The coziest of cozy fantasy. It’s almost like a sleep story.

Velina was left at an orphanage as a small child as has spent all of her young life being exploited for labor in workhouses, but she’s had enough. Using a map she traded her final meal for, she goes in search of the witch of the woods for help.

Instead of the witch she finds an abandoned cottage. Butt he cottage itself is magical and provides her a safe haven and comfort.

Before long she’s mistaken for the witch. Velina decides to embrace the role and along the way builds a chosen family.

This was such a cute lil cozy read!!
I def felt the Howl’s Moving Castle vibes w/ the Witch’s Cottage- Always such a fun addition!!
(lowkey gave House Of Wind vibes too)
Following Velina through three acts, we get to see her find purpose, overcome past trauma, & help others along the way.
Overall, this was the perfect novella for the weekend for those nice, low stakes, cozy vibes 🤍
Deborah Balm put my mind to ease & transported me to this lovely realm.

This was a sweet cosy fantasy with bakery's a magic cottage trauma healing and found family I loved the audio book it took me on a journey

This was such a heartwarming story! A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon (though I did read it on a lazy Saturday afternoon, haha). This book filled me with a sense of peace and friendship, it felt like a big warm hug, a kiss on the forehead and someone whispering "All will be okay."

I really enjoyed the cosiness and magic of the cottage and oh, do I wish I could stumble upon one in the real world! I loved how everything fell into place for Velina, sometimes you just need a story that pays more attention to the good than the bad.

If you need an escape from reality, this is the perfect solution.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy of the audiobook!

This was a precious cozy fantasy read. It was fast paced but I still felt like everything was answered and I wasn’t craving anything that was missing. I really appreciated how the story was focused on Velinas self growth and not focused on the other characters or adding in a romance (even though Will was precious). The friendships were adorable and Velina truly is a sweetheart. Oh how I wish I could live in a magical cottage 🥹

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me the audiobook arc for review.

ARC and ALC review
Publication date: 23 Jun 25


“The Witch at the Edge of the Wood” by Liz Delton is cozy fantasy novella.

I received a digital review copy and audiobook from Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing via Netgalley.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Velina was born with silver hair and pointy ears and is looking for a witch that can help her liver a normal life.
But the cottage she finds in the woods is abandoned and when a noble man mistakes her for the witch she agrees to help him.

I enjoyed this cozy novella full of magic, adventure and friendship.
The audiobook is narrated by Deborah Balm and she has the perfect voice for this story.
It made me feel like I was part of the book and Velina's life.
The story is divided in 3 parts, that follows not only the plot, but also the development of Velina as a character.

It would be so nice if magic cottages existed in real life.