A very cute book, with the perfect vibes for a witchy romance. I enjoyed this a lot, I loved how the characters relantionship grew and the mystery the found themselved tangled in.

A sapphic, contemporary fantasy read for (imo) any season of the year!
The mystery and magic in BWL features young love and heartbreak, friendship, and a community that makes for a cozy book I’d reread over and over again.

The premise and romance were cute. Who doesn’t love sapphic witchy vibes? The characters were interesting and there was good chemistry. Perhaps I fell victim to high expectations because in the end it did fall a little flat for me in the end. Overall I would still recommend it for a cozy fall read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 This book comes out Jan 14th 2025. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this wonderful opportunity. This was my most anticipated arc of the year. I normally do not like second chance romance but this one surprised me in the best way. The romance between sage and her ex-best friend ximena during the whole investigation of the stolen brew after the shop break in. I loved the vibes of this world/story. In my mind it was giving magical stardew valley small town feels. In the end as they solve the mystery together they rekindle what they had once lost. What a beautiful magical book. Highly recommend.

A sweet and simple supernatural mystery that I enjoyed as a quick, cute read. I do think it reads more younger YA and wish the characters had been aged similarly - this would've been fantastic with 14/15-year-old main characters, which YA as a genre is sorely lacking, and would've better matched the tone, maturity level of the characters, and plot points of the novel. This would've also helped with the "second chance" aspect of the romance, which I found a little silly - who would still be thinking about one kiss they had in *middle school* that many years later? It had a lot of hallmarks that come with being a debut, especially the expository dialogue and underbaked worldbuilding. But! The characters were fun, the magic cozy, and the mystery easy to follow so I think my younger teen readers will love it. For older teens and adult readers, I recommend the Witches of Thistle Grove series by Lana Harper for more queer witchy goodness.

Brewed with Love by Shelly Page is an endearing YA second-chance romance. The heart of the book is well intentioned and emits cozy, small-town vibes. The characters are lovable and vibrant. However, some of the characterization felt rushed. At points where I wanted to feel the emotion, I instead felt like I was being told about it, which stopped me from connecting to the characters and romance on a deeper level and at times the plot felt underdeveloped. Overall, though it was a cute read.

Brewed with Love is an engaging and well-crafted novel that captures the reader's attention from the first page. The author's storytelling is compelling, with a plot that unfolds at a steady pace, keeping you hooked throughout. The characters are well-developed, each with distinct personalities and motivations that add depth to the narrative.

One of the highlights of this book is the vivid and immersive world-building. The author has a knack for creating settings that feel real, whether it's a bustling city, a serene countryside, or a fantastical realm. The descriptive language used paints a clear picture, allowing readers to easily visualize the scenes and feel a part of the story.

The book also explores interesting themes, offering insights that provoke thought without being heavy-handed. There's a good balance between action, dialogue, and introspection, making it a satisfying read for those who enjoy a mix of excitement and reflection.

While the book is highly enjoyable, there are a few minor issues that prevent it from being a full five-star read. Some plot points felt a bit predictable, and there were moments when the pacing could have been tighter. However, these are small quibbles in an otherwise excellent novel.

Overall, this a strong, well-written book that is definitely worth reading. Whether you're a fan of the genre or just looking for a good story, this book is likely to satisfy. Highly recommended!

I would have loved to have this sapphic ya book when I was a baby queer. It was such a cute story with aspects of magic mystery friendship and family. I wouldn’t really say this is enemies to lovers because the “hate” was definitely one sided. The writing was well balanced being extremely descriptive without being exhausting. I wish there was a little bit more of ximena and the wolves in the community. Overall I enjoyed this queer witchy love story and look forward to reading more from this author.

"Brewed With Love" has redeemed the cozy fantasy/romantasy genre for me; turns out, all I needed was more sapphics in my fantasies 😇

Everything about this story sucks you in from page 1: a stubborn Virgo named Sage with (what appears to be) VERY valid reasons for the grudge she holds, lush descriptions of plants & plant magic, a alluring potion apothecary set in a cozy little town in Northern California, and a former best friend, Ximena, making an appearance back in the main character's life.

Yet even with all these elements PLUS layered with the added mystery of the apothecary shop break-in, the outcome of which will determine the fate of Sage's family and her coven, the plot never feels overly complex or busy. Everything is layered so beautifully and expertly, allowing space for the mystery to unravel, for Ximena and Sage to reconcile, and for deeper mysteries to be revealed without feeling like each is vying for the spotlight.

Accompanied by a myriad of diverse and lively side characters (my fav being Mercer, and her romance side plot!!!! ahhHHH!), this book becomes impossible to set down, and I truly feel like it healed my reading slump. As someone who's been exclusively reading audiobooks for over 2 months, this was the first non-graphic-novel print book I've finished since June, which speaks volumes to how compelling Shelly Page's writing is.

"Brewed With Love" comes out January 14, 2025, and I cannot wait for everyone else to get their hands on this and fall in love with Sage and Ximena as much as I have!

I cannot rate this book highly enough. I have very much been in the mood for cozy mysteries this season (bonus points if they're sapphic) and this one really scratched that itch! The stakes were high enough to keep me moving forward in the book, but not high enough to move this out of the cozy fantasy genre.

I will say that there were some plot points that were positioned as "reveals" or "surprising" that I guessed from the outset, but seeing as this falls firmly in the YA camp and I am twenty-five years old, I will chalk that up to a difference of intended audience versus reader. The romance was very sweet, and had just the right level of angst.

I loved the magic system in this book as well as the descriptions of the society, between the founding families and the magical ones. I would love to read another book in this setting, either as a continuation of this plot or focused on some different magical groups within the same universe.

DNF at 30%

I was looking forward to reading this as soon as I saw that I was approved for it! I could not get into the plot or find the characters very likeable. I did enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the shop and the town, but I don't think this one is for me. I do see how people do enjoy it! It has that cozy atmosphere I mentioned before, and it's a story of friendship and coming of age. Just because it's not for me, doesn't mean it's not for someone else.

Can I be honest with you? Its just us two here, right? -looks around- Okay. So here it goes.

I really loved this book. Oh my gosh. my main genre is horror. I simply just dip my toes into romance or fantasy. I'm so picky. And this was just so cute and cozy and nice. I loved this so much. I don't have anything negative to say. Thank you so much for the ARC.

Meh. I really should have known this wasn't going to work for me, but I was excited about sapphic cozy fantasy so I requested it anyway. It's cute though and I'm sure lots of people will like it more than I did.

This story was absolutely charming and sweet and cozy and I loved every minute. The characters and their growth with having to work together when that’s the last thing they want to do was so fun to read about. Also, the cover is gorgeous!

This is the epitome of cozy fantasy. Just the right amount of magical and full of love, it's a fantastic queer romance with a potion shop and a mystery at it's heart. It is all kinds of fantastic.

This was a super cute and fun YA sapphic witchy read—one of my favorite little subgenres. It had the same energy as Adrienne Young book Spells for Forgetting and the vibes of that book were my favorite part of it. The main character was super fun and the romance was super sweet but not overpowering. Everything about this was super fun and I will definitely be excited to see what this author does next!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Brewed with Love” by Shelly Page is a charming and heartwarming YA second-chance romance that combines magical intrigue with a sweet, bewitching love story. Set in a cozy, enchanting small town filled with potion shops and witchcraft, this book follows the rekindling of a teenage romance between Sage Bishop, a determined plant witch, and her ex-best friend and first crush, Ximena Reyes while trying to solve a mystery involving a stolen brew.

The story begins with a break-in at Bishop Brews, the family apothecary that Sage is determined to run one day. This incident sets the stage for an engaging investigation that draws Sage and Ximena back together, forcing them to confront their past and the lingering feelings that never quite went away. As they work side by side to solve the mystery, sparks fly, and the magic of their connection slowly rekindles.

Page does an excellent job of creating a cozy, atmospheric setting that draws you into the world of Sage and Ximena. The small-town charm, with its magical shops and tight-knit community, adds a layer of warmth to the story that makes it a perfect comfort read. I wanted to live in the small town with the everyday magic that makes life in this town feel so bright and soothing. The inclusion of tonic recipes and investigation notes scattered throughout the book further immerses you in this delightful world, adding to the story's unique and whimsical feel.

