The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co.

by Nathan C. Ashford

Not all witches need brooms to soar.

Mitsi Blunderlock graduated from Gloombubble Academy with one problem: she's a witch who can't fly. After a disastrous crash left her with a crooked nose and a healthy respect for gravity, Mitsi has resigned herself to keeping her feet firmly on the ground (much to the horror of proper witch and warlock society).

When tea leaves spell out "GO. NOW." Mitsi leaves the comforts of home for the cozy town of Marivell, with nothing but a magical pumpkin carriage (courtesy of her inventor father) and a desperate need to find her purpose. After accidentally retiring the local postal phoenix and causing chaos with her horseless contraption, Mitsi stumbles upon an idea: why not become the town's first cab driver?

With the help of a distinguished elder werewolf, two eccentric harpy neighbors, the local opossum baker, and a myriad of other fantastical friends, Mitsi discovers that serving others might be the strongest magic of all.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Found Family, Adult, Witches, Magic, Halloween

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Author of The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. and The Bloodgrove Apprentice

Get Giblet's Civic Duty and The Stillness of Gathered Rain for free at
https://www.nathancashford.com/

Buy signed copies and merch at https://nathan-c-ashford-shop.fourthw...

About Nathan:
Nathan C. Ashford is a bookworm, husband and father. He’s been told his nerdy side is “just a phase” all his life, but at this point, it seems that it’s here to stay. When he’s not inventing characters to inhabit his made-up worlds, Nathan can be found spending quality time with his beautiful wife, adorable daughter, and their moody cat.

Reviews

[Ciara Traughber]

I give it a 3.5 stars I really enjoyed it….

This book is marketed toward adults in the slice-of-life/cozy fantasy genre, but honestly, it felt like a book I would’ve loved at 8–12 years old. It gave me major Halloweentown vibes and the kind of nostalgic magic I grew up loving. 🥹

Mitsi Blunderlock, a witch inventor’s daughter who’s afraid of flying, heads to Marivell to find her purpose. With a pumpkin-seed cab powered by a cauldron from her dad, she starts a cab company and finds friendship, community, and a family away from home.

The cast of quirky characters was one of my favorite parts — from a opossum baker to an elderly werewolf, harpies, mouse landlords, and a phoenix who spontaneously combusts from anxiety. 😂

And as someone whose dad literally sends her dad jokes all the time, I loved the subtle, cheesy dad jokes sprinkled throughout. They were quirky and cute in the best way. 😂

It’s a low-stakes cozy read, but I became surprisingly invested in these characters and their relationships. There aren’t huge, world-ending conflicts, but I still found myself thinking, “Okay, but is everyone going to be okay?!” 🥹

Sweet life lessons, cozy magic, quirky characters, and lots of heart. I flew through this one in four days!

[Clare Fairclough]

I was lucky enough to be selected to read this title as an ARC. Mitsi Blunderlock is a witch with issues - she has just graduated from Gloombubble Academy and she can’t fly! She comes from a loving family but decides to strike out on her own and make a fresh start in the friendly neighbourhood of Marivell. Here, she meets lots of encouraging new friends and decides to create a new business revolving around one of her father’s creations, and so the Cozy Cauldron Cab Co is born! What follows is a warm hug of a book which restores your faith in the power of friendship and kindness. A follow up to this title is due in 2027.

#ad #ARC

[Emma Craig]

I got to read this as an ARC. Thank you so much!

Oh what a stunningly cosy book!

It was a little slow to start and I wasn’t sure but once I got in to it I fell in love with the characters. I loved all the different creatures and I feel like everyone needs an Edgar in their lives!

I feel like if you’re a fan of Sarah Beth Durst or Travis Baldree you will adore this too.

[Tash Reads]

ARC Review - The Cozy Cauldron Co. by Nathan C. Ashford.

This one really was a cozy read with a mix of humor and many touching moments. The story leaves you feeling inspired and motivated and just happy.

The book follows the adventures of Mitsi, a witch that is scared to fly and has an emotional broom. I loved her personality and always trying to wake up with a smile on her face. She was a wonderful character even if she had many obstacles and challenges to face.

I loved the names of the towns and the unique world of staying in a huge mushroom! And the phoenix ashing himself! I laughed too hard at that. The love, care and friendships portrayed in the book was great. Recommended to readers of all ages.

I received the free advanced copy from the author and leaving my review voluntarily.

[Erika Mullins]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC REVIEW

I absolutely adored this cute and cozy (as promised) little story! It was the perfect start to my fall reading for the season! Yes, it was an easy read and perhaps best geared towards a younger reader, but it was so enchanting and heart warming that I don’t mind at all! The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is the epitome of community and found family! I think everyone could benefit from reading this book honestly! While there wasn’t a deep dive into the characters by any means, I still felt myself invested in their stories and rooting for their wins! This story holds a special place in my heart🥰

[Lizanne]

What an absolute treat this book turned out to be! Like stepping into a warm carriage lit by lantern‑glow and scented faintly of cinnamon rolls.
The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is easily one of the loveliest cosy fantasies I’ve read so far, full of charm, kindness and that soft sort of magic that settles around you like a knitted shawl. It left me smiling long after I closed the last page.

