Book Review: Old Flames and New Fortunes

One of my very favorite books is Sarah Hogle’s Just Like Magic. It is a Christmas book, and I feel quite certain I will be reading it every Christmas. So, when I saw she had a new book coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it early.

So two things – I loved this book, but it isn’t the super zany Just Like Magic feel. Hal cannot be duplicated nor should anyone try. And no one tried to take out the Gaineses either. But with that in mind, this book is wonderful and I loved it.

Romina Tempest is a florist of sorts. She uses her witchcraft to create flower arrangements to help people manifest love. In fact, she and her two sisters run a shop in Moonville specializing in their magical gifts. But the shop isn’t doing well, so when a potential financial backer comes to town for his wedding, Romina and the owner of the building Trevor (who is I must say a hilarious mess) go to meet with him, only to find out his dad is marrying Romina’s high school boyfriend Alex’s mom. And now Alex, her great love, is back in town.

So what’s a girl to do? Pretend to be dating Trevor of course. Romina can’t deny her feelings for Alex. But she also is terrified to let anyone in again like that.

I loved Romina and Alex so much! They have great chemistry. And my favorite kind of second chance romances are high school sweethearts who break up and then reconnect when they are older. I loved the bits of magic but it’s like … light magic? Subtle magic? Anyway, it’s fun and sweet and so heartwarming.

One thing I really love is that there are THREE sisters and a prophecy about them all finding love. And so I’m thinking there are going to be 2 more books in this universe for the other 2 Tempest sisters and I love it.

This amazing book is out tomorrow so run get it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the arc.