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.
.
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.

Connect with me for more reviews and content:
https://linktr.ee/bookreviewsbyjules
(includes links to my Instagram, Goodreads, TikTok, Storygraph, blog, and Substack newsletter)
If you're an author or publisher with questions about my reviews, stats, reach, or engagement, feel free to email me. I'm also open to book review requests. Thank you for taking the time to read my review, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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.

A most enchanting magical book, with cozy autumn vibes. I absolutely hope this is part of a series, and I will 100% read the next book Lucy Jane Wood writes, even if it isn't a continuation of this one!!!
I was hooked at the dedication, "For the girls who grew up on the wonder of witches, and knew that magic would be found at their own fingertips." YES!
I just fell in love with this book. It was beautifully written, which doesn't happen often enough in this genre. The descriptions and word choices were just lovely. The characters were relatable, especially Belle, and loveable. I absolutely want an Ariande as a best friend. The relationship dynamics, development, and hilarious banter was delightful. Even though it is set in London, it still manages to feel cozy, and not an urban fantasy. Seeing how the main character develops, was inspiring. Sometimes when you have a main character who lacks self-esteem, authors make the character too self-flagelating with with guilt and self-blame. Not so with Belle, thank all gods. The magic system, plot and twists were well-crafted. This book had everything I love, magic, coziness, love, self-discovery, found family, autumn, and more.
A big thanks to author for writing this, and thanks so much to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for making the ARC available.

Belladonna Blackthorn is almost 30. She works in Lunar Books, and she truly loves it there. Or she did. Violet, who owns the store, has decided to retire, and she’s letting her son Christopher take it over. And all the things that Belle had done over the years to make it cozy and inviting, he is tearing apart. Belle wishes she could buy the bookstore herself, but she just doesn’t feel ready.

Belle lives with her best friend Ariadne and her cat Jinx. And it’s only if you look closely that you’ll see the small incantations around her. A wave of her hand to tidy up the children’s books section at the store, a flick of the wrist to sort the mail, a tiny finger movement to add a tea bag to her mug. Most people don’t expect anything magic to happen in everyday life, so they miss it. And Belle is careful. She doesn’t want anyone to know that she’s a witch. Aside from her mother, who is also a witch, obviously.

Then one busy evening, after a sudden thunderstorm catches all the customers off guard, a man appears at the bookstore to talk to her. He is tall, with a dark coat, looking a little like someone in a movie about vampires. He asks Belle for a book, the title setting her on alert, as it’s a notorious book to a her, the witch-hunter’s guide to finding witches. She tells him that they don’t carry it and expect him to leave. However, he follows her to the back of the store instead.

Once they’re speaking privately, he tells her that the coven doesn’t appreciate how she’s been avoiding their correspondence. She insists she hasn’t gotten any. He assures her that she had, a black envelope with gilt edges that he put a spell on so that it would be certain to get her attention Again, she insists that she never received anything from the coven and his spell must not be very good. He is offended by that, but he gives her another envelope and tells her not to ignore that one. When she finally gets home from the bookstore, Belle opens it to find out that she will be called before the coven on her 30th birthday so they can decide if she’s used her magic sufficiently for it to be bestowed upon her permanently. If she hasn’t, it will be taken from her.

Belle had been given her book of witchcraft when she was 15, and she was supposed to be using it and learning from it all that time. But she didn’t know about this trial on her 30th birthday, and she hadn’t been going out of her way to do much magic, aside from the few incantations she used to make her life a little easier. But will that be enough?

It turns out, it’s not enough for the coven, and Belle is given until Halloween, just a little over a month away, to work with a mentor to get her magic up to speed. But her mentor turns out to be an older gentleman who was removed from the coven when he was a teenager. And the guy who dropped off her invitation keeps popping up at inopportune times to check on her. She can’t tell anyone in her non-witch world what is going on, so she has to spend less time protecting the bookstore from Christopher’s bad choices, and she snaps at Ariadne because she is just exhausted. But worst of all, she struggles with even the simplest incantations. It’s like there is some dark force that is working against her spells, and if she can’t figure out what that is in time and fix it, she’ll lose her witch powers forever.

Rewitched is a charming story about finding your place in the world and doing the work to be ready. It’s a coming of age story about witches and magic, familiars and family. Author Lucy Jane Wood has packed a lot into her debut novel, from the love story to the bookstore shenanigans to Belle learning her craft. But the ending is so rewarding, and the characters are easy to fall in love with (except Christopher, obviously, who doesn’t understand how to respect a bookstore).

I really enjoyed Rewitched. I will be honest here and say that I thought the opening was a little slow. I thought some of that could have been cut and maybe told in flashbacks, but I still enjoyed the story. I liked Belle a lot and wanted her to succeed, and the people she drew to her were impressive as well. And once I got past that beginning and things were happening for Belle, I was drawn in and really wanted to find out what had happened with the coven. Rewitched is really a very satisfying magical story, and I think magic-seeking readers will enjoy it.

Egalleys for Rewitched were provided by Berkley through NetGalley with many thanks.

This cozy fantasy story with just a hint of romance was a fun and heartwarming read. There were a few bits that were hard to believe, but overall it was fun. Belle is about to turn 30 and little does she know that is a very important date when you are also a witch. After an unpleasant delivery she is summoned to the coven to be judged and ensured she’s worthy of her magic because only a finite amount in the world exists. After stumbling she’s given a second chance, but after always letting fear hold her back she’s not sure if she’s truly ready for this fight. I liked the side characters a lot (especially Ari) and felt like they truly enhanced the story a lot. Rune was ok but their interactions all felt a bit forced to me. Arty was amazing and overall it was a fun story. Definitely a good choice as October hits us.

Thank you to Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

How beautiful is this book?!

Belle gained her witchy powers at 15, but she hasn't quite taken advantage of their breadth. And she is shocked to learn that her use of them will be reassessed on her 30th birthday. If deemed insufficient, she'll lose them forever.

This was such a neat magical world with rules that I enjoyed learning right along with Belle. The only part that tripped me up was each time that moons was used to count days. I'm used to that meaning months.

This book is such a journey for Belle. It's got elements of romance mixed in with the fantasy. But by far, it's a character study. In order to remain a witch, Belle will need to start believing in herself. I was there with her for every single moment. And my heart ached for her as we saw the harsher flashbacks. I think many of us can relate to feeling scared to risk it all or leave our comfort. and best of all, Belle is a bookseller with an amazing sounding bookshop where I would love to spend all my time.

This was a lovely and cozy read. I would love more in this world and plan to re-read.

This book is so charming and magical with definite fall vibes. I just couldn’t sink into the story - the place was so slow that I lost interest

*i did not share a star rating on goodreads