The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

Breanne Randall

47 pages 1-hour read

Breanne Randall

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Sadie is a 28-year-old magical baker who runs a café with her grandmother in the town of Poppy Meadows. She has the ability to infuse baked goods with supernatural effects and possesses a strong connection to plants. She struggles with a family curse that promises four severe heartbreaks, which threatens to strip away her magic entirely. This looming threat causes her to guard her emotions closely by prioritizing safe routines over deep connections.

Key Relationships

Granddaughter of Gigi Revelare

Twin Sister of Seth Revelare

Best Friend of Raquel Rodriguez

Former Romantic Partner of Jake McNealy

Daughter of Florence Revelare

Daughter of Julian

Gigi is the feisty, deeply loving matriarch of the Revelare family. She raised her grandchildren, Seth and Sadie, and runs the local café alongside Sadie. Diagnosed with stage IV cancer, she approaches her illness with acceptance. She focuses her remaining energy on preparing her family for the future and sharing long-held secrets about their history.

Key Relationships

Grandmother of Sadie Revelare

Grandmother of Seth Revelare

Mother of Aunt Kay

Mother of Aunt Tava

Mother of Aunt Anne

Mother of Uncle Brian

Former Mother-in-Law of Julian

Seth is Sadie's twin brother who abruptly left Poppy Meadows a year ago. His particular magical ability forces him to sense people's secrets and deepest desires, causing him intense anxiety and depression. He returns home following news of his grandmother's failing health. He seeks to repair his fractured relationships and find a way to manage his overwhelming magical burden.

Key Relationships

Twin Brother of Sadie Revelare

Grandson of Gigi Revelare

Son of Julian

Jake is a firefighter who has recently moved back to his hometown of Poppy Meadows. As a teenager, he was Sadie's first love before leaving abruptly and breaking her heart. He returns hoping to build a friendship with Sadie. He is currently engaged to another woman, Bethany, and expecting a child.

Key Relationships

Former Romantic Partner of Sadie Revelare

Fiancé of Bethany

Owner of Chief

Supporting Characters

Raquel is a local high school theater teacher and Sadie's fiercely loyal best friend. Raised in a strict household, she actively manages her bipolar disorder with careful psychiatric treatment. She often serves as a practical voice of reason, refusing to let Sadie hide behind magic or fear.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Sadie Revelare

Friend of Seth Revelare

Florence is Gigi's daughter and the estranged mother of Seth and Sadie. Her magic functions as a rare amplifier for others' abilities. This dangerous power led to a troubled past and forced her into a long absence from her children's lives. She returns to Poppy Meadows to make amends and help her twins navigate a dangerous family legacy.

Key Relationships

Mother of Sadie Revelare

Mother of Seth Revelare

Mother of Sage

Daughter of Gigi Revelare

Exploited by Julian

Bethany is Jake's fiancée who is preparing to join him in Poppy Meadows. She is described as beautiful and pleasant. Her impending arrival presents a significant emotional obstacle for Sadie.

Key Relationships

Fiancée of Jake McNealy

Acquaintance of Sadie Revelare

Julian is the deceased father of Seth and Sadie. He was a practitioner of dark magic who exploited Florence's amplifying abilities for his own gain. He leaves a lasting, dangerous legacy for his children to manage.

Key Relationships

Exploiter of Florence Revelare

Killed by Gigi Revelare

Father of Sadie Revelare

Father of Seth Revelare

Sage is Florence's youngest daughter. She represents her mother's desire for a second chance at parenting. She enjoys spending time baking with her older half-sister in the family kitchen.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Florence Revelare

Half-Sister of Sadie Revelare

Aunt Kay is one of Gigi's daughters. She possesses a specific family magic that allows her to make anyone around her feel genuinely loved and appreciated through simple compliments or physical touch.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Gigi Revelare

Aunt Tava is another of Gigi's daughters. She has a mystical demeanor and often speaks in riddles about the inevitability of the town's residents returning home.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Gigi Revelare

Aunt Anne is one of Gigi's daughters, known for her culinary skills. She takes over making Gigi's signature fudge recipe and provides practical support around the house.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Gigi Revelare

Uncle Brian is Gigi's son. He completes the circle of siblings who return to Poppy Meadows to support their mother through her terminal illness.

Key Relationships

Chief is a puppy who belongs to Jake McNealy. Sadie temporarily takes him in and attempts to rename him Bambi, adding a layer of humor to her interactions with Jake.

Key Relationships

Cared for by Sadie Revelare

Cindy is a neighbor in Poppy Meadows who takes her role as the town busybody very seriously. She represents the close-knit, highly observant nature of the small town.

Key Relationships

Neighbor of Sadie Revelare