I absolutely loved the concept and execution of An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating. What you see when you read the synopsis is what you get. It gave me vibes of Hocus Pocus but way different. It is not often you get an aged up FMC, Thorn, who just wants to find her true love. But in the 17th century that just hasn’t happened. She has created love potions left and right. When this last one goes awry due to her being distracted by her latest client, it sends her to the 21st century. Her house appears the same but is way different with modern amenities and one very charming veterinarian, who happens to be the brother of the museums curator.
With her familiar in tow, Throne is off to her old habits but new adventures trying to figure out modern dating…
I laughed so much with this. The different potions she made with substitutions she needed to figure out along the way made for a fun read. I will definitely be watching g Cecilia Edwards moving forward for more releases!
Thank you to Saga Press for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

WHAT A COZY AND HEART WARMING ROMANTIC STORY <3

I usually read sci-fi / fantasy novels but once in a while I'll stumble across a cozy rom-con and love them!
We follow Thorn who is the towns ancient witch for the villagers who unfortunately is stuck brewing potions for the Sunday Market. As we soon begin to learn, Thorn has struggled in the boyfriend department and leans into her potion brewing skills to make her next victim fall in love with her.

But of course, things go awry and her potion transports this 1690's witch and her cottage into present day society. We follow Thorn is her fun and witty journey to true love and of course we couldn't forget about the Cosmic Cat Distribution System!

What a fun quick and cozy book <3 Perfect for our spooky girlies or even a book to read in the fall!

This is a cute, closed door romantic comedy that focuses more on Thorn healing herself while also fumbling through dating. Thorn plays that part of prickly witch perfectly, but she's also a softy at heart. I really enjoyed this book and would say it's a pretty light beach read. I think the character of Thorn was well rounded, but everyone else could have done with a touch more back story. No spoilers, but there is another witch character in the book who we never learn much about. I feel like this would have been a 5-star read if that witch had more backstory and we had a better understanding of their background.

Thorn has spent 30 years pretty much alone. Sure, she brews potions for the other villagers, but it's not like they're friends. The other witch in town is a matchmaker who is determined to help Thorn without the help of magic. Well, Thorn eschews her advice and focuses on making a True Love potion, only she creates a time travel potion instead. The plot of this story rolls merrily along, there aren't really any low points. I love when Thorn gets an unsolicited picture from a man on a dating app, she sends him back a picture of herself pulling her kidney out. Parts of this book genuinely made me laugh out loud.

As funny as this book can be, there are a lot of serious topics handled. Thorn lost her older sister when she was nine and Thorn's mother passed soon after. A lot of her search for love is directly related to the abandonment and loneliness she feels. Other than some of the secondary characters needing some beefing up, I enjoyed this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the advanced copy, all opinions are my own.

Ok I loved this! So cute and fun. If you like witchy romances you'll like this but it was also funny. I loved the writing. I got sucked into it and never wanted it to end. So cute.

This was a fun read. The plot was cute and the characters were fun. But, I had a really hard time feeling like this was a book written for adults. Thorn, the MFC, was supposed to be 39, but reads like a teenager, and the plot was superficial at best. I’d have to say that my favorite character was definitely Bandit, Thorn’s familiar who is thoroughly sassy and amazing. There was definitely a good amount of humor and some great made you smile moments. But I just felt like we needed more depth and details. Things felt rushed and the language of the book felt juvenile. Even the way that all the adult characters acted just felt young. It definitely reads more like a YA novel than an adult book. Overall, this was a very lighthearted, fun read, that would be a good palate cleanser between heavier books. 3/5⭐️

This book was so cute and cozy, and I genuinely enjoyed it from beginning to end. As a woman in her 30s, I really related to Thorn’s dating journey—modern love is no joke! Her voice felt so real, and I was rooting for her the whole way.

The story starts in the 1690s and then jumps forward to the present day, and watching Thorn try to adapt to modern life was just plain fun. From dating apps to everyday social norms, her reactions were hilarious but also really heartfelt. The magic system had a lot of personality too—I loved the way ingredients were named and used. It was a fresh take on classic witchcraft.

The love interest was an absolute gem—funny, clever, incredibly kind, and honestly just precious. I adored the way he treated Thorn from the very beginning. Their chemistry was sweet and steady, and the relationship development was satisfying without feeling rushed.

Also… so many cats. And the cosmic cat distribution system? Brilliant and adorable.

