What do you think?
Rate this book
Witches of Honeysuckle House
Haunted by a curse that kills someone close to their family every 13 years, two sisters must come together to break the spell and save that which they hold most dear.
This enchanting novel explores the fraught lines between family and the secrets they keep, perfect for fans of Ava Morgyn and Heather Webber.
Florence and Evie Caldwell have long disagreed on how to break their family’s curse, and tension has been high since their mother’s death thirteen years ago. Honeysuckle House, the family estate where every Caldwell has lived, now only houses one of the sisters. Evie has crafted it into an enchanted bed and breakfast, while Florence runs a magical bookstore in town, refusing to even set foot inside Honeysuckle House.
But when the house starts behaving dangerously and catches fire, Florence and Evie must set aside their differences and dig into past generations of their family and the town’s history before the curse claims someone they love.
Honeysuckle House is an exploration of sisterhood, family, and the places we call home perfect for readers who love the darker aspects of Weyward and the sister dynamics of The Crescent Moon Tearoom.
This enchanting novel explores the fraught lines between family and the secrets they keep, perfect for fans of Ava Morgyn and Heather Webber.
Florence and Evie Caldwell have long disagreed on how to break their family’s curse, and tension has been high since their mother’s death thirteen years ago. Honeysuckle House, the family estate where every Caldwell has lived, now only houses one of the sisters. Evie has crafted it into an enchanted bed and breakfast, while Florence runs a magical bookstore in town, refusing to even set foot inside Honeysuckle House.
But when the house starts behaving dangerously and catches fire, Florence and Evie must set aside their differences and dig into past generations of their family and the town’s history before the curse claims someone they love.
Honeysuckle House is an exploration of sisterhood, family, and the places we call home perfect for readers who love the darker aspects of Weyward and the sister dynamics of The Crescent Moon Tearoom.
340 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2025
104 people are currently reading
12593 people want to read
About the author
Liz Parker
5 books386 followersLiz Parker is the author of WITCHES OF HONEYSUCKLE HOUSE, IN THE SHADOW GARDEN, THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS. An herbalist and a witch, Liz lives in Los Angeles and loves tarot, astrology, and talking to plants.
You can find Liz online at LizParkerWrites.com and on most social media platforms at @LizParkerWrites.
You can find Liz online at LizParkerWrites.com and on most social media platforms at @LizParkerWrites.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
December 29, 2025
Hi! I wrote this book! I hope you like it!!
September 30, 2025
Witches of Honeysuckle House is a story of generational trauma and healing, and the relationship between two different pairs of sisters. I loved Liz Parker’s earlier book, In The Shadow Garden, and was really looking forward to this one, but somehow this one just didn’t land as well for me, and I’m not sure exactly why. It’s got a lot of aspects that I generally enjoy: magical realism, contemporary witches, tarot cards, and more.
The book bounces between a few timelines, all within the Caldwell family: mainly 1960 and the current day. In 1960, we have orphaned sisters Violet and Regina, plus Violet’s love interest, Tillie. In 1960, this was a relationship they felt they needed to hide. Regina is very jealous of her sister’s new love and resorts to magic to mess things up. In the current day, we have sisters Florence and Evie, plus Evie’s seven-year-old daughter Clara. They are all connected by a family curse, one that kills someone they love every thirteen years, on October 13th, in their family home, the titular Honeysuckle House. The curse started in 1947, continued in 1960, 1973, and so forth. We meet Florence and the others in the days leading up to October 13th in 2025. Evie and Florence have tried to deal with the family curse in very different ways and they are mainly estranged, although they live in the same small Tennessee town.
Honeysuckle House itself was pretty cool - it’s sentient. It will turn on lights, brew a cup of tea, and more. I particularly enjoyed the short chapters told from the POV of the house. Evie runs it as a bed and breakfast. Florence runs a bookstore that pretty much follows the same spirit as Honeysuckle House, without the curse. Books fall from the shelves as suggested reading, for example. And there’s an adorable kitten.
The family story is fairly dark, with physical abuse and more. So this isn’t a cozy fantasy story. There are lengthy descriptions of candle making, crystals and rituals. I enjoyed the discussions of what the various tarot cards might mean, but I just never felt connected to any of the main characters. And with the (clearly labeled) timeline bouncing, I sometimes got mixed up which sisters I was reading about.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The book bounces between a few timelines, all within the Caldwell family: mainly 1960 and the current day. In 1960, we have orphaned sisters Violet and Regina, plus Violet’s love interest, Tillie. In 1960, this was a relationship they felt they needed to hide. Regina is very jealous of her sister’s new love and resorts to magic to mess things up. In the current day, we have sisters Florence and Evie, plus Evie’s seven-year-old daughter Clara. They are all connected by a family curse, one that kills someone they love every thirteen years, on October 13th, in their family home, the titular Honeysuckle House. The curse started in 1947, continued in 1960, 1973, and so forth. We meet Florence and the others in the days leading up to October 13th in 2025. Evie and Florence have tried to deal with the family curse in very different ways and they are mainly estranged, although they live in the same small Tennessee town.
Honeysuckle House itself was pretty cool - it’s sentient. It will turn on lights, brew a cup of tea, and more. I particularly enjoyed the short chapters told from the POV of the house. Evie runs it as a bed and breakfast. Florence runs a bookstore that pretty much follows the same spirit as Honeysuckle House, without the curse. Books fall from the shelves as suggested reading, for example. And there’s an adorable kitten.
The family story is fairly dark, with physical abuse and more. So this isn’t a cozy fantasy story. There are lengthy descriptions of candle making, crystals and rituals. I enjoyed the discussions of what the various tarot cards might mean, but I just never felt connected to any of the main characters. And with the (clearly labeled) timeline bouncing, I sometimes got mixed up which sisters I was reading about.
Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2025
I think marketing this book as a cozy fantasy might have been a mistake because I think this would be too dark for cozy fans and too high stakes. "Healing fiction" is a better category. That kept me reading since I often get bored with a very cozy story. But I was hoping for something more character-driven so this didn't work for me.
Examples of how dark this is: There are on-page descriptions of physical abuse between mother and daughter like pulling hair; emotional abuse; murders; cat endangerment but no cat death, etc etc etc.
This is the story of two sisters, Florence and Evie, Evie's daughter Clara, and the magic house they call home. But the family is cursed to see someone they love die every thirteen years. Abuse runs in the family, mainly from the late mother and grandmother of the girls. Lonely protector Florence runs a magical bookshop and Clara summons a black cat for her one day.
The family works to stop the curse, with some romance mixed in.
Things I loved: The character of Regina, the evil grandmother, and Honeysuckle House were probably the most interesting characters in this. The author is a witch, tarot card reader and herbalist, and her technical knowledge really shone through in the way candle dipping and tarot were woven into the story. The queer love stories were lovely. I also liked the mystery behind unraveling the curse. Last but not least, I loved the bookstore cat, Ink.
