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Arcadia Falls
Books & Bewitchment
Not yet published
Expected 3 Feb 26In this cozy, witchy romcom, a young woman works to turn a run-down small-town video store into the bookshop of her dreams, only to discover a powerful magic that’s been lying dormant—and a forbidden love she can’t resist.
Dutiful and hard-working, Rhea Wolfe lives a simple, mundane life with her pet parrot in small-town Alabama. Sure, she may not love her desk job working for an insurance agency. And her on-again-off-again relationship with the local mechanic may not have the fiery passion she’s read about in her favorite books. Still, things are stable, which is more than she can say about the two hopelessly immature younger sisters who rely on her.
But when Rhea’s estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything—including a magical heritage Rhea never knew she carried—she finds herself in Arcadia Falls, the quaint mountain town her mother made her swear to avoid at all costs. While the defunct business she’s also inherited needs a serious upgrade, Rhea’s lucky that resident handyman Hunter Blakely is more than happy to help—and more than easy on the eyes. If only he wasn’t the grandson of her grandmother’s sworn enemy in witchcraft.
As Rhea works to build a future, strange occurrences begin to make her think someone—or something—is trying to drive her out. As she gets closer to solving the mystery, each clue she uncovers points to Arcadia Falls’s magic hanging in the balance. To keep her new home safe, Rhea must step into her enchanted birthright . . . before it’s too late.
Dutiful and hard-working, Rhea Wolfe lives a simple, mundane life with her pet parrot in small-town Alabama. Sure, she may not love her desk job working for an insurance agency. And her on-again-off-again relationship with the local mechanic may not have the fiery passion she’s read about in her favorite books. Still, things are stable, which is more than she can say about the two hopelessly immature younger sisters who rely on her.
But when Rhea’s estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything—including a magical heritage Rhea never knew she carried—she finds herself in Arcadia Falls, the quaint mountain town her mother made her swear to avoid at all costs. While the defunct business she’s also inherited needs a serious upgrade, Rhea’s lucky that resident handyman Hunter Blakely is more than happy to help—and more than easy on the eyes. If only he wasn’t the grandson of her grandmother’s sworn enemy in witchcraft.
As Rhea works to build a future, strange occurrences begin to make her think someone—or something—is trying to drive her out. As she gets closer to solving the mystery, each clue she uncovers points to Arcadia Falls’s magic hanging in the balance. To keep her new home safe, Rhea must step into her enchanted birthright . . . before it’s too late.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 3, 2026
11904 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 392 reviews
July 23, 2025
Stepping into the magical world of Arcadia Falls was like curling up with a warm blanket and a mug of cocoa on a rainy afternoon—pure, comforting delight. This cozy, witchy romcom casts a spell with its perfect blend of small-town charm, magical revelations, and heartfelt character growth. It’s a story that glows with whimsy and warmth, led by a heroine you’ll instantly root for.
Rhea Wolfe is the picture of dutiful practicality—stuck in a job she doesn’t love, managing her chaotic sisters, and maintaining a lukewarm relationship with the local mechanic—all while quietly dreaming of something more. That "more" arrives in the form of an inheritance from a grandmother she never really knew—one that includes a dilapidated video store, a long-buried magical legacy, and a ticket to Arcadia Falls: a town her mother warned her to stay away from.
As Rhea steps into this enchanting mountain town, she discovers that her inheritance is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s magic. Real, mysterious, heart-stirring magic. And while the romance here simmers quietly instead of burning hot, it’s just the right temperature for this story. The chemistry between Rhea and the charming handyman, Hunter Blakely—who, of course, is the grandson of her grandmother’s old witchy rival—is sweet, slow-burning, and filled with all the cozy tension you’d want in a small-town love story.
But make no mistake, this isn’t just about the romance. The heart of this book lies in Rhea’s journey of self-discovery, the hidden magic of Arcadia Falls, and the delightful ensemble of characters who bring it all to life. Especially Dolly, the pink cockatoo who is actually the spirit of Rhea’s sassy, sharp-tongued grandmother, Maggie. She steals the spotlight in every scene she's in—I laughed out loud more than once at her snarky, perfectly timed interruptions.
From eccentric townsfolk to magical mysteries and family secrets, this book was a total joy to get lost in. It’s lighthearted and whimsical, but also grounded in themes of identity, acceptance, and stepping into one’s power—both magical and emotional. Rhea is the kind of heroine you want to be friends with: humble, kind, resilient, and just the right amount of quirky.
If you love stories with magical realism, second chances, slow-burn romance, and a parrot with an attitude, then this gem of a book deserves a spot on your shelf.
✨ Four enchanted stars from me! ✨
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sharing this utterly heartwarming, wonderfully entertaining fantasy’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciated the chance to escape into Arcadia Falls!
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Rhea Wolfe is the picture of dutiful practicality—stuck in a job she doesn’t love, managing her chaotic sisters, and maintaining a lukewarm relationship with the local mechanic—all while quietly dreaming of something more. That "more" arrives in the form of an inheritance from a grandmother she never really knew—one that includes a dilapidated video store, a long-buried magical legacy, and a ticket to Arcadia Falls: a town her mother warned her to stay away from.
As Rhea steps into this enchanting mountain town, she discovers that her inheritance is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s magic. Real, mysterious, heart-stirring magic. And while the romance here simmers quietly instead of burning hot, it’s just the right temperature for this story. The chemistry between Rhea and the charming handyman, Hunter Blakely—who, of course, is the grandson of her grandmother’s old witchy rival—is sweet, slow-burning, and filled with all the cozy tension you’d want in a small-town love story.
But make no mistake, this isn’t just about the romance. The heart of this book lies in Rhea’s journey of self-discovery, the hidden magic of Arcadia Falls, and the delightful ensemble of characters who bring it all to life. Especially Dolly, the pink cockatoo who is actually the spirit of Rhea’s sassy, sharp-tongued grandmother, Maggie. She steals the spotlight in every scene she's in—I laughed out loud more than once at her snarky, perfectly timed interruptions.
From eccentric townsfolk to magical mysteries and family secrets, this book was a total joy to get lost in. It’s lighthearted and whimsical, but also grounded in themes of identity, acceptance, and stepping into one’s power—both magical and emotional. Rhea is the kind of heroine you want to be friends with: humble, kind, resilient, and just the right amount of quirky.
If you love stories with magical realism, second chances, slow-burn romance, and a parrot with an attitude, then this gem of a book deserves a spot on your shelf.
✨ Four enchanted stars from me! ✨
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sharing this utterly heartwarming, wonderfully entertaining fantasy’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. I truly appreciated the chance to escape into Arcadia Falls!
medium blog
December 10, 2025
It wasn't completely terrible, but I cringed the entire time while reading and I just can't give a book like that a higher rating. And I'm actually pretty disappointed by that. One thing you must know about me is that I love Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson religiously and not only for the unhinged parts, but also for the fascinating cozy queer vibes before everything goes sideways. So I was thrilled to read a full-length cozy novel by the same author (under a pen name).
On a good day I would call this book lighthearted and fun, but if I'm honest it's actually just unserious and over-the-top. And that's strange, because it's basically just your everyday cozy story. The main character, Rhea Wolfe, inherits a store in a small town after her grandmother's passing. She just lost her job and said no to her boyfriend's proposal and so she might as well go to Arcadia Falls to take a look at the property. Turns out that her grandma was also a witch and through a series of strange events her soul now lives in Rhea's pet cockatoo. God, I was so annoyed by that stupid bird, even before it turned into the grandmother. Her job was apparently being the town annoyance and nobody really liked her to the point where she even had an arch nemesis. And that arch nemesis has a hot grandson and voilà, there is our love interest. The romance didn't take up as much room as I expected, which was good because it was unbearable. It's a romance of the banter-misunderstanding-love kind and it honest to god starts when Rhea knocks into the guy with her stupid parrot backpack and looks up and thinks that he's the most gorgeous creature on earth. Call me a bitter spinster, but I just couldn't. I was looking forward to the witchy side of the story, but that part didn't deliver either. The story would almost work all the same without any magic involved and it was disappointing that it was utilized so little. Because Rhea's book-related magic was actually pretty cool.
My biggest problem, however, was the pacing. It takes so long for Rhea to decide if she wants to stay in Arcadia Falls, as if there is any chance that this book could go in another direction. So the first half of the book focuses on absolutely nothing while the second half is crammed full of random stuff: opening a bookstore, falling in love, learning about the history of the town and the grandmother, people dying and turning into poltergeists, and before you know it the book ends. It didn't help that it wasn't even interesting to follow Rhea around. She really had no agency (ironically also mentioned by herself in the very first chapter) and I don't think that she made a single decision in the entire book. I usually love a fixing-up-a-shop plot, but usually the main character has a plan or any kind of ambition. Rhea has neither. She's just stumbling through her own story and every single situation was bordering on cringe and often overstepping that border. I can only guess that each of Rhea's sisters will be getting her own book set in Arcadia Falls, but that doesn't excite me in the slightest, because no character had any personality here. Needless to say that I will not pick up future books. Fortunately Books & Bewitchment doesn't compare at all to my previous experiences with Delilah S. Dawson and now I at least learned to stay with her horror stuff.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
On a good day I would call this book lighthearted and fun, but if I'm honest it's actually just unserious and over-the-top. And that's strange, because it's basically just your everyday cozy story. The main character, Rhea Wolfe, inherits a store in a small town after her grandmother's passing. She just lost her job and said no to her boyfriend's proposal and so she might as well go to Arcadia Falls to take a look at the property. Turns out that her grandma was also a witch and through a series of strange events her soul now lives in Rhea's pet cockatoo. God, I was so annoyed by that stupid bird, even before it turned into the grandmother. Her job was apparently being the town annoyance and nobody really liked her to the point where she even had an arch nemesis. And that arch nemesis has a hot grandson and voilà, there is our love interest. The romance didn't take up as much room as I expected, which was good because it was unbearable. It's a romance of the banter-misunderstanding-love kind and it honest to god starts when Rhea knocks into the guy with her stupid parrot backpack and looks up and thinks that he's the most gorgeous creature on earth. Call me a bitter spinster, but I just couldn't. I was looking forward to the witchy side of the story, but that part didn't deliver either. The story would almost work all the same without any magic involved and it was disappointing that it was utilized so little. Because Rhea's book-related magic was actually pretty cool.
My biggest problem, however, was the pacing. It takes so long for Rhea to decide if she wants to stay in Arcadia Falls, as if there is any chance that this book could go in another direction. So the first half of the book focuses on absolutely nothing while the second half is crammed full of random stuff: opening a bookstore, falling in love, learning about the history of the town and the grandmother, people dying and turning into poltergeists, and before you know it the book ends. It didn't help that it wasn't even interesting to follow Rhea around. She really had no agency (ironically also mentioned by herself in the very first chapter) and I don't think that she made a single decision in the entire book. I usually love a fixing-up-a-shop plot, but usually the main character has a plan or any kind of ambition. Rhea has neither. She's just stumbling through her own story and every single situation was bordering on cringe and often overstepping that border. I can only guess that each of Rhea's sisters will be getting her own book set in Arcadia Falls, but that doesn't excite me in the slightest, because no character had any personality here. Needless to say that I will not pick up future books. Fortunately Books & Bewitchment doesn't compare at all to my previous experiences with Delilah S. Dawson and now I at least learned to stay with her horror stuff.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2025
This was such a charming and magical novel! I could not put this book down from beginning to end. It made me feel lighthearted, hopeful, mysterious, emotional and relaxed. I laughed many times throughout the entire back! This is a medium paced read, that is character driven! This is the author’s debut novel and it was beautifully written! I think that the cover is really pretty too! This comes with a forbidden romance, that is a very slow burn one. The magical realism is what really brought all the warmth and coziness. The protagonist’s character is written in the first point of view and the other main character is written in the third person glimpses. This fantasy novel is very whimsically, humorous and heartwarming. It is a one of a kind witchy rom com! I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Isla Jewell and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for this eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on February 3, 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Isla Jewell and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for this eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on February 3, 2026!
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January 15, 2026↝Pre-read°｡.ﾟ.｡♡
Will read this in between my study sessions. I hope this is good🤞
⤿Thank you Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, the author, and NetGalley for the arc.
Will read this in between my study sessions. I hope this is good🤞
⤿Thank you Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, the author, and NetGalley for the arc.
November 29, 2025
What a fun, inviting, and cozy paranormal romantic comedy! Rhea Wolfe lives a boring life with her boss’s pet parrot in a small-town in Alabama. Her two younger sisters, who she helps support, live nearby in Birmingham. She doesn’t love her job at the insurance agency and her on-again, off-again relationship with the local tow truck driver is not full of the passion she reads about in her favorite books. That relationship is compounded by his brother who gives her traffic tickets anytime the relationship isn’t going well.
When Rhea’s estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything, including a magical heritage she knew nothing about, Rhea rents her house, and moves to Arcadia Falls, Georgia. This is the mountain town her mother made her swear to avoid, but she’s lost her job and her sisters need her support. The business she inherits needs a serious upgrade, but contractor Hunter Blakely is happy to help. But the trust has criteria and magic isn’t easy where many of the townsfolk did not like her grandmother in recent years.
Rhea is logical, stubborn, optimistic, dependable, and responsible. She looks out for her fiscally irresponsible younger sisters and has for years, even though she’s only 26 and they’re now 24 and 21. Hunter is thorough, competent, great at woodworking and building, confident, kind, and self-assured. He’s also the grandson of Rhea’s grandmother’s sworn enemy, Joyce Blakely. As the series progresses, I expect the secondary characters to gain depth and dynamics.
This is a comforting, funny, and warm read with romance, rebuilding one’s life, and a little magic. I loved how Rhea had a book quote or pun for everything. They came naturally and added to the humor in the story. Full of hope for a brighter future, community, friendship, family, and more, this cozy witch story is charming.
Overall, this is a warm, fun, and inviting cozy with great characters and world-building, a slow-building romance, and a bit of a mystery to be solved. I can’t wait to read the second book in the Arcadia Falls series. Will it feature one of Rhea’s sisters or one of the town’s residents?
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore – Del Rey and Isa Jewell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 03, 2026.
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My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
When Rhea’s estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything, including a magical heritage she knew nothing about, Rhea rents her house, and moves to Arcadia Falls, Georgia. This is the mountain town her mother made her swear to avoid, but she’s lost her job and her sisters need her support. The business she inherits needs a serious upgrade, but contractor Hunter Blakely is happy to help. But the trust has criteria and magic isn’t easy where many of the townsfolk did not like her grandmother in recent years.
Rhea is logical, stubborn, optimistic, dependable, and responsible. She looks out for her fiscally irresponsible younger sisters and has for years, even though she’s only 26 and they’re now 24 and 21. Hunter is thorough, competent, great at woodworking and building, confident, kind, and self-assured. He’s also the grandson of Rhea’s grandmother’s sworn enemy, Joyce Blakely. As the series progresses, I expect the secondary characters to gain depth and dynamics.
This is a comforting, funny, and warm read with romance, rebuilding one’s life, and a little magic. I loved how Rhea had a book quote or pun for everything. They came naturally and added to the humor in the story. Full of hope for a brighter future, community, friendship, family, and more, this cozy witch story is charming.
Overall, this is a warm, fun, and inviting cozy with great characters and world-building, a slow-building romance, and a bit of a mystery to be solved. I can’t wait to read the second book in the Arcadia Falls series. Will it feature one of Rhea’s sisters or one of the town’s residents?
Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore – Del Rey and Isa Jewell provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 03, 2026.
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My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 24, 2025
[arc review] while I’m reading this in 2025 and it might be my favourite read of the year, “books & bewitchment” will be THE book to read when it’s published in 2026.
while this is marketed as a ‘rom-com’—which I can totally attest to—I’d say at its core is a great story about self discovery, found family, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
the romance is slow and tucks itself nicely in the background, but has you kicking your feet and giggling when it comes to the forefront. and the banter between rhea and hunter !!!!!!
I was hooked on this story from the very first page, and found myself relating to rhea and her need for ‘more.’
I’m not usually a fan of witchy stories, but this had me wanting to take my time reading because I didn’t want to finish it. “books & bewitchment” really is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
I loved the way the story was fleshed out, and how you really got to know both the main and side characters. I really hope it becomes a series because I’m so !!!! desperate to take a trip back to arcadia falls.
finally—and this is mainly for the author and/or publisher—when the book is going to print I would love to see an illustrative map of arcadia falls to help envision the set up.
update (24/11/25) – just finished my second read of this book and it’s such a comfort read !!!! I need the physical copy in my hands now
while this is marketed as a ‘rom-com’—which I can totally attest to—I’d say at its core is a great story about self discovery, found family, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
the romance is slow and tucks itself nicely in the background, but has you kicking your feet and giggling when it comes to the forefront. and the banter between rhea and hunter !!!!!!
I was hooked on this story from the very first page, and found myself relating to rhea and her need for ‘more.’
I’m not usually a fan of witchy stories, but this had me wanting to take my time reading because I didn’t want to finish it. “books & bewitchment” really is one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time.
I loved the way the story was fleshed out, and how you really got to know both the main and side characters. I really hope it becomes a series because I’m so !!!! desperate to take a trip back to arcadia falls.
finally—and this is mainly for the author and/or publisher—when the book is going to print I would love to see an illustrative map of arcadia falls to help envision the set up.
update (24/11/25) – just finished my second read of this book and it’s such a comfort read !!!! I need the physical copy in my hands now
September 16, 2025
First of all thank you Netgalley and Del Rey, Random House worlds, Inklore for this beautiful Earc 😍 ✨
It's truly a CRIME that this book is being released in February because everybody needs to read this 😭💁🏾♀️.
The fact that this is A DEBUT NOVEL 👏🏾 Isla has outdone herself 👏🏾😍.
