Harriet Montgomery’s life in London seems perfect from the outside, but beneath the surface, something is stirring. Haunted by vivid dreams and strange sensations, and reeling from her fiancé’s betrayal, Harriet walks away from everything she thought she wanted.
Drawn to the sleepy village of Brindlewood, where hearth fires glow and old magic lingers in the air, Harriet uncovers a secret her family buried long ago. She is the heir to a powerful witch lineage, her gifts bound by love and fear. Under the gentle guidance of her aunt and grandmother, she learns that magic is not darkness, but love and connection.
Then there’s Sam Thorne, the brooding, kind-hearted butcher whose soul feels inexplicably tied to hers.
As Harriet’s powers awaken, so do buried secrets and dangerous truths. With the past closing in, Harriet must choose between the life she left behind and the magic, and love, she’s only just found.
ARC review Such a cute cozy romance novel that blends a quarter life crisis with magic! Harri is finding life had lately. In a world of the uber rich she just doesn’t see happiness in those things and people she grew up with. Parties and shopping and traveling just aren’t doing it for her. She has a fiance that she’s supposed to be planning a wedding with but all she can do is mope around. That is until her world gets knocked sideways and everything changes. Finding her following lost family, Harri is exposed to her real roots: witches. As her magic awakens she takes in her new, more simple surroundings and has to come to terms with what type of life she really truly wants to lead. Magical powers, true friendships, belonging, and choosing the simple life make this story just a charming to read. Add enough spice to make your skin flush and really what more do you need? A great cozy story that brings all the feels
This book felt like a warm hug. It is a cozy story and romance, about a witch who discovers her powers and who she really is. It is a story about empowerment and finding your self worth, and forging your own path. Perfect for the fall, but also all year round! The (found) family was the best part for me. The characters were adorable and funny. The love story moved a bit too quickly for me, but it makes sense for the plot. I really liked the author’s writing as well. An easy and heartfelt read!
Thank you, NetGalley and The Book Guild, for the ARC of this book, Bloodline of the Coven.
Loveloveloved this book! It was the perfect amount of spice and plot and I loved the MMC and FMC so so much. The fall, witchy atmosphere was perfection and made me wish that I was in the book living it all with them. I thought the found family was so special and heartwarming! It was a quicker read that I read all of the way through because I didn't want to put it down! 10/10 recommend
🇬🇧 Bloodline of the Coven is the kind of story that pulls you in from the very first page and doesn't let go until the last. Jessica Elisabeth makes her debut with a novel that has everything: tension, joy, romance, and an atmosphere so vivid you feel like you're right there in Brindlewood, beside those glowing hearth fires and the old magic that lingers in the air.
What captivated me most is the soul of this story. The bond between Harriet, her aunt, and her grandmother is absolutely beautiful — one of those relationships that genuinely touches your heart and makes the magic of this world feel like love rather than darkness. That is the essence of the book, and Jessica conveys it in a way very few debut authors manage to achieve.
The romance with Sam is exactly what it needed to be: unhurried, tense, and full of that inexplicable connection between two people who feel like they were always meant to find each other. And the setting — Brindlewood is one of those worlds you never want to leave.
Jessica Elisabeth's writing is fluid, lyrical, and full of feeling. She had me on edge, she made me smile, and she left me wanting so much more. A truly magical debut.
🇪🇸 Bloodline of the Coven es de esas historias que te atrapan desde la primera página y no te sueltan hasta el final. Jessica Elisabeth debuta con una novela que lo tiene todo: tensión, emoción, amor y una ambientación que te envuelve como si tú también estuvieras en Brindlewood, junto a esas chimeneas encendidas y esa magia que impregna cada rincón del pueblo.
Lo que más me ha cautivado es el alma de esta historia. El vínculo familiar entre Harriet, su tía y su abuela es absolutamente precioso — una de esas relaciones que te llega al corazón de verdad y que hace que la magia de este mundo no sea oscuridad, sino amor puro. Esa es la esencia del libro, y Jessica lo transmite de una manera que pocas autoras consiguen en un debut.
La historia romántica con Sam es exactamente lo que necesitaba: con su propio ritmo, su tensión y esa conexión inexplicable entre dos personas que parece que siempre estuvieron destinadas a encontrarse. Y la ambientación... Brindlewood es de esos mundos en los que quieres quedarte a vivir.