We follow Mitsi Blunderlock, a wonderfully earnest witch who packs up her life after her mother’s tea‑leaf reading nudges her toward destiny. She arrives in Marivell, a town so welcoming it practically hums with neighbourly warmth, and is embraced by its tight‑knit community from the moment she steps in.

Grounded (quite literally) after losing a battle with gravity on her previous broom, Mitsi’s inventor father gifts her a horseless pumpkin brougham to help her get around. What begins as a practical solution soon blossoms into something much sweeter: The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co., a little business that becomes a big piece of her heart.

With every improvement she makes to her cab, from purring cat‑charms to a permanent cinnamon‑roll smell, Mitsi grows too. She starts as an insecure, flightless witch, but slowly becomes a warm, steady pillar of Marivell. Watching her evolve feels like riding beside her, wrapped in a blanket, listening to the gentle clatter of wheels and the soft magic of possibility.

I can’t wait to read part two and see what Mitsi and her friends dream up next.
Will Tessa finally take first place in the yearly baker’s competition?
Will Parsnips rediscover joy?
Will Mitsi dare to enchant her cab to fly?

I’m already buckled in for the next ride!

[Alex]

Thank you to the author for allowing me to ARC read the book!

4.5/5 ⭐️

*"Don't measure yourself against others. It will only serve to debilitate you." His voice softened. "Search for joy. Serve others. There is no greater happiness than doing something that benefits someone else. Chase that, and life will work out one way or another."*

What a lovely book! Imagine if the Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett and Verity Vox by Don Martin had the coziness of Kiki's Delivery Service, and you'd get pretty close to the vibes of Cozy Cauldron. It follows Mitsi, a young witch with a fear of flying, who moves to a new town and unexpectedly finds her purpose as its first cab driver. Along the way, she builds friendships with a wonderfully eccentric cast of magical characters and discovers that helping others can be its own kind of magic.

I love love LOVE books about community, because I feel like that's very much a lost art these days! Showing up for people when they need it and having them show up for you in return is a special kind of magic of its own. I recommend this to anyone who likes reading about people being kind and helpful and generally. It's very low stakes but still very engaging, and I absolutely flew through it in an afternoon. Book 2 can't come fast enough!

[Eternity's Raven]

Firstly, thank you to Nathan for having me on his ARC team. I am leaving this review for free and completely of my own thoughts and opinions.

The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. was an extremely cozy and vibe based book that I enjoyed reading. It delivered on the found family aspect promised and had a writing style I really enjoyed, finding it to be quite reminicent of Terry Pratchett in places.

I thought Mitsi was a fun FMC and I liked her devotion to finding herself and wanting to help people. She was a very self sacrificing sort and it was compelling to read. Her friendship with Edgar in particular was really sweet.

Speaking of Edgar, his side story was very sweet and I did find myself getting choked up at it's wrap-up. It was well written and a lovely little touch to add to the story.

Beyond that however I did struggle a bit to place where this book was aimed at for readers. While it does technically work for any age, as a book marketed towards adults, I found it skewed just a bit to young for me a lot of the time and that the nearly non-exsistent stakes really leant to that even more.

Over all it was cute and I can 100% see myself reading the next book in the series, but I hope it has a slightly more developed direction in terms of who this is aimed towards.

[Amanda McKenrick]

The Perfect Cozy Fantasy for Anyone Figuring Out Their Future 🔮

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full Review:
I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. from the author and BookFunnel, and I am so incredibly grateful for the experience. This book was nothing short of magic, packed with beautiful life lessons, found family, and inspiring self-discovery.
The story follows Mitsi Blunderlock, a young witch who has come of age and, like many young people, feels completely unsure about her adult future. She is not like most witches, and she deeply feels this difference is a problem. However, her life takes a turn when she stumbles upon a quaint town filled with secrets and a tight-knit community where neighbors feel more like family.
This incredible found family assists Mitsi in understanding that all you need to do is look deep within yourself to find the strength you need to be successful. Ultimately, Mitsi's journey teaches a powerful lesson: you don't need a perfect, rigid plan for your life to be successful. You just need to believe in yourself.
This is a fantastic cozy fantasy that could be labeled as a Young Adult novel. The themes of navigating the unknown and figuring out what adulthood should look like are universally relatable. It is a comforting, magical read that will deeply resonate with anyone standing on the edge of the next chapter of their life.

[JinxxedBetweenPages]

I truly cannot put into words just how much I loved this book. 🤎 It is warm, cozy, whimsical, and comforting in that rare way that makes a story feel less like something you’re reading and more like a place you’ve somehow come home to.

Every character who wandered onto the page felt like a new friend I was lucky enough to meet. I felt just as welcomed into this little world as Mitsi was when she arrived in Meriville and, honestly, I never wanted to leave. ✨

This is the kind of book I know I’ll return to whenever I need a warm hug, a little bit of magic, and perhaps a warm cinnamon roll (because obviously).

Thank you, Nathan, for inviting us into this beautiful little world. I’ll be keeping a cozy corner of my heart reserved for Meriville.
🥐✨

I was selected as an ARC reader for this book. The above is my true and honest review of the book.

[Christina Karlin]

First of all, thank you Nathan C.Ashford for the ARC! I cannot remember the last time I was so enthralled with a cozy fantasy book in this way. The characters are so charming and unexpected. This story was cozy, witchy, and full of heart. A beautiful reminder of the importance of friendship. I would love to see this in schools as I feel there are some great life lessons here too. I loved this so much that I preordered a physical copy as well. Cannot wait for more in this series!

[Ari Bledsoe]

**Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review**
This is such a sweet, cozy story! It’s perfect for any age and has a good storyline involving personal growth and development, finding yourself, and found family (no romance). Absolutely adorable, I loved it!

[Alyx]

*ARC review*

Cute story but some of the names made it hard to focus on the story itself. Like I get that it's meant to be in a different space but constant silly names that seemed more odd than magical was slightly annoying.

Story itself was sweet and had good depth. Easy read, well written and overall a great way to start fall reading.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme)]

Thank you to author @nathancashford for the arc! This book was like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Marivell is the perfect magical town with magical creatures, perpetual fall, and a baking competition. What else could you possibly want? Once I sat down to read this book I finished it very quickly because I was so invested in Mitsi and her quest to find her purpose and all the fun friends she meets along the way.

This is perfect for fans of The Spellshop and yes, there will be a book 2!

[Tamararosereads]

This story is whimsical, magical and definitely cozy! It is utterly charming and I adored the FMC, Mitsi, a witch who cannot fly. A quote from the book that hit me hard when I was reading it was "don't measure yourself against others. It will only serve to debilitate you. Search for joy". What words we should all strive for!

[Ari Baba]

ARC REVIEW

“Not all witches need brooms to soar.”

And apparently all I needed was one magical pumpkin carriage, a wonderfully weird little town, and a three-hundred-year-old werewolf to become emotionally attached to an entire fictional community.

Mitsi Blunderlock is a witch who has never quite figured out what she wants to do with her life, and considering her history with gravity, flying has never exactly been her strong suit. 😂 But when her inventor father creates a steam-powered carriage grown from a pumpkin seed and powered by a cauldron, Mitsi decides to take a chance on herself and start a cab company in the small town of Merriville.

And I genuinely did not want to leave.

This was such a warm, whimsical story about finding yourself, finding your people, and realizing that home can sometimes be something you build rather than somewhere you started.

The characters were easily one of my favorite parts. Merriville is filled with chaotic harpy neighbors, mouse landlords, an opossum baker with a small army of children, a phoenix mail carrier, ghosts, pegasi, and one incredibly lovable three-hundred-year-old werewolf named Edgar Moonwhistle who I would personally protect with my life. 😭 Every character felt distinct, and even the ones who only appeared briefly made the town feel that much more alive.

And I have to give Nathan C. Ashford credit for just how beautifully he wrote these characters and this world. Making me completely fall in love with an entire town and its people in roughly 300 pages is no small feat, but somehow Merriville felt lived-in almost immediately. The characters never felt like quirky additions thrown in just to make the world whimsical, they felt like actual people with their own lives, personalities, struggles, and reasons for being there.

By the end, I wasn’t just attached to Mitsi’s story. I was attached to all of them.

Nathan C. Ashford somehow made me homesick for a place that doesn’t exist. 😭

And the HUMOR. Mitsi’s father is an inventor whose previous creations include something that turned butter back into a very confused cow. How am I supposed to read that and not immediately love this family? 😂

But underneath all of the cozy magic and ridiculous inventions is a genuinely beautiful story about self-worth and the pressure we put on ourselves to have everything figured out.

Mitsi begins the book feeling uncertain about her future and where she belongs, and I loved watching her slowly build a life that feels like hers. She finds work she cares about, forms friendships, becomes part of a community, and starts realizing that succeeding doesn’t have to look the way she once thought it did.

That’s also why the tagline, “Not all witches need brooms to soar,” ended up meaning so much more to me than I expected.

Mitsi’s journey isn’t about proving she’ll never need a broom. It’s about realizing there isn’t one correct way to succeed, belong, or become the person you want to be. And as she grows more confident in the path she chose for herself, that confidence starts spilling over into the things that once frightened her, too. 🥹✨

I also really loved the way this book explores perfection and comparison. Sometimes the person who looks like they have everything figured out is struggling just as much as everyone else, and the story handles that idea with so much compassion.

And then there’s Merriville itself.

Between the whimsical shops, magical residents, and the everfall trees in the park, I was completely sold. During their autumn transformation, the leaves actually cycle through shades of red, orange, yellow, brown, and purple every few minutes, and I’m sitting there like "WHY ARE EVERFALL TREES NOT REAL???" 😂🍂 I would plant an entire yard of them immediately. Little details like that made Merriville feel so magical and vivid that I could practically picture myself walking beneath the changing canopy.

But what made me love Merriville even more was the community. Everyone shows up for each other. People genuinely want to see their neighbors succeed. They help, encourage, celebrate, and make room for one another in a way that made this little fictional town feel almost painfully comforting.

This book made me laugh. It made me ridiculously cozy. It made me cry actual happy tears.

And I realized that I had started reading it more slowly, not because I was struggling to get through it, but because every chapter I finished meant I was one chapter closer to having to leave Merriville.

By the final chapter, I genuinely just kept thinking, I don’t want this to be over.

Thankfully, it isn’t.

I cannot WAIT to return to this world and see what Mitsi, Edgar, and the rest of this strange little found family get up to next.

