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Inheriting Magic: My Journey Through Grief, Joy, Celebration, and Making Every Day Magical
With lessons on grief, love, and the incredible joy of parenting, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s debut memoir shares wisdom learned from her late mother and shows her readers her real self—who can’t be defined by a single label. When Jennifer Love Hewitt lost her mother to cancer, everything changed. Overwhelmed by grief, she found a path through the heartache by embracing her mom’s Make ordinary days special and special occasions unforgettable. "The everyday world wasn’t magical. But mom made sure our little world was."—Jennifer Love Hewitt. In the pages of Inheriting Magic, Jennifer recounts her journey, sharing memories, photographs, recipes, and the magic-making ethos of a self-proclaimed Holiday Junkie.A heartfelt, candid chronicle that charts a course from sorrow to celebration, this unique memoir Never-seen-before family photos and vintage snapshots. Jennifer’s favorite family recipes, from her grandmother’s chicken and dumplings to her husband’s holiday cocktail. An explosion of festive images sure to inspire your decorating plans for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and a whole year’s worth of holidays. Moon water, baskets of joy, glowing dinners, and other foolproof strategies for adding magic to your family’s everyday routine. Inheriting Magic is about how grief, being a mom of three, having a deep love for party planning, and being passionate about the holidays turned what could have been an ordinary life into something magical. Through it, Jennifer hopes to inspire all readers to add more love, light, and the making of core memories into their everyday lives.
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First published December 10, 2024
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About the author
Jennifer Love Hewitt
11 books110 followersJennifer Love Hewitt is an American actress, television director, voice actress, singer-songwriter, and film and television producer. Hewitt began her acting career as a child by appearing in television commercials and the Disney Channel series Kids Incorporated. She rose to fame in teenage popular culture via her roles in the Fox series Party of Five, as Sarah Reeves, and the films I Know What You Did Last Summer and its sequel, as Julie James.
As a singer, Hewitt has been signed by Atlantic Records and Jive Records. She is primarily known for her recordings in the pop genre and has a contralto vocal range. To date, her most successful single on the Billboard Hot 100 is the 1999 release "How Do I Deal", which peaked at #59. In addition, she has contributed music to the promotion or soundtracks of acting projects.
Hewitt's physical appearance has been the subject of much media attention throughout her career. She has been lauded as one of the most attractive women in the entertainment industry by publications such as Maxim, in which she was named the sexiest woman in the world in 1999, and TV Guide, which named her the sexiest woman on television in 2008. In 2007, paparazzi photos of Hewitt on a beach led to a much-publicized matter in which she defended her weight, and was supported by other celebrities. These incidents received coverage from People magazine.
In addition to acting, Hewitt has also served as a producer on some of her film and television projects. She can be seen on the CBS television program Ghost Whisperer as Melinda Gordon, a young woman who can communicate with ghosts. She won a Saturn Award in 2007 and 2008 for Best Actress on Television.
As a singer, Hewitt has been signed by Atlantic Records and Jive Records. She is primarily known for her recordings in the pop genre and has a contralto vocal range. To date, her most successful single on the Billboard Hot 100 is the 1999 release "How Do I Deal", which peaked at #59. In addition, she has contributed music to the promotion or soundtracks of acting projects.
Hewitt's physical appearance has been the subject of much media attention throughout her career. She has been lauded as one of the most attractive women in the entertainment industry by publications such as Maxim, in which she was named the sexiest woman in the world in 1999, and TV Guide, which named her the sexiest woman on television in 2008. In 2007, paparazzi photos of Hewitt on a beach led to a much-publicized matter in which she defended her weight, and was supported by other celebrities. These incidents received coverage from People magazine.
In addition to acting, Hewitt has also served as a producer on some of her film and television projects. She can be seen on the CBS television program Ghost Whisperer as Melinda Gordon, a young woman who can communicate with ghosts. She won a Saturn Award in 2007 and 2008 for Best Actress on Television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 21, 2025
This is a short book filled with pictures, recipes, magical moments and writing prompts that make up the author’s life as a mom, actress, and wife.
This essentially is her heart-felt candid journey of how she addressed what happened to her after she lost her mother to cancer. She is thoughtful in sharing her grief, the magic of family traditions and celebrations that helped her heal, and how to make moments fun for her and her kids.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from this book. But I was pleasantly surprised by the sweetness of it. It is a quick easy read. Anyone looking for tips for holidays throughout the year, might enjoy perusing this little gem of a book for the ideas they will find.
This essentially is her heart-felt candid journey of how she addressed what happened to her after she lost her mother to cancer. She is thoughtful in sharing her grief, the magic of family traditions and celebrations that helped her heal, and how to make moments fun for her and her kids.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from this book. But I was pleasantly surprised by the sweetness of it. It is a quick easy read. Anyone looking for tips for holidays throughout the year, might enjoy perusing this little gem of a book for the ideas they will find.
December 16, 2024
I received an ALC for an honest review.
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s memoir centres around the lessons she learned from her mother’s death and how her legacy lives on through Jennifer. Jennifer has taken her mum’s magic and filled her world with it for herself and her children.
In theory, this is all well and good, I do think it’s a bit flimsy to fill out a memoir but this is a short book so that’s fine! In practice, none of this was enjoyable. This should’ve been a blog post (affiliate links included! No seriously, I could not get over how many times ‘I bought this from Amazon, Etsy, etc. was said, I was waiting for her to direct readers to her storefront link) and not a published book. Even for the length it was still repetitive and there is just very little substance.
The larger issue from my perspective was this book is essentially a celebrity saying ‘here’s what I do with the resources I have’ without even ONCE acknowledging that her resources, both financial and time-wise, are greater than most of the women and mothers who will read her book. The whole thing feels very tone deaf and I think it may be enjoyed by other tone deaf women but that’s about it.
Of course Jennifer’s narration was delightful and she bought a lot of life to the performance.
Jennifer Love Hewitt’s memoir centres around the lessons she learned from her mother’s death and how her legacy lives on through Jennifer. Jennifer has taken her mum’s magic and filled her world with it for herself and her children.
In theory, this is all well and good, I do think it’s a bit flimsy to fill out a memoir but this is a short book so that’s fine! In practice, none of this was enjoyable. This should’ve been a blog post (affiliate links included! No seriously, I could not get over how many times ‘I bought this from Amazon, Etsy, etc. was said, I was waiting for her to direct readers to her storefront link) and not a published book. Even for the length it was still repetitive and there is just very little substance.
The larger issue from my perspective was this book is essentially a celebrity saying ‘here’s what I do with the resources I have’ without even ONCE acknowledging that her resources, both financial and time-wise, are greater than most of the women and mothers who will read her book. The whole thing feels very tone deaf and I think it may be enjoyed by other tone deaf women but that’s about it.
Of course Jennifer’s narration was delightful and she bought a lot of life to the performance.
April 7, 2025
An enjoyable book with sweet stories and some fun ideas with recipes thrown in [I skipped the ones that weren't interesting to me and showed my mom and sister some of them). 👍🏼
If you looking for a memoir that digs deep, this isn't it.
It's just something that'll leave you with a warm feeling and nice pictures sprinkled throughout.
The introduction hits you in the feels right away, it got me thinking about my grandma and grandpa :).
She comes across a genuine and down to earth 🌎 ✨️ person.
(She has more spoons 🥄 for holidays than I do! )
Not everyone will be able to do all the things she's done but she never comes across as snotty or superior about any of it.
If you looking for a memoir that digs deep, this isn't it.
It's just something that'll leave you with a warm feeling and nice pictures sprinkled throughout.
The introduction hits you in the feels right away, it got me thinking about my grandma and grandpa :).
She comes across a genuine and down to earth 🌎 ✨️ person.
(She has more spoons 🥄 for holidays than I do! )
Not everyone will be able to do all the things she's done but she never comes across as snotty or superior about any of it.
April 14, 2025
As a big fan of Jennifer Love Hewitt since her Party of Five days, I knew Inheriting Magic was one memoir I needed to read. My mind lit up whenever I saw her Instagram stories talking about the writing process in interviews and podcasts. I couldn’t wait. And given the heavy subject matter, as well as the emotions on display while talking about her mom (whom sadly died of cancer in 2012,) I was confident it would be a good read.
It had the potential to be just that—perhaps even more—if the majority of Inheriting Magic had maintained the hard-hitting emotional impact that Hewitt painstakingly achieved in the preface and first chapter. Another aspect of the latter that I appreciated is her refusal to adhere to her devastating loss. She obviously could have, and I wish she had tapped deeper into that pain (to some degree,) but I suspect she didn’t want to inundate the reader with a lot of sadness. Not only that, but JLH has an air about her of monumental strength, and I doubt she’s one to wallow at home for months at a time. The fact is, she couldn’t. Circumstances prevented her from doing so. In retrospect, becoming an expecting mother and wife to actor Brian Hallisay (whom she met on the set of the controversial Lifetime series, The Client List,) were her saving graces.
I can understand why the rest of the memoir is the way it is, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with her means of processing her grief and getting on with her life, but I wasn’t expecting ninety percent of its one hundred and twenty pages to revolve around Hewitt’s open-armed embrace of all things magical, which eventually led to her self-proclaimed Holiday Junkie status. When she uses the term “magic,” she’s not referring to a billowing cauldron and casting spells. Her form of magic consists of making even the seemingly insignificant moments into lasting memories that she and their children will cherish. In particular, she made every birthday and holiday special. Magical. As extravagant as many of them sounded, she emphasized that it’s not about being the biggest celebration or spending the most money. It’s about how they make her children feel, the joy they bring to their lives.
I understand and love that sentiment, but for the average person, throwing frequent parties simply isn’t feasible. Even if you’re the most frugal person who has a great job, celebrating most occasions the way she writes about them isn’t very realistic. Not when you consider the increasingly expensive cost of living, bills to pay, and all the little things that inevitable arise. Yes, there are ways of finding Amazon deals or from local businesses like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, but those reduced prices add up quickly, too.
The latter wasn’t my biggest issue, though it is significant. My biggest constructive criticism is the overall execution of the book itself, which actually felt like two separate books with surface level cohesiveness. I understand how the death of her mother, Patricia Hewitt, and creating magic are connected. It was her means of remembering her mom, and ensuring that her legacy remained intact; creating magic was how she mourned. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all process death differently.
However, I think it would’ve been a stronger work if there had been a more clear connection to the two facets of her memoir. For instance, she could’ve incorporated little interludes or introspective scenes where the reader was shown the emotional toll she was experiencing. Or depictions of her traipsing through life without her best friend, as she went through the various stages of grief. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any of that. I can’t stress enough that Inheriting Magic felt like two different books.
Ultimately, I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it, either. It was a fun read, and Hewitt put a unique spin on what the memoir can be. It was interesting to read about one of my favorite actresses, and I closed the book feeling like I got to know her and her beautiful family a little better. The personal photos and stunning artwork throughout were nice additions.
*rating rounded up to 2.5 stars*
It had the potential to be just that—perhaps even more—if the majority of Inheriting Magic had maintained the hard-hitting emotional impact that Hewitt painstakingly achieved in the preface and first chapter. Another aspect of the latter that I appreciated is her refusal to adhere to her devastating loss. She obviously could have, and I wish she had tapped deeper into that pain (to some degree,) but I suspect she didn’t want to inundate the reader with a lot of sadness. Not only that, but JLH has an air about her of monumental strength, and I doubt she’s one to wallow at home for months at a time. The fact is, she couldn’t. Circumstances prevented her from doing so. In retrospect, becoming an expecting mother and wife to actor Brian Hallisay (whom she met on the set of the controversial Lifetime series, The Client List,) were her saving graces.
I’d walked out of her front door hopeful and laughing, and now I could barely walk in because she was gone. My while life changed. I changed.
Later, in processing my grief, I began to feel very deeply that my mom and I weren’t supposed to say goodbye. We were supposed to be laughing, planning a party, and excited for the joy it would bring us and others.
I can understand why the rest of the memoir is the way it is, and there’s nothing inherently wrong with her means of processing her grief and getting on with her life, but I wasn’t expecting ninety percent of its one hundred and twenty pages to revolve around Hewitt’s open-armed embrace of all things magical, which eventually led to her self-proclaimed Holiday Junkie status. When she uses the term “magic,” she’s not referring to a billowing cauldron and casting spells. Her form of magic consists of making even the seemingly insignificant moments into lasting memories that she and their children will cherish. In particular, she made every birthday and holiday special. Magical. As extravagant as many of them sounded, she emphasized that it’s not about being the biggest celebration or spending the most money. It’s about how they make her children feel, the joy they bring to their lives.
I understand and love that sentiment, but for the average person, throwing frequent parties simply isn’t feasible. Even if you’re the most frugal person who has a great job, celebrating most occasions the way she writes about them isn’t very realistic. Not when you consider the increasingly expensive cost of living, bills to pay, and all the little things that inevitable arise. Yes, there are ways of finding Amazon deals or from local businesses like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, but those reduced prices add up quickly, too.
The latter wasn’t my biggest issue, though it is significant. My biggest constructive criticism is the overall execution of the book itself, which actually felt like two separate books with surface level cohesiveness. I understand how the death of her mother, Patricia Hewitt, and creating magic are connected. It was her means of remembering her mom, and ensuring that her legacy remained intact; creating magic was how she mourned. There’s nothing wrong with that. We all process death differently.
However, I think it would’ve been a stronger work if there had been a more clear connection to the two facets of her memoir. For instance, she could’ve incorporated little interludes or introspective scenes where the reader was shown the emotional toll she was experiencing. Or depictions of her traipsing through life without her best friend, as she went through the various stages of grief. Unfortunately, there wasn’t any of that. I can’t stress enough that Inheriting Magic felt like two different books.
As adults, we don’t think we can stop everything and just live. We are always searching for something, or trying to create the next thing, trying to give our kids everything. We don’t believe it’s okay to just take a break, but it is. My kids just wanted us. Our time.
Ultimately, I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it, either. It was a fun read, and Hewitt put a unique spin on what the memoir can be. It was interesting to read about one of my favorite actresses, and I closed the book feeling like I got to know her and her beautiful family a little better. The personal photos and stunning artwork throughout were nice additions.
*rating rounded up to 2.5 stars*
May 12, 2025
Finding magic is sweet and tragic. Jennifer struggles with the loss of her mother, feeling like all the magic she brought to Jennifer's life was gone. She then takes us for a ride on re-finding the magic through her children. She even gives ideas on how to create magic with your own children. This was sweet and magical.
October 2, 2024
“Inheriting Magic” by Jennifer Love Hewitt is part memoir, part journey through grief, and part holiday/mom blog. It doesn’t dive terribly deep into any of those topics, and it’s a light, warm, quick read.
The book starts by talking about the author’s loss of her mother and then the many warm and beautiful memories made with her mom and her own journey into motherhood. The stories were sweet but stayed pretty high-level throughout, not digging too deep into any one aspect of her personal life, which was fine for me, but fans expecting more of a memoir might be a little disappointed by the brevity.
The second half details different traditions and ideas for fun that she uses to create everyday magic in her home. Some of the ideas were more accessible than others, but there are some really cute ideas that are sure to inspire parents to inject some new fun into their routine. To think that any average parent would have the time and resources to be able to keep up with all of the activities and traditions detailed here is a bit far-fetched, but approaching it like Pinterest or a blog and find some ideas and inspiration, makes it much more reasonable and digestible. None of the ideas are groundbreaking or new to anyone who’s spent time browsing Pinterest, but it is nice to see a celebrity mom embracing motherhood and really investing in quality time with her family. It did feel like it was setting up a future launch of a lifestyle brand at times, though.
The writing is very casual and friendly. I also liked that the book has lots of bright, colorful personal pictures of the different traditions the author discusses. The family recipes were also a really nice personal touch.
Overall, this is a very sweet celebrity offering, blending memoir and lifestyle content. Fans of books like Reese Witherspoon’s “Whisky in a Teacup” and Kate Hudson’s “Pretty Fun” will probably enjoy this one as well.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced read.
The book starts by talking about the author’s loss of her mother and then the many warm and beautiful memories made with her mom and her own journey into motherhood. The stories were sweet but stayed pretty high-level throughout, not digging too deep into any one aspect of her personal life, which was fine for me, but fans expecting more of a memoir might be a little disappointed by the brevity.
The second half details different traditions and ideas for fun that she uses to create everyday magic in her home. Some of the ideas were more accessible than others, but there are some really cute ideas that are sure to inspire parents to inject some new fun into their routine. To think that any average parent would have the time and resources to be able to keep up with all of the activities and traditions detailed here is a bit far-fetched, but approaching it like Pinterest or a blog and find some ideas and inspiration, makes it much more reasonable and digestible. None of the ideas are groundbreaking or new to anyone who’s spent time browsing Pinterest, but it is nice to see a celebrity mom embracing motherhood and really investing in quality time with her family. It did feel like it was setting up a future launch of a lifestyle brand at times, though.
The writing is very casual and friendly. I also liked that the book has lots of bright, colorful personal pictures of the different traditions the author discusses. The family recipes were also a really nice personal touch.
Overall, this is a very sweet celebrity offering, blending memoir and lifestyle content. Fans of books like Reese Witherspoon’s “Whisky in a Teacup” and Kate Hudson’s “Pretty Fun” will probably enjoy this one as well.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced read.
October 8, 2024
Thank you to BenBella Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC of actress Jennifer Love Hewitt’s upcoming book “Inheriting Magic”.
Jennifer tragically lost her mother to cancer and shares how this moment changed her life forever. She describes her personal journey through grief and how she keeps her mother’s memory alive with traditions and magical moments throughout the year.
I can empathise with Jennifer, having lost my mother too. My mother, like Jennifer’s, missed out on seeing me marry the love of my life and her chance to be a grandmother (I am pregnant currently with my first child). Those special occasions and milestones are when we feel the loss most deeply.
As a wife and mother of three, Jennifer encourages quality time with family and to cherish every moment with our loved ones. It’s a book with lots of fun and inspiring ideas on how to create joyful memories, with those we love, every day of the year.
Overall, it’s a lovely book that I can tell has been written with much love and consideration.
I would also like to acknowledge Vanessa Rivera’s (the_life_of_aivax) awesome cover design for this book — It’s so fun and whimsical!
Jennifer tragically lost her mother to cancer and shares how this moment changed her life forever. She describes her personal journey through grief and how she keeps her mother’s memory alive with traditions and magical moments throughout the year.
I can empathise with Jennifer, having lost my mother too. My mother, like Jennifer’s, missed out on seeing me marry the love of my life and her chance to be a grandmother (I am pregnant currently with my first child). Those special occasions and milestones are when we feel the loss most deeply.
As a wife and mother of three, Jennifer encourages quality time with family and to cherish every moment with our loved ones. It’s a book with lots of fun and inspiring ideas on how to create joyful memories, with those we love, every day of the year.
Overall, it’s a lovely book that I can tell has been written with much love and consideration.
I would also like to acknowledge Vanessa Rivera’s (the_life_of_aivax) awesome cover design for this book — It’s so fun and whimsical!
February 28, 2025
This is a parenting idea book. Badly positioned and marketed. 75% is just ideas to make magic for kids pulled from Pinterest. Literally is akin to reading a mommy blog. Lots of lists of what she does for each kid’s birthday…. 🫠🫠🫠
December 31, 2024
Wow! I can honestly say this has been one of my favorites if not my favorite read this year!
I have been following Jennifer Love Hewitt’s career since her Ghost Whisperer days. Not only do I think she’s super talented but also down to earth, relatable and could totally be your best friend if she weren’t super famous.
Like JLH I am a total holiday junkie. I love to celebrate every holiday and enjoy making each moment magical. Not only does JLH provide excellent ideas and recipes for each holiday, but she also really explains why she does so and why she wants her children to experience the magic that the holidays bring. JLH also emphasizes that there is magic wherever you look – you just have to find it. I also believe that there is magic in the everyday, we just have to find it and embrace it. The book also gives ideas on how to even make a regular weeknight magical. I definitely think I will try some of these ideas because who doesn’t love a little bit of magic on a Tuesday night?!
One of the things I liked about the book was the photography. Through her photography, we really get to see JLH’s world and all of the important moments in her life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and these photos really reinforce that idea. The delicious recipe ideas are also a major plus!
Another thing I appreciated about the book was her honesty. Hewitt talks about the death of her mother and how her death has influenced her parenting, views on motherhood and how she interacts with her children. This could have easily been depressing but it is handled well. There is something beautiful about seeing a mother’s influence live on long after they have passed. I believe that those we love are always with us in spirit. Sharing the most painful moments in our lives can be terrifying, but I feel that we can also use that pain to both put things into action and help others, something I think this book accomplishes.
While I have mainly been doing audiobooks these days, I am glad that I got the physical book for this. I recommend it for the photography aspect, which wouldn’t be present in the audiobook.
I recommend this because not only does it provide excellent holiday ideas but because it reminds us all to look for the magic. I cannot help but be reminded of the Roald Dahl quote “those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”. Anyone who wants an uplifting, magical read should definitely read this!
I’m really glad that this was my last read of 2024!
I have been following Jennifer Love Hewitt’s career since her Ghost Whisperer days. Not only do I think she’s super talented but also down to earth, relatable and could totally be your best friend if she weren’t super famous.
Like JLH I am a total holiday junkie. I love to celebrate every holiday and enjoy making each moment magical. Not only does JLH provide excellent ideas and recipes for each holiday, but she also really explains why she does so and why she wants her children to experience the magic that the holidays bring. JLH also emphasizes that there is magic wherever you look – you just have to find it. I also believe that there is magic in the everyday, we just have to find it and embrace it. The book also gives ideas on how to even make a regular weeknight magical. I definitely think I will try some of these ideas because who doesn’t love a little bit of magic on a Tuesday night?!
One of the things I liked about the book was the photography. Through her photography, we really get to see JLH’s world and all of the important moments in her life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and these photos really reinforce that idea. The delicious recipe ideas are also a major plus!
Another thing I appreciated about the book was her honesty. Hewitt talks about the death of her mother and how her death has influenced her parenting, views on motherhood and how she interacts with her children. This could have easily been depressing but it is handled well. There is something beautiful about seeing a mother’s influence live on long after they have passed. I believe that those we love are always with us in spirit. Sharing the most painful moments in our lives can be terrifying, but I feel that we can also use that pain to both put things into action and help others, something I think this book accomplishes.
While I have mainly been doing audiobooks these days, I am glad that I got the physical book for this. I recommend it for the photography aspect, which wouldn’t be present in the audiobook.
I recommend this because not only does it provide excellent holiday ideas but because it reminds us all to look for the magic. I cannot help but be reminded of the Roald Dahl quote “those who don’t believe in magic will never find it”. Anyone who wants an uplifting, magical read should definitely read this!
I’m really glad that this was my last read of 2024!
October 3, 2024
This book is part love letter to Jennifer Love Hewitt's mom, and part practical guide to adding "magic" to your kids lives. I liked some of the ideas and it being spooky season, used one idea right away: washi tape on pumpkins for toddlers. It was a win!
I like that some of the ideas are open ended and you can go as big or as small as you want to or can. Her pictures are more inspirational, than doable for my budget. But it's great ideas. It's a short and delightful read.
Thank you, BenBella Books, for the ARC.
I like that some of the ideas are open ended and you can go as big or as small as you want to or can. Her pictures are more inspirational, than doable for my budget. But it's great ideas. It's a short and delightful read.
Thank you, BenBella Books, for the ARC.
January 30, 2025
I'm sure I was not the intended audience for this book, nor was it my intended reading material. I don't know what I thought I was reading, but it wasn't a mommy handbook about etsy holidays. That said, if "magic" were a drinking game during this book, you'd pass out after every chapter.
December 28, 2024
I was provided with an ARC copy of the audio book in exchange for my honest review.
This book contains a lot of descriptions of Pinterest type activities the author does with her children. I’m guessing that the photos in the print version add a lot to the book. I’d recommend the book for readers whose children are younger than or closer in age to the age of the author’s children. Mine are 17 and 13 so past a lot of the activities described.
This book contains a lot of descriptions of Pinterest type activities the author does with her children. I’m guessing that the photos in the print version add a lot to the book. I’d recommend the book for readers whose children are younger than or closer in age to the age of the author’s children. Mine are 17 and 13 so past a lot of the activities described.
December 20, 2024
Thank you NG for ARC. Sigh..
I have always been a fan of JLH. Her movies, tv shows plus she has a great singing voice. I remember a "Barbie Workout" VHS tape she was in. Front row and all. She went by Love Hewitt on that VHS for some reason. She sang all the songs on that track. I digress..
This "memoir" leaves me underwhelmed, confused, and unsure if she is being serious or not. Not so much with her experiences. The topics are real. However she has this odd attachment to the word Magic.
With this novel, I am interrupting a conversation or getting a hold of her journal and picking a random entry to read.
It definitely has a "stop trying to make fetch happen" vibe. Magic is mentioned a lot.
Now I know it could totally be me. But, I accept I am not as "deep" as HW, Hewitt and her circle.
I wanted to like this, but it comes off as a cash grab.
I have always been a fan of JLH. Her movies, tv shows plus she has a great singing voice. I remember a "Barbie Workout" VHS tape she was in. Front row and all. She went by Love Hewitt on that VHS for some reason. She sang all the songs on that track. I digress..
This "memoir" leaves me underwhelmed, confused, and unsure if she is being serious or not. Not so much with her experiences. The topics are real. However she has this odd attachment to the word Magic.
With this novel, I am interrupting a conversation or getting a hold of her journal and picking a random entry to read.
It definitely has a "stop trying to make fetch happen" vibe. Magic is mentioned a lot.
Now I know it could totally be me. But, I accept I am not as "deep" as HW, Hewitt and her circle.
I wanted to like this, but it comes off as a cash grab.
November 21, 2024
What a treat this book was!! Full of ideas to add magic to your own life, she shows how little touches can add so much joy to anything. From holidays and birthdays to any day for any reason, there are great ideas to pull from, and I am definitely inspired.
I received an advance review copy from the publisher and very grateful!
I received an advance review copy from the publisher and very grateful!
March 23, 2025
Take a shot every time Jennifer Love Hewitt uses the word "magic" in this book. You'll be literally dead by page 3.
A few weeks ago I read Hewitt's other book, so I guessed I should just read both and call it a day. I'm kind of regretting it now.
This book is basically Hewitt staking her claim in the celebrity side-hustle of lifestyle advice and guru-living, albeit a semi-DIY and lower rent version of what the Gwyneth Paltrows, Jessica Albas, and Cameron Diazes of the world are doing.
Hewitt's cause célèbre is holiday celebrations and making being a mom and living entirely for and through her children her entire personality. Thus comes this book, which opens as a thoughtful grief diary of losing her own mother before ever becoming one herself, only to devolve into an out-of-touch how-to on holiday and birthday decorating and celebrating.
Hewitt keeps saying her approach is economical and not fancy, yet just trying to do some basic math in my mind results in a child's second birthday party costing as much as my entire year's worth of paying rent. I think some of these parties cost as much as buying a new car would. Yet Hewitt doesn't acknowledge this at all, she's just like: "Buy all these decorations at Target, Amazon, and Etsy, hire out trucks and food vendors, hire artists, spend spend spend... Look how cheap and easy!!!"
Celebrities really do live on another planet, huh?!
A few weeks ago I read Hewitt's other book, so I guessed I should just read both and call it a day. I'm kind of regretting it now.
This book is basically Hewitt staking her claim in the celebrity side-hustle of lifestyle advice and guru-living, albeit a semi-DIY and lower rent version of what the Gwyneth Paltrows, Jessica Albas, and Cameron Diazes of the world are doing.
Hewitt's cause célèbre is holiday celebrations and making being a mom and living entirely for and through her children her entire personality. Thus comes this book, which opens as a thoughtful grief diary of losing her own mother before ever becoming one herself, only to devolve into an out-of-touch how-to on holiday and birthday decorating and celebrating.
Hewitt keeps saying her approach is economical and not fancy, yet just trying to do some basic math in my mind results in a child's second birthday party costing as much as my entire year's worth of paying rent. I think some of these parties cost as much as buying a new car would. Yet Hewitt doesn't acknowledge this at all, she's just like: "Buy all these decorations at Target, Amazon, and Etsy, hire out trucks and food vendors, hire artists, spend spend spend... Look how cheap and easy!!!"
Celebrities really do live on another planet, huh?!
Want to read
July 1, 2024So excited for this book. It releases on my Birthday!!! YAY!
January 11, 2025
I’ve been a fan of Jennifer’s since I was a kid. Loved her in Party of Five & I Know What You Did Last Summer. Ghost Whisperer is one of my favorite shows ever. I binge watch it all the time. I didn’t think it was possible to be an even bigger fan of hers but I am. She’s so sweet & you can just tell she’s a genuine good human being.
The preface had me in tears. I to lost my Mom & didn’t get to say goodbye. I like how Jennifer looks at it as if her & her Mom never got to say goodbye bc they weren’t suppose to. Their last time together was suppose to be happy & that’s what it was.
The illustrations in this book are so incredible. The descriptions are really beautiful. Jennifer’s Mom sounds like she was such an incredible loving Mom. She really went above and beyond.
Jennifer really creates magic for her kids just like her Mom did for her. The parties, the fun creative things she came up with during the pandemic or just for birthday parties or random days were so cool. There’s even a calendar inside where you can follow along & it shows you when she starts decorating for each holiday.
This would be a great book for moms who want to create some magic for their kids. But I don’t have any kids & I found it to be really interesting. Just the relationship she had with her Mom made me think of my own. Even the recipes and cocktail recipes were neat to look at & have for when family & friends visit. I think this book is good for everyone, not just people with children. We could all use a little magic in our lives. This book showed me how I can create magic for myself & for the ones around me I love even if it’s just by taking a cute photo, having a cool themed dinner party or having a nice drink. You can create magic in everything!
I thought it was really cute and creative. Now we know why she’s the holiday junkie!
The preface had me in tears. I to lost my Mom & didn’t get to say goodbye. I like how Jennifer looks at it as if her & her Mom never got to say goodbye bc they weren’t suppose to. Their last time together was suppose to be happy & that’s what it was.
The illustrations in this book are so incredible. The descriptions are really beautiful. Jennifer’s Mom sounds like she was such an incredible loving Mom. She really went above and beyond.
Jennifer really creates magic for her kids just like her Mom did for her. The parties, the fun creative things she came up with during the pandemic or just for birthday parties or random days were so cool. There’s even a calendar inside where you can follow along & it shows you when she starts decorating for each holiday.
This would be a great book for moms who want to create some magic for their kids. But I don’t have any kids & I found it to be really interesting. Just the relationship she had with her Mom made me think of my own. Even the recipes and cocktail recipes were neat to look at & have for when family & friends visit. I think this book is good for everyone, not just people with children. We could all use a little magic in our lives. This book showed me how I can create magic for myself & for the ones around me I love even if it’s just by taking a cute photo, having a cool themed dinner party or having a nice drink. You can create magic in everything!
I thought it was really cute and creative. Now we know why she’s the holiday junkie!
September 24, 2025
I loved this short and sweet memoir because it resonated with me on many levels. I’ve also lost my mom and spent years feeling like I lost myself as well. My mom and I were always holiday decor junkies as well. My mom used to transform our whole house.. I don’t even know where she kept all of the decor and many, many themed shower curtains lol.
It was sweet to read about how many wonderful magical moments Jennifer has created for her loved ones. The magic she inherited from her mom ♥️ I feel that to my core, because I also feel that my own mom’s magic lives on through these moments as well.
This year my house has been Halloween themed since August 31st. lol making up lost time
It’s the first year since my mom passing 4 years ago that I have truly felt inspired and anticipating celebrations, including my own birthday.
So this book was a love letter to her mom and I just rode along for the magic ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you Jennifer for sharing this gift with us!
(Also, thank you for the ideas and recipes!!! I will cherish this forever!)
It was sweet to read about how many wonderful magical moments Jennifer has created for her loved ones. The magic she inherited from her mom ♥️ I feel that to my core, because I also feel that my own mom’s magic lives on through these moments as well.
This year my house has been Halloween themed since August 31st. lol making up lost time
It’s the first year since my mom passing 4 years ago that I have truly felt inspired and anticipating celebrations, including my own birthday.
So this book was a love letter to her mom and I just rode along for the magic ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you Jennifer for sharing this gift with us!
(Also, thank you for the ideas and recipes!!! I will cherish this forever!)
December 14, 2024
Super quick audiobook - about 2 hrs long. If you’re hoping for a juicy memoir you’ll be disappointed. This was one part JLH talking about her relationship with her Mom and how she dealt with the grief of her passing and one part recipes/party planning/holiday ideas - nothing ground breaking in either topic.
July 18, 2025
This book will make you want to throw a themed party ASAP!! It’s not your typical celebrity memoir, which I honestly really appreciated. There’s barely a mention of JLH’s acting or singing credits, and the whole of the book is focused on family, friends, and creating magic. As a crafter and a “holiday junkie” myself, I will definitely be coming back to this for ideas!
December 28, 2024
Cute book I love this author so much I grew up watching her and have always admired her. I too know the pain of missing a loved one during the holiday season it's hard. In saying that I have to say she is very strong for constantly making her own magic in life
March 4, 2025
It’s hard to rate this, because it read more like a magazine. I was drawn to Jennifer Love Hewitt’s desire to make magic for her kids, not just for holidays and birthdays, but for the ordinary days, too. I loved reading about her relationship with her mom, and how her the grief of losing her mom fuels her desire to keep traditions and start new ones. The writing was casual, and cheesy at times, but I think her goal was to have a collection of memories, photographs, traditions, recipes, and ways to celebrate life.
March 7, 2025
This was a sweet book navigating life after the loss of her mother. The book focuses on ideas on how to make the holidays more magical after a loved one passes. It’s a simple read but is more like a blog than anything.
December 10, 2024
I have no notes! Read this book.
February 17, 2025
Adorable. Sweet ideas.
May 13, 2025
such a nothing book.
May 15, 2025
Cute quick audiobook made me wish my kiddos were little again but I hope if I’m lucky enough to have grandchildren I can bestow magic on them such a sweet book. I love Jennifer Love Hewitt
September 21, 2024
Thank you so much Netgalley and the publisher BenBella Books for allowing me access to this amazing book! I rushed to the app to read it straight away when I got the notification!!
I absolutely loved it! I did cry at the beginning, it's so emotional! I loved the way the book was written, it includes pictures, writing prompts, recipes and so many ideas!! I, now, want to add magic in my life!
I absolutely loved it! I did cry at the beginning, it's so emotional! I loved the way the book was written, it includes pictures, writing prompts, recipes and so many ideas!! I, now, want to add magic in my life!
December 21, 2024
I love you JLH but this book was not it for me.
September 6, 2024
I don't think I'd call this a memoir but it's a quick, fun, and emotional read. The beginning definitely gave me some tears with the loss of Hewitt's mother, but the book quickly more about creating the magic for your kids.
Before Pinterest was huge, we had blogs. Blogs for cooking and crafting, party throwing, generally making the magic that this book refers to. It feels like all of those blogs, there's some emotional stuff, and there's so many beautiful pictures. There's even some recipes that sound good but could also use some pictures.
I expected a little more about the "journey through grief" as navigating through grief is so difficult and it's always nice to have new ways to help. The first third of the book is a quick story telling about the time since her mother passed, how she got married and had 3 kids and then decided to share all the magic her mom gave her with those kids. It's a cute story but it just feels a little too...well, magical. Everyone processes grief and struggles differently, but it just feels like it was glossed over with the magic of holidays, big events, extra fun dinners. But the holidays look great, the parties she writes about don't look over the top like some you see nowadays. And I'd definitely like to see the warehouse she must have to store all the decorations.
If you enjoyed all the party and kid blogs from that time or love a good Pinterest scroll, or maybe you're looking for some nice family recipes, this is a good choice. It's all very surface level stuff, nothing super deep. Short and easy to navigate back and forth to recipes or ideas.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Before Pinterest was huge, we had blogs. Blogs for cooking and crafting, party throwing, generally making the magic that this book refers to. It feels like all of those blogs, there's some emotional stuff, and there's so many beautiful pictures. There's even some recipes that sound good but could also use some pictures.
I expected a little more about the "journey through grief" as navigating through grief is so difficult and it's always nice to have new ways to help. The first third of the book is a quick story telling about the time since her mother passed, how she got married and had 3 kids and then decided to share all the magic her mom gave her with those kids. It's a cute story but it just feels a little too...well, magical. Everyone processes grief and struggles differently, but it just feels like it was glossed over with the magic of holidays, big events, extra fun dinners. But the holidays look great, the parties she writes about don't look over the top like some you see nowadays. And I'd definitely like to see the warehouse she must have to store all the decorations.
If you enjoyed all the party and kid blogs from that time or love a good Pinterest scroll, or maybe you're looking for some nice family recipes, this is a good choice. It's all very surface level stuff, nothing super deep. Short and easy to navigate back and forth to recipes or ideas.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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