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I Told You I Was a Witch
Magic has a cost…and so does getting exactly what you wished for.
It’s the late ’90s, and everyone in Salem thinks they’re a witch.
Chryssa Bishop-Woods actually is.
In a town obsessed with Charmed and beginner spell books, Chryssa has spent years keeping her head down, working at her mom’s coffee shop, and ignoring the tourists—and classmates—playing pretend. Real magic isn’t a trend. It’s a lineage. One that comes with rules, expectations, and the occasional conversation with a dead relative.
So when a reckless dare puts her in the middle of Salem High’s favorite couple, Chryssa knows exactly how to break them up.
But then Parker Scott—the golden boy with a perfect girlfriend and a suddenly imperfect life—starts showing up for shifts at Hallowed Grounds. Away from his friends, he’s not who she expected. And the more time they spend together, the more impossible it becomes to tell what’s part of the plan…and what’s real.
Somewhere between the tarot readings, late-night shifts, and Parker himself, Chryssa is starting to forget how this was supposed to end.
It’s the late ’90s, and everyone in Salem thinks they’re a witch.
Chryssa Bishop-Woods actually is.
In a town obsessed with Charmed and beginner spell books, Chryssa has spent years keeping her head down, working at her mom’s coffee shop, and ignoring the tourists—and classmates—playing pretend. Real magic isn’t a trend. It’s a lineage. One that comes with rules, expectations, and the occasional conversation with a dead relative.
So when a reckless dare puts her in the middle of Salem High’s favorite couple, Chryssa knows exactly how to break them up.
But then Parker Scott—the golden boy with a perfect girlfriend and a suddenly imperfect life—starts showing up for shifts at Hallowed Grounds. Away from his friends, he’s not who she expected. And the more time they spend together, the more impossible it becomes to tell what’s part of the plan…and what’s real.
Somewhere between the tarot readings, late-night shifts, and Parker himself, Chryssa is starting to forget how this was supposed to end.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 13, 2026
(4.5) ARC Review- I Told you I was a Witch by Felicity Fernwood.
A very cute and cozy YA romance. It was a fun read and had me smiling so often.
My absolute favorite part of the story was the Coffeecup! All the main characters were well written and likable.
The story was sweet with a little humor, mean girls, very cute and charming MMC (a backwards hat really is a winner on some guys), jealousy, a great pet and found family / friends. It also tells the story that it’s Oky to be different, it’s fine to stand out, to embrace who you are and to be happy.
A clean, no spice YA school romance story recommended to anyone who wants to read a quick and fun book with a happy ending.
I received this book for free and am voluntarily
leaving an honest review.
A very cute and cozy YA romance. It was a fun read and had me smiling so often.
My absolute favorite part of the story was the Coffeecup! All the main characters were well written and likable.
The story was sweet with a little humor, mean girls, very cute and charming MMC (a backwards hat really is a winner on some guys), jealousy, a great pet and found family / friends. It also tells the story that it’s Oky to be different, it’s fine to stand out, to embrace who you are and to be happy.
A clean, no spice YA school romance story recommended to anyone who wants to read a quick and fun book with a happy ending.
I received this book for free and am voluntarily
leaving an honest review.
July 18, 2026
I was lucky to get an ARC of this book.
Welcome to Salem, where all things witchy run crazy.
Being a witch in Salem isn't always easy as Chryssa is starting to see. She just wants to make it through school and stay under the radar but when confronted to prove she is in fact a witch what is to do?
With a spell in place will Chryssa be ready for the consequences of the spell?
With a full cast a characters that you will fall in love with and a coming of age story that is just the right mix of witchy vibes, young love and understanding oneself its a perfect story to get you into the fall mood.
I love the strong female cast from the sassy grandmother to the every presence mother who both guide but also let Chryssa face the world in her own time.
I'm really hoping that this isn't all we see about from this world as I would love to see more on some of the other characters.
Simply loved it!
Welcome to Salem, where all things witchy run crazy.
Being a witch in Salem isn't always easy as Chryssa is starting to see. She just wants to make it through school and stay under the radar but when confronted to prove she is in fact a witch what is to do?