If you love cozy fantasy, found family, whimsical small towns, lovable eccentric characters, magical creatures, low-stakes adventures, and stories about finding the courage to build a life that feels like your own, you absolutely need The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. on your radar. 🎃🍂✨

Thank you for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🤎

[Czarina Diaz]

Thank you to author Nathan C. Ashford for gifting me an advance copy of his wonderful book

What if I handed you a book that reads like a cozy Disney sitcom, starring a gravity-bound witch who drives a magical cab and, along the way (or should I say, driving along the way?), discovers her life’s purpose one eccentric passenger at a time? Wouldn’t that be magical?

I really enjoyed watching the plot unfold through the stories of each passenger, with their individual journeys weaving into the main plot and eventually culminating in Mitsi discovering more about her identity as a witch. What I particularly loved was how each character brought their own eccentricities while remaining true to their identities and values. In their own little ways, they each helped bring Mitsi’s true self to light, making her journey of self-discovery more interesting.

Each character was well presented and given enough development for us to care about their individual stories, even when their time in the book was relatively brief. The author was surprisingly effective at making me feel for these characters despite how short some of their storylines were. I even immediately liked Horace, whom I couldn’t help but feel for as someone who is also an introvert.

I also loved how the characters' stories weren't simply detours from Mitsi's journey. Each encounter seemed to leave her with something to learn about herself, while at the same time allowing us to appreciate the unique lives and struggles of the people she met. It made the journey feel like more than just Mitsi trying to find her purpose, it was also about discovering who she was along the way.

Another thing I loved was the author's whimsical use of language. The magical creatures were already charming on their own, but the author's choice of words made the world feel even more magical to read. I especially loved the way Marivell and the food and pastries were described, I genuinely wanted to reach into the book and take a bite myself!

I have a real soft spot for stories built around found family. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching people from completely different backgrounds find their way into each other’s lives and build something meaningful together, despite having no blood relation. These are the stories that give me a warm, comforting, feeling that is almost impossible to get from anything else.

Mitsi’s search for her life’s purpose also hit surprisingly close to home. It’s such a universal pursuit, whether you’re figuring yourself out in your twenties or, like me, navigating your thirties and realizing that life doesn’t always turn out the way you thought it would. There’s a particular kind of uncertainty in wondering if you’re where you’re supposed to be, only to get there and realize you still feel a little lost. That feeling made me especially invested in Mitsi’s journey. Perhaps that’s the quiet magic of this story: as she searches for her answer, you can’t help but wonder if you might find a little bit of your own along the way.

My favorite moment in the book was Mitsi’s encounter with Juniper, the auditor. This particular subplot reminded me of the feeling I get whenever I watch Toy Story and find myself unexpectedly emotional about the toys. It also perfectly captured one of my favorite things about this book: the subplots are capable of evoking completely different emotions while still feeling meaningful to the larger story. They may begin as seemingly separate little journeys, but they eventually find their way back to Mitsi’s own.

My favorite quote from the book also comes from this interaction:
“Toys absorb the love given to them. We find toys that were loved to pieces then we take that absorbed love and amplify it and send the toy back to children who will love them to pieces all over again.”

I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy fantasy with the same warm, heartfelt feeling I get from TJ Klune’s books, especially readers who love found family, tight-knit communities, and stories that remind you that the people you meet along the way can become just as important as the destination.

And if you’re someone who can easily get lost in whimsical prose, playful language, and a good alliteration, even better.

Rating — 5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

There are books that earn 5/5 because of their emotional depth, their literary brilliance, or the sheer beauty of their writing. This book gets 5/5 from me for a slightly different reason: it made me feel good. It reminded me that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, that the people we meet along the way can shape us in unexpected ways, and that sometimes finding your purpose is less about knowing exactly where you’re going and more about being open to the journey.

For me, The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is the literary equivalent of the warm (or iced!) coffee you’ve been craving all day. The kind that gives you that little boost you didn’t know you needed and maybe, after that first sip, enough energy to go out and find your own magical journey.

[Mike D-i]

The following review is based on an ARC copy of the book and reflects my honest opinion.

What happens when an author with a knack for compelling dark fantasy novels decides to veer away from grim and gloomy in favor of cozy and witchy? With that question in mind (and absolutely no prior experience with the genre), I dove into The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co..

Mitsi Blunderlock's story starts at a very relatable moment when she leaves the family home in search of her true calling. Yes, this is not a story about dark ancient forces spelling doom for the entire planet. Instead, it's a heart-warming tale of a young witch embarking on a journey of self-discovery and trying to find her place in the world (and becoming a bona fide entrepreneur in the process).

Speaking of the world, it teems with life and is full of creatures ranging from fairy-tale animals to mythical beasts. Most of them play a meaningful part in the story and are truly memorable. Neighborly harpies, a friendly werewolf, a family of opossums, phoenixes - they are not just set dressing but supporting characters who really matter and make Mitsi's journey more unique.

As for the story, The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is a perfect read for those looking for some respite from everyday hustle and bustle. Mitsi's adventure is full of heart-warming moments, a lot of which revolve around Marivell's close-knit community whose members look after one another, wish each other well, and are genuine in their intentions. Sounds too utopian? Perhaps, but it also goes on to show how much can be achieved with community spirit and a modicum of unselfishness.

Lastly, I'm happy to say the genre change has not impacted the author's overall writing style, which is still top-notch. The language used throughout the book is rich, varied, and shows the author's impressive lexicon. Adults will appreciate it, while younger readers will get an opportunity to enrich their vocabulary.

So, what happens when an author with a knack for compelling dark fantasy novels decides to veer away from grim and gloomy in favor of cozy and witchy? Well, we get a compelling, funny, heart-warming read that proves that kindness and community spirit can go a long way. Nathan C. Ashford proves beyond any doubt that he's a gifted, versatile author and a great storyteller.

With its vivid characters, real-life challenges hidden behind a veneer of the fantastical, and an uplifting atmosphere, The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is a story witch (*which - sorry, couldn't help it...) I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.

[Sandra Aranda]

This book was so much fun to read! It was exactly what I needed to read to get into my Fall-Halloween mood as well as cheer me up on a hard day. This book is a wonderful easy adult read yet also would be perfect for Upper Elementary and Middle School students! Beyond being warm, exciting, and magical, it also has an endearing theme that we all need to be reminded of from time to time. That we are all worthwhile just as we are and that what we do matters in whatever manner we do it as long as we try.

The Main Female Character in the book is Mitsi Blunderlock. Mitsi has just graduated from Gloombubble Academy and she lives in Gloombubble Hollow with her parents Barnaby and Matilda. Mitsi is young and like many who have just graduated she is unsure of where she is going to fit in the world. She is insecure, and more than a bit jealous of her perfect sister Parsnabeth. Yet should she be jealous of Parsnips (as Mitsi calls her)? Is Parsnips really better than her? Adding to Mitsi’s insecurity is the fact that as a recently graduated witch she can’t even fly. YES! A WITCH THAT CAN’T FLY! Her poor sad replacement broom is sulking in the corner right now (replacement as the first one got trashed in the crash that made Mitsi’s nose and hat crooked).

Yet while Mitsi suffers fears and insecurities, she is wholly genuine and loving. Add to that a slightly eccentric father and a loving mother, and she has a lot going for her. Yet what is she to do? What is her path in this magical wonderous world? Mitsi is stuck at home with her insecurities. However, when the tea leaves scream out in her mother’s cup to “GO!”, she does just that! She packs and leaves with no clear idea where she is going.

What follows is a truly magical journey where she lands in Marivell. There she meets so many new friends who accept her for who she is and help her in her journey to self-acceptance. From the Opassum baker, to the senior Werewolf, even some mice, ghosts, and more, Mitsi learns and grows. In time she realizes that she loves being in a service oriented job and opens up ‘The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co.’ with the help from her family and new friends. Yet the path to adulthood and self-acceptance is not easy.

Read this fantastically magical book when it comes out 10/6/2026 for yourself and with your children! I guarantee you will fall in love with Marivell, Mitsi and all the magic in this Fall-Halloween vibes book!

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

AMAZON AVAILABLE 10/6/2026!! https://a.co/d/04ZS0Weq
https://sandrabooksbooksbooks.com/

[Vanessa]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

To start off, this book was cozy, comfy, stuffed with whimsy and one-liners, and absolutely adorable. If you're looking for a book where everyone is kind, all endings are happy, and both the family of origin and the found family are just delightful, this is the book for you.

The good:

It starts out with an amazing, almost Hitchiker's-esque line and keeps that level of funny to the end. I cackled with laughter numerous times.

Mitsi is a witch who is good at most things witchy, with one notable exception: she can't fly. Or, more accurately, she can fly for short distances until her "committed relationship with gravity" gets in the way. But her family still loves her and wants the best for her. The best for her turns out to be a new city and a new life, as directed to her by the tea leaves. In Marivell Mitsi finds friends, a calling, encounters a few difficulties and has a few accidents, but always manages to end up on top with her endearing smile in place.

Big thanks to the author for understanding the importance of the Oxford comma. I was a fan as soon as I saw the first one.

The meh:

The writing style was a bit monotonous in some areas. Sentence structure tended to repeat the same patterns, which I always find makes the reading a bit tedious. It's not noticeable the entire book, though.

Mitsi seemed to miss the most obvious things. For one, she starts a cab company but somehow never thinks to advertise in any way. She doesn't even get the name of her company written on her cab until neighbors do it for her, but is somehow astounded that no one knows she's running a cab company. Granted, she's 18 and I'm assuming even in a magical world 18 year olds are just as oblivious as in ours, but none of the adults in her world think of it until halfway through the book either. One character has a conversation with her about advertising, but no one thinks to mention it to her as an option, which felt a bit strange to me.

The whole is book on the twee side, so if you're not a fan of or in the mood for that level of sweetness, this won't be the book for you.

The overall:

I'm giving this book 5/5 because I had a great time start to finish, which honestly is my personal metric for reviews. It's whimsical, it's fun, and it's a great feel-good story. And it leaves room for a sequel without feeling like you're not getting this story resolved. I will absolutely be buying a physical copy when it hits the shelves.

[Kristi Hamm]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: none! But SO sweet (cinnamon rolls, not peppers here)

Tropes/notables: Cozy fantasy, low stakes, single POV, found family, small town living, magical system/creatures (witches, werewolves, talking animals, etc), coming of age

Quotes:
"Don't measure yourself against others. It will only serve to debilitate you. Search for joy. Serve others. There is no greater happiness than doing something that benefits someone else. Chase that, and life will work out one way or another."
"Don't let your excitement for new possibilities outweigh the inner peace you so recently discovered."

