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Witches of West Harbor #2
The Magic We Made
She doesn’t believe in magic. He is magic. But when they meet, a spark is lit, and neither will ever be the same—in this charming new stand-alone in the Witches of West Harbor series from New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot.
Frankie
A trained therapist, Francesca Giovanni knows there’s a scientific explanation for everything. Unfortunately, she lives in West Harbor, CT, a town that’s recently exploded in popularity thanks to “witch tourism.” Suddenly, witches are everywhere, offering locals their psychic services. Frankie’s fine with this…until aspiring teenage witches begin to disappear, and strange things start happening in the lake house next door. Frankie begins to suspect not all newcomers to West Harbor have the good of the community in mind—especially not her new neighbor, Ash Merit.
Ash
Ash Merit finds lost things—and people—for a living. All he wants is to help his clients, and maybe get to know the stunningly beautiful (and newly single) Dr. Frankie Giovanni a little better. But thanks to some troublesome young witches—not to mention his often faulty psychic “superpower”—everything goes wrong. If only Frankie wasn’t so distractingly attractive…and so unwilling to admit there might not be a logical reason for everything, including the flames that ignite whenever the two of them kiss. Ash hopes to change that, but first he and Frankie have to find the missing girls, as well as the truth about what’s happening in West Harbor…a truth that could change everything they thought they knew about themselves—and the magic of love.
Frankie
A trained therapist, Francesca Giovanni knows there’s a scientific explanation for everything. Unfortunately, she lives in West Harbor, CT, a town that’s recently exploded in popularity thanks to “witch tourism.” Suddenly, witches are everywhere, offering locals their psychic services. Frankie’s fine with this…until aspiring teenage witches begin to disappear, and strange things start happening in the lake house next door. Frankie begins to suspect not all newcomers to West Harbor have the good of the community in mind—especially not her new neighbor, Ash Merit.
Ash
Ash Merit finds lost things—and people—for a living. All he wants is to help his clients, and maybe get to know the stunningly beautiful (and newly single) Dr. Frankie Giovanni a little better. But thanks to some troublesome young witches—not to mention his often faulty psychic “superpower”—everything goes wrong. If only Frankie wasn’t so distractingly attractive…and so unwilling to admit there might not be a logical reason for everything, including the flames that ignite whenever the two of them kiss. Ash hopes to change that, but first he and Frankie have to find the missing girls, as well as the truth about what’s happening in West Harbor…a truth that could change everything they thought they knew about themselves—and the magic of love.
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2026
About the author
Meg Cabot
200 books35.6k followersLibrarian note: AKA Jenny Carroll (1-800-Where-R-You series), AKA Patricia Cabot (historical romance novels).
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
Meg Cabot was born on February 1, 1967, during the Chinese astrological year of the Fire Horse, a notoriously unlucky sign. Fortunately she grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where few people were aware of the stigma of being a fire horse -- at least until Meg became a teenager, when she flunked freshman Algebra twice, then decided to cut her own bangs. After six years as an undergrad at Indiana University, Meg moved to New York City (in the middle of a sanitation worker strike) to pursue a career as an illustrator, at which she failed miserably, forcing her to turn to her favorite hobby--writing novels--for emotional succor. She worked various jobs to pay the rent, including a decade-long stint as the assistant manager of a 700 bed freshmen dormitory at NYU, a position she still occasionally misses.
She is now the author of nearly fifty books for both adults and teens, selling fifteen million copies worldwide, many of which have been #1 New York Times bestsellers, most notably The Princess Diaries series, which is currently being published in over 38 countries, and was made into two hit movies by Disney. In addition, Meg wrote the Mediator and 1-800-Where-R-You? series (on which the television series, Missing, was based), two All-American Girl books, Teen Idol, Avalon High, How to Be Popular, Pants on Fire, Jinx, a series of novels written entirely in email format (Boy Next Door, Boy Meets Girl, and Every Boy's Got One), a mystery series (Size 12 Is Not Fat/ Size 14 Is Not Fat Either/Big Boned), and a chick-lit series called Queen of Babble.
Meg is now writing a new children's series called Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls. Her new paranormal series, Abandon, debuts in Summer of 2011.
Meg currently divides her time between Key West, Indiana, and New York City with a primary cat (one-eyed Henrietta), various back-up cats, and her husband, who doesn't know he married a fire horse. Please don't tell him.
Series:
* Airhead
* The Princess Diaries
* Mediator
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
August 20, 2026
✨ Bookish Thoughts
This was such a weird book for me, which genuinely surprised me because I usually love Meg Cabot. It is still hard to fully articulate what felt off, but I will do my best. The story could not decide if it wanted to be a fun paranormal romance or an investigative mystery. At several points, I honestly questioned whether there was actually magic in this town at all.
The FMC, Francesca, felt odd and off putting almost from the very beginning. She came across as unlikable. The dialogue overall felt forced, and the interactions did not feel natural. I really wanted to like this one, but even the ending fell flat for me and felt disappointing and anticlimactic.
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 2.5 stars
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
📝 Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
This was such a weird book for me, which genuinely surprised me because I usually love Meg Cabot. It is still hard to fully articulate what felt off, but I will do my best. The story could not decide if it wanted to be a fun paranormal romance or an investigative mystery. At several points, I honestly questioned whether there was actually magic in this town at all.
The FMC, Francesca, felt odd and off putting almost from the very beginning. She came across as unlikable. The dialogue overall felt forced, and the interactions did not feel natural. I really wanted to like this one, but even the ending fell flat for me and felt disappointing and anticlimactic.
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 2.5 stars
📅 Pub Date: August 11, 2026
📝 Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
November 4, 2025
Magical romance, kittens and a murderous teenage girl cult.
I really liked these main characters.
Both Frankie and Ash have good personalities, and their relationship had a pretty smooth development, which I liked.
I want to call this enemies to lovers, but it’s not really. It’s more “I don’t like you that much” to lovers?
But in my head, it still counts as an enjoyable trope.
I wish we got to see more romantic moments between them though! But I get that a lot of the story is focused on a bigger part of the plot, by design.
I will say that I thought some of this was maybe a little bit stretched. Nothing too bad, but there were a few moments where things felt overdramatized and unrealistic- even for a book about witches and cults.
I also thought there were some basic and corny parts, that really reminded me of something like the Disney movie Hercules.
I’m not really noting this as a “bad” thing.
I do think some people would probably like that- especially if they’re into mythology.
I love reading stories with witchy themes and major occult vibes and some parts of this story are giving that exactly.
This is like something you would watch in a cult documentary. It gave me of weird, kind of creepy and kind of “how could you possibly fall for that?” feelings.
(But seriously… I can’t believe they fell for that! Social media influencer culture will be the death of me.)
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and author Meg Cabot, for providing me with the eARC of “The Magic We Made”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: August 11, 2026
I really liked these main characters.
Both Frankie and Ash have good personalities, and their relationship had a pretty smooth development, which I liked.
I want to call this enemies to lovers, but it’s not really. It’s more “I don’t like you that much” to lovers?
But in my head, it still counts as an enjoyable trope.