With a spell in place will Chryssa be ready for the consequences of the spell?
With a full cast a characters that you will fall in love with and a coming of age story that is just the right mix of witchy vibes, young love and understanding oneself its a perfect story to get you into the fall mood.
I love the strong female cast from the sassy grandmother to the every presence mother who both guide but also let Chryssa face the world in her own time.
I'm really hoping that this isn't all we see about from this world as I would love to see more on some of the other characters.
Simply loved it!
July 28, 2026
Thank you to the author for the ARC! 💜
This was such a cute and cozy YA witchy romance that completely pulled me in. It has all the things I love in a lighter fantasy read: magic, friendship, a sweet romance, and a main character you can't help but root for.
Chryssa was such a lovable FMC, and I really enjoyed watching her navigate the chaos that follows when a spell doesn't quite go the way she planned. Elena was the kind of best friend everyone deserves, and I adored Parker. Watching him go from classmate to co-worker to potential love interest was so much fun, and their chemistry was incredibly sweet. 🥹
Of course, every cozy story needs a little drama, and Lila definitely kept things interesting. She was the perfect contrast to all the warmth and sweetness happening elsewhere in the story.
What stood out most to me was how Chryssa never lost sight of who she was. Beneath the magic and romance, there's a lovely message about embracing yourself and surrounding yourself with people who appreciate you for exactly who you are.
This is a heartwarming story filled with friendship, first love, self-discovery, and just enough magic to keep things enchanting. If you're looking for a cozy YA read with witchy vibes and an adorable romance, this one is worth picking up. ✨
I'm definitely curious to see what happens next for these characters in the sequel! 💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This was such a cute and cozy YA witchy romance that completely pulled me in. It has all the things I love in a lighter fantasy read: magic, friendship, a sweet romance, and a main character you can't help but root for.
Chryssa was such a lovable FMC, and I really enjoyed watching her navigate the chaos that follows when a spell doesn't quite go the way she planned. Elena was the kind of best friend everyone deserves, and I adored Parker. Watching him go from classmate to co-worker to potential love interest was so much fun, and their chemistry was incredibly sweet. 🥹
Of course, every cozy story needs a little drama, and Lila definitely kept things interesting. She was the perfect contrast to all the warmth and sweetness happening elsewhere in the story.
What stood out most to me was how Chryssa never lost sight of who she was. Beneath the magic and romance, there's a lovely message about embracing yourself and surrounding yourself with people who appreciate you for exactly who you are.
This is a heartwarming story filled with friendship, first love, self-discovery, and just enough magic to keep things enchanting. If you're looking for a cozy YA read with witchy vibes and an adorable romance, this one is worth picking up. ✨
I'm definitely curious to see what happens next for these characters in the sequel! 💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the definition of cozy fantasy. Spoilers ahead!
The Salem setting in a coffee shop was wonderful, and bonus for the 90s nostalgia. (No cell phones, best friend hangs, going out to the movie store? Yes, please!)
I really liked the characterization of Chryssa and Elena best. I wished we could have gotten some more interactions with Chryssa and Parker before the spell event, but it was a novella, so it makes sense it jumped a bit in. The reason for that is it seems Chryssa was pretty prejudiced against Parker and I'm not sure why, other than him being the boyfriend of mean girl, Lila.
Chryssa's prejudice was definitely her flaw, since she was so opposed to change, including changing her mind. She somehow convinced herself that Parker had asked her to complete the spell, and he did no such thing. Yet she continually repeated it. Even Elena had to correct her.
I did enjoy the low fantasy elements: the spell Chryssa cast, the energies, tarot card readings. Even the ghost spirit elements. The mention of her witch trial relative seemed like a tease, and I would have at least liked to see that relative come up again toward the end to feel full circle, otherwise, I could have done without the dangle of the extra past witch drama.
For the last couple reasons, I rated this a 3.5 (rouding up to 4 stars for Goodreads purposes).
The Salem setting in a coffee shop was wonderful, and bonus for the 90s nostalgia. (No cell phones, best friend hangs, going out to the movie store? Yes, please!)