Review:
THIS BOOK! Hands down one of the BEST things I have read this year; it's only been a day and I've already told 20+ people they need to read it too! I'm so thankful to have been a part of this team, and immediately bought the shelf trophy when I finished (it's gorgeous, how could I not??). I enjoyed that this was a little shorter than my usual fantasy reads- it's the perfect palate cleanser to break up heavier/lengthier novels-it was bubbly, sweet, relatively fast paced, low stakes, and had a cast of lovable characters.

Mitsi's relocation to the charming magical town of Merriville was the ultimate story of found family, and discovering your life's purpose (and perhaps letting some preconceived notions of "how things should be" fall to the wayside). Mitsi was a wonderful FMC-charming, loyal, industrious, kind, quirky, but perhaps most important authentically honest. She was selfless to a fault and watching her discover her full potential and build meaningful relationships was such a joy-it's been awhile since a book has made me smile while reading it but this one definitely did. The other characters were equally dynamic and added such depth to the story, from the Tibblenook children, frazzled Tessa, grumpy Ollie and (my favorites!) Mitsi's father and Edgar, each character was so beautifully woven into her life.

Another thing this author excelled at was world building-from the detailed layout of the town, the sights and smells of the bakery, the description of the pumpkin carriage, the daily routine of the community, to the coins piled on her desk in her mushroom apartment...all of these pieces made the story incredibly immersive, and I am definitely looking forward to see how Mitsi's new partnership expands in the next book.

[Whitney]

The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. felt like being handed a warm cup of tea and invited to make yourself at home in a wonderfully strange little town.

This book is cozy-cozy-cozy in all the ways I love most: found family, coming of age, finding your place in the world, and the kind of community that shows up for one another—sometimes with wisdom, sometimes with chaos, and sometimes with baked goods.

Mitsi Blunderlock is a young witch setting out into the unknown to discover who she is. She makes mistakes. She encounters more than a few bumps in the road. She occasionally tries so hard to help everyone else that she forgets to care for herself. But through it all, her optimism, kindness, and genuine love for others shine so brightly.

I especially loved that this story understands cozy does not mean a life without hardship. Mitsi is learning how to move forward after a traumatic experience, while also discovering that the people closest to us may be carrying struggles we cannot immediately see or understand. Their struggles may look completely different from our own, but they are no less real. Mitsi meets that truth with so much love and compassion—even when she still has some growing to do herself.

The entire book gave me the same warm, hopeful feeling I get from Kiki’s Delivery Service: a young witch venturing into a new community, trying new things, making mistakes, and slowly discovering that her purpose may not look the way she once imagined. Most importantly, she never loses the kindness at the heart of who she is.

I adored Mitsi, Edgar, and the wonderfully magical residents of Marivell. By the end, they no longer felt like characters I had simply read about. They felt like a community I had been welcomed into—and I was not ready to leave.

I sincerely hope this is not our last ride down Hearthglow Lane, because I am already longing to return to the town square and taste one of Tessa's creations.

This is absolutely a reread for me. It is one of those special books I immediately knew I wanted in multiple formats: a physical copy to live among my favorite cozy books and a digital copy I can keep with me whenever I need a little warmth, magic, and a reminder that there is more than one way to find where you belong.

[Lilith's_Library_]

A COZY CAULDRON. A CAB COMPANY. AND WITCHY CHAOS?!

I’m sorry, but who looked at the words “Cozy Cauldron Cab Co.” and thought I was going to have the self-control to NOT read this?! 😂🧙‍♀️🚕

Because honestly… this title alone had me like “Yep. Put me in the magical taxi. I have absolutely no idea where we're going, but I'm coming.” 😂✨

I went into this expecting a cute, cozy magical adventure and ended up getting completely swept up in the charm. There’s just something ridiculously satisfying about a story that feels like wrapping yourself in a blanket, grabbing a warm drink, and then casually watching magical nonsense unfold around you. 🥹🖤

The whole concept is just SO much fun. Give me witches, magic, a quirky cab company, unexpected adventures and characters trying to navigate whatever magical chaos has landed in their lap, and apparently I am going to become emotionally attached. 😂🪄

I especially loved the cozy atmosphere. This is the kind of read that feels like it belongs on a rainy afternoon when you want something whimsical and comforting—but still want a little adventure mixed in. ✨☕📖

And the characters?! I was absolutely rooting for them. There’s something about quirky characters thrown into magical situations that gets me every time. Give me found-family energy, ridiculous situations and a sprinkle of mayhem and I'm HAPPY.

Basically, The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. feels like if your local taxi service was run by magical weirdos and every fare came with the possibility of something going spectacularly wrong. 😂🚕🧙‍♀️

Would I hop into the cab again?

ABSOLUTELY. Just don't ask me where we're going. 😂🖤

✨ Tropes / Vibes ✨
🧙‍♀️ Witchy Vibes
🚕 Magical Cab Company
🪄 Cozy Magic
☕ Comfort Read Energy
✨ Whimsical Adventure
😂 Magical Shenanigans
🏡 Found-Family Vibes
🌙 Cozy Fantasy Atmosphere
💫 Quirky Characters
🔥 Unexpected Chaos
📖 Feel-Good Fantasy
🖤 Magical Misadventures
☕ Warm & Whimsical Energy

Thank you to Nathan C. Ashford for the opportunity to read this ARC! 🧙‍♀️🚕✨

[Akshita]

FUN, INVIGORATING, HEARTWARMING AND REFRESHING!

