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Board Games and Broomsticks
Every witch knows that playing with magic is a risky game...
Nyssa Hawthorne is at the top of her as a high-flying mage leading a coven, she has everything she’s ever wanted. But her job requires long days, late nights and endless spell-casting - this witch is burnt out! And when a simple enchantment almost goes disastrously wrong, Nyssa realises she needs to hang up her broomstick and put herself first.
Retreating to her late grandmother’s lakeside cottage – a place she’s avoided for the last decade - Nyssa rediscovers her collection of beloved board games with endless worlds to escape into. Vowing to share this magic with the locals, Nyssa opens a board game café in the village with well-worn sofas, a stove in the corner, and blankets covering every surface. Soon, she’s surrounded by friends old and new.
When an old enemy arrives on her doorstep, Nyssa mixes her witchcraft with the boardgames in the ultimate roll of the dice - but is it worth the risk to protect the true magic she's finally found?
A spellbinding cosy fantasy full of adventure, found family, romance and discovering your inner magic…
Nyssa Hawthorne is at the top of her as a high-flying mage leading a coven, she has everything she’s ever wanted. But her job requires long days, late nights and endless spell-casting - this witch is burnt out! And when a simple enchantment almost goes disastrously wrong, Nyssa realises she needs to hang up her broomstick and put herself first.
Retreating to her late grandmother’s lakeside cottage – a place she’s avoided for the last decade - Nyssa rediscovers her collection of beloved board games with endless worlds to escape into. Vowing to share this magic with the locals, Nyssa opens a board game café in the village with well-worn sofas, a stove in the corner, and blankets covering every surface. Soon, she’s surrounded by friends old and new.
When an old enemy arrives on her doorstep, Nyssa mixes her witchcraft with the boardgames in the ultimate roll of the dice - but is it worth the risk to protect the true magic she's finally found?
A spellbinding cosy fantasy full of adventure, found family, romance and discovering your inner magic…
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First published September 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 28, 2026
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Board Games and Broomsticks is such a cosy, heart warming story with appropriate sprinklings of magic! Nyssa is a very relatable and easy character to love, she’s suffering from major burn out - because even witches have to work - and ends up being a little grumpy but putting on a brave face. She finds herself on the isle of Nighthaven, a quintessential enchanted village, perfect for soul searching, self-reflection and, as she discovers, the ideal location for a board game cafe.
As a board games enthusiast, I was really pleased how the games were described in the book, they are original games not just “magical monopoly”, and how Nyssa and her new friends found refuge in the games even during trying times.
The stakes were a little higher than normal as far as battles and adversaries go but it worked well in this scenario. Particularly as Nyssa’ boundaries are tested more than once to see how far she is willing to go to keep that new spark of magic in her life. Overall, a wonderful cosy fantasy with themes of found family and self-discovery which I would wholeheartedly recommend.
Board Games and Broomsticks is such a cosy, heart warming story with appropriate sprinklings of magic! Nyssa is a very relatable and easy character to love, she’s suffering from major burn out - because even witches have to work - and ends up being a little grumpy but putting on a brave face. She finds herself on the isle of Nighthaven, a quintessential enchanted village, perfect for soul searching, self-reflection and, as she discovers, the ideal location for a board game cafe.
As a board games enthusiast, I was really pleased how the games were described in the book, they are original games not just “magical monopoly”, and how Nyssa and her new friends found refuge in the games even during trying times.
The stakes were a little higher than normal as far as battles and adversaries go but it worked well in this scenario. Particularly as Nyssa’ boundaries are tested more than once to see how far she is willing to go to keep that new spark of magic in her life. Overall, a wonderful cosy fantasy with themes of found family and self-discovery which I would wholeheartedly recommend.
September 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
In “board games and broomsticks” we follow Nyssa, a burned out witch who gets kicked out of her coven when a spell goes amiss. She goes back to her grandma’s house and there she decides to open a cafe with magical board games. When an old threat and her own coven try to turn her new life upside down, will Nyssa be able to protect her new town?
One thing I really loved about this book was how relatable Nyssa felt and how lovely the found family she found was. I loved the overall atmosphere of both the town and all the shops because it created the perfect cozy backdrop for this story. The stakes felt a bit higher than usual for a cozy fantasy, but I didn’t mind at all. And I really enjoyed the magical board games, I wish we had more in depth gameplays, but I understand why we didn’t. Overall a super cute and cosy tale!
In “board games and broomsticks” we follow Nyssa, a burned out witch who gets kicked out of her coven when a spell goes amiss. She goes back to her grandma’s house and there she decides to open a cafe with magical board games. When an old threat and her own coven try to turn her new life upside down, will Nyssa be able to protect her new town?
One thing I really loved about this book was how relatable Nyssa felt and how lovely the found family she found was. I loved the overall atmosphere of both the town and all the shops because it created the perfect cozy backdrop for this story. The stakes felt a bit higher than usual for a cozy fantasy, but I didn’t mind at all. And I really enjoyed the magical board games, I wish we had more in depth gameplays, but I understand why we didn’t. Overall a super cute and cosy tale!
September 7, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the early copy of this book.
I’ve been on a bit of a fantasy stint lately, and it’s been intense. Some books were great and some were full on DNFs so I really needed a palate cleanser. And a cosy magical romance seemed to fit the bill!
Since this was a cosy fun read, I wasn’t expecting highbrow plot or deep writing, so the plot being a smidge generic and the dialogue a bit predictable wasn’t a bad thing in this case. In fact, it was quite nostalgic: very much reminded me of the books I read at a young teenager in the 00s- TWitches, Fallen, etc.
The magic system is also very 00s Charmed era with the rhyming spells even sounding close to some they used in the end.
Also who doesn’t love a little black cat familiar?! (I’m literally finishing this book and writing this review with my little Siamese on my lap right now, my very own familiar)
All in all, not an amazingly clever read with super complex characters, but it’s a fun read and that’s all I needed.
I’ve been on a bit of a fantasy stint lately, and it’s been intense. Some books were great and some were full on DNFs so I really needed a palate cleanser. And a cosy magical romance seemed to fit the bill!
Since this was a cosy fun read, I wasn’t expecting highbrow plot or deep writing, so the plot being a smidge generic and the dialogue a bit predictable wasn’t a bad thing in this case. In fact, it was quite nostalgic: very much reminded me of the books I read at a young teenager in the 00s- TWitches, Fallen, etc.
The magic system is also very 00s Charmed era with the rhyming spells even sounding close to some they used in the end.
Also who doesn’t love a little black cat familiar?! (I’m literally finishing this book and writing this review with my little Siamese on my lap right now, my very own familiar)
All in all, not an amazingly clever read with super complex characters, but it’s a fun read and that’s all I needed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
PRE-READING
This is almost aggressively up my street. A witch, a board game café, a lakeside cottage, a coven and, I assume, enough blankets to furnish a small country?
Also: Selina Spellman is an excellent name for someone writing a witchy cosy. I feel as though the author arrived at the publisher's office and said, "I have a name. The rest will follow."
And, yes, I would quite like some enchanted board games, please.
POST-READING
Board Games and Broomsticks is a sweet, gentle cosy, and I mean that in both the complimentary and slightly wary senses of the word.
There are some lovely things here. I particularly liked the way the book handles Nyssa's burnout and the negative self-talk that comes with it. Her problem isn't simply that she's doing too much; she's internalised the idea that she should be doing more, that stepping back means she's failing, and that her value is tied to how useful she can make herself. Watching her begin to question that is probably the strongest part of the book for me.
It also gives the trials she faces some genuine weight. Even while Nyssa is beginning to doubt whether she really belongs in her coven, the magical problems don't become completely consequence-free. That helped keep the story grounded when some of the cosier elements were getting perilously close to feeling as though nothing could really matter.
Because that was my one reservation: this is very soft. There were moments when I could feel myself drifting towards the edge of is anything actually at stake here? territory. Fortunately, the psychology kept pulling me back in. Nyssa's struggles with exhaustion, self-worth and overwork give the story something more substantial underneath all the blankets and board games.
The new friendships are another highlight. I enjoyed watching the group come together rather than having everyone instantly become Best Friends Forever™. And the romance is sweet without feeling rushed, which is always welcome. There's room for the relationship to develop rather than simply appearing because the book has reached the point where it needs a romantic subplot.
And then there is Nix.
Nix is the cat familiar.
I would like one.
That is all.
Actually, no, I would like an enchanted board game and a cat familiar. If this is a shopping list for witches, I'm making demands.
Overall, this is a good, comforting read. It comes very close to being too sweet and simple for my particular tastes, but the genuinely thoughtful treatment of burnout and negative self-talk gives it enough substance to keep it on the right side of that line.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I'd recommend this to readers who like their witchy fantasy very cosy indeed, particularly if the idea of a board game café full of magical games and warm friendships sounds like your idea of a good afternoon.
If you need your cosy fantasy to have a little more bite, this might occasionally feel too gentle. But if you enjoy stories about people learning that they don't have to destroy themselves to deserve a place in their community, there's something worthwhile here.
And if you are particularly susceptible to fictional cafés and magical cats, frankly, you're doomed.
MUSIC PAIRING
“The Book of Love” — The Magnetic Fields
Soft, warm and quietly affectionate, with just enough whimsy to suit a magical board game café without turning the whole thing into a musical number.
VIBE CHECK
Autumn has arrived properly. The windows are misted from the warmth inside, there's a fire or a stove ticking away somewhere in the background, and somebody has just put another pot of tea on.
There's gentle chatter from the tables around you, the occasional clatter of dice, and the quiet scrape of a chair being pulled closer to a game. Outside, it's getting dark early. Inside, nobody particularly minds.
There is absolutely a cat asleep somewhere it shouldn't be.
Probably Nix.
TAROT CARD PULLED
Nine of Swords
This might seem like a surprisingly gloomy card for such a cosy book, but I think it gets right to the heart of Nyssa's story.
The Nine of Swords is the mind turning against itself: worry, exhaustion, self-criticism and the tendency to keep going because the voice in your head insists that stopping would be worse.
Nyssa isn't just tired. She's been taught to measure herself by what she can accomplish, and when she begins to falter, that becomes ammunition for her own internal critic. The magic and the cosy setting are lovely, but the real thing she has to learn is that resting isn't failure.
And sometimes the most important spell is telling your own brain to shut up for five minutes.
THE TRUE QUESTION
What happens when you stop measuring your worth by how much you can do?
This is almost aggressively up my street. A witch, a board game café, a lakeside cottage, a coven and, I assume, enough blankets to furnish a small country?
Also: Selina Spellman is an excellent name for someone writing a witchy cosy. I feel as though the author arrived at the publisher's office and said, "I have a name. The rest will follow."
And, yes, I would quite like some enchanted board games, please.
POST-READING
Board Games and Broomsticks is a sweet, gentle cosy, and I mean that in both the complimentary and slightly wary senses of the word.
There are some lovely things here. I particularly liked the way the book handles Nyssa's burnout and the negative self-talk that comes with it. Her problem isn't simply that she's doing too much; she's internalised the idea that she should be doing more, that stepping back means she's failing, and that her value is tied to how useful she can make herself. Watching her begin to question that is probably the strongest part of the book for me.
It also gives the trials she faces some genuine weight. Even while Nyssa is beginning to doubt whether she really belongs in her coven, the magical problems don't become completely consequence-free. That helped keep the story grounded when some of the cosier elements were getting perilously close to feeling as though nothing could really matter.
