My rating: ★★★★.5
A sapphic cozy fantasy involving witches, curses, love and loss… 🐝

I was pleasantly surprised by the concept of this book, as well as the magic system. The main setting, at her grandmother’s quaint cottage in Innisfree, reminded me heavily of the film, Practical Magic. The relationship between Marigold and her grandmother, Althea, was truly beautiful. I won’t be ashamed to admit that I cried in public while reading this book. This book touched on some heavy topics which were very close to my heart (check trigger warnings, if needed). I particularly adored the LGBTQIA+ representation, as I often struggle to find books involving specifically bisexual/pansexual rep.

There were a lot of sweet moments in this story, and a lot of amazing quotes involving grief, love and hope. I think that Sydney J. Shields is a beautiful writer, and has a way of putting words to paper in an elegant and inspiring way 💛

Overall, while a tad slow at times (as most cozy fantasy reads are), this was a beautiful story. If you want to snuggle up with a hot cup of tea, and dive into a cozy world filled with magic and undying love - this is the perfect book for you!

THANK YOU so much to the publisher, Redhook and NetGalley for allowing me to read this early! I would 100% read more from Sydney J. Shields after this hug of a book!

dnf @ 20% I really really wanted to love this book and I was so excited to get an early copy. Unfortunately I did not enjoy the writing in this book and found it was something I could not get past. Something specifically with the dialogue was hard for me to digest. I can see the right person loving this book but it simply was not for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Redhook for this ARC that I truly enjoyed!

"The Honey Witch" by Sydney Shields is a refreshing and enchanting journey that feels like a passage through all four seasons. This cozy romance, filled with forbidden love and the warmth of found family, struck a perfect balance between lightness and depth.

As I explored the captivating settings and connected with the characters, the touch of magic added an extra layer of allure. Shields skillfully weaved a tale that not only transports readers to a magical realm but also explores themes of forbidden love and the bonds of found family.

This book is a delightful escape, offering a unique blend of romance, enchantment, and the comfort of found connections. "The Honey Witch" left me yearning for more, making it a standout addition to the realm of cozy romance with a touch of magic.

This is very cute and a very fast read. I'm not going to give you a synopsis. The publisher provided that already. This has all of the elements of a good story. There is drama and intrigue. There is romance and broken hearts. There are heroes and villains. There are magical creatures and a cat. There is not a whole lot of depth, but it's very entertaining and the characters are likeable, even the ones that are a bit crusty on the outside. Once I got to about the halfway point I basically just plowed through this right to the conclusion.

I recommend it. For sure. It's probably closer to cozy fantasy than anything else, if you need a basic genre description.

Guys I am so thrilled to be reviewing one of my most anticipated books of the year EARLY because I was so graciously given an early review copy from NetGalley! So thank you so much to Redhook for letting me read this one early.

But let’s actually talk about the book because WOW. I am honestly so impressed, because while I was anticipating this from the cover and the synopsis, I wasn’t expecting to feel so connected to the story! From the characters, to the magic, to the writing itself, everything pulled me in and made me so very excited to see what else Sheilds has coming in the future.

The Honey Witch is a historical fantasy romance about Marigold, the eldest daughter of her family. Despite her family’s high standing in society, she doesn’t really fit in to the pleasantries and manners of the time. So when her Grandmother reappears after being out of Mari’s life for years and drops the bomb that she’s ACTUALLY a Honey Witch who can talk to bees?! Mari is ecstatic to be rid of a life she never wanted for herself. So if that comes with a curse that no one can ever fall in love with you, that’s a price Mari is willing to pay.

In terms of things I loved, I have to talk about the romance in her because of course it’s forbidden due to the curse, but also it’s SAPPHIC and AMAZING. Our love interest, Lottie, is a “sour” person who is very cold to begin but becomes so endearing and warm throughout. The romance doesn’t go too far so if you’re going into this expecting a full fledged romance plot, you might be disappointed. I however was not expecting the romance to be as electric and perfect as it was. So while the romance may find some people wanting more, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was rooting for these two to finally be together.
Another one of the best parts of this was the beautiful writing. I didn’t find it overwrought, nor did I think it was basic. It was flowery at times but flowed nicely and made for a quick read. Some quotes punched me in the gut, it was just so expertly put together.
And I obviously loved the characters. Mari and Lottie were both amazing in their own ways. I felt very connected to both of them and their backstories. But I also fell in love with Althea and of course Benny.

Now on to come critiques… I do think this could’ve been longer? At least at the end where everything goes so quickly it’s hard to get comfortable with anything that’s happening. While at first this felt particularly cozy with the way Mari learns her powers and grows into her life with her Grandma, this slowly turns into a very high action book. And while I loved the writing of this in almost every other place, the action itself felt underwritten to me. Now, I’m not the best judge of that as someone who doesn’t normally read a lot of fantasy, but the magic flying around felt hard to understand at times, and I felt very lost. So I think an extra 50 pages would have just perfectly fixed this issue I had during the last chunk of the plot.
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TLDR; I can understand that this book won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was mine. Absolutely my cup of tea. Honey magic, sapphic romance, forbidden love, AND a magic island full of magic animals?! What’s not to love. If you (like me), were drawn to this because of the cover and the vibes, I can affirm that it 100% delivers.

"The Honey Witch" by Sydney J. Shields is a captivating debut novel that weaves a tale of magic, love, and self-discovery on the enchanting Isle of Innisfree.

The story introduces us to twenty-one-year-old Marigold Claude, a young woman who has always felt a stronger connection to the spirits of the meadow than to any suitor who has pursued her. When her grandmother offers to train her as the next Honey Witch, Marigold seizes the opportunity, even though it comes with a unique curse – no one can fall in love with the Honey Witch.

The novel takes off when Lottie Burke, a skeptical and grumpy individual who doesn't believe in magic, arrives on Marigold's doorstep. Marigold, intrigued by the challenge of proving the existence of magic to Lottie, embarks on a journey that will not only reveal the enchanting world of magic but also awaken unexpected feelings within her.

One of the standout elements of the book is its magical world-building. Sydney J. Shields paints a vivid and mesmerizing picture of Innisfree, a tiny island where magic flows through the very air and is intertwined with the island's natural beauty. The magic system, centered around honey and botanicals, adds a unique and delightful twist to the story. As readers, we are transported to a world that feels both familiar and enchanting.

The characters in "The Honey Witch" are richly developed and endearing. Marigold is a relatable protagonist who undergoes a journey of self-discovery, growth, and courage. Her relationship with Lottie is a slow-burning romance that is beautifully portrayed, filled with moments of tension and tenderness. The chemistry between them is palpable, and you can't help but root for their love to triumph.

As the story progresses, darker magic begins to threaten the island and its inhabitants, putting Marigold's newfound magic and her heart on the line. This twist adds a layer of suspense and urgency to the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The only minor critique I have is that the final chapters of the book left me yearning for more. It's entirely possible that I was just so utterly captivated by the story that I found myself reading it at an almost feverish pace. The resolution was indeed satisfying, but I couldn't help but wish for an extended glimpse into the events as they were unfolding, a testament to how deeply engrossed I was in the world of 'The Honey Witch.' The fact that I wanted more is a testament to the author's ability to immerse readers in her enchanting narrative.

In summary, "The Honey Witch" is a beautifully written and enchanting novel that transports readers to a world of magic, hope, and love. It's a story of self-discovery, overcoming curses, and finding love in unexpected places. If you're a fan of magical realism, slow-burn romances, and tales of empowerment, "The Honey Witch" is a must-read that will leave you spellbound from beginning to end. Sydney J. Shields has crafted a delightful debut that will linger in your heart long after you've finished reading.

This was such a cute fun read! It also had a lot more depth then I originally thought! I really loved the characters and they made me both laugh out loud and feel for them. It does give some Bridgerton vibes but it also is just its own thing and felt very fresh. I haven’t read anything similar at all lately.

Only removed one star because some of the dialogue was a bit clunky to me and awkward. But the overall story was a blast to read.

3.5 ☆

First of, thank you to NetGalley and Redhook books for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to be published May 14, 2024. Spoilers clearly outlined at the end of the review.

This book felt like Bridgerton meets witches and ✨magic✨. Overall I thought it was a very cute and cozy read! That said, it does have a few heavier scenes, so do check content warnings.

Description: Marigold never really felt like she belonged amongst her siblings and peers, going to fancy balls and waiting to be courted and married. Her grandmother shows up after fifteen years of absence and drops a bombshell on Marigold- she's a witch, a Honey Witch to be exact. Innisfree, the magical island where Marigold's grandmother lives is under attack from a rival witch. There's just one catch, becoming a Honey Witch leaves a curse behind, where one is not able to ever fall in love. No big deal, right? 🤔 Marigold must decide if the risk is worth it and if she will leave behind everything she knows to train in honey witchcraft and protect her legacy.

The overall storytelling is done really well. The writing is very descriptive and I felt very immersed in the story while I was reading. It was really easy to picture what the different cities and landscapes looked like and how the magic system worked. A lot of care went in to setting up the story. The Honey Witches are essentially healers, they use different potions for different ailments (as well as some fun spells too!). Each spell has it's own ingredients and reasonings for using it and it feels realistic in that sense. I love the softness to it, to think that Marigold is so powerful, but uses it to help her community. The story is very female empowering and has strong themes of choice sprinkled throughout.

I really liked the two main characters, Marigold and Lottie. Lottie is a character that has a lot of pain and baggage and lashes out to those around her, but I feel for her and enjoyed her character development. I do wish that she apologized more for some of her outbursts. The grandmother, Althea, was also an amazing character. However, I did not feel very invested in any of the other characters.

Some of the dialogue between characters felt a bit cheesy and the ending felt a bit rushed. The bulk of the story is pretty tame and low-stakes, and then the ending is fast and intense. Overall, I think it's a fun story and a really strong debut novel! SPOILER: I did not like the pairing of August and Frankie. I understand this is a magical fantasy world, but their relationship was very insta-lovey and too coincidental and unnecessary.

I think you'll like this if you're a fan of soft, magical stories/romances- such as Divine Rivals and The Ex Hex.
The big tropes are:
-forbidden love
-found family
-there's even a late night, one-room-left-at-the-inn scene....
-LGBTQIA+

Content warnings: blood, injury, fire/fire injury, death, grief, miscarriage, and confinement

The Honey Witch is a thrilling story about finding your purpose in life, choosing your own path, fighting for those that you love, and overcoming all odds. this book filled me with delight, joy, sorrow and heartache from beginning to end. I laughed, I cried, I yelled at them to just kiss already. This is an amazing, wonderful read that is sweeter than honey, and as bitter as ash.

Follow Mari, a twenty one year old woman who has just learned she is a Honey Witch, a powerful healer, destined for amazing things, cursed that no one will ever love her. she thinks it's a fair trade, but then she goes and falls in love, and suddenly being alone isn't all that easy. things only get worse when a deadly threat rises against her home, one that could destroy not only herself, but everything she has ever loved.

I am conflicted about giving this one a rating.
Overall, I think it was wonderfully creative, and beautifully poetic, with colorful descriptions. The characters were interesting, the passion was palpable, and the message was clear. The story was original and had some strong themes such as a woman's right to choose her own path without judgment, particularly from other women. The importance and power of love, familial support, faith in oneself and others, and a belief in the interconnectedness of magic in nature and our responsibility to it. There was action, suspense, romance, and spice. This was also a fantastical period piece where women were expected to adhere to certain social norms but there was also no second thought about queer relationships. There was gay, lesbian, and bi rep, which was refreshing.
The biggest drawback for me and why I struggled with the rating was that I almost DNF'd it because of Part 1. I understand some setup was necessary, but I found it difficult to get through the slow pacing and was not engaged until Part 2. I almost quit at least twice but I slogged through. Once I got to Part 2, I couldn't put it down. Then I finished it quickly. I think my rating is somewhere between 3 and 3.75.

This has been a really hyped book that I seem to see everywhere online, and I hope other readers get along with it better than I did.

The writing is immature and basic. Characters have robotic dialogue that often doesn’t feel appropriate for the time period, they yell and scream constantly, they aren’t even remotely likable, and character development happens off page without showing any of the work. The passage of time is impossible to follow and everything, everything, just feels so absurd.

Not a single aspect of the story is built on a solid idea or foundation. The storytelling is, quite frankly, careless. You could pick any random paragraph from any page and it won’t hold up logically. Every page is a new contradiction, a new ridiculousness. The magic system is simply wishing hard for something to happen, and because the rules of magic and the world can change from page to page with no explanation, the whole story feels meaningless. How are there any problems in the world if magic can solve anything? Why isn’t everyone using the spell to find their true love, why is anyone suffering from a broken heart? The problems are artificial and the solutions are nonsensical.

The overall message of the book is bafflingly outdated and backwards. For Marigold, finding romantic love is the only way to live a fulfilling life. Not good friends, not a career she loves, not helping the people and animals of her little isle, but romance. She can never be a whole person until she falls in love. This is surprisingly regressive because it feels like The Honey Witch is trying to be a feminist story, but even that falls apart quickly. This is a book about how important it is for women to make their own choices, yet Marigold spends most of the book regretting her decisions.

I hope this book finds it audience. I’ve struggled to find the positive in it for myself (hey, grandma’s cottage IS pretty cozy!) but that doesn’t mean it’s not for anyone.

The magic in this book was very unique. Learning about how the magic works was so enjoyable. Marigold’s initial reaction to the bees was realistic and I enjoyed that she wasn’t immediately at ease just a few days after finding out that she was a Honey Witch. It was obvious that research and lots of thought went into the spells that are used in the book. I loved that there was more to them than simply “Marigold crafted a healing spell”. The ingredients needed are described, differ for each spell, and exist in their own right within the text. There are ingredients that are noted to be rare or hard to attain, used in certain types of spells, and things such as their smell, color, and taste are described. The actual process of crafting the spells and ingredients is written out. I loved that the time was taken to make the magic feel complex and essential to the story, not simply a tiny piece of it.

The main character, Marigold, is absolutely phenomenal. While she is regularly a bit headstrong, she’s also not only capable of growth and change, but eager to embrace it. Marigold is opinionated, adaptable, eager to learn, gentle, a bit mischievous, brave, and extremely kind. I loved her relationship with her family. It was so easy to see how very much she loved them, but also how complicated her feelings towards them were at times, especially after becoming a Honey Witch. It was also so clear that, while Marigold was doing exactly what she needed to do with her life, there were still things that she would miss or regret because of the choice that she made. I liked this aspect of the story, because it made her feel like such an authentic character.

Unfortunately, I loved Lottie less. Though it is implied in the book that Lottie’s unkindness stems from things that have happened to her in the past, I just really didn’t feel like her constant meanness in the face of Marigold’s kindness painted her in the best light. If Marigold had stood up for herself more and the two had bickered frequently, it would have felt better balanced. With Lottie constantly being rude to Marigold unprompted and Marigold simply letting it slide, however, it felt less like the two were butting heads/didn’t get along and more like Lottie just wasn’t a nice person. This made it hard for me to want them together, especially when Marigold was constantly so nice and accommodating. I think in order for the mean/grumpy/complicated love interest thing to work, the other person involved has to either enjoy the bickering/banter, not be bothered by it, or fight back. Marigold did not appreciate Lottie’s attitude, was hurt by Lottie’s words, and very rarely stood up for herself. Because of this, I genuinely did not like Lottie much, especially not as a love interest. If her meanness had simply been a knee-jerk defense mechanism I’d have understood it better, but she was just consistently unpleasant from the get-go and the excuses made for it didn’t feel adequate to me. Having a bad past doesn’t give you an excuse to treat people badly. Later on in the book, it then felt like she did a 180 and became someone else entirely, with all of her meanness completely disappearing with barely an explanation or an apology. After her behavior for a significant part of the story, I needed her to grovel a bit and work to put herself in Marigold’s good graces. Instead, it felt like she simply decided that she was going to be nice now and everyone just went along with it.

The settings in the book, particularly Innisfree, are well written, described, and stunning. I loved the descriptions of the architecture, greenery, decor, and the comparisons and contrasts drawn between different places as the story progressed. Considering the initial setting for the book is somewhere that covets art and artists, I thought that the beauty consistently noted and appreciated by the main character was very fitting.

The ending was wild. I thought that it was a little sad and disappointing that, after how much the Honey Witches have helped their neighbors, in Marigold’s time of need they were not flocking to her island to help. I also do wish that there was a bit more build up to the ending, because I felt like it went from a playful, mostly cozy magical cottagecore romance to a bloody finale with very little set up for that shift. I also thought that everything learned about the ash magic was a bit hastily done and therefore confusing. I really wish that the readers had been able to slowly learn about it in bits and pieces, so that when the conclusion came along there wasn’t so much new information given on top of a lot of high-action scenes. That being said, I loved how shocking and realistic the events of the conclusion were. It was by no means all of the pieces magically falling into place for the good guys. The struggle at the end was a STRUGGLE, and it brought the “magic comes with a price” comment from Althea at the beginning of the book full circle. I also loved that for most of the truly sad events that happened during the book, there was something beautiful that came out of it at some point to provide a sort of balance.

Lastly, from someone who has read both books and seen both movies, this book being marketed as “Practical Magic x Howl’s Moving Castle” is very accurate. I have also seen people describe it as a cozy fantasy, which I do have some reservations about. While for the most part the setting, pacing, and large sections of the text are in line with what I expect from cozy fantasies, there is content in this book that is explicitly described that kept it from feeling cozy to me. For example, there is a miscarriage described pretty early on in the book. I think anyone going into this book expecting a cozy fantasy should still check trigger warnings, which the author has linked on her website!

To conclude, I loved certain aspects of this book, while others fell a bit short for me. Overall, however, this was a great read that I would readily recommend! 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to Redhook & NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I would describe reading Honey Witch like imagine if Practical Magic and Bridgerton had a book baby that would be honey witch. I enjoyed reading this story because it gives a cozy, magic and earthy feeling to it. There’s longing, angst, stubbornness and coming into oneself. If you enjoy reading cozy witchy books with a little bit of sapphic romance….this is the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read Honey Witch for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, my opinions are shared voluntarily.

The Honey Witch is one of those books that when I finished, I was glad I gave it a shot, but the whole time I read it I was frustrated.

First, what I liked. The cover is gorgeous! It's what made me notice the book to begin with. I also really liked the ideas presented in the book. The magic and story were intriguing.

Unfortunately, the rest just didn't work. I think most of the issues I had were with the writing, which is completely subjective.
I feel like the book could use more editing. The pace is all over the place. The first quarter of the book is dedicated to establishing that the MC feels different and isolated, while the big reveal and main conflict wrap up in half that time.
The romance is so disappointing. The book uses the insta-love of fated soul mates in place of actual bonding and relationship development. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to love at first sight, but you still have to put in the work.
I also didn't like that the magic wasn't well defined. Sometimes that doesn't matter, but to me it really did in this book. There were times when it's more good vs evil and times it's all about balance and the cycle of life, which are not as similar as the book tries to make them. I think the story would have benefited from more information.
I wish Shields had taken time to develop the characters a little more too. The MC is so immature, which would be fine if she grew some throughout the book, but she doesn't really. Her big moment at the end is just flat. The supporting characters all feel like their purpose is to check a box. Sunshine friend, check. Sour antagonist, check. Loving sister, check. There was so much potential there that didn't get realized.
While I have other issues, for the sake of brevity, The Honey Witch wasn't as compelling as it could have been.

I loved The Honey Witch. It was the perfect mix of wholesome and cozy, but also got serious when it needed to. I thought the overall pacing felt right and I loved how at the end of each chapter I NEEDED to know what happened next. I flew through this. I think the main strength of this book was the imagery - it was so whimsical and rich. I also appreciated the small life sessions Marigold learns along the way. Strong read, feels perfect for spring as the world blossoms back to life!

(3.5 Stars) ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields is a cozy fantasy novel about witches and magic utilizing unique magic systems that involve bees, honey and ash. It includes a sweet, sapphic romance other LGBTQIA+ representation and relationships, (that are not defined or labeled), and empowering themes about self-discovery, personal growth and the freedom of women to choose, as well as the importance of supporting other women in their choices. The novel also had much to say about grief and loss, family, loneliness and marginalization. The descriptions of the magic systems and locations are bewitching and beautiful.

I felt like the first half of the book went slower for me than the middle and end. There were times where I felt Marigold’s need to constantly state her objections to marriage became repetitive. Her feelings on the issue were hammered home again and again.

The novel loses a star and a half for me because of a tendency to tell rather than show, both when it comes to the aforementioned themes, and our understanding of the characters. We are often told about their qualities and traits rather than forming their identities on our own according to their actions and choices.

Furthermore, there were occasions in the book where the author seemed to want to underscore the message about women’s freedom to choose. A worthy message, but one already obvious in the character’s actions, reactions, and the situations at hand, so instead, the tone became didactic and pulled me away from the fantasy. I wish the author trusted the reader to extrapolate the message from the character’s words and actions instead.

Still, an enjoyable and magical read about the power of love to overcome impossible odds, and our ability to grow and change for the better when we open ourselves to those wonderful, new, impossible things.

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

Sydney nailed the heartwarming and cozy cottagecore vibes in this book. It explores curses and loss in a well rounded way. The magic system is well written and is super alluring. Although I read this through an early access digital copy, I will absolutely be picking up a physical copy and have added Sydney J. Shields to my auto-buy authors list!