It was one of the best works of comedy-fiction I’ve read in a while. The MC, Mitsi is a highly optimist and persistent character, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and the entire story revolves around all her struggles and wins in a very comedic way. The author has done a fabulous job here by ensuring that comedy doesn’t overpower the core of the story, in fact, it made it more engaging and quiet an immersive experience for me.

I really liked the easy-goingness of the story, especially the way it revolved around the ups and downs of everyday life. There were more funny instances in the story I could count, and I’m still massaging my sore cheek muscles from all the laughs I had while reading. The few dad jokes in between were the kind that made one roll their eyes, but couldn’t stop the smile forming on the lips.

Coming to the story, it’s about a witch named Mitsi, who can’t fly – a flaw no witch would wish upon herself. She decides to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to escape the constant remarks, aided by her father’s unique inventions, and comedically failed engineering magic attempts, along with her mother’s wisdom and tea-leaf reading magic.

It is during this journey, and guidance by a very wise Mr. Edgar, that she realizes her life’s purpose, and opens up the Crazy Cauldron Cab Co. But starting a new business is only the beginning of her journey. There’s a lot more that happens, that I wouldn’t reveal here. But one thing I can promise is that it’s a very light-hearted read, full of creative expressions, and a story that keeps you guessing the ending, right up to the very end.

The writing was so well done that I could literally imagine myself in some of the scenes. I also found some really good lines in the story that could be framed as quotes, for inspiration. All in all, it was a story I’d love reading again, especially when I’m not in a good mood and need a mood-boost.

[Gillian]

I received an ARC of The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. from the author and once again Nathan delivers the reading goods.

I have read Nathan's other books and really enjoy his style of writing. His other books have a darker tone to them, but this shows how well this author can switch up the style depending on the type of book he's writing. The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is a cosy fantasy read, which centres on main character Mitsi and her her journey into the world to find the meaning and the path she will choose in life.

Her adventure brings her to a idyllic town of Marivell. I must note that Mitsi is a witch, and the world Nathan has created is full of magic, talking animals and mythical creatures that mostly live harmoniously. Except for the curmudgeonly Leonard, who is a wizard, and very set in his ways. The world building is vivid and detailed and I love where Mitsi lives- it would be awesome to live in a mushroom!

Mitsi receives a magical invention of a pumpkin seed that turns into a pumpkin carriage from her father. Unlike other witches, Mitsi will not fly because of an accident that saw her nose being broken, so the carriage provides Mitsi transport, but also an opportunity to help others in the town by providing a cab service for the locals.

This fun and gentle fantasy is a delightful read, full of colourful characters and a diverse cast. (Think phoenixes, werewolves, vampires, wizards, sentient opossums etc...) It is written in a style that is comfortable and follows well the pitch and tone of the story. You become immersed in the world Nathan has created and all the characters bring something enchanting to the reading.

If you are looking for a fast paced, but cosy fantasy read, full of magic, mirth and humour, this story is for you! Thank you to Nathan C Ashford for giving me the opportunity for an ARC read. This book is terrific!

[Charissa Wilkinson]

I received this book courtesy of Mr. Ashford for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Mitsi Blunderlock is excited. She passed Gloombubble Academy with only one flaw. She is the only witch that cannot fly. She had a crash that shattered her broom, and made her nose a little crooked. Needless to say, she has a healthy respect for gravity. What is she going to do with her life now. It's not like she's similar to her sister Parsnips. Parsnips knew what her calling was going to be when she was four. Luckily for Mitsi, her Dad and Mom are willing to let her stick around while she finds her calling. Magic has a different plan though. She is sent to a neighboring town, with a small dream: to find out what she does best. Add to that her Dad's invention, and she gets a great idea. Will it work? Let's find out.

Story Telling: This is a cozy fantasy and the start to a series.

Dislikes: Okay, horses don't stink. That's just shy of sacrilege. All jokes aside, there really isn't much to dislike with this book.

Likes: Mitsi makes friends rather easy. Perhaps that's why her cab company works so well.

Mr. Blunderlock truly needs the people around him. If they weren't there, who knows what all he would have reverted in his workshop. I'd call dibs on the cows though.

Don't pretend that you have a certain magic in this world. You might just find it to be real, right Mrs. Blunderlock.

The people in Mitsi's new town fit perfectly. And they didn't take advantage over a young woman who was too kindhearted to say how much each trip should cost.

Mitsi was even able to hire the baker's children for cab upkeep.

Almost any of Edgar's rides with Mitsi are wonderful. He only gets irritated when people don't take care of themselves.

Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like cozy fantasies, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.

[Everlore Reading]

I always love me a good cozy book, especially in the fall 🥰

This book was very enjoyable and so very delightful!! I loved the cozy aspects and all the very magical creatures and characters. It made the book just much more fun and fall-like.

Misti’s is such a great MC. We follow her as she settles in this new, cozy town, where she causes a few disturbances on her first day. In which she has to repay her debt, well not really a debt, but to show the mayor her new invention. Which was a carriage! Thus, she made and built her company, “The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co.”

I also loved that even though the MC compared herself to her sister, we saw that towards the end, her sister wasn’t all that perfect as she presents herself. And I love the sisterly bond. It was very sweet. I saw a piece of myself in the MC sister, especially when presenting yourself as perfect when you are far from that. And burning yourself out because of that title. It does bring a lot of pressure and expectations that you feel you have to accomplish or reach every single time. It gets tiring and I’m glad that Misti is looking out for her sister.

And Edgar, the werewolf, was my favorite character out of the book. He was always there to support Misti and her dreams. He listened to her and gave her advice. I love that he is just a friend that she can rely on and confess everything (he’s her comfort person). And it was so sad to see the reveal that he was suffering from a disease. But thankfully it was cured!

Everything in this book, the atmosphere, the writing, the characters, was just so amazing for this cozy weather!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book through and through! It just felt like a warm cup of coffee. And even though a lot of things went wrong, it always ended up going well anyways, and I loved that it was like that.

[Angel Lopez]

I had the honor of receiving an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. is the perfect cozy read for a crisp autumn day. While it's written for adults, I absolutely think my 12-year-old would enjoy it just as much. From the very first pages, this book wraps you up like a warm blanket with its charming characters, witty banter, and abundance of wholesome dad jokes. It is packed with heart, friendship, and gentle life lessons that linger long after you turn the final page.

Mitsi Blunderlock has just graduated and finds herself at a crossroads, unsure of where she belongs in the world. Flying certainly isn't her strong suit, and with no clear direction ahead of her, she sets off on a journey of self-discovery. When her mother's tea leaves urgently point her toward Marivell, Mitsi wastes no time packing her bags and leaving the nest.

What awaits her is a wonderfully welcoming community filled with warmth, kindness, and a sense of belonging. Before long, Mitsi discovers the purpose she was always meant for: becoming Marivell's very first cab driver and owner of The Cozy Cauldron Cab Co. Her magical horseless pumpkin cab, powered by a cauldron and carrying the irresistible scent of fresh cinnamon rolls, is every bit as delightful as it sounds.

The found family element is one of the book's greatest strengths. The friendships, support, and sense of community make Marivell feel like a place you'd love to visit yourself and perhaps never want to leave.

This book left me smiling from beginning to end and filled my heart with joy. It's a quick, easy read that radiates comfort and charm. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Mitsi and her friends, and I can't wait to see what adventures await them in Book 2, coming in 2027.

A delightful, cozy fantasy full of heart, humor, friendship, and pumpkin-scented magic.

[Rachael]

I finished this book thinking about Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and I mean that as the highest compliment. That's the spirit running through The Cozy Cauldron Cab Company by Nathan Ashford, a whole town built on the same let's-work-together, we-can-do-it, peaceful energy Mr. Rogers spent a career trying to teach kids. This isn't a book for toddlers, though the nods to Mr. Rogers early on make total sense once you see where the story goes.

Chapter one drops a line that ends up carrying the entire book: "Don't measure yourself against others. It will only serve to debilitate you." That's a lesson for readers of any age, and it sets the tone for everything that follows.

There isn't a real villain here and no disaster to overcome. Mitsi is working toward something and finding herself along the way, with a few small mishaps thrown in. That's part of what makes this book cozy rather than a story chasing a bigger conflict.

The descriptions of the characters and the setting painted a full picture in my head without pulling focus from the story. Every character is endearing in their own way, and that's what gives the whole town its coziness. This gave me the same peaceful feeling I get from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which is one of the best things I can say about a book.

This one stands complete on its own. It also leaves room for more stories from this town, and there's already a second book planned. I'm looking forward to it, and hopeful this turns into a series that keeps going.

This is a good fit for readers of any age, and especially the ones who want something gentle to read between heavier books.

This is one I'll be rereading. Have you picked up anything by Nathan Ashford yet?

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[fmj_books]

Well what can i say about this book?

What words will do justice to this brilliance?

I freaking loved it! From the quirky characters, to the clumsy Female lead, to the cringe worthy ‘dad jokes’ I loved it all!!

Mitsi is a young lady leaving home to discover where it is she fits in the world. What does a witch who cannot fly do with her life? Her father is an eccentric inventor and her mother is a witch who reads peoples tea leaves! (Well she pretends to anyway) Mitsi has grown up surrounded by two adoring parents and has quite a naive view of the world, meaning when the time comes to figure out her future, her goals are to be the reason someone starts and ends their day with a smile!! So cute right??

Anyway, off she goes on her pilgrimage of self discovery. Where she leaves her safe little town and enters a world of magical creatures! Now this is where it gets to the good stuff!!

The creatures range from unicorns, mice, vampires, ghosts, gophers, phoenixes, all kinds of creatures who have ‘evolved to be like humans’

And then our story really begins! I absolutely loved every single one of the characters, each one featured brought uniqueness and comedy to the storyline. Not a single wasted character. Each loveable and quirky and offer mitsi a new insight to the world.

This book covers a range of real-world scenarios, such as illness, birth, and death, but in a way that reminds me of the children’s books of the 90’s!! Full of satire and optimism!!

In summary, this book gives the reader the opportunity to truly escape reality and have fun in the pages of this fantasy adventure! I feel like the young me hiding from the world as a kid reading a great book! This is the level of nostalgia this book has provided me! A perfect escape!