But ultimately I found the characters bland and hard to tell apart; they didn't have distinct personalities and interests so I found it hard to connect to them. I did find the sisters pretty apt with the closeness and tension of sisterhood. Clara also sounded very young in the chapters from her point of view. I wanted a little more time spent on character development and I probably would have found the story more interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Examples of how dark this is: There are on-page descriptions of physical abuse between mother and daughter like pulling hair; emotional abuse; murders; cat endangerment but no cat death, etc etc etc.
This is the story of two sisters, Florence and Evie, Evie's daughter Clara, and the magic house they call home. But the family is cursed to see someone they love die every thirteen years. Abuse runs in the family, mainly from the late mother and grandmother of the girls. Lonely protector Florence runs a magical bookshop and Clara summons a black cat for her one day.
The family works to stop the curse, with some romance mixed in.
Things I loved: The character of Regina, the evil grandmother, and Honeysuckle House were probably the most interesting characters in this. The author is a witch, tarot card reader and herbalist, and her technical knowledge really shone through in the way candle dipping and tarot were woven into the story. The queer love stories were lovely. I also liked the mystery behind unraveling the curse. Last but not least, I loved the bookstore cat, Ink.
But ultimately I found the characters bland and hard to tell apart; they didn't have distinct personalities and interests so I found it hard to connect to them. I did find the sisters pretty apt with the closeness and tension of sisterhood. Clara also sounded very young in the chapters from her point of view. I wanted a little more time spent on character development and I probably would have found the story more interesting.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 31, 2025
4.75 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: October for sure
The fact that this wasn’t released on October. 13th will forever be a missed opportunity.
Liz you’ve done it again.
I adored In The Shadow Garden. It was one of my favourite reads of the year when I read it. So the minute I saw this book announced I was beyond excited. It absolutely didn’t disappoint.
From the very first page and its magical opening sentences, this book brought the same sense of magic and wonder that Parker’s previous work did.
The house and bookstore were outstanding and the magic of the candles so unique and intriguing.
I loved the complex relationships of the sisters and while I often shy away from dual timelines I think in this case it was utilized to perfection.
Both sets of sisters brought interesting conversations and were fleshed out in excellent ways. In addiction, I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially how Clara was written. Children in novels can be touch and go but she was a great choice.
The interwoven plot lines played so effortlessly with each other as we received piece by piece of information regarding the curse and its mysteries. I loved this. It was my favourite part of the whole book.
I also really enjoyed the Practical Magic vibes that came from this.
While I adored almost everything this book brought I did have some small issues that stopped it from being a full five stars. But overall this was a beautifully written novel with complex discussions that should absolutely be on everyone’s to read list.
Liz Parker has officially joined by list of authors that I will always read.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: October for sure
The fact that this wasn’t released on October. 13th will forever be a missed opportunity.
Liz you’ve done it again.
I adored In The Shadow Garden. It was one of my favourite reads of the year when I read it. So the minute I saw this book announced I was beyond excited. It absolutely didn’t disappoint.
From the very first page and its magical opening sentences, this book brought the same sense of magic and wonder that Parker’s previous work did.
The house and bookstore were outstanding and the magic of the candles so unique and intriguing.
I loved the complex relationships of the sisters and while I often shy away from dual timelines I think in this case it was utilized to perfection.
Both sets of sisters brought interesting conversations and were fleshed out in excellent ways. In addiction, I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially how Clara was written. Children in novels can be touch and go but she was a great choice.
The interwoven plot lines played so effortlessly with each other as we received piece by piece of information regarding the curse and its mysteries. I loved this. It was my favourite part of the whole book.
I also really enjoyed the Practical Magic vibes that came from this.
While I adored almost everything this book brought I did have some small issues that stopped it from being a full five stars. But overall this was a beautifully written novel with complex discussions that should absolutely be on everyone’s to read list.
Liz Parker has officially joined by list of authors that I will always read.
July 31, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher, for this ARC!
God, I love stories about generations of witches living in a animated house, but you know what I love more? Bees, honey, candles, witches doing spell work with candles, curses and sad stories.
"Witches of Honeysuckle House" is a story about generations of women connected through trauma, and magic, and familial love. This story is so heart-wrenching if you take the time to analyze it properly, and yet it's so beautiful. I'm starting to read more and more about sisters united through generations and the more I read the more I fall in love with this trope.
This book also details heavy topics, like Child abuse and PTSD related to the CA, but I think the aftermath and the consequences is very well handled. The author managed to create realistic responses to said topics and they portrayed the characters suffering from it in a very human, very realistic way.
God, I love stories about generations of witches living in a animated house, but you know what I love more? Bees, honey, candles, witches doing spell work with candles, curses and sad stories.
"Witches of Honeysuckle House" is a story about generations of women connected through trauma, and magic, and familial love. This story is so heart-wrenching if you take the time to analyze it properly, and yet it's so beautiful. I'm starting to read more and more about sisters united through generations and the more I read the more I fall in love with this trope.
This book also details heavy topics, like Child abuse and PTSD related to the CA, but I think the aftermath and the consequences is very well handled. The author managed to create realistic responses to said topics and they portrayed the characters suffering from it in a very human, very realistic way.
November 1, 2025
A unique genre blending tale that is female centric, and while it can be dark in parts, it’s mostly empowering and definitely one that will keep you turning the pages past your bedtime.
Evie lives in Honeysuckle House, the generational home of the Caldwell family, with her 7 year old daughter Clara. Her sister Florence runs the family bookshop and lives in the upstairs apartment. They worry about their family curse that seemingly takes a life every 13 years to the day. It’s 4 days away, and they turn to their magic, tarot, and their magical house to avert imminent disaster.
This reads as a cozy mystery. I have a tendency to get a little lost in fantasy books, but I found The Witches of Honeysuckle House to be very readable. The time period goes back-and-forth from current events all the way back to the 1960s, back into the generations of the Caldwell family witches. They mostly use magic for good, but are also plagued by very human emotions…in particular, jealousy and insecurity. Relatable and fun, this has a great setting and plot. I enjoyed the characters. Not only is there a kid in it, there’s a cat in it as well.
Wonderful fantasy/mystery/generational healing story. High recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Evie lives in Honeysuckle House, the generational home of the Caldwell family, with her 7 year old daughter Clara. Her sister Florence runs the family bookshop and lives in the upstairs apartment. They worry about their family curse that seemingly takes a life every 13 years to the day. It’s 4 days away, and they turn to their magic, tarot, and their magical house to avert imminent disaster.
This reads as a cozy mystery. I have a tendency to get a little lost in fantasy books, but I found The Witches of Honeysuckle House to be very readable. The time period goes back-and-forth from current events all the way back to the 1960s, back into the generations of the Caldwell family witches. They mostly use magic for good, but are also plagued by very human emotions…in particular, jealousy and insecurity. Relatable and fun, this has a great setting and plot. I enjoyed the characters. Not only is there a kid in it, there’s a cat in it as well.
Wonderful fantasy/mystery/generational healing story. High recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
May 11, 2025
If I thought I love In the Shadow Garden, I'm not sure how to describe the fondness I have for the Witches of Honeysuckle House. To start I think this is a letter to complicated family relationships and that is something that I am unfortunately familiar with.
As a someone with a sister whom she loves dearly, I could see so much of myself in this. I could see the dynamic between Florence and Violet and it felt so familiar. I loved reading about their messy love for each other and how they both coped with a very toxic family environment. They kept their world small, but those they do let in- they love fiercely and I think that's so beautiful.
Following the mystery of the curse kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. I couldn't stop thinking about it and wondering how it started. It captured me right away, although I have learned that I can come to expect that from Liz Parker's writing.
I loved how the house was a sentient party and how much it loved the Caldwells'. I also loved how messy the characters were. The misguided rash decisions and reactions just felt so human. None of them were perfect and at times it felt like Florence, Violet and Violet's daughter Clara were working against each other. But they were trying their best and honestly it just felt so authentic.
This is story about a curse, but it's also a story about familial relationships, healing through trauma and most importantly hope. It was raw, emotional but also fun and magical. I would recommend it to literally everyone I come across, but especially sisters and elder siblings. It kinda feels like she wrote this book for us. I hope you love it as much as I do.
As a someone with a sister whom she loves dearly, I could see so much of myself in this. I could see the dynamic between Florence and Violet and it felt so familiar. I loved reading about their messy love for each other and how they both coped with a very toxic family environment. They kept their world small, but those they do let in- they love fiercely and I think that's so beautiful.
Following the mystery of the curse kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story. I couldn't stop thinking about it and wondering how it started. It captured me right away, although I have learned that I can come to expect that from Liz Parker's writing.
I loved how the house was a sentient party and how much it loved the Caldwells'. I also loved how messy the characters were. The misguided rash decisions and reactions just felt so human. None of them were perfect and at times it felt like Florence, Violet and Violet's daughter Clara were working against each other. But they were trying their best and honestly it just felt so authentic.
This is story about a curse, but it's also a story about familial relationships, healing through trauma and most importantly hope. It was raw, emotional but also fun and magical. I would recommend it to literally everyone I come across, but especially sisters and elder siblings. It kinda feels like she wrote this book for us. I hope you love it as much as I do.
June 22, 2025
A magical house, a deadly curse, and two estranged sisters who might just save each other. 🕯️✨
Florence and Evie Caldwell are estranged sisters with very different ideas about how to break their family’s generational curse—one that claims a life every thirteen years. Now the clock is ticking, the house is behaving dangerously, and the sisters must reunite to uncover long-buried secrets before someone else they love is lost.
I loved the blend of cosy magic, fraught family dynamics, and the creeping sense of magical mystery. 🔮🧙♀️✨
Fave characters: Ink (cute kitten) 🐈⬛ Clara (Evie's daughter) 🪄 & Honeysuckle House (the magical home that loves the family deeply) 🏠
There are even occasional chapters told from the house’s perspective, which added a poetic, bittersweet layer to the story. It’s rare to see a setting given its inner voice, and I loved it! 🏠
⚠️ Content notes: While the book feels warm and whimsical, there are a few darker threads to be aware of—on-page physical and emotional abuse (including a mother pulling her daughter’s hair), traumatic family dynamics, murder, and brief cat endangerment (don’t worry, the cat’s okay! 🐈). These moments aren’t the focus, but they’re present and may surprise those expecting a purely cosy fantasy.
Ultimately, this is a book about the magic of healing—between sisters, across generations, and within the walls of a house that remembers everything. Liz Parker delivers a quietly powerful story about inheritance—not just of magic, but of pain, grief, and the messy bonds of sisterhood. 3.5 ⭐️
Florence and Evie Caldwell are estranged sisters with very different ideas about how to break their family’s generational curse—one that claims a life every thirteen years. Now the clock is ticking, the house is behaving dangerously, and the sisters must reunite to uncover long-buried secrets before someone else they love is lost.
I loved the blend of cosy magic, fraught family dynamics, and the creeping sense of magical mystery. 🔮🧙♀️✨
Fave characters: Ink (cute kitten) 🐈⬛ Clara (Evie's daughter) 🪄 & Honeysuckle House (the magical home that loves the family deeply) 🏠
There are even occasional chapters told from the house’s perspective, which added a poetic, bittersweet layer to the story. It’s rare to see a setting given its inner voice, and I loved it! 🏠
⚠️ Content notes: While the book feels warm and whimsical, there are a few darker threads to be aware of—on-page physical and emotional abuse (including a mother pulling her daughter’s hair), traumatic family dynamics, murder, and brief cat endangerment (don’t worry, the cat’s okay! 🐈). These moments aren’t the focus, but they’re present and may surprise those expecting a purely cosy fantasy.
Ultimately, this is a book about the magic of healing—between sisters, across generations, and within the walls of a house that remembers everything. Liz Parker delivers a quietly powerful story about inheritance—not just of magic, but of pain, grief, and the messy bonds of sisterhood. 3.5 ⭐️
June 14, 2025
The Witches of Honeysuckle House is a beautifully atmospheric story about magic, a curse and the ties that bind us, both seen and unseen. Liz Parker weaves a story that’s haunting, magical and emotional. It’s set in a small town pulsing with secrets. It follows a woman who returns to Honeysuckle House after many years away, only to discover that her families past and her own powers are far more complicated than she ever imagined. I loved how the house had a mind of its own and the mystery of the curse kept me on the edge of my seat. This is a story about a curse, familial relationships, trauma and hope. This book is perfect for fans of haunting family legacies, magical realism, witches and women reclaiming their power. I really enjoyed reading this book!
October 28, 2025
Recommend-O-Meter: It made me cry, but in the BEST way
Look, I came into this expecting a witchy sister story. And I got that, but hoo boy did I also get way more than I expected.
The story follows a multigenerational set of witches in one family, separated by decades and death but bound together by their magic, as well as the Honeysuckle House in which they reside. And speaking of the house: it’s alive. As in, it has a life of its own and acts independently thanks to the magic that brought it to life (which by the way, reminds me of the film Monster House). And I LOVED that about it, the way the house’s emotions were explored through things like moving floorboards and flickering lamps. It made the scenes so vivid, and I was sucked in.
But the witches themselves are the stars of the story, specifically in how they function as vessels for Parker’s thematic storytelling. Through an interweaving of the present and the near past and the faraway past, the author embarks on a deep exploration of generational trauma through the lens of magic. And oh, did it hurt to read. It hurt like a bitch, because I felt the pain so viscerally. And yeah, as I said, I totally teared up here.
So anyway. Please read it. It’s got family issues and magic and lots of WLW, which is all a book really needs in my opinion.
[I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]
Look, I came into this expecting a witchy sister story. And I got that, but hoo boy did I also get way more than I expected.
The story follows a multigenerational set of witches in one family, separated by decades and death but bound together by their magic, as well as the Honeysuckle House in which they reside. And speaking of the house: it’s alive. As in, it has a life of its own and acts independently thanks to the magic that brought it to life (which by the way, reminds me of the film Monster House). And I LOVED that about it, the way the house’s emotions were explored through things like moving floorboards and flickering lamps. It made the scenes so vivid, and I was sucked in.
But the witches themselves are the stars of the story, specifically in how they function as vessels for Parker’s thematic storytelling. Through an interweaving of the present and the near past and the faraway past, the author embarks on a deep exploration of generational trauma through the lens of magic. And oh, did it hurt to read. It hurt like a bitch, because I felt the pain so viscerally. And yeah, as I said, I totally teared up here.
So anyway. Please read it. It’s got family issues and magic and lots of WLW, which is all a book really needs in my opinion.
[I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]
October 18, 2025
What a wonderful read for this time of year!
it was like stepping into Practical Magic only this time, the house itself breathes, listens, and remembers.(and so so much more) its resonance extends far beyond that movie or this season in general. Yes it's a wonderful sub urban magical realism story but also a profoundly human one about sisterhood, trauma, and the quiet inheritance of pain passed down through generations, and alm was done with so much warmth and authenticity.
What I loved most is how generational trauma is sort of translated into something tangible and otherworldly through magic. The use of urban fantasy as a vessel for emotional truth makes the story accessible without diluting its weight. It’s the kind of book that seduces you with spells, secrets, and a touch of mystery..etc but leaves you reflecting on your own life long after you’ve closed it. You don’t even have to analyze it to feel it those heavier themes simply live in you as you read.
The relationship between the sisters is rendered with startling authenticity, capturing both tenderness and tension in a way that feels deeply lived-in without being too heavy irritating too overbearing because Alongside this emotional core, the mystery thread unfolds with satisfying precision, weaving together elements of fantasy, magical realism, and urban intrigue.
I loved the portrayal of magic itself ad well, it’s fantastical, yes, but grounded enough to feel real
I honestly have no major complaints. The novel achieves a rare balance: it’s immersive, emotionally intelligent, and beautifully written. A luminous blend of the mystical and the psychological.
it was like stepping into Practical Magic only this time, the house itself breathes, listens, and remembers.(and so so much more) its resonance extends far beyond that movie or this season in general. Yes it's a wonderful sub urban magical realism story but also a profoundly human one about sisterhood, trauma, and the quiet inheritance of pain passed down through generations, and alm was done with so much warmth and authenticity.
What I loved most is how generational trauma is sort of translated into something tangible and otherworldly through magic. The use of urban fantasy as a vessel for emotional truth makes the story accessible without diluting its weight. It’s the kind of book that seduces you with spells, secrets, and a touch of mystery..etc but leaves you reflecting on your own life long after you’ve closed it. You don’t even have to analyze it to feel it those heavier themes simply live in you as you read.
The relationship between the sisters is rendered with startling authenticity, capturing both tenderness and tension in a way that feels deeply lived-in without being too heavy irritating too overbearing because Alongside this emotional core, the mystery thread unfolds with satisfying precision, weaving together elements of fantasy, magical realism, and urban intrigue.
I loved the portrayal of magic itself ad well, it’s fantastical, yes, but grounded enough to feel real
I honestly have no major complaints. The novel achieves a rare balance: it’s immersive, emotionally intelligent, and beautifully written. A luminous blend of the mystical and the psychological.
Read
October 18, 2025I was expecting a lighthearted witchy read - which is what I was looking for - and this definitely was not that. This was a story about intergenerational trauma in a family of witches.
The dual timelines and different generations of witches had me a bit confused at times. I couldn’t really get into this one and ended up skimming parts of it.
This wasn’t the right book for me at this time but other reviewers have enjoyed it.
The dual timelines and different generations of witches had me a bit confused at times. I couldn’t really get into this one and ended up skimming parts of it.
This wasn’t the right book for me at this time but other reviewers have enjoyed it.
April 29, 2025
After reading and loving In the Shadow Garden, it seems like I've been waiting forever for another Liz Parker book. So, you can imagine my delight when this new novel became available for request. And it did not disappoint! Witches of Honeysuckle House is an emotionally captivating tale with the perfect blend of magic, mystery, and romance. A story that follows two sisters on their journey through generations of trauma while they attempt to break the curse that comes back to threaten their family every thirteen years. Witchy magic, tarot, an enchanted house, a magical bookshop...even a conjured kitten. This book had it all! The storyline was quite interesting and suspenseful. Not knowing what was going to happen as well as what happened in the past was a mystery that I dreaded, and it slowly unraveled with the passing of each page. I grew to love these characters and did not want to see any of them come to harm. Especially the house! I absolutely adored the house and loved that it was a character with its own POV. I also liked that the author used journal entries to tell the story of the past. One of which even had my name. So cool! I really enjoyed this book. It was a beautiful tale filled with hope, love, and the power of magic. There was even a little twist thrown in that I didn't expect. If you're a fan of magical mysteries, this book is for you! I highly recommend!
Thank you to Alcove Press for granting me digital access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Alcove Press for granting me digital access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
August 12, 2025
Oof. This one was a good one, albeit a bit intense at times. Now, don’t let that discourage you!! I’m just saying, if you’ve got some mommy issues.. they may or may not pop up! Haha
Despite that being true, I absolutely adored this book. The ambiance is amazing and I really loved the way the author touched on some subjects while also creating a cosy atmosphere? So again, no need to worry thaat much on content because it all works out in the end.
Despite that being true, I absolutely adored this book. The ambiance is amazing and I really loved the way the author touched on some subjects while also creating a cosy atmosphere? So again, no need to worry thaat much on content because it all works out in the end.
October 20, 2025
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
The Caldwell family is cursed, to have a family member or someone they love die at their family home, Honeysuckle House, on October 13 every 13 years. That dreaded date is coming up, and the house starts behaving dangerously and catches fire, which forces sisters Florence & Evie to set aside their differences and try to work together to break the curse before someone else they love dies.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It reminded me a lot of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, or the Crescent Moon Tea Room series by Stacy Sivinski. Ever since their mother died thirteen years ago, Florence has refused to set foot inside Honeysuckle House. She runs a magical bookstore in town, and Evie runs an enchanted bed-and-breakfast out of the house. I loved the way the house responded to questions, and made it's feelings known. That definitely reminded me of the Crescent Moon Tea Room. This fun witchy story is perfect for this Halloween season, and is sure to delight. I highly recommend it.
The Caldwell family is cursed, to have a family member or someone they love die at their family home, Honeysuckle House, on October 13 every 13 years. That dreaded date is coming up, and the house starts behaving dangerously and catches fire, which forces sisters Florence & Evie to set aside their differences and try to work together to break the curse before someone else they love dies.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. It reminded me a lot of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, or the Crescent Moon Tea Room series by Stacy Sivinski. Ever since their mother died thirteen years ago, Florence has refused to set foot inside Honeysuckle House. She runs a magical bookstore in town, and Evie runs an enchanted bed-and-breakfast out of the house. I loved the way the house responded to questions, and made it's feelings known. That definitely reminded me of the Crescent Moon Tea Room. This fun witchy story is perfect for this Halloween season, and is sure to delight. I highly recommend it.
September 19, 2025
I just loved this so much
This story was full of cozy fall vibes, unique magic, mystery, trauma healing, and love (familial and romantic). I was really enjoying the vibes alone at the beginning of the book but once we got into the mystery of the curse and Honeysuckle House, I was fully invested and couldn’t put it down. I love how it used each character’s perspective (including the house’s) and we went back and forth in time until things pieced together.
You know how we all wanted to live in the house from Smart House as kids? Well, at the beginning of the movie at least. Honeysuckle House is my adult version of that. I want nothing more than to live in this enchanted house that loves me and made me tea and is happy to see me at all times. I probably could’ve read a whole book about how much the house loved whatever Caldwells were living it in and all the things it did to help them or make them happy. Those parts of the book made me so happy!!
Thank you Alcove Press for sending me a review copy!
This story was full of cozy fall vibes, unique magic, mystery, trauma healing, and love (familial and romantic). I was really enjoying the vibes alone at the beginning of the book but once we got into the mystery of the curse and Honeysuckle House, I was fully invested and couldn’t put it down. I love how it used each character’s perspective (including the house’s) and we went back and forth in time until things pieced together.
You know how we all wanted to live in the house from Smart House as kids? Well, at the beginning of the movie at least. Honeysuckle House is my adult version of that. I want nothing more than to live in this enchanted house that loves me and made me tea and is happy to see me at all times. I probably could’ve read a whole book about how much the house loved whatever Caldwells were living it in and all the things it did to help them or make them happy. Those parts of the book made me so happy!!
Thank you Alcove Press for sending me a review copy!
October 14, 2025
Ok—I live in a house in the woods. I built it—or at least I told the builders how to build it (whether they liked it or not) and I’ve lived in it for over 20 years. I can absolutely guarantee that this house is alive. It’s tried to kill me a couple of times—all in good fun—and it’s even more frequently saved my life. We have a complicated relationship.
Modern Day and various crucial times in the history of the family. Small town America.
In The Witches of Honeysuckle House, the house is not only sentient and a big part of the family, but it has been keeping secrets for decades. Some of those secrets involve the curse that kills off a witch or someone in the household every thirteen years. And, of course, our story opens mere weeks before the curse is due to take another victim.
The House was there when the curse began. What does it know that the Caldwell sisters do not?
The story flashes back to important points in the house’s history and then returns to the present as the current Caldwell witches try to find a way to end the curse once and for all. Everything comes together nicely in the end. A little romance, a budding witchlet, feuding sisters, and a couple of very nasty witches who caused a lot of trouble.
The Witches of Honeysuckle House will be released on October 21 and is a fantastic read for this time of year. I scored a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Once Upon a Card—a Little Bibliomancy with Tarot
🌩️🌸 Tarot Pairing: The Tower + Six of Cups 🌸🌩️
The Witches of Honeysuckle House balances the chaos of The Tower with the nostalgia-soaked sweetness of the Six of Cups. The Tower looms in the cursed, sentient house that lashes out in fire and danger, threatening to destroy all who live under its roof. But the Six of Cups whispers of sisterhood, memory, and the ties of family—those same bonds that might hold the key to breaking the curse. Together, these cards embody the novel’s gothic heart: a tale of destruction and legacy, where the past must be faced before a future can be built.
🌩️🌸 Like The Tower and the Six of Cups, this story is a storm of curses and secrets softened by sisterhood and memory.
🏚️✨ Haunted by The Tower’s chaos and healed by the Six of Cups’ nostalgia, Honeysuckle House is a gothic tale of family, legacy, and magic.
Modern Day and various crucial times in the history of the family. Small town America.
In The Witches of Honeysuckle House, the house is not only sentient and a big part of the family, but it has been keeping secrets for decades. Some of those secrets involve the curse that kills off a witch or someone in the household every thirteen years. And, of course, our story opens mere weeks before the curse is due to take another victim.
The House was there when the curse began. What does it know that the Caldwell sisters do not?
The story flashes back to important points in the house’s history and then returns to the present as the current Caldwell witches try to find a way to end the curse once and for all. Everything comes together nicely in the end. A little romance, a budding witchlet, feuding sisters, and a couple of very nasty witches who caused a lot of trouble.
The Witches of Honeysuckle House will be released on October 21 and is a fantastic read for this time of year. I scored a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Once Upon a Card—a Little Bibliomancy with Tarot
🌩️🌸 Tarot Pairing: The Tower + Six of Cups 🌸🌩️
The Witches of Honeysuckle House balances the chaos of The Tower with the nostalgia-soaked sweetness of the Six of Cups. The Tower looms in the cursed, sentient house that lashes out in fire and danger, threatening to destroy all who live under its roof. But the Six of Cups whispers of sisterhood, memory, and the ties of family—those same bonds that might hold the key to breaking the curse. Together, these cards embody the novel’s gothic heart: a tale of destruction and legacy, where the past must be faced before a future can be built.
🌩️🌸 Like The Tower and the Six of Cups, this story is a storm of curses and secrets softened by sisterhood and memory.
🏚️✨ Haunted by The Tower’s chaos and healed by the Six of Cups’ nostalgia, Honeysuckle House is a gothic tale of family, legacy, and magic.
October 17, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and was pleased with the narrator. The voice was soothing and easy to understand. I did not like the way the narrator portrayed the male character. I thought that was poorly done but not so much that I stopped listening or couldn't follow the story.
Witches of Honeysuckle House follows two sisters that are plagued with a family curse that claims a life every thirteen years. Bound by blood and bewitched by fate, sisters Florence and Evie Caldwell live under the shadow of a family curse—one that claims a loved one every thirteen years. Their once-close bond has unraveled since their mother’s mysterious death, leaving Florence to retreat into her spellbound bookstore in town, while Evie remains at Honeysuckle House, the ancestral estate pulsing with enchantment, now transformed into a whimsical bed and breakfast.
But the house is more than just charming—it’s alive. As strange phenomena begin to stir and the estate’s magic turns volatile, the sisters are forced to reunite. A devastating fire ignites a journey into their family's arcane past, revealing secrets woven into the very fabric of the town. Together, Florence and Evie must navigate a labyrinth of spells, spirits, and ancestral lore to break the curse before it strikes again.
With its lush magical realism, the novel conjures a tale of sisterhood, reconciliation, and the haunting legacy of generational trauma—where every room holds a secret, and every spell carries a cost.
This book comes out 10/21/25. Thank you NetGalley for the audio ARC!
Witches of Honeysuckle House follows two sisters that are plagued with a family curse that claims a life every thirteen years. Bound by blood and bewitched by fate, sisters Florence and Evie Caldwell live under the shadow of a family curse—one that claims a loved one every thirteen years. Their once-close bond has unraveled since their mother’s mysterious death, leaving Florence to retreat into her spellbound bookstore in town, while Evie remains at Honeysuckle House, the ancestral estate pulsing with enchantment, now transformed into a whimsical bed and breakfast.
But the house is more than just charming—it’s alive. As strange phenomena begin to stir and the estate’s magic turns volatile, the sisters are forced to reunite. A devastating fire ignites a journey into their family's arcane past, revealing secrets woven into the very fabric of the town. Together, Florence and Evie must navigate a labyrinth of spells, spirits, and ancestral lore to break the curse before it strikes again.
With its lush magical realism, the novel conjures a tale of sisterhood, reconciliation, and the haunting legacy of generational trauma—where every room holds a secret, and every spell carries a cost.
This book comes out 10/21/25. Thank you NetGalley for the audio ARC!
November 8, 2025
Spent the last hour sobbing over a sentient house. This is like the pain of sending off Going Merry all over again, its just so heartbreaking. This was an unexpectedly intense book on intergenerational grief and trauma, and it was really well done.
I have no idea where I got the idea that this was a cozy read because it really wasnt. Thats on me. It eventually makes it to a happy ending, but I didn't have any warm, peaceful feelings for the majority of it. This was inevitable, knowing that some of the characters I was growing attached to have died brutal, cursed deaths already.
Its a pretty dark book in a way, but its a really well-written and intriguing story.
I have no idea where I got the idea that this was a cozy read because it really wasnt. Thats on me. It eventually makes it to a happy ending, but I didn't have any warm, peaceful feelings for the majority of it. This was inevitable, knowing that some of the characters I was growing attached to have died brutal, cursed deaths already.
Its a pretty dark book in a way, but its a really well-written and intriguing story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Loved this book
I give this book a 5 star cause the story was well written, I recommend this book to all book lovets
I give this book a 5 star cause the story was well written, I recommend this book to all book lovets
October 30, 2025
The Witches of Honeysuckle House was everything I want in a book. It was cozy but not twee. The family trauma and curse were the prefect backdrop to the current day relationships developing. Plus generations of complicated sister dynamics. Tarot! A magical book shop! A conjured cat! I absolutely loved it.
October 4, 2025
Find the full review with representation information and trigger warnings on my blog.
Due to a curse that kills someone in or close to her family every 13 years, Florence has moved out of her childhood home and is no longer using her inherited magic. She's closed her heart off to everyone, even though she is finding herself falling for a new man in town, Owen. Evie, her younger sister, has taken a different attitude towards breaking the curse, believing that if she and her daughter Clara use their magic to help the town she can break the curse. Told in alternating points of view throughout the years of the curse and between Florence, Evie, Clara, the house and the two original Caldwell sisters, Regina and Violet, Witches of Honeysuckle House gently guides the readers through a story of discovering harsh family truths and healing from them.
I usually don't read books with this many different character POVs, but Witches of Honeysuckle House did the multiple POVs very well. It was so interesting to read from the POV of the house as well as the characters, since there aren't a lot of books with sentient houses as POV characters. The novel is a surprising mix of soft and vaguely horrific themes, which I enjoyed quite a bit as someone who still enjoys Emily Rodda's Deltora Quest books. The character of the summoned cat, Ink, added some coziness to the story, although if you are sensitive to pets being placed in danger I would advise against reading this novel due to the nature of the plot.
This novel did a really good job of tackling intergenerational trauma as well, as the two sisters who were the first Caldwell sisters inherited trauma from their parents dying when they were young and passed it down due to their inability to properly cope with the situation. Florence was a thoughtful portrayal of complex PTSD, and it was cool that we got representation of a bisexual male character in the form of Owen, her love interest. The book isn't majorly a romance, although it does have several romantic arcs (one of them tragic).
I agree with some other readers that Clara seemed on the younger side, but honestly if we're presuming that she spent several of her formative years isolated due to the COVID pandemic (since she was born in 2018), that makes sense. She would unfortunately resemble a lot of seven-year-olds these days in terms of her reading ability and emotional maturity. She might even be more mature than some of them.
Overall, a wonderful novel and I look forward to reading more from Liz Parker.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press and Liz Parker for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Due to a curse that kills someone in or close to her family every 13 years, Florence has moved out of her childhood home and is no longer using her inherited magic. She's closed her heart off to everyone, even though she is finding herself falling for a new man in town, Owen. Evie, her younger sister, has taken a different attitude towards breaking the curse, believing that if she and her daughter Clara use their magic to help the town she can break the curse. Told in alternating points of view throughout the years of the curse and between Florence, Evie, Clara, the house and the two original Caldwell sisters, Regina and Violet, Witches of Honeysuckle House gently guides the readers through a story of discovering harsh family truths and healing from them.
I usually don't read books with this many different character POVs, but Witches of Honeysuckle House did the multiple POVs very well. It was so interesting to read from the POV of the house as well as the characters, since there aren't a lot of books with sentient houses as POV characters. The novel is a surprising mix of soft and vaguely horrific themes, which I enjoyed quite a bit as someone who still enjoys Emily Rodda's Deltora Quest books. The character of the summoned cat, Ink, added some coziness to the story, although if you are sensitive to pets being placed in danger I would advise against reading this novel due to the nature of the plot.
This novel did a really good job of tackling intergenerational trauma as well, as the two sisters who were the first Caldwell sisters inherited trauma from their parents dying when they were young and passed it down due to their inability to properly cope with the situation. Florence was a thoughtful portrayal of complex PTSD, and it was cool that we got representation of a bisexual male character in the form of Owen, her love interest. The book isn't majorly a romance, although it does have several romantic arcs (one of them tragic).
I agree with some other readers that Clara seemed on the younger side, but honestly if we're presuming that she spent several of her formative years isolated due to the COVID pandemic (since she was born in 2018), that makes sense. She would unfortunately resemble a lot of seven-year-olds these days in terms of her reading ability and emotional maturity. She might even be more mature than some of them.
Overall, a wonderful novel and I look forward to reading more from Liz Parker.
Thank you to Netgalley, Alcove Press and Liz Parker for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 17, 2025
Synopsis:
Florence and Evie Caldwell have always known two things: Honeysuckle House is undeniably magical, and their family is undeniably cursed. Every thirteen years, on October 13th, someone in the family (or someone close to it) dies. With the cursed date looming once again, the sisters find themselves at odds. Evie is determined to break the curse once and for all, while Florence refuses to even set foot in the house or tap into her magic.
My Thoughts:
If Liz Parker writes it, I’m reading it. 😏 And this one? Absolutely haunting in the best way.
This story masterfully explores generational trauma through a rich, witchy lens. (Don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It’s raw, beautiful, and grounding.)
It had everything I love in a fall, witchy read: family magic, conjured kitten, a magical curse and a deeply compelling mystery that kept me flipping pages, trying to piece things together alongside the sisters.
One of my favorite elements was how each chapter opened with a tarot card and its meaning. It was a touch that made the book feel both mystical and intentional. Liz’s tarot knowledge added so much depth and atmosphere to the structure.
The house-as-a-character trope absolutely shined here. It was eerie, enchanting, and unforgettable. The mystery of the curse had me flipping pages as I was trying to piece it together along with the sisters.
Trigger warnings: While this book reads magical, it doesn’t shy away from darkness. It deals with tough topics like physical and emotional abuse and animal endangerment (the cat is okay, but it’s tense!). These elements added real emotional weight and made the ending that much more powerful.
Truly a magical must read for your fall reading!
What You’ll Find:
🧬 Generational trauma
🏚️ Sentient house
📚 Magical bookstore
👯♀️ Sisters
🧙♀️Queer witches
⏳ Multiple POV and timelines
🪄 Family magic
🐱 Conjured kitten
Florence and Evie Caldwell have always known two things: Honeysuckle House is undeniably magical, and their family is undeniably cursed. Every thirteen years, on October 13th, someone in the family (or someone close to it) dies. With the cursed date looming once again, the sisters find themselves at odds. Evie is determined to break the curse once and for all, while Florence refuses to even set foot in the house or tap into her magic.
My Thoughts:
If Liz Parker writes it, I’m reading it. 😏 And this one? Absolutely haunting in the best way.
This story masterfully explores generational trauma through a rich, witchy lens. (Don’t skip the author’s note at the end. It’s raw, beautiful, and grounding.)
It had everything I love in a fall, witchy read: family magic, conjured kitten, a magical curse and a deeply compelling mystery that kept me flipping pages, trying to piece things together alongside the sisters.
One of my favorite elements was how each chapter opened with a tarot card and its meaning. It was a touch that made the book feel both mystical and intentional. Liz’s tarot knowledge added so much depth and atmosphere to the structure.
The house-as-a-character trope absolutely shined here. It was eerie, enchanting, and unforgettable. The mystery of the curse had me flipping pages as I was trying to piece it together along with the sisters.
Trigger warnings: While this book reads magical, it doesn’t shy away from darkness. It deals with tough topics like physical and emotional abuse and animal endangerment (the cat is okay, but it’s tense!). These elements added real emotional weight and made the ending that much more powerful.
Truly a magical must read for your fall reading!
What You’ll Find:
🧬 Generational trauma
🏚️ Sentient house
📚 Magical bookstore
👯♀️ Sisters
🧙♀️Queer witches
⏳ Multiple POV and timelines
🪄 Family magic
🐱 Conjured kitten
May 9, 2025
I never expected to go on the emotional journey I did when I picked up this ARC. It was so beautiful and emotional and bittersweet.
Witches of Honeysuckle House is a story of love, family, generational trauma, and creating a new beginning from a tragic childhood. It goes over multiple timelines but the way it’s presented is easy to follow.
I was so drawn in to this book I could not put it down. Liz Parker had me crying over a fictional house! Throughout the entire story you not only have the Caldwell witches as protagonists but also this house they live in. I love the lore of a witches home coming to life, having its own special magic. You got to really see this come through in the story. I loved it so much.
There is so much LGBTQ representation throughout the whole book it makes my bisexual heart so happy. These are the types of stories young people need when they’re growing up and questioning who they are. Once’s that show that this is normal and okay. That someone’s sexuality doesn’t need to be a big song and dance when there is a “come out”. That people can acknowledge it and continue on, because that person is still them no matter who they’re attracted to or love. Liz Parker put this to life in this book, and when I read it I felt so seen and understood.
Witches of Honeysuckle House is a story of love, family, generational trauma, and creating a new beginning from a tragic childhood. It goes over multiple timelines but the way it’s presented is easy to follow.
I was so drawn in to this book I could not put it down. Liz Parker had me crying over a fictional house! Throughout the entire story you not only have the Caldwell witches as protagonists but also this house they live in. I love the lore of a witches home coming to life, having its own special magic. You got to really see this come through in the story. I loved it so much.
There is so much LGBTQ representation throughout the whole book it makes my bisexual heart so happy. These are the types of stories young people need when they’re growing up and questioning who they are. Once’s that show that this is normal and okay. That someone’s sexuality doesn’t need to be a big song and dance when there is a “come out”. That people can acknowledge it and continue on, because that person is still them no matter who they’re attracted to or love. Liz Parker put this to life in this book, and when I read it I felt so seen and understood.
September 2, 2025
This book took me awhile to get into but I’m so glad I stuck with it because it is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. It discusses to complex relationships between sisters and mother/daughter. It has some heavy subjects but also incorporates fun magical elements that I really enjoyed. For me it picked up pace about 30% in and I could not put it down after that.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2025
In Witches of Honeysuckle House by Liz Parker, two estranged sisters must confront a generations-old family curse that has haunted the women in their bloodline for decades. The story intertwines family, generational trauma, and just the right touch of cozy, witchy magic. As Florence and Evie Caldwell are forced to face both the literal and emotional fires tied to their ancestral home, the sisters must uncover their family’s past and reconcile their differences before the curse claims someone they love.
The cover of Witches of Honeysuckle House is absolutely stunning, but it was the premise, a magical home, a family curse, and the exploration of sisterhood, that made me pick up the book. It not only met my expectations but surpassed them. Liz Parker’s writing immediately pulled me into the story; it’s one of those books I couldn’t wait to return to every time I had a spare moment. From the first few chapters, I was completely intrigued by both the present-day story of sisters Florence and Evie and the unraveling of their predecessors, Violet and Regina, whose choices in the 1960s reveal how the curse began.
As sisters, Florence and Evie perfectly embody what trauma can do to a relationship. They deeply love each other, having once shielded themselves from their mother’s cruelty, but the curse, and the legacy of Honeysuckle House itself, becomes a source of division. At times, I felt Evie struggled to empathize with why Florence couldn’t return to the house, a place tied to her panic-inducing memories and pain. Yet Florence, in turn, wasn’t giving Evie enough validation. Evie’s determination to prove she could handle things on her own felt like her way of reclaiming control, of showing Florence she no longer needed protecting. It’s heartbreaking but so realistic, two sisters wanting the same thing (to heal) but speaking different emotional languages.
There’s also Clara, Evie’s daughter, who’s desperately trying to bring her mother and aunt back together and save Honeysuckle House. I would say the start of the sisters’ healing truly begins with Clara, her persistence and hope bridge the emotional distance between Florence and Evie in a way that feels organic and deeply moving. I also loved how the house itself seemed to have a presence, almost like another member of the family. It’s clear that Honeysuckle House loved and wanted to protect its inhabitants, but the curse that bound it often overpowered those good intentions. That perspective tied everything together beautifully, showing that love, even when broken or buried, still lingers in the walls we build.
I loved how Liz Parker blended emotional storytelling with touches of magic. The atmosphere feels both haunting and comforting, like coming home to something you didn’t realize you missed. Witches of Honeysuckle House is a beautiful tale about sisterhood, forgiveness, and finding strength in love’s most complicated forms.
Thanks to Books Forward PR and Liz Parker for the opportunity to review the arc of this magical book.
The cover of Witches of Honeysuckle House is absolutely stunning, but it was the premise, a magical home, a family curse, and the exploration of sisterhood, that made me pick up the book. It not only met my expectations but surpassed them. Liz Parker’s writing immediately pulled me into the story; it’s one of those books I couldn’t wait to return to every time I had a spare moment. From the first few chapters, I was completely intrigued by both the present-day story of sisters Florence and Evie and the unraveling of their predecessors, Violet and Regina, whose choices in the 1960s reveal how the curse began.
