Just Like Magic
by Sarah Hogle
Influencer Bettie Hughes has quietly lost her fortune, and to keep up appearances for her competitive family she is secretly squatting in her famous grandmother's Colorado home for the holidays. One accidental ritual involving spilled wine and a Christmas song backwards summons the Holiday Spirit himself, a charming, endlessly enthusiastic man she nicknames Hall. Bettie sees him as a shortcut to everything she wants, including a fiancé before Christmas. But every wish he grants seems to cost him, and she begins to realize that the joy he embodies matters more than any gift. A whimsical, cheerful holiday romance about learning what the season is really for.
About This Book
Just Like Magic is a contemporary romance novel by Sarah Hogle, first published in 2022 by G.P. Putnam's Sons. It runs 368 pages.
At a glance
- Genre
- Contemporary
- Length
- 368 pages
- Format
- Paperback
Where to read or listen
Get Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Why You May Love This Book
You may love this if…
- A disgraced influencer accidentally summons the Holiday Spirit to solve her life, only to learn that his joy is more valuable than any gift.
- Fans of whimsical holiday romances
- Readers who enjoy magical realism in contemporary settings
- Cheerful
- Features Supernatural Romance
This may not be ideal if…
- Readers seeking grounded realism
- Potential for the supernatural elements to overshadow the character-driven romance
The Romance
Tropes, dynamics, and the chemistry that drives this story.
Tropes
Relationship Dynamics
Details
Type: Contemporary
Pairing: unknown
Power balance: Asymmetrical, with Hall acting as a supernatural wish-granter to Bettie.
How It Feels
The emotional landscape you'll move through while reading.
Moderate comfort, moderate tension, moderate humor.
Heat Level
Based on available metadata and editorial review.
Who Is This Book For?
Best for
Reading mood
May not suit
Recommended audience: Adult readers
The Story
Spoiler-Free Synopsis
Influencer Bettie Hughes is broke and desperate to maintain the facade of her curated life during the holidays. While squatting in her grandmother's Colorado home, a bizarre accident involving wine and a Christmas song leads to the manifestation of the Holiday Spirit, a man she calls 'Hall.' As Hall begins to grant her desperate wishes, including the desire for a fiancé, Bettie realizes that the magic comes with a price, forcing her to re-examine her priorities.
Central Conflict
Bettie struggles to reconcile her performative lifestyle with the reality of her financial ruin, while navigating a supernatural relationship that challenges her values.
Setting
Colorado, during the Christmas season.
Strengths
- Unique premise combining influencer culture with holiday whimsy
Consider before reading
- Potential for the supernatural elements to overshadow the character-driven romance
Discussion Guide
Questions to deepen your reading experience or spark a book club conversation.
- 1
How does the central conflict shape the relationship between the main characters?
- 2
How does the setting influence the characters' decisions and their relationship?
- 3
How do the relationship dynamics evolve throughout the story?
- 4
Who would you most want to recommend this book to?
- 5
How did the pacing affect your reading experience?
- 6
Which aspect of the story did you find most compelling?
How This Profile Was Created
Eikna uses book metadata and AI-assisted analysis to create structured romance profiles. Public profiles are reviewed and approved by an editor before publication.
- Editor reviewed:
- Yes
- Last reviewed:
- October 13, 2026
- Confidence:
- Moderate confidence
- Profile version:
- eikna-public-book-intelligence-v1
About the Author
Sarah Hogle
What Readers Say
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Publication Details
- Publisher
- G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Format
- Paperback
- Length
- 368 pages
- Language
- English
- ISBN-13
- 9780593539859
Just Like Magic: quick answers
- Who wrote Just Like Magic?
- Just Like Magic was written by Sarah Hogle.
- When was Just Like Magic published?
- Just Like Magic was first published in 2022 by G.P. Putnam's Sons.
- What genre is Just Like Magic?
- Just Like Magic is a contemporary romance novel.
- How many pages is Just Like Magic?
- Just Like Magic is 368 pages long (Paperback).
Are you the author? Verify your author profile to manage this book.
This is my book — sign inWhere to read or listen
Get Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle
These store links are affiliate links (Amazon, Audible, Bookshop.org and Libro.fm). As an Amazon Associate, Eikna earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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