What an interesting magic system! A witch whose power is tied to honey and bees and another witch who is her antithesis, ash! I loved watching all of the pieces fall into place and seeing how this magical world functioned.

It had some elements of a Bridgerton romance with the balls and visiting the modiste and the way they spoke to each other.

I particularly loved the relationship between Marigold and her grandmother, Althea. It was so very special and I love how their story came full circle by the end of the book.

I think you’ll definitely grow attached to these characters and be rooting for them to succeed, because I certainly was.

Thank you to NetGalley, Redhook & Orbit Books for this advanced copy!

DNF @35%

So for a second I was reading this and realized this is just Halloweentown fanfiction-- AND I WAS HERE FOR IT. Unfortunately it kept the names (mostly) and the dynamic between Agatha, Gwen, and Marnie but that's as much Halloweentown as I really got. So basically it's AU Halloweentown, but the fun part of Halloweentown is the U!!! Why would you A it?!?

Anyway, I have a lot of little nitpicks about the writing (choosing to forgo contractions to make it sound more old-timey and formal, then suddenly bringing the contractions back, then away with contractions again, and weird phrasing/ordering of words in another bid to sound more Victorian) and the logic (the conclusions characters draw will be antithetical to the conclusions they drew literally a paragraph earlier, so it makes no sense).

But I could tell from the moment that I opened the book that I would not vibe with the themes (I later came to learn it was a featured excerpt lifted directly from chapter 2). The story follows a wealthy, high status woman whose only value is in becoming a wife. There are a lot of incongruous comments about the patriarchy and being stifled (even though every man I see her interact with on page is generally really dope and goes out of his way to be supportive of her alternative lifestyle?) or how much she hates and looks down on the institution of marriage and the dummies who chase after love. It's written very immaturely and repetitively. While I can understand that the author is against it and making a point, I also hate reading it over and over again.

This was a fun read! I was instantly drawn in by the wittiness of the characters, the cottage core vibes and the idea of learning more about the magic system.

Unfortunately I do think this book lacked a bit. I felt like the relationships between characters (romantic or not) felt a bit underdeveloped and rushed. I was really hoping to learn more about the world and the magic systems but unfortunately they weren’t explored enough to give a sense of investment in what happened in this world. I felt like the main antagonist was not nearly as threatening as she could’ve been and seemed incredibly easy to defeat which led to a pretty anticlimactic victory and ending.

I did enjoy some aspects of the romance and absolutely loved Marigold’s grandmother and her shop. I really wish we had gotten to see more of it.

Overall was a nice read but was easily forgettable.

I was very excited to read this book, I loved the concept and premise, unfortunately I didn´t end up liking what I read. There was something that kept me from finishing this book, it might have been the narration or MC, but I DNF at around 15%. I´m sure this has a specific audience and it just wasn´t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

As an avid magic/witchy reader, I am always intrigued by magic systems, and the Honey Witch brought a unique spin to the concept of a green witch. While the world-building took a little longer than desired, once the reader reaches the Isle of Innisfree with our protagonist Marigold and her grandmother the work truly flourishes into a cottagecore lover’s dream. I would gladly read other stories set within this world, learning about the different kinds of witches and how their magic works. It was also refreshing to read a book where the acceptance of sexuality didn’t overtake the plot of the work – the sexuality of all the characters was accepted and supported in a way that felt true to the world.
Our FMC Marigold had many of the standard traits of a young woman in adventure like this – eager for freedom and open air, wishing to rebel in some way against her parents wishes. I found her intriguing and frustrating at the same time; while she does grow throughout the story, her naivety or inability to connect some of the dots did not always feel genuine. I also wish we would have gotten to send more time with our BBEG (Big Bad Evil Gal). The lore of the witches was so interesting, but by the time our BBEG the story felt slightly rushed.
All that said, this was a wonderful world to spend time in, with a sapphic love story that felt overwhelming but beautiful. It was the perfect book to read on a red eye flight (I accidentally read this whole book instead of sleeping!) And I sincerely hope that Syndney J. Shields explores this world with Marigold and Lottie in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!

Cozy Cottage Vibes
Honey Witches
Sapphic Romance
Generational Magic
Curses & Loss

Summary - Marigold’s grandmother passes along her magical knowledge to her as well as making her aware that evil is lurking.

What a delightful, cozy sapphic book!