I really liked the characterization of Chryssa and Elena best. I wished we could have gotten some more interactions with Chryssa and Parker before the spell event, but it was a novella, so it makes sense it jumped a bit in. The reason for that is it seems Chryssa was pretty prejudiced against Parker and I'm not sure why, other than him being the boyfriend of mean girl, Lila.
Chryssa's prejudice was definitely her flaw, since she was so opposed to change, including changing her mind. She somehow convinced herself that Parker had asked her to complete the spell, and he did no such thing. Yet she continually repeated it. Even Elena had to correct her.
I did enjoy the low fantasy elements: the spell Chryssa cast, the energies, tarot card readings. Even the ghost spirit elements. The mention of her witch trial relative seemed like a tease, and I would have at least liked to see that relative come up again toward the end to feel full circle, otherwise, I could have done without the dangle of the extra past witch drama.
For the last couple reasons, I rated this a 3.5 (rouding up to 4 stars for Goodreads purposes).
Review of advance copy received from Author
📖 I Told You I Was a Witch
✍️ Felicity Fernwood | @felicityfernwoodbooks
✨ Release Date: July 28, 2026
This was such a sweet YA witchy cozy, and I'm so grateful the author sent me an ARC. I only feel bad that it took me so long to get to it. Print and ebooks always take me much longer than audiobooks because I simply don't have as much time to sit and read, so my apologies to the author for the delayed review!
Chryssa was a wonderful FMC, and I absolutely adored both her best friend Elena and Parker, who goes from classmate to co-worker to love interest. Of course, every story needs someone to shake things up, and Lila filled the mean-girl role perfectly, balancing out all the sweetness.
After Chryssa casts a spell on Parker, things don't go exactly as planned... but somehow turn out even better. Their relationship was incredibly charming, and Parker gave me serious Jake Ryan a la Sixteen Candles vibes. (Did I just age myself?)
What I loved most was that Chryssa stayed true to herself from beginning to end, and the people who truly belonged in her life loved her because of who she was. It's a heartwarming story filled with friendship, first love, and just the right amount of magic.
I can't wait to see where the sequel takes these characters!
✍️ Felicity Fernwood | @felicityfernwoodbooks
✨ Release Date: July 28, 2026
This was such a sweet YA witchy cozy, and I'm so grateful the author sent me an ARC. I only feel bad that it took me so long to get to it. Print and ebooks always take me much longer than audiobooks because I simply don't have as much time to sit and read, so my apologies to the author for the delayed review!
Chryssa was a wonderful FMC, and I absolutely adored both her best friend Elena and Parker, who goes from classmate to co-worker to love interest. Of course, every story needs someone to shake things up, and Lila filled the mean-girl role perfectly, balancing out all the sweetness.
After Chryssa casts a spell on Parker, things don't go exactly as planned... but somehow turn out even better. Their relationship was incredibly charming, and Parker gave me serious Jake Ryan a la Sixteen Candles vibes. (Did I just age myself?)
What I loved most was that Chryssa stayed true to herself from beginning to end, and the people who truly belonged in her life loved her because of who she was. It's a heartwarming story filled with friendship, first love, and just the right amount of magic.
I can't wait to see where the sequel takes these characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cozy and cute YA romance! It was full of charm, magic and all the 90s nostalgia. I would recommend this to any younger girls or us ladies who grew up in the 90s and want to teleport back to what it means being a teenager again. I finished the book in a day, so a quick and easy read.
I really enjoyed the subtle magic in this book. It wasn't in your face/over the top, just a fact. The crystals, tea, tarot, energies..it created the perfect autumn in Salem ambiance. If the coffee shop existed, it would be my go to spot.
The main characters were easy to like and sympathize with. We've all gone through personal struggles (family/friends/social hierarchy/school) that were captured so well with them individually and in the relationship dynamic.
I'm ready for autumn and pulling out the decorations. Already planning it mentally as I sit on my porch drinking my coffee on an unusually crisp July morning in GA.
Happy Reading!
I really enjoyed the subtle magic in this book. It wasn't in your face/over the top, just a fact. The crystals, tea, tarot, energies..it created the perfect autumn in Salem ambiance. If the coffee shop existed, it would be my go to spot.
The main characters were easy to like and sympathize with. We've all gone through personal struggles (family/friends/social hierarchy/school) that were captured so well with them individually and in the relationship dynamic.
I'm ready for autumn and pulling out the decorations. Already planning it mentally as I sit on my porch drinking my coffee on an unusually crisp July morning in GA.
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC reader from Author
"I Told You I Was a Witch" is the perfect fall romance book with a side of teenage witch!
Chryssa is a teenage witch in Salem with a long lineage of magical women in her family. While most witch teens try to blend in and hide their powers, Chryssa embraces who she is, unapologetically showing off her abilities for better or worse. The bold character development makes her stand out, as she always speaks her mind and stays true to herself.
This story takes you back to high school with all the nostalgic ’90s vibes of figuring out life, friendships, and first loves. Follow Chryssa as she navigates her teenage years working in her mom’s witchy café, forming new friendships, and maybe even finding love. A perfect quick fall read for fans of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" or "Charmed".
"I Told You I Was a Witch" is the perfect fall romance book with a side of teenage witch!
Chryssa is a teenage witch in Salem with a long lineage of magical women in her family. While most witch teens try to blend in and hide their powers, Chryssa embraces who she is, unapologetically showing off her abilities for better or worse. The bold character development makes her stand out, as she always speaks her mind and stays true to herself.
This story takes you back to high school with all the nostalgic ’90s vibes of figuring out life, friendships, and first loves. Follow Chryssa as she navigates her teenage years working in her mom’s witchy café, forming new friendships, and maybe even finding love. A perfect quick fall read for fans of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" or "Charmed".
August 2, 2026
ARC Book Review – I Told You I Was a Witch
This was such a lovely, short and cosy read, and the Salem setting was easily my favourite part. Salem is somewhere I have always wanted to visit, so I loved being able to escape there through the story and experience all of the autumnal, magical and witchy vibes.
Witches are one of my favourite things to read about, so this book immediately felt like it was made for me. I really enjoyed the cosy atmosphere and found it such an easy, comforting book to curl up with. It was a quick read, but it still gave me that warm, magical feeling I was hoping for.
This would be perfect for anyone who loves Salem, witches, cosy settings and shorter books that can be read in one or two sittings. 🧙🏻♀️🍂☕️
A huge thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book through ARC Reader. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🖤
⭐️4/5
This was such a lovely, short and cosy read, and the Salem setting was easily my favourite part. Salem is somewhere I have always wanted to visit, so I loved being able to escape there through the story and experience all of the autumnal, magical and witchy vibes.
Witches are one of my favourite things to read about, so this book immediately felt like it was made for me. I really enjoyed the cosy atmosphere and found it such an easy, comforting book to curl up with. It was a quick read, but it still gave me that warm, magical feeling I was hoping for.
This would be perfect for anyone who loves Salem, witches, cosy settings and shorter books that can be read in one or two sittings. 🧙🏻♀️🍂☕️
A huge thank you to the author for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book through ARC Reader. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 🖤
⭐️4/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
As a '90s New England girl, this book was absolutely amazing!
The nostalgic references were perfect—the music (Lilith Fair, Ani DiFranco, and more) to random throwbacks like transparencies.
The story follows Chryssa, our FMC, a descendant of THE Sarah Bishop from the Salem witch trials, as she goes through life in high school. The feelings of wanting to be belong and being part of something; struggles every high school student feels.
Along the way, we see her relationships with her grandmother and mother evolve, as well as her new friendships with Elena and Parker Scott, our MMC.
The book has a little bit of Mean Girls and The Craft.
It's a clean, sweet and heartfelt story that's a wonderful choice for all ages
The nostalgic references were perfect—the music (Lilith Fair, Ani DiFranco, and more) to random throwbacks like transparencies.
The story follows Chryssa, our FMC, a descendant of THE Sarah Bishop from the Salem witch trials, as she goes through life in high school. The feelings of wanting to be belong and being part of something; struggles every high school student feels.
Along the way, we see her relationships with her grandmother and mother evolve, as well as her new friendships with Elena and Parker Scott, our MMC.
The book has a little bit of Mean Girls and The Craft.
It's a clean, sweet and heartfelt story that's a wonderful choice for all ages
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author, and this is an honest review which I am leaving voluntarily.
This was such a nice, cozy YA story!
Chryssa is a young witch and works at her mom’s coffee shop – which I would love to visit myself! She has struggles at school and in her personal life. You see Chryssa grow throughout the book, but I especially enjoyed that she remained true to herself.
The story was easy to read and I really liked the characters and interactions in the book. This book is perfect if you like not too long, romantic and cozy witch stories. I recommend to read this book!
This was such a nice, cozy YA story!
Chryssa is a young witch and works at her mom’s coffee shop – which I would love to visit myself! She has struggles at school and in her personal life. You see Chryssa grow throughout the book, but I especially enjoyed that she remained true to herself.
The story was easy to read and I really liked the characters and interactions in the book. This book is perfect if you like not too long, romantic and cozy witch stories. I recommend to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book! It was a very cute novella that truly showcased witchyness and a coming into their own. As someone who struggles with questioning my place in the world, seeing Chryssa blossom and shake the walls she put up was extraordinary. Parker worked his way into my heart, and you can’t forget Ophelia who had me from the start. (I’m the kinda person that goes to a party and immediately goes to the cat. They absolutely KNOW!)
My inner witchy teen is quite happy with this read. I wish it had existed when I was in high school, to remind me I’m not alone in my awkwardness.
My inner witchy teen is quite happy with this read. I wish it had existed when I was in high school, to remind me I’m not alone in my awkwardness.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a cute little read! And such a beautiful cover! 😍
Chryssa was different, in a good way and I loved the relationship she built with Elena.
Her and Parker were so sweet together, even if she didn't originally believe it. She deserved a little happiness in her social life.
The cat was the cutest, she was like a familiar and had that perfect catitude. 😂
Overall it was a quick, light witchy YA romance. 🪄
Chryssa was different, in a good way and I loved the relationship she built with Elena.
Her and Parker were so sweet together, even if she didn't originally believe it. She deserved a little happiness in her social life.
The cat was the cutest, she was like a familiar and had that perfect catitude. 😂
Overall it was a quick, light witchy YA romance. 🪄
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance reader copy received from Author
What a cozy and sweet YA romance. It had a lot of moments that I really adored between the Fmc and Mmc but my favorite moments were between the Fmc and her budding friendship.
This story had a lot of nostalgia
From the 90s which really set up the world for the story. It also touched on death in a very funny and endearing way. Bonus points for having a cat in it.
It was a quick and fun romance read that I would reccomend.
What a cozy and sweet YA romance. It had a lot of moments that I really adored between the Fmc and Mmc but my favorite moments were between the Fmc and her budding friendship.
This story had a lot of nostalgia
From the 90s which really set up the world for the story. It also touched on death in a very funny and endearing way. Bonus points for having a cat in it.
It was a quick and fun romance read that I would reccomend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I Told You I Was a Witch was such a cozy and magical read! The charming characters, witty banter, and heartwarming romance made it impossible to put down. Felicity Fernwood creates a delightful world full of magic, found family, and just the right amount of chaos. If you love cozy fantasy with witches and feel-good vibes, this is definitely one to pick up!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute read with a little bit of humor in it that made me laugh its based in Salem where everyone wants to basically be a witch until one actual witch comes along it has 90s nostalgia to it as well which is one of my favorite thing about the book I give it a 5 star 🌟.
July 31, 2026
A very cute, sweet and cozy romance. Young adult not new adult ( so clean). I wanted to keep the pet and it had found family. Set in Salem and with witches ( made me instantly want to go). Perfect for a certain season or all year.
July 15, 2026
Super cute YA cozy romance book with witchy vibes! This book reminds me of Gilmore Girls and small town romances. I just love how every knows witches/ witchcraft exists and is cool with it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to review an eArc of this cute and cozy YA novel.
I did enjoy it but it's not something I normally gravitate towards so I'd say it's 3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4.
I did enjoy it but it's not something I normally gravitate towards so I'd say it's 3.5 ⭐ rounded up to 4.
July 25, 2026
This is a perfect sweet YA cozy witchy fantasy to get you feeling all the fall vibes.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews