Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I love pride & prejudice and I am obsessed with witches so I was sold immediately on this fun re-imagining. It made me actually enjoy the character of Lydia Bennett!

It was good; I love the historical aspect mix with elements of magic. the world building was absolutely beautiful written.. I would recommend to anyone who loves historical and fantasy

Pride and Prejudice retelling but Lydia's story, and she's a witch 🧙‍♀️
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I really enjoyed this! It was a very different spin on P&P, but honestly, it worked. It was a really creative story that provides a fun alternative to Lydia's beyond just being annoying and impulsive.
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Lydia is a witch, Kitty is actually a cat, and Wickham is a demon, literally, haha. But it also stayed as true to P & P as it could while being fun and a little outrageous. It is an incredibly unique and hard to put down read. I really enjoyed how the author incorporated other characters into the witchiness and explained how the magic worked. I prefer this Lydia and Wickham 100% 😂.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ recommend for those who enjoy P & P but are open to alternate realities and retelling. This was a really fun and surprising read!!

I’m not usually a big fan of attempts to add depth to awful characters and justify their awful actions (Gerwig’s Little Women being so clearly pro-Amy being one infuriating instance that comes to mind), nor of attempts to interject magic into well-known unmagical stories (a la My Lady Jane), but Melinda Taub’s Scandalous Confessions does both and does it so well that I have decided to accept it as my personal headcanon for the character of Lydia Bennet, in large part because it never excuses nor apologizes for her various sillinesses, cruelties, and vanities, nor changes any other characters in any way that would significantly alter a reasonable person’s interpretation of the original Pride and Prejudice (except maybe Wickham, but even he isn’t excused). I appreciate that Taub’s story goes on behind the scenes and beyond the final lines of Pride and Prejudice, exploring the possibility that Lydia would, indeed, come to regret her choices, and that any redemption she managed to earn would not be a smooth, straight path for her. Further, Taub’s historical research, carefully chosen language, and decision to tie in real moral and societal issues without making them feel unnecessary to the plot or like virtue signaling makes it very easy to immerse myself in Lydia’s memoir. I admit, though, what made me fall fast and hard for this book was Kitty, and I think most cat-loving readers would agree that Taub’s manner of giving her a chance to be more than an afterthought rounding out a recitation of the Misses Bennets was beautifully done.

I heartily recommend this book and look forward to owning a copy myself once it comes out in paperback.

This was a fun and wholly unique take on a Pride and Prejudice retelling told from the POV of Lydia, who in this version was not the sibling we all thought we loved to hate and in this version she has magic! One of my favorite spooky season historical fiction reads this year. I can't wait to read more from this new to me author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed this book much more than I was expecting to. I requested this book because it sounded like a good read for fall and Halloween and as I'm writing this review on Halloween it seems fitting.

I am pretty neutral on Pride and Prejudice retellings. I don't actively seek them out but if the plot sounds interesting I will read them. But I don't have strong opinions on narrators or characterizations. It's also been a while since I've read Pride and Prejudice. Basically I went into this book pretty blind with a rough outline of events/people from the original story.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is told in letter/diary format from Lydia's pov. The novel jumps around in time which can be slightly confusing but also keeps readers engaged. The novel covers Lydia's childhood, her realization that she's a witch and turning her cat companion into a sister. Lydia is tutored in witchcraft by her aunt but eventually outgrows her country coven when she accidentally promises a boon to an ancient magical entity. The story then shifts to Brighton where Lydia learns more, becomes further involved with Wickham and also must defeat rival witches and magical beings. These events are all "past" and what Lydia is relaying in her letters. In the "present" Lydia deals with annoying brothers-in-laws, a demon for a husband and hexes. Everyone eventually gets their happy ending and definitely feels deserved (especially since all magic comes with a price). Wickham is surprisingly more likeable as a demon and likewise Lydia is smarter and more introspective in this version.

I think my only issue was that it was very long and some of it dragged. The Brighton setting was interesting but some of the party scenes could have been shortened or cut.

Overall, though I did really enjoy it and would highly recommend.

I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

I thought this was a very fun and original twist! I had a lot of fun reading this one- very autumnal vibes for September/October. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a witchy lighthearted read.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn't influence my review. This book was good, it was mostly like Pride & Prejudice, but just from Lydia's POV. I recommend reading this book.

I had high hopes for this book as a spooky retelling of Pride and Predjudice, but I unfortunately did not find myself able to get into it. I eventually gave up and put it on the DNF shelf. That isn’t to say that it isn’t a wonderful book, just not my cup of tea.

I love Pride and Prejudice. There is no better classic in my opinion. So I was skeptical when I picked this ARC up but my curiosity was piqued.

I quickly fell in love with Melinda Taub's version of Lydia Bennett. Yes, she was selfish and lacked common sense, but she quickly became endearing and often made sacrifices for those she loved. It was very different from how you read Lydia's character in Jane Austen's novel and I appreciated the imagining of what might have made Lydia look the way she did in the original story.

So, why did Lydia run off with Mr. Wickham? What a tale Taub spun. The adventure of little witch Lydia and her familiar (Kitty?!) quickly drew me in. The idea that the busy body women of England were using witchcraft to advance their positions and gain social standing was clever and comical. And the reappearance of Mr. Darcy also got me. Who doesn't love Mr. Darcy?

The story sort of became one of redemption for Lydia, Wickham and even grouchy Darcy. The magic was whimsical and silly. It mirrored the depiction of English society at the time.

I did find the end sort of far-fetched for where the story had been going and somewhat predictable. However, I still enjoyed it. The other negative for me was the choice to tell the story through letters/manuscripts. It was cute, but not my favorite.

If you love Jane Austen and also like a bit of fantasy, this is a great cozy read to pick up.

Stars: 4/5

Busy Girl Rating: 5/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy of the book. The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is now available.

This is an amazing read. Unfortunately, I started it in the evening and couldn’t stop reading until the middle of the night. It was worth the loss of sleep!

We’re all pretty conversant with Jane Austin’s “Pride and Prejudice”, so to read that Lydia is the 4th Bennett daughter, not the 5th, was quite a surprise. The story is laid out as a document penned by Lydia,written to an unknown “you”. It’s all perfectly plausible and explains a few things scholars have questioned over the years.

This book is incredibly well written and researched. I highly recommend it, 5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

I love reading retellings - they are so fun. Make them witchy - and I’m all in!

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is a bewitching retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This one is told by Lydia herself as she pens the tale of a tumultuous year in her life - and she, of course… is a witch.

Her best friend and sister Kitty? A barn cat familiar. Mr. Darcy? Still as uptight as ever - and NOT a fan of magic. And Wickham? Well, he’s kind of a demon... 😈

This has all the P&P nods with courting, fancy balls, and romance - with a strange spellbinding mystery, wickedly devious demons, and all the witchy vibes. There’s hexes, and covens, and the hunt for a mystical jewel - and as Lydia learns the sacrifices one must make to use their power, she risks losing everyone she loves.

Lydia is the most witty and refreshing narrator who made me laugh out loud more than a handful of times. It’s quite the magical and enchanting story following the wildest Bennet sister… who is also now also my favorite sister.

Such a wonderfully witchy read - it’s sure to put a spell on you!

A pride and prejudice retelling with witchy magic? Sign me up! Told through the perspective of Lydia, it’s her life and her destiny.

This was a very easy read. It had all the elements we love with a twist. A good October read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

There are loads of retellings of Jane Austen books. Countless. And I love most of them! I have read so many! But this one was so unique. Sometimes, when you are retelling a story written 200 years ago, it can get kinda boring. Somehow, Melinda Taub delivered a unique take on a beloved story.

Some of my favorite parts of the book:

1. Told by Lydia (one of the least favorite sisters in my opinion)

2. The intricate history of magic that is weaved through out the story. (Ex. Lydia is the 7th daughter of a 7th daughter, so she is a witch)

3. The magical creatures throughout the book!

Full of enchantment, intrigue, and boundless magic, The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch, has all the irreverent wit, strength, and romance of Pride and Prejudice—while offering a highly unexpected redemption for the wildest Bennet sister.

Quick and Dirty⁣
-witchy Pride and Prejudice retelling⁣
-slow paced with lots of world building ⁣
-somewhat epistolary⁣
-cat familiar⁣
-witchy level 🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛/5⁣
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Thoughts ⁣
Did I stay up way to late last night to finish this book? Yes. Did it take me far longer than normal to read it? Yes, nearly 2 weeks. Does that mean I didn’t enjoy it? Not at all! I really, really enjoyed this book, from the first pages to the perfect little ending! This book charmed me completely. Not only were the characters charming, but the overall plot and presentation was so terrifically Austen it made my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. Not-so-demure dames, rakes, demons, familiars, and lots of witches and witchcraft make this something completely unique and altogether different. I loved the juxtaposition of the Regency era rules of engagement with the witchy world building, which was equally as rigid and proper. There was a touch of romance with one scene that bordered on steamy (completely closed door), but otherwise this is much more of a witchy melodrama, witty and silly at times but with a serious side, too. While it may be a bit slow at times, the last 25% of the book makes up for any pacing issues. And the way the author wrapped everything up in the end borders on absolute perfection. Overall, this has all the making of the perfect witchy historical fiction and probably my favorite witchy read of the year so far.

I was lucky enough to get this ebook and a physical review copy from the publisher, and I really enjoyed it! It was such a good spooky/witchy read! I feel like it did fall a bit flat, but still overall a good read!

I am a fan of all things Austin and Pride and Prejudice is a favorite. I will devour any remake or variation out there.

This one is charming and I love that the focus is on Lydia. Finally! As the youngest Bennet sister, she's often overlooked as a meaningful character in the story and I'm glad to see her shine for something outside of her proclivity for gossip, social activities and the pursuit of all things handsome – well, there is that but there’s more, too!

Truly a clever and compelling story! I enjoyed this magical adaption/variation and the beautiful writing.

Thank you Grand Central Publishing for this gifted DRC.

I truly loved this book. It was written for my taste in books exactly, and I hope other people love it as much as I did. I always thought that Lydia Bennet got a rough deal in Pride and Prejudice, and Melinda Taub and I seem very aligned in our philosophy about why Lydia turned out the way that she did. I love that this book gave Lydia more agency, and I adored the voice that Taub used to write her. It exactly matched my own idea of Lydia.

That said, it felt wildly uneven at times. The book starts as a campy romp leading up to the events of Pride and Prejudice, and is laugh-out-loud funny. Maybe Taub was trying to be serious, and I just thought it was campy? The magic plotline is darker and more serious, and halfway through the book we are given a character’s backstory that won’t be fully resolved by the end.

The first 25% of the book is absolutely for the Pride and Prejudice fans - especially if you loved the 1995 A&E miniseries (which you all know that I did!). You get to see fun explanations for why Kitty follows Lydia so adoringly, and a love potion gone terribly wrong between Mary, Mr. Collins, and Charlotte Lucas. But it soon becomes a much larger story that filled with demons, old gods, witches and their politics, and magic!

The book alternates between two timelines - one after the events of Pride and Prejudice and the other starting in Lydia’s child and going through the P&P timeline. Lydia is clearly telling this story to someone, for reasons that aren’t explained until the very end of the book. I think this would make the audiobook wildly confusing, as the timelines can be fluid.

For such a long and complex book, I wished the end had a few more pages of resolution. Maybe it’s just my romcom loving heart, but I wanted a bit tidier of an ending, and to spend more time after the climax was resolved where I could see the characters living in the resolution.

I watched Practical Magic for the first time last month, and I had a very different idea of the tone of that movie than what it ended up being. I feel like when people say something has a “Practical Magic” feel - they’re thinking of the midnight margaritas and dancing naked in the moonlight.

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch is what you get if you mix Practical Magic and Pride and Prejudice in a blender, and I had the best time reading it!

I'm a big fan of Pride & Prejudice, so I was excited for a witchy spin on the classic.

This is from Lydia's perspective. She's essentially writing her life story, so everyone understands where she went wrong.
I liked the story, but the way it was told was very disjointed. It didn't flow very well going between writing about her past and what was going on in the present. If not for that, I would have rated it higher.

A witchy retelling of Pride & Prejudice that's clever, funny, and perfectly on point. Such a great October read!