The Honey Witch explores witchcraft and the power of magic through nature, in the form of honey from bees that Marigold tends to after learning she is a witch. As she grows into her witchy abilities, she fights off a curse barring her from true love and helps those around her find their soulmates and happiness.

The isle of Innisfree where Marigold lives sounds like an absolute dream! Marigold's friends, August and Lottie, are such a delightful example of the sunshine/grumpy trope in friends, and Marigold compliments the trio by being a balance of both.

The first part of the book is a bit slower, while the world building happens, but it picks up in the middle, and by the end of the book, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. We love books that end on a happy ending! If you're looking for cottage core vibes and witches falling in love, this book is perfect for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books forbthis movel.

The plot was.unique and the magic world was fantastic. I loved the descriptive magical world and the variety of characters we encounter. The setting was perfect. And I felt a part of this magical world.

Althea , Marigold's Grandmothes, is one of my favorite characters. I adored this book and highly recommend.

Five stars.

(For my full review, check out: https://lorareads.medium.com/cottagecore-gets-magical-in-the-honey-witch-2c7b5a5615a0 !)

TLDR: Slow, sweet, and indulgent, just like honey. 4.5/5 stars.

This book was made for a specific audience— although this means that I absolutely loved it, it also makes it understandable that some people might not enjoy this book as much as I did.

Marketed as a cozy fantasy/sapphic romance, some people might mistake “The Honey Witch” for one of the numerous romantasy novels that seem to have penetrated every corner of the book-world over the past few years. “The Honey Witch” breaks all romantasy expectations to become something that is so uniquely its own, that it’s impossible to mistake it for any other book of the genre. For one, it is a fantasy first, romance second. The romantic interest is introduced ~30% into the book, which, although disappointing to some people, allows for the protagonist to be better fleshed out as an individual who is not defined by her love interest.

The worldbuilding is remarkably immersive, and stood out as my favorite element of the entire book. Being able to fully explore the isle of Innisfree before hopping into the action and plot was almost therapeutic. Sydney J. Shields has a way of Innisfree feel so real that you just want to spend time ambling through the woods and fields of flowers; every page spent on describing the scenery was a page in which I was further pulled headfirst into the story. With that in mind, this book is not for the impatient or for those with a short attention span. It requires dedication to Innisfree, and in return, Shields rewards you by crafting a world so beautiful and all-encompassing that you don’t ever want to leave! However, it’s understandable that some more plot-focused people wouldn’t find this to be their cup of tea (but it’s definitely mine).

This book was incredible, and I’m so happy to have been given the opportunity to read a story that does not allow the fantasy aspect to suffer so that the romance can take centerstage.

If you like cottagecore books, ever wanted to escape to the countryside to become a beekeeper, or just like a slow-burn sapphic romance, this is the book for you.

Thank you to Redhook Books and NetGalley for giving me this eARC. I had a bee-utiful (sorry for the failed bee pun) time reading this book!

I tried but unfortunately DNF’d The Honey Witch. As snobby as this sounds, the writing style didn’t work for me. Something about it felt a tad juvenile, like I was reading a YA novel, though this should be an adult novel. That is me being super picky and YMMV. I just couldn’t get into it easily. Sad, because I loved the premise.

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-f/f cozy fantasy
-faiytale vibes
-frenemies to lovers
-forbidden romance
-slooow burn

This book was just so soft. A look at giref, and discovery, your history and just lonliness. The fairytale/magical vibes were just so soft and lovely and this book just had the coziest vibes. This is a curl into a blanket on a rainy day with a mug of something and just be transported into an incredible world. Historical vibes, yet so very queer, you can't not want to go hang out in this cabin.

I love this book. Love the good verses evil, the family bonding, grief, soulmates. I wish there was more.

This was such a beautiful exploration of grief and magic, and I absolutely adored the main character and love interest's dynamic! It made me cry more than once (which is always something I look for in a good book - lol) and even though I feel like some parts could've been fleshed out a bit more I really enjoyed reading every word of it. My only other note is that I have never seen the undergarment "stays" be called a "stay" singular. It is always "stays" even if there is only one garment presently being written about, it's like "pants," but I would say I'd even write "pant" before i'd ever call "stays" a "stay"

I am absolutely in love with this book, the writing and story telling is *chefs kiss*
I love the era this book is set in, the characters are so good and so well written.
I can’t wait to get all my friends to read this so I have someone to talk with about it.
Marigold & Lotties story is so good. This is definitely going to be a popular book once it is released to the public!

I was very happy to receive an ARC of this book after hearing such high praise of it on tiktok. It did not disappoint! A cozy fantasy-romance with some magical action is exactly what every reader needs.

This is a sapphic tale about two women in 1831, Marigold (our FMC) and Lottie. Marigold embarks on a new journey in life with her Grandmother, Althea, which leads her to self acceptance and self discovery as a honey witch. It also leads her to new friendships, love, and a mission to keep her cottage and magic safe from an evil ash witch.

This is an easy read and it’s hard to imagine anyone getting in a reading slump with this in their hands. I found the setting to be truly gorgeous to imagine. I was wishing I could visit Innisfree, especially because these are the type of characters you almost feel friends with. Something I enjoyed about this story compared to most fantasy books I’ve been reading is that it tends to show more than tell. You’re not being dragged through the character’s every thought, but rather a quick-paced moving of plot with some truly poetic descriptions sprinkled throughout. The only part that might be a downside depending on the reader: the twists are seen from a mile away. Didn’t bother me one bit. It was a delight! I look forward to grabbing a physical copy for my bookshelves.

“A Honey Witch provides women with choice—something they are all too often denied. She had also been quick to take over all the strenuous labor that the isle requires: the gardening, the watering, the honey harvesting. From dawn until dusk she works; her hands covered in soil, her dress soaked in sweat, her lips constantly sticky from tasting the honey that she helps create.” - Sydney Shields, The Honey Witch
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Enchanting, whimsical, and beautifully indulgent, The Honey Witch is like a sapphic Bridgerton with a healthy dose of cottagecore witchiness. This book was incredible, and I’m so grateful to Netgalley and @sydneyjshields for letting me read it a little early. This book hit every mark for me. Feminine power and strength, handling of grief, and a sweet love story that had me blushing and kicking my feet. Brief note and slight spoiler, the line about finding her grandmother in the yellow flowers was so comforting and had me sobbing. My grandma was my rock, and my grandpa always gave her yellow roses for her anniversary. Every year I get them for her on her birthday and the anniversary of her death.
💐
Marigold feels trapped by traditional roles for women. Why must she get married when she’d rather bask in the moonlight and dance in a meadow? Soon she finds out she comes from a line of Honey Witches, whose power comes from caring for nature. The one draw back is they’re cursed to never fall in love. After a significant loss, Marigold meets Lottie, an angry, beautiful woman covered in scars both physical and emotional. As they grow closer, a dark power threatens to pull them apart.
🍯
The writing of this book is enchanting, heartwarming, and absolutely chock full of Taylor Swift references. Any one in the mood for some witchy, soft, cottagecore romance, PLEASE pick this up. It was absolute joy, and I am so excited to get my signed copy in a few months! 5/5 ⭐️!
🧙‍♀️

The voice this book was written in was a bit strange for me. It gave me Bridgerton vibes, but with magic. Things seemed to move pretty quickly in this book, and the characters were likable. But at times they felt a bit naive and the direction the plot went in was a bit predictable . Though that could be me trying to relate them to the real world, and not the one they live in. At points it was young adult leaning, and others it very much wasn’t. All in all, I’m not really sure how I feel about this book, but it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read.

I received an ARC for an honest review and I loved it! This story is unique and has the feeling of a cozy fantasy but with more plot. My only issue was the pacing. At times it felt too fast but I believe that is because this story could have fit plenty more pages. The love storyline was beautiful and I did guess the twist early on but it didn’t take away from the experience. I had a great time reading this story and I would recommend to other cozy readers looking for a little adventure.

The Honey Witch was an interesting read. One thing i will say is after reading this, i am now certain fairytale type stories are not my arena or vibe. How ever the romance and the writing was beautiful.

Thank you NetGalley and the Redhook & Orbit team for the ARC of this book.

This book was a bit slow for me in the beginning but it really took off towards the middle. The "battle" was really interesting and I had no clue how it was all going to end. That alone had me unable to stop reading. I had to know how it ended! I was hoping for a happy ending for Marigold and Lottie but didn't see how it was going to work out for them.

I felt like the fact that Lottie was an Ash Witch was pretty obvious earlier before Marigold finally put it all together. It's a bit hard for me to believe that Marigold wouldn't of figured this out sooner. All the clues where right there for her. This part frustrated me a little.

I think the book wraps up nicely but also I'm kind of hoping for a book two. I would love to see the rest of Lottie's and Marigold's story.