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The Cottage Witch of Venice
In the enchanting coastal community of Venice, California, whispers circulate about an extraordinary woman, Marie Leblanc, known to locals as "The Cottage Witch." Marie, an enigmatic and powerful woman of color, has earned her moniker thanks to her enchanting apothecary storefront. Her mystical talents have endeared her to the townsfolk, yet her reputation is marred by a history entwined with her former husband.
Marie’s life takes a sudden turn when her second husband mysteriously disappears, igniting gossip and rumors throughout town. Haunted by her past and fearing further scrutiny, Marie withdraws into the sanctuary of her apothecary, concealing her magic and evading prying eyes. But destiny has different plans.
As her powers wane and despair looms, an unexpected visitor changes her course, guiding them beyond Millers Apothecary. The world outside her apothecary is rapidly changing, and her community is in turmoil. Witnessing the suffering and resilience of those affected by the Tulsa incident, she grapples with a choice that could either cement her role as a healer and protector or plunge her further into the surrounding chaos.
In The Cottage Witch of Venice, experience a tantalizing blend of mystique, history, and personal growth in a captivating tale of one woman's journey to define her legacy.
Marie’s life takes a sudden turn when her second husband mysteriously disappears, igniting gossip and rumors throughout town. Haunted by her past and fearing further scrutiny, Marie withdraws into the sanctuary of her apothecary, concealing her magic and evading prying eyes. But destiny has different plans.
As her powers wane and despair looms, an unexpected visitor changes her course, guiding them beyond Millers Apothecary. The world outside her apothecary is rapidly changing, and her community is in turmoil. Witnessing the suffering and resilience of those affected by the Tulsa incident, she grapples with a choice that could either cement her role as a healer and protector or plunge her further into the surrounding chaos.
In The Cottage Witch of Venice, experience a tantalizing blend of mystique, history, and personal growth in a captivating tale of one woman's journey to define her legacy.
262 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2024
4 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 18, 2025
This was a book club book and I probably wouldn't have chosen this book myself. I liked the plot at a basic level but it needed to be explained better. I think the book is too short for how much info needed to be in it. I thought the pace was way too fast and would have been better a bit slower. I liked the characters though. The spice seemed oddly placed as well. 1.5/5 stars and 1.5/5 chili peppers.
June 1, 2024
Debut who? She can't possibly be!
By this point, we all know that I am a SUCKER for multiple POV so obviously this book was made for me. There was enough POVs and it was timed that the pace was even and didn't drag.
I love the magic system and the fact that it's set in our world (if world building is too complex, it can lose me sometimes). The magic system feels so real and I loved all of the herbal mentions.
Ashley's writing is timeless and the voice/message is important. Set in California with racial tension building, the message isn't applicable just to the fictional characters.
Ashley wrote a main character so likeable and yet it's so easy for me to make mean memes about. 😂 Sorry Marie but you did this to yourself.
Enough about Marie. Let's talk about Uncle. Because ohhhhh. Uncle Alex. That's all.
I am here for the love triangles, the mess, and the budding romance. And the twists, honey! Ohhhh, the twists!
Extra thank you for including the characters' pictures on the front cover because I am so bad at creating images in my mind so this was the cherry on top for me.
If you want to read a witchy, coming of age, finding your power, mystery, romance then you have to read The Cottage Witch of Venice.
"I have lived many lifetimes, searching for you, my soul has ached for a love that I never could grasp."
"You are who my soul whispers for when I fall asleep. You are the one that has tormented my dreams."
By this point, we all know that I am a SUCKER for multiple POV so obviously this book was made for me. There was enough POVs and it was timed that the pace was even and didn't drag.
I love the magic system and the fact that it's set in our world (if world building is too complex, it can lose me sometimes). The magic system feels so real and I loved all of the herbal mentions.
Ashley's writing is timeless and the voice/message is important. Set in California with racial tension building, the message isn't applicable just to the fictional characters.
Ashley wrote a main character so likeable and yet it's so easy for me to make mean memes about. 😂 Sorry Marie but you did this to yourself.
Enough about Marie. Let's talk about Uncle. Because ohhhhh. Uncle Alex. That's all.
I am here for the love triangles, the mess, and the budding romance. And the twists, honey! Ohhhh, the twists!
Extra thank you for including the characters' pictures on the front cover because I am so bad at creating images in my mind so this was the cherry on top for me.
If you want to read a witchy, coming of age, finding your power, mystery, romance then you have to read The Cottage Witch of Venice.
"I have lived many lifetimes, searching for you, my soul has ached for a love that I never could grasp."
"You are who my soul whispers for when I fall asleep. You are the one that has tormented my dreams."
December 28, 2025
Well… 3 stars because the plot was actually nice, and entertaining. The execution of the novel… I think could be better. The thing that made me roll my eyes multiple times was the sense of urgency of these characters over sexual intercourse, it was preposterous! No priorities on people in danger of death! Sex will always win. Please! Specially in spiritual situations that turn dangerous and the threat of hate attacks, I bet you nobody would be thinking on having some hot fun! Plus the principal character… my good lord, she doesn’t know who she loves, it’s more like “this guys is appreciating my attributes? I LOVE HIM!” So childish even though is a mature woman. i just don’t get it. And then it is about spiritual stuff, and suddenly out of nowhere, there’s time travel involved. But the main plot is actually a good one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
This was a unique debut novel with four POVs. I love the way the story integrates real events and struggles of BIPOC but with magic integrated. I can’t wait for the next book!
August 11, 2024
This story was unlike anything I usually read but I really enjoyed it. The words flowed easily and I enjoyed the story line. I would definitely recommend and can’t wait for the author’s next book!
June 29, 2024
Amazing debut with a unique setting, deep fully-developed characters, and the perfect pacing. For me it had the perfect blend of tension, romance and witchy vibes. The Cottage Witch of Venice is set in a truly captivating time and place in history and delivers a powerful message in the most beautiful way.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews