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The Thistlewood Rewrite
Thistlewood never changes.
The leaves stay gold, the air stays sweet, and Eloise Quinn’s tea stays a perfect 140 degrees.
In her apothecary at the edge of her property, Eloise sells remedies that always seem to work, though no one ever calls her a witch anymore.
She should be happy here, with him.
Ezra Ashby has always been her constant: patient, kind, the safe place she’s never questioned.
But as soon as she begins to fall, the world starts to slip.
The leaves hang in the air too long. Shadows move where they shouldn’t. And every night, a stranger finds her in her dreams—his touch too real, his voice too familiar, his name always just out of reach.
As the line between dream and memory begins to blur, the cracks in Thistlewood’s endless autumn start to show.
Eloise must face the truth hidden beneath the golden calm: the life she’s living was never meant to exist.
And the realization she never meant to find is the one that will unravel everything.
Some loves soothe you. Others haunt you.
The leaves stay gold, the air stays sweet, and Eloise Quinn’s tea stays a perfect 140 degrees.
In her apothecary at the edge of her property, Eloise sells remedies that always seem to work, though no one ever calls her a witch anymore.
She should be happy here, with him.
Ezra Ashby has always been her constant: patient, kind, the safe place she’s never questioned.
But as soon as she begins to fall, the world starts to slip.
The leaves hang in the air too long. Shadows move where they shouldn’t. And every night, a stranger finds her in her dreams—his touch too real, his voice too familiar, his name always just out of reach.
As the line between dream and memory begins to blur, the cracks in Thistlewood’s endless autumn start to show.
Eloise must face the truth hidden beneath the golden calm: the life she’s living was never meant to exist.
And the realization she never meant to find is the one that will unravel everything.
Some loves soothe you. Others haunt you.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
Nicole Ryan
9 books142 followersHey, I’m Nicole Ryan. I write romance with heart, heat, and just enough emotional wreckage to keep things interesting. My books are for anyone who loves messy characters, slow burns, and maybe shedding a few tears when they least expect it.
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, mostly as an escape, and the one bright spot back then was hanging out with my grandma at the local paper where she worked as a copy editor. She believed in my stories before I did.
My debut, Second Chance Vacation, came out of the kind of grief that reshapes you after losing my youngest sister back in 2022. Since then, I’ve written Mostly Loathing You and The Very First Night, where love gets a second chance and time stops playing by the rules.
I’m a Libra, but let’s be honest, my Virgo moon is the one running the show. I spend an alarming amount of time convincing myself I need just one more book, blaming my moods on the moon or retrograde, and pulling tarot cards I probably wasn’t ready for. If there's a little magic in the air, I’m probably already halfway to plotting a book about it.
Thanks for being here. The story’s just getting started.
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, mostly as an escape, and the one bright spot back then was hanging out with my grandma at the local paper where she worked as a copy editor. She believed in my stories before I did.
My debut, Second Chance Vacation, came out of the kind of grief that reshapes you after losing my youngest sister back in 2022. Since then, I’ve written Mostly Loathing You and The Very First Night, where love gets a second chance and time stops playing by the rules.
I’m a Libra, but let’s be honest, my Virgo moon is the one running the show. I spend an alarming amount of time convincing myself I need just one more book, blaming my moods on the moon or retrograde, and pulling tarot cards I probably wasn’t ready for. If there's a little magic in the air, I’m probably already halfway to plotting a book about it.
Thanks for being here. The story’s just getting started.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 21, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Fantasy isn't usually my genre, but I've been wanting to dive into more so when Nicole Ryan asked if I'd read The Thistlewood Rewrite, I couldn't say no. I'll admit it took me a little while to get into, but once everything started coming together, I was hooked. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time, and I genuinely had no idea where the story was going, which I loved. And that cliffhanger!? That final sentence had me staring at the page like EXCUSE ME?! 😳 That was such a unique, mysterious little read that definitely has me looking forward to book two in October. Thank you Nicole for giving me this opportunity to read your book 🫶🏼
Fantasy isn't usually my genre, but I've been wanting to dive into more so when Nicole Ryan asked if I'd read The Thistlewood Rewrite, I couldn't say no. I'll admit it took me a little while to get into, but once everything started coming together, I was hooked. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time, and I genuinely had no idea where the story was going, which I loved. And that cliffhanger!? That final sentence had me staring at the page like EXCUSE ME?! 😳 That was such a unique, mysterious little read that definitely has me looking forward to book two in October. Thank you Nicole for giving me this opportunity to read your book 🫶🏼
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April 5, 2026BETA READ: no rating since this is not the final edition, but so excited for everyone to read this!
June 26, 2026
4.25⭐/5
Apothecary in a cute little town in autumn! Super cozy and sweet and repetitive, calm and dreamy day after day, and then it turns eerie and mysterious as things really aren’t as perfect as they seem. A stranger keeps appearing in Eloise’s dreams and it was unsettling as she uncovers what’s underneath the cracks of her sweet, normal life. I enjoyed the writing and was pulled in slowly at first, but easily captivated with the romance and reveals. I would absolutely describe this as witchy and twisty, with a nice side of mystery and whimsy. I’m interested to see what happens in the next book after that ending!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy, this review was given voluntarily.
Apothecary in a cute little town in autumn! Super cozy and sweet and repetitive, calm and dreamy day after day, and then it turns eerie and mysterious as things really aren’t as perfect as they seem. A stranger keeps appearing in Eloise’s dreams and it was unsettling as she uncovers what’s underneath the cracks of her sweet, normal life. I enjoyed the writing and was pulled in slowly at first, but easily captivated with the romance and reveals. I would absolutely describe this as witchy and twisty, with a nice side of mystery and whimsy. I’m interested to see what happens in the next book after that ending!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy, this review was given voluntarily.
June 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Let me start by saying that I thought this story was incredibly unique and cozy. My main issue was the pacing. The story does pick up in the second half and kept me invested enough to finish, but the first half felt very slow. I understand why it was written that way, as it helped uncover the cracks in the town and set up the mystery, but it still dragged at times. I did really enjoy the mystery surrounding the dreams, and my jaw definitely dropped at the ending. I am curious enough with the end to want to pick up book two though. If you’re looking for a cozy romantasy with a touch of mystery, you’ll probably love this one.
Let me start by saying that I thought this story was incredibly unique and cozy. My main issue was the pacing. The story does pick up in the second half and kept me invested enough to finish, but the first half felt very slow. I understand why it was written that way, as it helped uncover the cracks in the town and set up the mystery, but it still dragged at times. I did really enjoy the mystery surrounding the dreams, and my jaw definitely dropped at the ending. I am curious enough with the end to want to pick up book two though. If you’re looking for a cozy romantasy with a touch of mystery, you’ll probably love this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
The strongest aspect of The Thistlewood Rewrite is its atmosphere. From the very first pages, something feels off. The story has a dreamlike quality to it, paired with the unsettling feeling that something important has been forgotten. There is a constant sense of unease running beneath the surface, creating a haunting and foreboding atmosphere that kept me curious about where the story was heading.
However, the pacing was a struggle for me. The story moves very slowly for much of its runtime, and very little of significance happens throughout the middle portion of the book. While the plot begins to gain momentum around the 60% mark, it slows down again before building toward the ending. As a result, the overall payoff felt somewhat anticlimactic.
My biggest issue was the way the book is marketed. Going in, I expected a fantasy or romantasy novel, but what I found was primarily a romance with fantasy elements woven into the background. The relationship takes center stage throughout most of the story, while the fantasy aspects remain surprisingly limited for a large portion of the book. Eloise does not even refer to herself as a witch until well past the halfway point, and the fantasy plot only becomes a major focus in the final quarter of the novel.
The fantasy concepts themselves are interesting, but they arrived too late to leave much of an impact on me. Because so much of the story focuses on the romance beforehand, the fantasy developments felt disconnected from the rest of the narrative rather than like a natural progression of the plot.
The characters were solid overall. Eloise's confusion about her reality, her growing doubts about what is real, and her fear that she may be losing her mind were portrayed particularly well. While her characterization occasionally felt a little familiar, she remained believable throughout the story. The romance between the FMC and MMC was sweet, but because it dominated so much of the page time, it often felt as though the fantasy elements were taking a back seat.
The writing itself was easy to read, though at times it felt unnecessarily stretched out. The final twist was also fairly predictable, which lessened its impact.
In the end, I can appreciate what this book was trying to do, and I think readers looking for a romance-driven story with a mysterious atmosphere may enjoy it more than I did. For me, however, the slow pacing, limited fantasy elements, and heavy focus on the romance made it difficult to stay invested. While I don't regret picking it up, neither the story nor the characters managed to hook me enough to continue with the second book in the duology.
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
The strongest aspect of The Thistlewood Rewrite is its atmosphere. From the very first pages, something feels off. The story has a dreamlike quality to it, paired with the unsettling feeling that something important has been forgotten. There is a constant sense of unease running beneath the surface, creating a haunting and foreboding atmosphere that kept me curious about where the story was heading.
However, the pacing was a struggle for me. The story moves very slowly for much of its runtime, and very little of significance happens throughout the middle portion of the book. While the plot begins to gain momentum around the 60% mark, it slows down again before building toward the ending. As a result, the overall payoff felt somewhat anticlimactic.
My biggest issue was the way the book is marketed. Going in, I expected a fantasy or romantasy novel, but what I found was primarily a romance with fantasy elements woven into the background. The relationship takes center stage throughout most of the story, while the fantasy aspects remain surprisingly limited for a large portion of the book. Eloise does not even refer to herself as a witch until well past the halfway point, and the fantasy plot only becomes a major focus in the final quarter of the novel.
The fantasy concepts themselves are interesting, but they arrived too late to leave much of an impact on me. Because so much of the story focuses on the romance beforehand, the fantasy developments felt disconnected from the rest of the narrative rather than like a natural progression of the plot.
The characters were solid overall. Eloise's confusion about her reality, her growing doubts about what is real, and her fear that she may be losing her mind were portrayed particularly well. While her characterization occasionally felt a little familiar, she remained believable throughout the story. The romance between the FMC and MMC was sweet, but because it dominated so much of the page time, it often felt as though the fantasy elements were taking a back seat.
The writing itself was easy to read, though at times it felt unnecessarily stretched out. The final twist was also fairly predictable, which lessened its impact.
In the end, I can appreciate what this book was trying to do, and I think readers looking for a romance-driven story with a mysterious atmosphere may enjoy it more than I did. For me, however, the slow pacing, limited fantasy elements, and heavy focus on the romance made it difficult to stay invested. While I don't regret picking it up, neither the story nor the characters managed to hook me enough to continue with the second book in the duology.
July 13, 2026
Thank you to the author for this ARC🩷 Here's my honest review.
The author sets the scene perfectly. I was immediately transported to Thistlewood. To me, it feels like a timeless place, not too warm and not too cold, where everything is bathed in that constant golden hue. For a second, I even had a theory that I was trapped inside the MC's dream.
From the very beginning, you realize something is off. The MC has a constant sense of wrongness, yet she barely remembers anything. Even 20 percent in, that eerie feeling persists. It is a strange feeling because everything is so fantastic, perfect, and picturesque, with everyone saying the right things, but it is honestly kind of creepy. It feels sinister and I spent the whole time just waiting for it all to unravel.
The book is definitely not fast paced. By the 50 percent mark, I was not quite sure what to think. We all know something is wrong, but we are stuck in this "dreamland" where everything is just slightly off. At times, I wanted to shake the MC. She knows she is forgetting things, yet she gaslights herself into thinking it is normal. She sees her mother sitting on a couch, completely catatonic and staring into space, and she does nothing. She never really pushes for answers.
Part of me wonders if it was all a bit too slow, or if the period where we were left in the dark went on for too long. It felt like we were trapped in that dreamworld where nothing truly happened, and the MC lacked strong emotional reactions. Even her relationship with her best friend, Ezra, is described as inevitable rather than passionate. However, that slow burn added to the eerie, sinister atmosphere and it kept me hooked because I just needed to understand what was happening. I was constantly looking for clues.
Despite the pace, the story is completely unique, with a vibe that really reminded me of Practical Magic. There is magic and witchery, though I wouldn't say that the MC is a practitioner herself.
The highlight for me was the man in her dreams, someone who is not Ezra (her best friend and then lover). This side of the story is delicious. It is sort of a love triangle, but it feels great, and the mystery surrounding him, like is he an old lover? Why doesn't she remember him? Kept me turning the pages.
Towards the end everything unravels and the mystery finally starts to make sense. I will not spoil it, but the reveal is great. This book really stayed with me after I finished it. The book ended on a cliffhanger, the kind you might have suspected was coming, but which leaves you excited for book 2.
The author sets the scene perfectly. I was immediately transported to Thistlewood. To me, it feels like a timeless place, not too warm and not too cold, where everything is bathed in that constant golden hue. For a second, I even had a theory that I was trapped inside the MC's dream.
From the very beginning, you realize something is off. The MC has a constant sense of wrongness, yet she barely remembers anything. Even 20 percent in, that eerie feeling persists. It is a strange feeling because everything is so fantastic, perfect, and picturesque, with everyone saying the right things, but it is honestly kind of creepy. It feels sinister and I spent the whole time just waiting for it all to unravel.
The book is definitely not fast paced. By the 50 percent mark, I was not quite sure what to think. We all know something is wrong, but we are stuck in this "dreamland" where everything is just slightly off. At times, I wanted to shake the MC. She knows she is forgetting things, yet she gaslights herself into thinking it is normal. She sees her mother sitting on a couch, completely catatonic and staring into space, and she does nothing. She never really pushes for answers.
Part of me wonders if it was all a bit too slow, or if the period where we were left in the dark went on for too long. It felt like we were trapped in that dreamworld where nothing truly happened, and the MC lacked strong emotional reactions. Even her relationship with her best friend, Ezra, is described as inevitable rather than passionate. However, that slow burn added to the eerie, sinister atmosphere and it kept me hooked because I just needed to understand what was happening. I was constantly looking for clues.
Despite the pace, the story is completely unique, with a vibe that really reminded me of Practical Magic. There is magic and witchery, though I wouldn't say that the MC is a practitioner herself.
The highlight for me was the man in her dreams, someone who is not Ezra (her best friend and then lover). This side of the story is delicious. It is sort of a love triangle, but it feels great, and the mystery surrounding him, like is he an old lover? Why doesn't she remember him? Kept me turning the pages.
Towards the end everything unravels and the mystery finally starts to make sense. I will not spoil it, but the reveal is great. This book really stayed with me after I finished it. The book ended on a cliffhanger, the kind you might have suspected was coming, but which leaves you excited for book 2.
June 30, 2026
ARC Review | Spoiler Alert!
Right off the bat, the dedication to this novel won me over. Dedicating the book to the author’s tenth great-grandmother, who was accused of witchcraft, is such a powerful way to open the story. It immediately sets the tone and leaves you thinking, God forbid a woman has her own opinions.
The atmosphere is another huge strength. The cozy autumn setting is exactly the kind of vibe I love, and the town feels comforting despite the growing sense that something isn’t quite right. (I also loved the idea of letting the name of your house come to you naturally—it was such a small detail, but it added so much charm to the world). The romance is incredibly sweet as well. Ezra is genuinely one of the sweetest MMCs I’ve read in a while. He’s impossible not to root for.
And, the twists absolutely delivered. Learning who the mysterious dream man really was completely caught me off guard, and discovering that so much of what was happening traced back to Eloise herself made the mystery even more compelling. I also found myself unexpectedly liking Bash more and more as the story progressed.
Where this book really shines, though, is the mystery. The subtle unease whispers into your ear almost immediately, and it only grows stronger with every chapter. I loved that Eloise only remembers what we, as the readers, experience with her. It makes you feel like you’re solving the mystery alongside her instead of being one step behind. At one point, the whole thing genuinely started giving me The Truman Show vibes, and I was completely hooked, as it’s one of my favorites <3
That being said, the beginning was a little repetitive for me. The author spends a lot of time emphasizing how routine Eloise’s life is and how nothing ever changes in the town. I understand why it’s important to establish that, but it was mentioned so often that it started to feel excessive.
This book perfectly balances cozy fall vibes with an increasingly unsettling mystery. It kept me very confused in the best possible way, and every answer only made me ask more questions. The ending had one of the biggest cliffhangers I’ve read in a long time, and I already know I’ll be picking up book two the second it comes out October 2nd!
Great read! 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Right off the bat, the dedication to this novel won me over. Dedicating the book to the author’s tenth great-grandmother, who was accused of witchcraft, is such a powerful way to open the story. It immediately sets the tone and leaves you thinking, God forbid a woman has her own opinions.
The atmosphere is another huge strength. The cozy autumn setting is exactly the kind of vibe I love, and the town feels comforting despite the growing sense that something isn’t quite right. (I also loved the idea of letting the name of your house come to you naturally—it was such a small detail, but it added so much charm to the world). The romance is incredibly sweet as well. Ezra is genuinely one of the sweetest MMCs I’ve read in a while. He’s impossible not to root for.
And, the twists absolutely delivered. Learning who the mysterious dream man really was completely caught me off guard, and discovering that so much of what was happening traced back to Eloise herself made the mystery even more compelling. I also found myself unexpectedly liking Bash more and more as the story progressed.
Where this book really shines, though, is the mystery. The subtle unease whispers into your ear almost immediately, and it only grows stronger with every chapter. I loved that Eloise only remembers what we, as the readers, experience with her. It makes you feel like you’re solving the mystery alongside her instead of being one step behind. At one point, the whole thing genuinely started giving me The Truman Show vibes, and I was completely hooked, as it’s one of my favorites <3
That being said, the beginning was a little repetitive for me. The author spends a lot of time emphasizing how routine Eloise’s life is and how nothing ever changes in the town. I understand why it’s important to establish that, but it was mentioned so often that it started to feel excessive.
This book perfectly balances cozy fall vibes with an increasingly unsettling mystery. It kept me very confused in the best possible way, and every answer only made me ask more questions. The ending had one of the biggest cliffhangers I’ve read in a long time, and I already know I’ll be picking up book two the second it comes out October 2nd!
Great read! 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A haunting, small town romance! The Truman Show meets Practical Magic.
24 year old Eloise runs a small, witchy apothecary on her large family estate - a cozy, picturesque, perfect life. Too perfect. Slowly, it starts feels tainted by subtle cracks in reality. The story follows Eloise's budding romance while she uncovers the truth about the town’s magic and decides what she values in shaping the future.
* Witchy
* Cozy, autumn vibes
* Best friends to lovers
* Love triangle (sort of!)
* Enchanted house
* Open door spice
There are two romances that drive the book and keep you hooked. One romance is sweet, tender, and grounding, while the other is mysterious, intense, and consuming - both with a hint of devastation. The banter doesn’t totally land for me, but the slow burn tension and the deeply tender emotional impact is definitely a strong point!
Between the absolutely metal dedication of the book and the mention of the witch trials, there is subtle commentary on the intentional silencing of women that I hope expands in the next book!
The pacing is a little slow for my liking. However, this is likely intentional in creating a Groundhog Day sort of environment that is essential to the plot. Then, in the last quarter of the book, things start moving in a way that will make your heart race.
The world is vivid, almost playing a character in itself. It’s cozy, creating quintessential fall vibes in a small town, but with a hint of haunting. The descriptions can feel repetitive at times, which may contribute to the plot feeling slow. Magic/fantasy is present, but takes a back seat to the romance (which is totally fine with me, but worth noting for readers)!
The side characters still feel like strangers at the climax of the book, of which they are a big part of. I understand that this is in part due to the nature of the spell & the town, but the bonds at the end don’t feel earned.
The cliffhanger ending is BRUTAL - it will leave you desperate for the next book. Thank you to NRC Publishing and Nicole Ryan for the free advanced copy!
24 year old Eloise runs a small, witchy apothecary on her large family estate - a cozy, picturesque, perfect life. Too perfect. Slowly, it starts feels tainted by subtle cracks in reality. The story follows Eloise's budding romance while she uncovers the truth about the town’s magic and decides what she values in shaping the future.
* Witchy
* Cozy, autumn vibes
* Best friends to lovers
* Love triangle (sort of!)
* Enchanted house
* Open door spice
There are two romances that drive the book and keep you hooked. One romance is sweet, tender, and grounding, while the other is mysterious, intense, and consuming - both with a hint of devastation. The banter doesn’t totally land for me, but the slow burn tension and the deeply tender emotional impact is definitely a strong point!
Between the absolutely metal dedication of the book and the mention of the witch trials, there is subtle commentary on the intentional silencing of women that I hope expands in the next book!
The pacing is a little slow for my liking. However, this is likely intentional in creating a Groundhog Day sort of environment that is essential to the plot. Then, in the last quarter of the book, things start moving in a way that will make your heart race.
The world is vivid, almost playing a character in itself. It’s cozy, creating quintessential fall vibes in a small town, but with a hint of haunting. The descriptions can feel repetitive at times, which may contribute to the plot feeling slow. Magic/fantasy is present, but takes a back seat to the romance (which is totally fine with me, but worth noting for readers)!
The side characters still feel like strangers at the climax of the book, of which they are a big part of. I understand that this is in part due to the nature of the spell & the town, but the bonds at the end don’t feel earned.
The cliffhanger ending is BRUTAL - it will leave you desperate for the next book. Thank you to NRC Publishing and Nicole Ryan for the free advanced copy!
June 29, 2026
3.5 stars
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a cozy romantasy surrounded by a compelling mystery, but you need a little patience to get through. Ultimately, I find myself torn between giving it a 3 or a 4. It wasn't a bad read by any means, but it wasn’t quite great to me.
Nicole Ryan excels at creating an enchanting, dreamlike atmosphere. The forever autumn setting is beautiful, and I loved the eerie sense of unease that slowly builds as the story unfolds. You get to experience the protagonist noticing the little cracks in the town's perfect facade, which keeps the mystery engaging. I genuinely liked the characters and the magical elements woven throughout the book, especially the mystery surrounding the stranger in the dreams.
The biggest issue with this book is the pacing and the extreme repetition. I understand that the repetitive narrative was an intentional choice meant to immerse the reader in what it actually feels like to live in this town, but it goes overboard. There isn’t enough going on to really drive the plot forward. Because of this, the first half of the book drags a lot. It doesn’t really pick up until you’re over halfway through the book.
I also didn't understand the late arrival of two major characters. They are introduced at the end, just as the central mystery is being figured out, yet they’re treated as if they had been part of the story all along. It felt jarring and unearned.
All that being said, the story still managed to hook me just enough to read the whole thing. The cliffhanger might have been a bit predictable, but I was still happy with it, and it left me genuinely curious to see what happens in book two.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a cozy romantasy surrounded by a compelling mystery, but you need a little patience to get through. Ultimately, I find myself torn between giving it a 3 or a 4. It wasn't a bad read by any means, but it wasn’t quite great to me.
Nicole Ryan excels at creating an enchanting, dreamlike atmosphere. The forever autumn setting is beautiful, and I loved the eerie sense of unease that slowly builds as the story unfolds. You get to experience the protagonist noticing the little cracks in the town's perfect facade, which keeps the mystery engaging. I genuinely liked the characters and the magical elements woven throughout the book, especially the mystery surrounding the stranger in the dreams.
The biggest issue with this book is the pacing and the extreme repetition. I understand that the repetitive narrative was an intentional choice meant to immerse the reader in what it actually feels like to live in this town, but it goes overboard. There isn’t enough going on to really drive the plot forward. Because of this, the first half of the book drags a lot. It doesn’t really pick up until you’re over halfway through the book.
I also didn't understand the late arrival of two major characters. They are introduced at the end, just as the central mystery is being figured out, yet they’re treated as if they had been part of the story all along. It felt jarring and unearned.
All that being said, the story still managed to hook me just enough to read the whole thing. The cliffhanger might have been a bit predictable, but I was still happy with it, and it left me genuinely curious to see what happens in book two.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks so much to NetGalley and NRC publishing for an advanced copy of this book!
I really loved the premise of this story. It felt cozy and witchy (practical magic vibes!!) while slowly slipping into something darker and mysterious. I felt as though the pacing was also done well, slowly and bit by bit more things start to unravel in Thistlewood as Eloise starts to feel unease about her perfect quaint town. I can see how for some people this first portion of this book felt slow, as the plot was slowly building bit by bit- but the length of the book was perfect for that in my opinion.
There is also a lot of well executed prose about pain, and loss, and how we handle that changes the course of life which felt so powerful.
I do wish we had gotten a bit more from our side characters Mara and Shaw. It was heavily implied that they had a long standing friendship with Ezra and Eloise and I wish they were introduced a bit sooner or fleshed out more as characters. They showed up later in the story but felt a bit randomly placed, but with all the strange happenings and black holes in Elosie’s memory this could have been intentional- although it didn’t come across that way. This was the main thing that pulled me out from the immersiveness of the story, because at times their appearances felt so random. Aside from those moments I felt completely pulled into the story, as if I was living in Thistlewood myself.
A great whimsical modern fantasy for fans of witchy vibes and self reflection!
I really loved the premise of this story. It felt cozy and witchy (practical magic vibes!!) while slowly slipping into something darker and mysterious. I felt as though the pacing was also done well, slowly and bit by bit more things start to unravel in Thistlewood as Eloise starts to feel unease about her perfect quaint town. I can see how for some people this first portion of this book felt slow, as the plot was slowly building bit by bit- but the length of the book was perfect for that in my opinion.
There is also a lot of well executed prose about pain, and loss, and how we handle that changes the course of life which felt so powerful.
I do wish we had gotten a bit more from our side characters Mara and Shaw. It was heavily implied that they had a long standing friendship with Ezra and Eloise and I wish they were introduced a bit sooner or fleshed out more as characters. They showed up later in the story but felt a bit randomly placed, but with all the strange happenings and black holes in Elosie’s memory this could have been intentional- although it didn’t come across that way. This was the main thing that pulled me out from the immersiveness of the story, because at times their appearances felt so random. Aside from those moments I felt completely pulled into the story, as if I was living in Thistlewood myself.
A great whimsical modern fantasy for fans of witchy vibes and self reflection!
July 1, 2026
second chances, rewritten destinies, and the kind of story that feels like it’s been waiting for you to turn the page.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a beautifully emotional fantasy that leans into themes of fate, regret, and the possibility of changing what once felt unchangeable. From the beginning, there’s a strong sense that time itself isn’t as fixed as it seems—and that every choice carries echoes of something that came before.
The concept is what immediately stands out: a “rewrite” of a life, where past mistakes, lost moments, and broken paths aren’t just remembered, but actively challenged. It gives the story a reflective, almost haunting quality, as if the characters are constantly negotiating with versions of themselves they can no longer ignore.
Emotionally, this one hits hard. There’s a steady undercurrent of longing throughout the narrative—what was lost, what could have been, and what might still be salvaged if enough courage is found. The relationships feel layered and meaningful, shaped by history and the weight of things left unsaid.
The pacing balances introspection with quiet tension, allowing the emotional stakes to build naturally. It’s less about constant action and more about unraveling the truth behind choices and consequences, which gives the story a very grounded, heartfelt rhythm.
The writing feels soft but purposeful, with a focus on atmosphere and emotional clarity. It’s the kind of book that lingers, not because it shouts, but because it quietly rearranges how you think about its characters.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a beautifully emotional fantasy that leans into themes of fate, regret, and the possibility of changing what once felt unchangeable. From the beginning, there’s a strong sense that time itself isn’t as fixed as it seems—and that every choice carries echoes of something that came before.
The concept is what immediately stands out: a “rewrite” of a life, where past mistakes, lost moments, and broken paths aren’t just remembered, but actively challenged. It gives the story a reflective, almost haunting quality, as if the characters are constantly negotiating with versions of themselves they can no longer ignore.
Emotionally, this one hits hard. There’s a steady undercurrent of longing throughout the narrative—what was lost, what could have been, and what might still be salvaged if enough courage is found. The relationships feel layered and meaningful, shaped by history and the weight of things left unsaid.
The pacing balances introspection with quiet tension, allowing the emotional stakes to build naturally. It’s less about constant action and more about unraveling the truth behind choices and consequences, which gives the story a very grounded, heartfelt rhythm.
The writing feels soft but purposeful, with a focus on atmosphere and emotional clarity. It’s the kind of book that lingers, not because it shouts, but because it quietly rearranges how you think about its characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Thistlewood Rewrite was my first Nicole Ryan book. It was the description that reeled me in. Actually, truth be told, Nicole had me at Autumn and apothecary. I didn’t know what I was getting into with this book. At first, it’s a cute and cozy autumnal read with cottagecore vibes. Then the vibes change. At first, it was with little phrases that seemed innocent enough until they started happening regularly. In context, that's when I started to realize things weren't exactly right. I didn't know if the MFC was unreliable or if it was the town that was getting creepier by the second.
I was conflicted about how to rate this book. Literally, the first half of the book was cute but slow. It wasn't until a little past the halfway point that it started to pick up. The fantastical elements started to come into play. They were subtle, but they were there. Eloise and Ezra had just begun to realize that things were wrong and had started getting some answers, but those only led to more questions. Also, things finally started to get a little witchy with grimoires and actual spells. It was the plot twist that really turned things around for me. I couldn't believe it. And the cliffhanger at the end was just the icing on the cake. Overall, The Thistlewood Rewrite was a good read; it just took some time to get there. I will admit I'm intrigued about how Nicole is going to wrap up the duology.
I was conflicted about how to rate this book. Literally, the first half of the book was cute but slow. It wasn't until a little past the halfway point that it started to pick up. The fantastical elements started to come into play. They were subtle, but they were there. Eloise and Ezra had just begun to realize that things were wrong and had started getting some answers, but those only led to more questions. Also, things finally started to get a little witchy with grimoires and actual spells. It was the plot twist that really turned things around for me. I couldn't believe it. And the cliffhanger at the end was just the icing on the cake. Overall, The Thistlewood Rewrite was a good read; it just took some time to get there. I will admit I'm intrigued about how Nicole is going to wrap up the duology.
June 12, 2026
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC! I read this book in 5 DAYS! (It would have been 4 but we were busy one of the days) but that is a new record for me haha I ate this book up! I am obsessed!
Eloise is just an ordinary girl who lives in Thistlewood. She has a nice, quiet life with her best friend Ezra. Her apothecary business is starting to boom, her garden is thriving, the weather is a perfect autumn day. Every thing is perfect. Well in Thistlewood, everything is perfect all the time. Maybe a little too perfect, but why would anyone think otherwise? However, there is something going on in this town and Eloise is starting to notice, especially with a stranger appearing in her dreams and the little things that don’t make sense. What is going on in the small town of Thistlewood?
This book was beautifully written start to finish! I was hooked from the very beginning and read almost half of the book in one day! That feeling of something is wrong was a constant and I was trying to figure out the mystery of it all! THAT ENDING as well was such a beautiful touch and makes you crave for more!
I loved this book so much and I am so happy we don’t have to wait long for book 2 haha I definitely recommend this book!
The Thistlewood Rewrite releases June 26th
The Thistlewood Returns releases Oct. 2nd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Eloise is just an ordinary girl who lives in Thistlewood. She has a nice, quiet life with her best friend Ezra. Her apothecary business is starting to boom, her garden is thriving, the weather is a perfect autumn day. Every thing is perfect. Well in Thistlewood, everything is perfect all the time. Maybe a little too perfect, but why would anyone think otherwise? However, there is something going on in this town and Eloise is starting to notice, especially with a stranger appearing in her dreams and the little things that don’t make sense. What is going on in the small town of Thistlewood?
This book was beautifully written start to finish! I was hooked from the very beginning and read almost half of the book in one day! That feeling of something is wrong was a constant and I was trying to figure out the mystery of it all! THAT ENDING as well was such a beautiful touch and makes you crave for more!
I loved this book so much and I am so happy we don’t have to wait long for book 2 haha I definitely recommend this book!
The Thistlewood Rewrite releases June 26th
The Thistlewood Returns releases Oct. 2nd
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I took two weeks to read this mysterious and magical story because I found myself pondering what (exactly) I was reading. I’ve also taken two weeks to write this review because I needed to sit with this book a little longer as I struggled with my feelings about it. Is it a four-star read or five? How do I explain this story to others in a way they would want to read it themselves? Here goes nothin’:
The opening chapters pull you into the cozy, cottagecore, small town of Thistlewood with its perfectly dreamy warm autumn weather again and again. Day after day. The same perfect weather with the same perfectly cordial townspeople. The repetition in world-building seems to drag on, but is necessary to ground you firmly in place inside Eloise’s head. Stick with it. The sweet banter between her and her best friend Ezra lulls you further into this mystical place until Eloise feels that something is off. What are the glitches in her memory? Or is it Ezra who is misremembering things? Who is the stranger she sees when she dreams?
For the first half of the book, I felt this story was something like the psychological drama Passion of Mind with Demi Moore as the FMC who lives two lives, depending on whether she is asleep or awake, only to realize her psyche is broken. Is this what is happening to Eloise? Or to Ezra? Something is definitely wrong.
This calm, quiet, slow-burn fantasy is wrought with tension at the edge of your peripheral, causing your heartbeat to tick up as the anxiety builds. What. Is. Happening? As slow as this story seems to move along, there is just enough eerie mystery to keep you hooked. I can’t wait for book two!
The opening chapters pull you into the cozy, cottagecore, small town of Thistlewood with its perfectly dreamy warm autumn weather again and again. Day after day. The same perfect weather with the same perfectly cordial townspeople. The repetition in world-building seems to drag on, but is necessary to ground you firmly in place inside Eloise’s head. Stick with it. The sweet banter between her and her best friend Ezra lulls you further into this mystical place until Eloise feels that something is off. What are the glitches in her memory? Or is it Ezra who is misremembering things? Who is the stranger she sees when she dreams?
For the first half of the book, I felt this story was something like the psychological drama Passion of Mind with Demi Moore as the FMC who lives two lives, depending on whether she is asleep or awake, only to realize her psyche is broken. Is this what is happening to Eloise? Or to Ezra? Something is definitely wrong.
This calm, quiet, slow-burn fantasy is wrought with tension at the edge of your peripheral, causing your heartbeat to tick up as the anxiety builds. What. Is. Happening? As slow as this story seems to move along, there is just enough eerie mystery to keep you hooked. I can’t wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the seemingly perfect world of Thistlewood, nothing ever changes. The leaves remain permanently gold, the air is always sweet, and Eloise Quinn spends her days running her apothecary and living a quiet life alongside the dependable Ezra Ashby. It should be everything she wants. But when strange cracks begin to appear in her carefully ordered existence and a mysterious stranger starts appearing in her dreams. Eloise is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her world, her memories, and her heart.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its enchanting atmosphere. Thistlewood feels both beautiful and unsettling, with its endless autumn creating a dreamlike setting that becomes increasingly eerie as the story unfolds. I loved the gradual sense of unease as Eloise notices things that don't quite fit, and the mystery surrounding the stranger in her dreams kept me turning the pages.
Eloise was an engaging character and her emotional journey as she uncovers the truth was emotional. The romance was beautifully woven into the story, balancing tenderness with heartbreak. While some parts of the middle section moved a little slowly, the emotional payoff and revelations towards the end made the journey worthwhile. A great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its enchanting atmosphere. Thistlewood feels both beautiful and unsettling, with its endless autumn creating a dreamlike setting that becomes increasingly eerie as the story unfolds. I loved the gradual sense of unease as Eloise notices things that don't quite fit, and the mystery surrounding the stranger in her dreams kept me turning the pages.
Eloise was an engaging character and her emotional journey as she uncovers the truth was emotional. The romance was beautifully woven into the story, balancing tenderness with heartbreak. While some parts of the middle section moved a little slowly, the emotional payoff and revelations towards the end made the journey worthwhile. A great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thistlewood is the perfect tiny town in Massachusetts. It's always autumn, the tea is always perfect, the people are always friendly, and Eloise Quinn lives in the perfect little cottage that may or not be sentient. Life is perfect running her little apothecary on the edge of town...until memories stop lining up.
Talk about a creepy, cozy slow burn with a cliffhanger! Eloise and Ezra together are just too sweet. They have a smouldering fire that's captivating to read about. The way the book is written is creepy because everything is just a bit off without you knowing exactly why and you're constantly wondering what is going on until closer to the end of the book. Nicole Ryan does a great job building the back story for this tiny town and this couple before getting to the crescendo of this book and what will likely be a more action-packed book two that I cannot wait to read.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is filled with tons of backstory and lots of romance that leaves you clinging to the cliff waiting for book two. Grab a blanket and a cup of tea and settle in for this super cozy fantasy that will have you questioning everything.
*ARC review
Talk about a creepy, cozy slow burn with a cliffhanger! Eloise and Ezra together are just too sweet. They have a smouldering fire that's captivating to read about. The way the book is written is creepy because everything is just a bit off without you knowing exactly why and you're constantly wondering what is going on until closer to the end of the book. Nicole Ryan does a great job building the back story for this tiny town and this couple before getting to the crescendo of this book and what will likely be a more action-packed book two that I cannot wait to read.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is filled with tons of backstory and lots of romance that leaves you clinging to the cliff waiting for book two. Grab a blanket and a cup of tea and settle in for this super cozy fantasy that will have you questioning everything.
*ARC review
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Book Review✨
Rating 3.5⭐️
I loved the mystery in this book.
Eloise was such an interesting character. It seemed like she was going through the motions of day to day and enjoyed hanging out with her best friend, Ezra. Their relationship was easy, safe. When the relationship started to turn more romantic, I was definitely ready for it.
After their first kiss, Eloise starts having weird sensations and black outs. She wants to roll with everything is cool, and to everyone else, it is. But Eloise can sense it’s not. She can tell her memories aren’t accurate. She remembers things different from others.
I thought her seeing a man repeatedly in her dreams that she wanted was wild work. You could tell something wasn’t right. He felt known in some ways while also a full on mystery. I was dying to know who he was because you could tell something was going on between them.
I felt like Ezra was very respectful but also… the passion felt flat. Everything felt easy and comfortable. That works, but also I wanted more for her.
I will say, I had no clue the direction of the story in resolving the mystery. I think it was done well, and the last sentence had me bugging out my eyes!
Rating 3.5⭐️
I loved the mystery in this book.
Eloise was such an interesting character. It seemed like she was going through the motions of day to day and enjoyed hanging out with her best friend, Ezra. Their relationship was easy, safe. When the relationship started to turn more romantic, I was definitely ready for it.
After their first kiss, Eloise starts having weird sensations and black outs. She wants to roll with everything is cool, and to everyone else, it is. But Eloise can sense it’s not. She can tell her memories aren’t accurate. She remembers things different from others.
I thought her seeing a man repeatedly in her dreams that she wanted was wild work. You could tell something wasn’t right. He felt known in some ways while also a full on mystery. I was dying to know who he was because you could tell something was going on between them.
I felt like Ezra was very respectful but also… the passion felt flat. Everything felt easy and comfortable. That works, but also I wanted more for her.
I will say, I had no clue the direction of the story in resolving the mystery. I think it was done well, and the last sentence had me bugging out my eyes!
July 20, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC copy of “The Thistlewood Rewrite”. This is my honest and completely voluntary review. 😊🖤
“The Thistlewood Rewrite” is a beautifully written book one in a romantasy duology. The story follows FMC Eloise, a witch who runs an apothecary, and MMC Ezra, a bookshop owner and Eloise’s lifelong best friend. These two are best friends and all of a sudden, there is a shift between into something more. As the pair become more romantically involved, the reality they are living in starts to crack and little inconsistencies in their memories start to emerge causing them to feel like they are losing their minds.
This book was excellent! The front bit was a tad slow and a touch confusing but, the more I dove in the more engaged I got. The story was beautifully written and the ending cliffhanger! I absolutely cannot wait for the second book of the duology! I will most definitely be reading the second book and will definitely look into more from Nicole Ryan in the future! I cannot wait for the conclusion! 😊🖤
4.25 🌟/ 2 🌶️ (Rounded down for Goodreads)
“The Thistlewood Rewrite” is a beautifully written book one in a romantasy duology. The story follows FMC Eloise, a witch who runs an apothecary, and MMC Ezra, a bookshop owner and Eloise’s lifelong best friend. These two are best friends and all of a sudden, there is a shift between into something more. As the pair become more romantically involved, the reality they are living in starts to crack and little inconsistencies in their memories start to emerge causing them to feel like they are losing their minds.
This book was excellent! The front bit was a tad slow and a touch confusing but, the more I dove in the more engaged I got. The story was beautifully written and the ending cliffhanger! I absolutely cannot wait for the second book of the duology! I will most definitely be reading the second book and will definitely look into more from Nicole Ryan in the future! I cannot wait for the conclusion! 😊🖤
4.25 🌟/ 2 🌶️ (Rounded down for Goodreads)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team!
So jumping into it I will admit I was a little confused and scatterbrained. The description and intro made me think this was more of like a high fantasy town in a kingdom but then they mentioned emily blunt and cellphones so I had to try and rewire my thoughts and reread the beginning.
I’m also a little confused on the magic in this world. In the beginning the FMC said something about the house almost seeming like it was alive but wasn’t but then later the house seems to do magic things like “heat the floor” and the FMC acted like it was normal.
But other than the small world confusion here and there I loved Eloise! She was so soft and curious and made it fun to read! I think the author did a great job of slowly raising the readers confusion along with Eloise. It kept me hooked to figure out what exactly was happening. I really like Bash’s portrayal as well and I’m excited for the next book to see how it all works out!
So jumping into it I will admit I was a little confused and scatterbrained. The description and intro made me think this was more of like a high fantasy town in a kingdom but then they mentioned emily blunt and cellphones so I had to try and rewire my thoughts and reread the beginning.
I’m also a little confused on the magic in this world. In the beginning the FMC said something about the house almost seeming like it was alive but wasn’t but then later the house seems to do magic things like “heat the floor” and the FMC acted like it was normal.
But other than the small world confusion here and there I loved Eloise! She was so soft and curious and made it fun to read! I think the author did a great job of slowly raising the readers confusion along with Eloise. It kept me hooked to figure out what exactly was happening. I really like Bash’s portrayal as well and I’m excited for the next book to see how it all works out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed The Thistlewood Rewrite, I don't quite know how to 'categorise' the book in my head... It has all the small town vibes, warm cozy......but something off... If written darker it could easily slip into being a full blown thriller, but don't worry this is not that! It stays firmly in the light witchy vibes even when we can't ignore the something off.
This is going to sound like a criticism, but it really isn't - I got over half way through the book and thought "nothing has happened" if you had asked me at that point what it was about I don't know how I would answer - but trust me stay with it, it's not accidental - it's genius! We aren't just told about routine, we live it with the the main character, so when things start to go sideways we live that too. It's really emersive way of writing.
I have some theories about some of the things not answered - I'm excited to see if I'm right or not in book 2!
This is going to sound like a criticism, but it really isn't - I got over half way through the book and thought "nothing has happened" if you had asked me at that point what it was about I don't know how I would answer - but trust me stay with it, it's not accidental - it's genius! We aren't just told about routine, we live it with the the main character, so when things start to go sideways we live that too. It's really emersive way of writing.
I have some theories about some of the things not answered - I'm excited to see if I'm right or not in book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eloise is living her best life in Thistlewood, running her apothecary and spending time with her best friend Ezra. She begins to notice that some things aren't adding up-some of her memories aren't the same as Ezra's or just aren't there, she is having dreams of a stranger in the shadows and every day in Thistlewood seems too perfect. I really enjoyed the tension of her trying to figure out if this was real or in her mind. The writing was really pretty and made the book feel almost haunting. The story events mostly happen in words, dreams and thoughts and not with action, so it is not a fast paced or action packed book. It felt very intentional and added to the feeling that something was below the surface of the perfect town that was almost smothering Eloise with its perfection. There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, so I will definitely be picking up the next book to see what happens next.
June 25, 2026
If you love small town, slow burn, autumnal, witchy love stories, stick around. If you also love the uneasy feeling of an unknown wrongness threaded through your stories, definitely stick around.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a fun mix of some very different elements. While it satisfied my Practical Magic loving soul, it went far beyond the usual slow burn, cosy romance, and instead offered a total mystery alongside it.
And it’s not even a straightforward whodunnit type mystery- it’s one that has Eloise, the FMC, questioning her own reality. I want to like cosy romances, but I do sort of struggle with the niceness of them, so this story had a good edge that made it feel really worth getting into.
I don’t want to spoil it too much, because this is the sort of story that you’re better off knowing less details about. But this is a sort magical realism fantasy with the perfect setting for playing with your expectations as a reader.
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a fun mix of some very different elements. While it satisfied my Practical Magic loving soul, it went far beyond the usual slow burn, cosy romance, and instead offered a total mystery alongside it.
And it’s not even a straightforward whodunnit type mystery- it’s one that has Eloise, the FMC, questioning her own reality. I want to like cosy romances, but I do sort of struggle with the niceness of them, so this story had a good edge that made it feel really worth getting into.
I don’t want to spoil it too much, because this is the sort of story that you’re better off knowing less details about. But this is a sort magical realism fantasy with the perfect setting for playing with your expectations as a reader.
June 25, 2026
Thank you NRC Publishing and Nicole Ryan for providing this ARC for review via NetGalley.
In Thistlewood, everything is easy, simple, and perfectly predictable. Eloise finds comfort in the mundane and predictability until she starts to notice the discrepancies in memories, the silence that feels artificial, and the collapsing realities of Thistlewood’s endless autumn. A man whose name she can’t remember visits her in her dreams to help her remember what has been rewritten.
Too much time was spent on redundant descriptions about the golden light, the leaves that crunch under her feet, and the feeling of unease that lingers rather than driving the plot forward. Many of the characters lack backstories, which makes their relationships feel artificial. I was not invested in the story until the last few chapters. Although the cliffhanger was predictable, the ending left me curious about book two.
In Thistlewood, everything is easy, simple, and perfectly predictable. Eloise finds comfort in the mundane and predictability until she starts to notice the discrepancies in memories, the silence that feels artificial, and the collapsing realities of Thistlewood’s endless autumn. A man whose name she can’t remember visits her in her dreams to help her remember what has been rewritten.
Too much time was spent on redundant descriptions about the golden light, the leaves that crunch under her feet, and the feeling of unease that lingers rather than driving the plot forward. Many of the characters lack backstories, which makes their relationships feel artificial. I was not invested in the story until the last few chapters. Although the cliffhanger was predictable, the ending left me curious about book two.
June 28, 2026
This is exactly the kind of cozy, easy read that I needed to get me out of my reading slump.
The book had everything I think makes up a perfect cozy romance. Small town (but add witchcraft), a bookshop owning golden retriever MMC and a broody dark stranger is thrown in to the mix. I will admit, when the second MC was introduced, I was a little annoyed but I really love how they’ve been written into the storyline so far and I’m invested to see what happens in book 2.
By the end of the book we also got to see the friendship group develop I’m hoping we get to learn more about them later on.
This book is perfect if you want a cozy read that isn’t going to leave you emotionally destroyed (but you will get invested). The setting made me think of the TV show Once Upon a Time, which just so happened to be a guilty pleasure of mine back in the day. 💗
Thank you so much for this ARC and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2 in October 🎃
The book had everything I think makes up a perfect cozy romance. Small town (but add witchcraft), a bookshop owning golden retriever MMC and a broody dark stranger is thrown in to the mix. I will admit, when the second MC was introduced, I was a little annoyed but I really love how they’ve been written into the storyline so far and I’m invested to see what happens in book 2.
By the end of the book we also got to see the friendship group develop I’m hoping we get to learn more about them later on.
This book is perfect if you want a cozy read that isn’t going to leave you emotionally destroyed (but you will get invested). The setting made me think of the TV show Once Upon a Time, which just so happened to be a guilty pleasure of mine back in the day. 💗
Thank you so much for this ARC and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2 in October 🎃
July 1, 2026
Thank you Nicole Ryan for the ARC.
Rating: 2.75
First of all, this is a lovely cozy romance that seemed like it would be totally my jam. The writing style is lovely, warm, and sweet. The prose are well written. However, about 70% into the book I found that each scene wasn't advancing the plot very much. I felt like the initial idea around the plot was unique, but I didn't feel invested in the main character and the connection to another secondary male character confusing and conflicting. It felt like I wanted to rush forward to understand the plot which only seemed to come together around 95% of the book.
I think this book has a great premise, but I wanted to have the rising action begin much earlier in the chapters. It felt like the dread of something wrong happening was building for a very long time.
As mentioned, this is a very wonderfully written book, but I wanted the plot to advance much faster than it did.
Rating: 2.75
First of all, this is a lovely cozy romance that seemed like it would be totally my jam. The writing style is lovely, warm, and sweet. The prose are well written. However, about 70% into the book I found that each scene wasn't advancing the plot very much. I felt like the initial idea around the plot was unique, but I didn't feel invested in the main character and the connection to another secondary male character confusing and conflicting. It felt like I wanted to rush forward to understand the plot which only seemed to come together around 95% of the book.
I think this book has a great premise, but I wanted to have the rising action begin much earlier in the chapters. It felt like the dread of something wrong happening was building for a very long time.
As mentioned, this is a very wonderfully written book, but I wanted the plot to advance much faster than it did.
June 2, 2026
Review of Advanced copy received from Netgalley
I have just finished the Thistlewood Rewrite by Nicole Ryan I really enjoyed the way the author described the town of Thistlewood. The setting felt welcoming and incredibly cosy, making it easy to picture myself there alongside the characters.
That being said, I found the first 65–70% of the book a little too slow-paced for my personal taste. While the world-building and atmosphere were solid, I felt the story took quite some time to gain momentum.
However, the ending completely changed my overall impression. The final chapters were engaging, left me with plenty of questions, and successfully built anticipation for what's to come. Despite my issues with the pacing, I'm still excited to pick up book two when it's released in October and see where the story goes next.
I have just finished the Thistlewood Rewrite by Nicole Ryan I really enjoyed the way the author described the town of Thistlewood. The setting felt welcoming and incredibly cosy, making it easy to picture myself there alongside the characters.
That being said, I found the first 65–70% of the book a little too slow-paced for my personal taste. While the world-building and atmosphere were solid, I felt the story took quite some time to gain momentum.
However, the ending completely changed my overall impression. The final chapters were engaging, left me with plenty of questions, and successfully built anticipation for what's to come. Despite my issues with the pacing, I'm still excited to pick up book two when it's released in October and see where the story goes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really wanted to love The Thistlewood Rewrite because the cozy, witchy small-town atmosphere was exactly my kind of vibe. The setting was beautifully written, and there was this constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right beneath the surface, which kept me reading. Unfortunately, the story moved a little too slowly for me. For a large portion of the book, it felt like not much was happening, and I found myself waiting for the plot to really kick in.
That said, once things started coming together, I was definitely more invested, and the mystery became much more interesting. I just wish some of the reveals and fantasy elements had been introduced earlier instead of being packed into the final stretch. The ending did leave me wanting to know what happens next, so I will definitely be getting book 2!
Pub Date: Jun 26 2026
Thankyou NetGalley for the ARC.
I really wanted to love The Thistlewood Rewrite because the cozy, witchy small-town atmosphere was exactly my kind of vibe. The setting was beautifully written, and there was this constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right beneath the surface, which kept me reading. Unfortunately, the story moved a little too slowly for me. For a large portion of the book, it felt like not much was happening, and I found myself waiting for the plot to really kick in.
That said, once things started coming together, I was definitely more invested, and the mystery became much more interesting. I just wish some of the reveals and fantasy elements had been introduced earlier instead of being packed into the final stretch. The ending did leave me wanting to know what happens next, so I will definitely be getting book 2!
Pub Date: Jun 26 2026
Thankyou NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Thistlewood Rewrite is a small town, magical romance with a little bit of mystery. It follows Eloise and Ezra on a journey of routine, romance, and magical recklessness.
Thank you so much to Nicole Ryan for this ARC 🖤 This book snuck up on my heart. The beginning was slow, but it's a huge part of the experience of this book, and absolutely necessary. The intentional way Nicole Ryan writes is incredibly soothing, while somehow also haunting. Her way with words and her one of a kind voice are going to sit with me for a long time.
The twist?? Oh my gosh, my heart was in my throat. If you're looking for a cozy story with hot spice, small town vibes, and witchy undertones that makes you feel like you're reading a spell - look no further. I am already frothing at the mouth for the second installment.
Thank you so much to Nicole Ryan for this ARC 🖤 This book snuck up on my heart. The beginning was slow, but it's a huge part of the experience of this book, and absolutely necessary. The intentional way Nicole Ryan writes is incredibly soothing, while somehow also haunting. Her way with words and her one of a kind voice are going to sit with me for a long time.
The twist?? Oh my gosh, my heart was in my throat. If you're looking for a cozy story with hot spice, small town vibes, and witchy undertones that makes you feel like you're reading a spell - look no further. I am already frothing at the mouth for the second installment.
May 29, 2026
The world building was detailed, combining cozy with ominous. The story felt very eerie, giving Stepford Wives vibes, and at times had me actually feeling scared anticipating what would happen next. The description doesn’t give a lot away, so I was expecting a basic romance and it was anything but. I will say the book had a slowww start. It took me a lil to get invested but then I was hooked. There was romance, a little spice, small town vibes, and a lot of mystery. Overall I really liked the book. We got some answers but a lot of questions(and outcomes) are still open and I will definitely be reading the second book.
Thank you to NRC Publishing, Nicole Ryan and team for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NRC Publishing, Nicole Ryan and team for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 18, 2026
This was such a cozy easy read and i really enjoyed it! Eloise runs a witchy Apothecary on her perfect property in her perfect town with perfect neighbors and friends. Is it really all as perfect as it seems though? Eloise and her childhood best friend Ezra have a shift in their relationship and romance starts budding but at night a mystery man visits her in her dreams. Slowly Eloise starts noticing cracks in the perfect life and perfect town and starts having more questions than answers. This story is definitely a slower paced plot but it seems intentional and i actually enjoyed the change in pace! There is magic but it’s more in the background of the story with hints to it, the romance and mystery are more the focus. I really am looking forward to book 2 because can we say Cliffhanger!
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