I wish we got to see more romantic moments between them though! But I get that a lot of the story is focused on a bigger part of the plot, by design.
I will say that I thought some of this was maybe a little bit stretched. Nothing too bad, but there were a few moments where things felt overdramatized and unrealistic- even for a book about witches and cults.
I also thought there were some basic and corny parts, that really reminded me of something like the Disney movie Hercules.
I’m not really noting this as a “bad” thing.
I do think some people would probably like that- especially if they’re into mythology.
I love reading stories with witchy themes and major occult vibes and some parts of this story are giving that exactly.
This is like something you would watch in a cult documentary. It gave me of weird, kind of creepy and kind of “how could you possibly fall for that?” feelings.
(But seriously… I can’t believe they fell for that! Social media influencer culture will be the death of me.)
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and author Meg Cabot, for providing me with the eARC of “The Magic We Made”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: August 11, 2026
November 30, 2025
Description says it is a standalone novel. I felt like if I were to have read the first book in the series, I’d feel less disappointed about my experience with this book.
The magic didn’t exist to me. It was a concept that was promised, but never actually executed. I waited and waited for SOMETHING to happen, and when it did, I was so confused. Things made little sense. A lot was being revealed, but you just couldn’t seem to understand where this was coming from. It was so out of the blue and outrageous. I had anticipated so much just to be let down.
The “romance” between Frankie and Ash should’ve been kept out. I don’t think this plot line was necessary to the story. If you’re going to imply spicy time, you might as well leave it out all together. There was no point to this. Sex should not be the ONLY thing that brings two characters closer together. This was their catalyst, an empty, meaningless plot device.
Their demeanor when they were together was off putting. The entirety of their interactions were of them either ogling the other, or wondering if the other was thinking about ogling them. Ash mentioned the way Frankie’s ass looked THREE times in one chapter. How was it possible that these two could have had ANY chemistry, when they spent so much time noticing how the other looked and not on what truly mattered-their values, morals, etc!!! Their love didn’t feel real or believable.
The only thing that worked with this book was the plot centered on the missing girls. I loved reading Emma’s chapters. I wish we would’ve gotten more.
Also, the other only thing I LOVED WAS THAT CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you were looking for something magical and interesting, this might not be it for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc. This is my honest review.
The magic didn’t exist to me. It was a concept that was promised, but never actually executed. I waited and waited for SOMETHING to happen, and when it did, I was so confused. Things made little sense. A lot was being revealed, but you just couldn’t seem to understand where this was coming from. It was so out of the blue and outrageous. I had anticipated so much just to be let down.
The “romance” between Frankie and Ash should’ve been kept out. I don’t think this plot line was necessary to the story. If you’re going to imply spicy time, you might as well leave it out all together. There was no point to this. Sex should not be the ONLY thing that brings two characters closer together. This was their catalyst, an empty, meaningless plot device.
Their demeanor when they were together was off putting. The entirety of their interactions were of them either ogling the other, or wondering if the other was thinking about ogling them. Ash mentioned the way Frankie’s ass looked THREE times in one chapter. How was it possible that these two could have had ANY chemistry, when they spent so much time noticing how the other looked and not on what truly mattered-their values, morals, etc!!! Their love didn’t feel real or believable.
The only thing that worked with this book was the plot centered on the missing girls. I loved reading Emma’s chapters. I wish we would’ve gotten more.
Also, the other only thing I LOVED WAS THAT CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you were looking for something magical and interesting, this might not be it for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc. This is my honest review.
March 30, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars
I didn’t realize when I requested this title it was apart of a series, so I did read Enchanted to Meet You first. There are some references to the first book in this one, but you do not need to read the first of the series to read this one. However, there are spoilers in the second for the first, as you may expect. Same setting, some characters that cross paths, but nothing dependent on the other. I did enjoy the second book better.
Frankie is a very confident character and does not require the admiration of others. I do feel like she can seem set in an opinion and change it rather quickly though. The witches in this book were more compelling to me, and I enjoyed that Frankie was not one of them like I was expecting.
This was a cute, atmospheric, palette cleanser. I was not ever very compelled to pick this one back up, mainly because it all felt very surface level. It was fine, and depending on the plot lines I may continue with the series if Meg Cabot writes more.
Are other albums up for discussion or are we sticking to Speak Now? Second chance romance for Back to December next?
3.5 stars
I didn’t realize when I requested this title it was apart of a series, so I did read Enchanted to Meet You first. There are some references to the first book in this one, but you do not need to read the first of the series to read this one. However, there are spoilers in the second for the first, as you may expect. Same setting, some characters that cross paths, but nothing dependent on the other. I did enjoy the second book better.
Frankie is a very confident character and does not require the admiration of others. I do feel like she can seem set in an opinion and change it rather quickly though. The witches in this book were more compelling to me, and I enjoyed that Frankie was not one of them like I was expecting.
This was a cute, atmospheric, palette cleanser. I was not ever very compelled to pick this one back up, mainly because it all felt very surface level. It was fine, and depending on the plot lines I may continue with the series if Meg Cabot writes more.
Are other albums up for discussion or are we sticking to Speak Now? Second chance romance for Back to December next?
August 6, 2026
3.5 probably rounded up for Good Reads. I liked Frankie and her family dynamics and her slowly built relationship with Ash. The witch and magic part was a little weird for me especially since you weren’t sure if it was “real” until the very end. I either want a book to be magic or not, Frankie not believing anyone and thinking everyone was crazy made me wonder what was actually happening. It is a fun witchy/cult vibe for the fall if that’s what you’re wanting though.
July 23, 2026
3.5⭐️
I found this cute and fluffy, which was exactly what I was looking for. I was grateful to receive the audiobook ALC from Harper Audio, especially since I’ve wanted to read Meg Cabot for years but somehow never have.
This is the second book in The Witches of West Harbor series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Anything that carried over from book one was easy to understand, and the romance is self-contained. What I didn’t expect was how little actual magic there was. There was a lot of discussion about magic, but not much of it was shown on the page. I think this would have been infinitely more enjoyable had there been more magical elements included, especially given what the description seems to promise.
I do think this will make a great spooky season read for those looking for something a bit lighter. As for the romance, it was fun. I could feel the chemistry between the characters, and while it was somewhat insta-love, there were shared connections and history between them that made it feel more believable to me.
Overall, I enjoyed this, especially because of the narration by Courtney Fabrizio, Piper Goodeve, and Tim Paige. They all did a solid job and definitely elevated the reading experience.
I found this cute and fluffy, which was exactly what I was looking for. I was grateful to receive the audiobook ALC from Harper Audio, especially since I’ve wanted to read Meg Cabot for years but somehow never have.
This is the second book in The Witches of West Harbor series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Anything that carried over from book one was easy to understand, and the romance is self-contained. What I didn’t expect was how little actual magic there was. There was a lot of discussion about magic, but not much of it was shown on the page. I think this would have been infinitely more enjoyable had there been more magical elements included, especially given what the description seems to promise.
I do think this will make a great spooky season read for those looking for something a bit lighter. As for the romance, it was fun. I could feel the chemistry between the characters, and while it was somewhat insta-love, there were shared connections and history between them that made it feel more believable to me.
