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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Omigosh, this is such a COZY ROMANCE. You have to read this with a warm blanket, hot drink, with the red, russet and golden colors out your window. I love the main leads in this, especially the FMC. Fans of A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will love this! Perfect autumnal romance to make your heart soar.

**Many thanks to Berkley and Lucy Jane Wood for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**

Remember when Sabrina the Teenage Witch had to get her witch's license?

If you aren't familiar with the show, as she comes of age, she has to pass several tests given by the Witch's Council in order to keep her magic. Now as a teenage witch, Sabrina had a whole OTHER set of adolescent problems to deal with...but suffice it to say, this was a fantastic story arc that kept me invested until the FINAL showdown...and although I hoped for the best, you just weren't quite sure if Sabrina had waggled her last magical finger wag.

Now age the character up into her 30s, put her in the most CHARMING bookstore ever, toss in a true blue bestie, a lovable familiar named Jinx, and a mysterious, handsome stranger named Rune...and you're halfway to the cozy, mystical, magical, and fantastic read that is Lucy Jane Wood's Rewitched!

Belladonna Blackthorn (which is the perfect witchy name, by the way) is dreaming of running Lunar Books one day...but she's got to get through today first. Her boss is a misogynist and a nightmare, and oh yeah, hiding the small fact that she is a WITCH gets harder by the day. Belle longs to tell her best friend Ariadne, but because Ariadne is mortal, she can't tell her a thing. As she comes from a magical heritage, Belle has always appreciated her abilities, but didn't think she would necessarily have to prove herself to keep living The Magic Life...until the aforementioned handsome stranger shows up one day at Lunar Books...and all bets are off.

Turns out Belle has ONE MONTH to prepare herself for a series of trials presented to her by her coven...and based on her performance, a panel of judges will decide whether or not she gets to keep her magic. All of this, of course, will culminate on the spookiest night of the year - Halloween. Accustomed to using her magic for the perfect cute outfit (and a cleaning spell or two) Belle is terrified as she realizes that losing her magic is a true possibility...and part of finding her magic will mean also require her to be vulnerable, brave, and to find herself, deep in a sea of insecurity. With a possible romantic entanglement with her broody and devilishly handsome watchman Rune brewing in the background, Belle discover that someone is out to sabotage Belle AND steal her magic...but who? How will her family's storied past come into play? And will she finally have the courage to stand up for her magic, her family, her bookstore...and most importantly, herself?

I'm not one to normally gush over a cozy fantasy book normally....but trust me when I say I've been basking in the warm, cozy, afterglow of this CHARMING and pitch perfect witchy read for a week...and I hope this snuggly, sweater weather feel-good feeling NEVER goes away!

I had a hard time even believing this was Lucy Jane Wood's debut - it's just THAT good. From the instantly lovable cast of characters (you'll want to meet and befriend ALL of them, save for those couple of pesky villains!) to the homey Stars-Hollow-but-make-it-British sort of town, to the UNREAL and incredible atmosphere provided by one Lunar Books (and yes, they also serve CINNAMON ROLLS, as if it wasn't good enough already), I was instantly enchanted, bewitched, hexed...you name it, I felt it! I do love a good witchy tale, but this one is so much more than that: from page one to its sugary sweet finish, I was rooting Belle on, falling in love with her kitty Jinx, and fully ENTRENCHED in the emotional journey and exciting plot.

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn't spend some time on Rune. He is SO dreamy, you're going to wish Lucy Jane Wood had given him even MORE page time...he's just THAT type of guy. A bit mysterious, slightly snarky but never obnoxious, a brave and loyal protector...and of course, he's wearing the PERFECT outfit for his character, has the requisite long hair....he ticks ALL of the boxes. As much as I did feel this was one of the only areas of the book that was somewhat lacking, there's also good reason for this having to take a back seat: there is a LOT of plot wound into one book, and a pretty heavy emphasis on the journey of self discovery for Belle. This did lead to the book feeling less like a romance and more like a witchy feel-good cozy...but if that's my only quibble, that isn't saying too much!

On top of this plot that will keep you enchanted and keep you guessing, there are some beautiful and heartbreaking moments thrown in as well, where Belle's journey of self-discovery put a lump in my throat...and as a millennial who often feels unsure of herself, it was SO easy to step into Belle's pointy shoes (Okay, maybe not pointy but it's fun to imagine them that way, am I right?!) Although it does take a while to get there, I feel like Lucy Jane Wood did such a beautiful and subtle job of tying all of the points together, of incorporating family history and scandal into the plot, and keeping the book light, fun, and whimsical from open to close, and that's no easy feat. This book manages to feel comfortable and familiar, but exciting and new, much like watching a GOOD reboot of a classic 90's sitcom (yes, Fuller House, I'm looking at you!), where there is something unspeakable and subtly referential, but also so refreshing and new that you can't WAIT to try it. Much like that brand new fall drink you've been waiting for all year long, you shouldn't hesitate - these are the kind of sugary sweet book calories that are worth EVERY sip!

And as it turns out, the only thing better than being bewitched?

Being Rewitched!

4.5 shiny stars

This was such a lovely, perfect book to start October! I always try to spend October reading cozy witchy books, and this one fit the bill nicely. Belle was a perfect protagonist, the magic system was interesting without being overly complex, and the setting was heartwarming and lovely. I would highly recommend this!

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bell is burnt out, trying to keep her beloved lunar books running while dealing with the boss who can sell sabotage. She now is also facing a test near her 30th birthday to see if she will remain a witch. It’s really intriguing because all those around does not know she is a witch, and these trials that she goes through our intriguing and the slow burn romance that develops is also entertaining.

Belle’s 30th birthday is fast approaching. Belle forgot that on this day, she must prove to the coven that she is worthy of being a witch. However, she fails the test, but is given the opportunity to prove herself and regain her magic. With the help of a protector, Rune, and a mentor, Arty, Belle must work through her feelings and her doubts to corral her strength and prove herself worthy.
Cute story, but I wish it was shorter.

What a thrilling read. I went in expecting a witchy romance for the fall season. I definitely got that but I also got so much more. This book is very witchy, very fall, very cozy, but also very fantasy and has pretty high stakes. The relationships in the book are all so special, and I loved all the side characters, especially Arty and Bonnie. The magic system is so well developed and you uncover all the details along with Belle as she journeys toward her witch future.

🎤 “This place isn’t supposed to keep up with the times,” Belle said. “It’s supposed to exist in its own little bubble of cosiness that’s entirely separate from the real world.”

There were only two things that I wish I saw a bit more of. The romance buildup could have been a bit more in the forefront. The romantic ending just took me a bit by surprise. Also, I NEED to know what a regular sooth stone does. It feels important outside of the “trick” that Belle’s stone is up to, but I just couldn’t figure out why.

Lucy Jane Wood's Rewitched is a love letter to those who grew up watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Buffy and Charmed, and more broadly, to anyone who wishes adult life had a little less stress, and a little more magic in it. Belladona (Belle) Blackthorn has spent the past 29 years, 363 days ignoring the fact that she comes from a long line of Blackthorn witches. 15 years ago, Belle was visited by the Selcouth Coven to begin what's called the Endarkenment where a witch is tested on their magical abilities. 15 years later, the Coven has returned with an ultimatum.

Growing up with her mother's peaceful, softhearted spells as part of the everyday meant that an intrinsic sense of magic was always nearby. There was no great moment of recognition, because it always was. The rush of magic that flowed from Bonnie and washed over Belle whenever she was around her mother was so normal, she barely even noticed the hit anymore. Belle had long since stopped anticipating such a meeting with another witch. Their kind was rare these days, getting rarer with every generation apparently, and she had no intention of seeking them out for herself and inviting any trouble.

She lived her life quietly amongst the non-wicche world, and that was more than fine with her. She pretty much runs Lunar Books, except for the daily interruptions of the owners grandson who is a piece of work. In fact, Belle has been told by the owner that she is willing to sell the store to her. Even though she isn't a full witch like her mother, Belle does occasionally enjoy using magic to put things back where the belong at the book store. Now, however, Belle has no choice but to answer the coven's call.

So when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven and a trial called Endarkenment that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle fears the worst. With only the month of October left to prove herself or risk losing her magic forever, Belle will need all the help she can get—from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure with a twisted past who has been cast out of the coven, and even from an infuriating coven watchman who’s sworn to protect her even from herself in necessary. Belle also finds that there is a clear fight happening. One path leads to Belle keeping her magic, the other means Belle will forever be stripped of her magic.

One of the negatives of the book is the pacing. The story takes time to get established, and then you have to figure out if you really like Belle, or not. It's supposed to be a cozy, but there is a true darkness to the story from a duo of villains. I think Belle is a conflicted character, and there's nothing wrong with that. She loves Lunar Book, but is it really worth the trouble to keep your powers that you are only occasionally using? I loved Belle's cat familiar Jinx, as well as her mother's wolfhound called Wolfie. Belle's new mentor was definitely a highlight, but Belle's friend Ariadne, her mother Bonnie and her Watchman, Rune, were all great characters.

Huge thank you @berkleypub and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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How cozy looking is this cover?! This was super enjoyable! Belle is at risk of losing her magic and she has the month of October to prove that she can keep her magic and it takes a coven and then some to help her! This is a perfect October book!

Rewitched is a captivating and enchanting tale of love, loss, and the power of magic. With her signature wit and emotional depth, Wood weaves a spellbinding story that will leave you under its spell.

When Freya inherits her grandmother's magical shop, Freya is drawn into a world of spells, potions, and ancient secrets. As she navigates the challenges of running the shop, Freya must also confront her own fears and insecurities while discovering the true nature of her magical abilities.

The magical elements of the story are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment.

One of the most powerful aspects of Rewitched is its exploration of grief and healing. Freya's journey is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, as she learns to embrace her grandmother's legacy and find her own path in life.

If you're looking for a magical and heartwarming tale that will stay with you long after you finish the last page, Rewitched is a must-read. It is a truly enchanting story that will leave you spellbound. Many thanks to the publisher for my ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this England set witchy romance. Perfect for fans of Hocus Pocus and Pratical Magic, this book will make you want to curl up with a nice cup of apple cider or a plate of pumpkin pie.

I should make note though that even though this book is published by Berkley (an imprint of Penguin Random House), there was no accompanying audiobook published by PRH Audio. I have to wonder if an audio edition will be published at a later date?

I definitely recommend this bewitching audiobook this spooky season!

Many thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

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I have been following Lucy Jane Wood's youtube videos for several years and I was so delighted to see that she has published her first novel. Rewitched is the coziest fantasy read for Fall/Winter. I absolutely adored the characters and the journey that Belle went on to re-discover her magical powers. It is full of familial journeys, found family, and witch-y vibes. I devoured this book in two days, there is also a little romance story-line that was so perfect and didn't overtake the main heroine's journey to discover herself. The ending felt a little rushed to me, but it may just be because I didn't want it to end! I'm also hearing that she is working on book 2 so I'll have to patiently wait for the next Rewitched to arrive in bookstores.

I don't think me and this book vibed. I didn't care much about what was happening to Bella. I would go days without reading and not really seemed to fussed about what was happening..
I'm sure people will love it and it will sell well in my store just wasn't for me

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a captivating blend of magic and self-discovery that invites readers into a whimsical world filled with intriguing characters. The story follows a young witch who grapples with her identity and the responsibilities that come with her powers, all while navigating complex relationships and unexpected challenges. Wood's enchanting prose and imaginative world-building create a vivid backdrop for themes of empowerment and belonging. With its charming narrative and heartfelt moments, this novel is a delightful read for fans of fantasy and coming-of-age stories.

A fun cozy fantasy about a witch finding her magic in more ways than one.
Belladonna is turning 30, and she's doing just enough to get by without maximizing her full and true potential. It's time to test her magical worthiness, and she's forced to come to terms with her witchy-ness and her life choices.
This book has a little of everything, some drama, found family, a little romance, and lots of magical spells. I enjoyed reading and loved the relationship between Belle and her outcast mentor. At times, I wanted to push Belle onto the right path, but she eventually got there, and her growth was worth the journey. She was a character easy to root for.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is an enchanting triumph that breathes new life into the witching genre! With its captivating characters and spellbinding plot twists, Wood masterfully blends magic with heartfelt storytelling, leaving readers utterly mesmerized. This delightful read is not just a journey into a fantastical world; it's a celebration of friendship, courage, and the power of embracing one's true self.