La pluma de Jessica Elisabeth es preciosa, fluida y llena de matices. Me ha tenido en tensión, me ha dado alegría, y me ha dejado con muchas ganas de leer más historias suyas. Un debut absolutamente mágico.
Tropes: found family · secret lineage · witch heir · family magic · small town romance · slow burn Steam: 🌶️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 5/5
Bloodline of the Coven is a heartwarming blend of cosy fantasy, romance and self-discovery that completely swept me away. What begins as the story of a woman trapped in an unhappy life quickly blossoms into something much deeper—a story about finding your true family, embracing who you are and discovering that the strength you've been searching for has been inside you all along.
Harriet is a fantastic protagonist. At the start of the novel she's surrounded by people who constantly dismiss her instincts and try to mould her into the person they want her to be. Watching her slowly break free from that toxic life, uncover her magical heritage and finally learn to trust herself is incredibly satisfying. Her growth is the heart of the book, transforming from someone who seeks approval into a woman who knows her worth and refuses to let anyone else define her.
Brindlewood is the perfect setting. The cosy cottages, village café, farmers' markets and close-knit community create an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug. It quickly became a place I wanted to visit, and the supporting cast—particularly Granny, Aradia and Gloria—only add to that feeling of home.
The romance between Harriet and Sam is beautifully written. Their relationship develops naturally through friendship, laughter and genuine chemistry, making every milestone feel earned. As more secrets surrounding Harriet's family and the history of witches come to light, the story gradually shifts into a gripping mystery filled with betrayals, hidden agendas and long-buried truths. Several twists genuinely surprised me, especially the revelations about Harriet's past and the people she thought she could trust.
Despite the darker themes, the novel never loses its warmth. At its core, this is a story about healing, found family and choosing your own future. By the final pages, Harriet isn't just embracing her magic—she's embracing herself, and that's what made her journey so rewarding to read.
This book made me laugh, made me angry, made me smile and had me completely invested from the first chapter to the last. If you enjoy cosy fantasy with witches, romance, mystery and a heroine who truly grows into her own, I can't recommend Bloodline of the Coven enough.
An enchanting, cosy read with plenty of heart, memorable characters and a wonderfully empowering journey of self-discovery.
Lately I've been reading darker, heavy books and I needed something a little lighter - this one hit the spot! For all of you melting in this heat, needing a taste of autumn, something cozy, spicy and sweet, that celebrates the intrinsic power of womanhood: here's your next read!
Posh, spoiled, London socialite Harriet has been feeling off, empty, shallow, and she's been having the strangest dreams. She looks around at the life she's been handed, her equally entitled fiance, her extravagant apartment, and it all just feels wrong. She's withdrawing from her life, taking a break from work, becoming one with her sofa and leggings, and morning seems to make sense. Then she finds evidence of her fiance's unfaithfulness, the final nail in the coffin of her life, and she runs back home to her parents.
In a twist of fate, her grandmother and aunt (that she didn't know existed) show up on her parents' doorstep to explain that her recent emotional turmoil isn't random and that she's experiencing her "awakening". This is her "You're a witch, Harri" moment and she's offered the opportunity to move in with her strange relatives in a charming remote village.
Here she finally starts to feel a semblance of peace. She's learning about herself, her family's history, the supernatural world and her place in it. Then she meets Sam. Sweet, charming, lumbersnack Sam, who runs the local butcher shop, cares for his much younger sister and granny, and who is of course, equally enamored with Harri. But all is not as it seems and Harri's past threatens to halt her progress before it's even half begun.
This cozy romance is a story of love, the power of community, and the search to find one's own unique inner strength. If you need something that's not too dark, but with an intriguing plot that will help you dream of a less sweltering season, this book's for you!
Tropes
Cozy autumn vibes Found family Small town Green flag MMC Fish out of water Magical world Women's empowerment
A lovely little piece of escapism (especially on a hot humid summer day). My many thanks to Book Guild and Netgalley for kindly allowing me to read this book and the opportunity to review it!
Who is this for: Lovers of cozy magic. Lovers of happily ever after. Lovers of September mornings turning into October afternoons. Lovers of a bit of witchcraft.
