Books & Bewitchment

Arcadia Falls #1

by Isla Jewell

In 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.

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Romantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy

384 pages, Paperback

First published February 3, 2026

About the author

Isla Jewell is the author of the Arcadia Falls series. As Delilah S. Dawson, she is the New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, as well as It Will Only Hurt for a Moment, The Violence, Bloom, Guillotine, House of Idyll, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire, Mine, Camp Scare, Ride or Die, the Hit series, the Blud series, and the creator-owned comics Ladycastle, Sparrowhawk, and Star Pig. With Kevin Hearne, she co-writes the Tales of Pell.

She lives in Georgia with her family.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

medium blog
instagram
facebook
twitter

[Ricarda · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Arushi♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2💫

⤿review with minor spoilers:

A small town cozy romantasy about a girl, Rhea, who suddenly inherits her dead grandma's properties but for that she'll have to go to Arcadia Falls, a hometown her mother hated and swore them to never visit. She's still going to go there with her pet parrot tho, to inherit the properties and find out... She's a witch!? Ohmagaad! And she's going to renovate the run-down video store into the bookstore of her dreams with the help of Hunter, who happens to be the grandson of her dead grandmother's living enemy. They are going to built her bookstore, discover how most of the town's magic suddenly disappeared, and uncover the truths hidden by her evil grannie mwhahahahaha. It's going to be so fun! WRONG.

A cozy romantasy? Cozy, for sure. It's what the two stars are for. The small town setting and the magic used for day to day things like baking cookies! Making furniture! And blah bla blah. It definitely had a cozy vibe all around but romantasy? Romance? Nahhh. Nope.

The romance felt non-existant and no I'm not saying there wasn't any romance. There were scenes of Rhea drooling over Hunter and them kissing and other stuff but it wasn't romance. You're getting what I mean? They had little to no chemistry and them getting together felt like it was forcefully shoved down my throat to incorporate the romance trope. It was like "oh he's handsome and helped me build my bookshelves so now were kissing and he's my boyfriend yayyy." There was no bonding and progress.

Hunter my boy (His name does not match his personality btw. He's more likely to save an animal than hunt one)... You weren't bad but you sure were very... Bland? Like if you asked me to describe him, all I can come up with is sweet and helpful.

Rhea sweetheart you were sweet but stupid. The first half of the book this girl pissed me off so bad. The entire "my dead mother hated my dead grandmother so I'm going to hate her too! Ohh but I need money so I'll go to the town my dead mother swore me to never visit because hey... She's already dead so she won't know. But I'm going to hate my dead grandmother nonetheless, even if she included me in her will because even if my mum is dead, I'm a good daughter and i listen to her🤭" Like girl bffr?

The ending oh god. All of the drama for THAT ending. I can't say much without spoiling it but it was so underwhelming that they could have done it within 10% of the book.

Overall, this was a pretty disappointing read. I really appreciate the cozy vibes or else I definitely would have DNF'ed.

⤿Thank you Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore, the author, and NetGalley for the arc.

#started: 17/01/2026
#finished: 22/01/2026


⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚　˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚　˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚　˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

↝Pre-read°｡⁠.ﾟ.⁠｡♡
Will read this in between my study sessions. I hope this is good🤞

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The little Georgia town of Arcadia Falls called to mind the Southern saying, "We don't hide our crazy we sit it out on the front porch and hand it a glass of sweet tea."
📼📼📼📼
Isla Jewell is the pen name of Delilah S. Dawson and this is her debut into the romance genre. The strong plotting delivered with streamlined writing far exceeded my hopes to "read something cute". Sometimes that's all I'm shooting for! 🤷🏻‍♀️Books and Bewitchment is definitely cute, but also a solid page turning experience.
📚📚📚📚
Rhea Wolfe grew up estranged from her grandmother. They never met in life, but things take a turn when she's called in to settle her grandmother, Maggie's estate. Rhea finds herself with a series of outdated buildings being held in a trust. She can't sell anything. She's desperate for a fresh start and decides to make the best of her limited options. She has always dreamed of owning her own bookstore but never had the funds to breathe life into that dream. Now at least there is a space an old video and boiled peanut emporium that is still used by locals I'm talking VHS tapes old. She meets the only local contractor approved to renovate the vintage downtown area, Hunter. Hunter happens to be the grandson of Maggie's nemesis. Hunter runs hot with attraction and cold with a feud that Rhea is clueless about.
☕☕☕☕
Everything about this is billed as a romance and it is, but it's more about a young woman bettering herself and trying to mend a riff in the charming little Georgia town she's becoming a part of. The steam here is fade to black. The small-town magic is alive and well in Arcadia Falls its colorful residents put a down home shine on this book. I felt like I was really there wandering around the town popping into the B&B for the best coffee and biscuits or dodging the turkeys that terrorize locals with hilarious shenanigans.
🥜🥜🥜🥜
The cozy vibes pair with balanced storytelling for a winning combination!
✨✨✨✨
Thank you to Del Rey | Random House Worlds | Inklore for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

---------------------------------------
My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[jenny reads a lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun cozy fantasy with a romantic subplot that is 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.

[ahmeeka · Rating 5 out of 5]

[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

[Kimberlylovesreadingbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🧎🏾‍♀️🤭.

[Sarah (bookofsari) · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Sylvie {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an E-Arc & an audiobook in exchange for an honest review!*

3.5

While Books & Bewitchment has a cozy small-town vibe and an undeniably cute premise — complete with witchy lore and a quirky cast — it didn’t fully cast a spell on me. The setting of Arcadia Falls and the idea of a bookshop-in-the-making are charming, and there are moments of fun banter and whimsical charm.

However, the pacing felt uneven at times, with long stretches that lacked narrative drive and a romance that didn’t quite build the emotional weight I was hoping for. At points, the magic and mystery elements seemed underdeveloped, making the story feel lighter than intended and a bit too predictable.

Overall, it’s a pleasant, easy read with a few sparks of charm, but it didn’t quite leave a lasting impression for me — solidly enjoyable in parts, but not memorable enough to stand out in the cozy fantasy rom-com crowd.

[Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+⭐

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 💗

[Steph ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75 Stars.

Thank you to Titan for sending me an ARC of this book.

It took me 31 days to get through Books and Bewitchment. It started off really well. The cast of characters were fun and funny and I was into the potential romance between Rhea and Hunter. However, as the book carried on, I started flagging. Not much was happening and we seemed to be dragging our feet a little bit with the plot. The romance is a slow burn but once it does get going, it's flying. The whole book is a little bit of a contradiction in pace really. The last 100 pages, the plot was balls to the wall after almost nothing happened for 200 pages. It's a shame. I feel like the middle could have been cut down a little bit and the ending explored a little bit more. I truly loved how this started out though so giving it anything less than 3 stars seems a bit unfair, but by the end of the book, I was truly over it and so 2.75 stars seems reasonable.

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rhea’s inheritance from her estranged grandmother couldn’t have come at a better time. She’s just lost her job and her life isn’t exactly anything to brag about. Only problem is that she has to go to Arcadia Falls, a place she promised she would never visit. Not only did she inherit more than she thought possible, but her grandmother’s rival’s grandson falls into her path. He’s more than happy to help her get settled.

As cute as this was, it wasn’t my favorite and left me wanting more.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Denise Ruttan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Zaneb · Rating 3 out of 5]

—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!

[elizabeth rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

a cute and easy read, with a small town and a touch of magic. I loved it! 💖 📖✨️

[Tereza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I think I’ve just discovered my new favorite cozy read! I truly can’t express how much I adored this book—charming doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Set in the dreamy, magical town of Arcadia Falls nestled in the Georgian mountains, this story completely swept me away. Rhea’s move into her late grandmother’s home sets the stage for a heartwarming journey that felt like a hug in book form. At one point, I found myself crying—not from sadness, but from sheer happiness. That’s a first for me.

Though it’s a quick read, I found myself slowing down just to savor every page. I didn’t want it to end. I already know I’ll be picking up a physical copy the moment it’s released.

Goodreads rating: 5 stars

[c in bookland]

Huge 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.

[kaz ruby 𐙚 ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute & quirky

[Marisa (marisalynnreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books and Bewitchment by Isla Jewell

A huge thank you to @prhaudio for the #gifted ALC!

🦜✨📚

Delilah is the most versatile author out there, what in the world can this woman not write?!

A cozy romcom with witches, small town vibes, and a book loving FMC, need I say more? I ate this audiobook up in one sitting, and you know that says a lot coming from a gal that normally does not like cozy reads. Rhea, our FMC, is so loveable, and the banter between her and Hunter had me giggling like a school girl.

🎧 Therese Plummer did an amazing job bringing the story to life. Her narration of Maggie "the parrot" was the true win of the audio. She had me running around screaming "SHAPOOPI" at the cats for days 😂

This this the perfect cozy romance to snuggle up with this winter. Grab your copy now!

⭐⭐⭐💫

𝘼𝙙𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙏𝘽𝙍 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚...
🦜animal sidekicks
✨romeo and juliet vibes
📚small town setting

[Selina⚔️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

(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.

[madi ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Hyun-Jin · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Bridget Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Milda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.