Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a captivating debut novel that exudes warmth and coziness. The story follows a burned-out witch who must rely on her friends and inner strength to reignite the magic in her life. I was thoroughly enchanted by this charming and heartwarming tale of self-discovery and finding one's spark.

While "Rewitched" is not my favorite read of the year , it is a very solid book and I'm excited to see what others think of it.

The story takes a bit of time to really get going, but it's interesting once it does. For me there seems to be a disconnect with the writing style - it is written well, but doesn't seem to flow easily. I didn't love the main character, but I enjoyed the journey she went on.

This is a good, cozy fall read.

Rated 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Rating: 3.5 stars
Pub date: 9/17
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Berkley for my advanced copy!

Rewitched is a super cozy, magical read that follows Belle, a witch who's trying to keep her life together. Between working at her favorite bookstore, Lunar Books, and hiding her magic from everyone around her, she’s burnt out. Then, right when she hits her 30th birthday, she gets called by her coven for a trial that could take away her magic for good. With just one month to set things right—and some dark forces working against her—Belle has her work cut out for her.

The book is perfect for Halloween, with its charming, witchy vibes and the cozy setting of a little independent bookstore. I loved the friendships between Belle and the women in her life, and the magic system was really interesting and fun to explore.

That said, the pacing was a bit off. It takes a while for the story to really get going, which made it hard to fully dive in at first. Belle’s character doesn’t go through a ton of growth—she's relatable with her self-doubt, but I wished she’d embraced her strengths more. The romance was cute but felt rushed and didn’t get as much attention as I’d hoped.

Overall, I still enjoyed Rewitched. It’s got that cozy, magical feel that’s great for a light, fun read. If you’re in the mood for something chill with a touch of magic, definitely give this one a try—especially during spooky season!

Belladonna Blackthorn is a witch who has used her magic primarily to benefit herself in small ways, so when she finds out that she has to undergo testing to see if she is using her magic to her fullest potential, she is understandably worried. When she finds out she could have her magic taken from her forever if she has not mastered it, she goes from worried to panicked. She is given one month to perfect her magic so she can pass the test, and she will have to devote herself to this endeavor, but not without a little help from her mother, an unlikely mentor with a worrying history, and a very annoying male witch who has been tasked with watching and protecting her. You'd think that would be enough to keep her busy, but throw in her job, a toxic boss, keeping her friends from finding out that she is a witch, and an unknown force trying to keep her from passing her test, and she's in for one heck of a month.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery with a witchy bent very much. The characters were likable and easy to connect with, and the story itself was very interesting. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

5/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Ace Publishing, and Lucy Jane Wood for the opportunity to read and review Rewitched.

Something we all need nowadays are cozy books and this fits that bill. I normally love all things witchy and book related but this particular book didn’t click with me. I’m very much a mood reader so this will be one that I’ll return to when the time is right. As for now, there are so many witchy, magical books coming out during the ramp up to spooky season, I must move onto the next. I definitely have friends who would love this book and I will be recommending it and gifting it to those folks.

This isn't a thrill-a-minute book, but it is interesting enough that I didn't want to give up on it. It took a fair few chapters to hit its stride as far as actually being interested in the characters as people, and not being vaguely annoyed with them as cliches. It just wasn't very exciting.

Thank you NetGalley and Ace for the ARC! With her thirtieth birthday approaching, Belladonna Blackthorn discovers that she is about to be tested in order to keep her magic and her place in the coven. Her only problem is that her magical abilities have been highly underutilzed. When the test doesn't go as planned, Belle has one last chance to prove she's a proper witch. Blending big secret reveals, the importance of friendship, and a dash of romance, Rewitched is the perfect read for those who like a dash of fantasy with their contemporary.

A book about a 30 year old witch held back by self-doubt and fear hit a little close to home. But, the network of family and friends who help her discover her true power was the real strength of this book. I adored that the platonic best friend ended up being the true love that proved key to the resolution.

I finished Rewitched and... it wasn't my favorite. I loved all of the actual magic bits, with an interesting challenge in order to fully join the coven. I also loved the bookstore and its inhabitants. I'm sure there are a lot of people who will connect with the main character, but her lack of backbone made me want to throttle her for most of the novel. Not to mention that the romantic interest is wildly over protective and the chemestry felt forced. It wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me.

This debut is a magical delight! The blend of cozy witchcraft, supportive friendships, and a dash of romance makes for a captivating story. Watching Belle navigate her challenges and embrace her true self with the help of her friends and unexpected allies is inspiring. This book beautifully captures the essence of finding your spark again and is a must-read for anyone who loves a blend of magic, self-discovery, and heartwarming moments.

This was so cute! I normally don’t read a lot of this cozy of fantasy but I really enjoyed it. It painted such a perfect vibe and would fit so well with fall and a cup of coffee. Loved the characters and would for sure recommend! Will be adding to our library!

Mix elements of Harry Potter and Practical magic and you get this. Its a story of self-discovery with a pinch of murder mystery, and romance.

Thank you to NetGalley for this early edition. This was an absolute joy to read!

Synopsis: Belle Blackthorn is still considered a witch...kind of. At 29, her magical prowess has fallen to the wayside as she focuses on simply just surviving. Lunar Books is her pride and joy but with no self-confidence to take over the store as the old manager passes it along, it falls into the hands of a horrible new boss. On top of that, about to turn 30, she receives a mysterious letter, delivered by a mysterious (and handsome) guy about a witch trial she now has to attend. A trial where they asses her use of her magic for the past 15 years and determine if she is worthy to keep it for life. Teamed up with an unlikely mentor, Belle learns what it takes to be a witch and to truly believe in herself.

Plot: This was everything I wanted and more. A perfect fall cozy fantasy read that needs to be on everyones TBR. I love love loved this. Not only does it feature a bookstore with a lot of cozy charm, but follows a witch as she learns to come into her magic and herself more. There is an animal companion, a wonderful best friend, a banter-filled romance, and a tight mother-daughter bond. What more could you ask for? I felt all the emotions when reading this: I swooned, I laughed, and was almost brought to tears by the sincerity of the characters and the sweet relationships and found family they create. I loved all of the magical aspects including the coven and its intricacies. And despite this being a cozy fantasy, there was still an epic battle at the end and a lot of twists and turns along the way. When I finally got into this, I got INTO it, and couldn't put it down.

Characters: The characters have to steal the show for cozy fantasies to hit their mark, and they definitely did here. I am so in love with each one and they all brought their individuality to the story to just make it that much more special. Arty is especially one that I adored, and every time he was on the page I was swept away with sweetness. What an adorable character! I also have to say that I appreciate that even though there was a romance aspect to this, it was never overwhelming the plot in any way. Both characters still stood on their own and their eventual attraction toward each other was never forced and instead was another added element to the overall storyline. Belle is so special and I think a lot of people will be able to relate to her. I appreciate that this wasn't another 20-year-old trying to figure out their life, but instead a 30-year-old trying to find their spark again.

Will be immediately buying a copy when this hits the shelves in September.

4.5 stars.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a great fiction with a great message that leaves the reader with a smile.

This is a wonderful novel of self discovery, both in the real and in the magical realms. Bella’s journey to finding her place in this world takes a huge leap within this story. Figuring out who she is, where she wants to go, and what she wants to become takes a huge leap when she turns 30. The author’s presentation of that quest makes for a relaxing, positive, and charming read.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/17/24.

I really liked this book. A story about figuring out your life and changing direction at 30 made me feel really seen. I think it's so important to have "coming of age" stories when you want to change directions in the future. Your life isn't fully realized when you turn 18 or enter post-secondary (or not). Life is fluid and I loved that this book really portrayed that.

The twists and turns in this were really interesting and I loved all the characters, flaws and all. I thought there was such strong character development for Belle that really warmed my heart.

This was such a good cozyfantasy and I am so glad this genre is becoming more popular. This had such loveable characters, especially Art. I loved that all the characters went through such journies together and came out stronger at the end. The found family element of this really sealed it for me!

I highly recommend this one!

Content Warnings:
Graphic: Gaslighting

Moderate: Grief and Panic attacks/disorders

Minor: Death

I'm not generally a cozy fantasy reader, but Rewitched might just have changed my mind on that. It was a cute fall read with likeable characters, and a hint of darkness coming. I have patrons in mind already who will love this one, so we will be buying several copies.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for my early e-ARC!
I LOVED this book! It delivers cozy and witchy fall vibes in spades in a feel-good novel! It felt like it took a little while to get going but once I hit the halfway point I got really into the characters and the story. The characters are all so easy to love (I especially loved picturing Artorius and his pink hat) and I loved picturing the fall settings, the bookstore and Artorius’s house. Every aspect of this book just seeped cozy and delightfulness! I just wish some aspects of the plot felt a bit more fleshed out and that some of the dialogue didn’t feel so “written.” This books wrapped me in a cozy hug and I really enjoy sinking myself into the vibes! (Reviews on socials to come)

While I felt there were some pacing issues toward the end*, Rewitched was the embodiment of a late New England September day when the weather is finally cool enough for boots and a sweater and you can hear the leaves rustling in the trees and smell the beginning of autumn as a breeze rolls through. The romance (what little there was) took a back seat to Belle's journey of professional agency and self-esteem and made this debut novel a winner.

* I honestly thought that Wood was setting up the big confrontation as part of a sequel because of how far into the novel it happened (close to the 85% mark). So many things happen so quickly, especially when compared to the slow and measured pace of the rest of the novel, that I was left with a feeling of "wait, that was it?" after it was over.

I did not finish this book. I wanted so badly to like it, the main character seemed so fun and I love an older FMLC but I just couldn't. Some of the detail was tell not show, and it went on forever. I may try to revisit as we get closer to spooky season, but I was not able to get into it.

First big thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for providing me a digital arc to read and review.

Sigh, I feel like I’m in the minority here with this review. I think I am one of the few reviewers who did not find this to be a cozy fantasy read. Actually for 60% of the book I found it pretty boring and highly considered DNFing. Thankfully that last 40% definitely saved this book for me and allowed me to push through and finish reading.

Due to the pacing of the book I had a real hard time getting invested in the characters and the plot. Which sucks because this is one of my most anticipated of the year.

Even with all that said, I still find this a solid read. If you are a fantasy mystery fan this books for you. If you are looking for a cozy fantasy romance this is not for you. There is a romance but it is a slow burn and not the key focal point of the story. Thanks again to the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review