The Way Through The Woods is a mystical, magical reminder — full of stories and encouraging practices to get out in nature and let the rhythm of the seasons embrace, heal and nourish you and your intentions. What I’m enjoying most are the themes and correspondences, poetic quotes, tarot references, and the try this experiences for each theme. It’s fascinating the deep dives Rebecca Beattie takes us on. Oh and if you haven’t read it already, I highly recommend Beattie’s other book The Wheel Of The Year.

The Way Through the Woods : The green witch’s guide to navigating life’s ups and downs. This book presents a holistic way of dealing with a selection of life's challenges. It is quite specific so it won't be for everyone. I liked the tale of Elizabeth's journey through life that was interspersed throughout the book. It contains spells and practical things you can do that will help with your issues. it probably tries to do a bit too much and cover too many bases, but it is a lovely read. I think the author has trailed a bit of magic throughout, and it feels as though you have stepped into an enchanted wood.

The Way Through the Woods by Rebecca Beattie was a refreshing story of hope, family, and enduring. I greatly enjoyed the book and the different trials and tribulations as well as celebrations of life.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was a really lovely book in a lot of ways, but it did frustrate me in others. I think the points that the author made were poignant and wonderful (although perhaps they did not focus in on the pain that life sometimes carries with it quite as well as they could have), however, it did feel like this book was trying to do a little too much all at once.

The seasons split made sense and was great, but some of life's ups and downs don't fit quite so neatly into those boxes, and I did find myself wondering why some pieces were in certain seasons and not in others. The use of Elizabeth and her story was sweet, but I did find that I struggled with it as it wasn't comfortably sat between the non-fiction/fiction split of this book.

There was also the matter of the few spells that were interspersed. I would have expected perhaps more in terms of these - just more in volume, and more for what one would think from a semi-instruction manual. Don't let this put you off, however - for baby witches and those starting out, it does provide a really lovely introduction, even through the muddle.

I feel unexpectedly full after reading this book.

It’s a book you can take what you need from and be enlightened by other aspects which may not apply as much to you but still help you to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for others going through them.

It touches upon difficult themes but in such a beautifully written way, it doesn’t leave you with a heavy heart but with a lighter one.

I cant emphasise enough how beautiful the writing is. You feel heard, seen, soothed and further bolstered to tackle life and all it throws head on. It equips you to help deal with such things as grief, navigating new relationships and mourning old ones, new jobs, moves and finding the best version of yourself that you can.

I’ve always had a deeper connection to nature and wildlife and it recharges all my batteries. You can get so much from the outdoors and not to sound to woo woo (which this book certainly isn’t) can truly spiritually heal.

It’s split into four seasons: winter, summer, autumn and winter with corresponding themes and stories, exercises, ‘try this’ advice and help to apply to whatever you feel is necessary. It’s not preachy or elitist and it’s such a comforting yet insightful read. I truly appreciated the author sharing her own experiences and stories too, as well as the story of Elizabeth as applied to each situation. It made for lovely reading.

Every book I’ve read of Rebecca Beattie has been wonderful and I can only hope for more books to come!

It’s almost impossible to rate a book like this, something that clearly took so much time and hear and soul from the author. She gives wonderful advice about different hard points in life and I absolutely loved her writing style and how she made the book beam with magic and adventure. Would 100% recommend this was truely wonderful!

There are some decent ideas in this book, but I really struggled to connect with the material because of the tone and language that the author used. I feel like this is targeted at a very specific type of person.

This was a good book full of useful ideas to help you through difficult times. Easy to navigate if you’d like to pick and choose certain topics plus the ideas were realistic and easy to follow
This would also make a lovely gift for any witch in your life

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc