Member Reviews

This is a lovely, fun cozy witchy book that was a quick read.
The premise is pretty simple: Belladonna has shown zero signs of being a strong witch and hasn't been practicing at all. Then a summons from her coven forces her to start working on her magic at risk of losing it entirely if she doesn't pass tests.
With the help of some unexpected friends (and a love interest!) Belladonna starts the work to prove she is worthy of magic.

I enjoyed this book; at times it touches on some more philosophical issues (e.g., trusting oneself) and there is an element of mystery to it, which I always enjoy in a romance book. It definitely leans more on the witchy than on the romance, which is fine!

A lovely read and I would definitely read more by the author in the future.

Thanks to Berkley for an eARC of the book. All opinions are my own.

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Fall is the perfect season for this charming, cozy, witchy read. I wished for a little more of Belle's life within the bookstore, but the characters and magic made for a lovely read.

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I really enjoyed this! It was super cute and fun. The perfect book to read in September and October but can be enjoyed all year long as well.

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Rewitched is such a cute, cozy fantasy with a great mystery and a slow-burn romance. I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked it up, but I ended up really enjoying it. It’s definitely the perfect witchy read for fall!

The story follows Belladonna "Belle" Blackthorn, who’s feeling a little burnt out. She hasn’t seen her magical spark in a while and is busy juggling work at her beloved Lunar Books, dealing with her toxic boss, and hiding her witchcraft from the non-magical world. When her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven, Belle faces the possibility of losing her magic forever unless she can prove her worth. With the month of October to figure things out, and dark forces at play, she’ll need all the help she can get — from the women in her life, an unlikely mentor, and even a (infuriatingly handsome) watchman who’s sworn to protect her.

This was such a fun, heartwarming story about trying to find your place in the world. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel because it’s so well-written. All of the characters are quirky and lovable, and I immediately connected with Belle. She’s so relatable, like many of us, she’s struggling with self-doubt and not quite knowing what she’s supposed to be doing. Belle’s journey of self-discovery was filled with a lot of the same fears and doubts I often deal with, so it felt really refreshing to see that on the page.

The plot was a little slower at times, but it didn’t take away from the story at all. The atmosphere was so rich and whimsical that I didn’t mind the slower pace. I know some readers may not be big fans of that, but I think it worked here. The magic system, the plot, and the mystery were all really well done, and everything came together perfectly in the end.

I really enjoyed Rewitched. I was hooked from the beginning and immediately connected with the characters. And the romance was just right. It wasn’t the main focus of the story, but it added something special. Overall, this is a cozy, feel-good read that will leave you smiling. If you’re looking for a story with magic, heart, and a dash of whimsy, this is the one!

Thank you so much to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I'm sorry - who ordered a huge dose of comfort and wholesomeness? This beauty of a book delivered and gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings! This is the perfect slow cozy book that we're all searching for during fall to read in our little nooks with our warm beverage of choice. Don't skip out on this one!

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Truly one of the best books I've read this year. Not only did the 90's nostalgia hit hard, but there was so much depth to the characters and storyline. I think this will become a classic for me that I reread every autumn. I cannot recommend it enough!

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If you're looking for a new cozy and witchy novel look no further than Rewitched! I found Belle to be charming and honestly so, so related. The writing felt like an embrace the invited you and kept you warm wanting more. Her banter with our leading man, a man who is oh so swoon worthy, was witty and couldn't help but bring a smile to my house. However, what I found the be the most compelling about the book was Belle's journey, her growth as a character. I found it to be personally very relatable. It's also just a great fun autumnal read. Honestly, if you're looking for something cozy to pick up this autumn I couldn't recommend this book enough!

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#PRHInternationalPartner

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood follows Belladonna Blackthorn, who recently turned 30, and dreams of owning Lunar Bookshop one day. But she has to get through today first, which is what has kept our witch for almost fifteen years. On the day of her thirtieth birthday, Belle receives a letter from her magical coven that she has only one month to prepare herself for a series of trials presented to her. Based on her performance, a panel of judges will decide whether or not she deserves to keep her magic. Belle has only time until Halloween, because what is a witchy event if not on the night of Halloween? The only problem is that while she has been busy with normal life, drowning in insecurities, and hiding from her true potential, she neglected her magic and now is facing the danger of truly losing it.
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This book is definitely what it suggests on the premise; the coziest witchy fantasy you can ever read! I initially was expecting more of a cozy romance but think of my surprise when I found out that the fantasy in this book is actually banging!! Dear Lucy, please keep up with writing cozy fantasy because I might have fallen in love with the writing style. Also dare I say, HOW IS THAT A DEBUT NOVEL? It's not easy to fall in love with each element of a book within the first chapters, but she did that.
Rewitched delivers everything you might need for a cozy time. There is this amazing bookshop that sells cinnamon buns, loveable characters that will sometimes make you teary-eyed and feel like your heart will burst, a high stakes event that will keep you as invested as Belle herself, and a swoon worthy romance blooming between our two amazing characters.
I'm telling you, these characters were everything to me. Belle is now one of my favorite female main characters I've ever read. Her struggle with her insecurities, her emotional journey of self discovery, and falling in love with herself again, her relationship with the cutest kitten jinx and so much more made me instantly love her. I also need to have a moment for Rune, our male main character, who is so dreamy that even though I'm not big on romance, I'd beg Lucy to just write a book about him. The little bit of mysterious vibes, slightly snarky but never obnoxious comments, his bravery and loyalty, and also him being a watchman made me immediately fall for him! He just ticks all the boxes you would want from a male character featured in a witchy book. I'm not even talking about his outfits throughout the book, which again were of course perfect.
While we see that Belle has neglected her magic for all of these years, we also see that she neglected her dreams and wishes, and her younger self as well. Even though I'd love a bit more romance, I think the themes that Lucy wanted to explore needed the main focus so I'm totally okay with romance being in the background. If you, like me, love to see a character grow in the most human way then you're at the right place. There were so many places where I cried alongside Belle... The conversations about feeling like you're running out of time, that you haven't accomplished enough yet, that you feel like you abandoned your younger self, and having difficulties accepting that you deserve everything resonated with me and I felt like I was healing with Belle.
The only problem I had with this book was that the ending felt very much rushed. I would love to read more about this world, and these characters because I feel like we couldn't properly say goodbye. But I'm sure Lucy Jane Wood has more surprises and tricks up on her sleeves.
Overall, this book promises a charming, healing, cozy, and gentle time for the readers and I beg everyone to give it a chance.
I'm super thankful to PRH International and Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy of Rewitched, and can't wait to see what Lucy Jane Wood writes next.

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While this was a really lovely premise, it was just too slow for me and couldn't keep my attention well. I think this will be the perfect fall read for someone looking for a cozy slow burn book!

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I wanted to like this book. I thought there would be a witch healing herself from burnout and stress through relaxing and reading and taking care of herself. That did not happen. Also, the ages of the other witches was hazy. I really don't know who had been alive for 70 years or several hundred years.

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Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I struggled to get into this as an ebook, but jumped at a chance to listen to the audiobook.

It was cozy at times but also had a touch of mystery and romance. Bella fails her darkening (or trial to keep her magic.) She ends up with an assumed murderer and outlaw as her magical tutor while she attempts to improve her magic.

I loved all of her lessons and how they developed a relationship. He was such a grandfatherly mentor to Bella. There was a spark with Rune who was sent to watch over and protect Bella during this time. I enjoyed seeing her friendship and trying to balance the “real world” with her magical side.

As she improves her magic she uncovers a secret that could change the future of their coven.

I thought there was a lot going on, but overall I enjoyed this and would check out more books from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration and often found myself picking it up.

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I have to be honest, this was a bit disappointing. The cover is so fantastic but this witchy debut just didn't live up to some of the better spooky season books I've read this year. I found it long, a tad boring and the romance just wasn't there for me. Just an okay read that I wouldn't implore anyone to rush out and prioritize and buy sadly. Overall it had potential but the execution fell flat for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

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I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, a cozy witchy story maybe? Rewitched is all that and much more. I loved the inside look at Hecate House, basically the magical bureaucracy. Very creative story and I liked the overall message of “believe in yourself”.

Belle is about to turn 30, and she’s been summoned by the coven to a ceremony that will determine if she can keep her magic or not. She has to spend time honing her magic with a tutor, an old exiled witch who’s one of the best characters in the book. She’s got a handsome watchman named Rune who gives her non magical tingly feelings. All of this magic keeps her from the place she really loves, the bookstore she manages.

The romance wasn’t very developed, but I think is a great book from a first time author, 4.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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✨ Review ✨ Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Thanks to Ace, Berkley and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

This book is definitely a slow burn but felt so cozy and welcoming that I enjoyed savoring it in small pieces. Belle's 30th birthday arrives and she's surprised to learn that she has to prove back to the coven, with whom she's had little contact since she inherited her powers at 15, that she's made good use of her magical powers.

Belle ends up jugging magical lessons, an awful boss at her cozy bookstore, a budding romantic interest, conflict with her roommate, and a wealth of inner turmoil and emotions around life and identity and magic, and it's all just so lovely to be a part of.