This is truly one of the most grating books I have ever read. I wanted to like this very badly. I really, really did. It has lesbian witches??? How does one manage to mess that up?? This is marketed as an adult book, which is rather unfortunate, because if it was marketed as ya, I could be more lenient with the stiff writing, corny characters, and cartoonish dialogue. Books that are "adult" due to complexity and books that are "adult" due to the seven sex scenes they have need to be separated, if you don't want people to have high expectations. I am begging. And yes, the only reason this managed to get two stars is because of the sex scenes. I will always love a lesbian sex scene, even if the writing leaves much to be desired. The nonsexual romance was drab and heavily forced. Lottie goes from hating Marigold to loving her in a single page flip. (I think the idea here is she always liked Marigold and she was just rude to protect herself from rejection, since that's always the idea when this happens, but it was not executed well, to put it mildly.) The plot was boring and nonexistent. I don't think I have ever been less invested in anything—it took me a week to read this, and it was quite literally my only priority read since it was an arc. The characters had zero personality. The antagonist has an honest to god Disney villain monologue at the end. I cannot take anything in this book remotely seriously. If it was a parody of bad ya romantasy, then yes, it could have managed three stars. Otherwise, what are we really doing here?

And also, I really wish authors would stop sneaking in feminism—especially modern day choice feminism—into their historical fiction. I think it was actually pretty okay, three stars, before the whole grandma spiel about "housewifery empowers some women, who are you to judge?" This book has zero feminist themes, either before or after this scene, so it was just there for no reason whatsoever. This was completely??? Calm down Phyllis Schafly??? I will, in fact, be judging. And mind you, this was set in the Victorian era or something of that nature. Exactly who was eschewing this sentiment then except for antisuffragettes? Why would you ever have this thought when 99.999999% of women are housewifes anyway regardless of whether they choose to be or not?? Genuinely, what are we doing here? I'm sure there's an audience for this somewhere, and in fact, there's probably a bigger audience for libfem posturing than any sort of real feminist theory, but I am not that audience.

Actually, I lied about the three stars. Everything went downhill after the first ball scene in chapter one where Marigold was blathering about freedom in singlewomanhood or whatever she was talking about. This is what I mean about the atrocious writing ruining everything, because it really was such a commendable message, especially in a histfic book. However, the way it was written was so cheesy, I couldn't do anything but laugh. Mind you, I should be able to relate to this scene more than anyone, considering I am a South Asian Muslim who is about to be married off to a man with no choice in whether I actually want to marry or not. And I like WOMEN. This really should have been my book, but it just isn't. I understand the basic sentiment Marigold is trying to convey, but the 2014 tumblr girlboss feminism vocabulary is just not... Yeah, this just wasn't for me.

This is a cozy fantasy that centers around the coming-of-age story of Marigold. She is a young witch learning the craft while also bearing the weight of grief. While this was a light cozy read, it also deals with some heavier topics such as Tattooing/Needles, Burns, Blood/Injuries, Sex, House fire, Loss of a loved one, infertility.

The writing is enchantment and magical, yet the pacing and dialogue occasionally miss the mark for me. While the prose is magical, some moments lack the seamless connection needed. A subtle adjustment in pacing and dialogue could enhance the overall narrative. I really loved the author's choice of words, language, and imagery was perfection, creating a lasting impression.

While the overall plot didn't quite align with my preferences, I found myself drawn to the setting, atmosphere, magic system, and the intriguing concept of rival witches. The book may not have been precisely my vibe, but I did appreciate and enjoy it for what it offered.

Thank you, NetGalley and Redhook Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was so magical & whimsical - it tells the story of a girl named Marigold who has spent her life feeling like an outcast in high society, until she finds out she’s actually a honey witch. She goes to her grandmother’s cottage to be trained and to learn how to protect it from threats. During her time there, Marigold deals with grief, loneliness, spirits, a vengeful witch, a girl who thinks her magic is nonsense, and a curse which prevents her from ever finding love.

I loved Marigold’s connection to nature and all of the beautiful descriptions. The sapphic forbidden romance was cute as well (and there was only one bed). The book was overall pretty predictable, but I still enjoyed seeing how it got there and following Marigold’s journey to finding her people and her purpose. I would recommend this if you’re looking for a cozy witchy read.

Thank you to Redhook Books for the ARC!