First how beautiful is the cover of this book
I loved the story it was sweet happy witchy
I don’t read much about witches so this was a little different for me but I really enjoyed it getting to know the characters finding out how they use their magic the adorable book shop which I would love to own.
Belladonna was my favourite she’s so sweet strong and amazing I loved her name too.
No spoilers here so struggling to write the perfect reviews let’s just say it’s amazing and a must read

When Belle received her powers at the age of 15, she had endless plans for how she would use them, and what her life would become. But now she is 30, and facing a test of her powers that could see her lose everything. Is it too late to realise her true potential?

Rewitched creates a rich and intricate world of magic, as the fantastical backdrop for the all-too-relatable problems facing Belle as she reaches her 30th birthday. I loved the way this book’s magic is envisioned, and the cinematic writing that lets the reader feel as if they’re a part of it. This is such a cosy and comforting read, and I loved the way that Belle gets to work on herself in this book … with a little help from some brilliantly imagined characters. I liked that we get family and friends as well as romance, although I did particularly enjoy the slow-burn of Belle and Rune’s enemies-to-lovers relationship.

This one wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, but I enjoyed it very much. I was hooked from the start and remained so until the end, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the story whenever I had to reluctantly put it down. If you’re looking for a magical read, I can definitely recommend this one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Rewitched' by Lucy Jane Wood.

'Rewitched' tells the story of just turned 30 year old Belladonna (aka Belle) having to prove her magic to a bunch of old farts whilst also learning about how important her family and friends are to her and how intertwined witch life is with her own. Belle is such a strong lead and throughout this book I just fell deeper and deeper in love with her. The side characters were well written from Ariadne to Rune and my man Arty - I will fight to protect this old man with my life. And the mini twist in this tale was so unexpected to me, I loved it.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a wonderfully cosy fantasy about one womens journey to rediscover her magical spark... 🐈‍⬛️ 🔮🧹

On her thirtieth birthday, a rather overwhelmed and self-doubting Belladonna Blackthorn is summoned by her coven to take part in her EquiWitch trial. Her magical peers have the power to delve into Bella's private memories and determine whether or not she is worthy of maintaining her power by passing judgement on her turbulent magical history. Unfortunately, due to her insecurities and inability to weird her magic to the best of her ability, her coven gives her one last chance to prove herself.

While the slowburn romance is very sweet, it's Bella's journey of self-love, which I absolutely adored. Yes, she's a Witch, but she's also very relatable and decidedly human. She has flaws, rough edges and is plagued with self-doubt throughout and watching her rekindle her love for magic and find her confidence along the way was incredibly empowering and satisfying.

While I liked Rune, I found him to be a little to elusive and I wish we had the opportunity to learn more about him. Christopher was, of course, the worst and Artorius was absolutely adorable and needs to be protected at all costs.

I loved how descriptive the author is. I wish I could actually visit Lunar Books as it sounded heavenly. Rewitched really was like one big autumnal hug down to the pumpkins, cinnamon rolls and cosy vibes... and a few unexpected twists, among the way.

A cup of magic, a tablespoon of self love, a teaspoon of discovery, a sprinkle of friendship, a pinch of romance and a dash of mystery, all the great ingredients that lead to Rewitched, a cozy autumnal fantasy.

Although I felt like I had to force myself through the start of this book, it was very much worth it! I loved the plot, the characters and the mystery and found them to be well written. Belle (FMC) was especially relatable because she struggled with her confidence, which made her give up things she loved for fear of failing. Throughout the story she grows and accepts love from herself and others which make for a beautiful to read.

Summary: Belladonna Blackthorn, a burnt-out witch, must pass a coven trial by October to save her magic, with help from friends and an infuriating protector.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book, all thoughts are my own.

This is such a cosy, witchy book. Definitely perfect for autumn. I really enjoyed it, pretty much read it in one sitting.

I did enjoy the writing style and description used, it made the world building really easy to follow and imagine. The pacing was really good and I did find myself immersed in the story.

I really like Belle, she was really relatable and this made it all the more endearing. It was nice to see her struggles in her life and with her magic and how for everyone sometimes life can be a little overwhelming and things get pushed back.

Overall it is a story of rekindling a love for her magic, trusting that she can do more than she thinks. I loved her support network, the characters were all so lovely. The trial aspect was woven into the story very well and added extra support to the overall plot. There is a little bit of mystery and enjoyed the reveal at the end.

I really did adore Rune. I wanted so much more of him. He was charming, supportive. Their slow burn was filled with tension and chemistry and added to the excitement of the story. The book has a larger focus on Bella’s journey rather than the romance which does work well though.

I did find the start a little slow and for me the story really picked up around 30%, and once it started it was amazing. It’s an adorable read and so heartwarming, I highly recommend it.

📚 Book Review 📚
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood - 5/5 ⭐

Dive into a cosy autumnal fantasy with this beautiful story of Belladonna AKA Belle, our bookish FMC 🌹

🔥 Slow burn
🔥 Self-love
🔥 Magic
🔥 Witchcraft

Belle is thrown into a lifelong decision from her coven, learn to use your magic or lose it!

For years Belle has lived as un-witchy as possible. Whilst working in a bookshop, she hides her identity of being a witch from the world! Then on her 30th Birthday she receives a summons from her coven who are throwing her into a trial that will reveal her future as a witch.

Rewitched is a magical, cosy read of romance, magic and self-discovery. The writing style is completely captivating with phenomenal descriptions that will transport the reader deep into Belle's world.

I was lucky enough to receive Rewitched as an ARC and I'm proud to say that I've just pre-ordered my signed edition from Waterstones, because who doesn't want a trophy book on their shelf 🫶🏻

ARC Book Review: *Rewitched* by Lucy Jane Wood

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Lucy Jane Wood’s *Rewitched* is a spellbinding journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the rekindling of magic within the ordinary. This cozy autumnal fantasy envelops readers in the charming world of Belladonna Blackthorn, a witch whose spark needs a bit of rekindling.

Overview:
Belladonna, known as Belle, is juggling her life at Lunar Books, a beloved London bookshop, while concealing her witchcraft from the world. Overwhelmed by a toxic boss and the day-to-day challenges, her magic feels like a distant memory. As she turns thirty, Belle receives a summons from her coven, thrusting her into a trial that will determine her future as a witch. With the clock ticking down to the end of October, Belle must navigate dark forces, seek help from her coven, and perhaps even lean on an unexpected ally, the coven watchman.

Themes and Elements:
1. **Found Family:** The warmth and support from the women in Belle’s life highlight the importance of a chosen family. This element of the story is deeply heartwarming and beautifully portrayed.
2. **Slow-Burn Romance:** Belle’s interactions with the coven watchman provide a delightful and gradual build-up of romance, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing Belle’s personal journey.
3. **Self-Love and Empowerment:** At its core, *Rewitched* is a tale of self-empowerment. Belle’s journey is a testament to the power of self-love and the importance of believing in one’s own worth.
4. **Magic and Witchcraft:** The enchanting elements of witchcraft are seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life, making for a magical yet relatable read.

Character Development:
Belle’s character arc is compelling and relatable. Her struggles with burnout and self-doubt are portrayed with authenticity, making her triumphs all the more satisfying. The supporting characters, especially the coven members and the enigmatic watchman, enrich the story and provide a solid backbone for Belle’s journey.

Writing Style:
Lucy Jane Wood’s writing is engaging and evocative, capturing the essence of a cozy, magical London. The narrative flows smoothly, and the vivid descriptions transport readers right into the heart of Belle’s world. The dialogue is sharp and often infused with humor, adding to the book’s charm.

Final Thoughts:
*Rewitched* is a delightful read that blends magic, romance, and self-discovery into a captivating story. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a touch of fantasy grounded in real-life struggles and triumphs. The book’s uplifting message about finding and embracing one’s inner magic is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy fantasies, witchcraft, and character-driven stories. *Rewitched* will leave you enchanted and eager for more from Lucy Jane Wood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan MicMillan for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

4.5 ⭐

"Rewitched" is a cozy contemporary fantasy written by Lucy Jane Wood, here at her debut.

What a wonderfully sweet story! This novel captured me from the very first pages, transporting me to a quiet corner of a delightfully autumnal London, among rainy days, brightly colored trees, tea and various treats, an extremely cozy and adorable bookstore, and lots of effervescent magic. Seriously, reading this book gave me the feeling of being wrapped in a warm embrace, curled up in a comfortable cocoon, perfectly serene and relaxed.

The evocative, lyrical and enchanting writing completely bewitched me, absorbing me with its highly vivid and curated descriptions. I was easily able to picture the various places in the story, the characters, and much more, thanks to the attention paid to detail.

The story talks about magic, but before that it deals with the difficulties and unforeseen events of life, how things do not always turn out as desired, sacrifices and renunciations, broken hopes and dreams, discouragement and self-loathing. At the same time, however, it is also a story about healing, finding self-confidence, not giving up hope, learning to accept and love oneself, life, and much more. An emotional book that moved me repeatedly, leaving me with tears in my eyes at certain moments. It is a slow, quiet novel that takes its time, without any rush. I loved everything about it and can express nothing but compliments!

Belladonna (Belle) Blackthorn, protagonist with her only first person pov, won me over! Belle is the representation of what I said above and I found myself bonding with her a lot! I found her profound, portrayed in an excellent way, and with fantastic development. She made me laugh, smile and suffer, involving me totally. The secondary characters are incredible, perfectly distinguishable from each other and full of sentiment. The found family that develops between the pages then is something so tender! I think I melted while reading the bonds that are created between the characters! Also, there is not a lack of really sweet slow burn romance, marginal to the story but still tasty!

All in all "Rewitched" is an extremely cozy and heartwarming fantasy novel that I absolutely loved and recommend to lovers of the genre as the perfect fall read!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Belladonna Blackthorn turns 30 and learns she needs to use her magical powers or lose them after failing a magical trial from her coven. With the help of a number of witches and Warlocks Bella begins to rediscover her magic and has to solve a mystery along the way.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of this year so I was very keen to read it. It took me a little longer to get into it than I thought it would but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved Bella and the supporting characters, especially Jinks the cat and Ariadne her best friend. I would definitely recommend it especially for people who love fantasy witchy reads.

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a cosy, delightful little read! I was buzzing to get an early copy of this book and it did not disappoint. It was jam packed of everything I absolutely wanted/needed and it was a total delight.

I really enjoyed the relationships and character development throughout and my only 'gripe' is that we didn't get more time to see Belle's transition of taking over Lunar properly. (which would have just been as novelty to the reader really, everything else was really wrapped up wonderfully).

I liked the twists and turns, I liked the magic, I LOVED how wholesome it all was.

A perfect little read and a definite re-read over Halloween! Thank you!!!

A cosy witchy read with a good premise. I feel that it could benefit from a tauter pace as I found it quite slow to get started, and a little lacking in terms of characterisation. This could be a nice easy read for the autumn,

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Rewitched is a cozy, magical, autumnal read with a mix of fantasy, contemporary and slow-burn romance.

It’s not a cozy fantasy read without a bookstore, Rewitched follows Belladonna Blackthorn, a witch who receives a summons on her 30th birthday to attend a Equiwitch Trial to test her ability and worthiness as a witch. After being given one month to learn to master her magic, Belle seeks out a mentor to teach her about her magic. Unfortunately, darker magic is working against her, Belle with her mother, mentor and watchman must come together. After all the only thing darkness cannot fight is the light.

Belle has been working at Lunar Books for most of her adult life, living a quiet life, working for a sweet old lady named Violet and her crappy son Christopher (he deserves being called crappy). After hiding her magic for most of her adult life, Belle is out of touch with her magical core, which is not what you want when you are about to tested for magical neglect and if found guilty, you risk losing your magic completely. Belle, is different to other protagonists I’ve read recently in that she’s advertised as recently turning 30 and it’s nice to read about characters that are going from their late 20s to 30. Being 25 myself I have yet to feel the pressure of 30 but that way that Belle, felt turning 30 that sense of wanting and uncertainty in oneself is a feeling I know all too well and was glad to explore. We get to follow Belle as she finds happiness with herself but also finds family. The writing style was lovely and whimsical with a light quality about it, making Rewitched a pleasant read. Rune is so cute, and adorable is his clumsy pursuit of Belle.

Rewitched was a cozy read, I’m almost sad to have read it in the summer in the blistering heat instead of by the window, with mug of tea while it snows. I look forward to a winter reread instead.

Rewitched releases on the 19th of September 2024, and is available at all good bookstores, with a special edition being offered at Waterstones.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and Lucy Jane Wood for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the sort of book that I’ve been wanting to read!! Such a comforting read with very likeable characters. The story follows witch and London bookstore worker, Belladonna Blackthorn, who on her 30th birthday, has to prove that she’s worthy of the magic she possesses. As a reader of primarily romance, I was slightly nervous to read this as it was advertised as a cosy fantasy, but I think that this is the perfect intro into fantasy as it was set in our world but still included that sense of cosy magic.

It’s the perfect example of ‘show, don’t tell’ in a book as everything was very descriptive which made it very easy to visualise what was happening whilst reading.

Belle was such an endearing and relatable protagonist and I really enjoyed reading her story. Despite her not being “normal” in the sense of her magic, her struggles with balancing work, burnout and trying to hide her true self from others around her made her feel so real which is what we always want to see in a book.

The *only* thing that made this a 4 star and not a 5 star for me was that the beginning of the book felt a little slow for me. It took a while to get the story going and I would have loved to have jumped straight into the story then understand all of the backstory towards the beginning of the book. The backstory could have feel unveiled throughout the book to keep the tension there and keep us asking questions, if that makes sense.

Nonetheless, this book as exiting and comforting and felt like a big autumn hug! I can’t wait to watch Lucy’s author career blossom and am excited for future books that she releases. Based on the way that this book was written, I’d love to see her write a book that’s more of a romance. I think that her voice and writing style would really fit this 😊

The world building and attention to detail in Rewitched is excellent and really tries to capture the essence of October and that magic. But it did feel that scenes were over described almost like I was reading in slow motion resulting in not much time passing between the initial conflict of Belle at her trial. That being said the author is definitely a skilled writer and conjures up detailed scenes, settings and a diverse and colourful array of characters that immerse the reader into this world. I would say that despite the references to London like the tube or Highgate cemetery, I didn’t get an idea of where Lunar Books was situated in London.

I enjoyed the way the author dealt with sensitive topics such as body image and using her magic to make her fit in and be confident within society. This is done very well and goes in hand with the over arching and clever metaphor for burn out within a job through losing your spark and magic that makes up someone's essence. The pace was my biggest negative, nothing really happens until 70% in terms of action and conflict. The tasks were repetitive and could have caused more havoc in Belle’s life such as public displays of magic at her work.

The power of love, friendship and self belief is very important and is at the forefront on the book and draws everything together. Belle did come across as a character much younger than thirty and naive to point of slightly annoying, but the author clearly captures her anxiety and lacking self - confidence through her personality that is counter balanced by her mentor, family and friends who bolster and encourage Belle to succeed and find inner strength. This dynamic was well written and provided comfort to Belle and her struggles.

The love interest of Rune missed an element of emotion or learning about his character aside from him being old and devoting himself to magic and the coven, he isn’t given much of a personality aside from a brooding hero. Also, the villain wasn’t supported as much by the plot and felt disjointed, I think this would have benefitted from some foreshadowing or something to alert the reader to hidden meanings to create a greater impact and threat.

Overall, one of the best witchy books I’ve read that focuses on world building and the history of the coven with interesting characters. A must read to get into the halloween spirit and a cosy read.

This is Witch -Lit (think Chick - Lit) but with withces in. It is light and fun and such an easy read but there are a few elements going on here. We have our main character Belle still trying to find herself and on top of that she is a witch and has to discover who she is in that world as well before it's too late!
There is a little romance, a little mystery and just general drama going on but you will devour this book with delight.

