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Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood follows Belladonna Blackthorn, who recently turned 30, and dreams of owning Lunar Bookshop one day. But she has to get through today first, which is what has kept our witch for almost fifteen years. On the day of her thirtieth birthday, Belle receives a letter from her magical coven that she has only one month to prepare herself for a series of trials presented to her. Based on her performance, a panel of judges will decide whether or not she deserves to keep her magic. Belle has only time until Halloween, because what is a witchy event if not on the night of Halloween? The only problem is that while she has been busy with normal life, drowning in insecurities, and hiding from her true potential, she neglected her magic and now is facing the danger of truly losing it.
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This book is definitely what it suggests on the premise; the coziest witchy fantasy you can ever read! I initially was expecting more of a cozy romance but think of my surprise when I found out that the fantasy in this book is actually banging!! Dear Lucy, please keep up with writing cozy fantasy because I might have fallen in love with the writing style. Also dare I say, HOW IS THAT A DEBUT NOVEL? It's not easy to fall in love with each element of a book within the first chapters, but she did that.
Rewitched delivers everything you might need for a cozy time. There is this amazing bookshop that sells cinnamon buns, loveable characters that will sometimes make you teary-eyed and feel like your heart will burst, a high stakes event that will keep you as invested as Belle herself, and a swoon worthy romance blooming between our two amazing characters.
I'm telling you, these characters were everything to me. Belle is now one of my favorite female main characters I've ever read. Her struggle with her insecurities, her emotional journey of self discovery, and falling in love with herself again, her relationship with the cutest kitten jinx and so much more made me instantly love her. I also need to have a moment for Rune, our male main character, who is so dreamy that even though I'm not big on romance, I'd beg Lucy to just write a book about him. The little bit of mysterious vibes, slightly snarky but never obnoxious comments, his bravery and loyalty, and also him being a watchman made me immediately fall for him! He just ticks all the boxes you would want from a male character featured in a witchy book. I'm not even talking about his outfits throughout the book, which again were of course perfect.
While we see that Belle has neglected her magic for all of these years, we also see that she neglected her dreams and wishes, and her younger self as well. Even though I'd love a bit more romance, I think the themes that Lucy wanted to explore needed the main focus so I'm totally okay with romance being in the background. If you, like me, love to see a character grow in the most human way then you're at the right place. There were so many places where I cried alongside Belle... The conversations about feeling like you're running out of time, that you haven't accomplished enough yet, that you feel like you abandoned your younger self, and having difficulties accepting that you deserve everything resonated with me and I felt like I was healing with Belle.
The only problem I had with this book was that the ending felt very much rushed. I would love to read more about this world, and these characters because I feel like we couldn't properly say goodbye. But I'm sure Lucy Jane Wood has more surprises and tricks up on her sleeves.
Overall, this book promises a charming, healing, cozy, and gentle time for the readers and I beg everyone to give it a chance.
I'm super thankful to PRH International and Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy of Rewitched, and can't wait to see what Lucy Jane Wood writes next.

While this was a really lovely premise, it was just too slow for me and couldn't keep my attention well. I think this will be the perfect fall read for someone looking for a cozy slow burn book!

I wanted to like this book. I thought there would be a witch healing herself from burnout and stress through relaxing and reading and taking care of herself. That did not happen. Also, the ages of the other witches was hazy. I really don't know who had been alive for 70 years or several hundred years.

Thank you Berkley Romance and PRH Audio for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I struggled to get into this as an ebook, but jumped at a chance to listen to the audiobook.

It was cozy at times but also had a touch of mystery and romance. Bella fails her darkening (or trial to keep her magic.) She ends up with an assumed murderer and outlaw as her magical tutor while she attempts to improve her magic.

I loved all of her lessons and how they developed a relationship. He was such a grandfatherly mentor to Bella. There was a spark with Rune who was sent to watch over and protect Bella during this time. I enjoyed seeing her friendship and trying to balance the “real world” with her magical side.

As she improves her magic she uncovers a secret that could change the future of their coven.

I thought there was a lot going on, but overall I enjoyed this and would check out more books from this author. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration and often found myself picking it up.

I have to be honest, this was a bit disappointing. The cover is so fantastic but this witchy debut just didn't live up to some of the better spooky season books I've read this year. I found it long, a tad boring and the romance just wasn't there for me. Just an okay read that I wouldn't implore anyone to rush out and prioritize and buy sadly. Overall it had potential but the execution fell flat for me. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, a cozy witchy story maybe? Rewitched is all that and much more. I loved the inside look at Hecate House, basically the magical bureaucracy. Very creative story and I liked the overall message of “believe in yourself”.

Belle is about to turn 30, and she’s been summoned by the coven to a ceremony that will determine if she can keep her magic or not. She has to spend time honing her magic with a tutor, an old exiled witch who’s one of the best characters in the book. She’s got a handsome watchman named Rune who gives her non magical tingly feelings. All of this magic keeps her from the place she really loves, the bookstore she manages.

The romance wasn’t very developed, but I think is a great book from a first time author, 4.5 stars.

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

✨ Review ✨ Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Thanks to Ace, Berkley and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

This book is definitely a slow burn but felt so cozy and welcoming that I enjoyed savoring it in small pieces. Belle's 30th birthday arrives and she's surprised to learn that she has to prove back to the coven, with whom she's had little contact since she inherited her powers at 15, that she's made good use of her magical powers.

Belle ends up jugging magical lessons, an awful boss at her cozy bookstore, a budding romantic interest, conflict with her roommate, and a wealth of inner turmoil and emotions around life and identity and magic, and it's all just so lovely to be a part of.

I loved that it mixed elements across genres - pulling together the mystical and mysterious with romance and themes of family and friendship. I just want to snuggle up and spend forever in her bookshop!

A perfect pick for a cozy fall read, more at the pace of a drinking a cup of tea than a hike through the autumn woods. :)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: cozy fantasy with some mystery and romance elements
Pub Date: Sept 17, 2024
Feels like: snuggling up in a comfy chair with a cozy blanket and a mug of tea on a rainy fall day

Read this if you like:
⭕️ cozy bookshops
⭕️ magic in real world environments
⭕️ threads of romance
⭕️ cats and mugs of tea and warm sweaters

This was a cute, cozy, and magical read that's perfect for the fall! It is really about Bella finding her strength and trusting herself while she learns more about her magic. It was an interesting magic system and it was fun watching Bella navigate it all. Especially when a bit of mystery and danger come into play.

The story got off to a bit of a slow start, but picked up quite a bit and the pacing evened out. This was a great debut novel and I can't wait to read more from this author!

Rewitched is the perfect cozy fantasy for this fall! Belle (full name Belladonna) is content using her magic to make tea, clean up the bookstore where she works, and select her outfit for the day. Unexpectedly, she receives a summons to her coven on her 30th birthday, where she will be tested to ensure she’s worthy of her magic and risk losing it forever if she fails.

It’s up to her, her mother, her infuriating and handsome watchman, an unlikely mentor, and her cat to prove Belle is worthy of magic and being a witch.

This book was DELIGHTFUL! I enjoyed the opening as the story unfolded, where we meet Belle and learn about their magical world hiding amongst the unmagical one. It really took off around 40% and the action and suspense riveted me.

The eccentric characters were written so well, and Lucy’s writing is lovely. I can’t believe this is a debut, and Lucy will be one to watch!

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.

DNF at 22%
I've been trying to read this for a week but I keep falling asleep and I think it's that this writing style just isn't for me. The descriptions are so long and at times redundant, that it's making the story feel like it's dragging. For instance, there were 4 back-to-back similes at one point describing how good the magic feels when Bella uses it. And then after all 4 similes, it still stated that "it feels good." If the descriptions included other senses (like sounds, scents or textures), maybe I would have been able to hang on as that describes a more immersive experience. But this seems to all be lengthy visual descriptions with little happening and I've lost interest.

As I did not finish, I won't be posting this review to my socials.

This is maybe more of a 3 star because it's a little more on the cozy side than I usually read, but honestly it was such a cozy fall vibe that I can't help but love it a little more. Toss in a bookstore, a feline familiar, and it was the perfect fall atmospheric read.

I loved the idea that even in her 30s, Belle has to pass a series of tests put forth by her coven or risk losing her magic. It felt like adult Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which is a positive for me. Add in the romance, friendships, and the journey of self-love and this was just very sweet.

I look forward to more from Lucy Jane Wood for sure.

I devoured this book! I have read a lot of witch books, but Rewitched is really something special. I can’t believe this is a debut! We follow Belle Blackthorne on the cusp of her 30th birthday. Belle is a witch and has had powers since her 15th birthday. However, in Belle’s world if you don’t use your magic enough you can be stripped of your powers and they’ll be reabsorbed back into the coven. She must overcome her self-doubt (and some evil forces) to pass the coven’s test and retain her magic.

So many hyped up witchy books sacrifice the magic or plot for the romance, which is one of my pet peeves. That doesn’t happen here. In Rewitched, we get a witchy book that focuses on the witch and her magical journey. There is a bit of romance with Belle and Rune, a character you will fall in love with, but this book is truly Belle’s book and I enjoyed every minute of it. All of the supporting characters are great (except Christopher, he sucks) and I’m begging for a sequel. Rewitched definitely has rereadability potential, and I’ve already ordered a physical copy for my shelves

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a review copy. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

I had no idea cozy fantasy novels existed. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but I could get behind this genre.

The main character is Belladonna Blackthorn. Is that not the perfect name for a witch? She works in a bookstore and rarely uses her magic. Well until the council calls her in for her thirtieth birthday and a review that she is using her magic responsibly and actually using it. Or they will revoke it. She ends up going through a series of tests to prove her worthiness as a witch.

Ultimately Bella must summon her courage to figure out who she is and what she is worth. I love stories about believing in yourself. And what adds to that is the cast of characters around her including a new romance. I don't usually associate heartwarming with fantasy but that perfectly describes Bella's self journey.

I would have liked a little more romance, but other than that this is the perfect fall read if you are looking for something not spooky. I can't believe this the author's debut novel. I can't wait to read her next book. And hopefully it continues Bella's story.

Omigosh, this is such a COZY ROMANCE. You have to read this with a warm blanket, hot drink, with the red, russet and golden colors out your window. I love the main leads in this, especially the FMC. Fans of A Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will love this! Perfect autumnal romance to make your heart soar.

**Many thanks to Berkley and Lucy Jane Wood for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley!**

Remember when Sabrina the Teenage Witch had to get her witch's license?

If you aren't familiar with the show, as she comes of age, she has to pass several tests given by the Witch's Council in order to keep her magic. Now as a teenage witch, Sabrina had a whole OTHER set of adolescent problems to deal with...but suffice it to say, this was a fantastic story arc that kept me invested until the FINAL showdown...and although I hoped for the best, you just weren't quite sure if Sabrina had waggled her last magical finger wag.

Now age the character up into her 30s, put her in the most CHARMING bookstore ever, toss in a true blue bestie, a lovable familiar named Jinx, and a mysterious, handsome stranger named Rune...and you're halfway to the cozy, mystical, magical, and fantastic read that is Lucy Jane Wood's Rewitched!

Belladonna Blackthorn (which is the perfect witchy name, by the way) is dreaming of running Lunar Books one day...but she's got to get through today first. Her boss is a misogynist and a nightmare, and oh yeah, hiding the small fact that she is a WITCH gets harder by the day. Belle longs to tell her best friend Ariadne, but because Ariadne is mortal, she can't tell her a thing. As she comes from a magical heritage, Belle has always appreciated her abilities, but didn't think she would necessarily have to prove herself to keep living The Magic Life...until the aforementioned handsome stranger shows up one day at Lunar Books...and all bets are off.

Turns out Belle has ONE MONTH to prepare herself for a series of trials presented to her by her coven...and based on her performance, a panel of judges will decide whether or not she gets to keep her magic. All of this, of course, will culminate on the spookiest night of the year - Halloween. Accustomed to using her magic for the perfect cute outfit (and a cleaning spell or two) Belle is terrified as she realizes that losing her magic is a true possibility...and part of finding her magic will mean also require her to be vulnerable, brave, and to find herself, deep in a sea of insecurity. With a possible romantic entanglement with her broody and devilishly handsome watchman Rune brewing in the background, Belle discover that someone is out to sabotage Belle AND steal her magic...but who? How will her family's storied past come into play? And will she finally have the courage to stand up for her magic, her family, her bookstore...and most importantly, herself?

I'm not one to normally gush over a cozy fantasy book normally....but trust me when I say I've been basking in the warm, cozy, afterglow of this CHARMING and pitch perfect witchy read for a week...and I hope this snuggly, sweater weather feel-good feeling NEVER goes away!

I had a hard time even believing this was Lucy Jane Wood's debut - it's just THAT good. From the instantly lovable cast of characters (you'll want to meet and befriend ALL of them, save for those couple of pesky villains!) to the homey Stars-Hollow-but-make-it-British sort of town, to the UNREAL and incredible atmosphere provided by one Lunar Books (and yes, they also serve CINNAMON ROLLS, as if it wasn't good enough already), I was instantly enchanted, bewitched, hexed...you name it, I felt it! I do love a good witchy tale, but this one is so much more than that: from page one to its sugary sweet finish, I was rooting Belle on, falling in love with her kitty Jinx, and fully ENTRENCHED in the emotional journey and exciting plot.

And of course, I would be remiss if I didn't spend some time on Rune. He is SO dreamy, you're going to wish Lucy Jane Wood had given him even MORE page time...he's just THAT type of guy. A bit mysterious, slightly snarky but never obnoxious, a brave and loyal protector...and of course, he's wearing the PERFECT outfit for his character, has the requisite long hair....he ticks ALL of the boxes. As much as I did feel this was one of the only areas of the book that was somewhat lacking, there's also good reason for this having to take a back seat: there is a LOT of plot wound into one book, and a pretty heavy emphasis on the journey of self discovery for Belle. This did lead to the book feeling less like a romance and more like a witchy feel-good cozy...but if that's my only quibble, that isn't saying too much!

On top of this plot that will keep you enchanted and keep you guessing, there are some beautiful and heartbreaking moments thrown in as well, where Belle's journey of self-discovery put a lump in my throat...and as a millennial who often feels unsure of herself, it was SO easy to step into Belle's pointy shoes (Okay, maybe not pointy but it's fun to imagine them that way, am I right?!) Although it does take a while to get there, I feel like Lucy Jane Wood did such a beautiful and subtle job of tying all of the points together, of incorporating family history and scandal into the plot, and keeping the book light, fun, and whimsical from open to close, and that's no easy feat. This book manages to feel comfortable and familiar, but exciting and new, much like watching a GOOD reboot of a classic 90's sitcom (yes, Fuller House, I'm looking at you!), where there is something unspeakable and subtly referential, but also so refreshing and new that you can't WAIT to try it. Much like that brand new fall drink you've been waiting for all year long, you shouldn't hesitate - these are the kind of sugary sweet book calories that are worth EVERY sip!

And as it turns out, the only thing better than being bewitched?

Being Rewitched!

4.5 shiny stars

This was such a lovely, perfect book to start October! I always try to spend October reading cozy witchy books, and this one fit the bill nicely. Belle was a perfect protagonist, the magic system was interesting without being overly complex, and the setting was heartwarming and lovely. I would highly recommend this!

Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Bell is burnt out, trying to keep her beloved lunar books running while dealing with the boss who can sell sabotage. She now is also facing a test near her 30th birthday to see if she will remain a witch. It’s really intriguing because all those around does not know she is a witch, and these trials that she goes through our intriguing and the slow burn romance that develops is also entertaining.

Belle’s 30th birthday is fast approaching. Belle forgot that on this day, she must prove to the coven that she is worthy of being a witch. However, she fails the test, but is given the opportunity to prove herself and regain her magic. With the help of a protector, Rune, and a mentor, Arty, Belle must work through her feelings and her doubts to corral her strength and prove herself worthy.
Cute story, but I wish it was shorter.

What a thrilling read. I went in expecting a witchy romance for the fall season. I definitely got that but I also got so much more. This book is very witchy, very fall, very cozy, but also very fantasy and has pretty high stakes. The relationships in the book are all so special, and I loved all the side characters, especially Arty and Bonnie. The magic system is so well developed and you uncover all the details along with Belle as she journeys toward her witch future.

🎤 “This place isn’t supposed to keep up with the times,” Belle said. “It’s supposed to exist in its own little bubble of cosiness that’s entirely separate from the real world.”

There were only two things that I wish I saw a bit more of. The romance buildup could have been a bit more in the forefront. The romantic ending just took me a bit by surprise. Also, I NEED to know what a regular sooth stone does. It feels important outside of the “trick” that Belle’s stone is up to, but I just couldn’t figure out why.

Lucy Jane Wood's Rewitched is a love letter to those who grew up watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Buffy and Charmed, and more broadly, to anyone who wishes adult life had a little less stress, and a little more magic in it. Belladona (Belle) Blackthorn has spent the past 29 years, 363 days ignoring the fact that she comes from a long line of Blackthorn witches. 15 years ago, Belle was visited by the Selcouth Coven to begin what's called the Endarkenment where a witch is tested on their magical abilities. 15 years later, the Coven has returned with an ultimatum.

Growing up with her mother's peaceful, softhearted spells as part of the everyday meant that an intrinsic sense of magic was always nearby. There was no great moment of recognition, because it always was. The rush of magic that flowed from Bonnie and washed over Belle whenever she was around her mother was so normal, she barely even noticed the hit anymore. Belle had long since stopped anticipating such a meeting with another witch. Their kind was rare these days, getting rarer with every generation apparently, and she had no intention of seeking them out for herself and inviting any trouble.

She lived her life quietly amongst the non-wicche world, and that was more than fine with her. She pretty much runs Lunar Books, except for the daily interruptions of the owners grandson who is a piece of work. In fact, Belle has been told by the owner that she is willing to sell the store to her. Even though she isn't a full witch like her mother, Belle does occasionally enjoy using magic to put things back where the belong at the book store. Now, however, Belle has no choice but to answer the coven's call.

So when her 30th birthday brings a summons from her coven and a trial called Endarkenment that tests her worthiness as a witch, Belle fears the worst. With only the month of October left to prove herself or risk losing her magic forever, Belle will need all the help she can get—from the women in her life, from an unlikely mentor figure with a twisted past who has been cast out of the coven, and even from an infuriating coven watchman who’s sworn to protect her even from herself in necessary. Belle also finds that there is a clear fight happening. One path leads to Belle keeping her magic, the other means Belle will forever be stripped of her magic.

One of the negatives of the book is the pacing. The story takes time to get established, and then you have to figure out if you really like Belle, or not. It's supposed to be a cozy, but there is a true darkness to the story from a duo of villains. I think Belle is a conflicted character, and there's nothing wrong with that. She loves Lunar Book, but is it really worth the trouble to keep your powers that you are only occasionally using? I loved Belle's cat familiar Jinx, as well as her mother's wolfhound called Wolfie. Belle's new mentor was definitely a highlight, but Belle's friend Ariadne, her mother Bonnie and her Watchman, Rune, were all great characters.