Review: The Serendipity (Only Magic in the Building) by L.E. Jinks
As a self-proclaimed lover of all things whimsical and heartwarming, the premise of The Serendipity immediately caught my eye. With a blend of magic, romance, and a sprinkle of humor, L.E. Jinks promised a delightful escape that was hard to resist. I was thrilled when I received an ARC from NetGalley and couldn’t wait to dive into this enchanting world where chaos and whimsy collide in the most unexpected ways.
At its heart, The Serendipity is a charming story about Archer Gaines, a billionaire with a penchant for practicality, who purchases the titular building in a bid to escape his tumultuous past. Upon arrival, he finds himself embroiled in the peculiarities of the building and its inhabitants—especially a free-spirited woman named Willa who has her own battles with anxiety. Their first encounter, quite literally through a portal in Archer’s closet, sets the tone for their playful yet profound relationship as they navigate their respective struggles and uncover the magic that surrounds them, both in the building and within themselves.
One of the things I truly appreciated about Jinks’ writing is her handling of real issues such as anxiety. Both Archer and Willa face their share of challenges—Willa is particularly relatable with her struggles to leave her hometown, while Archer wrestles with the weight of his family’s expectations. Their dynamic is wonderfully balanced: Willa’s free spirit complements Archer’s seriousness, leading to heartfelt moments that showcase how they help each other grow. I found this portrayal refreshing; it’s a reminder that even in romantic tales, struggles are real and valid.
The pacing of the story was a bit slower than I expected, which resulted in a few moments where I felt the plot lingered. However, it didn’t dampen my enjoyment. Sometimes, a more leisurely approach allows for richer character development and deeper connections—something Jinks captures beautifully, even if it felt a tad drawn out in parts.
Character highlights include the fabulously quirky Bellamy and the insightful Sophie, who bring warmth and laughter to the narrative. Bellamy, in particular, stole the show for me—with his humor and lightheartedness, he quickly became my favorite sidekick. Their interactions added layers to the story and enriched both Archer and Willa’s journey.
Reflecting on their relationship, I realized that while the chemistry took a moment to blossom, there were indeed notable sparks, especially in Archer’s unwavering support for Willa. Their moments of vulnerability as they learn to communicate with each other were truly moving, culminating in some endearing, memorable scenes that had me rooting for them wholeheartedly.
Ultimately, I awarded The Serendipity a 3.75 out of 5 stars—not because it lacked charm, but due to its pacing and the initial chemistry not captivating me as much as I’d hoped. That said, the heartfelt moments and the magical backdrop more than made up for it.
If you’re someone who enjoys magical realism sprinkled with romance—a hint of grumpy x sunshine dynamics, and characters who navigate their real-life struggles with sincerity—you’ll find The Serendipity a delightful read. It’s a gentle reminder that connection, laughter, and a bit of magic can indeed help us navigate the complexities of life. I’m eagerly looking forward to Jinks’ next installment in this charming series! 🫶
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