Dumped by the longtime boyfriend she thought would propose to her, amateur witch Annabelle Walsh casts a spell to try and heal her broken heart. She doesn’t think it works, until she finds herself the unwitting companion to Callie, a shape-shifting Irish trickster spirit who won’t stop meddling in Annabelle’s life. But Callie’s arrival brings new opportunities in the most unexpected ways––one of them happens to be a charming Irish painter named Jamie Flynn. As Annabelle begins a new chapter, living the life she always dreamed of, she learns what a little real magic can do.

From the very first page straight through to the end, Susanna Allen’s THAT MAGIC MISCHIEF is bursting at the seams with delightful character. Casual prose written in a relatable, conversational tone makes it easy to fall into this book and get lost in the quirky enchanted world Allen creates in the midst of New York City. A masterclass in crafting voice, one feels as if they’re part of Annabelle’s story, listening to a friend recount their heartbreak and hopes and secret dreams. She delivers laugh-out-loud humor among the heartache, whether it’s her witty commentary on a past failed relationship through a look at the clothes in her closet, or the rapid-fire banter with her friends who aren’t so enthusiastic about her magical pursuits. Sometimes interwoven with that of her love interest, handsome Irish artist Jamie, the high-maintenance, allergic-to-love Lorna, or the loud, secretly romantic Maria Grazia, or even Annabelle’s nosy neighbor Ned, the people in this novel feel real and alive––believable in all of their complicated personalities.

The magic is a subtle thread that ties the story together, often to hilarious effect. Annabelle and Callie’s reluctant journey and friendship, wherein the Irish trickster starts as a sentient hazelnut plant hell-bent on interfering in everything, becomes one that’s unexpectedly poignant. Especially for Annabelle, who forms a deeper attachment than she realizes. Callie’s “tough love” approach is what Annabelle needs, with, on most occasions, a helping magical hand when the humans completely mess up her plans. But it’s satisfying to watch Annabelle take charge of her own life, learning that she can take the path she’s always wanted.

While one wishes there was more time to explore Annabelle and Jamie’s romance––only because every moment between them is electric and fun––the slow burn of their feelings for each other is perfectly paced. Jamie is a swoon-worthy romantic lead; he’s got that Irish accent going for him, he can match wits while flirting with Annabelle, and he has a penchant for cooking. Their blossoming relationship carries all of the hallmarks of a good romantic comedy with a magical twist, not without its obstacles and misunderstandings and just a hint of Irish mythology.

A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with a magical twist, THAT MAGIC MISCHIEF delivers plenty of quirk, lively characters, and a swoon-worthy romance with a distinctly Irish flair.

~Jessie Thomas for IndieReader