I loved that it mixed elements across genres - pulling together the mystical and mysterious with romance and themes of family and friendship. I just want to snuggle up and spend forever in her bookshop!

A perfect pick for a cozy fall read, more at the pace of a drinking a cup of tea than a hike through the autumn woods. :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: cozy fantasy with some mystery and romance elements
Pub Date: Sept 17, 2024
Feels like: snuggling up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket and a mug of tea on a rainy fall day

Read this if you like:
⭕️ cozy bookshops
⭕️ magic in real world environments
⭕️ threads of romance
⭕️ cats and mugs of tea and warm sweaters

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This was a cute, cozy, and magical read that's perfect for the fall! It is really about Bella finding her strength and trusting herself while she learns more about her magic. It was an interesting magic system and it was fun watching Bella navigate it all. Especially when a bit of mystery and danger come into play.

The story got off to a bit of a slow start, but picked up quite a bit and the pacing evened out. This was a great debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author!

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Rewitched is the perfect cozy fantasy for this fall! Belle (full name Belladonna) is content using her magic to make tea, clean up the bookstore where she works, and select her outfit for the day. Unexpectedly, she receives a summons to her coven on her 30th birthday, where she will be tested to ensure she’s worthy of her magic and risk losing it forever if she fails.

It’s up to her, her mother, her infuriating and handsome watchman, an unlikely mentor, and her cat to prove Belle is worthy of magic and being a witch.

This book was DELIGHTFUL! I enjoyed the opening as the story unfolded, where we meet Belle and learn about their magical world hiding amongst the unmagical one. It really took off around 40% and the action and suspense riveted me.

The eccentric characters were written so well, and Lucy’s writing is lovely. I can’t believe this is a debut, and Lucy will be one to watch!

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

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DNF at 22%
I've been trying to read this for a week but I keep falling asleep and I think it's that this writing style just isn't for me. The descriptions are so long and at times redundant, that it's making the story feel like it's dragging. For instance, there were 4 back-to-back similes at one point describing how good the magic feels when Bella uses it. And then after all 4 similes, it still stated that "it feels good." If the descriptions included other senses (like sounds, scents or textures), maybe I would have been able to hang on as that describes a more immersive experience. But this seems to all be lengthy visual descriptions with little happening and I've lost interest.

As I did not finish, I won't be posting this review to my socials.

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This is maybe more of a 3 star because it's a little more on the cozy side than I usually read, but honestly it was such a cozy fall vibe that I can't help but love it a little more. Toss in a bookstore, a feline familiar, and it was the perfect fall atmospheric read.

I loved the idea that even in her 30s, Belle has to pass a series of tests put forth by her coven or risk losing her magic. It felt like adult Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which is a positive for me. Add in the romance, friendships, and the journey of self-love and this was just very sweet.

I look forward to more from Lucy Jane Wood for sure.

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I devoured this book! I have read a lot of witch books, but Rewitched is really something special. I can’t believe this is a debut! We follow Belle Blackthorne on the cusp of her 30th birthday. Belle is a witch and has had powers since her 15th birthday. However, in Belle’s world if you don’t use your magic enough you can be stripped of your powers and they’ll be reabsorbed back into the coven. She must overcome her self-doubt (and some evil forces) to pass the coven’s test and retain her magic.

So many hyped up witchy books sacrifice the magic or plot for the romance, which is one of my pet peeves. That doesn’t happen here. In Rewitched, we get a witchy book that focuses on the witch and her magical journey. There is a bit of romance with Belle and Rune, a character you will fall in love with, but this book is truly Belle’s book and I enjoyed every minute of it. All of the supporting characters are great (except Christopher, he sucks) and I’m begging for a sequel. Rewitched definitely has rereadability potential, and I’ve already ordered a physical copy for my shelves

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a review copy. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

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I had no idea cozy fantasy novels existed. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I could get behind this genre.

The main character is Belladonna Blackthorn. Is that not the perfect name for a witch? She works in a bookstore and rarely uses her magic. Well until the council calls her in for her thirtieth birthday and a review that she is using her magic responsibly and actually using it. Or they will revoke it. She ends up going through a series of tests to prove her worthiness as a witch.

Ultimately Bella must summon her courage to figure out who she is and what she is worth. I love stories about believing in yourself. And what adds to that is the cast of characters around her including a new romance. I don't usually associate heartwarming with fantasy but that perfectly describes Bella's self journey.

I would have liked a little more romance, but other than that this is the perfect fall read if you are looking for something not spooky. I can't believe this the author's debut novel. I can't wait to read her next book. And hopefully it continues Bella's story.

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