Because that was my one reservation: this is very soft. There were moments when I could feel myself drifting towards the edge of is anything actually at stake here? territory. Fortunately, the psychology kept pulling me back in. Nyssa's struggles with exhaustion, self-worth and overwork give the story something more substantial underneath all the blankets and board games.
The new friendships are another highlight. I enjoyed watching the group come together rather than having everyone instantly become Best Friends Forever™. And the romance is sweet without feeling rushed, which is always welcome. There's room for the relationship to develop rather than simply appearing because the book has reached the point where it needs a romantic subplot.
And then there is Nix.
Nix is the cat familiar.
I would like one.
That is all.
Actually, no, I would like an enchanted board game and a cat familiar. If this is a shopping list for witches, I'm making demands.
Overall, this is a good, comforting read. It comes very close to being too sweet and simple for my particular tastes, but the genuinely thoughtful treatment of burnout and negative self-talk gives it enough substance to keep it on the right side of that line.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I'd recommend this to readers who like their witchy fantasy very cosy indeed, particularly if the idea of a board game café full of magical games and warm friendships sounds like your idea of a good afternoon.
If you need your cosy fantasy to have a little more bite, this might occasionally feel too gentle. But if you enjoy stories about people learning that they don't have to destroy themselves to deserve a place in their community, there's something worthwhile here.
And if you are particularly susceptible to fictional cafés and magical cats, frankly, you're doomed.
MUSIC PAIRING
“The Book of Love” — The Magnetic Fields
Soft, warm and quietly affectionate, with just enough whimsy to suit a magical board game café without turning the whole thing into a musical number.
VIBE CHECK
Autumn has arrived properly. The windows are misted from the warmth inside, there's a fire or a stove ticking away somewhere in the background, and somebody has just put another pot of tea on.
There's gentle chatter from the tables around you, the occasional clatter of dice, and the quiet scrape of a chair being pulled closer to a game. Outside, it's getting dark early. Inside, nobody particularly minds.
There is absolutely a cat asleep somewhere it shouldn't be.
Probably Nix.
TAROT CARD PULLED
Nine of Swords
This might seem like a surprisingly gloomy card for such a cosy book, but I think it gets right to the heart of Nyssa's story.
The Nine of Swords is the mind turning against itself: worry, exhaustion, self-criticism and the tendency to keep going because the voice in your head insists that stopping would be worse.
Nyssa isn't just tired. She's been taught to measure herself by what she can accomplish, and when she begins to falter, that becomes ammunition for her own internal critic. The magic and the cosy setting are lovely, but the real thing she has to learn is that resting isn't failure.
And sometimes the most important spell is telling your own brain to shut up for five minutes.
THE TRUE QUESTION
What happens when you stop measuring your worth by how much you can do?
August 31, 2026
I’m definitely not one to say no to a magical, cosy, witchy book and as the ‘Ber months approach, my appetite only increases! Board Games and Broomsticks by Sabrina Spellman was the perfect choice for me as this wonderfully spooky time of the year approaches, so as the UK was hit by another searing heatwave I sank into this cosy delight.
Nyssa has reached a crossroads in her life, her magic isn’t working and she’s been suspended from heading her coven until she has gained control of her magic and can prove it through three magical trials. So, Nyssa finds herself returning to her deceased Grandmother’s home where she finds that there is more to life than the career she had so dogmatically chased.
Nighthaven is where Nyssa spent a lot of her childhood with her Grandmother, it is a small town that is full of magic and magical beings, and it is here that she runs back to when life feels too much. Despite all her best efforts to hide away, she is soon drawn into the small town and it’s wonderfully friendly community, finding new friends and new opportunities that open her eyes to life beyond the coven, including the opening of a Board Game café. However, life isn’t that simple, she must face up to the magical trials from her coven, her own anxieties and insecurities and a past enemy rears their head and threatens everything that Nyssa has soon come to value.
Spellman delivers a magical, whimsical, witchy story with just enough threat, magic and mayhem to entertain but, not step beyond the cosy boundaries, although I will caveat that if you’re expecting lots of detail about the games you will be disappointed. There are some general descriptions but, nothing in depth, although the prospects for the development of games and spin offs from this wonderful world are most definitely there. But, if you love spells, magic, broom sticks, wonderful friendships and found family vibes, along with an adorable feline familiar and of course a magical grimoire then Board Games and Broom Sticks will be an absolute delight. I came for the magic, I stayed for the found family and kindness.
Thank you so much RandomHouse UK and Penguin, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Nyssa has reached a crossroads in her life, her magic isn’t working and she’s been suspended from heading her coven until she has gained control of her magic and can prove it through three magical trials. So, Nyssa finds herself returning to her deceased Grandmother’s home where she finds that there is more to life than the career she had so dogmatically chased.
Nighthaven is where Nyssa spent a lot of her childhood with her Grandmother, it is a small town that is full of magic and magical beings, and it is here that she runs back to when life feels too much. Despite all her best efforts to hide away, she is soon drawn into the small town and it’s wonderfully friendly community, finding new friends and new opportunities that open her eyes to life beyond the coven, including the opening of a Board Game café. However, life isn’t that simple, she must face up to the magical trials from her coven, her own anxieties and insecurities and a past enemy rears their head and threatens everything that Nyssa has soon come to value.
Spellman delivers a magical, whimsical, witchy story with just enough threat, magic and mayhem to entertain but, not step beyond the cosy boundaries, although I will caveat that if you’re expecting lots of detail about the games you will be disappointed. There are some general descriptions but, nothing in depth, although the prospects for the development of games and spin offs from this wonderful world are most definitely there. But, if you love spells, magic, broom sticks, wonderful friendships and found family vibes, along with an adorable feline familiar and of course a magical grimoire then Board Games and Broom Sticks will be an absolute delight. I came for the magic, I stayed for the found family and kindness.
Thank you so much RandomHouse UK and Penguin, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Board Games and Broomsticks by Selina Spellman
Publication Date: 17 September 2026
Review
Board Games and Broomsticks is a charming cosy fantasy that perfectly blends magic, friendship, self-discovery, and a touch of romance into an enchanting read.
After years of carrying the weight of responsibility as one of London's most powerful witches, Nyssa Hawthorne finds herself completely burnt out. Returning to her grandmother's cottage on the magical isle of Nighthaven offers more than just a chance to rest—it gives her an opportunity to rediscover herself. Watching Nyssa rebuild her life through her magical board game café was both heartwarming and inspiring.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. Nighthaven feels wonderfully vivid, with its lakeside setting, cosy café, enchanted games, and welcoming community. The descriptions make it easy to imagine settling into one of Nyssa's armchairs with a cinnamon roll and spending an afternoon among friends. The found-family elements are particularly well done, creating a comforting sense of belonging throughout the story.
Nyssa is a relatable protagonist whose struggles with exhaustion, self-doubt, and finding balance add depth to the magical setting. Her journey feels genuine, making it easy to root for her as she slowly regains her confidence and spark. The supporting cast adds warmth, humour, and heart, while the romance develops naturally alongside the main plot.
The magical board game concept is refreshingly original and brings an extra layer of fun to the story. As the stakes rise and an old enemy threatens Nyssa's newfound happiness, the cosy atmosphere gives way to a satisfying adventure that keeps the pages turning without losing the book's comforting charm.
Overall, Board Games and Broomsticks is a delightful cosy fantasy filled with magic, friendship, healing, and hope. Fans of whimsical fantasy worlds, found-family stories, magical cafés, and low-stakes adventures with heartfelt emotional depth will find plenty to love here.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Publication Date: 17 September 2026
Review
Board Games and Broomsticks is a charming cosy fantasy that perfectly blends magic, friendship, self-discovery, and a touch of romance into an enchanting read.
After years of carrying the weight of responsibility as one of London's most powerful witches, Nyssa Hawthorne finds herself completely burnt out. Returning to her grandmother's cottage on the magical isle of Nighthaven offers more than just a chance to rest—it gives her an opportunity to rediscover herself. Watching Nyssa rebuild her life through her magical board game café was both heartwarming and inspiring.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its atmosphere. Nighthaven feels wonderfully vivid, with its lakeside setting, cosy café, enchanted games, and welcoming community. The descriptions make it easy to imagine settling into one of Nyssa's armchairs with a cinnamon roll and spending an afternoon among friends. The found-family elements are particularly well done, creating a comforting sense of belonging throughout the story.
Nyssa is a relatable protagonist whose struggles with exhaustion, self-doubt, and finding balance add depth to the magical setting. Her journey feels genuine, making it easy to root for her as she slowly regains her confidence and spark. The supporting cast adds warmth, humour, and heart, while the romance develops naturally alongside the main plot.
The magical board game concept is refreshingly original and brings an extra layer of fun to the story. As the stakes rise and an old enemy threatens Nyssa's newfound happiness, the cosy atmosphere gives way to a satisfying adventure that keeps the pages turning without losing the book's comforting charm.
Overall, Board Games and Broomsticks is a delightful cosy fantasy filled with magic, friendship, healing, and hope. Fans of whimsical fantasy worlds, found-family stories, magical cafés, and low-stakes adventures with heartfelt emotional depth will find plenty to love here.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This is a cosy style magical book about a witch who, facing a really challenging time in her life, returns to her childhood home town. The town of Nighthaven is filled with magical beings, elves, druids and she’s accompanied by her familiar Nyx. She’s living in her grandmother’s old home and bolstered by the friends she makes, decides to open a board game cafe with enchanted games. Most of the book is quite cosy, but there are two darker undercurrents. One is a past conflict resurfacing, the other is her coven.
At the start of the book we see Nyssa suspended (quite cruelly) from her coven. Followed by some highly patronising correspondence demanding she complete tests to be allowed back in and to resume her previous position. These come from her rival who has always coveted her position and seems extremely manipulative and condescending. The book does explain why Nyssa is willing to entertain this, but I was baffled at how she still wanted to be a part of it when their behaviour was so awful. I couldn’t understand why she’d want to be in a group that treated her so disdainfully. Particularly when she was feeling so comforted in Nighthaven.
The board games weren’t a massive part of the book. Less so than I would have expected given the title. There is the cafe that she sets up, and there’s an element of one game that factors in to one of the main story lines. But I would have liked to have seen more of this. Broom sticks on the other hand we do have. Witchy magic we get in abundance throughout this book so if you like a cosy, witchy book, you’ll likely enjoy this one. There’s grimoires, a cat, flying on broom sticks, spells galore.
I liked the camaraderie and kindness of the Nighthaven residents. Nyssa was very lucky to find such a nice group of people who continually help her when things go wrong and boost her self esteem (which spirals a lot)
This is a cosy style magical book about a witch who, facing a really challenging time in her life, returns to her childhood home town. The town of Nighthaven is filled with magical beings, elves, druids and she’s accompanied by her familiar Nyx. She’s living in her grandmother’s old home and bolstered by the friends she makes, decides to open a board game cafe with enchanted games. Most of the book is quite cosy, but there are two darker undercurrents. One is a past conflict resurfacing, the other is her coven.
At the start of the book we see Nyssa suspended (quite cruelly) from her coven. Followed by some highly patronising correspondence demanding she complete tests to be allowed back in and to resume her previous position. These come from her rival who has always coveted her position and seems extremely manipulative and condescending. The book does explain why Nyssa is willing to entertain this, but I was baffled at how she still wanted to be a part of it when their behaviour was so awful. I couldn’t understand why she’d want to be in a group that treated her so disdainfully. Particularly when she was feeling so comforted in Nighthaven.
The board games weren’t a massive part of the book. Less so than I would have expected given the title. There is the cafe that she sets up, and there’s an element of one game that factors in to one of the main story lines. But I would have liked to have seen more of this. Broom sticks on the other hand we do have. Witchy magic we get in abundance throughout this book so if you like a cosy, witchy book, you’ll likely enjoy this one. There’s grimoires, a cat, flying on broom sticks, spells galore.
I liked the camaraderie and kindness of the Nighthaven residents. Nyssa was very lucky to find such a nice group of people who continually help her when things go wrong and boost her self esteem (which spirals a lot)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
BOARD GAMES AND BROOMSTICKS is a cosy, autumnal fantasy about corporate burnout and finding yourself again.
The coven was a pretty clear metaphor for corporate life and the effects of such a job on one's mental health. Nyssa has all the coven societal mindset has told her she needs to be successful and happy - but she isn't. And the coven is ruthless, discarding her when she can't perform as before (and there is someone very clearly trying to oust her to get the top job.)
By contrast, the more traditional magical community (and it's less high flying aspirations) puts the effort in to support her, forgiving mistakes and giving her second and third chances. It is a pretty clear indictment on modern corporate culture but doesn't feel like it's preaching.
This is an unusual (for this current publishing cycle) cosy fantasy in that the romance aspect is a c plot at most. Instead, the focus is on friendship, with the love interest coming in later than the primary friend interest - and having less page time. It was nice to see friendship celebrated so much and being just as important to Nyssa regaining confidence in herself.
As the title suggests, board games are important. Nyssa opens a board games cafe in Nighthaven (which as a board games player, I loved. It's such a nice way to build community.) I also liked how it played into the big threat (which gets introduced late as it's the b plot and a way for Nyssa to prove to herself she's got her magic without it being on the coven's terms.
The ending hints that there could be more in this world, but also wraps it up in such a way that I feel like any potential sequel would need to focus on another character or Nyssa would have to undo her progress to be the main.
BOARD GAMES AND BROOMSTICKS is a cosy, autumnal fantasy about corporate burnout and finding yourself again.
The coven was a pretty clear metaphor for corporate life and the effects of such a job on one's mental health. Nyssa has all the coven societal mindset has told her she needs to be successful and happy - but she isn't. And the coven is ruthless, discarding her when she can't perform as before (and there is someone very clearly trying to oust her to get the top job.)
By contrast, the more traditional magical community (and it's less high flying aspirations) puts the effort in to support her, forgiving mistakes and giving her second and third chances. It is a pretty clear indictment on modern corporate culture but doesn't feel like it's preaching.
This is an unusual (for this current publishing cycle) cosy fantasy in that the romance aspect is a c plot at most. Instead, the focus is on friendship, with the love interest coming in later than the primary friend interest - and having less page time. It was nice to see friendship celebrated so much and being just as important to Nyssa regaining confidence in herself.
As the title suggests, board games are important. Nyssa opens a board games cafe in Nighthaven (which as a board games player, I loved. It's such a nice way to build community.) I also liked how it played into the big threat (which gets introduced late as it's the b plot and a way for Nyssa to prove to herself she's got her magic without it being on the coven's terms.
The ending hints that there could be more in this world, but also wraps it up in such a way that I feel like any potential sequel would need to focus on another character or Nyssa would have to undo her progress to be the main.
August 24, 2026
Board Games and Broomsticks is an incredibly cosy read, which highlights the importance of found family and community.
Our main character, Nyssa, starts the book lost. She's not ready to admit it yet, but with her magic failing and the job of her dreams being taken away from her, everything she has ever been and has ever wanted comes in to question. It is instincts that take her back to Nighthaven, to the home she shared with her Grandmother. However, Nyssa hasn't been back since she left, and now her Grandma has passed.
While in Nighthaven, Nyssa begins to form friendships with the locals and she eventually opens up her own Board Game cafe. The main plot of the book is her internal conflict - does she want to stay with the community she's found, the people who love, respect her and fight for her OR does she want to go back to being High Mage of her coven, the thing she worked towards her entire life.
There's some good drama in the book, with an old enemy returning to further complicate things for Nyssa. The antagonist allows Nyssa to challenge her magic and to see the friends and the community she has made and how much they value her, compared to her old coven. I loved how this also operated as a vehicle for Nyssa to become closer to her Grandmother and to help Nyssa heal from the way they parted.
Nyx, of course, was one of my favourite characters. I love cats.
I enjoyed the romance but it wasn't my favourite part of the novel. I think my definite favourite part was Nyssa's forming friendships, particularly with Liora.
The board game aspect was very cool and Spellman was very creative with the games! Very unique.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin via Netgalley for this e-arc
Our main character, Nyssa, starts the book lost. She's not ready to admit it yet, but with her magic failing and the job of her dreams being taken away from her, everything she has ever been and has ever wanted comes in to question. It is instincts that take her back to Nighthaven, to the home she shared with her Grandmother. However, Nyssa hasn't been back since she left, and now her Grandma has passed.
While in Nighthaven, Nyssa begins to form friendships with the locals and she eventually opens up her own Board Game cafe. The main plot of the book is her internal conflict - does she want to stay with the community she's found, the people who love, respect her and fight for her OR does she want to go back to being High Mage of her coven, the thing she worked towards her entire life.
There's some good drama in the book, with an old enemy returning to further complicate things for Nyssa. The antagonist allows Nyssa to challenge her magic and to see the friends and the community she has made and how much they value her, compared to her old coven. I loved how this also operated as a vehicle for Nyssa to become closer to her Grandmother and to help Nyssa heal from the way they parted.
Nyx, of course, was one of my favourite characters. I love cats.
I enjoyed the romance but it wasn't my favourite part of the novel. I think my definite favourite part was Nyssa's forming friendships, particularly with Liora.
The board game aspect was very cool and Spellman was very creative with the games! Very unique.
Thank you to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers | Penguin via Netgalley for this e-arc
September 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up) ⭐️
🧙♀️witches
❤️ sapphic romance
🏡 small town for magical folk
💕 found friends/ family
Review:
I really wanted to love this one but unfortunately I found it really hard to connect with and to keep reading to the end.
There was just too much happening in this book for it to be cosy for me. We had the complications with Nyssa’s coven, her mourning her grandma, setting up a tea shop/ board game cafe, a villain from the past threatening her new life and friends, plus Nyssa trying to get her powers restored. I wish it had leaned more into the comfort side, especially the magical board games.
I also struggled to connect with Nyssa as a character. If there was more of a back story explaining why she was the way she was, or how she came to be burnt out, or her relationship with her grandma, I feel like I would have connected more with her journey. I also wasn’t convinced on the romance.
In saying that, people who enjoy their cosy with some moderate stakes may enjoy this. I did enjoy the friendships she built and the found family vibes.
Thank you to Selina Spellman, Random House UK and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded up) ⭐️
🧙♀️witches
❤️ sapphic romance
🏡 small town for magical folk
💕 found friends/ family
Review:
I really wanted to love this one but unfortunately I found it really hard to connect with and to keep reading to the end.
There was just too much happening in this book for it to be cosy for me. We had the complications with Nyssa’s coven, her mourning her grandma, setting up a tea shop/ board game cafe, a villain from the past threatening her new life and friends, plus Nyssa trying to get her powers restored. I wish it had leaned more into the comfort side, especially the magical board games.
I also struggled to connect with Nyssa as a character. If there was more of a back story explaining why she was the way she was, or how she came to be burnt out, or her relationship with her grandma, I feel like I would have connected more with her journey. I also wasn’t convinced on the romance.
In saying that, people who enjoy their cosy with some moderate stakes may enjoy this. I did enjoy the friendships she built and the found family vibes.
Thank you to Selina Spellman, Random House UK and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2026
Nyssa always wanted to lead a coven. She didn't want to stay in the small village of Nighthaven. It was always a sore spot between her and her grandmother.
She succeeded. She made it to high mage of her coven.
Nyssa thought it would be great. And, in ways it is. But, in other ways, not so much. She's always exhausted, always trying to prove she's worthy. She's simply burnt out. And lately it's started to show in her magic. Simple spells backfiring or not working at all.
When another spell goes haywire, causing harm to the coven, she is banished.
With no other thought than to get away, she finds herself back in Nighthaven at the cottage her gran left her.
She's going to recharge and get her place back in the coven.
The universe may have other plans for her.
This is the perfect cozy read for Autumn! I loved it! It has found family, magic, and great characters.
With that ending, there has to be more to come and I can't wait!
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an early copy.
She succeeded. She made it to high mage of her coven.
Nyssa thought it would be great. And, in ways it is. But, in other ways, not so much. She's always exhausted, always trying to prove she's worthy. She's simply burnt out. And lately it's started to show in her magic. Simple spells backfiring or not working at all.
When another spell goes haywire, causing harm to the coven, she is banished.
With no other thought than to get away, she finds herself back in Nighthaven at the cottage her gran left her.
She's going to recharge and get her place back in the coven.
The universe may have other plans for her.
This is the perfect cozy read for Autumn! I loved it! It has found family, magic, and great characters.
With that ending, there has to be more to come and I can't wait!
Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Board Games and Broomsticks was a beautiful cozy read. It reminded me a bit of the Tomes and Tea series by Rebecca Thorne and I adored this style of writing.
The stakes were high but it was written in such a way where it wasn't a stressful style of stake but rather a "they've got to deal with it and they will, together" style of stakes.
Our main character, Nyssa, found her family in a place she didn't expect after being cast out from her coven due to magical mistakes. The gradual build of the friendships and connections between the characters were so peaceful paced and it felt perfect for the cozy fantasy the book was aiming for.
I loved the book, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good cozy fantasy read as it was the perfect balance of provoking emotions.
Thank you to the publisher for the approval on NetGalley.
The stakes were high but it was written in such a way where it wasn't a stressful style of stake but rather a "they've got to deal with it and they will, together" style of stakes.
Our main character, Nyssa, found her family in a place she didn't expect after being cast out from her coven due to magical mistakes. The gradual build of the friendships and connections between the characters were so peaceful paced and it felt perfect for the cozy fantasy the book was aiming for.
I loved the book, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good cozy fantasy read as it was the perfect balance of provoking emotions.
Thank you to the publisher for the approval on NetGalley.
September 17, 2026
We meet Nyssa, a witch who has had a rough patch and is cast out of her coven after a spell goes wrong. She returns to her grandmother’s home, and there, she decides to open a café that features magical board games. Nyssa found a place where she ended up with instant friends and found family, and coming back to her grandmother’s home is the last thing she wanted, but it totally works out in her favour.
The stakes were high, but the writing made them feel more like a team effort to overcome challenges, rather than a stressful situation. There was no tension, just a relaxed vibe. It’s such a cosy read and perfect for an autumnal feel-good book. Plus, it’s sapphic and all about rebuilding your confidence after questioning your entire career because of a few mistakes.
My only complaint about the book is that I wish the author had delved deeper into the magical board games and Nyssa’s late grandmother’s creation of them. Perhaps a sequel could explore this further.
If you’re in the mood for a book that centres around witches and magic, set in a charming small town, with a delightful sapphic romance and some other magical surprises, this might just be the one for you.
The stakes were high, but the writing made them feel more like a team effort to overcome challenges, rather than a stressful situation. There was no tension, just a relaxed vibe. It’s such a cosy read and perfect for an autumnal feel-good book. Plus, it’s sapphic and all about rebuilding your confidence after questioning your entire career because of a few mistakes.
My only complaint about the book is that I wish the author had delved deeper into the magical board games and Nyssa’s late grandmother’s creation of them. Perhaps a sequel could explore this further.
If you’re in the mood for a book that centres around witches and magic, set in a charming small town, with a delightful sapphic romance and some other magical surprises, this might just be the one for you.
May 13, 2026
A burnt out witch goes from being the leader of a prestigious coven in the capital to seeking out a quieter life at her grandmother's home on a magical island. And indeed, Nyssa's relocation does prove to restore her in the most unexpected way.
The discovery of a set of enchanted board games leads to a new path that enables Nyssa to create a life of joy, filled with simple pleasures and found family. Until that is threatened, and she realises that she must play the game very skillfully in order to preserve what she has created for herself...
An entertaining and cosy story that will win over readers, this gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The discovery of a set of enchanted board games leads to a new path that enables Nyssa to create a life of joy, filled with simple pleasures and found family. Until that is threatened, and she realises that she must play the game very skillfully in order to preserve what she has created for herself...
An entertaining and cosy story that will win over readers, this gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hello, I'm Selina (also known as Rachael A. Edwards) and I'm the author of this book! Just wanted to add some things you can find if you delve into the world of Board Games and Broomsticks now that eARCS are available ~
- Cosy, small town vibes
- Found friendship
- Sapphic love story
- Lots of witchy goodness! Please note whilst the witches/mages in B&B do take inspiration from my own practice and some real-world witchcraft practices, creative liberties have been taken - all spells and covens are entirely made up by yours truly!
- TW for dealing with guilt, shame, losing ones identity, people pleasing, and burn out
This book really is a love letter to my adoration of all things witchy and cosy - I hope you love reading Nyssa's healing journey as much as I loved writing it!
- Cosy, small town vibes
- Found friendship
- Sapphic love story
- Lots of witchy goodness! Please note whilst the witches/mages in B&B do take inspiration from my own practice and some real-world witchcraft practices, creative liberties have been taken - all spells and covens are entirely made up by yours truly!
- TW for dealing with guilt, shame, losing ones identity, people pleasing, and burn out
This book really is a love letter to my adoration of all things witchy and cosy - I hope you love reading Nyssa's healing journey as much as I loved writing it!
August 4, 2026
3.5⭐️
What a sweet novel filled with magic and many lovable characters.
I think what I appreciated most about this novel is that the magic really is a big part of the story, as opposed to some other cosy romantasy books that are more like typical romance books with just a sprinkle of magic in the background (nothing wrong with those books, they just aren’t my favourite).
The board game element was a nice fun touch and was something that I haven’t really seen before.
This book had lovely themes of found family and gaining self-confidence and just made me feel so positive.
If you’re searching for your next cosy, atmospheric fantasy read, then this one could be for you.
Thank you to After Hours Book Club for sending me a copy of the book.
What a sweet novel filled with magic and many lovable characters.
I think what I appreciated most about this novel is that the magic really is a big part of the story, as opposed to some other cosy romantasy books that are more like typical romance books with just a sprinkle of magic in the background (nothing wrong with those books, they just aren’t my favourite).
The board game element was a nice fun touch and was something that I haven’t really seen before.
This book had lovely themes of found family and gaining self-confidence and just made me feel so positive.
If you’re searching for your next cosy, atmospheric fantasy read, then this one could be for you.
Thank you to After Hours Book Club for sending me a copy of the book.
September 13, 2026
I wish I loved this book more, I was so excited for it.
I feel like this book is trying to be too many things at once: the cosy boardgame cafe, the trials, the romance, the old enemy... All great ideas but I feel some things stayed a bit superficial because there needed to be so many plot points at the same time. Each plot point was very fascinating on it's own but left me wanting.
I would have loved more attention on the board games, how they worked and what they meant for our MC and how they brought the community together. I did not feel like our MC had an actual connection with boardgames.
That being said, this might be the perfect book for some people but it wasn't entirely for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review
3.5 out of 5 stars
Relatively generic cosy fantasy. A touch on the sapphic side, although I'm not 100% convinced the romance was necessary in this book if a series is planned; it felt like there was a set up for at the very least a duology, in which case I think the romance aspect would have been better suited there instead of in this first book. There were some time skips that had me re-reading to figure out exactly how far along in the year we were, but overall it was a pretty solid book.
Also, there's a selkie in it. I do enjoy it when fantasy books go beyond human/dwarf/elf/standard races.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Relatively generic cosy fantasy. A touch on the sapphic side, although I'm not 100% convinced the romance was necessary in this book if a series is planned; it felt like there was a set up for at the very least a duology, in which case I think the romance aspect would have been better suited there instead of in this first book. There were some time skips that had me re-reading to figure out exactly how far along in the year we were, but overall it was a pretty solid book.
Also, there's a selkie in it. I do enjoy it when fantasy books go beyond human/dwarf/elf/standard races.
September 8, 2026
The perfect cosy read - there’s a gentle sapphic romance, a delightful cast of characters and some of the most interesting board games I’ve ever come across.
Our main character is struggling with her magic, no small thing when she’s the Head Mage! After a disastrous casting, she heads back to her childhood haven and discovers that maybe she can be happier without the stress of “success”.
A heartwarming story about found family and finding a sense of belonging. I really enjoyed the darker aspects of the story, there’s a really good balance of fear and hope.
Our main character is struggling with her magic, no small thing when she’s the Head Mage! After a disastrous casting, she heads back to her childhood haven and discovers that maybe she can be happier without the stress of “success”.
A heartwarming story about found family and finding a sense of belonging. I really enjoyed the darker aspects of the story, there’s a really good balance of fear and hope.
October 18, 2026
I admit that my review is coming late - because I did struggle reading the PDF and waited until I really had the book in my hands. And I surely did not regret it since not ony the cover is gorgeous, but the story is also so cute, and cozy, and magical and I did enjoy following along Nyssa on her journey!
I am a thriller girl especially in October because of Halloween, but this one also fits prefectly with the mood of this holiday, making you want to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and a cat while reading it. Can recommend!
I am a thriller girl especially in October because of Halloween, but this one also fits prefectly with the mood of this holiday, making you want to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and a cat while reading it. Can recommend!
August 30, 2026
4.5 stars! Great found family themed witchy cosy fantasy!
Board Games and Broomsticks is a perfect autumn read for fans of witchy cosy fantasies!
The book starts slowly, setting up the storyline and world building, and we get more action as the storyline develops.
If you love side characters as much as MCs, then you’ll love this book!
I was super lucky to receive an early copy of Board Games and Broomsticks from AfterHours at Penguin.
Board Games and Broomsticks is a perfect autumn read for fans of witchy cosy fantasies!
The book starts slowly, setting up the storyline and world building, and we get more action as the storyline develops.
If you love side characters as much as MCs, then you’ll love this book!
I was super lucky to receive an early copy of Board Games and Broomsticks from AfterHours at Penguin.
September 1, 2026
Thank you After Hours/Bantam Books UK for sending me a proof copy 🫶🏻
This was such a cosy lil read 🥰
I absolutely adore found family tropes and this did it so well 🥹
Also a sucker for witchy woo woo vibes 🧙🏻♀️
The boardgame element was unique and fun! I enjoyed the characters 🫶🏻It had lil sprinkle of romance and the magic was easy to comprehend!
A perfectly charming, light and an easy book to get lost in ✨
This was such a cosy lil read 🥰
I absolutely adore found family tropes and this did it so well 🥹
Also a sucker for witchy woo woo vibes 🧙🏻♀️
The boardgame element was unique and fun! I enjoyed the characters 🫶🏻It had lil sprinkle of romance and the magic was easy to comprehend!
A perfectly charming, light and an easy book to get lost in ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF for now. The writing is genuinely good, and It is a book I know I’m going to enjoy. but I just wasn’t feeling it at the time and didn’t want to force myself through it. I think it was more of a mood mismatch for me than an issue with the book itself. But I’m definitely going to reread it again. And then I will come back to change my review
September 19, 2026
This was such a cute and cosy read. Perfect for this time of year. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the cute small town place setting and there was a great cast of characters. Overall a brilliant read that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
Review of advance copy
Lovely lighthearted read - really enjoyed.
There were a few parts of the book referring to past events that I did then check to see if there was a previous book I needed to read first for context. But not the case.
I really hope there's a book 2.
There were a few parts of the book referring to past events that I did then check to see if there was a previous book I needed to read first for context. But not the case.
I really hope there's a book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars
Board Games and Broomsticks is such a cute, cosy and magical story about finding yourself. Nyssa is a great character, who finds herself suffering from severe burn-out and finds herself back in late grandmother's house. She's doubting her magical abilities and just struggling with everything in general which makes her such a realistic and relatable character.
While this is such a cosy story, there was quite a bit at stake for Nyssa and her new friends which I personally enjoyed. It definitely brought the group closer and also helped with their character development.
Spellman has done a great job at creating this magical world and I loved the inclusion of magical board games! I could easily read more from these characters and this world in the future!
Board Games and Broomsticks is such a cute, cosy and magical story about finding yourself. Nyssa is a great character, who finds herself suffering from severe burn-out and finds herself back in late grandmother's house. She's doubting her magical abilities and just struggling with everything in general which makes her such a realistic and relatable character.
While this is such a cosy story, there was quite a bit at stake for Nyssa and her new friends which I personally enjoyed. It definitely brought the group closer and also helped with their character development.
Spellman has done a great job at creating this magical world and I loved the inclusion of magical board games! I could easily read more from these characters and this world in the future!
Did Not Finish
October 11, 2026unfortunately, it's just a bit boring. i don't feel connected to any of the characters and thus don't care at all about what happens.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a really cosy and heartwarming story. It was so much about finding your family and your home and reconnecting with magic in a way that feels right for you. I loved the magical board games but more than that I loved the vibes and feeling of warmth and family vibes.
The characters were a bit hard to keep track of. I found that I kept forgetting some of the background characters. The hardest thing was that the main character was Nyssa and her cat was called Nyx, which just messed with my head so much. I kept having to stop because I’d misread one as the other. Especially after some of the characters started calling Nyssa, “Nys” which was even more confusing.
I liked how present the grandmother was in the book, even though she was gone. Nyssa wasn’t actively mourning her, but she had a lot of memories of her and it made her feel like a real character.
This book was just so warm and magical and would be a great choice for Halloween next month!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
The characters were a bit hard to keep track of. I found that I kept forgetting some of the background characters. The hardest thing was that the main character was Nyssa and her cat was called Nyx, which just messed with my head so much. I kept having to stop because I’d misread one as the other. Especially after some of the characters started calling Nyssa, “Nys” which was even more confusing.
I liked how present the grandmother was in the book, even though she was gone. Nyssa wasn’t actively mourning her, but she had a lot of memories of her and it made her feel like a real character.
This book was just so warm and magical and would be a great choice for Halloween next month!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Cross-posted to thewhisperingofthepages.co.uk
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
'Spellbinding' is the word for this book! Witch Nyssa returns to her grandmother's cottage for peace and to figure out her life, discovering that the tiny local town may be more of a home than she ever had in her previous coven.
Yes, this book is cosy, but it's also gently smart. We genuinely feel for Nyssa as she tries to determine 'what next', before deciding to set up a fantastic board-game cafe and inadvertently make friends who are themselves more than memorable!
This is one of those books that you miss as soon as you've closed the final page. Warm like a hug on a cold day, as sweet as hot chocolate, I absolutely adored it. An easy recommend for a cunning magical tale.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Yes, this book is cosy, but it's also gently smart. We genuinely feel for Nyssa as she tries to determine 'what next', before deciding to set up a fantastic board-game cafe and inadvertently make friends who are themselves more than memorable!
This is one of those books that you miss as soon as you've closed the final page. Warm like a hug on a cold day, as sweet as hot chocolate, I absolutely adored it. An easy recommend for a cunning magical tale.
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
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