Not only is the cover beautiful but so is the story.🙂🎀
I loved the cozy, small town vibes this book had with the added touch of magic.✨😍
This book follows Rhea Wolfe who lives a typical stable life. She works for an insurance agency and adopts a pet parrot. Until her boss decides to fire her and everything is in upheaval until she reads a letter sent to her from her estranged grandmother's lawyer. ✨
With nothing left to lose and the promise of an inheritance she embarks on the journey to Arcadia Falls, a small town where everyone knows everyone. 🙂
After finding out that the so called inheritance isn't going to be that easy to acquire, she decides to stay in Arcadia Falls so that she can open her own bookshop🤭.
With the help of Hunter, who's the grandson to her grandmother's arch nemesis, they work together to bring her dreams to life with a little forbidden romance. 🤭✨
I loved the whimsical aesthetic of the book, all the characters and the humour.🙂🎀
This is also a quick read if you want something simple to read 🙂✨
I can't quote the book because the arc is a rough draft 🥲
I don't know if this book will be a series but I do hope so because I NEED MORE 🧎🏾♀️🤭.
It's truly a CRIME that this book is being released in February because everybody needs to read this 😭💁🏾♀️.
The fact that this is A DEBUT NOVEL 👏🏾 Isla has outdone herself 👏🏾😍.
Not only is the cover beautiful but so is the story.🙂🎀
I loved the cozy, small town vibes this book had with the added touch of magic.✨😍
This book follows Rhea Wolfe who lives a typical stable life. She works for an insurance agency and adopts a pet parrot. Until her boss decides to fire her and everything is in upheaval until she reads a letter sent to her from her estranged grandmother's lawyer. ✨
With nothing left to lose and the promise of an inheritance she embarks on the journey to Arcadia Falls, a small town where everyone knows everyone. 🙂
After finding out that the so called inheritance isn't going to be that easy to acquire, she decides to stay in Arcadia Falls so that she can open her own bookshop🤭.
With the help of Hunter, who's the grandson to her grandmother's arch nemesis, they work together to bring her dreams to life with a little forbidden romance. 🤭✨
I loved the whimsical aesthetic of the book, all the characters and the humour.🙂🎀
This is also a quick read if you want something simple to read 🙂✨
I can't quote the book because the arc is a rough draft 🥲
I don't know if this book will be a series but I do hope so because I NEED MORE 🧎🏾♀️🤭.
December 24, 2025
This was a fun cozy fantasy with a romantic subplot that was sweeter than a butter tub filled with straight sugar.
This is equal parts witchy + quirky + bookish + nostalgic. It’s filled with southern small town charm, an interesting mystery, and the most ridiculous (complimentary) animal sidekick.
I laughed out loud, I cried a bit, and overall I had a really good time reading this!
I can’t wait to visit Arcadia Falls again!
Whats to love…
- animal companions
- meddling grandma
- laugh out loud funny
- southern small town charm
- bookish book (she turns an old video store into a bookstore!)
- sisterly love!
What didn’t quite work for me but might be a win for you…
- this is true cozy, the stakes are pretty low and it is a bit cozier than I typically enjoy. But honestly the lower stakes makes this a great read when you need something light to brighten your mood. It’s also not without emotional depth, especially in terms of familial relationships.
4.4⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey/Inklore for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
This is equal parts witchy + quirky + bookish + nostalgic. It’s filled with southern small town charm, an interesting mystery, and the most ridiculous (complimentary) animal sidekick.
I laughed out loud, I cried a bit, and overall I had a really good time reading this!
I can’t wait to visit Arcadia Falls again!
Whats to love…
- animal companions
- meddling grandma
- laugh out loud funny
- southern small town charm
- bookish book (she turns an old video store into a bookstore!)
- sisterly love!
What didn’t quite work for me but might be a win for you…
- this is true cozy, the stakes are pretty low and it is a bit cozier than I typically enjoy. But honestly the lower stakes makes this a great read when you need something light to brighten your mood. It’s also not without emotional depth, especially in terms of familial relationships.
4.4⭐️| IG | TikTok |
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey/Inklore for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
I went into Books & Bewitchment expecting a cozy, magical escape — bookshops, small-town charm, a hint of witchcraft, and a sweet romance. What I got instead was a slog of a story that never seemed to find its rhythm. The pacing dragged so much that I nearly DNF’d multiple times, and the “romance” felt like an afterthought rather than a driving force.
The writing style didn’t help, either. It’s overly chatty and jumps from thought to thought without much flow, which made it hard to stay immersed. I wanted to feel the magic of Arcadia Falls, but the world-building and emotional depth were paper-thin. Even the banter — which should’ve been charming — landed awkwardly, with strange slang and dialogue that didn’t sound like anything real people would say.
Rhea and Hunter had potential, but their chemistry was flat, and the emotional stakes never hit. Honestly, the parrot had more personality than most of the characters.
If you’re looking for a warm, magical romcom, there are plenty of better options out there. This one just didn’t cast any spell on me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The writing style didn’t help, either. It’s overly chatty and jumps from thought to thought without much flow, which made it hard to stay immersed. I wanted to feel the magic of Arcadia Falls, but the world-building and emotional depth were paper-thin. Even the banter — which should’ve been charming — landed awkwardly, with strange slang and dialogue that didn’t sound like anything real people would say.
Rhea and Hunter had potential, but their chemistry was flat, and the emotional stakes never hit. Honestly, the parrot had more personality than most of the characters.
If you’re looking for a warm, magical romcom, there are plenty of better options out there. This one just didn’t cast any spell on me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3+⭐
This book felt quite average to me, hence the 3 stars, but also quite comfy and warm.
It was a perfect read for this cold season, reading under the blanket with a hot herbal tea on the other hand 🛋️☕📖
So, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the book and the magic in it, but I ended up caring a lot for the characters because they're really the gem of this.
Amazing relationships, quirky townfolk, lovely main couple.
I loved everything that involved the parrot and the ghosts.
Niece and grandma were so fun to follow!
The magic could have been better, but I also understood that this might be the beginning of a series, which means it can still be developed.
A not-so grat for me is the fade out sex. And this is something I'm realising lately. Either you are showing it to me or skipping it altogether. I don't like this way of being explicitly there and then blank. Forward. Finished.
Either you lean into it or don't. This halfway is a mood killer (for me) 🤷🏼♀️
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
Mention books, libraries, magic and I'm sure to be in line to get it!
Excited to discover the magic behind this book 💗
Publication day: Feb 03 2026
❁ Thank you to Netgalley and Isla Jewell for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion — ARC provided by Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore ❁
This book felt quite average to me, hence the 3 stars, but also quite comfy and warm.
It was a perfect read for this cold season, reading under the blanket with a hot herbal tea on the other hand 🛋️☕📖
So, I didn't feel overwhelmed by the book and the magic in it, but I ended up caring a lot for the characters because they're really the gem of this.
Amazing relationships, quirky townfolk, lovely main couple.
I loved everything that involved the parrot and the ghosts.
Niece and grandma were so fun to follow!
The magic could have been better, but I also understood that this might be the beginning of a series, which means it can still be developed.
A not-so grat for me is the fade out sex. And this is something I'm realising lately. Either you are showing it to me or skipping it altogether. I don't like this way of being explicitly there and then blank. Forward. Finished.
Either you lean into it or don't. This halfway is a mood killer (for me) 🤷🏼♀️
﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
Mention books, libraries, magic and I'm sure to be in line to get it!
Excited to discover the magic behind this book 💗
December 25, 2025
Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell is a cozy, witchy romantic comedy about Rhea Wolfe, a hardworking young woman whose ordinary life in Alabama flips upside down when she inherits her estranged grandmother’s properties in the enchanted mountain town of Arcadia Falls, including a rundown video store she dreams of turning into her own bookshop, only to uncover a deep‑rooted magical legacy and a slow‑burn, slightly forbidden connection with local craftsman Hunter Blakely, grandson of her grandmother’s old rival in witchcraft, all while Arcadia Falls’s very magic teeters on the brink of unraveling.
The second this story began to unfold, I felt genuinely swept into Rhea’s journey of self‑discovery, the joy of stepping into something wholly new, and the quiet ache of leaving familiar, if unfulfilling, routines behind. Arcadia Falls feels like the kind of place you want to visit in real life, full of quirky townsfolk, a vibrant sense of community, and small moments of enchantment that warmed my heart with every chapter. Rhea’s determination to resurrect the bookstore of her dreams, alongside caring for her sassy pet cockatoo and navigating unexpected magical occurrences, made her feel both relatable and delightfully whimsical. Hunter’s slow‑build charm and the gentle push‑pull of their connection gave me that satisfying tension that felt tender and well earned without rushing their emotional growth. The magical elements are woven in with warmth and a touch of mystery, making the book feel both lighthearted and meaningful as themes of found family, identity, and courage quietly bloom alongside the romance.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I chose this rating because Books & Bewitchment charmed me with its blend of gentle magic, heartfelt character arcs, and nostalgic small‑town appeal, leaving me eager for more adventures in Arcadia Falls and hoping this debut will grow into a series that feels like returning to a beloved friend’s kitchen table full of laughter, secrets, and spells.
The second this story began to unfold, I felt genuinely swept into Rhea’s journey of self‑discovery, the joy of stepping into something wholly new, and the quiet ache of leaving familiar, if unfulfilling, routines behind. Arcadia Falls feels like the kind of place you want to visit in real life, full of quirky townsfolk, a vibrant sense of community, and small moments of enchantment that warmed my heart with every chapter. Rhea’s determination to resurrect the bookstore of her dreams, alongside caring for her sassy pet cockatoo and navigating unexpected magical occurrences, made her feel both relatable and delightfully whimsical. Hunter’s slow‑build charm and the gentle push‑pull of their connection gave me that satisfying tension that felt tender and well earned without rushing their emotional growth. The magical elements are woven in with warmth and a touch of mystery, making the book feel both lighthearted and meaningful as themes of found family, identity, and courage quietly bloom alongside the romance.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I chose this rating because Books & Bewitchment charmed me with its blend of gentle magic, heartfelt character arcs, and nostalgic small‑town appeal, leaving me eager for more adventures in Arcadia Falls and hoping this debut will grow into a series that feels like returning to a beloved friend’s kitchen table full of laughter, secrets, and spells.
January 6, 2026
I've enjoyed Delilah Dawson's darker works and takes on Star Wars, so I was curious about her turn at a new witchy cozy fantasy series set in a small town as her alter ego, Isla Jewell. But this was just not for me.
There's a fine line between quirky and annoying, sometimes, and these characters veered straight into the annoying category. The book follows Rhea Wolfe as she moves to the small town of Arcadia Falls after losing her job and turning down her lackluster childhood sweetheart's marriage proposal. Her grandmother just died and left her some real estate in a trust. Despite her late mother's warnings and shunning of the town, she's desperate and takes the offer.
The properties turn out to be a video emporium that also sells beloved boiled peanuts on an honor system and some other failing stores. The boiled peanuts were a charming touch. Rhea carts along a pet cockatoo that I thought was cute at first (I liked her penchant for musicals) but became annoying when her grandmother's spirit was reincarnated into her body. Rhea then learns she is a witch, but it was her grandmother's fault that all the magic was lost in town.
Then she goes out to eat and literally falls into the lap of a hot guy who happens to be competent, kind, and reads romance novels. Too cheesy by half. I rolled my eyes so hard at their lame meet cute.
After much annoying waffling, book lover Rhea decides to turn the video store into her dream of a bookstore. And don't get me started on the bookstore name. Nuts for Books? How corny is that.
This just felt too much like Hallmark but it gave me more of a toothache than Hallmark movies ever did.
Rhea is an annoying, uninteresting character who has no agency in the book but things just happen easily for her. And for a book about magic and witches there was very little magic in the story. It only mattered at the end.
The romance was so easy that it became boring to me. Hunter was just too perfect. The town was also too idyllic.
This is a rom com and I did find several moments funny. I snickered several times despite also rolling my eyes a lot.
And oh my god don't get me started on the grandmother. I could not stand Maggie. Such an obnoxious character.
This was trying so hard to be quirky and it was a swing and a miss for me, sadly. I won't be reading any more of this series. It kind of felt like the author saw that cozy fantasy was trendy, binged too many Hallmark movies, and threw together some tired tropes and a fantasy small town and called it good. This felt like a pile of lame dad jokes in a predictable story with cringe characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There's a fine line between quirky and annoying, sometimes, and these characters veered straight into the annoying category. The book follows Rhea Wolfe as she moves to the small town of Arcadia Falls after losing her job and turning down her lackluster childhood sweetheart's marriage proposal. Her grandmother just died and left her some real estate in a trust. Despite her late mother's warnings and shunning of the town, she's desperate and takes the offer.
The properties turn out to be a video emporium that also sells beloved boiled peanuts on an honor system and some other failing stores. The boiled peanuts were a charming touch. Rhea carts along a pet cockatoo that I thought was cute at first (I liked her penchant for musicals) but became annoying when her grandmother's spirit was reincarnated into her body. Rhea then learns she is a witch, but it was her grandmother's fault that all the magic was lost in town.
Then she goes out to eat and literally falls into the lap of a hot guy who happens to be competent, kind, and reads romance novels. Too cheesy by half. I rolled my eyes so hard at their lame meet cute.
After much annoying waffling, book lover Rhea decides to turn the video store into her dream of a bookstore. And don't get me started on the bookstore name. Nuts for Books? How corny is that.
This just felt too much like Hallmark but it gave me more of a toothache than Hallmark movies ever did.
Rhea is an annoying, uninteresting character who has no agency in the book but things just happen easily for her. And for a book about magic and witches there was very little magic in the story. It only mattered at the end.
The romance was so easy that it became boring to me. Hunter was just too perfect. The town was also too idyllic.
This is a rom com and I did find several moments funny. I snickered several times despite also rolling my eyes a lot.
And oh my god don't get me started on the grandmother. I could not stand Maggie. Such an obnoxious character.
This was trying so hard to be quirky and it was a swing and a miss for me, sadly. I won't be reading any more of this series. It kind of felt like the author saw that cozy fantasy was trendy, binged too many Hallmark movies, and threw together some tired tropes and a fantasy small town and called it good. This felt like a pile of lame dad jokes in a predictable story with cringe characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2025
—3.5 stars
a small town romance featuring witches and a bookshop makes for a cosy autumn read. while i thought the romance was okay, what i really fell in love with was the magic, and it's such a shame it wasn't explored more! the story is a bit predictable and feels a little rushed, but overall, i had a good time reading it.
ofc this is also the uncorrected version, so a few things, like the dialogue, felt off. so hopefully these issues will be polished when the book is published next year.
thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the arc!
a small town romance featuring witches and a bookshop makes for a cosy autumn read. while i thought the romance was okay, what i really fell in love with was the magic, and it's such a shame it wasn't explored more! the story is a bit predictable and feels a little rushed, but overall, i had a good time reading it.
ofc this is also the uncorrected version, so a few things, like the dialogue, felt off. so hopefully these issues will be polished when the book is published next year.
thank you NetGalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for the arc!
Read
June 27, 2025Huge thanks to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, and Inklore for providing me with the ARC of this book! I have to admit, I’m usually not much of a romantasy reader, but this story completely won me over from the very first pages and managed to make me appreciate a genre that’s typically not my cup of tea.
Tropes:
- Family enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Small town
- Grumpy x sunshine
Rhea Wolfe lives a pretty ordinary life in Alabama, split between her job at an insurance agency and an on-and-off relationship that’s going nowhere fast. She has no idea how much everything’s about to change. The turning point comes in the form of a letter: her maternal grandmother, Margaret Lowell Kirkwood – a woman she’s only heard about in hushed, wary tones due to some family rift – has died and left her a mysterious inheritance. So Rhea finds herself in Arcadia Falls, a mountain town her mother always warned her to stay away from. Here, Rhea discovers she’s now the owner of several buildings in the heart of the historic downtown, including a run-down old video store that she decides to convert into the bookshop she’s always dreamed of. That’s where she meets Hunter Blakely, the local handyman hired to handle the renovations. What Rhea doesn’t know – at least not right away – is that Hunter belongs to the family that’s been feuding with the Kirkwoods for generations.
The chemistry between them is immediate and impossible to ignore, but it’s also dangerous, fueled by old grudges and secrets that have never been told. As if that wasn’t enough, strange things start happening in the shop: objects moving on their own, chairs creaking for no reason, weird noises coming from the basement… all thanks to a poltergeist that’s taken up residence downstairs.
But the inheritance holds much more than just real estate. Among the conditions is one requiring her to scatter her grandmother’s ashes at a waterfall, a gesture that turns out to be the key to unlocking a world of magic Rhea never knew existed. The real surprise comes when she discovers that her grandmother has been “reborn” in the body of Doris, a rather sassy talking parrot.
Between stolen spells, rival families, and lost grimoires, Rhea has to navigate a magical world she didn’t even know existed, while trying to rebuild not just her shop, but her entire sense of identity. And she’ll have to decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a love that defies centuries of hatred.
Rhea is the kind of character who wins you over immediately. At first, we find her trapped in a suffocating routine: a job that doesn’t fulfill her and a relationship she’s only staying in out of habit rather than passion. But as soon as she arrives in Arcadia Falls we witness an incredible transformation. She’s determined and brave, even when facing realities that defy all logic. What struck me most about Rhea is her resilience, in fact instead of running away from the weirdness and dangers surrounding her, she decides to face them head-on. Her magical “knack” with books makes her even more fascinating and perfectly fits with her dream of opening a bookstore. She’s a protagonist who grows page by page, learning to embrace not only her magical inheritance but also the strength she’s always had within herself.
Hunter Blakely is the local craftsman helping Rhea with the renovations, but he’s much more than just a handyman. He’s attractive, skilled at his work, and crucially already aware of the magical world surrounding Arcadia Falls. His family background adds an interesting layer of complexity: the Blakelys have historically been enemies of the Kirkwoods, a rivalry rooted in the death of his mother Diana, which happened while she was trying to fix one of Maggie’s botched spells. Despite this burden from the past, Hunter proves to be a valuable ally to Rhea, supporting her both in practical matters and in navigating the magical world. Plus, it’s impossible not to fall for an mmc who’s as protective and reassuring as he is, trust me on this.
What makes their relationship special is how gradually it develops. Initially, there’s just strong physical attraction – hard to resist Hunter’s charm with those gray eyes and tattoos – but soon something much deeper emerges. Working together on the shop renovation, they discover they have incredible chemistry. Hunter isn’t just your typical competent “handyman” but becomes Rhea’s true partner in this new adventure. What struck me most is how Hunter manages to see Rhea for who she really is, without letting family prejudices cloud his judgment.
Grandma Maggie in the body of Doris the parrot is probably one of the book’s most brilliant elements. She’s blunt to a fault, often irritating, but also incredibly entertaining. Her sharp comebacks and sarcastic comments lighten the story’s more tense moments. Despite her controversial past and questionable methods, it’s impossible not to grow fond of this character.
The author’s writing is smooth and engaging, and honestly, some of the dialogue had me cracking up. If I had to find room for improvement, I’d say that sometimes the pace of the magical revelations can feel a bit rushed, and Maggie’s occasionally manipulative behavior, while understandable, can be frustrating.
Tropes:
- Family enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Small town
- Grumpy x sunshine
Rhea Wolfe lives a pretty ordinary life in Alabama, split between her job at an insurance agency and an on-and-off relationship that’s going nowhere fast. She has no idea how much everything’s about to change. The turning point comes in the form of a letter: her maternal grandmother, Margaret Lowell Kirkwood – a woman she’s only heard about in hushed, wary tones due to some family rift – has died and left her a mysterious inheritance. So Rhea finds herself in Arcadia Falls, a mountain town her mother always warned her to stay away from. Here, Rhea discovers she’s now the owner of several buildings in the heart of the historic downtown, including a run-down old video store that she decides to convert into the bookshop she’s always dreamed of. That’s where she meets Hunter Blakely, the local handyman hired to handle the renovations. What Rhea doesn’t know – at least not right away – is that Hunter belongs to the family that’s been feuding with the Kirkwoods for generations.
The chemistry between them is immediate and impossible to ignore, but it’s also dangerous, fueled by old grudges and secrets that have never been told. As if that wasn’t enough, strange things start happening in the shop: objects moving on their own, chairs creaking for no reason, weird noises coming from the basement… all thanks to a poltergeist that’s taken up residence downstairs.
But the inheritance holds much more than just real estate. Among the conditions is one requiring her to scatter her grandmother’s ashes at a waterfall, a gesture that turns out to be the key to unlocking a world of magic Rhea never knew existed. The real surprise comes when she discovers that her grandmother has been “reborn” in the body of Doris, a rather sassy talking parrot.
Between stolen spells, rival families, and lost grimoires, Rhea has to navigate a magical world she didn’t even know existed, while trying to rebuild not just her shop, but her entire sense of identity. And she’ll have to decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a love that defies centuries of hatred.
Rhea is the kind of character who wins you over immediately. At first, we find her trapped in a suffocating routine: a job that doesn’t fulfill her and a relationship she’s only staying in out of habit rather than passion. But as soon as she arrives in Arcadia Falls we witness an incredible transformation. She’s determined and brave, even when facing realities that defy all logic. What struck me most about Rhea is her resilience, in fact instead of running away from the weirdness and dangers surrounding her, she decides to face them head-on. Her magical “knack” with books makes her even more fascinating and perfectly fits with her dream of opening a bookstore. She’s a protagonist who grows page by page, learning to embrace not only her magical inheritance but also the strength she’s always had within herself.
Hunter Blakely is the local craftsman helping Rhea with the renovations, but he’s much more than just a handyman. He’s attractive, skilled at his work, and crucially already aware of the magical world surrounding Arcadia Falls. His family background adds an interesting layer of complexity: the Blakelys have historically been enemies of the Kirkwoods, a rivalry rooted in the death of his mother Diana, which happened while she was trying to fix one of Maggie’s botched spells. Despite this burden from the past, Hunter proves to be a valuable ally to Rhea, supporting her both in practical matters and in navigating the magical world. Plus, it’s impossible not to fall for an mmc who’s as protective and reassuring as he is, trust me on this.
What makes their relationship special is how gradually it develops. Initially, there’s just strong physical attraction – hard to resist Hunter’s charm with those gray eyes and tattoos – but soon something much deeper emerges. Working together on the shop renovation, they discover they have incredible chemistry. Hunter isn’t just your typical competent “handyman” but becomes Rhea’s true partner in this new adventure. What struck me most is how Hunter manages to see Rhea for who she really is, without letting family prejudices cloud his judgment.
Grandma Maggie in the body of Doris the parrot is probably one of the book’s most brilliant elements. She’s blunt to a fault, often irritating, but also incredibly entertaining. Her sharp comebacks and sarcastic comments lighten the story’s more tense moments. Despite her controversial past and questionable methods, it’s impossible not to grow fond of this character.
The author’s writing is smooth and engaging, and honestly, some of the dialogue had me cracking up. If I had to find room for improvement, I’d say that sometimes the pace of the magical revelations can feel a bit rushed, and Maggie’s occasionally manipulative behavior, while understandable, can be frustrating.
Want to read
August 17, 2025
*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc & an audiobook in exchange for an honest review!*
I'm so curious about this one.
I'm so curious about this one.
July 22, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher, but this has in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are entirely unbiased and honest.)
I'm probably in the minority here in saying that I did not enjoy this book at all.
Maybe it's because I didn't like the conversational style of writing, didn't feel the magic in the setting, nor did I laugh at any of the puns between the leads dkdkfk
Was excited for the cozy fantasy plot but alas ended up being disappointed.
To break it down, the prose got some getting used to; I felt confused how the main character jumped one topic to the next. I know it's intended to be a kind of stream-of-consciousness type but there's almost no nuance left with our main lead, Rhea. Everything is described as is that it's no longer entertaining.
What really irked me though were the characterization of everyone (from Hunter to Doris the cockatoo) and the cringey dialogue. No one speaks like this or jokes like this fkfmfmg
In my opinion, it was trying too hard to be endearing and funny, that it became corny huhu
The romance and the sexy scenes also reminded me of those classic romance novels written by your aunties? Make of that what you will.
While the author already has an impressive list of published works in other genres, I think they should definitely try reading fanfiction (if they haven't already) if they want to continue with adult romance because gosh... I've read better fics out there with greater banter and characterization.
I'm probably in the minority here in saying that I did not enjoy this book at all.
Maybe it's because I didn't like the conversational style of writing, didn't feel the magic in the setting, nor did I laugh at any of the puns between the leads dkdkfk
Was excited for the cozy fantasy plot but alas ended up being disappointed.
To break it down, the prose got some getting used to; I felt confused how the main character jumped one topic to the next. I know it's intended to be a kind of stream-of-consciousness type but there's almost no nuance left with our main lead, Rhea. Everything is described as is that it's no longer entertaining.
What really irked me though were the characterization of everyone (from Hunter to Doris the cockatoo) and the cringey dialogue. No one speaks like this or jokes like this fkfmfmg
In my opinion, it was trying too hard to be endearing and funny, that it became corny huhu
The romance and the sexy scenes also reminded me of those classic romance novels written by your aunties? Make of that what you will.
While the author already has an impressive list of published works in other genres, I think they should definitely try reading fanfiction (if they haven't already) if they want to continue with adult romance because gosh... I've read better fics out there with greater banter and characterization.
January 6, 2026
I didn't quite like the style of the book. I thought i was in for a romantasy book but instead i was met with a fictional/fantasy ish romance in the background kind of book. I was disappointed that there wasn't that much of a romance aspect in the book. Maybe its because i didn't understand the summary of the book in the right way but i was hoping to have more details on the relationship between Rhea and Hunter. I did like the little bit of romance that there was in this book, it was cute. The book was too slow paced for me, there wasn't much happening - action wise - up until the second half of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
November 4, 2025
Books & Bewitchment is a charming romantasy with a mild spice level set in small town Georgia. Rhea has three sisters and a pretty sedate life. Then the grandmother she never met dies and leaves her a property and a business. Rhea’s mother hated her mother and left the small town of Arcadia Falls years before for Mysterious Reasons. Rhea, looking for a change, rents out her parents’ house and packs up her things. She has just been fired from her insurance job so the boss, Horace, could hire his niece. Accompanying her is Horace’s mother’s parrot. The cockatoo hates Horace – no surprise there - and he pays Rhea to take care of the parrot and to take the parrot with her. (This is Important to the plot!)
The miles pass as Rhea listens to an audiobook. She loves books – they are her passion and somehow her power. (This is also Important to the plot!) After the arrives, Rhea gets roped into performing a strange ritual with her grandmother’s ashes that turns out to be MAGIC. And Rhea gets pulled into the magical world that is Arcadia Falls.
Books & Bewitchment is an uncomplicated delight. Rhea has a wry sense of humor. The parrot likes to sing show tunes. The attractive man she meets cute when she spills sweet tea all over him is nice, considerate, and talented. There’s banter. It turns out what Rhea has inherited is an ancient video store. But soon enough she is inspired to replace it with a bookstore.
This is a cozy read. Nothing bad happens. The parrot is a hoot. If you like books, you will find yourself envying Rhea and her wonderful new life with new friends, new bookstore, new boyfriend. Books & Bewitchment is clearly meant to be the first in a series; I expect we’ll get stories about Rhea’s two sisters soon.
Although this book is marketed as the first book by Isla Jewell, she has written a number of science fiction and fantasy books under the names Delilah S. Dawson and Lila Bowen. I read an advance reader copy of Books & Bewitchment.
The miles pass as Rhea listens to an audiobook. She loves books – they are her passion and somehow her power. (This is also Important to the plot!) After the arrives, Rhea gets roped into performing a strange ritual with her grandmother’s ashes that turns out to be MAGIC. And Rhea gets pulled into the magical world that is Arcadia Falls.
Books & Bewitchment is an uncomplicated delight. Rhea has a wry sense of humor. The parrot likes to sing show tunes. The attractive man she meets cute when she spills sweet tea all over him is nice, considerate, and talented. There’s banter. It turns out what Rhea has inherited is an ancient video store. But soon enough she is inspired to replace it with a bookstore.
This is a cozy read. Nothing bad happens. The parrot is a hoot. If you like books, you will find yourself envying Rhea and her wonderful new life with new friends, new bookstore, new boyfriend. Books & Bewitchment is clearly meant to be the first in a series; I expect we’ll get stories about Rhea’s two sisters soon.
Although this book is marketed as the first book by Isla Jewell, she has written a number of science fiction and fantasy books under the names Delilah S. Dawson and Lila Bowen. I read an advance reader copy of Books & Bewitchment.
November 21, 2025
4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this cozy, witchy story ✨🧙♀️. I don’t usually gravitate toward books like this, but it hooked me fast — the short, addictive chapters made it way too easy to say “just one more.” I loved the charming small-town vibe, the fun and engaging magic system 💫, and of course, Hunter — the perfect man clearly written by a woman 😌. The whole tone was warm, whimsical, and incredibly easy to sink into.
What didn’t work for me was the big moment in the last 10%. It felt rushed and lacked emotional weight, almost like a quick cleanup job to clear the path for a tidy ending. It didn’t ruin the book, but it definitely kept it from being a full five-star read for me.
Would I recommend it?
Yes! If you love cozy witchy reads with magic, community, and a swoony love interest, this one is absolutely worth picking up. 🕯️📚
#BooksAndBewitchment #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this cozy, witchy story ✨🧙♀️. I don’t usually gravitate toward books like this, but it hooked me fast — the short, addictive chapters made it way too easy to say “just one more.” I loved the charming small-town vibe, the fun and engaging magic system 💫, and of course, Hunter — the perfect man clearly written by a woman 😌. The whole tone was warm, whimsical, and incredibly easy to sink into.
What didn’t work for me was the big moment in the last 10%. It felt rushed and lacked emotional weight, almost like a quick cleanup job to clear the path for a tidy ending. It didn’t ruin the book, but it definitely kept it from being a full five-star read for me.
Would I recommend it?
Yes! If you love cozy witchy reads with magic, community, and a swoony love interest, this one is absolutely worth picking up. 🕯️📚
#BooksAndBewitchment #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had a genuinely great time with this book. If you’re craving something cozy, whimsical, feel‑good and you’re a sucker for books about bookstores, this is absolutely for you. It’s very much character‑driven, with a sprinkle of romance and some delightful pet companions. Honestly, what more do you need.
It’s a short read, and I run through it in less than 24 hours without even trying.
I’m already ready for more stories from Arcadia Falls!
Cozy witch romantasy written under Delilah S. Dawson’s pen name Isla Jewel.
Thank you NetGalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore publisher for this ebook for review. All opinions are my own.
It’s a short read, and I run through it in less than 24 hours without even trying.
I’m already ready for more stories from Arcadia Falls!
Cozy witch romantasy written under Delilah S. Dawson’s pen name Isla Jewel.
Thank you NetGalley, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore publisher for this ebook for review. All opinions are my own.
July 4, 2025
I absolutely fell in love with this small town cozy witchy rom-com. Every character was enjoyable. The dialogue and banter is so good. There is a slow burn, closed door romance which I really appreciated.
This story shows that starting from scratch is scary but rewarding. It had the perfect small town vibe with a strong sense of community.
I’m really hoping there will be more books. Perhaps telling Rhea’s sister’s stories and we can learn more about the town and its inhabitants.
This story shows that starting from scratch is scary but rewarding. It had the perfect small town vibe with a strong sense of community.
I’m really hoping there will be more books. Perhaps telling Rhea’s sister’s stories and we can learn more about the town and its inhabitants.
July 19, 2025
It has all that you can ask for in a romcom: an out-of-town girl who needs a respite, a broody love interest who turns out to be nothing like he seems to be, and a small town that has more secrets that it lets on.
The only thing stopping me from giving this a five star is that I need more lore about Arcadia Falls, the worldbuilding and magic system thingamajing. It's barely explained in the story and I would've loved it more if it was expounded on.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
The only thing stopping me from giving this a five star is that I need more lore about Arcadia Falls, the worldbuilding and magic system thingamajing. It's barely explained in the story and I would've loved it more if it was expounded on.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
October 25, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley & Del Rey Books for selecting me to be an ARC reader for this wonderful story!
This cozy little book truly made me feel like I was reading about my hometown. The small town community mixed with the southern charm is everything I miss about my small little town.
The romance wasn’t the main plot, and I appreciated that a lot because it helped me think more deeply about the story and realize it’s a beautiful story about a girl finding her way and starting fresh. The romance was very cute though, and I think we can all agree any man who can build a bookshelf is a man worth keeping around.
As a fellow southerner, I felt like sometimes I was reading about my grandma’s house (leftovers in the butter tubs 😅), and it made the reading journey so enjoyable.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me is because I felt like at times the story was moving a little too fast from point A to B without going into more details I would’ve enjoyed to have. I was still invested in the story and I don’t feel as if I’ve missed anything while reading.
I think this is the perfect book to cuddle up on the couch with some tea & some snacks & just dive into the world of Arcadia Falls.
This cozy little book truly made me feel like I was reading about my hometown. The small town community mixed with the southern charm is everything I miss about my small little town.
The romance wasn’t the main plot, and I appreciated that a lot because it helped me think more deeply about the story and realize it’s a beautiful story about a girl finding her way and starting fresh. The romance was very cute though, and I think we can all agree any man who can build a bookshelf is a man worth keeping around.
As a fellow southerner, I felt like sometimes I was reading about my grandma’s house (leftovers in the butter tubs 😅), and it made the reading journey so enjoyable.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me is because I felt like at times the story was moving a little too fast from point A to B without going into more details I would’ve enjoyed to have. I was still invested in the story and I don’t feel as if I’ve missed anything while reading.
I think this is the perfect book to cuddle up on the couch with some tea & some snacks & just dive into the world of Arcadia Falls.
August 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc.
This cozy paranormal romance was pure comfort. With a snarky bird, a dramatic poltergeist and a sweet slow burn romance. It hit all the right vibes. The magical small town setting felt like Gilmore girls with ghosts and the banter had me grinning throughout. Perfect for fans of warm witchy reads, quirky side characters and just a touch of ghostly chaos.
This cozy paranormal romance was pure comfort. With a snarky bird, a dramatic poltergeist and a sweet slow burn romance. It hit all the right vibes. The magical small town setting felt like Gilmore girls with ghosts and the banter had me grinning throughout. Perfect for fans of warm witchy reads, quirky side characters and just a touch of ghostly chaos.
January 19, 2026
Books & Bewitchment is a cozy, small-town witchy fantasy romance that’s full of charm. It has that fun rom-com banter, a cast of quirky characters, and just enough witchy magic and magical realism to make it whimsical but not overwhelming. It’s a great choice if you’re in the mood for a cozy winter read that doesn’t require the full attention of an epic fantasy or the intensity of a real mystery—though there is a ghastly mystery element that slowly drives the protagonist a bit crazy, in the funniest way!
The story follows Rhea Wolfe, stuck in a safe but unfulfilling life in small-town Alabama, until she unexpectedly inherits her estranged grandmother’s property in the mountain town of Arcadia Falls. Planning to settle the estate and leave, Rhea is instead drawn in by the town’s quirky residents and the chance to turn a rundown video store into her dream bookstore. As old rivalries, family secrets, and quiet magic emerge—including her grandmother’s spirit communicating with her in an unexpected way—Rhea must choose between returning to her old life or embracing the one Arcadia Falls is offering her.
Rhea is an animated, opinionated protagonist who’s both practical and deeply devoted to her chaotic sisters, making her instantly easy to root for. Her relationship with her pink, sassy cockatoo Doris—whose body becomes inhabited by her grandmother’s spirit, allowing them to communicate telepathically—is equal parts hilarious and absurd. Their back-and-forth, especially the fiery, unhinged remarks from her grandmother, adds so much humor and keeps the story lively and engaging. Rhea is juggling a lot at once: the fallout of old feuds and lingering resentment her grandmother left behind, the challenge of renovating a building and running a new business, and even dealing with an angry poltergeist in her home. All of this makes her journey feel relatable and empowering, filled with moments of self-discovery and unexpected courage. There is a romance subplot between Rhea and Hunter Blakely, the handsome local handyman and grandson of her grandmother’s longtime rival. While there’s an initial sense that her grandmother’s disapproval could complicate things, that tension never fully materializes, and the romance develops a bit too quickly and sweetly to feel entirely believable. The side characters, mostly quirky townsfolk Rhea grows close to, aren’t deeply developed but still manage to create some strong found-family vibes by the end.
For a cozy fantasy, the pacing feels just right. The first half is a slow burn, mostly character-driven, introducing Rhea, the quirky town of Arcadia Falls, and the story behind her grandmother’s legacy and downfall. The witchy magic inheritance thread really takes shape after the midpoint—don’t expect an epic magic system or high-stakes conflicts, but there are plenty of spells and hints of community magic that keep things interesting. The ending ties up the main storylines with a lot of heart, showing Rhea’s growth and the connections she’s formed with the town. The romance subplot doesn’t get much development, but fans of cozy, witchy fantasy will still finish reading with a smile!
Overall, Books & Bewitchment is a cozy, whimsical read that shines with its small-town charm, slow-burn romance, and a feisty heroine readers can’t help but root for. Just go in with the right expectations—it’s not a high-stakes fantasy, and there’s no complex magic system, but it’s a heartwarming, witchy story full of quirky, likable characters. It’s a great option for a weekend winter binge or for readers who are in the mood for a small-town cozy fantasy with gentle character growth and lots of heart.
The story follows Rhea Wolfe, stuck in a safe but unfulfilling life in small-town Alabama, until she unexpectedly inherits her estranged grandmother’s property in the mountain town of Arcadia Falls. Planning to settle the estate and leave, Rhea is instead drawn in by the town’s quirky residents and the chance to turn a rundown video store into her dream bookstore. As old rivalries, family secrets, and quiet magic emerge—including her grandmother’s spirit communicating with her in an unexpected way—Rhea must choose between returning to her old life or embracing the one Arcadia Falls is offering her.
Rhea is an animated, opinionated protagonist who’s both practical and deeply devoted to her chaotic sisters, making her instantly easy to root for. Her relationship with her pink, sassy cockatoo Doris—whose body becomes inhabited by her grandmother’s spirit, allowing them to communicate telepathically—is equal parts hilarious and absurd. Their back-and-forth, especially the fiery, unhinged remarks from her grandmother, adds so much humor and keeps the story lively and engaging. Rhea is juggling a lot at once: the fallout of old feuds and lingering resentment her grandmother left behind, the challenge of renovating a building and running a new business, and even dealing with an angry poltergeist in her home. All of this makes her journey feel relatable and empowering, filled with moments of self-discovery and unexpected courage. There is a romance subplot between Rhea and Hunter Blakely, the handsome local handyman and grandson of her grandmother’s longtime rival. While there’s an initial sense that her grandmother’s disapproval could complicate things, that tension never fully materializes, and the romance develops a bit too quickly and sweetly to feel entirely believable. The side characters, mostly quirky townsfolk Rhea grows close to, aren’t deeply developed but still manage to create some strong found-family vibes by the end.
For a cozy fantasy, the pacing feels just right. The first half is a slow burn, mostly character-driven, introducing Rhea, the quirky town of Arcadia Falls, and the story behind her grandmother’s legacy and downfall. The witchy magic inheritance thread really takes shape after the midpoint—don’t expect an epic magic system or high-stakes conflicts, but there are plenty of spells and hints of community magic that keep things interesting. The ending ties up the main storylines with a lot of heart, showing Rhea’s growth and the connections she’s formed with the town. The romance subplot doesn’t get much development, but fans of cozy, witchy fantasy will still finish reading with a smile!
Overall, Books & Bewitchment is a cozy, whimsical read that shines with its small-town charm, slow-burn romance, and a feisty heroine readers can’t help but root for. Just go in with the right expectations—it’s not a high-stakes fantasy, and there’s no complex magic system, but it’s a heartwarming, witchy story full of quirky, likable characters. It’s a great option for a weekend winter binge or for readers who are in the mood for a small-town cozy fantasy with gentle character growth and lots of heart.
October 24, 2025
Books and Bewitchment was such a delightful read. I laughed out loud more than once. Even though the cozy, witchy romcom has been done many times, this one still felt fresh and original. I mean, a cockatoo familiar? Come on, that’s hilarious! And I don’t even like birds. It just kept getting funnier.
I loved the hardworking, down to earth main character who suddenly finds herself swept into a world of whimsy. Over the course of the story, she learns to dream again and put herself first, and that journey was so satisfying to watch. Her character development felt real and heartfelt, especially as she came to understand that loving her sisters didn’t mean abandoning herself.
The romance also felt authentic and grounded. I really appreciated that it wasn’t just about chemistry or banter but about trust and emotional growth. Watching her realize that she could rely on a partner and that allowing someone competent to care for her didn’t make her weak was so moving. It added a beautiful layer of vulnerability and balance to her story.
I also appreciated how the book touched on intergenerational family trauma. It takes a lot of courage to break old patterns, and this character’s willingness to do so was powerful. I loved how that healing extended beyond her family and into the wider community, reminding everyone that magic isn’t just about spells but about connection and growth.
Overall, this was such a cozy, funny, and unexpectedly meaningful read. I can’t wait to see what this author does next. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I’ll be recommending this one to everyone as their next cozy fantasy romance! 🥰
I loved the hardworking, down to earth main character who suddenly finds herself swept into a world of whimsy. Over the course of the story, she learns to dream again and put herself first, and that journey was so satisfying to watch. Her character development felt real and heartfelt, especially as she came to understand that loving her sisters didn’t mean abandoning herself.
The romance also felt authentic and grounded. I really appreciated that it wasn’t just about chemistry or banter but about trust and emotional growth. Watching her realize that she could rely on a partner and that allowing someone competent to care for her didn’t make her weak was so moving. It added a beautiful layer of vulnerability and balance to her story.
I also appreciated how the book touched on intergenerational family trauma. It takes a lot of courage to break old patterns, and this character’s willingness to do so was powerful. I loved how that healing extended beyond her family and into the wider community, reminding everyone that magic isn’t just about spells but about connection and growth.
Overall, this was such a cozy, funny, and unexpectedly meaningful read. I can’t wait to see what this author does next. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I’ll be recommending this one to everyone as their next cozy fantasy romance! 🥰
December 27, 2025
This was a book that I started reading with a lot of expectations. And I can say now that, not everything worked well for my interests.
I was excited for a cozy fantasy with a lot of magical elements. And yes, a small town romance. But these elements weren't properly demonstrated in the story. For one thing, the story focused more on Rhea uncovering secrets of her grandmother. What was problematic here was that, she seldom used magic to help her. I was internally screaming at her to use her knack to help her in this quest.
I have also felt that one of the main characters, Doris (the cockatoo of Rhea) had a lot of potential in the story but failed short of the same. She could have made the story a lot more interesting.
Another issue I faced was in the ending. It seemed too rushed and ended without solving every question. For instance, Rhea's grandmother was of the opinion that her arch enemy - Joyce was a terrible human being. But there was no reason given for the same. At the same time, Joyce had reasons to hate her. I wish all these were answered before the book ended.
All these aside, there were few things I loved. For one, the chemistry between Hunter and Rhea was good to read. And there was character development in Rhea that I was thrilled to read. I also enjoyed how the small town of Arcadia Falls felt like. The people, the stores, and the knacks they had were interesting to read.
Although it didn't fulfill my expectations, the book could be interesting if you enjoy small town cozy magical story!
I was excited for a cozy fantasy with a lot of magical elements. And yes, a small town romance. But these elements weren't properly demonstrated in the story. For one thing, the story focused more on Rhea uncovering secrets of her grandmother. What was problematic here was that, she seldom used magic to help her. I was internally screaming at her to use her knack to help her in this quest.
I have also felt that one of the main characters, Doris (the cockatoo of Rhea) had a lot of potential in the story but failed short of the same. She could have made the story a lot more interesting.
Another issue I faced was in the ending. It seemed too rushed and ended without solving every question. For instance, Rhea's grandmother was of the opinion that her arch enemy - Joyce was a terrible human being. But there was no reason given for the same. At the same time, Joyce had reasons to hate her. I wish all these were answered before the book ended.
All these aside, there were few things I loved. For one, the chemistry between Hunter and Rhea was good to read. And there was character development in Rhea that I was thrilled to read. I also enjoyed how the small town of Arcadia Falls felt like. The people, the stores, and the knacks they had were interesting to read.
Although it didn't fulfill my expectations, the book could be interesting if you enjoy small town cozy magical story!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
[NetGalley Read #60]
4.25 ⭐️
"No matter how bad my day is, someone in a book has it worse and will still get a happily-ever-after eventually. Maybe that's why I read so much. It gives me hope—and an escape."
A charming cozy fantasy with good, quirky characters.
The story is good. The setting even better. And there is such rich character history in just the opening chapter. There is romance, paranormal, some bird terror (those damn turkeys!), and a mystery element to this tale of witches.
The characters are great. Rhea's love of books, her ambitions, fears, responsibilities, sense of self, romantic misadventure, and her pet cockatoo make for a really interesting read. And, again, all this is in just the first chapter. The people of Arcadia Falls turn up the quirkiness of the entire story as soon as Colonel Gooch is introduced. From then on, it's full of small towny characters, from the friendly McGowans (and the Craft Night crew) to the surly Coves and 'a big guy who looks like Santa Claus on an acid trip', these are characters that you'll (probably) fall in love with. The dialogue is great, the banter is top notch (love Rhea's puns). The romance between Rhea and Hunter is well written. So is Rhea's relationship with her sisters and Maggie and her friendship with Shelby. Plus, I learned some new (probably Southern) phrases that I've never had the pleasure of reading before this book.
The worldbuilding is good. I'm used to reading fantasy/Sci-fi books with more elaborate worlds and worldbuilding, i.e., A Song of Ice and Fire, Witcher, Dune, etc. So this was a good change of pace from that. It's set in one place. One small magical place.
It's a short-ish book (270+ pages). Easy to read. Fun to read. Eagerly waiting for the next one.
Recommended. 👍
4.25 ⭐️
"No matter how bad my day is, someone in a book has it worse and will still get a happily-ever-after eventually. Maybe that's why I read so much. It gives me hope—and an escape."
A charming cozy fantasy with good, quirky characters.
The story is good. The setting even better. And there is such rich character history in just the opening chapter. There is romance, paranormal, some bird terror (those damn turkeys!), and a mystery element to this tale of witches.
The characters are great. Rhea's love of books, her ambitions, fears, responsibilities, sense of self, romantic misadventure, and her pet cockatoo make for a really interesting read. And, again, all this is in just the first chapter. The people of Arcadia Falls turn up the quirkiness of the entire story as soon as Colonel Gooch is introduced. From then on, it's full of small towny characters, from the friendly McGowans (and the Craft Night crew) to the surly Coves and 'a big guy who looks like Santa Claus on an acid trip', these are characters that you'll (probably) fall in love with. The dialogue is great, the banter is top notch (love Rhea's puns). The romance between Rhea and Hunter is well written. So is Rhea's relationship with her sisters and Maggie and her friendship with Shelby. Plus, I learned some new (probably Southern) phrases that I've never had the pleasure of reading before this book.
The worldbuilding is good. I'm used to reading fantasy/Sci-fi books with more elaborate worlds and worldbuilding, i.e., A Song of Ice and Fire, Witcher, Dune, etc. So this was a good change of pace from that. It's set in one place. One small magical place.
It's a short-ish book (270+ pages). Easy to read. Fun to read. Eagerly waiting for the next one.
Recommended. 👍
September 10, 2025
Rating: 3.5 (rounded up)
This book is the epitome of a cozy, witchy, small-town romcom! From a talking bird to a fleet of violent turkeys, the whole story is packed full of quirky details and humor that makes it fun to read.
I really enjoyed to plot and setup of the story. The main character, Rhea, is thrown into a town and family legacy she had no idea about, including a taboo history of magic and a very bold grandmother. We get to learn about Arcadia Falls, magic in this world, and the history of Rhea's family right along with her, which made the information integrate really well into the story without it feeling like an 'information dump.'
What makes this such a page-turning read is the wit, humor, and quirkiness throughout the writing! Whether it be a character's dialogue, a ridiculous event (again, the violent turkeys), or the narration's wit or cultural references/sayings, the writing is absolutely engaging. It includes these elements without overdoing it! Also, the general quirkiness and distinctness of each character was a strong point in the story for me. I felt that Rhea's character and family history was well-developed and layered, and she showed a lot of growth over the story. I loved the agency and boldness of her character! I also think that the story offers a good amount of complexity to Hunter's character, though I would have loved more!
My favorite parts of the book were actually the magic, weird/strange happenings, and family/town history rather than the romance. That said, I do wish these elements were expanded upon more, though perhaps it will grow in later books! I found myself wanting the romance to be a bit more complex, as well; while there is some connection the two forge because of their families and magic, much of their romance is based on physical attraction.
My favorite parts of this story:
- The humor, quirkiness, and whimsy of the story, world, and characters is top notch!
- Rhea's and Hunter's characters, as well as the grandmother's (Maggie), are well-developed and complex/layered.
- I loved the magic system/world!
- The family history and town drama was super compelling!
I struggled with a few elements.
- I found the pacing a bit inconsistent. The story is strongly character-driven for the majority of it, though the plot takes the forefront at the end. Throughout the book, there were some parts that dragged a bit, while others seemed to go too fast.
- Also, while we get a good amount of character development for Rhea and a good amount for Hunter, I feel that the other characters were left pretty under-developed.
- I wanted more plot! Since I found the pacing a bit inconsistent and the romance/attraction already established (and the conflict resolved) pretty early on, I was really drawn by the magic, 'scandal,' and history of the town and its families/characters, so I would have loved more plot and for the ending to be expanded upon.
- There were a few character contradictions left unanswered, and a few characters changed too fast for me (their perspectives, values, etc.).
This was overall a fun, witchy romcom that delivers on its promises!
*Thank you NetGalley and DelRey for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book is the epitome of a cozy, witchy, small-town romcom! From a talking bird to a fleet of violent turkeys, the whole story is packed full of quirky details and humor that makes it fun to read.
I really enjoyed to plot and setup of the story. The main character, Rhea, is thrown into a town and family legacy she had no idea about, including a taboo history of magic and a very bold grandmother. We get to learn about Arcadia Falls, magic in this world, and the history of Rhea's family right along with her, which made the information integrate really well into the story without it feeling like an 'information dump.'
What makes this such a page-turning read is the wit, humor, and quirkiness throughout the writing! Whether it be a character's dialogue, a ridiculous event (again, the violent turkeys), or the narration's wit or cultural references/sayings, the writing is absolutely engaging. It includes these elements without overdoing it! Also, the general quirkiness and distinctness of each character was a strong point in the story for me. I felt that Rhea's character and family history was well-developed and layered, and she showed a lot of growth over the story. I loved the agency and boldness of her character! I also think that the story offers a good amount of complexity to Hunter's character, though I would have loved more!
My favorite parts of the book were actually the magic, weird/strange happenings, and family/town history rather than the romance. That said, I do wish these elements were expanded upon more, though perhaps it will grow in later books! I found myself wanting the romance to be a bit more complex, as well; while there is some connection the two forge because of their families and magic, much of their romance is based on physical attraction.
My favorite parts of this story:
- The humor, quirkiness, and whimsy of the story, world, and characters is top notch!
- Rhea's and Hunter's characters, as well as the grandmother's (Maggie), are well-developed and complex/layered.
- I loved the magic system/world!
- The family history and town drama was super compelling!
I struggled with a few elements.
- I found the pacing a bit inconsistent. The story is strongly character-driven for the majority of it, though the plot takes the forefront at the end. Throughout the book, there were some parts that dragged a bit, while others seemed to go too fast.
- Also, while we get a good amount of character development for Rhea and a good amount for Hunter, I feel that the other characters were left pretty under-developed.
- I wanted more plot! Since I found the pacing a bit inconsistent and the romance/attraction already established (and the conflict resolved) pretty early on, I was really drawn by the magic, 'scandal,' and history of the town and its families/characters, so I would have loved more plot and for the ending to be expanded upon.
- There were a few character contradictions left unanswered, and a few characters changed too fast for me (their perspectives, values, etc.).
This was overall a fun, witchy romcom that delivers on its promises!
*Thank you NetGalley and DelRey for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
August 18, 2025
Jewell’s, Books and Bewitchment, is a delightfully enchanting romance set in the magical town of Arcadia. Rhea Wolfe leaves for Arcadia after receiving an inheritance from her deceased grandmother. Determined to transform the video store into a bookshop of her dreams, Hunter's help is welcomed as they explore their attraction. She curves her own path while uncovering mysteries around magic, Arcadia, and her family's past.
Jewell’s writing is lyrical, captivating, and humorous. The plot unravels consistently as Rhea uncovers her past, making for a rich and rewarding read, offering detailed descriptions of characters and events. This book would appeal to fans of magic and romantic comedy.
A descriptive narrative with a rich blend of magic, romance, and humor that would charm readers of cozy fantasies.
Jewell’s writing is lyrical, captivating, and humorous. The plot unravels consistently as Rhea uncovers her past, making for a rich and rewarding read, offering detailed descriptions of characters and events. This book would appeal to fans of magic and romantic comedy.
A descriptive narrative with a rich blend of magic, romance, and humor that would charm readers of cozy fantasies.
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