I kept hearing so much praise for this book, but I hesitated to pick it up. Cozy fantasy books that get a lot of attention often end up disappointing me. I finally decided to give this one a try, and I am so glad I did. It absolutely lived up to all the hype. The cover is adorable, and it ended up being my favorite read of October.
I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator. She gave the story so much personality and charm. I also appreciated that there was no strong language or spicy scenes. The romance stays sweet and closed-door, which was refreshing. I adored the nostalgic 90s witchy vibe throughout the entire book.
It is the perfect autumn read for October and Halloween. The story is warm, magical, and full of charm. The writing is witty, heartfelt, and beautifully done. I loved the premise. Belle is about to turn 30 and must attend a witch trial to decide whether she keeps her magic or loses it forever. Every witch must face this on their 30th birthday. Things immediately go wrong, and Belle is given 30 days to prove that she deserves to keep her powers.
Belle became one of my favorite characters. I related to her journey so deeply. This is a true coming-of-age story about growing into yourself at 30. It focuses on self-discovery just as much as magic. Even though there is a romantic thread, the heart of the story belongs to Belle and her personal transformation. The themes of self-love, worthiness, trust in yourself, and embracing where you are in life were incredibly meaningful.
The supporting cast is delightful. I especially loved the cozy bookshop where Belle works and the charming love interest, Rune. The romance is gentle and never takes over, which I appreciated. The world is full of spells, potions, and enchantments, and it felt like a blend of Charmed and Sabrina the Teenage Witch in the best way.
If you want a wholesome and whimsical witchy fantasy with humor, heart, and uplifting messages about loving yourself, this is a must-read. It feels like wrapping up in a blanket with a warm drink on a crisp October day. I adored every moment and cannot wait to read more from this author. Highly recommend!!