Overall, I enjoyed this, especially because of the narration by Courtney Fabrizio, Piper Goodeve, and Tim Paige. They all did a solid job and definitely elevated the reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a cozy, comforting read with just enough heart and magic to make it feel special. Meg Cabot does what she does best here: warm small town vibes, complicated family dynamics, and a touch of romance wrapped in gentle witchy charm.
West Harbor feels like the kind of place you want to escape to when life is heavy. The magic in this story is soft and emotional rather than flashy, rooted in relationships, grief, healing, and choosing yourself even when it is hard. I really loved how the story explored what happens when old wounds resurface and how love, both romantic and familial, can evolve instead of staying frozen in the past.
The romance is tender and slow burn, full of history and longing, which made it feel earned and realistic. I also appreciated the focus on found family and generational magic, especially how the women in this story carry strength, secrets, and resilience in different ways.
If you like cozy witchy stories with autumn vibes, second chances, emotional depth, and a hopeful tone, this is absolutely worth picking up. It feels like a warm mug of tea, a crackling fire, and a reminder that magic can be made again, even after loss.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
West Harbor feels like the kind of place you want to escape to when life is heavy. The magic in this story is soft and emotional rather than flashy, rooted in relationships, grief, healing, and choosing yourself even when it is hard. I really loved how the story explored what happens when old wounds resurface and how love, both romantic and familial, can evolve instead of staying frozen in the past.
The romance is tender and slow burn, full of history and longing, which made it feel earned and realistic. I also appreciated the focus on found family and generational magic, especially how the women in this story carry strength, secrets, and resilience in different ways.
If you like cozy witchy stories with autumn vibes, second chances, emotional depth, and a hopeful tone, this is absolutely worth picking up. It feels like a warm mug of tea, a crackling fire, and a reminder that magic can be made again, even after loss.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 11, 2026
Thanks to the Author and Avon books for the gifted e-copy.
“It’s hard on the science-minded when they’re suddenly confronted with something that can’t be explained rationally.”
Tropes:
Small Town
Witches
Therapist FMC
Opposites Attract
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Neighbors
Vibes: cozy witchy mystery
This was a quick easy fall read with light suspense and magic. I think it was cozy but there are missing people involved. I liked Ash and was glad Frankie warmed up to him.
“It’s hard on the science-minded when they’re suddenly confronted with something that can’t be explained rationally.”
Tropes:
Small Town
Witches
Therapist FMC
Opposites Attract
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Neighbors
Vibes: cozy witchy mystery
This was a quick easy fall read with light suspense and magic. I think it was cozy but there are missing people involved. I liked Ash and was glad Frankie warmed up to him.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I requested this book, I wasn't aware that it was apart of a series, "Enchanted to Meet You" is the first book. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone. Cute book.
Dr. Francesca Giovanni, a divorced, trained therapist, doesn't believe in witches. But it's a little hard to do when you live in West Harbor. She believes in science. Her ex-husband up and left town with her yoga instructor last year to go sail around the world. Knowing that some family friends are witches, she still chooses to ignore that magic is real. But when several teenagers go missing and strange things start happening to the renters next door, Frankie starts to get concerned.
Ash Merit finds lost items and people for a living. When he hears one of the girls is a distant relative, he immediately travels back to West Harbor to look for her. It doesn't hurt that his neighbor is the beautiful Dr. Giovanni, but they've never been properly introduced. When Frankie finds a girl half dead on his porch, will the two of them be able to work together to find the rest of the coven?
Will Frankie truly see the magic?
*I was given this ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Dr. Francesca Giovanni, a divorced, trained therapist, doesn't believe in witches. But it's a little hard to do when you live in West Harbor. She believes in science. Her ex-husband up and left town with her yoga instructor last year to go sail around the world. Knowing that some family friends are witches, she still chooses to ignore that magic is real. But when several teenagers go missing and strange things start happening to the renters next door, Frankie starts to get concerned.
Ash Merit finds lost items and people for a living. When he hears one of the girls is a distant relative, he immediately travels back to West Harbor to look for her. It doesn't hurt that his neighbor is the beautiful Dr. Giovanni, but they've never been properly introduced. When Frankie finds a girl half dead on his porch, will the two of them be able to work together to find the rest of the coven?
Will Frankie truly see the magic?
*I was given this ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
This isn’t the first Meg Cabot book I’ve read (I love you, Avalon High), and it won’t be my last! This book was genuinely so much fun to read, and I’ll happily recommend it to people who are looking for a little spooky romance next season!
It is an interconnected standalone, so you don’t have to read the first to jump into the world of West Harbor. However, as someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, this one might be more enjoyable if you read them in order.
I tend not to be the biggest fan of dual POV books; however, I loved how Cabot managed to do this one. Having three POVs, the FMCs, the MMCs, and the missing girl's POV to keep readers engaged in that plot was so brilliant. The missing girls were never pushed off to the side in any of the other POVs, but I found that whenever I was going to call it a night with reading, I always read one more chapter if I was going to end on Emma’s POV, I needed to keep going.
Everything about this book is so fun, from the cast, the dialogue and the plot. It was so easy to become invested in the town of West Harbor. Cabot’s writing is still as warm and witty as what I remember all of those years ago. For such a big cast of characters, Cabot did such an amazing job at making everybody stand out in their own way. I would love to see more of the Giovanni family as the series progresses. Of all the unique personalities throughout the book, Ash is hands down my favorite character, and how could he not be when he comes from a divine family? I think his magic is so unique, and I love how we see his own arc come together so perfectly in the end.
My only qualm with the book is how quickly Frankie and Ash go from hating each other (though it was only Frankie who hated Ash) to saying I love you in just a few days. I’m a sucker for slow burn, and I know that not every book is going to scratch that itch. Even then, how quickly Frankie and Ash admit their feelings for each other doesn’t ruin this book for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It is an interconnected standalone, so you don’t have to read the first to jump into the world of West Harbor. However, as someone who hasn’t read the first book in the series, this one might be more enjoyable if you read them in order.
I tend not to be the biggest fan of dual POV books; however, I loved how Cabot managed to do this one. Having three POVs, the FMCs, the MMCs, and the missing girl's POV to keep readers engaged in that plot was so brilliant. The missing girls were never pushed off to the side in any of the other POVs, but I found that whenever I was going to call it a night with reading, I always read one more chapter if I was going to end on Emma’s POV, I needed to keep going.
Everything about this book is so fun, from the cast, the dialogue and the plot. It was so easy to become invested in the town of West Harbor. Cabot’s writing is still as warm and witty as what I remember all of those years ago. For such a big cast of characters, Cabot did such an amazing job at making everybody stand out in their own way. I would love to see more of the Giovanni family as the series progresses. Of all the unique personalities throughout the book, Ash is hands down my favorite character, and how could he not be when he comes from a divine family? I think his magic is so unique, and I love how we see his own arc come together so perfectly in the end.
My only qualm with the book is how quickly Frankie and Ash go from hating each other (though it was only Frankie who hated Ash) to saying I love you in just a few days. I’m a sucker for slow burn, and I know that not every book is going to scratch that itch. Even then, how quickly Frankie and Ash admit their feelings for each other doesn’t ruin this book for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 12, 2026
* Thank you Avon & Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for a review*
Witch folklore, cults, a missing girl, and a small-town mystery? That sounded like exactly the kind of book I'd enjoy. Even though The Magic We Made is the second book in the Witches of West Harbor series, I found it surprisingly easy to settle into the world without having read the first.
Ash and Frankie start off as neighbours who tolerate each other, only to be drawn together as the mystery unfolds. Ironically, the coven-turned-cult storyline and the witchy elements—the very things that pulled me into the book—ended up being far more interesting to me than the romance. There was enough there to keep me invested, but I couldn't help wishing the mystery had taken centre stage more often.
My biggest issue was the romance itself. It all happened so quickly. Frankie goes from barely tolerating Ash to suddenly fantasising about him before they've really built much of a relationship, and I just didn't feel like I saw enough development for their connection to feel believable.
I also really struggled with Ash's internal monologue. I don't mind attraction or sexual tension in romance, but the way he constantly sexualised Frankie felt excessive. After a while it became repetitive, and sometimes just gross - instead of building chemistry, it actually pulled me out of the story. I found myself rolling my eyes more than rooting for them.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book. The mystery, cult storyline, and witchy atmosphere were easily the highlights for me, and I think that's where the story was at its strongest. I just wish those elements had been explored more, with the romance taking a slower, more natural path. It didn't quite come together in the way I'd hoped, but I can definitely see it working for readers who enjoy a romance-forward fantasy.
Witch folklore, cults, a missing girl, and a small-town mystery? That sounded like exactly the kind of book I'd enjoy. Even though The Magic We Made is the second book in the Witches of West Harbor series, I found it surprisingly easy to settle into the world without having read the first.
Ash and Frankie start off as neighbours who tolerate each other, only to be drawn together as the mystery unfolds. Ironically, the coven-turned-cult storyline and the witchy elements—the very things that pulled me into the book—ended up being far more interesting to me than the romance. There was enough there to keep me invested, but I couldn't help wishing the mystery had taken centre stage more often.
My biggest issue was the romance itself. It all happened so quickly. Frankie goes from barely tolerating Ash to suddenly fantasising about him before they've really built much of a relationship, and I just didn't feel like I saw enough development for their connection to feel believable.
I also really struggled with Ash's internal monologue. I don't mind attraction or sexual tension in romance, but the way he constantly sexualised Frankie felt excessive. After a while it became repetitive, and sometimes just gross - instead of building chemistry, it actually pulled me out of the story. I found myself rolling my eyes more than rooting for them.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book. The mystery, cult storyline, and witchy atmosphere were easily the highlights for me, and I think that's where the story was at its strongest. I just wish those elements had been explored more, with the romance taking a slower, more natural path. It didn't quite come together in the way I'd hoped, but I can definitely see it working for readers who enjoy a romance-forward fantasy.
July 20, 2026
As a childhood fan of Meg Cabot, I was excited to get the chance to read one of her upcoming novels via the ARC!
The Magic We Made focuses on two characters, Frankie and Ash, and showcases their journeys toward finding one another (and falling in love) through alternating chapters. Frankie, a therapist, leans heavily upon science and research rather than belief or magic. On the flip side, Ash believes fully in magic and its deep history (along with its impact on his abilities). As could be expected, Frankie does not start off as a big fan of Ash.
Alongside the enemies-to-lovers romance storyline, Cabot pulls in the narrative of Emma, a young woman who has gone missing in their town of West Harbor, CT, and creates a mix of mystery and suspense alongside the romantic and comedic elements.
While I will always have a fondness for Meg Cabot's writing (AND just so happened to get to meet her just after I started reading this!), this was not my favorite read. At times, I struggled with the cheesiness or lack of complexity in the characters, and I found myself not really believing Ash's narration, nor the insta-love elements present. This was fun (and something I found myself considering as a rom-com/fantasy/mystery movie), but it's not one I would reread.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The Magic We Made focuses on two characters, Frankie and Ash, and showcases their journeys toward finding one another (and falling in love) through alternating chapters. Frankie, a therapist, leans heavily upon science and research rather than belief or magic. On the flip side, Ash believes fully in magic and its deep history (along with its impact on his abilities). As could be expected, Frankie does not start off as a big fan of Ash.
Alongside the enemies-to-lovers romance storyline, Cabot pulls in the narrative of Emma, a young woman who has gone missing in their town of West Harbor, CT, and creates a mix of mystery and suspense alongside the romantic and comedic elements.
While I will always have a fondness for Meg Cabot's writing (AND just so happened to get to meet her just after I started reading this!), this was not my favorite read. At times, I struggled with the cheesiness or lack of complexity in the characters, and I found myself not really believing Ash's narration, nor the insta-love elements present. This was fun (and something I found myself considering as a rom-com/fantasy/mystery movie), but it's not one I would reread.
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the gifted ARC!
3.5 stars rounded up. This is technically the second book in the series, but it definitely works as a standalone. There are a few mentions of events from the first book, but nothing that made me feel lost going into it (I read the first one almost 3 years ago).
I really liked the setup of this one. Frankie is a therapist who wants a logical explanation for everything, and Ash is very much the opposite of that. Their dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book, especially as they go from neighbors who don’t quite understand each other to actually working together when things in West Harbor start getting weird. The romance was what kept me the most engaged, and I liked how it developed alongside everything else going on.
The mystery of the missing witches kept things interesting, and I liked being back in this quirky, witchy small town. There’s a cozy atmosphere here with the lake, the community, and all the magical tourism stuff happening in the background. I also did enjoy seeing familiar characters from the first book pop back in.
That said, this one did feel a bit all over the place at times. There’s a lot going on between the romance, the mystery, and the magical elements, and it occasionally felt like everything was competing for attention with magic, cult-like elements, and the missing girls being influencers all mixed together. I found myself a little less invested in some of the side elements than I wanted to be.
3.5 stars rounded up. This is technically the second book in the series, but it definitely works as a standalone. There are a few mentions of events from the first book, but nothing that made me feel lost going into it (I read the first one almost 3 years ago).
I really liked the setup of this one. Frankie is a therapist who wants a logical explanation for everything, and Ash is very much the opposite of that. Their dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book, especially as they go from neighbors who don’t quite understand each other to actually working together when things in West Harbor start getting weird. The romance was what kept me the most engaged, and I liked how it developed alongside everything else going on.
The mystery of the missing witches kept things interesting, and I liked being back in this quirky, witchy small town. There’s a cozy atmosphere here with the lake, the community, and all the magical tourism stuff happening in the background. I also did enjoy seeing familiar characters from the first book pop back in.
That said, this one did feel a bit all over the place at times. There’s a lot going on between the romance, the mystery, and the magical elements, and it occasionally felt like everything was competing for attention with magic, cult-like elements, and the missing girls being influencers all mixed together. I found myself a little less invested in some of the side elements than I wanted to be.
August 14, 2026
When I received an advanced copy of this book (which I asked for because my daughter has been a huge Meg Cabot fan almost her whole life) I didn't realize it was a sequel. So I listened to the first book, and then somehow missed the deadline, so I am 2 days late.
I liked this book better than the first, though I did enjoy seeing all the characters from the first book. Francesca, or Frankie as she is called, is still recovering from her divorce, which is directly related to what happened in the previous book. It is a year later, and though she is a therapist, as sometimes happens, she has not diagnosed herself. She is quite perturbed with her neighbor Ash, and does not appreciate his renting out his house to people, so she sort of hates him from a far.
The premise of this series is that magic is real, as are witches and goddesses. It makes you wish it were true.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review.
I liked this book better than the first, though I did enjoy seeing all the characters from the first book. Francesca, or Frankie as she is called, is still recovering from her divorce, which is directly related to what happened in the previous book. It is a year later, and though she is a therapist, as sometimes happens, she has not diagnosed herself. She is quite perturbed with her neighbor Ash, and does not appreciate his renting out his house to people, so she sort of hates him from a far.
The premise of this series is that magic is real, as are witches and goddesses. It makes you wish it were true.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review.
June 23, 2026
This was an enjoyable romance read. I loved the overall concept of this book and how this book blended romance, magic, and a bit of mystery. I liked how this book was told through multiple points of view. Overall this was a fun, quick read.
Read this if you like:
📖 Witchy vibes
📖 Small town settings
📖 Missing girls
📖 He falls first
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
Read this if you like:
📖 Witchy vibes
📖 Small town settings
📖 Missing girls
📖 He falls first
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy.
July 30, 2026
3.5 🌟 Thank you netgalley, Harper publishing, and the author for this gifted ebook in exchange for my honest thoughts.
A sweet fall romance with quite the side plot throughout! I think I would’ve liked this more if the romance had a bit more build, but I still really enjoyed the story. Meg Cabot’s reading is easy to get sucked into! Love all the witchy drama in this!
A sweet fall romance with quite the side plot throughout! I think I would’ve liked this more if the romance had a bit more build, but I still really enjoyed the story. Meg Cabot’s reading is easy to get sucked into! Love all the witchy drama in this!
August 19, 2026
This was fun and engaging for a while but then just got ridiculous.
January 20, 2026
I’m not really sure what to make of this one. There were parts I really enjoyed but a lot of it left me feeling confused. This book is advertised as a stand-alone, but I feel like maybe I missed something by not reading the first book set in this world.
This book is told from three POVs. Frankie is a recently divorced psychologist who enjoys spending her time alone. She especially hates Ash and everything about him, despite there being no narrative to substantiate this hate. Ash is Frankie’s friendly neighbor she sees about once a year. He is financial advisor and also has a special power to help find lost things. Emma is the lost girl he is looking for, who is suspected to have run away from home to join a coven of witches.
The romance between Frankie and Ash just fell a little flat for me. It felt rushed and I didn’t feel much connection beyond their physical attraction to one another. I found Emma’s storyline to be the most interesting part of the book, but it kept getting more far fetched and confusing as it went on.
Despite the holdups I had, this is by no means a bad book. I really liked how fast paced and suspenseful the book was. It kept me engaged and I finished it in one day. I just wish there had been a little more clarity with the magic, deities, and witches.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told from three POVs. Frankie is a recently divorced psychologist who enjoys spending her time alone. She especially hates Ash and everything about him, despite there being no narrative to substantiate this hate. Ash is Frankie’s friendly neighbor she sees about once a year. He is financial advisor and also has a special power to help find lost things. Emma is the lost girl he is looking for, who is suspected to have run away from home to join a coven of witches.
The romance between Frankie and Ash just fell a little flat for me. It felt rushed and I didn’t feel much connection beyond their physical attraction to one another. I found Emma’s storyline to be the most interesting part of the book, but it kept getting more far fetched and confusing as it went on.
Despite the holdups I had, this is by no means a bad book. I really liked how fast paced and suspenseful the book was. It kept me engaged and I finished it in one day. I just wish there had been a little more clarity with the magic, deities, and witches.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5
Super quick read that gave me "easy, breezy, whimsical" vibes in a good way. There's a fun mystery going on that gives cult vibes from the start, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially because of the humor that was a blast from start to finish in all three POVs. As a side note, the three POVs really worked for me in this one; my favorite POV was Emma, the missing teen, because we got a glimpse into the culty witch vibes.
The latter half of the book was much more enjoyable for me than the first half. The second half picks up on the magic/witchy aspect, which was lacking in the first half.
The second half also adds a little more substance to the romance, though I will say that as a whole the romance didn't work for me. It felt really insta-lovey/lusty to me, which is just a trope I don't particularly enjoy. On that note, I did find it a bit frustrating and distracting how much Ash was SO sex-focused in the first half of the story (and how much he comments on her physically). I didn't really feel the spark between Frankie and Ash romantically, but I enjoyed their banter and dynamic. I also hoped for a little more depth to each of their characters. As for other characters, I did feel that the girls in the culty witch group acted much younger than they were said to be; while they're around 17-18+, they came across to me as young teens, and I found it a bit unrealistic that they fell into following the 'leader.'
I'd recommend going into this one less for the romance (despite it being a prominent part of the story) and more so for the lightly witchy mystery. I enjoyed the simple world-building of West Harbor! When the magic does pick up, it's fun and I found it to have surprising little spins/twists that I actually didn't see coming (though I should have - I just wasn't expecting twists!). The side characters are also a great addition that just add to the humor and fun. As a whole, the magic elements that come into play, mingled (once again) with the fun culty vibes really made the story for me! I was much more invested as it became a more focal point of the story!
As a whole, this didn't quite deliver as much magic/witchy-ness as I was hoping, but it was fast paced, had a fun mystery, and was full of banter and humor. Even though there isn't a ton of depth to the characters or romance, I found the mystery and campy-culty plotline of the story compelling, and it was chaotic in an enjoyable way! It definitely got better as it went on, and the magic picks up towards the end!
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Super quick read that gave me "easy, breezy, whimsical" vibes in a good way. There's a fun mystery going on that gives cult vibes from the start, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially because of the humor that was a blast from start to finish in all three POVs. As a side note, the three POVs really worked for me in this one; my favorite POV was Emma, the missing teen, because we got a glimpse into the culty witch vibes.
The latter half of the book was much more enjoyable for me than the first half. The second half picks up on the magic/witchy aspect, which was lacking in the first half.
The second half also adds a little more substance to the romance, though I will say that as a whole the romance didn't work for me. It felt really insta-lovey/lusty to me, which is just a trope I don't particularly enjoy. On that note, I did find it a bit frustrating and distracting how much Ash was SO sex-focused in the first half of the story (and how much he comments on her physically). I didn't really feel the spark between Frankie and Ash romantically, but I enjoyed their banter and dynamic. I also hoped for a little more depth to each of their characters. As for other characters, I did feel that the girls in the culty witch group acted much younger than they were said to be; while they're around 17-18+, they came across to me as young teens, and I found it a bit unrealistic that they fell into following the 'leader.'
I'd recommend going into this one less for the romance (despite it being a prominent part of the story) and more so for the lightly witchy mystery. I enjoyed the simple world-building of West Harbor! When the magic does pick up, it's fun and I found it to have surprising little spins/twists that I actually didn't see coming (though I should have - I just wasn't expecting twists!). The side characters are also a great addition that just add to the humor and fun. As a whole, the magic elements that come into play, mingled (once again) with the fun culty vibes really made the story for me! I was much more invested as it became a more focal point of the story!
As a whole, this didn't quite deliver as much magic/witchy-ness as I was hoping, but it was fast paced, had a fun mystery, and was full of banter and humor. Even though there isn't a ton of depth to the characters or romance, I found the mystery and campy-culty plotline of the story compelling, and it was chaotic in an enjoyable way! It definitely got better as it went on, and the magic picks up towards the end!
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
I genuinely don’t know how to rate this because I’m still trying to figure out what happened.
I went into The Magic We Made expecting cozy fall vibes, witches, magic, and maybe a fun paranormal romance. Instead, I got one of the strangest reading experiences I’ve had in a long time.
First of all…these are supposed to be 37-year-old adults? They acted like teenagers with absolutely no self-control. The instant attraction between Frankie and Ash felt so over the top that I couldn’t take it seriously. At one point, the first time he’s in her house, he’s already thinking he doesn’t want to be in her laundry room—he wants to be in her bedroom. Sir…you have barely met this woman. EXCUSE ME? 😂
The romance completely overshadowed everything else. There was a genuinely interesting mystery about missing girls that I wanted to know more about, but it kept getting interrupted by two neighbors who couldn’t seem to stop thinking about each other. It just wasn’t the magical, witchy story I thought I was picking up.
Then came the ending…and somehow it got even weirder. The story suddenly took a very dark turn that felt completely different from what the cover and overall vibe had led me to expect. I finished the book more confused than satisfied.
It’s also marketed as a standalone in the same world, but I constantly felt like I had missed an entire book beforehand. There were references and pieces of the world that made me feel like I was playing catch-up the whole time.
This one just wasn’t for me. Which honestly makes me sad because I’ve loved Meg Cabot’s books for years. I really wanted to love this one too, but instead I finished it wondering…huh?
I genuinely don’t know how to rate this because I’m still trying to figure out what happened.
I went into The Magic We Made expecting cozy fall vibes, witches, magic, and maybe a fun paranormal romance. Instead, I got one of the strangest reading experiences I’ve had in a long time.
First of all…these are supposed to be 37-year-old adults? They acted like teenagers with absolutely no self-control. The instant attraction between Frankie and Ash felt so over the top that I couldn’t take it seriously. At one point, the first time he’s in her house, he’s already thinking he doesn’t want to be in her laundry room—he wants to be in her bedroom. Sir…you have barely met this woman. EXCUSE ME? 😂
The romance completely overshadowed everything else. There was a genuinely interesting mystery about missing girls that I wanted to know more about, but it kept getting interrupted by two neighbors who couldn’t seem to stop thinking about each other. It just wasn’t the magical, witchy story I thought I was picking up.
Then came the ending…and somehow it got even weirder. The story suddenly took a very dark turn that felt completely different from what the cover and overall vibe had led me to expect. I finished the book more confused than satisfied.
It’s also marketed as a standalone in the same world, but I constantly felt like I had missed an entire book beforehand. There were references and pieces of the world that made me feel like I was playing catch-up the whole time.
This one just wasn’t for me. Which honestly makes me sad because I’ve loved Meg Cabot’s books for years. I really wanted to love this one too, but instead I finished it wondering…huh?
August 12, 2026
The Magic We Made had a little bit of everything. Cats! Murderous teenage girl cult! Some cute magical-esque romance!
The main characters, Frankie and Ash were really likeable but they didn’t sell it to me as having any real sort of attraction, there wasn’t a spark there and so the comments that they continue to make about one another just feel weird.
It leaned a little bit into a paranormal romance and a little bit into a mystery and didn’t ever fully commit to either of them. For something with “magic” in the title, I did feel as though the magical element and tropes were incredibly underdone. It was all sort of piled into the end.
However, I could have eaten up ten more chapters about the murderous girls cult and I think there’s something worth exploring there. Who doesn’t love a lord of the flies moment with teenage girls?
*While The Magic We Made is part of a series (following Enchanted to Meet You), you do not need to have read the first to understand and enjoy the second. There are some references to things in the first book but they are not contextual to the plot.
Overall, this was an easy book to read and enjoy but I don’t think I’ll be raving about it. Due to my love of Cabot as an author, I’d probably continue the series though.
The Magic We Made is due to be published August 11, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my review.
The main characters, Frankie and Ash were really likeable but they didn’t sell it to me as having any real sort of attraction, there wasn’t a spark there and so the comments that they continue to make about one another just feel weird.
It leaned a little bit into a paranormal romance and a little bit into a mystery and didn’t ever fully commit to either of them. For something with “magic” in the title, I did feel as though the magical element and tropes were incredibly underdone. It was all sort of piled into the end.
However, I could have eaten up ten more chapters about the murderous girls cult and I think there’s something worth exploring there. Who doesn’t love a lord of the flies moment with teenage girls?
*While The Magic We Made is part of a series (following Enchanted to Meet You), you do not need to have read the first to understand and enjoy the second. There are some references to things in the first book but they are not contextual to the plot.
Overall, this was an easy book to read and enjoy but I don’t think I’ll be raving about it. Due to my love of Cabot as an author, I’d probably continue the series though.
The Magic We Made is due to be published August 11, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my review.
August 16, 2026
🧙🏻♀️The Magic We Made 🧙🏻♀️
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- The Magic We Made
Author- Meg Cabot
Genre- Paranormal Rom-Com
Series- Witches of West Harbor Book 2
Trope City-
🧙🏻♀️Skeptical FMC
🧙🏻♀️Inconvenient Magic
🧙🏻♀️Magical MMC
🧙🏻♀️Small Town Cozy Vibes
🧙🏻♀️Reluctant Partners
I live for a witchy fiction moment! The Magic We Made is everything I love- a cozy, small town, magic, a little unexpected love, a non- believer in the mix and solving mysterious disappearances. Dr. Francesca Giovanni (FMC) is our logic- driven skeptic! “Frankie” works as a therapist who believes in scientific proof. Ash Merit (MMC) works as a psychic who aids in finding lost things and people. The two are new neighbors! It’s definitely an opposites don’t attract until they do situation. West Harbor, Connecticut is our cute setting. It’s a small town that brings in witch seeking tourism. I wish it were real. I’d be booking my flight. These two new neighbors are pushed to work together when young teens start disappearing. The thing the teens have in common? They’re aspiring witches. I love the evolution from neighbors who clearly judge one another for their differences to a team of romantically tense investigators. This was a sweet adventure. I love to dash or mystery and paranormal activity.
Thank you NetGalley and Meg Cabot for this cute read! 🧡
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- The Magic We Made
Author- Meg Cabot
Genre- Paranormal Rom-Com
Series- Witches of West Harbor Book 2
Trope City-
🧙🏻♀️Skeptical FMC
🧙🏻♀️Inconvenient Magic
🧙🏻♀️Magical MMC
🧙🏻♀️Small Town Cozy Vibes
🧙🏻♀️Reluctant Partners
I live for a witchy fiction moment! The Magic We Made is everything I love- a cozy, small town, magic, a little unexpected love, a non- believer in the mix and solving mysterious disappearances. Dr. Francesca Giovanni (FMC) is our logic- driven skeptic! “Frankie” works as a therapist who believes in scientific proof. Ash Merit (MMC) works as a psychic who aids in finding lost things and people. The two are new neighbors! It’s definitely an opposites don’t attract until they do situation. West Harbor, Connecticut is our cute setting. It’s a small town that brings in witch seeking tourism. I wish it were real. I’d be booking my flight. These two new neighbors are pushed to work together when young teens start disappearing. The thing the teens have in common? They’re aspiring witches. I love the evolution from neighbors who clearly judge one another for their differences to a team of romantically tense investigators. This was a sweet adventure. I love to dash or mystery and paranormal activity.
Thank you NetGalley and Meg Cabot for this cute read! 🧡
June 11, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for this eARC in return for my honest review!
I am going to be honest, I did not connect with this book at all at first. I was very excited to request this as I grew up reading some of Meg’s other books and have loved her writing style for years. This book is the second book in a series and is described as being a stand-alone novel. Having not read this first book, right off the bat I felt very confused about the magic system. It was not really explained in a way for readers that did not previously read the first book and left me feeling very confused in the beginning half of the book. However this was such a interesting book, I went into this expecting a cozy romance with magic and was definitely on the edge of my seat as the book progressed and turned more into a thriller with a romance subplot. I love when a book keeps me interested and on the edge of my seat!
I also really enjoyed the charming and cozy small town setting and I love a novel about witches!
While this book wasn’t totally for me, I would definitely recommend this to someone who has read the first book in this series or loves Halloween and unique books with lots of unexpected twists!
I am going to be honest, I did not connect with this book at all at first. I was very excited to request this as I grew up reading some of Meg’s other books and have loved her writing style for years. This book is the second book in a series and is described as being a stand-alone novel. Having not read this first book, right off the bat I felt very confused about the magic system. It was not really explained in a way for readers that did not previously read the first book and left me feeling very confused in the beginning half of the book. However this was such a interesting book, I went into this expecting a cozy romance with magic and was definitely on the edge of my seat as the book progressed and turned more into a thriller with a romance subplot. I love when a book keeps me interested and on the edge of my seat!
I also really enjoyed the charming and cozy small town setting and I love a novel about witches!
While this book wasn’t totally for me, I would definitely recommend this to someone who has read the first book in this series or loves Halloween and unique books with lots of unexpected twists!
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an ARC of this book!
I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t know what to expect going into it but it was such a wild ride. The humor, banter, and mystery elements wrapped up into this addition to the Witches of West Harbor was so exciting! I love Meg Cabot’s books! She has such an ability to write for any age. I really enjoyed the ridiculousness of this story as we followed Frankie and Ash through quite a redemptive love story. For a while, Ash came off as completely delusional and that just added to his charm. Frankie was an easy to love character as she suffered a messy divorce and is entering a new era of her life. Insert Ash! The way he defended Frankie to her exes current fling made me immediately ship these two! So sweet and thoughtful to stand up for her like that. That was only the tip of the iceberg! There was so much more to unveil in this story! The criminal activity, magical elements, fun fall themes with the troublesome young witches and cult like practices, and the lighthearted silliness of this story will have you hooked!
I absolutely loved that there was a full cast for this audiobook! It really elevated this story and made for a really exciting immersive read! Courtney Fabrizio, Piper Goodeve, and Tim Paige were perfect for this story. I loved their pacing and emotions they added to this story. This was a complicated fiction novel that I had high expectations for and they really committed to these characters!
I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t know what to expect going into it but it was such a wild ride. The humor, banter, and mystery elements wrapped up into this addition to the Witches of West Harbor was so exciting! I love Meg Cabot’s books! She has such an ability to write for any age. I really enjoyed the ridiculousness of this story as we followed Frankie and Ash through quite a redemptive love story. For a while, Ash came off as completely delusional and that just added to his charm. Frankie was an easy to love character as she suffered a messy divorce and is entering a new era of her life. Insert Ash! The way he defended Frankie to her exes current fling made me immediately ship these two! So sweet and thoughtful to stand up for her like that. That was only the tip of the iceberg! There was so much more to unveil in this story! The criminal activity, magical elements, fun fall themes with the troublesome young witches and cult like practices, and the lighthearted silliness of this story will have you hooked!
I absolutely loved that there was a full cast for this audiobook! It really elevated this story and made for a really exciting immersive read! Courtney Fabrizio, Piper Goodeve, and Tim Paige were perfect for this story. I loved their pacing and emotions they added to this story. This was a complicated fiction novel that I had high expectations for and they really committed to these characters!
Did Not Finish
August 9, 2026dnf at 25%
Review of arc received from NetGalley.
I didn't really like the writing. The mmc's inner monologue made him sound really needy and desperate for attention. But, I was going to keep reading... up until around the 25% mark when the mmc started throwing out too many red flags.
The part where it was raining heavily. The fmc was trying to politely kick him out of her house, saying she was sure there were other places he wanted to be. His inner monologue, saying he'd rather be in her bedroom grossed me out. Bearing in mind, this was their first conversation.
Him calling her out, being like 'no, you're lying. I know you have nothing planned', ... that was out of order. He clearly knows she's uncomfortable, yet he acts oblivious. If they were friends, or dating, sure. But someone you've just spoken to?? He gives off the vibes that it's either his way, or nothing.
Plus, him making excuses like 'it's raining too heavy, you can't even see my house' etc. GROW UP. He lives next door to her. He can easily run the distance.
And the cat. Sure, she wanted a cat, but him announcing it was hers without even asking if she wanted one... and then being like 'you should be so grateful'.
Urgh. I hate his character, and how entitled he is. I would've felt really unsafe if I was her. That's what made me dnf it, sorry.
Review of arc received from NetGalley.
I didn't really like the writing. The mmc's inner monologue made him sound really needy and desperate for attention. But, I was going to keep reading... up until around the 25% mark when the mmc started throwing out too many red flags.
The part where it was raining heavily. The fmc was trying to politely kick him out of her house, saying she was sure there were other places he wanted to be. His inner monologue, saying he'd rather be in her bedroom grossed me out. Bearing in mind, this was their first conversation.
Him calling her out, being like 'no, you're lying. I know you have nothing planned', ... that was out of order. He clearly knows she's uncomfortable, yet he acts oblivious. If they were friends, or dating, sure. But someone you've just spoken to?? He gives off the vibes that it's either his way, or nothing.
Plus, him making excuses like 'it's raining too heavy, you can't even see my house' etc. GROW UP. He lives next door to her. He can easily run the distance.
And the cat. Sure, she wanted a cat, but him announcing it was hers without even asking if she wanted one... and then being like 'you should be so grateful'.
Urgh. I hate his character, and how entitled he is. I would've felt really unsafe if I was her. That's what made me dnf it, sorry.
August 22, 2026
Thank you, @netgalley, and @avonbooks for the gifted ARC!
Rundown:
✨️local witch lore
✨️next door neighbors
✨️opposites attract
✨️small town
✨️black cat/golden retriever
Thoughts 💭
This is the second book in the Witches of West Harbor series. There were very few mentions of the characters from the first book so I they can be read as a standalone if needed. I did enjoy the first book, The Witch Is Back, and both are great for the fall/witch book fix.
This book took things a little further than someone just having magical powers. It incorporated Gaia and Hecate as well as some other fun magical characters. The magic was also a big part of the town and drew in tourism. The subplot of the missing girls who were drawn into a witch cult was entertaining and had a satisfying conclusion.
Frankie and Ash had a fun dynamic with good banter and chemistry, but I wasn't completely sold. Her initial dislike of him was intense since she didn't really know him. It could've been residual feelings from her past relationship, but I'm glad she quickly came around. I would've liked to see more interactions between them. What we got was brief and moved quickly for a romance. That would've brought it to a full four stars for me.
Rundown:
✨️local witch lore
✨️next door neighbors
✨️opposites attract
✨️small town
✨️black cat/golden retriever
Thoughts 💭
This is the second book in the Witches of West Harbor series. There were very few mentions of the characters from the first book so I they can be read as a standalone if needed. I did enjoy the first book, The Witch Is Back, and both are great for the fall/witch book fix.
This book took things a little further than someone just having magical powers. It incorporated Gaia and Hecate as well as some other fun magical characters. The magic was also a big part of the town and drew in tourism. The subplot of the missing girls who were drawn into a witch cult was entertaining and had a satisfying conclusion.
Frankie and Ash had a fun dynamic with good banter and chemistry, but I wasn't completely sold. Her initial dislike of him was intense since she didn't really know him. It could've been residual feelings from her past relationship, but I'm glad she quickly came around. I would've liked to see more interactions between them. What we got was brief and moved quickly for a romance. That would've brought it to a full four stars for me.
August 13, 2026
3.5⭐️
I came for the witchy vibes thinking this would be perfect for Summerween and I left wishing for a bit more magic.
The premise is promising. We have Dr. Francesca Giovanni, a trained therapist who believes in science and a rational explanation for everything. When Ash Merit, a psychic finder of lost things, moves in next door the set up for a face off between logic and the supernatural is perfect. As girls start to go missing in the small town, Frankie and Ash work together to solve the mystery. Of course, he’s hot and she’s hot and we know where that’s going.
This was a perfectly entertaining book in the moment. West Harbor is an intriguing setting with lots of magical potential. THE MAGIC WE MADE is the second book in a series (I didn’t know that. My bad.) but marketed as capable of being read as a standalone. Having not read the first book, I can’t tell if the magic would have felt more magical after reading book one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Harper Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
I came for the witchy vibes thinking this would be perfect for Summerween and I left wishing for a bit more magic.
The premise is promising. We have Dr. Francesca Giovanni, a trained therapist who believes in science and a rational explanation for everything. When Ash Merit, a psychic finder of lost things, moves in next door the set up for a face off between logic and the supernatural is perfect. As girls start to go missing in the small town, Frankie and Ash work together to solve the mystery. Of course, he’s hot and she’s hot and we know where that’s going.
This was a perfectly entertaining book in the moment. West Harbor is an intriguing setting with lots of magical potential. THE MAGIC WE MADE is the second book in a series (I didn’t know that. My bad.) but marketed as capable of being read as a standalone. Having not read the first book, I can’t tell if the magic would have felt more magical after reading book one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Harper Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2026
The Magic We Made is a recent release from author Meg Cabot about Frankie, a recently divorced financial therapist, and Ash, the owner of the short-term rental next door. Frankie and Ash have had an “appreciate/hate from a distance” acquaintance until Ash ends up in town for a more extended time. Along with the burgeoning romance between Frankie and Ash there are a number of missing girls from their CT town which happens to be in the midst of a “witchy tourism” boom.
The Magic We Made is a cozy, eastern/small-town story with a dabble of romance, paranormal, mystery, and family relations explored throughout. The romance was a bit fast and chaste for me, but might be perfect for those who are looking for exactly that! I really enjoyed the interactions of Frankie’s big family, their relationships were very well portrayed. Overall this was an entertaining read even though I wouldn’t say I really love it or disliked it. I found it to be an engaging and nicely done quick read.
The Magic We Made is a cozy, eastern/small-town story with a dabble of romance, paranormal, mystery, and family relations explored throughout. The romance was a bit fast and chaste for me, but might be perfect for those who are looking for exactly that! I really enjoyed the interactions of Frankie’s big family, their relationships were very well portrayed. Overall this was an entertaining read even though I wouldn’t say I really love it or disliked it. I found it to be an engaging and nicely done quick read.
January 27, 2026
The Magic We Made by Meg Cabot is such a fun, cozy read. She did a great job of combining a love story with a little bit of magic.
Frankie is a therapist who hardly ever leaves her house and doesn’t believe in magic at all. Ash is a self-confident man who does believe in magic. When girls start going missing in the witchy town of West Harbor, Ash is on a mission to help one family find their daughter. During this time, Frankie, who doesn’t like Ash at all (even though Ash really likes her), gets pulled into his world.
As they spend more time together, they figure out they’re truly compatible and quickly fall in love. This is not a slow-burn romance, but I truly enjoyed the evolving relationship between the two characters and the dual POVs.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC read!
Frankie is a therapist who hardly ever leaves her house and doesn’t believe in magic at all. Ash is a self-confident man who does believe in magic. When girls start going missing in the witchy town of West Harbor, Ash is on a mission to help one family find their daughter. During this time, Frankie, who doesn’t like Ash at all (even though Ash really likes her), gets pulled into his world.
As they spend more time together, they figure out they’re truly compatible and quickly fall in love. This is not a slow-burn romance, but I truly enjoyed the evolving relationship between the two characters and the dual POVs.
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC read!
June 30, 2026
This one had such cozy, witchy small-town vibes and I loved it!
The Magic We Made follows Frankie, a super practical, science-minded therapist whose whole world gets flipped when her new neighbor, Ash, walks in bringing all this quiet, undeniable magic with him.
I loved how this story leans into healing, growth, and that push-and-pull between logic and belief. It’s soft, a little mysterious, and just has this gentle magical feel throughout.
The romance builds with a nice tension and turns really sweet and heartfelt… even if it felt a little fast at times.
Overall, such a cozy, feel-good read. Think curling up with a warm drink on a crisp night… a little magic, a little heart, and just enough intrigue to keep you hooked! Very cute!
The Magic We Made follows Frankie, a super practical, science-minded therapist whose whole world gets flipped when her new neighbor, Ash, walks in bringing all this quiet, undeniable magic with him.
I loved how this story leans into healing, growth, and that push-and-pull between logic and belief. It’s soft, a little mysterious, and just has this gentle magical feel throughout.
The romance builds with a nice tension and turns really sweet and heartfelt… even if it felt a little fast at times.
Overall, such a cozy, feel-good read. Think curling up with a warm drink on a crisp night… a little magic, a little heart, and just enough intrigue to keep you hooked! Very cute!
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