3 stars - a cosy autumn read, but too slow-paced for me.

The writing was cute and atmospheric, making Rewitched a great autumnal read with sweet messages surrounding aging, friendship, and self-love, but I found the pace too slow to keep my attention. The book could have been much shorter with the same storyline and message without losing any aspects of the story - over 50% through, only a few days had passed and very little had happened in Belle’s story. The narrator was enjoyable, but could have been a little more realistic, as the over-enthusiastic reading sometimes took me out of the story.

4.5 star
Audiobook

A cute magical witchy read, perfect cosy autumn read.

Set in the UK, Bella (Belladonna) Blackhorn has to prove herself worthy of her Coven's magic, has to pass a series of magic trails or risk losing her magic forever. But there is a mysterious saboteur working against her. From her coven appointed mentor who is sworn to protect and who of course is annoyingly handsome.

Belle is very relatable, easy to root for.

The audiobook is such a nice listen - the characters do have a British London accent.

Thank you Netgalley & Macmillan for the audio Arc

I really love cozy witchy books and I particularly liked 'the very secret society of irregular witches'. I have borrowed the audio version and unfortunately I get so far with it and lose concentration, so I haven't finished at around the 28% mark. I might give it another go with a paper copy.

A very cosy, autumnal read (or listen if you opt for the audio book version).

The book was very descriptive and I could easily imagine the characters and the locations. I felt the story was also a very unique one - which is hard to find. So credit to Lucy Jane for that especially for a debut novel. A really light hearted read, perfect for the spooky season.

The audio book did obviously take me a lot longer to get through than I would reading the book - but it made a nice change.

Overall, I would recommend.

4.5 ⭐️

I loved it! It was magical and sweet and cozy and just a perfect fall read.

A story set in October, with a FMC working in a bookstore and also being a witch, plus the cover are what got me interested in the story. The cozy atmosphere, the intriguing, sweet, funny and at times surprising characters, and overall wit of the writing kept me hooked. My only complaint is that there isn’t a sequel (yet?).

If you have the chance listen to the audiobook for this one. Evie Hargreaves did an incredible job narrating the audiobook and has put a lot of work into the production which really shows.

Rewitched is a delightful introduction to fantasy. Its accessible writing style and cozy atmosphere make it ideal for readers who are new to the genre. Imagine a rainy afternoon, a cozy blanket, and a good cup of tea, the perfect setting for getting lost in Rewitched's magical world. The characters and heartwarming story will make you feel right at home.

I wanted to give the cosy witchy romance genre a try, but I have realised it is simply not for me, and DNFed this book at the 30%

Summary

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Spicy rating: 0/5

Fluff rating: 💖💖💖 3/5

I so enjoyed this cosy autumnal fantasy. It was a heartwarming and affirming story of a witches journey of self discovery and reclaiming her magic. I found Bella to be really relatable. She’s awkward and funny, full of self doubt and doesn’t recognise her worth or her own potential and honestly as soon as she said she cried at the donkey sanctuary advert she spoke straight to my soul! I do that every time! 😭

There was a great mystery element to the story that was fun to read play out alongside the very gentle romantic subplot which was sweet and charming to read. I loved the platonic love between Bella and Ari as well as the blossoming friendship between Bella and her older wizened mentor. The climax of the story was well written and Lucy has an Mersey descriptive writing style that I enjoyed, she paints a picture really well.

I would’ve liked the romance to have been played out a little more as well as more Bella and Ari content and potentially a slightly faster pace in parts but overall it was a comforting autumnal real. It felt like a love letter to all things 90s and witchy. Even though it’s not set in the 90s it read sweetly nostalgic and reminiscent of Sabrina the teenage witch and charmed so if like me you loved both I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

The narrator for the audio book was fab by the way. Really easy to listen to and distinguished between characters well.

4.5⭐
Get your coffee (or tea) and a fall snack ready for this witchy, cosy fantasy story. This book feels like a warm blanket, while it's mainly comforting it's also empowering. For me personally (and a lot of other young people) the struggles of the main character are very recognizable. In the end it's a tale about self-love and starting to believe in yourself. The characters are very lovable and I'm hoping there will be more books set in this world.
The audiobook really manages to bring the cosy autumn vibes to life. The narrator did an amazing job with this one.

This is a cosy witchy folk type story which is enjoyable enough - it’s light, easy to read and has some charm.

I think where it falls down is just down to personal taste, I found the first half of the book really slow and the last half really rushed. I didn’t gel with Belle, the book’s main character - I found her frustrating in a number of ways, she seemed to have everything handed to her on a plate but she just wouldn’t pick up the plate. I think, (for example) I needed to understand why she never read the magical instruction manual which told her that after 15 years her use of magic would be tested (magic, in this world is limited, so would be passed to someone more suitable).

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced Audio copy in exchange for an honest review, this was an ok read, but not in my favourites list.

What a cosy autumn read. I absolutely loved this beautiful witchy story. I listened to this story aswell as reading the book and it was just so delightful. Hopefully there is a sequel. I will be recommending to all my bookish pals.

TI am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to share my thoughts on Rewitched, courtesy of Macmillan UK Audio. This delightful read, while occasionally leisurely paced, has been a joy to immerse myself in as I've accompanied Bella Blackthrone on her empowering journey into the world of witchcraft.

The narrator, Evie Hargreaves, has truly brought the story to life with her exceptional storytelling abilities. Her seamless transition between characters and her infectious, lively voice have added a wonderful layer of warmth to the entire experience. The dynamic between Bella and her mother is heartwarming, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter during their initial phone conversation.

As Bella embraces her witchy identity on her 30th birthday, the challenges she faces in proving her worthiness for her powers make for a compelling and enriching narrative. The themes of self-discovery and the sense of belonging within a chosen family are particularly resonant and heartening.

This book offers a soothing and enjoyable listening experience, making it a perfect choice for the cosy autumn season or for anyone seeking a heartening and comforting story.

#Rewitched #MacmillanUKAudio #BellaBlackthrone #WitchcraftJourney #SelfDiscovery #ChosenFamily #EnchantingNarration #MagicalAdventure #CozyAutumnListen

For me, three stars is not a bad rating. It's perfectly situated in the middle. I enjoyed the reading process, but it likely won't stick with me nor will I feel inclined to pick it back up again. That doesn't make it a bad book. And that's exactly how I feel about 'Rewitched'. A cosy piece of magical realism, it was rather twee and too cutesy for my taste, but it will certainly have its great fans - especially this autumn. There's a real fall vibe to this (if you can't tell from the cover).

There were aspects I enjoyed - I didn't see the plot twists coming and the romantic subplot (which isn't perfect and doesn't really go anywhere) has its lovely moments. Was I mildly put off by the fact that the narrator sounded eerily like Daphne from Frasier when she was voicing the mother character? Sort of. It's a book that hits all the quadrants of 'cosy sweetness' that people will eat up - the bookshop (with a boss character who is so clumsily written as a villain that I just wanted to laugh), the lead Bella doing quirky things, a charming old man, lots of points about believing in yourself and having faith spread thicker than clotted cream. It became quite cloying to me as we hurried towards the end. I also found Bella's constant bursting into tears and having emotional moments incredibly annoying, but I find that annoying in most people.

'Rewitched' is perfectly fine as a book, but I wouldn't necessarily count it among my favourites.

Rewitched is the cosiest and most autumnal book and you totally need to read it this autumn.

I was very lucky to have the opportunity to read the ARC and listen to the ALC and both the book and the audiobook are incredible.
Throughout the book I kept thinking about how in the world is this a debut novel because it’s so good!!!!!
This book felt like a hug and it was heartwarming and touching. While the book has romance, it’s not the main plot. This is a book about self love and self discovery.
I don’t want to spoil anything for the plot but everything connected and it was so cleverly done. The world building is also incredible!!!

Grab a cup of tea on a rainy weekend and enjoy this book.

Thank you Pan Macmillian for the ARC and the ALC.

This book appealed to me because I love watching Lucy Jane Wood on YouTube. I listened to it on audiobook, and the narrator is fantastic. A cosy fantasy read, with lovely characters. The plot develops in a nice steady way and I felt drawn into it from very early on.

Belle has reached her 30th birthday and has to prove that she deserves to keep her witchy magic. It's got romance, found family and throughout the book there are the struggles with Belle's confidence and self worth.

Definitely recommend this.

Oh what a lovely surprising bit of delight this was!

Honestly just what I needed when I was walking home from work, perfect for this time of year.

This is a cosy, magical read that everyone will be familiar with. It feels very 90’s witch vibes, I can feel the inspiration from Practical Magic, Charmed and the humour of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

A nice breezy read, that isn’t exactly low stakes, but you know it’s going to be alright in the end.

I will say the third act felt rushed? Like the action kind of happened, but you blink and it seemed to be over already.

3.5 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

This book is perfect for this time of year and it's everything I wanted it to be!

The settings of a bookshop and a local cafe are amazing and wholesome and the relationship that Belle has with her friend is so heart-warming. I also liked how Belle is turning 30, which is quite an uncommon age to read about and it's nice hearing about people that age who haven't got everything figured out yet. This book is much more than a romance, and also has some great family bonds as well as found family with her best friend.

I really enjoyed the way the magic system works in this book and it seems almost like it could be real. I was enjoying seeing Belle learn more about her magic, and also develop relationships with a cute old man and, of course, the love interest of the book. I thought the balance between slice of life with cosy autumnal vibes and also a plot with fairly high stakes was perfect and kept me invested throughout as it progressed towards the climax.

I will definitely be picking up more books from Lucy Jane Wood in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan.

★★★☆☆

This book features a delightfully chaotic main character who keeps things interesting from start to finish. The story delivers a lovely message that resonates well, making it a heartwarming read overall.

The narrator was fantastic, especially with the variety of accents, which added depth and personality to the characters. While it didn’t blow me away, it was an enjoyable read with some charm, even if it lacked a bit of depth in certain areas.

- This was the perfect spooky read for autumn! I loved how the sisterhood and bond between mother and daughter and family all together took centre stage and the love interest, although I really enjoyed his character, wasn’t what the story was all about. The story is about sisterhood, about discovering yourself and it has all the 90’s vibes that made my millenial heart go pitter patter. I absolutely loved loved this book and listening to the audiobook was a very pleasant experience. The voice of the narrator fitted the story perfectly.

I rated it 4,5 ✨

A cozy fantasy perfect for book lovers, uncertain millennials, and those seeking Autumn vibes.

Bella works in a bookshop in London and stays clear of anything magical unless it’s small spells to clean up the books and make cups of tea.
Then, she fails a trail to keep her magic and is given until the end of October to change the Coven’s minds, by undergoing a series of magical trials or risk losing her magic forever.

Overall, this is a tale of self-love. It is okay not to have a set plan for yourself. To be scared to planning for your future. To find joy in your friends and connections!

I just feel like I have read this story before with different characters and different scenes. I loved the message, but it wasn’t anything new, albeit touching!

I did love the audiobook as the accents made me reminisce of my time in London braving the blustering winds.

Similar book recommendation - Threadneedle by Cari Thomas.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for providing me the arc in exchange for a review!