Sage is a relatable and endearing protagonist, whose love for her family’s apothecary and dedication to her craft is evident from the start. Her struggle to keep the business afloat, especially against a growing competitor, is something that some readers may find relatable, especially those involved in small business. Meanwhile, Ximena is an intriguing character who brings an element of unpredictability to the story. Her dreams of leaving the small town behind contrast sharply with Sage’s desire to stay rooted, creating tension and complexity in their relationship as it makes you wonder how exactly they can work together both in solving the mystery as well as a couple.

The chemistry between Sage and Ximena is very well-written with their flirting and bantering adding a fun, light-hearted element to the story. They felt like such a real couple, and reading about them navigate their unresolved feelings and growing closer is a joy. I did wish for a bit more open communication from Ximena as it’s one of my pet peeves where someone is deliberately holding out the truth even when trying to rekindle a friendship/relationship. While the story is told from Sage’s perspective, I wanted more of Ximena's point of view to fully understand her motivations and emotions.

The mystery surrounding the break-in and the stolen tonic is well-paced, though it does come with a few too many suspects and subplots, making it a bit difficult to keep track of everything at times. However, the resolution is satisfying, with all the loose ends tied up nicely in a sweet and heartfelt conclusion. The werewolf angle is a surprising but welcome addition to the story, adding an unexpected twist that makes “Brewed with Love” stand out in the crowded field of YA romance. In a book centered solely around witches and magic, I wasn’t really expecting werewolves, and I wanted more development on that angle. While the ending wrapped everything up perfectly, I would love to read more about the world of small town magic shown in this book.

Overall, “Brewed with Love” is a delightful read for anyone looking for a sweet, magical romance with a touch of mystery as well. Shelly Page has crafted a cozy, enchanting world that will leave you smiling and rooting for Sage and Ximena as they navigate the challenges of love and magic. Whether you're drawn in by the intriguing investigation, the charming setting, or the tender romance, “Brewed with Love” is sure to leave you enchanted.

I'll preface this review by saying that I am the author. Writing this was the best time and reading it was even better. If you like sweet second chance romances and cozy mysteries, this book is for you. The main character, in attempting to save her family store from being shut down, partners with her first crush turned coworker. Their investigation into the store's break-in results in the girls growing close again, and Sage learning to step outside her comfort zone. The book tackles themes of queerness, the importance of community, of protecting small businesses, and even resilience in the face of adversity. It's perfect for teens and adults who like their romance with a side of mystery.

Shelly Page advertises Brewed with Love as a cozy, sapphic romantasy, and this novel is that and so much more! An adorable YA romp, Brewed with Love is a warm hug, or perhaps a glowing tonic, with a mystery plot that flowed naturally. I couldn't help but study the hints provided myself, constantly wondering what was a red herring and what was important. While you're in the weeds trying to figure out who broke into Bishop Brews and why, you start to pick up signals about something else that is awry with Ximena herself. All of the characters are hard not to love, but in particular, Sage and Ximena make a delightful pair. The way this story handled identity and fitting in was done sweetly, and I found myself deeply enjoying the relationships between even minor side characters.

Page's writing style is fun and quick. I found myself reading faster than normal, and scenes moved quickly enough that it kept me invested and in the moment. I loved the little moments that demonstrated various characters' magic, including mundane actions like growing some flowers to use as decoration. It built out the world and aesthetic gorgeously and left me wishing I could watch the scenes taking place because I just know they'd be perfect! Brewed with Love is an ideal read for a sapphic teen who wants an escape, but I could see this book appealing to just about anyone. There's love, comfort, suspense, action, mystery, and more!

Overall, Brewed with Love serves up the exact tonic it hoped to produce. If you're looking for a fun, comforting, sapphic read, I would highly recommend. Thank you so much to Page and her team for the ARC - I am so grateful and loved it!

YA magical romance with a little mystery sprinkled in. A bit of a found family feel as well, although biological family ties were also strong.

Sage and Ximena are ex-best friends but are thrown together to solve the mystery of who stole from the store where they work and put a spell on a friend of theirs.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Brewed With Love to come out January, 14, 2025.