What do you think?
Honestly, Honey
Love, like a garden, grows when it’s tended.
Green witch Honey St. Clair wants nothing more than to stay in her house, write her plant care newspaper column, and tend her overflowing garden. Even with her socialite grandfather and brazen enchanted pothos plant encouraging her to experience life, Honey is determined to stay put. Life beyond her fence has proven to be nothing more than an anxiety-inducing minefield.
When the handsome but surly new neighbor, Ford, moves next door with his seven (yes, seven) selkie siblings, his only focus is to find work to provide for his family. In the wake of the Great Depression, that’s easier said than done, especially when he’s distracted by the charming young neighbor witch constantly peering out her window.
The two are drawn to each other like roots to water, but Ford's immense responsibilities and Honey's unhealed wounds may block the way to their happily ever after.
Set in a magical 1930s Boston, Honestly, Honey is a dual POV cozy historical fantasy romance that will enchant fans of Sarah Beth Durst’s The Enchanted Greenhouse and Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
Green witch Honey St. Clair wants nothing more than to stay in her house, write her plant care newspaper column, and tend her overflowing garden. Even with her socialite grandfather and brazen enchanted pothos plant encouraging her to experience life, Honey is determined to stay put. Life beyond her fence has proven to be nothing more than an anxiety-inducing minefield.
When the handsome but surly new neighbor, Ford, moves next door with his seven (yes, seven) selkie siblings, his only focus is to find work to provide for his family. In the wake of the Great Depression, that’s easier said than done, especially when he’s distracted by the charming young neighbor witch constantly peering out her window.
The two are drawn to each other like roots to water, but Ford's immense responsibilities and Honey's unhealed wounds may block the way to their happily ever after.
Set in a magical 1930s Boston, Honestly, Honey is a dual POV cozy historical fantasy romance that will enchant fans of Sarah Beth Durst’s The Enchanted Greenhouse and Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
- GenresFantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2026
About the author
H. B. Stapley
3 books19 followersH. B. Stapley is a lover of all things romantic, spooky, and fantastical. Refusing to stick to one genre, she explores themes of loss, perseverance, and redemption. When she’s not writing, she enjoys baking, gardening, collecting skulls, and dreaming up new stories. She lives in Idaho with her wild children and incredibly handsome husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 22, 2026
Be still my heart I could not love this cozy and whimsical fantasy romance any more 🥹 She’s a green witch who can hear plants’ feelings and needs. He’s the grumpy new neighbor with a house full of kids.
First, I fell in love with all the whimsy and enchantment in a 1950’s American setting. And then I completely fell head over heels for this grumpy x sunshine friends to lovers with the sweetest caretaking. The way he sees her crippling anxiety and knows exactly how to make her feel grounded again 🥹🥹🥹 I couldn’t get enough of it. And then the way she can sense his vulnerabilities and comfort him. I never wanted this book to end. They both don’t feel worthy of each other but just adore each other.
She has a mouthy talking plant who was just a delight to read. And a meddling grandpa who is just a hoot!
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
💛 Neighbors
💛 Plant Magic
💛 Talking Plants
💛 Meddling Grandpa
💛 Yearning you can feel
💛 Anxiety Caretaking
💛 Eyes on me (sweet comforting)
💛 One Bed
💛 Sweet and Cozy
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Green Witch FMC
💛 Selkie Shifter MMC
💛 He’s a craftsman
💛 She’s a Gardening Columnist
💛 Meet Cute
This one brings all the best Pride & Prejudice x The Spellshop vibes and I’m so here for it!!
🫑🫑 kisses only, passionate kisses
No language
First, I fell in love with all the whimsy and enchantment in a 1950’s American setting. And then I completely fell head over heels for this grumpy x sunshine friends to lovers with the sweetest caretaking. The way he sees her crippling anxiety and knows exactly how to make her feel grounded again 🥹🥹🥹 I couldn’t get enough of it. And then the way she can sense his vulnerabilities and comfort him. I never wanted this book to end. They both don’t feel worthy of each other but just adore each other.
She has a mouthy talking plant who was just a delight to read. And a meddling grandpa who is just a hoot!
💛 Grumpy x Sunshine
💛 Neighbors
💛 Plant Magic
💛 Talking Plants
💛 Meddling Grandpa
💛 Yearning you can feel
💛 Anxiety Caretaking
💛 Eyes on me (sweet comforting)
💛 One Bed
💛 Sweet and Cozy
💛 Friends to Lovers
💛 Green Witch FMC
💛 Selkie Shifter MMC
💛 He’s a craftsman
💛 She’s a Gardening Columnist
💛 Meet Cute
This one brings all the best Pride & Prejudice x The Spellshop vibes and I’m so here for it!!
🫑🫑 kisses only, passionate kisses
No language
Did Not Finish
August 27, 2026Is it just my edition that starts with the newspaper column misspelled (and then is repeated for each one I checked to the last one) as "Honetsly, Honey"?
It's the first time we see the title and it's misspelled. Largely. Checking through the book to see if it was purposefully done, and each one has the same misspelling.
None of the reviews I read mentioned this at all. It being the large font, the name of the column (and book), and repeated throughout seems worth a mention in reviews.
Like my history professor said aloud in class when I turned in an essay without proofreading the title I slapped on before printing, "This does not inspire confidence for what is to come."
Edit: After the opposite of an auspicious beginning, I am DNF-ing. This story does has promise. The narrative voice has charm and enticed me to read more that I usually would with the issues present.
* repetition throughout, like small phrases, repeated descriptions or words in adjacent sentences
* odd word choices, stating one thing in an introduction subject only to change original meaning with more detail in the predicate. Happened more than once.
* inconsistent description, or odd detailing (this was the most present issue I had...from throwing mud (showing wetness) to being covered with dust outside (showing dryness), having a toddler present while a 10-year old is a "tiny creature" the height of his adult brother's legs. Are they all miniature in stature? The shorter women lead called them "tiny". Front yard, back yard? From "tumult" to clear running path, there was a lot of what felt like inconsistencies or unexplaned in the descriptions. From stating out loud she is going to watch him, to being surreptitious about it (why? She is there and she said she is going to watch him? Pandanic that she said watch about the tree and not the hole on the property???)
* some of the dialogue is pointless or odd, and one repeated part ignored by the recipient--if dialogue is being ignored by the other character in the middle of the conversation perhaps it needs to be reworded or abandoned
* some odd choices for 3rd person as the narrator would know more exacting instead of guessing ("likely" was used to describe someone's mood)
So, while there is a lot of charm here, there needs to be more editing as I was two pages short of finishing the first chapter and called it. It is the best narrative voice of the DNFs I've had recently, as well as the cutest, and it had the most promise (typo in big bold font on the first page and subsequent newpaper pages not withstanding). I would be interested in trying this author again if they have more editing (maybe an editor).
It's the first time we see the title and it's misspelled. Largely. Checking through the book to see if it was purposefully done, and each one has the same misspelling.
None of the reviews I read mentioned this at all. It being the large font, the name of the column (and book), and repeated throughout seems worth a mention in reviews.
Like my history professor said aloud in class when I turned in an essay without proofreading the title I slapped on before printing, "This does not inspire confidence for what is to come."
Edit: After the opposite of an auspicious beginning, I am DNF-ing. This story does has promise. The narrative voice has charm and enticed me to read more that I usually would with the issues present.
* repetition throughout, like small phrases, repeated descriptions or words in adjacent sentences
* odd word choices, stating one thing in an introduction subject only to change original meaning with more detail in the predicate. Happened more than once.
* inconsistent description, or odd detailing (this was the most present issue I had...from throwing mud (showing wetness) to being covered with dust outside (showing dryness), having a toddler present while a 10-year old is a "tiny creature" the height of his adult brother's legs. Are they all miniature in stature? The shorter women lead called them "tiny". Front yard, back yard? From "tumult" to clear running path, there was a lot of what felt like inconsistencies or unexplaned in the descriptions. From stating out loud she is going to watch him, to being surreptitious about it (why? She is there and she said she is going to watch him? Pandanic that she said watch about the tree and not the hole on the property???)
* some of the dialogue is pointless or odd, and one repeated part ignored by the recipient--if dialogue is being ignored by the other character in the middle of the conversation perhaps it needs to be reworded or abandoned
* some odd choices for 3rd person as the narrator would know more exacting instead of guessing ("likely" was used to describe someone's mood)
So, while there is a lot of charm here, there needs to be more editing as I was two pages short of finishing the first chapter and called it. It is the best narrative voice of the DNFs I've had recently, as well as the cutest, and it had the most promise (typo in big bold font on the first page and subsequent newpaper pages not withstanding). I would be interested in trying this author again if they have more editing (maybe an editor).
July 5, 2026
From the very first chapters, I couldn't put this story down, and by the end, I found myself wishing I had more time with these characters.
At its heart, this is a story about learning to grow in the face of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Honey's journey felt incredibly authentic. Her overthinking, the way she sometimes pulled away from the people who cared about her, and the fear that quietly influenced so many of her choices never felt exaggerated. They felt real.
As someone who understands how anxiety can make even the smallest steps feel overwhelming, I appreciated that this story didn't pretend growth happens overnight. Honey's progress comes through friendship, kindness, vulnerability, and choosing to take one small step after another. It was hopeful without ever feeling unrealistic.
The symbolism of blooming was woven beautifully throughout the novel. Plants are at the center of Honey's world, but they also become a reflection of her own journey. Watching her slowly bloom into herself was one of my favorite parts of the story, and it made the ending all the more satisfying.
The supporting characters were just as memorable. Every one of them felt like a fully realized person instead of simply existing to move Honey's story forward. Lyla was an incredible friend, and I found myself invested in Isla and the entire family as well.
HB Stapley's writing made these characters feel like people I genuinely didn't want to leave behind. I would happily read another book about Isla finding love again after the loss of her husband, one centered on Lyla, or even one following any of the siblings as they grow into adulthood. There are so many stories still waiting to be told in this world.
If you're looking for a character-driven story filled with messy, real emotions, beautiful friendships, personal growth, and a reminder that healing often begins with one brave step.
Thank you to HB Stapley and the publisher for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
At its heart, this is a story about learning to grow in the face of anxiety, fear, and self-doubt. Honey's journey felt incredibly authentic. Her overthinking, the way she sometimes pulled away from the people who cared about her, and the fear that quietly influenced so many of her choices never felt exaggerated. They felt real.
As someone who understands how anxiety can make even the smallest steps feel overwhelming, I appreciated that this story didn't pretend growth happens overnight. Honey's progress comes through friendship, kindness, vulnerability, and choosing to take one small step after another. It was hopeful without ever feeling unrealistic.
The symbolism of blooming was woven beautifully throughout the novel. Plants are at the center of Honey's world, but they also become a reflection of her own journey. Watching her slowly bloom into herself was one of my favorite parts of the story, and it made the ending all the more satisfying.
The supporting characters were just as memorable. Every one of them felt like a fully realized person instead of simply existing to move Honey's story forward. Lyla was an incredible friend, and I found myself invested in Isla and the entire family as well.
HB Stapley's writing made these characters feel like people I genuinely didn't want to leave behind. I would happily read another book about Isla finding love again after the loss of her husband, one centered on Lyla, or even one following any of the siblings as they grow into adulthood. There are so many stories still waiting to be told in this world.
If you're looking for a character-driven story filled with messy, real emotions, beautiful friendships, personal growth, and a reminder that healing often begins with one brave step.
Thank you to HB Stapley and the publisher for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2026
This is such a cute love story. It’s so sweet to see the connection between the characters and I love the interactions they have.
As someone with social anxiety I could connect a lot with the main character and it honestly made me more grateful for my spouse. I feel like most socially anxious characters are written as well as this one was.
The book is so well-written; I could feel the emotions of each character strongly. The side-characters are adorable as well with their teasing and playfulness.
It’s such a cute book overall.
As someone with social anxiety I could connect a lot with the main character and it honestly made me more grateful for my spouse. I feel like most socially anxious characters are written as well as this one was.
The book is so well-written; I could feel the emotions of each character strongly. The side-characters are adorable as well with their teasing and playfulness.
It’s such a cute book overall.
July 18, 2026
This follows Honey, a green witch who just wants to stay inside to take care of her plants and write her column in the paper while living with her grandfather and his antics.
But when new neighbors arrive, with many children, she starts to peak out her window to watch them simply out of curiosity, and not because of the handsome eldest of the rowdy bunch.
When Honey notices they are scraping by, she asks Ford to work on a project in her home. As she gets to know him and become maybe friends, she ends up asking him if he could come with her to the city for an interview the paper asked her to do, not wanting to go alone.
This was SUCH a cute read.
This takes place during the Great Depression, but instead of humans, the world seems to be filled with unique beings, such as witches and selkies and many other types of beings. I loved that. It made it unique and fun to read. And despite the era it took place in, and despite some darker moments, there is a lightheartedness to the story that shines hope through, especially for the characters whether it’s because they’re struggling financially or socially.
I adored Honey. I relate to her so so much. I’m an introvert to the point that I almost never leave the house either. Honey is a shut in and borderline agoraphobe(I’m not there), and she has a lot of fear and anxiety that tend to rule her life(which I do get), but she’s so kind and generous. I loved seeing her growth and stepping outside of her comfort zone to help her neighbors and experience a more social life. Yes, she was exhausted at times, I get that, I get exhausted when I socialize 😆, but she also felt fulfilled and she realized it was okay and she could do these things.
Ford is the grumpy, broody male character who loves fiercely, especially his family. Him and his family, ugh be still my heart! It was the cutest thing ever whenever they interacted. And his relationship with his mother was oh so endearing. They were all so supportive of each other and loved each other no matter what their situation was. The kids didn’t care as long as they had something to eat and could play. What I loved the most about Ford was a comment he made about Honey. In an inner monologue, he mentioned that she had no flaws. Her parents viewed Honey as flawed, but Ford never saw that. He just saw someone who needed support, who needed a friend. And he became that friend and always knew what she needed. I loved him so much.
And so the romance of course is so beautiful. I love a good slow burn. And this one was the aching, yearning, will they won’t they kind of slow burn that makes you yell at your book or e-reader to just kiss already! The frustrating slow burn romances are the best kind of romances, in my opinion. Make my heart yearn and weep.
And then all the other characters added so much depth to the story too. Like Honey’s grandfather with his romantic excursions that caused him to be out till 3 AM, like a teenager. Then there’s Floyd the talking plant who had so much sass and sarcasm, and was borderline mean, he definitely added some humor to the book. And Ford’s mother and the children added warmth to the story.
I loved the book so much. I couldn’t put it down. I hope to read more from this world.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But when new neighbors arrive, with many children, she starts to peak out her window to watch them simply out of curiosity, and not because of the handsome eldest of the rowdy bunch.
When Honey notices they are scraping by, she asks Ford to work on a project in her home. As she gets to know him and become maybe friends, she ends up asking him if he could come with her to the city for an interview the paper asked her to do, not wanting to go alone.
This was SUCH a cute read.
This takes place during the Great Depression, but instead of humans, the world seems to be filled with unique beings, such as witches and selkies and many other types of beings. I loved that. It made it unique and fun to read. And despite the era it took place in, and despite some darker moments, there is a lightheartedness to the story that shines hope through, especially for the characters whether it’s because they’re struggling financially or socially.
I adored Honey. I relate to her so so much. I’m an introvert to the point that I almost never leave the house either. Honey is a shut in and borderline agoraphobe(I’m not there), and she has a lot of fear and anxiety that tend to rule her life(which I do get), but she’s so kind and generous. I loved seeing her growth and stepping outside of her comfort zone to help her neighbors and experience a more social life. Yes, she was exhausted at times, I get that, I get exhausted when I socialize 😆, but she also felt fulfilled and she realized it was okay and she could do these things.
Ford is the grumpy, broody male character who loves fiercely, especially his family. Him and his family, ugh be still my heart! It was the cutest thing ever whenever they interacted. And his relationship with his mother was oh so endearing. They were all so supportive of each other and loved each other no matter what their situation was. The kids didn’t care as long as they had something to eat and could play. What I loved the most about Ford was a comment he made about Honey. In an inner monologue, he mentioned that she had no flaws. Her parents viewed Honey as flawed, but Ford never saw that. He just saw someone who needed support, who needed a friend. And he became that friend and always knew what she needed. I loved him so much.
And so the romance of course is so beautiful. I love a good slow burn. And this one was the aching, yearning, will they won’t they kind of slow burn that makes you yell at your book or e-reader to just kiss already! The frustrating slow burn romances are the best kind of romances, in my opinion. Make my heart yearn and weep.
And then all the other characters added so much depth to the story too. Like Honey’s grandfather with his romantic excursions that caused him to be out till 3 AM, like a teenager. Then there’s Floyd the talking plant who had so much sass and sarcasm, and was borderline mean, he definitely added some humor to the book. And Ford’s mother and the children added warmth to the story.
I loved the book so much. I couldn’t put it down. I hope to read more from this world.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2026
Thank you very much to the author, H.B. Stapley, for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, Honey is a cosy romance set in a fantasy-adjacent variant of the US in the 1930s. Its female protagonist, Honey St. Clair, is a socially anxious and agoraphobic green witch who maintains a column in the newspaper answering readers’ gardening questions. Ford McCarthy, her seemingly surly neighbour, is a hardworking former architect navigating the responsibilities of being a breadwinner during an economic crisis.
This is a very cosy read. I very much liked Ford right off the bat; it’s refreshing to see male protagonists who express their masculinity through caregiving in the home and not just by bringing in money. Honey was also quite endearing, and the snippets from her column were a very fun (and informative!) read. The supporting cast, particularly Honey’s grandfather Poppy and Ford’s mother and siblings, is a delightful addition. Ford’s younger sister Una was particularly sweet, and she brought a lot of warmth with her presence.
I will say I would have liked to see more exploration of the individual characters. Ford’s siblings are unfortunately quite absent from many scenes, and some are only really known by name. We hear about Darrow’s unfortunate parentification, but we don’t actually see her respond or react to it emotionally. I also would have liked to see much more of Honey’s best friend, Lyla. Many of the young women in this novel are presented as more outgoing and also more promiscuous than Honey. We see Honey’s friendship with Lyla, but Lyla isn’t given much character beyond these two traits. Coupled with Ford’s apparent preference for traits associated with homemaking, it’s difficult to see this portrayal as sufficiently nuanced for my preference.
I similarly would have liked to see Honey gain a little more independence. While her love for Ford and Poppy is unquestionable, we don’t see her build any strength on her own. A leftover card from a particularly brutal interaction with her parents is also kept as an unused Chekhov’s gun, referenced only in passing. I would have liked to see Honey develop both in terms of her relationships with others, and on her own terms.
Nevertheless, the story is incredibly heartwarming. Many of the affections expressed in the novel, familial and romantic, come across as very sincere. There’s no question that the characters in this book love each other very much, and Stapley communicates that sentimentality wonderfully. Readers looking for familiar plot structures and story beats will certainly find them here.
Overall, Honestly, Honey is a light, cosy read. While it explores themes of childhood trauma and neglect, as well as social anxiety, agoraphobia, and parentification, it does so through a fairly light-handed and hopeful approach. This novel is particularly well-suited to readers looking for a break from otherwise heavy stories.
Honestly, Honey is a cosy romance set in a fantasy-adjacent variant of the US in the 1930s. Its female protagonist, Honey St. Clair, is a socially anxious and agoraphobic green witch who maintains a column in the newspaper answering readers’ gardening questions. Ford McCarthy, her seemingly surly neighbour, is a hardworking former architect navigating the responsibilities of being a breadwinner during an economic crisis.
This is a very cosy read. I very much liked Ford right off the bat; it’s refreshing to see male protagonists who express their masculinity through caregiving in the home and not just by bringing in money. Honey was also quite endearing, and the snippets from her column were a very fun (and informative!) read. The supporting cast, particularly Honey’s grandfather Poppy and Ford’s mother and siblings, is a delightful addition. Ford’s younger sister Una was particularly sweet, and she brought a lot of warmth with her presence.
I will say I would have liked to see more exploration of the individual characters. Ford’s siblings are unfortunately quite absent from many scenes, and some are only really known by name. We hear about Darrow’s unfortunate parentification, but we don’t actually see her respond or react to it emotionally. I also would have liked to see much more of Honey’s best friend, Lyla. Many of the young women in this novel are presented as more outgoing and also more promiscuous than Honey. We see Honey’s friendship with Lyla, but Lyla isn’t given much character beyond these two traits. Coupled with Ford’s apparent preference for traits associated with homemaking, it’s difficult to see this portrayal as sufficiently nuanced for my preference.
I similarly would have liked to see Honey gain a little more independence. While her love for Ford and Poppy is unquestionable, we don’t see her build any strength on her own. A leftover card from a particularly brutal interaction with her parents is also kept as an unused Chekhov’s gun, referenced only in passing. I would have liked to see Honey develop both in terms of her relationships with others, and on her own terms.
Nevertheless, the story is incredibly heartwarming. Many of the affections expressed in the novel, familial and romantic, come across as very sincere. There’s no question that the characters in this book love each other very much, and Stapley communicates that sentimentality wonderfully. Readers looking for familiar plot structures and story beats will certainly find them here.
Overall, Honestly, Honey is a light, cosy read. While it explores themes of childhood trauma and neglect, as well as social anxiety, agoraphobia, and parentification, it does so through a fairly light-handed and hopeful approach. This novel is particularly well-suited to readers looking for a break from otherwise heavy stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, Honey completely stole my heart. This is easily one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read, and it’s one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Honey was such a deeply relatable main character for me. Her anxiety isn’t treated as a quirky personality trait or something that’s easily overcome. It shapes her everyday life in ways that felt incredibly authentic. I saw so much of myself in her, especially in the way she avoids leaving home and feels like she needs someone beside her whenever she has to face the outside world. Watching her slowly grow while never losing who she was meant to be meant so much to me.
Honey’s relationship with her parents was heartbreaking, and it hit especially close to home. Thankfully, she also has her wonderful grandfather, Poppy, who quickly became one of my favorite characters. I was lucky enough to have grandparents who were there for me the way Poppy was for Honey, and they meant the world to me. Of course, I have to mention the enchanted pothos, Floyd, because he absolutely deserves his own fan club. That said, I definitely had a love-hate relationship with him at times because he could be such a pain. 😂
Then there’s Ford. He is simply precious. Watching him care for his mother and his seven adorable selkie siblings while trying to build a better life made me adore him from the very beginning. The romance between Honey and Ford was so gentle, patient, and full of genuine kindness that I found myself crying more than once. Every small step they took toward each other felt earned, and their relationship became one of my favorite romances I’ve read this year.
The magical 1930s Boston setting was absolutely charming, with cozy magic woven naturally into everyday life. It perfectly complemented a story centered on healing, family, courage, and finding people who make the world feel a little less frightening.
If you love cozy fantasy with lovable characters, slow-burn romance, found family, and stories that wear their heart on their sleeve, you need to pick this one up. I’ll be cherishing Honestly, Honey for a very long time. It felt like being wrapped in the warmest blanket and gently reminded me that healing doesn’t have to happen all at once.
I’m crying again just writing this. 😂
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Honey was such a deeply relatable main character for me. Her anxiety isn’t treated as a quirky personality trait or something that’s easily overcome. It shapes her everyday life in ways that felt incredibly authentic. I saw so much of myself in her, especially in the way she avoids leaving home and feels like she needs someone beside her whenever she has to face the outside world. Watching her slowly grow while never losing who she was meant to be meant so much to me.
Honey’s relationship with her parents was heartbreaking, and it hit especially close to home. Thankfully, she also has her wonderful grandfather, Poppy, who quickly became one of my favorite characters. I was lucky enough to have grandparents who were there for me the way Poppy was for Honey, and they meant the world to me. Of course, I have to mention the enchanted pothos, Floyd, because he absolutely deserves his own fan club. That said, I definitely had a love-hate relationship with him at times because he could be such a pain. 😂
Then there’s Ford. He is simply precious. Watching him care for his mother and his seven adorable selkie siblings while trying to build a better life made me adore him from the very beginning. The romance between Honey and Ford was so gentle, patient, and full of genuine kindness that I found myself crying more than once. Every small step they took toward each other felt earned, and their relationship became one of my favorite romances I’ve read this year.
The magical 1930s Boston setting was absolutely charming, with cozy magic woven naturally into everyday life. It perfectly complemented a story centered on healing, family, courage, and finding people who make the world feel a little less frightening.
If you love cozy fantasy with lovable characters, slow-burn romance, found family, and stories that wear their heart on their sleeve, you need to pick this one up. I’ll be cherishing Honestly, Honey for a very long time. It felt like being wrapped in the warmest blanket and gently reminded me that healing doesn’t have to happen all at once.
I’m crying again just writing this. 😂
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💚Fantasy romance
🌱Historical fantasy
💚Forced proximity
🌱Cozy cottagecore vibes
💚Plant magic
🌱Grumpy x sunshine
💚Closed door romance
🌱Talking plant
💚Dual POV
🌱Standalone
💖💖Thank you so so much to H.B Stapley for the gifted earc, I am so grateful! All opinions are my own💖💖
Honey prefers staying home, writing her column, and avoids meeting people. her life revolves around her garden, Floyd—the talking plant, and her grandfather—Poppy, but she's happy. Everything changes when Ford and his seven siblings move in next door. strangely, with Ford, Honey feels comfortable talking to him and his family and comfortably goes out of the house with him. but despite their growing closeness, Ford's insecurities keep him from believing he deserves a place in Honey's life. every time they begin to grow closer, he pulls away, until Honey offers him a job he can't refuse.
This book was everything I needed :') after dealing with too many high stakes books and heartwrenching cliffhangers, this book healed me through and through with its heartwarming plot and cuteness overload of Ford and Honey. I'm not just reading it I'm devouring it. I enjoyed this book sooo much and had a hard time putting it down😆
The story is a cute tale of character growth with well developed characters, which are the best part of the book, they feel warm and relatable and the romance between Ford and Honey is a slow burn delight, a sweet romance that will have you rooting for them from the start✨ their interactions brought a lot of smile to my face in every chapter :))) the love and kindness the characters show each other are inspiring🥰 I loved that even though Ford can be grumpy and rude because of his insecurities, he's quick to apologize, make amends, and consistently treats Honey with kindness and respect...the way he treats Honey is genuinely thoughtful and gentlemanly🥰 I also enjoyed the lighthearted magical elements woven into the story, especially when Ford shifts into his selkie form.. I imagine he must look really cute!!😆😍🤩
Overall, I loved every moment of reading this. anyone who loves slice-of-life cozy fantasy books that leave you with a smile and wishing for more should runnn to get this book!😆
me while reading this book:
🌱Historical fantasy
💚Forced proximity
🌱Cozy cottagecore vibes
💚Plant magic
🌱Grumpy x sunshine
💚Closed door romance
🌱Talking plant
💚Dual POV
🌱Standalone
💖💖Thank you so so much to H.B Stapley for the gifted earc, I am so grateful! All opinions are my own💖💖
Honey prefers staying home, writing her column, and avoids meeting people. her life revolves around her garden, Floyd—the talking plant, and her grandfather—Poppy, but she's happy. Everything changes when Ford and his seven siblings move in next door. strangely, with Ford, Honey feels comfortable talking to him and his family and comfortably goes out of the house with him. but despite their growing closeness, Ford's insecurities keep him from believing he deserves a place in Honey's life. every time they begin to grow closer, he pulls away, until Honey offers him a job he can't refuse.
Honey hesitated, looking down at their hands again. "I feel like I'm taking advantage of you. You've been incredibly kind and accommodating."
"Honey, I wouldn't say having a pretty girl on my shoulder is being taken advantage of." He gave her his best harmless smile.
This book was everything I needed :') after dealing with too many high stakes books and heartwrenching cliffhangers, this book healed me through and through with its heartwarming plot and cuteness overload of Ford and Honey. I'm not just reading it I'm devouring it. I enjoyed this book sooo much and had a hard time putting it down😆
"You don't realize how amazing you are, Honey. That was perfect. You're perfect."
Honey scoffed. "I am most definitely not perfect."
"You're perfect for me."
"Whatever you need, Honey, I'll always help you. Whatever happens next, we're doing it together."
The story is a cute tale of character growth with well developed characters, which are the best part of the book, they feel warm and relatable and the romance between Ford and Honey is a slow burn delight, a sweet romance that will have you rooting for them from the start✨ their interactions brought a lot of smile to my face in every chapter :))) the love and kindness the characters show each other are inspiring🥰 I loved that even though Ford can be grumpy and rude because of his insecurities, he's quick to apologize, make amends, and consistently treats Honey with kindness and respect...the way he treats Honey is genuinely thoughtful and gentlemanly🥰 I also enjoyed the lighthearted magical elements woven into the story, especially when Ford shifts into his selkie form.. I imagine he must look really cute!!😆😍🤩
Overall, I loved every moment of reading this. anyone who loves slice-of-life cozy fantasy books that leave you with a smile and wishing for more should runnn to get this book!😆
me while reading this book:
Review of advance copy received from Author
Honestly, Honey was such a charming, cozy fantasy romance that completely surprised me with how comforting it felt. It has everything I enjoy in a cozy read: a gentle slow-burn romance, magical creatures, gardening, found family, humour, and a warm small-town atmosphere that made me want to spend more time in Belmont.
While Honey and Ford were lovely protagonists, it was the side characters who completely stole the show for me. Poppy quickly became one of my absolute favourites. He was kind, wise, funny, and always seemed to know exactly when Honey needed encouragement - or a gentle push in the right direction. Floyd had me laughing out loud throughout the book with his sarcastic remarks, and Una was simply adorable, especially in her seal form. Together, they added so much warmth, humour, and heart to the story.
One of my favourite moments was Honey's radio interview. Watching her step outside of her comfort zone and slowly grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. I also loved that her personal growth felt just as important as the romance itself.
The romance between Honey and Ford was sweet and heartfelt, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. My only reason for not giving this a full five stars is that I felt the pacing of the romance shifted a little too suddenly at one point. Up until then, their relationship developed in such a gentle, gradual way that one particular step felt a little more abrupt than I expected. I also felt the ending wrapped everything up a little too neatly for my personal taste.
Those are only minor criticisms, though, in what was otherwise a genuinely enjoyable read.
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy with springtime vibes, magical creatures, gardening, found family, lovable side characters, and a heartwarming slow-burn romance, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
While Honey and Ford were lovely protagonists, it was the side characters who completely stole the show for me. Poppy quickly became one of my absolute favourites. He was kind, wise, funny, and always seemed to know exactly when Honey needed encouragement - or a gentle push in the right direction. Floyd had me laughing out loud throughout the book with his sarcastic remarks, and Una was simply adorable, especially in her seal form. Together, they added so much warmth, humour, and heart to the story.
One of my favourite moments was Honey's radio interview. Watching her step outside of her comfort zone and slowly grow in confidence was incredibly rewarding. I also loved that her personal growth felt just as important as the romance itself.
The romance between Honey and Ford was sweet and heartfelt, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. My only reason for not giving this a full five stars is that I felt the pacing of the romance shifted a little too suddenly at one point. Up until then, their relationship developed in such a gentle, gradual way that one particular step felt a little more abrupt than I expected. I also felt the ending wrapped everything up a little too neatly for my personal taste.
Those are only minor criticisms, though, in what was otherwise a genuinely enjoyable read.
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy with springtime vibes, magical creatures, gardening, found family, lovable side characters, and a heartwarming slow-burn romance, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC copy from the author.
This book is such a fun read, and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a cozy, clean romance where both main characters have challenges that pull them away from each other.
This story follows Honey, a green witch who has all but shut herself out from the outside world because of childhood trauma from some truly awful parents. She spends her days taking care of her garden, writing for her gardening column, and watching the outside world from her window as subtly as she can. Honey was a beautiful main character to follow, and I liked the addition of bits of her column before chapters throughout the book. I have never had much of a green thumb, but I desperately want a garden, so being a green witch sounds like the perfect magic for me. Her magic is simple yet nuanced because of her ability to feel emotions from plants. Also, her talking plant, Floyd, was a nice comic-relief addition throughout the book.
Ford, the other main character, is a strong protector who strives to take care of his younger siblings and his single mother. His family's life was thrown upside down when his stepfather passed, taking them from their upper-class life to struggling to have enough money for food. Ford struggles with his pride throughout the book, at times reluctant to accept help.
The romance between these two is very much a slow process, and both of them try to fight it for different reasons throughout the book. I loved how both of their perspectives experienced their growing feelings, and there was quite a bit of tension that built up. I just love these two, and I truly enjoyed reading their story.
I loved this book, and I would highly reccommend it for anyone who is fans of magic, and romance despite anxiety and pride.
This book is such a fun read, and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a cozy, clean romance where both main characters have challenges that pull them away from each other.
This story follows Honey, a green witch who has all but shut herself out from the outside world because of childhood trauma from some truly awful parents. She spends her days taking care of her garden, writing for her gardening column, and watching the outside world from her window as subtly as she can. Honey was a beautiful main character to follow, and I liked the addition of bits of her column before chapters throughout the book. I have never had much of a green thumb, but I desperately want a garden, so being a green witch sounds like the perfect magic for me. Her magic is simple yet nuanced because of her ability to feel emotions from plants. Also, her talking plant, Floyd, was a nice comic-relief addition throughout the book.
Ford, the other main character, is a strong protector who strives to take care of his younger siblings and his single mother. His family's life was thrown upside down when his stepfather passed, taking them from their upper-class life to struggling to have enough money for food. Ford struggles with his pride throughout the book, at times reluctant to accept help.
The romance between these two is very much a slow process, and both of them try to fight it for different reasons throughout the book. I loved how both of their perspectives experienced their growing feelings, and there was quite a bit of tension that built up. I just love these two, and I truly enjoyed reading their story.
I loved this book, and I would highly reccommend it for anyone who is fans of magic, and romance despite anxiety and pride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such a cute love story! Honey and Ford are just the cutest!
Honey St. Clair has major social anxiety and likes to stay in her home with her talking plant Floyd and attend to her garden. Something that I can definitely relate to. She also lives with her grandfather, Poppy, who is always trying to set her up on dates to get her more comfortable with others. Although it is a sweet gesture, Honey is not about it. She isn't looking for love, she just wants to focus on her job writing columns in the paper on how to help people take care of their plants/garden. Oh, I forgot to mention she's a green witch, which makes her more connected to plants anyway.
Ford McCarthy, a new neighbor who moved in with his family and just trying to stay above water. His dream was always to be an architect but when things got rough after his father's passing he had to become the breadwinner to support his siblings and mother.
Their blossoming relationship was quite adorable and it was nice to see the way that they connected and helped each other out with their conditions. It was a journey of vulnerability, kindness, and personal growth. its quite beautiful. I also really liked to see the columns that Honey was writing. I am all about the plants so some of these columns helped with some of my difficulties too 😅 very helpful!
I would've liked to see more of Ford's siblings being involved. I feel like they could've made things a bit more interesting. Because kids are kids and say silly things or do silly things. 😅
Overall, its honestly, such a cute read. I definitely recommend this read if you like cozy cute romantasies. It's quite a great palette cleanser if you read more of the heavier stuff.
Honey St. Clair has major social anxiety and likes to stay in her home with her talking plant Floyd and attend to her garden. Something that I can definitely relate to. She also lives with her grandfather, Poppy, who is always trying to set her up on dates to get her more comfortable with others. Although it is a sweet gesture, Honey is not about it. She isn't looking for love, she just wants to focus on her job writing columns in the paper on how to help people take care of their plants/garden. Oh, I forgot to mention she's a green witch, which makes her more connected to plants anyway.
Ford McCarthy, a new neighbor who moved in with his family and just trying to stay above water. His dream was always to be an architect but when things got rough after his father's passing he had to become the breadwinner to support his siblings and mother.
Their blossoming relationship was quite adorable and it was nice to see the way that they connected and helped each other out with their conditions. It was a journey of vulnerability, kindness, and personal growth. its quite beautiful. I also really liked to see the columns that Honey was writing. I am all about the plants so some of these columns helped with some of my difficulties too 😅 very helpful!
I would've liked to see more of Ford's siblings being involved. I feel like they could've made things a bit more interesting. Because kids are kids and say silly things or do silly things. 😅
Overall, its honestly, such a cute read. I definitely recommend this read if you like cozy cute romantasies. It's quite a great palette cleanser if you read more of the heavier stuff.
July 2, 2026
🌺 If you’ve been searching for the perfect cozy fantasy novel with cottage core vibes, I think I found what you’re looking for! Honestly,Honey By H.B Stapley 🌺
Blurb: “In 1930s Boston, reclusive green witch Honey St. Clair would rather hide among her plants and write her gardening column than face the chaos beyond her garden gate. But when Ford—a gruff selkie struggling to support his seven siblings during the Great Depression—moves in next door, the two are drawn together despite Honey’s anxieties and Ford’s heavy responsibilities. As magic, healing, and romance begin to bloom between them, they’ll have to decide if love is worth risking the safety of the lives they’ve carefully cultivated”
Publication Date: 21 July 2026
Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly, Honey has the perfect balance of romantasy and cozy fantasy. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air as it was wholesome, sweet, and simply cozy.
Honey, a green witch, deals with anxiety brought on from a traumatic event in childhood. The anxiety representation was done so well. The feelings and actions that Honey had were extremely relatable.
The romance between Honey and Ford felt natural and progressed at the perfect speed. They have a connection that can be felt through the pages.
You will fall in love with all the characters. They all feel human, though, not all of them are exactly. ;) There maybe a sassy talking plant named Floyd.
My favorite part of this book had to be the way magic didn’t have any hostility. It was cozy all throughout the book.
Thank you so much to H.B Stapley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Blurb: “In 1930s Boston, reclusive green witch Honey St. Clair would rather hide among her plants and write her gardening column than face the chaos beyond her garden gate. But when Ford—a gruff selkie struggling to support his seven siblings during the Great Depression—moves in next door, the two are drawn together despite Honey’s anxieties and Ford’s heavy responsibilities. As magic, healing, and romance begin to bloom between them, they’ll have to decide if love is worth risking the safety of the lives they’ve carefully cultivated”
Publication Date: 21 July 2026
Rating: 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly, Honey has the perfect balance of romantasy and cozy fantasy. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air as it was wholesome, sweet, and simply cozy.
Honey, a green witch, deals with anxiety brought on from a traumatic event in childhood. The anxiety representation was done so well. The feelings and actions that Honey had were extremely relatable.
The romance between Honey and Ford felt natural and progressed at the perfect speed. They have a connection that can be felt through the pages.
You will fall in love with all the characters. They all feel human, though, not all of them are exactly. ;) There maybe a sassy talking plant named Floyd.
My favorite part of this book had to be the way magic didn’t have any hostility. It was cozy all throughout the book.
Thank you so much to H.B Stapley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
***Thank you to H.B. Stapley for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.***
She was warm and soft, and Ford felt like he might go into cardiac arrest from the contact alone.
Honestly, Honey captured my heart from the first page and is one of my top reads of 2026.
Historical fantasy meets a cozy atmosphere in 1930s Boston. Packed full of cottagecore vibes, magical beings, and growth of both the plant and person variety, Ford and Honey's love story is everything I could want in a romance and more. Honestly, Honey also touches on difficult topics such as neglectful parents, crippling anxiety, and the struggles of those living through The Great Depression. Stapley handles each heavy topic with respect and dignity, but also allows the reality of every situation to shine through instead of sugarcoating it.
Honey herself holds a special place in my heart. As someone who struggles with high-functioning anxiety, watching her work through panic attacks and feeling like she is failing everyone she loves is something I can relate to. Finding her peace in her plants, working through the crippling anxiety, I was rooting for Honey every step of the way.
Honey is the perfect juxtaposition to Ford. Single-mindedly dedicated to his family and willing to do whatever it takes, he reminded me of Violet Baudelaire from A Series of Unfortunate Events. I enjoyed watching his own personal growth, learning to set aside his jealousy and focus on his own happiness. Also, the fact that he and his family were selkies made me like them all the more as I've always found the myth of the selkie overlooked and underdone.
If you are a fan of historical or cozy fantasies, I cannot recommend Honestly, Honey enough. From the setting to the characters to the beautiful storyline, there’s something for everyone between these pages.
H. B. Stapley has created a story that will linger with you long after the pages close.
She was warm and soft, and Ford felt like he might go into cardiac arrest from the contact alone.
Honestly, Honey captured my heart from the first page and is one of my top reads of 2026.
Historical fantasy meets a cozy atmosphere in 1930s Boston. Packed full of cottagecore vibes, magical beings, and growth of both the plant and person variety, Ford and Honey's love story is everything I could want in a romance and more. Honestly, Honey also touches on difficult topics such as neglectful parents, crippling anxiety, and the struggles of those living through The Great Depression. Stapley handles each heavy topic with respect and dignity, but also allows the reality of every situation to shine through instead of sugarcoating it.
Honey herself holds a special place in my heart. As someone who struggles with high-functioning anxiety, watching her work through panic attacks and feeling like she is failing everyone she loves is something I can relate to. Finding her peace in her plants, working through the crippling anxiety, I was rooting for Honey every step of the way.
Honey is the perfect juxtaposition to Ford. Single-mindedly dedicated to his family and willing to do whatever it takes, he reminded me of Violet Baudelaire from A Series of Unfortunate Events. I enjoyed watching his own personal growth, learning to set aside his jealousy and focus on his own happiness. Also, the fact that he and his family were selkies made me like them all the more as I've always found the myth of the selkie overlooked and underdone.
If you are a fan of historical or cozy fantasies, I cannot recommend Honestly, Honey enough. From the setting to the characters to the beautiful storyline, there’s something for everyone between these pages.
H. B. Stapley has created a story that will linger with you long after the pages close.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader copy of this book, my opinions are freely given ❤️❤️
This was such a sweet, cozy romance and was EXACTLY what I needed right now! This book was short and sweet, crafting a beautiful love story between two people perfect for each other!
The characters present with their own unique challenges that stand in the way of them feeling worthy of the love that they deserve. Honey suffers from crippling anxiety that makes it hard for her to leave her home. Ford is struggling through the Great Depression, trying to make ends meet for his mom and seven siblings. When they come together, there’s an instant attraction but they don’t allow themselves to give in because of their own perceived shortcomings. As their story unfolds so does their sweet, supportive, and warm love story. I found myself smiling and giggling throughout so much of this book because of how genuine and pure their connection feels.
Outside of the romance, the connections Honey has to her outgoing grandpa, Poppy, and her talking plant, Floyd, give the book a more lived in feel. The same is true for Ford’s interactions with his MANY siblings and his mom. It made the characters feel real and made it a lot easier to connect with them!
Reading Honestly, Honey feels like holding a warm cup of tea after a long day, feeling the sun on your face, or coming home after a long day ☀️
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
☀️Closed Door Romance
☀️Cottagecore Vibes
☀️Cozy Romance
☀️Forced Proximity
☀️Plant Magic
☀️Animal Shifters
This was such a sweet, cozy romance and was EXACTLY what I needed right now! This book was short and sweet, crafting a beautiful love story between two people perfect for each other!
The characters present with their own unique challenges that stand in the way of them feeling worthy of the love that they deserve. Honey suffers from crippling anxiety that makes it hard for her to leave her home. Ford is struggling through the Great Depression, trying to make ends meet for his mom and seven siblings. When they come together, there’s an instant attraction but they don’t allow themselves to give in because of their own perceived shortcomings. As their story unfolds so does their sweet, supportive, and warm love story. I found myself smiling and giggling throughout so much of this book because of how genuine and pure their connection feels.
Outside of the romance, the connections Honey has to her outgoing grandpa, Poppy, and her talking plant, Floyd, give the book a more lived in feel. The same is true for Ford’s interactions with his MANY siblings and his mom. It made the characters feel real and made it a lot easier to connect with them!
Reading Honestly, Honey feels like holding a warm cup of tea after a long day, feeling the sun on your face, or coming home after a long day ☀️
Tropes:
☀️Grumpy x Sunshine
☀️Closed Door Romance
☀️Cottagecore Vibes
☀️Cozy Romance
☀️Forced Proximity
☀️Plant Magic
☀️Animal Shifters
Review of advance copy received from Author
🪴Blurb: In 1930s Boston, reclusive green witch Honey St. Clair would rather hide among her plants and write her gardening column than face the chaos beyond her garden gate. When the handsome but surly new neighbor, Ford, moves next door with his seven (yes, seven) selkie siblings, his only focus is to find work to provide for his family. As magic, healing, and romance begin to bloom between them, they’ll have to decide if love is worth risking the safety of the lives they’ve carefully cultivated.
🪴Review: This was such a cozy book It made me want to build a garden in my backyard so it can look as pretty as honeys (I just know her house is gorgeous!!) Honey has anxiety when she is around a bigger crowd she rather stay home and attend to her plants & in moves in a neighbor with a chaotic household. I loved how Ford picks up on her anxiety’s and instead of making her feel uncomfortable he would help her navigate through it. She also helped him out in her own way by giving him a small project to work on at her house since work at that time was very hard to find. Which made things between them start to form 🙂↔️ You’ll meet Floyd her very sassy plant that honey enchanted and now talks and nags her about her water bill lol. If you love cozy cottage vibes, some mystical creatures & talking plants I highly recommend this book & hope you enjoy it like I did!
🪴Review: This was such a cozy book It made me want to build a garden in my backyard so it can look as pretty as honeys (I just know her house is gorgeous!!) Honey has anxiety when she is around a bigger crowd she rather stay home and attend to her plants & in moves in a neighbor with a chaotic household. I loved how Ford picks up on her anxiety’s and instead of making her feel uncomfortable he would help her navigate through it. She also helped him out in her own way by giving him a small project to work on at her house since work at that time was very hard to find. Which made things between them start to form 🙂↔️ You’ll meet Floyd her very sassy plant that honey enchanted and now talks and nags her about her water bill lol. If you love cozy cottage vibes, some mystical creatures & talking plants I highly recommend this book & hope you enjoy it like I did!
July 30, 2026
✨📖 ARC REVIEW 📖✨
Honestly, Honey
by H.B. Stapley
Thank you so much to H.B. Stapley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 💙
✨ Sometimes the most unexpected stories are the ones that find a place in your heart. ✨
Honestly, Honey was such a heartfelt and engaging read that pulled me in with its charm, emotion, and beautifully written moments.
H.B. Stapley creates a story filled with warmth and personality, bringing characters to life in a way that makes you want to cheer them on through every high and low. I loved the emotional depth woven throughout the pages and the way the story explores connection, growth, and the little moments that can mean so much.
The characters were definitely the highlight for me. Their experiences, emotions, and personal journeys made the story feel genuine, and I enjoyed watching them navigate the challenges thrown their way while discovering more about themselves and each other.
There is something so special about books that leave you with a smile while also giving you moments to reflect. Honestly, Honey is a beautiful reminder of the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and the connections that shape us.
A sweet, heartfelt read that was a lovely escape and one I’m so glad I had the chance to experience. 💙✨
Thank you again for the ARC, H.B. Stapley! 📚
Honestly, Honey
by H.B. Stapley
Thank you so much to H.B. Stapley for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. 💙
✨ Sometimes the most unexpected stories are the ones that find a place in your heart. ✨
Honestly, Honey was such a heartfelt and engaging read that pulled me in with its charm, emotion, and beautifully written moments.
H.B. Stapley creates a story filled with warmth and personality, bringing characters to life in a way that makes you want to cheer them on through every high and low. I loved the emotional depth woven throughout the pages and the way the story explores connection, growth, and the little moments that can mean so much.
The characters were definitely the highlight for me. Their experiences, emotions, and personal journeys made the story feel genuine, and I enjoyed watching them navigate the challenges thrown their way while discovering more about themselves and each other.
There is something so special about books that leave you with a smile while also giving you moments to reflect. Honestly, Honey is a beautiful reminder of the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and the connections that shape us.
A sweet, heartfelt read that was a lovely escape and one I’m so glad I had the chance to experience. 💙✨
Thank you again for the ARC, H.B. Stapley! 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 4/5
Honestly, Honey was both sweet and cozy, as well as heartwarming and emotional. This was a hard read for me, because I related so strongly to Honey's anxiety and agoraphobic-tendencies as well as Ford's troubles finding employment. This is the first time I've cried over a book in a long time! I think these characters will resonate with a lot of people and that their finding hope in each other and their small community will bring people hope.
While I loved the majority of the book, I found the resolution underwhelming. Overall, I did enjoy this book, though it was more emotional than I expected.
Rating: 4/5
Honestly, Honey was both sweet and cozy, as well as heartwarming and emotional. This was a hard read for me, because I related so strongly to Honey's anxiety and agoraphobic-tendencies as well as Ford's troubles finding employment. This is the first time I've cried over a book in a long time! I think these characters will resonate with a lot of people and that their finding hope in each other and their small community will bring people hope.
While I loved the majority of the book, I found the resolution underwhelming. Overall, I did enjoy this book, though it was more emotional than I expected.
July 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Honestly, Honey is the literary equivalent of curling up in a warm blanket with a cup of tea while your favorite houseplant quietly judges you. 🌿💚
From the very first chapter, I adored Honey. Her social anxiety felt authentic and relatable, and watching her slowly find the courage to let people into her world was incredibly moving.
Her relationship with her grandfather, Poppy, completely stole my heart—he’s equal parts lovable, meddling, and endlessly supportive.
And I have to give a special shoutout to Floyd, the sarcastic enchanted pothos, who easily became one of my favorite characters. I will never say no to a sentient plant with opinions. 🤭
Ford was equally wonderful. His devotion to his family and his gentle, patient nature made the romance feel so genuine. Their slow-burn relationship unfolds with kindness, trust, and emotional depth, making every step toward each other feel earned.
If you love cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, found family, magical gardens, and stories that feel like a warm hug, I highly recommend picking this one up.
Honestly, Honey is the literary equivalent of curling up in a warm blanket with a cup of tea while your favorite houseplant quietly judges you. 🌿💚
From the very first chapter, I adored Honey. Her social anxiety felt authentic and relatable, and watching her slowly find the courage to let people into her world was incredibly moving.
Her relationship with her grandfather, Poppy, completely stole my heart—he’s equal parts lovable, meddling, and endlessly supportive.
And I have to give a special shoutout to Floyd, the sarcastic enchanted pothos, who easily became one of my favorite characters. I will never say no to a sentient plant with opinions. 🤭
Ford was equally wonderful. His devotion to his family and his gentle, patient nature made the romance feel so genuine. Their slow-burn relationship unfolds with kindness, trust, and emotional depth, making every step toward each other feel earned.
If you love cozy fantasy, slow-burn romance, found family, magical gardens, and stories that feel like a warm hug, I highly recommend picking this one up.
July 22, 2026
🌸 Review 🌸
This book completely pulled me in from the start, and I honestly didn't want it to end. 🥹💚
Honey's journey with anxiety and self-doubt felt so real. I loved that her growth wasn't instant or perfect—it happened one small step at a time, making it all the more meaningful. As someone who also deals with anxiety, I found her story incredibly relatable.
The blooming symbolism throughout the story was beautiful, and I adored how the plants reflected Honey's own journey. 🌿 The friendships and family dynamics were just as heartwarming, and every character felt like someone I'd happily read more about.
If you love character-driven stories with emotional growth, found family, and plenty of heart, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. ❤️
Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book completely pulled me in from the start, and I honestly didn't want it to end. 🥹💚
Honey's journey with anxiety and self-doubt felt so real. I loved that her growth wasn't instant or perfect—it happened one small step at a time, making it all the more meaningful. As someone who also deals with anxiety, I found her story incredibly relatable.
The blooming symbolism throughout the story was beautiful, and I adored how the plants reflected Honey's own journey. 🌿 The friendships and family dynamics were just as heartwarming, and every character felt like someone I'd happily read more about.
