Just Like Magic

Sarah Hogle — 2022

From the author of Twice Shy comes a sprightly Christmas novel, a rollicking romp through the absurdity of family holidays and the hope of new love. Bettie Hughes once knew the comfort of luxury, flaunting a collection of designer purses and an enviable dream home in Hawaii. That is, until she lost all of her money through a series of poor decisions. Long obsessed with her public image, Bettie boasts an extravagant lifestyle on social media. But the reality is: Bettie is broke and squatting in Colorado, and her family has no idea. Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when a drunk Bettie plays a vinyl record of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” backwards and accidentally conjures Hall, an unexpectedly charming Holiday Spirit in the form of a man. Once the shock wears off, Bettie knows she’s stumbled upon the greatest gift: a chance to make all her holiday wishes come true, plus a ready-made fiancé. But as some of Bettie’s wishes lose their charm, she finds herself set off-kilter by Hall’s sweet gestures. Suddenly, Bettie is finding her heart merry and light. But the happier she gets, the shorter Hall’s time on earth grows. Can Bettie channel the Christmas spirit and learn to live with goodwill toward all men? Or will her selfish ways come back as soon as the holidays are over?

Reviews

Annabella@onmyown

Dec 18, 2024

This was Christmas-y and bonkers. Very approved

farrah @farrah

Jan 15, 2024

Being close to him is like huddling up before a hearth on the longest night of the year, a thick quilt wrapped around me, utterly safe and contented. It’s like closing my eyes, lambent light warming me all over, and drifting away in a golden tint of nostalgia, toy drummers, and childhood things. outrageous, over the top, and ridiculously cheesy. even though this may be my least favorite sarah hogle novel, i had a lot of fun reading this!

Hel@janeeyre

Jan 7, 2024

this was ridiculous and wonderful i loved it sm

Amelia Hruby@ameliajo

Dec 24, 2023

Absolutely nonsensical Christmas chaos but it really won me over!

Julie Burszan @juliefaye

Dec 12, 2023

I love everything Sarah Hogle writes, and this might’ve become my new favorite.

hel@janeyre

Jan 28, 2023

this was ridiculous and wonderful i loved it sm

Jess Griffin@jessgriffin

Jan 22, 2023

FUN FESTIVE HAPPY

Aly Boughton@alysorrow

Dec 10, 2022

Like if Elf met a Hallmark movie met Weetzie Bat

ayah ♡@inaayah

Sep 2, 2022

4.5 stars, rtc! sarah hogle u will never disappoint.

sydney@sydneyd05

Aug 17, 2022

This book is super cute and full of holiday spirit. It was a lot slower than I expected but enjoyable. Sarah Hogle’s characters aren’t normally bitches but Bettie is and I love that. Hall came in and just made her a better person and it warmed my heart. I received a copy through netgalley.

Merve A. @jacks

Aug 13, 2022

this was so cute, warm, and fuzzy. i love bettie and hall (especially hall, i adore him) and i enjoyed seeing the development of bettie's relationship with herself and the people closest to her. also all the christmas and winter depictions were magical and beautiful.