I received this book as an ARC and provide my honest review

A really good, magical story. The writing is descriptive and engaging and I enjoyed reading it. Would definitely recommend if you’re a fan of witchy vibes and the found family trope.

It's probably a good thing that I write my reviews first on Instagram and that there is a character limit. Otherwise you may have ended up with an essay about how much I loved this book.

This plot has so many elements that I love. It is a contemporary, magical story with some mystery and romance sprinkled in there. Whilst I guessed one of the plot twists, it did not take away from my enjoyment of the plot.

The characters are all amazing. I connected so much with Belle. There are so few stories out there about people in their 30s who don't have their lives all figured out. This was the perfect story for me at this time in my life (as someone who has just turned 30). It felt like the book gave me a mug of hot tea, wrapped me in a blanket and gave me a big hug. This is the cosy feeling this book gives you.

The rest of the characters are also amazing as well. I loved Belle's family and found family so much. I want them all wrapped in bubble-wrap.

Wood's writing style is absolutely beautiful (poetic at times), humorous and emotional. This was so easy to read and I just wanted to devour this book. I had to stop myself reading it several times so that I could drag out the reading experience.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cosy, witchy books. I have already pre-ordered the signed special edition of this book from Waterstones and I'm so glad I did. This book will be released on 19th September, so make sure you check it out.

Thanks to NetGalley, Lucy Jane Wood and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

What a comforting book! Reading it was a great pleasure, so much so that I was willing to overlook some flaws in the plot.

"Rewitched" tells the story of Belladonna Blackthorn, a witch who works in a London bookshop. On her 30th birthday, she must prove herself worthy of the magic she possesses. The book is advertised as cozy fantasy, and indeed it can be considered as such, but in the best sense of the word. Most of the cozy fantasy novels I've read have been rather boring, and I had to push myself to get through them. "Rewitched" is the complete opposite. The book is absolutely fast-paced, and you can even finish it in a day. Seriously, I think that is the biggest advantage of this novel. It's really not easy to write a book that feels cozy and exciting at the same time. The reason for this may be that the author simply writes very well. "Rewitched" is written in accessible language, with descriptive but not overly elaborate passages. It just reads well, so much so that even in moments when the plot wasn't quite working for me, I had a great time.

Speaking of the book's shortcomings, it is important to point out that the plot unfolds rather slowly. The first 30% of the book feels like an extended synopsis. Of course, this doesn't mean that a third of the novel is bad or boring, but we just don't learn anything new in the first 120 pages that we didn't already know from the description on the cover. I also felt that the ending, specifically the identity of the villain and the way the main conflict was resolved, was poorly supported by the plot and thus not very believable. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers, but when I found out who was behind the whole intrigue, it felt more like a plot necessity with little to do with the earlier characterization of this person. Speaking of the main character, Belle, I have to admit that I didn't really like her. She wasn't thoroughly annoying, but a lot of her behavior seemed incomprehensible to me, and some of her reactions were cringe-inducing. However, I really enjoyed Belle's relationship with her mentor and the whole found family aspect. The protagonist's dynamic with her loved ones certainly adds to the cozy aspect of the book. There is also a romance subplot in the novel, but it is definitely not brought to the forefront and appears rather late in the book. I have some reservations about how it was handled, but that's mainly due to the aforementioned fact that I didn't like the main character.

Being aware of the obvious shortcomings, I wondered how to rate this novel. In the end, I concluded that reading should first and foremost be an activity that brings joy, and I had a very good time with this book. Paradoxically, this is probably the best witch novel I have come across in years. It's also a perfect read for autumn, and I regret not saving it for that season. Therefore, I can recommend it with a clear conscience to anyone looking for a fun, fast-paced book with a witchy vibe that is perfect for Halloween. It will be a feel-good reading experience!

I've followed Lucys socials for a good while now and I was super excited to find out she had written a book.

This was a fantastic debut with incredibly relatable characters and filled with Lucy's charm and wit. I thought the bickering and banter between Belle and Rune was quite funny and we all need a bestie like Ari ❤️

The plot was solid but the thing I enjoyed more than anything else was the characters. Lucy definitely has a way of writing loveable and interesting characters. I hope to see more from her!