Monday, January 26, 2026

1.26.2026 - The Unwritten Rules of Magic

The Unwritten Rules of Magic by Harper  Ross 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Harper Ross.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Emerson Clarke has never quite felt in control of her life, but she desperately tries to control those around her to make life better.  She ghostwrites a successful series, but still can't bring herself to write her own books after her father's critiques.  Her father was a celebrated author who controlled the household tightly, and her mother turned to alcohol while her father got Alzheimer's.  A single mother, Emerson's daughter has recently pulled away from her.  Going through her father's effects after his death, she steals his vintage typewriter and types out a quick wish - which comes true the next day.  She becomes obsessed trying to make life perfect for those around her.

I am always up for a magical realism escape, and loved the idea of a typewriter granting wishes.  But just like the old saying, be careful what you wish for!  Because every wish may have unexpected consequences.  I liked delving into the messy family dynamics and could understand Emerson's need for control.  She wasn't always a likable character, but her heart was always in the right place.  Be aware that the book shifts to less magic and more real-life heavy issues.  This also has me wondering if famous prolific writers are really using ghostwriters?  Yikes.  Will be anxious for more from this author.

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