me felt as though I was watching a cosy witchy film in my head, it all just flowed perfectly. I loved the plot, the characters and oh don't get me started on Mystic Hollow, I want to live there ! I just had such a vivid image of all the places Jen described, and to me it now feels like a real place ✨️
I started this book last Saturday and finished it on the Sunday, I just couldn't put it down and when I did begrudgingly have to, I was thinking about when I could pick it up again.
The more I've thought about it and the fact I can't stop thinking about it, it feels only right to give this book 5 stars.
It was the perfect cosy book for autumn with all the witchy vibes.
Now I do love a witchy book so there was a good chance I was going to enjoy it but this just had something extra about it. I absolutely loved exploring the relationship between Kat and her sister Harriet as things go from bad to worse after Kat finds out Harriet performed a protective curse to save her from heartbreak.
Kat is absolutely livid and cracks don't only appear in their relationship but also the magic protecting their home town. They have to work together to repair their relationship and fast, otherwise it may be Mystic Hollows last Halloween
Practically Magic is out now and is also available on Kindle Unlimited ! 🧡
Thank you so much to insta book tours
harper 360 ya and Jen calonita for having me along on this tour and for my gorgeous copy of the book 📖
Reading this book to me felt as though I was watching a cosy witchy film in my head, it all just flowed perfectly. I loved the plot, the characters and oh don't get me started on Mystic Hollow, I want to live there ! I just had such a vivid image of all the places Jen described, and to me it now feels like a real place ✨️
I started this book last Saturday and finished it on the Sunday, I just couldn't put it down and when I did begrudgingly have to, I was thinking about when I could pick it up again.
The more I've thought about it and the fact I can't stop thinking about it, it feels only right to give this book 5 stars.
It was the perfect cosy book for autumn with all the witchy vibes.
Now I do love a witchy book so there was a good chance I was going to enjoy it but this just had something extra about it. I absolutely loved exploring the relationship between Kat and her sister Harriet as things go from bad to worse after Kat finds out Harriet performed a protective curse to save her from heartbreak.
Kat is absolutely livid and cracks don't only appear in their relationship but also the magic protecting their home town. They have to work together to repair their relationship and fast, otherwise it may be Mystic Hollows last Halloween
Practically Magic is out now and is also available on Kindle Unlimited ! 🧡
August 18, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
On the eve of Halloween, a sister's well-intentioned love spell turns into a curse in this witchy, flirty rom-com perfect for fans of The Ex Hex, Gilmore Girls, and Practical Magic.
This was the perfect cute, cozy read. This is the book to read during the month of October as it takes place during halloween. The element of witches is always interesting to me. This gives whimsical and magic in the best way.
I didn’t connect with the romance and felt like the characters were surface level. Therefore go into this expecting a good time, not an epic romance.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Audio Children’s for this ARC!
On the eve of Halloween, a sister's well-intentioned love spell turns into a curse in this witchy, flirty rom-com perfect for fans of The Ex Hex, Gilmore Girls, and Practical Magic.
This was the perfect cute, cozy read. This is the book to read during the month of October as it takes place during halloween. The element of witches is always interesting to me. This gives whimsical and magic in the best way.
I didn’t connect with the romance and felt like the characters were surface level. Therefore go into this expecting a good time, not an epic romance.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Audio Children’s for this ARC!
September 11, 2026
This was a cute and cozy Halloween slow burn YA romance. I did not realize this was YA when I was browsing, which is not normally my thing, but I finished the book because I received an early release copy from NetGalley.
This story is full of magic, high school crushes, fierce friendships, family loyalty and betrayal. Interesting and entertaining premise and a magical ending.
If YA is your thing, this is a great book to add to your TBR.
Halloween, magic, pumpkin spice lattes, witches, ghosts, wards, zany aunts, and young love.
🎃🧙🏻♀️🧙🐈⬛🍎🌸🛳️🏚️🏇🧛♀️🧛♀️🧛♀️🦇🥳😍☕️🤓🥰
🖥️ebook
Early Access Copy from NetGalley
This story is full of magic, high school crushes, fierce friendships, family loyalty and betrayal. Interesting and entertaining premise and a magical ending.
If YA is your thing, this is a great book to add to your TBR.
Halloween, magic, pumpkin spice lattes, witches, ghosts, wards, zany aunts, and young love.
🎃🧙🏻♀️🧙🐈⬛🍎🌸🛳️🏚️🏇🧛♀️🧛♀️🧛♀️🦇🥳😍☕️🤓🥰
🖥️ebook
Early Access Copy from NetGalley
September 14, 2026
Maybe 2.5 stars?
I loved the Halloween theme, but having a couple on the cover kissing and they literally kiss in the last d*mn sentence of the book. Like OKAY I get that it's YA, but this could've been a little bit more...
Also, the end felt so rushed like why take the time to kinda build and then BOOM in like one paragraph it's done
I loved the Halloween theme, but having a couple on the cover kissing and they literally kiss in the last d*mn sentence of the book. Like OKAY I get that it's YA, but this could've been a little bit more...
Also, the end felt so rushed like why take the time to kinda build and then BOOM in like one paragraph it's done
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