It's a Kind of Magic

by Carole Matthews

When Emma's boyfriend Leo turns up at her special birthday dinner unforgivably late and horribly drunk, embarrassing her in front of her family, she decides enough is enough. Why can't someone just wave a magic wand over him and bring him back refurbished as a proper boyfriend and save her the trouble? But when Leo meets Isabel and starts changing before her very eyes, Emma realises she should be careful what she wishes for...

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Fiction, Contemporary, Magic, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Carole Matthews is an international bestselling author of hugely successful romantic comedy novels. Her unique sense of humour has won her legions of fans and critical acclaim all over the world.

A Minor Indiscretion and A Compromising Position both reached the Top 5 in the Sunday Times bestseller chart in the UK. You Drive Me Crazy reached number 8 in the original fiction charts. The novel Welcome To The Real World was shortlisted for RNA romantic novel of the year 2007.

In 2006 Carole co-edited - with writer Sarah Mlynowski - two new editions of the hugely popular Girls' Night In charity series called Girls' Night Out - one for the USA and one for Canada. All proceeds go to War Child.

Carole has presented on television and is a regular radio guest. When she’s not writing novels, television or film scripts she manages to find time to trek in the Himalayas, rollerblade in Central Park, take tea in China and snooze in her garden shed in Milton Keynes which is near London, England.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't what I was expecting. I was expecting to find Leo and jerk but I quite liked him. I found Emma quite annoying in parts but still didn't stop me from wanting Leo and Emma together. I'd sum there relationship up in the words of Katy Perry's song Never Really Over. The ''fairy'' side to this store was weird and unrealistic to life but still it was a good read which I enjoyed. It was just too unrealistic to give any higher stars too but I can say it was different and to me that isn't a bad thing 3.5 Stars.

[The Bookish Wombat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Carole Matthew's books enormously. She's a very funny, savvy writer who reliably produces enjoyable books. I didn't enjoy this one as much as usual, however, as I found the fairy element of it trying and I didn't warm to either of the lead characters. Emma is just annoyingly uptight and does that thing that female chicklit leads often do - has a job, but can run off at the drop of a hat with no consequences. Leo is way over the top in his general uselessness and messiness - to the extent that I didn't find him believable in any way.

So not one of her best, but still funny and inventive - a passably enjoyable way of spending a few hours. I'll definitely read more of her books, but won't be revisiting this one at any stage.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my way home from work, I finished the book by Carole Matthews, It’s A Kind of Magic.

The story begins with Leo Harper singing and dancing at a party, while everyone else is cheers and calls out his name.
He then realizes after being told to sing another that he has to go to Emma’s party only to fall on her cake.
Emma decided there and there that it’s goodbye. FOR GOOD!
Leo drunk and wasted, realizes that Emma seemed serious about the break-up.
Emma expects to be contacted by Leo, but Leo has been charmed by a gorgeous little glitter being, Isobel.
The book circles around the couple and their ever supporting friends.

My predictions of the book were not met. It was nothing I thought it would be. It was better!
It left me pondering even though I’d finished the book some time back …
How did Leo react when Emma told him about the box fiasco? What happened to Grant and Carol’s relationship? What happened to Lard?

The reason I enjoyed this book is I found a bit about myself in Emma.
Most of us had gone through a break up and that process of getting over him/her is hard.

Slowly, she got over him, but then she had an epiphany.
While sitting at her sick mother’s bedside, it was Leo’s comfort she pined for. Not even her best friend, Carol could fill that space.
She had realized that even though Leo hurt her, she too had her faults. She wanted him to be someone else instead of loving and accepting him unconditionally.
She’d realized that she’d been uptight about many things.
Many of us women have this same character and mentality.
This book crept into my mind and spoke to me.

I enjoyed the way the book was written. In both first person and third person omniscient giving us a view on both character’s thoughts, feelings and doings.

When searching for reviews about the book online, I noticed that few weren’t happy about the use of a magical creature, Isobel. But I believe that it was brilliant!

The way Lard lost weight was super awesome!
I wish that losing weight would be that easy ;)

I was left equally satisfied and intrigued with the outcome of the book and would recommend it to any individual that craves a life-changing experience.

This book will stay with me forever and I rate it 5 out of 5!

Surprising, funny, witty and full of suspense.

Good work, Carole!
Carole Matthews

[Ruth O'hagan · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was just so bad. It was too long and very repetitive. I'm not one for leaving books unread and normally have to finish what I start. The two characters weren't really likeable and their love seemed flaky. You weren't really rooting for them because they both were chasing the opposite sex at every turn. There were too many side stories that seemed like tangents that lead away like cul de sacs. I actually didn't even care if they ended up together. Although magic is discussed sevetal times throughout the book, I don't think the author even believes in magic. She didn't reignite my passion for magic. It was quite frankly very boring and I couldn't wait until it finishef so I could stop reading it.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book at an airport before a longhaul flight, trusting it would be good based on others I had read by this Author. 6 months later it is still on my book shelf, unfinished. What a piece of pure, ridiculous drivel. Apart from the fact that it covered my clothes and purse in glitter from the cover...really! on a transatlantic flight from London to San Francisco....the storyline is non-existent and pitiful at best. Come on!! Businessman meets a fairy! Who gives him great sex. This isn't even chiklit. I rarely if ever give up on a book, but in this case I did...gladly! Its pathetic and I don't recommend it. If I coud give it minus stars I would.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely romantic seriously fun book to take time out with.
I was surprised to read that is has a fairy in it, not usual Carole Matthews thing, but I loved the magic of it.
You'll really enjoy this uplifting and lighthearted story about Emma and Leo, it'll keep you turning to find out do they or don't they stay together.
Heartwarming read
Another good one from Carole Matthews
Kerry Autor of Dakota and Boris Flies To The Moon

[Paula Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a holiday read, and it fitted the bill superbly. Leo and Emma are struggling and in a rut, and when Leo royally messes up her birthday party, Emma calls it a day. Enter Isobel, a magical girl!

At first I thought I would hate the characters - from wealthy families with one central character living in a popular London riverside area in an apartment bought by her parents. To be fair, both were a little annoying at first, but by the end they were both more human and more 'real' - after all, not all of us have wealthy parents! The magical element worked well as long as you suspend belief for the book (which if you can't don't read it) and gave reason for Leo's change in attitude. That said, Emma got a little annoying with her moping around about not having a man!!

It's not a Mann Booker Prize book, it isn't highbrow, but then again, who cares? It's entertaining and an easy read. I prefer some of Matthews' other books, but this is a bit of fun and should be approached as such!

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started this book and almost instantly I could tell that I wasn't going to like it, neither the characters or plotline appealed to me, but I tried to continue. I didn't get very far, granted, but I think I've saved myself some suffering by stopping....

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful. Awful, awful, awful. This feels really dated and even given that it is chick lit, it is absolutely appalling. The extent of the ‘men are from Mars, women are from Venus’ narrative contrubutes significantly to very few of the characters being believable or likeable. It's basically a 'will they or won't they get back together' story, for over 400 pages with little else occurring. The attempt to introduce fantasy in the form of a fairy makes the book even worse. Oh, and of course it ends with a proposal. Of course. Awful.

[Jenny · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the early chapters I was all set for a will they, won’t they romance. But even at this stage I found the main characters grated on me and the story line weak. Enter the magical fairy 🧚 and that was it, I opted out. Skimmed through to the end just to confirm the predictable ending. This just didn’t work for me.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this old Carole Matthews book in the library just before lockdown 3. It's a bit of a silly modern fairy story but Carole is such a good writer that I kept on reading. If you want something really light to amuse you and cheer you up give it a try.

[Awaisha Inayat · Rating 3 out of 5]

good humor fiction book!

[Helen Walford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Random but entertaining and a little bit magical!

[Ola · Rating 3 out of 5]

lekkie i szybko weszło, mimo że po angielsku

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, made me laugh out loud quite a few times

[Kerri Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was the biggest disappointment from this author. I usually love Carole Matthews books I swear she must have been drunk when this one was written.

It’s has a totally far fetched storyline and ridiculous characters that were impossible to connect with.
To be honest I found it humorous but more for how ridiculous it was than anything else.

Not a good read in my opinion and a huge let down from a fabulous author.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carole Matthews has done it again. I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down.

I loved all the characters especially Emma, she was such a well written character.

It was a very heartwarming read and I can’t wait to read Carole’s next book. I would 100% recommend this book.

[Agi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a real problem with book, because it was really nice read but this whole magic thing was a little too much for me. A little too much unrealistic. It's nice to read such things from time to time of course but I couldn't stop thinking, hey, COME ON, such a fairy - tale, it couldn't happen, and it spoiled this book a little for me.
But anyway, a lot of fun, humour, jokes, friendships, emotions as well. I really liked Leo but he exagerrated from time to time, I think I couldn't live with such a man. I didn't like Emma and couldn't warm to her at all, even after her accident with superglue, and couldn't understand her. It looked like she herself didn't know what she really wants: Leo back, or not. And she was too uptight for my liking - even woth her superglue accident:) Isobel was so unrealistic (well, no wonders here :) )) that it was just impossible for me to like her as well, fairy here or there, she was just not friendly.
But this book was full of magic and twists, there happened things that I have not expected at all and when I thought, well, what can happen still, there happened really many crazy things.
Facit: super nice and super warm read. Book by Carole Matthews, what else :)

[Read With Tarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma & Leo have had an on/off relationship for quite some time. On the eve of Emma’s 30th Birthday party, Leo shows up drunk and ends up passed out on her birthday cake. Emma’s humiliated. She loves him, but she’s sick of his childish behaviour and dumps him. She simply wished someone could wave a magic wand and turn him into a reliable and considerate boyfriend.

Enter Isobel. On the very same night, Leo crosses paths with her. And she turns his whole life upside down. She’s a mystical creature and she sprinkles a little bit of mischief but also a bit of magic into his life.

I liked this book. It’s quite funny. I was actually laughing at a couple of the scenes. And I loved the three musketeers aka. Leo, Grant & Lard. Their friendship really made the book. It's a good read….

[Allison Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a lot of Carole’s books, but not this one. I only liked this one. Had lots of funny moments, but found it hard to read as a believable story. Not one of her worst, but not one of her best either. Fairies 🧚‍♀️ in real life is unheard of really. And you kind of knew the way the story was headed.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very unusual for me to give a book just one star but this was the worst Carole Matthews book I've ever read (and I've read most of them)! The fairy storyline was ridiculous and the characters just too immature.

[Nessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read this was, very much a fun light romantic mystery read. Thoroughly enjoyable and great characters and story plot.

[Alexandra Gillgrass · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally so sad to announce that this was the first book from Carole Matthews that I didn't enjoy. I managed to get through it quite quickly because the writing was top notch as always and overall did make for a generally easy read. However, I have to say that that was it's only redeeming quality.

While a fun idea, I found the plotline to be completely ludicrous and unbelievable. I love fairies and magic as much as the next gal but Isobel's character was just too cartoon like for me. I imagined her as being like a Jessica Rabbit or a Miss Piggy for some reason which just made the whole premise pretty laughable. I was super dissapointed as I've only ever had good experiences with Carole Matthews novels! Emma I found to be an absolute pain going back and forth like a fiddler's elbow not being able to make her mind up. While some indecision is expected and normal, this level of it I'm afraid really muddied the water. Leo was an okay character, I think I certainly preffered him to Emma. I kind of imagined him as a less charming Hugh Grant for some reason, which is probably why I favoured him. His friends Grant and Lard, to me anyway were pretty uninventive and completely forgetabble.

Lastly I have to talk about the over the top completely impulsive ending. From Emma going back and forth deciding whether she wanted Leo or not goes to completely falling into his arms at the first sight of a red rose. Maybe I'm a cynic, but I love good chick lit with a LOT of romance in it, but this one did not hit the mark for me!

[Lynn Herbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Carole Matthew’s books but did not enjoy this one. I did not find Leo and Emma engaging. I was particularly put off by Leo’s drunk driving at the beginning which was not presented unfavourably not by him driving too close to a cyclist twice, causing the cyclist to fall off twice and then he and Emma driving off laughing. Too many road traffic offences and lack of concern for others

[Alliesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is my first book by Carole Matthews. I bought it because I find the synopsis interesting. As the chapters go by, I just keep getting frustrated. It is disappointing; the main characters were immature, especially Leo. I mean, I can understand Emma and her whimps, but Leo has been really disappointing in every chapter. Let me get this straight: Leo doesn't love Emma. She was his second choice; it wasn't love. It was a shame to call it love. 
 

[Kirsty Padden-barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't expect too much reality and you won't be disappointed with the fun escapism you're reading. I really enjoyed it, it was a fun read even if you did have to stretch your imagination. For those who think it's a silly read I hope you're not guilty of enjoying a certain book about vampires because that also requires a stretch of the imagination - but it was still a good read!

[Nomagugu Chelsie · Rating 1 out of 5]

*sigh* I read fiction for a reason, I love the escape from reality as much as the next reader but something about this was just... silly. Too silly.
The humor was a little too low brow in some places and the characters over exaggerated. It had the feel of a fairy tale for adults that was trying too hard to be mature and realistic at the same time.

Not for me.

[Deborah B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2008, this isn't a new book but it's one I've only just read. It wasn't what I was expecting, which was a straightforward romcom. Fantasy isn't really my thing so I didn't like those bits. I also struggled to understand what Emma saw in Leo beyond his good looks and wealth (which probably doesn't say much about her) but overall it was a reasonably entertaining read.

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

In reading the paperback version the writing was very small so this book took me much longer to read than I would have liked. A light hearted romance. I wouldn't say one of the authors better stories but still readable all the same.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read Carole Mathews’ books before, so was looking forward to some good chick lit. However, I was sadly disappointed. What’s with the fairy thing? A girlfriend would have been better. Just really flakey. Not often I rate so low 😔