If you love character-driven stories with emotional growth, found family, and plenty of heart, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up. ❤️
Thank you to the author and publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is not my typical genre and it has converted me! Reading Honey's perspective was a whole new experience, seeing through the eyes of someone who interacts with the world so differently from me. It helped me learn a lot about that perspective.
The development of the characters and their relationship was *chef's kiss*! Each new relationship, big or small, was heartfelt and well written. I flew through this book and never wanted it to end. The world building sucked me into such a beautiful and creative world, while keeping me rooted in historical elements of New England that I'm familiar with and absolutely love.
This intimate, cozy read has me searching for my next cozy fantasy, and it will live rent free in my head for a long, long time.
The development of the characters and their relationship was *chef's kiss*! Each new relationship, big or small, was heartfelt and well written. I flew through this book and never wanted it to end. The world building sucked me into such a beautiful and creative world, while keeping me rooted in historical elements of New England that I'm familiar with and absolutely love.
This intimate, cozy read has me searching for my next cozy fantasy, and it will live rent free in my head for a long, long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was the perfect mix of cozy and appealing with that whimsical feel, and the characters were so easy to love they truly shined in this story. The romance between them was definitely a slow burn. Seeing Honey's struggles with anxiety was easily relatable and brings a sense of hope. One thing I absolutely love was the newspaper entries it really gave that 1930's historical atmosphere to the book. It was well-executed and kept my attention. It carried so many beautiful tones. If you are looking for a light, comfy read, this is the perfect one.
🍀Plant magic
🍀Healing romance
🍀1930's settings
🍀Witches, selkies, dryads
🍀Cozy cottage core vibes
🍀Plant magic
🍀Healing romance
🍀1930's settings
🍀Witches, selkies, dryads
🍀Cozy cottage core vibes
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay... now, about this book...
I don't usually read this genre. In fact, the last time I tried, I think I ended up DNFing the book. So I was pretty skeptical when I applied for an ARC of this one.
Thankfully, all my worries were completely unnecessary.
This turned out to be such a lovely read. I really enjoyed her column, the story itself, the interactions between the characters, and both the family and found-family dynamics. Each of those elements added something special to the reading experience.
So, if you've been wanting to give cozy fantasy a try, I'd definitely recommend starting with this one.
I don't usually read this genre. In fact, the last time I tried, I think I ended up DNFing the book. So I was pretty skeptical when I applied for an ARC of this one.
Thankfully, all my worries were completely unnecessary.
This turned out to be such a lovely read. I really enjoyed her column, the story itself, the interactions between the characters, and both the family and found-family dynamics. Each of those elements added something special to the reading experience.
So, if you've been wanting to give cozy fantasy a try, I'd definitely recommend starting with this one.
July 23, 2026
*ARC supplied by author for review*
This is a cozy romantasy set in an early 1930s magical world. The book is filled with all sorts of endearing side characters, but the MMC and FMC truly are the stars. Ford and Honey have the sweetest, most wholesome relationship. Everything about this book is warm and you can feel the love in every page. It was just the sweetest most delightful small town romance wrapped up in a magical realm. I truly adored Poppy’s antics and Ford’s siblings. I loved the inclusion of Honey’s column as the chapter headers. Lovers of Emily Wilde will most likely adore this cozy little story.
This is a cozy romantasy set in an early 1930s magical world. The book is filled with all sorts of endearing side characters, but the MMC and FMC truly are the stars. Ford and Honey have the sweetest, most wholesome relationship. Everything about this book is warm and you can feel the love in every page. It was just the sweetest most delightful small town romance wrapped up in a magical realm. I truly adored Poppy’s antics and Ford’s siblings. I loved the inclusion of Honey’s column as the chapter headers. Lovers of Emily Wilde will most likely adore this cozy little story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to thank the author for providing me with an eARC of this book.
Honestly, Honey was a perfectly whimsical romantic fantasy. This story gave me all the warm fuzzies. Honey was a very relatable character for me with her anxiety struggles. Ford was such a green-flag MMC. Of course he's not perfect but, he was very self-aware and thoughtful. Poppy and Floyd were the most loveable side characters.
If you're looking for a cozy romance read with a touch of fantasy, I think Honestly, Honey would be a perfect pick!
Honestly, Honey was a perfectly whimsical romantic fantasy. This story gave me all the warm fuzzies. Honey was a very relatable character for me with her anxiety struggles. Ford was such a green-flag MMC. Of course he's not perfect but, he was very self-aware and thoughtful. Poppy and Floyd were the most loveable side characters.
If you're looking for a cozy romance read with a touch of fantasy, I think Honestly, Honey would be a perfect pick!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Reader Copy Recieved by Author
So far Honey is so sweet and intellectual. She meets Ford!!!! OMG i love that they both find themselves not wanting to be in any relationship to finding themselves in a situation where there is emotional tension between them. Ford knows Honey is a witch and still wants her!!! Aahhh the yearning this man has for her is soooo .... 😍 OMG Ford!!! Just go it Honey doesn't care about money she likes tou for you!!!Awww chp 27 just made me cry ... Ford o thought you left... this is such a good relax sweet weekend binge ☺️
So far Honey is so sweet and intellectual. She meets Ford!!!! OMG i love that they both find themselves not wanting to be in any relationship to finding themselves in a situation where there is emotional tension between them. Ford knows Honey is a witch and still wants her!!! Aahhh the yearning this man has for her is soooo .... 😍 OMG Ford!!! Just go it Honey doesn't care about money she likes tou for you!!!Awww chp 27 just made me cry ... Ford o thought you left... this is such a good relax sweet weekend binge ☺️
September 5, 2026
Okay, that was adorable! I absolutely loved Honey, Ford, and Poppy. What a charming little story that makes you want to hug Honey and reassure her that she’ll be okay. It’s a slower-paced novel that definitely emphasizes the cozy aspect of cozy fantasy, which I’m perfectly fine with because it was executed so well. The content is clean, with only one mild swear and some heated kisses that get pretty intense, but nothing more than that. Overall, it’s a delightful story with endearing characters.
July 24, 2026
This book was pleasant! I’d say it leaned more towards magical realism than paranormal just because their magic was used for normal, everyday things. The romance was cute, but I did struggle with the hot and cold, back and forth aspects to it. I loved watching the characters change and grow though, and it was clean (only kissing)!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2026
This book was different than the usual fantasy books I read, but it was a pleasant surprise! I really enjoyed the unique take on fantasy creatures living through the Great Depression. The struggles of the time, the closed door slowburn romance, the FMC's battle with anxiety, and the characterizations in the book all added to the story for a satisfying read. This book gave off cozy, satisfying vibes, and makes me interested in checking out the author's other book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you H. B. Stapley for the eARC 💜
What a cozy, sweet read. Definitely Enchanted greenhouse vibes, but still unique. The growth of the characters was well paced, though I would have liked more back story in regard to Honeys anxiety. The romance felt natural and progressed smoothly. Overall a good read!
What a cozy, sweet read. Definitely Enchanted greenhouse vibes, but still unique. The growth of the characters was well paced, though I would have liked more back story in regard to Honeys anxiety. The romance felt natural and progressed smoothly. Overall a good read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW :)
Honestly Honey is a cute cozy romance set in the 1930's Boston. You get a magical experience and its so sweet and cozy read.
TROPES:
- Historical Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Cozy Cottage Vibes
- Grumpy MMC
- Sunshine FMC
- Closed door relationship
Honestly Honey is a cute cozy romance set in the 1930's Boston. You get a magical experience and its so sweet and cozy read.
TROPES:
- Historical Romance
- Forced Proximity
- Cozy Cottage Vibes
- Grumpy MMC
- Sunshine FMC
- Closed door relationship
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