If you’re a fan of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Hocus Pocus, and lighthearted witchy rom-coms, you’ll feel right at home with this one. It gave me all the warm fuzzy feelings and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Cecilia Edward!


I received this arc from NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a cozy, delightful, and humorous read. I’m such a sucker for a book that feels like a warm hug, and this one delivers that vibe. It was funny, relatable, and just plain entertaining. I loved Thorn as our FMC and her interactions with Bandit, her sassy cat 🐈 familiar. I also loved how refreshing it was to read a romance with a character in her late 30s. You should read this book if you love:

🐈 Cozy fantasy romance
🌿 A sassy cat familiar
🐈 Found family
🌿 An eclectic cast of cat sidekicks
🐈 Dating app exploits
🌿 Laugh-out-loud humor… armadillos. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you get to that part. 😂

This enchanting rom-com casts a delightful spell, blending time travel, online dating, and just the right amount of witchy chaos. Thorn Scarhart is a refreshingly unique heroine, equal parts powerful and endearingly out of her element as she’s catapulted from the 17th century into the bustle of modern life. Watching her navigate smartphones, dating apps, and cappuccinos is as hilarious as it is heartwarming. Her struggles with love feel wonderfully grounded, even as the story plays with magical mishaps and fish-out-of-water humor in clever and unexpected ways.

Beyond the laughs, there’s a sincere emotional core that gives the story real depth. Thorn’s journey isn’t just about finding a romantic partner, it’s about rediscovering joy, connection, and the parts of herself she buried after loss. The supporting cast, including a charming veterinarian and his insightful sister, brings warmth and sparkle to every scene. With its cozy setting, quirky twists, and a heroine who grows just as much as she enchants, this story is a magical treat for anyone who loves their romance with a bit of broomstick flair and a lot of heart.

Thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy for review.

An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating hooked me with its quirky title and eye-catching cover, but it was the story’s heart, humor, and magical warmth that kept me turning the pages.

The premise is an absolute delight: Thorn, a 39-year-old witch from the 1600s, finds herself flung 350 years into the future, complete with cell phones, dating apps, and a whole lot of confusion. Her journey to adjust is full of laugh-out-loud moments, emotional beats, and endearing missteps. Watching her try to navigate modern romance and tech was chaotic in the best way.

One of the highlights for me was the talking cat, Bandit, sassy, sarcastic, and full of personality. His banter with Thorn was pitch-perfect and often stole the show. Their relationship added a layer of warmth and comic relief that made the story shine.

The magic and potion-making elements were also wonderfully done, adding to the whimsical feel of the book. And while there is a romantic subplot, the deeper emotional core of the story lies in its themes of self-discovery, found family, and healing from the past.

I did have a few nitpicks that kept this from being a full five stars. The beginning felt a little slow, and some elements, like Thorn’s adjustment to the modern world, were told more than shown. I would’ve loved to see her struggle and learn, especially with things like apps or connecting with new people. Similarly, some relationships (like her connection with Meg) felt underdeveloped. We're told they're important, but we don't get enough moments to feel it ourselves.

That said, this is a cozy, comforting read that would be perfect for autumn or a lazy weekend with a blanket and tea. Predictable in spots, but that predictability worked in its favor, making it feel safe, sweet, and ultimately satisfying. A must-read if you like magical heroines, time travel hijinks, and, of course, cats with attitude.

This was such a cozy rom com style fantasy! Although not the usual type of book I tend to read, I found it fast paced, easy and quick to get through, Full of magic & comedy, potions and messages of self love. My favorite part were the cats!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

Thank you Netgalley, Saga press, and author Cecilia Edwards for the Arc! Story starts in the 17th century with thirty nine year old Thorn Scarhart. After making a potion that goes wrong, she ends up in the 21st century. Finding love has always been hard for her, especially after losing her mother and sister. Now in the 21st century with dating apps, she’s decided to not give up! This book was such a cute and easy read. If it were a movie i’d definitely watch it. There were some things that could’ve made the story more captivating. For example, more details about the characters and some better world building. I found it a bit hard to imagine some scenes. Everything was also predictable, so it took away any surprises. The writing was simple which made it easy to understand what was going on. It truly had me chuckling on what was going on throughout the whole book. I especially liked how the author used today’s slang words but didn’t make it cringe. I feel like other authors use it to try to be funny and it just doesn’t work. But in this case it was actually funny! It was sweet to see the vulnerable moments with Thorn. When i wasn’t chuckling i was in awe with her. In the end i loved how everything played out! I love love love Bandit!! Everyone needs an animal companion! Although i feel like this book might not be for everyone. Since the story is simple i feel some might find it boring but i recommend it regardless! This is my honest review.

This was a nice easy read. It kept me entertained the whole time and had a nice message. We need more books about self love! Details and world descriptions throughout were excellent and helped set the atmosphere.

The issue that almost all books that have a one character from another time period plot is that they rely on the same shtick the whole time. It’s woah what is that magic (insert their equivalent of said object)? Oh you mean my (object) how could you possibly not know what an (object) is and rinse and repeat. We get it. They’re not from now.

There was a lot of negative self talk throughout the book which did get resolved by the end with finding people who accept her for who she is and how she is, but it got quite disheartening and annoying to read. Take a shot everytime she mentions she’s 39 and no one could EVER love a 40 year old. Again, just one note jokes.

I wish Walls and Meg had more depth to their characters as well.


All that said, I did enjoy my time reading this, and may recommend it as a seasonal read or palate cleanser, but it wasn’t any great work of art.

Thanks so much to a Saga Press and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This was an adorable, movie-level- of-fun rom-com for me. Imagine if the one of the Sanderson sisters from Hocus Pocus weren't evil, had a cat familiar that was a little bit evil, and desperately wanted to find a husband, then got propelled through time to modern day, where they began to navigate the world of online dating using apps.

Thorn's efforts to find love are endearing and entertaining, and she does it all while "pretending" to be an ancient witch for tourists in her former cottage turned tour stop. Little did she know that she doesn't have far to look because the local veterinarian is her new boss's brother.

It was cute! I had a great time and loved seeing Thorn trying to navigate the modern world.

ARC Review: An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edwards


Thank you to Saga Press for the advanced copy of the eBook.

This adorable and cozy witchy romcom was a breath of fresh air. A heartwarming story of a 39-year-old witch from 1690 who somehow finds herself in the 21st century. As a witch looking for true love, of course Thorn Scar signs up for online dating once she finds herself in modern times. As a woman who was signed up for several dating apps in her mid-thirties, Thorn’s dating adventures hit home in several ways. The characters were endearing and charming, and I felt like this story was the perfect escape from everyday stresses. This book was such a fun twist on cozy fantasy and romance, and I think fans of both genres will enjoy it.

I laughed out loud in several scenes and felt so touched by Thorns earnest search for love. I really loved Bandit, Thorn’s cat familiar and the other neighborhood cats who found themselves talking to a witch. I thought Walls was adorable and overall was so engrossed with the story, I had to keep reading to find out how the story ends.

Overall this was a feel-good, fun read for me that did not disappoint. This is slated to come out toward the end of June, perfect for all those Julyoweenies who crave some fall in the middle of summer’s heat.

Unfortunately this one was not for me. I think that it leaned a bit too much into the women's fiction space over romance and that's not really what I was looking for in this one. I did think that it was cute and the fish out of water elements gave it a good amount of humor, but it didn't come together for me.

Oh my goodness! This book is so cute. So clever and witty. And the pacing is great. I couldn't put this book down.

I fell in love with Thorn and Bandit right away—the portrayal of the cat was particularly genius. And I loved, loved, loved the whole idea of a 17th century woman accidentally time traveling to the 21st century.

For anyone in their 40s, or beyond, and/or anyone who is familiar with online dating, this book will be instantly relatable.

A true witchy delight.

I loved the concept, but I'm afraid the writing didn't click for me with this one. The reader is reminded of the main character's age so many times it starts to feel like a joke in itself.

Who wouldn’t want a fun, cozy, magical romance book? I giggled and found myself grinning for most of this book. I loved our main character, Thorn. She’s a 39-year-old chaotic witch who’s looking for true love. The cats in this book were so great. Banter with cats? Excellent. Definitely a book to pick up if you love a cute witchy romance!

I wanted to love this one, but it fell flat and couldn’t really keep my interest. It took a long time for me to finish it. The premise is so cute, but I didn’t love any of the characters and couldn’t connect with anyone in the story. Thank you Saga Press for the ARC

The antics that ensue with a 17th century witch navigating dating apps are hilarious! But beyond that, Thorn's adjustment to the 21st century and her self-discovery journey are very heartfelt and endearing. The combination of romance and familial relationships is well-done, and I really enjoyed the whole story all around!