As sisters, Florence and Evie perfectly embody what trauma can do to a relationship. They deeply love each other, having once shielded themselves from their mother’s cruelty, but the curse, and the legacy of Honeysuckle House itself, becomes a source of division. At times, I felt Evie struggled to empathize with why Florence couldn’t return to the house, a place tied to her panic-inducing memories and pain. Yet Florence, in turn, wasn’t giving Evie enough validation. Evie’s determination to prove she could handle things on her own felt like her way of reclaiming control, of showing Florence she no longer needed protecting. It’s heartbreaking but so realistic, two sisters wanting the same thing (to heal) but speaking different emotional languages.
There’s also Clara, Evie’s daughter, who’s desperately trying to bring her mother and aunt back together and save Honeysuckle House. I would say the start of the sisters’ healing truly begins with Clara, her persistence and hope bridge the emotional distance between Florence and Evie in a way that feels organic and deeply moving. I also loved how the house itself seemed to have a presence, almost like another member of the family. It’s clear that Honeysuckle House loved and wanted to protect its inhabitants, but the curse that bound it often overpowered those good intentions. That perspective tied everything together beautifully, showing that love, even when broken or buried, still lingers in the walls we build.
I loved how Liz Parker blended emotional storytelling with touches of magic. The atmosphere feels both haunting and comforting, like coming home to something you didn’t realize you missed. Witches of Honeysuckle House is a beautiful tale about sisterhood, forgiveness, and finding strength in love’s most complicated forms.
Thanks to Books Forward PR and Liz Parker for the opportunity to review the arc of this magical book.
October 18, 2025
It is a story about strong witches, sisterhood, healing, and a curse.
The Caldwell family has a curse. It all started with the earliest Caldwell sisters. Every 13 years, someone they love dies. Current day sisters Florence and Evie are estranged. Though they live relatively close. Evie runs a B & B in their haunted family home, and Florence runs a bookshop. There is a lot of healing that needs to happen in this story. There is abuse and generational trauma. There is magic of course of different POVs.
I adored the sentient and sometimes bratty home. The accurate description of tarot cards, magic rituals, and crystals was much appreciated. The magical bookshop that randomly chooses books for its customers was a delight. The queer representation was also nice. The author is very knowledgeable in spiritual magic, and it shows throughout the book. This is not a cozy, witchy book but more of a healing book throughout time and how one must end those types of family curses.
Thank you, Netgalley and Alcove Press, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
The Caldwell family has a curse. It all started with the earliest Caldwell sisters. Every 13 years, someone they love dies. Current day sisters Florence and Evie are estranged. Though they live relatively close. Evie runs a B & B in their haunted family home, and Florence runs a bookshop. There is a lot of healing that needs to happen in this story. There is abuse and generational trauma. There is magic of course of different POVs.
I adored the sentient and sometimes bratty home. The accurate description of tarot cards, magic rituals, and crystals was much appreciated. The magical bookshop that randomly chooses books for its customers was a delight. The queer representation was also nice. The author is very knowledgeable in spiritual magic, and it shows throughout the book. This is not a cozy, witchy book but more of a healing book throughout time and how one must end those types of family curses.
Thank you, Netgalley and Alcove Press, for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 19, 2025
I recieved an ARC of Witches of Honeysuckle House from Books Forward. Thank you so much to Books Forward and Liz Parker for giving me a chance to read this book before release!
Though this book certainly sounds like a cozy read, don't let it completely fool you! There are cozy elements, I'm talking a magical house, a magical bookstore, delicious sounding drinks and foods, and a cute kitty. However, this book has high stakes and it leaves you guessing until the end. I was really engaged with this book and was so curious how things would pan out. I loved all of the characters, the setting, and the magic. The way the more serious themes were explored were done splendidly. When a book has multiple POVs and different time periods, I always get a little worried about how it will be written and if things will get too convoluted. Though there were times I had to reread to fully understand the situation, I think Liz wrote it well. This was the perfect read for October and this is definitely the type of book that I think I could recommend to just about everyone!
Though this book certainly sounds like a cozy read, don't let it completely fool you! There are cozy elements, I'm talking a magical house, a magical bookstore, delicious sounding drinks and foods, and a cute kitty. However, this book has high stakes and it leaves you guessing until the end. I was really engaged with this book and was so curious how things would pan out. I loved all of the characters, the setting, and the magic. The way the more serious themes were explored were done splendidly. When a book has multiple POVs and different time periods, I always get a little worried about how it will be written and if things will get too convoluted. Though there were times I had to reread to fully understand the situation, I think Liz wrote it well. This was the perfect read for October and this is definitely the type of book that I think I could recommend to just about everyone!
November 21, 2025
"We can't always fix the things other people break. All we can do is find a way to live with the pieces that are left behind."
I couldn't put this book down; every time I got a chance to read it, I was immediately sucked in. I almost missed an appointment because I was reading it this morning. It was that good. I am someone who has spent my motherhood breaking generational curses, and this book really spoke to me. This was so well-written and truly showed how hard it can be to break what has been ingrained generationally. Each child's experience is different, too, despite growing up in the same house. I am the oldest sister, and I related heavily to Florence's protective nature. I also related to how gentle Evie is with Clara because I, too, didn't want my child to experience what I had gone through. To raise them to be kind and good-hearted. To not squash who they are or make them feel as if they are less than. This was such a magical book and truly deserves the praise.
I couldn't put this book down; every time I got a chance to read it, I was immediately sucked in. I almost missed an appointment because I was reading it this morning. It was that good. I am someone who has spent my motherhood breaking generational curses, and this book really spoke to me. This was so well-written and truly showed how hard it can be to break what has been ingrained generationally. Each child's experience is different, too, despite growing up in the same house. I am the oldest sister, and I related heavily to Florence's protective nature. I also related to how gentle Evie is with Clara because I, too, didn't want my child to experience what I had gone through. To raise them to be kind and good-hearted. To not squash who they are or make them feel as if they are less than. This was such a magical book and truly deserves the praise.
October 20, 2025
As Parker’s best book to date, Witches of Honeysuckle house is an incredible story of all the love that can be in the world and the pain we hold out of that love. Love between sisters, family, friends, a house, a town, and magic. Pain from choices others have made and pain from when you’re trying to keep someone or something safe.
As someone who has a difficult relationship with a mother, I appreciate how Parker wrote about the complexities of having a parent who seeks to do harm and the lasting effects of that harm.
But what I really loved was how this book was written in the now and then in the past through the journals. The way Parker wove this story to have the past and present collide was perfection.
The sentient house was an incredible character as well. You could feel the love from the house through each perspective.
As someone who has a difficult relationship with a mother, I appreciate how Parker wrote about the complexities of having a parent who seeks to do harm and the lasting effects of that harm.
But what I really loved was how this book was written in the now and then in the past through the journals. The way Parker wove this story to have the past and present collide was perfection.
The sentient house was an incredible character as well. You could feel the love from the house through each perspective.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews