Nothing Less Than Magic

by Stacy Finz

When a popular marriage counselor’s own marriage falls apart, she’s forced to question her methods—and discovers the magical ingredient she’s been missing all along—in the dreamiest possible way . . .

Just one year ago, Chelsea Knight was living the life she’d always wanted. Marriage to the perfect guy, a thriving career, and a gorgeous condo overlooking San Francisco Bay. Then out of nowhere, her husband, Austin, left her. Ironic, because Chelsea fixes marriages for a living. In fact, she’s famous for her techniques. Naturally, she’s been using her expertise to win back her ex—and when he invites her for drinks, she’s sure her work has finally paid off. Until he announces he’s engaged.

Devastated, Chelsea seeks refuge in the beloved small-town lake cabin she and Austin now take turns using. When she arrives, the streets are dazzlingly decked out for Halloween, the autumn leaves are exceptionally vibrant, and the locals are especially warm and welcoming. It’s downright magical—and so is Knox Hart, a talented jack-of-all-trades who’s fixing her roof. Chelsea is instantly drawn to him—and to the simplicity of country life. Slowly, she becomes immersed in the townspeople’s problems and finds a sense of belonging—leading her to reevaluate her own path . . .

But something about the idyllic hamlet—and Knox—seems too good to be true. A trick more than a treat. And when she ultimately learns the truth, her heart is shattered. Miraculously, Austin is there to mend it. It’s everything she’d hoped for. Or is it? On the cusp of making all her dreams come true, Chelsea must find the strength to make an impossible choice . . .

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Magical Realism, Halloween, Contemporary

464 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2025

About the author

Stacy Finz is an award-winning former newspaper reporter. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. She is the author of the Nugget Romance series (Kensington/Lyrical Press) about a small mountain town that has a strange way of giving people unexpected reasons to start over--and find the most irresistible chances to fall in love. Look for her Garner Brothers series (Zebra) in 2017.

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Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, contemporary romance novel. It has a likable and engaging female protagonist, small town charm, vividly described, beautiful settings, family and relationship drama, a heart-warming romance, and a bit of magic. I won a copy of this delightful novel from Kensington Books as a member of their Between the Chapters Book Club. This is my honest opinion.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot like reading a Hallmark movie (seriously, it would make a great Hallmark movie). It was a sweet book and while there was romance I’m not sure it totally qualifies as a romance? It was romance adjacent? I will say that this book was highly predictable but it was a nice, gentle ride. Chelsea is a well known marriage therapist who mostly does speaking engagements at this point. She thought she had everything and was happy until her husband and best friend Austin leaves her. It’s been a year and now he’s engaged to someone else. Needing a break she heads to the vacation home they now share in a tiny town called Ghost. Chelsea realizes that there are things she should address with her past and her family and slowly finds the things that bring her joy. But not everything is as she thinks it is and the truth may devastate her. Definitely a fun book, one I think that would make a good beach read.

[Desiree Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really liked Chelsea. Her life in Part I went from terrible to wonderful. Unfortunately, near the end of Part I, with some odd happenings, you begin to guess she’s in a coma and it’s all a dream.

Yup, Part II starts out with her in the hospital. So, yeah, 191-page dream sequence. 🙄

Still, I wanted to see how the author might surprise me in the way in the way the story unravels. So I kept reading. Annnddd then the gay drop occurs 74% of the way through, at page 227, we learn that Uncle Sylvester, who raised Chelsea and her sister is gay. 🙄

Exit time. 🪂

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I start a book I try to think about why the author chose the title.
This one perplexed me for about 200 pages and then became so wonderfully clear that I could not help smiling and even did a little clap.

This books starts out with anything but magical moments. Chelsea Knight a marriage counselor big enough to have her own TED talks, finds herself being crushed by her ex husband, again.
Bolting from a restaurant she is hit by a car, yes- this is the actual premise!

She's ok, besides a crushed heart and a mild concussion, Chelsea decides to take a vacation at their country cabin and detach from reality some.
What she finds is the little town Ghost is exactly what she needs to fall in love with life again.

Now, what I love is that all the above never really explained the title choice. At least that is what I was thinking as I entered part 2 of the book. Be prepared, there is some magic coming...

This books is just perfect, and while I do believe it is very similar to I Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult , this one touched my heart in a way the previous title could not.

Perfect for anyone wondering if they are settling in life, it might be just what you need to make a big change in your life.

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A contemporary women's fiction work that includes both healing and romance, think of this novel as a second chance at life. Magical realism wrapped in a family drama, coated in romance and self (re)discovery. The MC was likeable after a bit, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of Ghost, and most of the supporting characters were well-designed. I like the ending more than I thought I would have (think open-ended not a HEA exactly, but lots of potential). This is the first book I've read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.

BTC Publisher Review Copy

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book and I thought ‘okay, another romance.’ Well, the first hint was the cable car and the speedy recovery. ‘Hmmmm, maybe more than just a romance.’ You got me at cabin, Ghost, and yeah, handyman.

I loved this story. I was intrigued where the story was headed until Knox showed up and really seemed too good to be true and as it turned out I was right but I enjoyed the whole concept of dreaming up the perfect man and then losing him. I loved the ending which was short but to the point and where did the Halloween wreath come from???? Loved that little question mark along with the missed phone call from Ghost. Hit me right in the heart.

Well written characters that I really liked (well, some of them anyway) and the storyline which I’ve come across before but I still enjoyed very much. The back history of Chelsea’s family was different and I could understand it’s affecting her relationship with Lolly. At one point towards the end of the book I was horrified that she was going to make the same mistake again but, thank goodness, she didn’t. I think I kept mentally shouting ‘NO!’ or maybe it was out loud?

Thank you to BTC (Between The Chapters) and Kensington Publishing Corp for an ARC of this book. Thank you also to the author, Stacy Finz, for writing this magical story.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was fortunate to win this book from Kensington Books and Between the Chapters Book Club. I usually read mysteries and thrillers so this book, which is described as being a contemporary romance with magical realism, is different from my typical read. I found the book to be more like women's fiction with a little bit of romance and a little bit of what could potentially be magic.

There are things I liked and disliked about the book. Most of the book takes place in either San Francisco or in the small town of Ghost, California, and both work well for the story. I like most of the characters, especially Chelsea who flees to Ghost to heal after receiving devastating news as well as being hurt in an accident. The theme of this marriage counselor/motivational speaker trying to figure out what is really important to her is interesting. However, I was confused by portions of the story, including those with Chelsea and the psychic in Ghost.

It's difficult to say what I didn't like about the book without spoilers so I'll just say that Part 2 of the book overrides everything you thought you knew about Part 1 --- and I didn't care for the plot twist. I felt like I had become invested in a story under false pretenses. I enjoyed getting to know Chelsea and was happy to see the way her character grew, but because of the plot twist and the ambiguous ending, I rated this book 3.5 stars.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in a giveaway. It is the first book by Stacy Finz I have read. I really enjoyed it. I had an inkling where the storyline was going, but definitely did not predict everything, which I like. Character development was good. I fell in love with the town of Ghost along with Chelsea. Definitely would recommend to someone that likes a little mystery in a wholesome small town.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story did not come together for me. I felt like there was a lot missing from it. I wish there was more background about Austin and Chelsea’s marriage. I did not care for the psychic angle. I liked most of the characters. I loved the town of Ghost.

#NothingLessThanMagic

[Carla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I loved this book. Very well written, the author has a great imagination and loves to write and loves her characters. Everything that makes a book outstanding. The main character Chelsea just found out her ex-husband Austin that she thought she was reconciling with is now engaged to someone else. 😳 she's so distraught that she isn't paying attention to where she is going. She gets hit by a cable car in San Francisco. What happens after that is nothing less than magic. I don't want to give away anything away from this book, because it is magic. You just have to go read this one. You won't be disappointed. It's unlike anything you've read before. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS ONE.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welp, after have my book club meeting, I’ve decided to rate this 3 stars instead of 4.

There were good parts to it, and then some cringey parts. I didn’t necessarily like the whole plot shift but I guess it did make a lot of sense for what happened. The ending felt super rushed which was something I didn’t particularly like about it. The characters all has their bad sides. I didn’t really like any of them that much besides maybe 3 people. I would recommend it though if you’re looking for something to read anyway.

[Christine Giovannoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

would not recommend. i felt like this book was falsely advertised, and i also didn’t really like the characters, or the plot, but i kept reading it and not hating it?

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of a review and also my first read from this author. I honestly had no idea what to expect but by the end if the last page I was stunned and smiling! It definitely puts things into perspective, your life, choices..I even thought about repairing my broken relationship with my sister. This book shows us to live the life that truly makes us happy and not the one we are expected to live or the life we just accepted as is for ourselves.
To summarize, Chelsea has a tragic accident that has left her with head injuries, one could say. I do not want to give the entire plot away! But it took.this accident for her to re evaluate her life and make bold decisions that not everyone has the courage to do, even to better their lives. This title is definitely perfect for this book! Just read it!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something magical happens when a relationship counselor guru’s husband leaves and she gets hit by a cable car. Can a new lease on life give the second chance she never realize she needed? Stacy Finz has long been on my list of authors to try and I was tickled to get this chance with her latest which seems to combine women’s fiction and magical realism for one enchanting story.

Nothing Less Than Magic turned out to be a beautiful and most apropos title when all is said and done with this story. I’m not generally drawn to big city settings, big career characters, or characters in the process of separation, but with the right writing style and several other factors, I can be drawn in. Those other factors? The city being San Francisco splitting time with a small mountain town in the Sierra’s and the big career and new separation being part of a catalyst for change and growth. And, the season is fall with fun autumnal and Halloween activities.

Confession time, I had the wrong impression when I first acquired this book and thought it was Southern fiction. ??? Yeah, no! All California and mostly picturesque Northern California for the most part. And, not even close to the typical Southern fiction vibes. The heroine, Chelsea, got into relationship counseling and it launched her into the career she has now as motivational speaker and online influencer as a local celeb who is growing her business even bigger meanwhile her own relationships are in shambles with ex-husband and estranged younger sister. She was the type who went into psychology after experiencing a horrific inexplicable loss of both parents in her childhood and this shaped her as an adult.

Now, there is a huge shocker about two-thirds of the way through this book. The author did a gutsy thing with this story and readers will either go with it and enjoy what comes or it will knock them right out of the book and not care for what comes in the last third of the book. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but just cautious future readers to be open to a huginormous toss up for Chelsea right when it seems all is falling into place for her. Forewarned is forearmed and all that.
In truth, there are hints along the way and I was one that paused and flipped back to early parts and realized I blew past the subtle hints. It knocked me for a loop, but I was able to re-engage and appreciate what the author did. Different, but a good read.

So, this one hit the emotions with Chelsea struggling even in middle life because she never dealt with her grief and issues from the way she lost her parents and her struggles with her relationships, but triumphant in the end as she did this very thing and had some deep and needed changes in her life. Again, this is a blend of women’s fic and magical realism with strong romance involved.

My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 10.3.24.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely started off as a cozy, fall vibe, but took a sharp turn…for the good! I was shocked!!
I completely fell in love with the small town of Ghost and after finishing this, I feel like I’m missing it and everyone in it.

I loved how all things intertwined and it really felt magical in certain parts. The title is very fitting.


Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my review.

[Briann · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

Before I begin this review let me say this, I am not a saint. I am someone who holds a grudge. I believe some things are unforgivable and that it is okay not to forgive. I am not a fan of the idea that somebody has to forgive “to move on with their life.” With all that said, let me begin my review.

From the very start of the book, where Chelsea believes that she and Austin are getting back together after he divorced her a year prior, I was at odds. I'm sorry, but girl, he divorced you out of the blue. He betrayed your trust and hurt you. Pull yourself together and get over him.

I absolutely abhorred Austin and his “actually I'm engaged” bombshell. Dude, you've been texting Chelsea, your ex, every day and slept with her a week ago. Obviously, you're stringing Chelsea along and being unfaithful to your fiancé. Knock it off!

As I said earlier, I'm not a “forgive and forget” type of girl. Therefore, I HATED Chelsea's view of her parents. Her dad cheats on her mom. Her mom catches her dad cheating. They come home and sleep the night away. The next morning, dad makes Chelsea and her sister pancakes. Then, he sends them out to play. Then he shoots their mother while she's in bed 3x in the chest and kills himself. And what does Chelsea say about this?

I like to think that he couldn't live without my mother, either, and he knew that she couldn't live without him. So in those final minutes with his finger on the trigger, he committed the ultimate act of love. The ultimate act of sacrifice.

🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.75 ⭐️

I received a copy of this novel in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Who needs Hallmark movies when you can read well written, engaging Hallmark-esque books instead?!? A feel-good book with some heavy topics mixed in, making the characters have much more depth than I initially expected.
This is a novel about second chances, soul searching, and forgiveness in many facets. Chelsea, a renowned marriage expert and nationwide speaker, finds herself recently divorced and blindsided by her ex with whom she thought she had a perfect relationship. Then, upon suffering an accident, she heads to her semi remote cabin to recuperate and take a little break from her hectic life and sort herself out. There, she feels her life begin to turn around as she makes new friends, and wonders if maybe she has been going about life all wrong. All the while, she has time to reflect on the people and events from her past and work on the healing and forgiving that she so desperately needs.

Trigger warnings: suicide, infidelity, childhood trauma (parental death)

[Love_booksforlife Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her ex-husband announces he's engaged, Chelsea runs from a restaurant only to get into an accident. Needing time to recuperate, she goes to the small town she owns a cabin in. There, she starts to finally relax while making friends with the locals including handyman Knox.

This was a uniquely crafted tale! Here's what I liked:

The magic of it all: The small town of Ghost was so magical. The people, the places. It all had such great atmosphere that really added to the unique story.

Chelsea: She was a really great character. Her story broke my heart at times. But no matter what, I was cheering her on. I wanted her to find her happy ending, no matter what that may look like.

The uniqueness: Go into this one blind. It's a really cool read you don't want spoiled.

All in all, this was a really cool story with lots of heart.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a surprise! The plot was totally different than what I thought it would be, but in a great way. There is such a big twist in this book that it is hard to fully describe it without spoilers.

The heart of this book is examining relationships, family, love, and what we really want in life. Sometimes the path we start out and think we want isn't always what we truly want deep down. The message I took away from this book was that it's okay to reevaluate and change your life if it will bring you true happiness.

I highly recommend this book! I look forward to more books by this author.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprising and emotional story about losses and starting anew.

Chelsea is an unexpected character. She portrays many ranges of emotions that keeps the reader on a seesaw. The plot had several unexpected moments that will keep the reader not quite sure where the story is going, but hopeful that it’s going where they want it to go. The author’s style of writing was quite intimate and gave the reader the feeling that they knew these characters and rooted for them without hesitation.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.

[Kailee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing Less than Magic tells the story of a marriage counselor dealing with a divorce, who finds herself suffering some memory loss while staying at her vacation cabin to recover.

This is another one I was really excited to read, but didn't quite love. There were a few things left unresolved that irked me. The ending was cute, but it left me with too many questions and not enough answers. I spent about 70% of the book having no idea what was happening, which I enjoy in mysteries and thrillers, but not so much in my romance reads. It wasn't bad, just not as magical as I was hoping for.

[Ashley Harpin · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, the summary and genre descriptions are very misleading. I was expecting the town to be magical or her to come across someone with mystical powers but there was NOTHING that even remotely resembles magic in this book. Her relationship with Knox is so dull and seems non existent and then all of a sudden she’s swooning over him. Why… couldn’t tell you. Besides all of that, the entire plot was so predictable I knew what was going to happen by chapter 2. Overall it was an easy read but I really can’t say I enjoyed it all that much

[Christa (readwithchrista) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one totally caught me off guard and I loved it! I'm not a huge contemporary romance reader, but summertime is typically when the mood hits for them. Add in a dash of magical realism and I'm sold! You could totally read this in a day or a weekend.

The plot was unexpected and I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. Especially to discover what the meaning of the title was. It kind of blew my mind as things became clear, and then it all made sense!

Thank you Kensington Books and BTC for the ARC!

[Damian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a winner of a free book. Honestly, I enjoyed it. It was a simple, easy read that you could finish in your cozy reading nook. It's not *really* much of a story, but I think the characters were cute and I felt they were mostly well written. Granted, for a therapist, the main character seems to really need her own therapist because she's pretty emotionally immature. All the same, I felt it was worth the read.

[Kaitlynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so many GREAT elements and had the roots of a 5 star read. However there were some continuity issues that knocked it down to a 3 star read for me. The fortune teller made me want to pull my hair out and you could see the twist coming after reading the synopsis. I found the sister and the ex-husband to be insufferable and Part 3 should have been a majority of the book. I felt like the entire plot was thrown away in the last 100 pages of the book. Magical Realism is not my genre of choice, but if it is yours you might love this read. I just needed the plot to be a little more believable to rate it higher.

[Ashli Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book 🩷 it was heart felt and precious and cozy and I want to move to the town of ghost tomorrow. This book is all about finding the magic in your life - and I absolutely love it.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, just like its title, is nothing less than magic. From beginning to end I had no idea what was going to happen. It's a story of grief, forgiveness, and healing. It'll have you still thinking of it even after you've finished.

[Hannah Spradling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me by surprise! At first I wasn’t sure I was feeling it but it definitely took a turn I wasn’t expecting! I actually liked it!

[Kelly Quintiliani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Such an easy read.. like a Hallmark movie in book form. Thanks Anna!

[Sundari Chandrashekaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ☆s