Harriet is incredibly privileged on paper. Handsome Fiancée: Check. Floor to Ceiling Windows in Million-Pound Apartment: Check. Designer Clothing: Check. Wealth and Status: Check. Life seems perfect. Yet, life as Harriet knows it is cracking into pieces. She's plagued by nightmares, disillusioned with the superficiality of her relationship with her fiancée, her best frenemy causing mischief, and the sense that this isn't the life meant for her. A betrayal sends her back to her parents' home to reevaluate everything. And that's when the magic happens. Her aunt arrives knowingly to offer guidance on these strange dreams and sensations. An aunt she knew nothing about and a grandmother she knew nothing about. Harriet's mother created a life for herself and family separate from magic, making a choice that Harriet isn't sure she wants to make for herself.
Escaping London to rural Brindlewood, Harriet finds solace in a cozy cottage, magic, and self-discovery. Under the guidance of her aunt and grandmother, Harriet learns about her matriarchal lineage and gifts. It also helps that there is an adorable local butcher, Sam, as a love interest. (Can this please be turned into a cute fall movie?) There are those seeking to harm witches and this has serious implications for the life that Harriet is trying to create for herself.
Why You Might Like This Book: If you like "Practical Magic" vibes, cafe coffee in the fall, soulful romance, magic rooted in love and connection, a "found family", and a story in which the female lead chooses an authentic life over the one society expects her to have, then you might have found a book for you.
Firstly can I say how beautiful the cover is and those edges are stunning!! 🐈⬛🤩 🧡 I really enjoyed this book and it was one of those books that once I started I couldn’t put down. It pulled me in so quickly and left me wanting more! It has the perfect Cosy, Witchy Autumn vibes. The Story follows Harriet who moves back to the sleepy town of Brindlewood. Once there she discovers family secrets which was kept hidden and soon discovers she is the heir to a powerful witch lineage. There she learns all about her magic and starts to understand who she really is and what her dreams might actually mean. I loved seeing Harriet start to embrace the changes in her life, seeing her grow and I absolutely loved her slow burn romance with Sam. Plus you can’t forget Nettle 🐈⬛
I just loved Sam, he might be our broody butcher but he was such a great character. I liked the slow burn and those little spicy scenes were a nice surprise! I loved seeing his protective side and honestly I need a hot guy like Sam! 🤣
I felt all the characters were well written and had good depth to them. I enjoyed the authors writing style and felt it had a really good flow. I loved how there was plenty going on and that there were several unexpected twists! I absolutely loved all the drama and how it always leaves me wanting to know more! I’m nosey like that! 🤣🫣
I always love when books have an epilogue and this one was perfect! I absolutely loved everything that happened in it!! 💍🎄
If you love Cosy, Witchy, Small Town Romance with plenty going on then this one is for you! I’m truly hoping there will be more in this series!
I can’t recommend this book enough!! Releasing 28th June 2026
Massive thank you to @instabooktours and @thebookguildpublishing for having me on the book tour!
Young woman’s life is upended when things start to brew inside her. Feelings of unease and unsure what her life has become, she ventures to a cozy village and uncovers secrets kept hidden. What enfolds is love, family, community, and finding your power within.
What I loved: - The idea of the story itself. It has witchy charm, cozy village vibes, fall warmth, brewing romance. I enjoyed the idea of a woman living her life and getting to an age where things turn upside down. Where she goes off to find herself and realizes the life she was meant to live. - The playfulness of the FMC and the MMC. I liked the pull they had toward each other and the flirtiness that explodes out of them, even before anything starts. Then the love that comes about. How they fall in love even before secrets come out. - The community of the town and how everyone participates. It’s a town that feels real, even if it is very small and seems too good to be true. It’s a town I can picture in my head and one I want to visit.
Things I couldn’t connect on: - Though I loved the story, the writing at times felt rushed and choppy. It took me a little longer to get into the story, but once I did, I needed to know what happened. - The fiancé’s family is atrocious. I understand there needs to be a villain and tension, but I did not like them. At first, it felt that they were just too rich and more concerned with perception and reputation. The whole vibe of the family felt off. - I wanted a little more of the magic and the witch vibes. The potion making, the learning to be a witch, etc.
Overall, a charming fall, witchy read.
Thank you to Jessica Elisabeth, The Book Guild, and NetGalley for sharing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is such a cute and cosy romantic fantasy. And gave me all of the autumnal and witchy feels. I loved it. 🍂 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve been a little bit stressed recently. So it was brilliant to lose myself in such a lovely book. 🧡 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ “Bloodline of the Coven” tells the story of Harri, who lives the perfect life of a privileged and gorgeous London socialite. But life in London seems to have lost it’s lustre and Harri has begun to get strange dreams. 🐦⬛ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Soon she discovers that her fiancé has betrayed her and that she has a secret family living in a sleepy village called Brindlewood. Fleeing her life in London, Harri goes to stay in Brindlewood, with her newly discovered aunt and Granny, and their cat Nettle. 🐈⬛ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While there she discovers that she is part of a powerful witch lineage. And that her strange dreams may mean more than she thinks. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As she begins to learn from her aunt and Granny about magic, Harri meets the gorgeous local butcher, Sam. They are instantly captivated by each other. But Harri’s past may not be forgotten and is about to rear its ugly head. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This is the perfect witchy read. I loved Harri, and particularly adored her aunt Aradia and Granny. They completely reminded me of the aunts in “Practical Magic”. ✨ So wholesome and lovely. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I really enjoyed the way you’re thrown into the action of this book. From the start, Harri is disillusioned with her life in London. And is convinced there should be more to life. 🫶🏻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Her relationship with Sam fizzles with tension and sweetness. I love their flirty banter and Sam was a complete green flag. 💚 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I highly recommend this gorgeous witchy romance. It’s so much fun!
🩷 Blurb- Harriet Montgomery’s life in London seems perfect from the outside, but beneath the surface, something is stirring. Haunted by vivid dreams and strange sensations, and reeling from her fiancé’s betrayal, Harriet walks away from everything she thought she wanted. Drawn to the sleepy village of Brindlewood, where hearth fires glow and old magic lingers in the air, Harriet uncovers a secret her family buried long ago. She is the heir to a powerful witch lineage, her gifts bound by love and fear. Under the gentle guidance of her aunt and grandmother, she learns that magic is not darkness, but love and connection. Then there’s Sam Thorne, the brooding, kind-hearted butcher whose soul feels inexplicably tied to hers. As Harriet’s powers awaken, so do buried secrets and dangerous truths. With the past closing in, Harriet must choose between the life she left behind and the magic, and love, she’s only just found. 💙 Review - This was such a cosy and heartwarming read. I was hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style and the pacing was just right. I loved Harriet's character and following her journey through the book to finding out who she really is. Also her chemistry with Sam is off the charts and I wanted them to have their happy ending. Plus Brindlewood, the little sleepy village in the story sounded cute. Overall a highly enjoyable cosy read that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author. 💝 Thank you to The Book Guild, the author Jessica Elisabeth and Netgalley for my e arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out so strongly, but then sadly fell flat for me.
The premise checked all my boxes: cozy town vibes/small town romance, family secrets, the discovery and pursuit of one's magic, and the charming village butcher who is smitten with our heroine. The beginning of the book had you firmly rooting for Harriet (Harri), as her prat of a fiancé tells her to just push past her depression and "deal with it." You immediately want Harri to find joy and peace and comfort. Discovering she has family she never knew of seems like her big break...but once she arrives to the village of Brindlewood, things start to break down. I felt like Harri's character development just stalls, sadly.
Now the supporting cast of characters are great, and the vibes of Brindlewood are the top tier "cozy town" type - you will definitely get a sweet tooth with all the baked goods that Nanna talks about! But I wish there had been more - more glimpses of Harri and Sam falling in love, and more moments of Harri exploring and learning her powers. I will say that one thing this book nails is the sense of community and the sense of family - you can definitely feel and see the strong bonds that Harri develops with her family.
I know there are others out there that will breeze through this book in one sitting - if you want cozy vibes, you will find it here! But sadly, this book didn't hit right for me.
Thank you to The Book Guild Publishing and Jessica Elisabeth for the early finished copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book is so full of small town charm it was hard to put down. Bloodline of the Coven follows Harri whose seemingly perfect & luxury life in London unravels as she begins to have strange dreams & feels like something is missing. After discovering she has family she has never met, she's drawn to Brindlewood where she uncovers her new identity & finally learns to embrace who she truly is.
Harri's journey to reclaim herself is just as emotional as it is magical & that's what really made me connect with her. At first she come across as feeling trapped by her families expectations within the life she has always known. As she gets to know her family, & laced with knowledge about who she is she begins to embrace her true self & faces up to her insecurities & stands up for what she believes in. She's a very likable character & I willed her to find her place in the world.
Elisabeth has used the small town setting to create a cozy, comforting read filled with village life, found family, new friendships & of course gentle magic. I read this book at the beginning of summer but it definitely gives off an autumnal feeling & I could just imagine a roaring fire, a cosy blanket & snuggling up to read this book.
Overall it's a rather charming & heartfelt fantasy that focuses on personal growth, healing, connection & comfort rather than a fast paced epic battle of magical beings & honestly I loved it & I absolutely believe you will too.
Thank you to InstaBookTours The Book Guild & The Author for a copy of the book.
Bloodline of the Coven by Jessica Elisabeth is a charming, cosy romantasy that effortlessly blends themes of burnout, a fresh start and small-town magic. The story follows Harriet Montgomery as she leaves her seemingly perfect life in London behind following a fiancé's betrayal. Drawn to the sleepy, atmospheric village of Brindlewood, Harriet uncovers a deeply buried family secret: she is the heir to a powerful lineage of witches. As she learns to embrace her awakening powers under the guidance of her family, she also crosses paths with Sam Thorne, a brooding yet kind-hearted local butcher with whom she shares an inexplicable connection.
A story based partly in London that mixes romance, witches and mystery is the absolute perfect kind of book for me. I really enjoyed this lighthearted, cute and whimsical tale. Following Harriet on her quest to find herself, leave the big city and discover a welcoming new community in a small village was incredibly engaging. With its warm atmosphere and a bit of spice, it makes for the perfect autumnal read.
My only critique is that I wish the fantasy elements and the magic vibe of the story had been explored a bit further. I would have loved more depth regarding the specific powers of the witches, the inner workings of their community and the background of the witch hunters. That being said, the plot still managed to surprise me right up until the end. It was a delightful surprise that perfectly matched my reading mood and transported me into a wonderful, fantastic world.
Title: Bloodline of the Coven Author: Jessica Elisabeth Pages: 336 UK publish date: 28th July 2026 Published by: The book guild
⚠️ Protect yourself. Check any trigger warnings before reading.
Our main lady Harriet (Harri) is a London socialite. With everything that she could possibly need. The high rise fancy apartment, the high stress, high paying job, the rich well to do fiance. All the money, designer things and VIP access. But why is she suddenly so depressed and unfulfilled? She's off work. Her family, friends and fiance are embarrassed and she's ashamed.
After her fiance betrays her she's left back at her parents house and a family secret is unraveled. She has an auntie and grandmother. In a small town called Brindlewood. She goes off for a break and to meet the family she didn't know existed.
This is a small town cosy fantasy read. With a big ole dollop of cream cheese frosting to go on your carrot cake. It's corny, it's sweet, it made me laugh. It's everything you expect a small town witchy romance to be.
The hot butcher. The will they, won't they? So many romance tropes and on page romance that should leave you turning the pages.
If you want feel good, not have to think cutesy reads. This is the book for you.
The plot is easy to follow. There are just enough characters to keep things interesting. Was it incredibly cheesy? Yes. Am I mad about it? No. It follows all the small town witchy genre books to a T.
You won't be disappointed.
You'll like this if you enjoy books that include;
🍂 Witchy vibes 🍄 Small town romance 🍂 Creature comforts 🍄 Fated mates 🍂 Touch her and 💀 🍄 Slow down relaxed lifestyle 🍂 Secret family 🍄 Magic
If, like me, cosy witchy romance isn't just for autumn but for all year round, then this is one you should pick up immediately. Harriet Montgomery is living the socialite life in London - arranged marriages, money, luxury, and endless expectations. Think British Gossip Girl. Think the ugliness of the Upper East Side - Jack and Bart Bass. This life isn't for Harri. Something doesn't feel right, and she wants more. As it turns out, betrayal from her fiancé and a collection of family secrets are all it takes for her to realise that less really is more. And "less" comes in the form of Brindlewood - a cosy small town that gives off all the Practical Magic vibes you could possibly imagine, complete with a long-lost grandmother and aunt who were absolutely reminiscent of Franny and Jet. It's the perfect place to escape to and figure out what she actually wants from life. Anything but London, that's for sure.
Through the support of the women around her (women supporting women, am I right?), Harri uncovers a family secret: she is the heir to a powerful witch lineage. Under their gentle guidance, she discovers both her magical gifts and a family history she never knew existed. More importantly, she learns that magic is far more than the darkness she was raised to believe it was. Instead, it's rooted in love, connection, warmth, and joy. The magic system was a really nice touch. Rather than every witch casting the same spells, each person possesses a unique gift and brings something different to the table. I really enjoyed that aspect.
Along the way, we're introduced to local butcher Sam Thorne. Sam is the ultimate green flag book boyfriend. Golden retriever energy through and through. He's sweet, charming, calm, and considerate, always looking out for the people in his community. But you also know he has that "touch her and die" energy when it comes to Harri. He'll go absolutely feral for the people he loves. The chemistry between them was exactly what I wanted. It was full of tension, sweetness, and genuine warmth.
From the very first page, you're thrown straight into the action, and it just worked. This is such a wholesome, lovely read, and there was always something happening to keep me turning the pages. I particularly loved the friendships and family relationships, both the good and the bad. What worked especially well for me was the fact that while there is a redemption arc, it isn't centred on the main characters. Instead, Jessica gives that storyline to Harri's mother, and I thought that was a really smart choice. Watching Harri grow throughout her time in Brindlewood was one of the highlights of the story. Seeing her process everything she's learned, embrace who she truly is, and find where she belongs reinforces the message that when you're surrounded by people who support you, anything is possible.
Whilst this is the perfect autumnal read and a wonderfully witchy romantasy, it's also so much more than that. It's cosy, sweet, funny, and full of heart. And ultimately, Jessica's dedication says it all: "For the reader, I hope you see the person you are right now and fall in love with yourself again. Because the magic has always been within you this whole time." It's definitely a book you can enjoy at any time of year, and one that deserves a place on your TBR. I'll certainly be keeping an eye out for book two - and Jessica knows it!
Thank you so much to Jessica Elisabeth and InstaBookTours for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
If there is a small town, witches, magic and romance involved; count me in. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to read Bloodlines of the Coven as an ARC and I was absolutely pumped! I was very worried at the start that this was going to be a DNF... Harriet is a beautiful, smart, successful designer in London engaged to her college sweetheart Greg. Things start to feel off for Harriet, she has awful, repetitive dreams, her mental health and stress ramps up and she takes a step back from work and from their elite social life.
What was the reason for my almost DNF? The belittling, disrespectful, misogynistic way that Greg spoke to and treated Harriet in her hours of need, when her life felt it was coming apart. If you have ever been emotionally abused or coerced in a relationship, this might be triggering.
With a surprise visit from an Aunt Harriet didn't know even existed, she decides that running off to the country with her to get some fresh air and perspective is exactly what she needs. And this is where it all turned around for me; found family, small cozy town, magic, love and a good dash of spice came in to save the day!
I really enjoyed this book and I hope that there might be more to come so I can dive back in!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Welcome to Brindlewood, where Harri, short for Harriet, meets Sam, short for Samuel. Harri escapes London in an attempt to find her roots and save herself from an unwanted marriage. Harri leaves a shallow world behind where everything she knew so far was a glittery lie to meet herself under the care and love of her granny and aunt. The whole village welcomes her with open arms.
The magic flows through the pages of this book, and it hooked me from the first pages. I enjoyed the family dynamic and how strong Granny Cerci is in supporting Harri on finding her magical roots. Aunt Aradia is super cool with her magic, leaving Harri in awe from the moment she met her. In Brindlewood, I felt the warmth and comfort as if I were part of the story. And let’s not forget the romance that is sizzling from the first minute Harri met Sam in his granny’s cafe for a carrot cake with her aunt Aradia.
This book is a lovely tribute to the idea that magic is all about love and connection. It’s cosy, clever and sprinkled with the perfect amount of humour and spice. I never wanted to leave the Brindlewood world, and I wished it were real once I turned the last page.
In a sea of autumn-vibe romances about witches, how can a novel rise above the noise and make a (pumpkin spice) splash? By giving its readers found family fabulousness, exciting twists, characters to love and loathe, and a heroine who finds that her power comes not only from her magic, but from being herself.
I loved this! It's a super solid story about a woman who wakes up one day to realize that the vapid rich girl life she's been living just isn't enough anymore. She has the courage to strike out on her own, giving us a chance to bask in the small town goodness and sweet family dynamics we crave, especially during cozy season. Not only that, but we have Sam, a FABULOUS hero I rooted for from day one. Everything seems perfect, until her past comes back to snatch her. There are some serious nefarious characters in play, but they just give our full-hearted small town people the chance to shine all the brighter!
Content Warnings: cheating, gaslighting, dysfunctional family dynamics
I'd like to thank The Book Guild and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Harriet's life is about to take an unexpected turn when she visits the village of Brindlewood to stay with her aunt and grandmother and discovers that she is a witch.
I have been looking forward to this book ever since I saw the front cover and read the synopsis. As soon as I started to read the book gave Practical Magic vibes and I couldn’t help but quickly become immersed in the story. The storyline included magic, romance, family drama with a witchy twist.
When we meet Harriet she seems to have the perfect life. She’s engaged and living in a luxury apartment with her fiancé. But then the strange dreams start, her fiancé cheats on her and the perfect life starts to fall apart. It's when she goes to stay with her parents that she meets her mother's sister and the big family secret is revealed that she's from a long line of witches. So Harriet decides to go to Brindlewood to learn more.
As well as magic and witchcraft secrets are a big theme in the story because Harriet didn't know who she was and her mother had done a very good job in hiding her heritage. It didn't seem clear why until the story progressed. I did feel really sad for Harriet because it felt like she didn’t have any support from people around her until she moved to Brindlewood. It’s moving there that she finds a whole new supportive family.
It was interesting to follow Harriet’s journey. She was learning not only who she was but what she was capable of. Especially as her powers grew it was clear that she was a very powerful witch and that her powers had been dormant for some time, waiting to be woken.
I loved the connection between Harriet and Sam because there was this very intense pull between them. As soon as they meet their relationship quickly progresses but Sam is also keeps secrets from Harriet.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to enjoy this book because the premise sounded like something I would love. Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
My favourite part was the atmosphere. The small-town setting felt cozy, and I liked the focus on family. Harriet's relationship with her grandmother and aunt was probably the strongest part of the story, and those moments kept me reading.
My biggest problem was the writing style. I often felt like the author explained too much instead of letting the story unfold naturally. The characters' emotions, the magic and even some conversations were described in great detail, and many things were repeated more than once.
Because of that, the pacing felt slow, and I found it difficult to stay invested in the story. I also think the magical world had a lot of potential, but I wanted to discover it together with the main character instead of having everything explained to me.
I can see why this book will work for readers who enjoy cozy witchy stories with a strong family theme. Sadly, it just wasn't the right book for me, and I ended up giving it 2 stars.
4.5 stars rounded. Bloodline of the Coven was such a cosy magical read. It gave me major Practical Magic vibes, with family secrets, community, and a whole lot of heart.
I loved that the magic is powered by connection, which made the whole book feel warm and comforting. Harriet is a great FMC, brave, relatable, and trying to find herself after walking away from the life she thought she wanted. Watching her uncover her family's history, her magic, and her own voice was one of my favourite parts of the story.
And then there's Sam. The brooding village butcher who is somehow also a complete green flag. Their romance is a lovely slow burn that builds naturally alongside village life rather than taking over the whole story.
Honestly, Brindlewood felt like a character in itself. Full of village fete energy, wonderful side characters, and the kind of community that makes you want to move there immediately... although I'd probably miss streetlights. Cosy, witchy, heartwarming, and perfect for autumn. It also made me want to eat an alarming amount of banana bread.
This was an AMAZING cozy romance! So many romance novels are copy/paste of themselves and others- this one is slightly different enough that it kept me glued to the page. Harri is an amazing FMC, and Sam is your typical hottie MMC. I loved the grandma (who doesn’t LOVE snarky grannies??) and I hope my grandson thinks I am that cool someday. I was worried the aunt-figure would be a hippie, but nope, she’s just a free spirit. I was wondering what was up with the future “mother in law” character, and woa was that story line a wild ride. What kept me engaged with this story was this—every time I thought I knew where the story was taking me, or how the story would end, I was wrong. Also, being an American sometimes the British slang used (since duh, the author is British and this takes place in Britain) forced me to really use my imagination. Overall I really loved this story, and look forward to reading other stories written by this author! #BloodlineoftheCoven #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for the ability to advance review this book.
This book had excellent imagery and really painted the picture of an idyllic cottage and village. Can I go live there!? It had a Hallmark-feel to it, and was such a cozy magical romance.
There were a few times where it seemed a little repetitive (like “I stood up” in once sentence and then a few sentences later the same thing was said - this is not a direct example from the book, but basically that).
There were also a few things that I felt could have been implied, rather than explicitly said (I knew where to find him, and then a few sentences later she thinks exactly where she is going to find him, rather than us finding out where she finds him later - but that’s obviously just a personal preference for me, although some books never end up explaining and leave too much to be implied hahaha).
My only other issue was the climax and the lead up right before were not very…dramatic/climactic. It seemed a little underwhelming and then suddenly just over.
But really did love the cozy vibes, the characters, and their growth!
This was everything I wanted from a cozy witchy romance🖤. Even though I read it in the middle of summer, I genuinely felt like I’d been transported into the perfect autumn village with crackling fires, cosy cafés and magic in the air!
I absolutely adored both Harri and Sam. Their chemistry was there from the beginning, and although I was initially worried the instant attraction would mean there’d be no build-up, the author made us wait just enough that every little moment between them felt worth it. The slow burn was done so well.
Lois and Hannah completely stole my heart too (absolute power couple). They felt like they were rooting for Harriet and Sam just as much as I was, I loved having them there cheering the romance along.
The character descriptions were beautiful, the atmosphere was incredibly immersive, there were so many strong female characters and by the end I didn’t want to leave Brindlewood!!🍂✨
So I picked this up as it looked like a fab cosy witchy romance which is right up my street and it was but at some point it became a bit more high stakes and serious, and a healthy pinch of spice but still had the cosy element and it became even more up my street! Oh this had me angry at the beginning with how everyone treated Harri and I definitely identify with her struggles of not quite fitting in, but I loved how she grew and found herself! Sam was the perfect book boyfriend I loved Granny and Aradia and the rest of the residents of Brindlewood (which I want to visit!) Although the book wrapped up the story I can definitely see more in this series and would love a prequel or two as well! This would be the perfect read for autumn or right now if you're an autumn girlie like me who would love for a long lost aunt to turn up and tell you you're really a witch!
On paper, Bloodline of the Coven has everything I'd naturally gravitate towards in a book. Witches, curses, family bloodlines & secrets, cozy small town, and a touch of romance. The premise and synopsis caught my attention almost immediately especially of the discovery of Harriet's secret magical heritage and that magic is not just darkness but it can be rooted in things like love, connection and community.
The charming little town of Brindlewood, this book is written as a cozy witchy read and some might enjoy it a lot. Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. I personally did enjoy the writing, but the world was hard for me to imagine it thoroughly.
That being said, I can see the appeal of this book. If you're looking for a light, comfortable and cozy read with small town vibes, family thematics and a touch of gentle romance, this might be what you're looking for.
Absolutely Loved this! I couldn't put it down. It was such a cute and cozy read! I found that the story from start to finish had all the twists and turns needed to keep you wanting more. I love how we follow Harri on her journey of self discovery and learning that she is more than what her horrible ex fiancé and parents have her believe. I enjoyed the relationships with her new found family and the residents of Brindlewood were just perfect. I want to live there! I love how the scenes were set and I could envision the environment. The writing style is fun and easy to follow. And don't get me started on Sam Thorne. He is all the green flag, golden retriever energy but he is also protective. He is just HOT, Okay?! I followed the Author on instagram and I am so excited she's doing a second book. I can't wait!
I brought this book because it said it had everything I love in a book, autumn vibes, small town, romance, magic which it does but it has so much more! The book itself has a powerful message for women and young girls! And while yes it is a romance book (and Sam 100% puts all my other book boyfriends to shame!) its about being your true self and loving yourself and knowing that being yourself is magic!
The story itself had me on the edge of my seat with the plot twists, I couldn’t put it down… Harri is one of those characters that no matter who you are or where you are in your life you find some part of yourself resinates with her, we have all been that girl that just wants to know herself …
So if you want a bit of magic in your life and a book that’s going to make you feel ALL the emotions then this book is 100% for you!!!
Bloodline of the Coven was such a delightful surprise. This cozy romance completely swept me away with its charming small-town setting, lovable characters, and wonderful sense of community. I especially loved seeing the characters grow into their own and discover their inner strength, all while surrounded by people who genuinely cared for them.
The romance was sweet, the atmosphere was comforting, and the entire story left me feeling lighter by the time I turned the final page. I honestly didn't want it to end! It even had me daydreaming about buying a little cottage in a tiny town and starting a brand-new life.
If you're looking for a feel-good, cozy romance full of heart and charm, I would definitely recommend picking this one.
Thank you NetGalley for this adorable arc. It has been one of the best I have received.