This did start off a lot slowly than I would have thought, however being the first book in a series, it does need to set up the story and introduce us to the characters. It was refreshing to read an adult fantasy where the main character is turning 30, as I find usually the main character is usually in their early to mid 20's. I really enjoyed that whilst there is a hint of romance in this, it doesn't feel like the main focus (I do however look forward to seeing the slow burn romance continue to develop in book two), and instead the focus is on the main character and her turning 30 and her magic and the magic around her and it was just a really fun read.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Rewitched is a delightfully enchanting and heartwarming read. Lucy Jane Wood masterfully crafts a story that blends magic with meaning, creating a narrative that is both captivating and comforting. The writing is eloquent, the charm irresistible, and the balance between quaintness and depth truly remarkable. I found myself completely smitten with every aspect of this beautiful book.

NB: read this over the summer as an arc but I’m still thinking about it fondly. An absolute gorgeous read!

I was fully convinced from the get go that this one was going to be for me- Being from the UK i struggle with listening to British narrators- thats in no way a reflection of the narrator, just a preference of mine.

Once i got past that i became quite hooked! I think there's a particular character that stole my heart and all along i was hoping he wasnt going to be who the other characters said he was!

-I liked the bumbling-ness of the MMC however i do wish the romance could have been developed more
-The FMC was meant to be 30 however she bickered and whined like a teenager which was a little off putting and then when we have scenes with 15 year olds, they appeared to be much much younger too.

The whole audio-book aspect of this was done really well and i will definitely be reading the next book set in this world

I am absolutely obsessed! This book is the best cozy witchy book I’ve read this year!

The names are just so witchy! Belladonna, Artorius, Bonnie… how cute are they🥹. The fact that Belle works in a bookstore is just amazing. The way the bookstore was described was so relatable (I work in a bookstore)! Also… Belle has a tortie cat!!! Which is what I have!!!

The banter between Rune and Belle is just fantastic. But this is in fact a slow burn. But I love that Rune tries to act tough but he’s such a softie.

I love how we follow Belle’s witchy journey and I love the mystery with the twists and turns. It really kept the book interesting and fun to read.

I want to say that I loved that Evie Hargreaves narrated the book. She was so perfect! And I truly hope she narrates the rest of the books.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for granting me access to the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a such a great light hearted witchy book. It's perfect for this time of year.

I love that someone can have such an amazing imagination to write the way this author does about Witchy business.

I love Belladonna, she was such a good character, she was funny and a bit crazy and so relatable.

With talks of covens and grimoires this book really does take you into the story. I listened to the audio version of this book and the narrator was really good too.

There are some really exciting parts in this book. The Narrator brings the exciting bits to life so much I was on the edge of my seat. I loved her accent too.

Absolutely brilliant book, I was listening at every opportunity and I've been so busy lately that this was a really nice switch off on times when I wasn't busy.

This is the autumnal read I’ve been looking for! 🍂 It’s truly magical. ✨ Ever-Loving 🧡

I listened to the audiobook as I read along and was completely captivated. ~ I loved the narrator, she was a perfect choice. Her portrayal of the different characters, their personalities and accents were brilliant. She truly brought them to life, especially Bonnie, Bella’s mum, it captured her kind, sweet ditziness brilliantly.

Her narration also made it so I could easily visualise all the amazing magic that was created, the book store, how the characters looked and the phenomenal scenes that took place at Hecate house.

I absolutely adore audiobooks and will be adding Evie Hargreaves to my list of fave narrators.

The story itself is wonderful and here are some of the aspects I loved. 🧡

*Love the reading of her letter

*The spells and riddles are cute & clever (clever magic system as a whole).

*I looooove Artorius Day. So adorable & lovely. The voice accentuates his personality.

*i didn’t expect to get teary 🥺

*And, of course I loved Rune, Ariadne & Bella. 🥰 ~ “Solo spinsterhood! lol Brilliant!

*I really enjoyed the interview with the author & the narrator at the end.

Thank you, Macmillian audio UK, for this gorgeous audiobook. It was everything I wanted & hoped for! 🍁🧡

3.5☆

This is a very cozy, witchy read. I was expecting a bit more but it was enjoyable.

It was lovely and atmospheric but it went a bit overboard at times, I skimmed paragraphs of description that really didn't need to be so long. This honestly could have been 100 pages shorter from cutting out over describing alone.

I really liked Belle, she was a bit of a mess (in a charming way) and I enjoyed seeing her come into herself and her powers. I didn't really vibe with the romance. There was no connection built between them and we didn't even really see much of the love interests at all but somehow they were together in the end, it just didn't make much sense even though I could see the potential. I loved her other friendships and her relationship with her mother though.

The plot was predictable but I didn't mind that, it was a cozy and cute read. I think because it was very character driven I was happy to follow along on Belle's journey and didn't care if the end and the "bad guy" was predictable.

While I did have some qualms with this one, they're minor enough and overall I really enjoyed it. I would recommend Rewitched as a perfect autumn read that really has great characters, all the cozy feels and a lovely message about learning to have faith in yourself

I'm not a huge fantasy reader, so any book in that genre I read needs to anchor itself in our world. This one did that fantastically. The marriage of Belle's witchy life and her mundane, mortal life was great.

I loved watching Belle learn to properly use and not abuse her powers, and the whole scenario reminded me quite a bit of the episode of Sabrina where she is also in front of a magic judging panel to determine her powers. I loved that aspect of it. That said, it did feel a little odd that the focus was on her keeping her magic, and not Belle changing her attitude.

There are some fantastic 90s references in here. Many people have pointed out the references to Charmed and Sabrina, but it was the reference to Isadora that truly won me over.

There was a romance in here, and if I'm being totally honest I'm glad it was such a small part of the plot. The book should have been (and for the most part was) about Belle getting her life back on track.

Oh, and Artorius? I would die for you.

Ummmm... that was great?! Not that I thought it wouldn't be but I'm not the biggest fan of cosy fantasy. And this is a very cosy book but it also has a plot that doesn't involve mundane stuff? I couldn't care less about you saving your coffee shop honestly, but that's not the point. I had so much fun with this one, it's very much fantasy and coming-of-age first, romance third, and I feel like it wasn't really marketed as such, so it could be a little misleading. However, the plot was very entertaining, I loved seeing Belle's growth as a character, it was also nice to have a character who just turned 30, that made her journey a bit different from what you might usually get in the genre. the world building was very fun and the book had low stakes in the sense that it wasn't world ending drama but still held some consequences in the main character's life. I loved the characters, especially the mom and the old man, they were so sweet and very funny, this book has a very British humor to it which I love and is super sarcastic. This is the perfect fall read and I'm so happy I listened to it. 4.5 stars

The perfect joyous cosy Autumn read. It's especially to see a main character in Bella that is older than many characters we read about but still having the same issues of so many. Loved it!

I thought I gave feedback to the audiobook whose narration is fantastic. The narrator’s voice really got me to listen much more than just reading it physically (which I already enjoyed very much). Their voice choices for the character makes it easy to follow who’s talking and their overall tone is just perfect.

(The review from the physical copy)

A cozy, funny, and absolutely clever novel! It’s been a while since I stayed up to two in the morning to read a book. Even the familiar bits in a cozy fantasy felt so nostalgic rather than boring.

Belle is a witch that works in a cozy bookstore who took her magic for granted and hasn’t used it much in the fifteen years she’s had it. One day, she receives a message summoning her to stand in front of a panel of witches and wizards to decide based on those fifteen years if she’s worthy of keeping her powers for life.

I loved the take on the “witch trial” that’s so different from the macabre ones we know. And I also enjoyed the way she defends everyone’s uniqueness despite them not having magical powers. That magic is within a person, fantastical or ordinary. I kept cheering for Belle from beginning to end; an absolutely wonderful character on her own and against other characters. I genuinely adored every character the author created: Belle’s best friend, her mother, and her teacher. Plus, her love interest in a beautifully developed romance subplot.

The entire novel although fantastical has many relatable moments. “plus it had pockets” is a phrase that made laugh out loud and one that I hear a lot among fashion influencers and in our household when my mom buys dresses with pockets, lol. Also “the small quiet reminder of an ever-loving presence” is equally a very relatable remark on her grandmother’s brooch. I feel the same way when I wear a ring grandma gave me.

My only problem with this is that the witch fight scene in the audiobook was a little overstimulating that I had to lower the voice and would’ve been a good choice to slow it down. But that’s my problem. It could be perfect for you, so I urge you to pick it up.

“You’ve turned down chances, allowed yourself to remain unhappy, simply because you were afraid of the changes & even the successes they might bring”

This is a cozy witchy fantasy with 90s vibes about self love, self discovery & learning to accept yourself. But also learning to not be afraid of taking the risk to go for what you want, to not be afraid of change & what it can bring. To see the magic in all of us.

Belladonna is about to turn 30 & she is burnt out. But when she is summoned for her trial which ends disastrously, she has one month to show them she should be allowed to keep her magic.

Belle was such a wonderful character, filled with self doubt & putting off what she truly wants in life because she’s afraid to take the risk. She spends her days working at Luna Books & her evenings with her housemate & best friend, Ariadne & her cat, Jinx, who is her familiar.
I loved seeing her character development throughout the story of re learning to love herself & her magic & to take the opportunities that will make her happy.

There is a wonderful found family who support her in many ways. There’s also a slow burn romance but it’s not the main focus of the book which I appreciated.

This is a perfect feel good read that will leave you feeling warm & cozy.

"he made you cry"
"I cry all the time, I cried at a donkey sanctuary advert this morning, are you going to punch everyone who mistreats donkeys?"
"Id love too"

This was such a cute autumnal read!🍂
This feels perfectly nostalgic, cozy and FUN, like a Worst Witch novels for adults💚

I read this in a day so easily bingable witchy book, perfect for autumn. Plot was interesting enough to keep me reading but I just could not get behind the romance, I think the FMC treated the MMC like shit and just did not believe when she did a complete u-turn and professed to have feelings for the poor guy..

I listened to an audio arc and was not a fan of the narrator.

Oh the twists and turns this beautifully written book will take you on! I loved that it was set in london rather than a typical smaller town and the bookshop was a perfect addition to the book! I could not put it down and it set the mood perfectly for the autumn equinox!

"Rewitched" delivers a snug, autumnal ambiance, although its initial slow pace may be somewhat disconcerting. The story is delightful and vivid, capturing the quintessence of autumn through the endearing exploration of aging, friendship, and self-acceptance.

This was surprisingly good. I enjoyed listening to it, as there was a mystery element in addition to all the cozy vibes, magic and a dash of romance. And rediscovering magic/ self love was a breath of fresh air after reading all the witchy "kids and teens" overpowering kingdoms with their magic. 🙈😌
I loved the bookshop and bookish references and the chemistry - with her mother, Ariadne, Artorius and Rune, especially Arty. The banter between Rune and Bell was so good, but the age seemed bit of a stretch and unwanted, maybe?!
The mystery element really kept me and the plot going, I didn't predict it at all or the reason. But everything kind of made sense by the end.
The narrator did an awesome job, it was really engaging and delightful.

This is a story about love; self love, family, friends and a sprinkle of romance. This book was full of such cozy joy and palpable nostalgia, perfect for book lovers during spooky season. Bel is such a relatable protagonist working through self doubt and anxiety with the help (and hinderance) of a bit of magic and help from the people who love her. Definitely a must read if you are looking for a comforting story and love 2000’s witchy vibes.

Belladonna is trying to hide her witchy side from her freinds but as her 30th birthday approaches the Coven want to strip all of her powers. This is a fantastic autumnal Halloweeny/paranormal story, with a really good story and a good debut audiobook! The narrator Evie Hargreaves was fabulous too!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillian Uk Audio for an advanced copy to enjoy.

Thank you

It’s a perfect witchy, magical, and cosy autumn read. There is so much warmth in the story. I found the reader's strong accent quite jarring though. The book was set in London and Belle is a londoner, so why does the narrator have such a strong accent?

Here is some feedback about the story itself:
Personally, I found a couple of issues in the storyline that threw me off. In the beginning, Belle almost loses her magic because she has previously been a selfish witch, only using magic to enhance her own life. The solution is a course in magic. Why? Clearly, she can do magic, the problem are her morals rather than her skills. It would have worked much better if the problem was that she was a poor witch, then you could solve that with a tutor and a crash course in magic. But since her morals were the issue, I don't see the correlation.

Sometimes the story felt very slow and repetitive, but it was beautifully written and therefore still a joy to listen to.