This young adult novel introduces Amber Sand, a teenager in Chicago whose family has magical abilities, though hers is limited to seeing other people's true love. Working in her mother's magic shop, Amber is confident in her matchmaking skills, but struggles with the fact that she cannot see her own romantic future. The plot thickens when she develops feelings for Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son, while helping him solve a mystery, all while knowing he is not her destined partner. The book blends contemporary urban life with magical realism, offering a humorous and poignant exploration of love, destiny, and self-discovery. It is suitable for readers aged 12-18 who enjoy romance, adventure, and a touch of magic in a realistic setting.
Amber Sand is not a witch. The Sand family magical gene somehow leapfrogged over her. But she did get one highly specific bewitching talent: she can see true love. As a matchmaker, Amber's pretty far down the sorcery food chain (even birthday party magicians rank higher), but after five seconds of eye contact, she can envision anyone's soul mate. Amber works at her mother's magic shop-Windy City Magic-in downtown Chicago, and she's confident she's seen every kind of happy ending there is: except for one-her own. (The Fates are tricky jerks that way.) So when Charlie Blitzman, the mayor's son and most-desired boy in school, comes to her for help finding his father's missing girlfriend, she's distressed to find herself falling for him. Because while she can't see her own match, she can see his--and it's not Amber. How can she, an honest peddler of true love, pursue a boy she knows full well isn't her match? The Best Kind of Magic is set in urban Chicago and will appeal to readers who long for magic in the real world. With a sharp-witted and sassy heroine, a quirky cast of mystical beings, and a heady dose of adventure, this novel will have you laughing out loud and questioning your belief in happy endings.