DNF 26% and I AM SO DISAPPOINTED MAN! I was ecstatic when I got approved for the ARC but this was such a let down. The author marketed it as "Jane Austen" and "Bridgerton" so the Jane Austen and Bridgerton fan in me was indeed anticipating it. However, this featured none of the things I like about either aka THE DRAMA! Silly, goofy drama in high society, that's all I want. Yes, it's set in regency England, sure, but it's extremely misleading and not at all what I was expecting. Furthermore, I didn't care about Marigold and didn't like the writing either to be honest. Also, where is our love interest? 26% in and she's nowhere to be found! That doesn't leave much room to properly develop the romance between the two.

This one was a difficult book to get through for me. The premise was interesting enough, but I felt the entire book was written on a surface level. None of the characters were really dug into, and the settings felt like move sets in my mind. I struggled with how formally and often juvenile the dialog is written. I had to force myself to get through the book, it did not flow. The 'mystery' was too easily solved for it to add any sort of dimension to the plot. Overall not an enjoyable read for me.

Marigold is a young woman, who, unlikely her peers, is not interested in pursuing romantic relationship and who is figuring out what to do with her life when her grandmother unveils a family secret, which changes everything she has known up til then. Also, add some witchy stuff, a sprinkle of romance and a lot of talks about honey and bees and there you have it, the premise of this book.

At first glance, it seemed to me that this will be a cosy, sweet story with low stakes and it might be, but for me, unfortunately, it was a DNF @39%. I really, really wanted to like this, but right from the start Marigold irritated me and her constant specification of how different she is from anyone else her age quite soon started to irk me even more. It is also clear that she is young, but she acts more as a teenager than a grown woman most of the time, that is why this book didn't feel like adult fiction to me. I found the other characters lacking as well. I would have liked Althea to stay alive for longer, so she could prepare her granddaughter better to be the new Honey Witch, I think her death happened to soon and didn't have any effect on the reader (at least for me, since there wasn't enough information about her and that is why I didn't get attached to her at all). August also came out of nowhere and instantly became Marigold's best friend even if they haven't seen each other for 15 years or so and for a fact they became very different people, who, realistically probably wouldn't find an instant connection after all this time. And don't get me started on Lottie! She was supposed to be the romantic interest of Marigold, but up until the point I read, she only had a few interactions with the MC and they had no chemistry at all and Marigold's 'crush' seemed just forced. I'd say the writing didn't work for me either: the descriptions were monotone and I felt that the dialogues were very basic without any real meaning behind them. Sure, it is cosy, but that is definitely not enough to keep my interest in the story that doesn't really move along. I was hoping, that only the beginning dragged and it will get better with time, but, sadly, nothing changed as it progressed and I didn't feel like it was worth for me to continue with it when I wasn't really enjoying the story.

Thank you to Little Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions! As per publisher's request, my full review will be posted on Goodreads on the 2nd of May, 2024.

I was granted an ARC in exchange for an honest review of the book! Thank you to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read this story in advance!

This is the story about Marigold, a young girl from a well-off family, that has always felt a little different. Her family has a secret, which is that the women are Honey Witches. When her grandmother offers for her to be a witch, too, she jumps at the opportunity, despite knowing that the cost of being a Honey Witch is that no one can fall in love with her. It takes meeting a very special person for Marigold to realise just what it entails if no one can fall for you.

I liked this story! It was cute, quite frankly, and it felt very cosy and comfortable as we read on. The universe Shields created in this is one that feels very forgiving, very colorful, beautiful and bright, and I quite enjoyed that while reading, as it made it a breeze to read through.

There were some things I didn't love, however. What bothered me most was that this felt more like it was very young adult-y, not necessarily fitting the character's ages all that well. There is also a change of language use like, midway through the second half of the book, from a very "familiar" tone, to a quite "formal" and more historical fiction kind of vibe that I found a bit strange, especially that far into the story and not necessarily linked to the plot.

The language and the story in general felt very "young". Like, if I had been 16 and I had read this, I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more than I did this time, but I do feel like I am maybe not the target audience for this story.

That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, because it was really cosy and a nice read to pick up before bed, but it wasn't something I couldn't put down because I was so hooked.

It was still nice, and a nice "AFK" read, if you catch my drift! If I could give it 3,5 stars, I would!

The cover is giving me witchy Bridgerton vibes and that is perfect! I am here for all of the cottagecore, witchy goodness!
Whilst there are many trigger warnings for this book (please check them if you're planning on picking this book up) I did manage to go into it with an open mind. I enjoyed the writing and the characters greatly, and it did definitely follow the vibes that I was expecting on first glance.
This is definitely a slow burner but that made it even more enjoyable.
Perfect for the warmer months ahead, a definite spring/summer must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for allowing me to read the ARC for this book!

Minor spoilers, nothing specific, and not enough to ruin the plot.

The Honey Witch tells the story of Marigold as she learns her powers, and the consequences that come with them. At times the pacing felt quite fast, but the overall book told a beautiful tale of soulmates and love. The characters, especially Lottie, really grow on you throughout the book. While some of the book was predictable, I found it not to be an annoying predictable, rather a comforting predictable. I really enjoyed the magic, the honey was unique, and the more "potion" way of it working was a lot different to magic used in many other recent books.

I found this book kept returning to my mind, even after I'd finished it, which for me is a mark of an amazing story. I would truly recommend it, especially to anyone looking for a cozy (but not dull) romantasy.

The cover art for this book is absolutely beautiful.
I really liked that the magic elements of this were honey Vs. ash. That felt new and exciting. That being said, I did find myself wanting the honey to have a more prominent role in the magic. It felt forgotten at times in favour of the romance elements of the plot.

The characters are well developed, and I loved the LGBTQ representation within their relationships.
The only character I didn’t like was Lottie. She didn’t win me over at all and is incredibly unlikeable. The attempt at a redemption arc wasn’t well developed enough for me to change my mind.

I struggled with the pacing of this, if I’m honest. Over description impacted the pace at times. Made for slow reading in places, but was fine in others.
The main threat (the ash witch) is mentioned in the first part of this book, then is completely forgotten about in favour of the characters travelling away, and isn’t mentioned again until the last 10% of the book. This last 10% also has a way accelerated pace to that of the rest of the book, which made the battle feel very rushed.

I loved the ‘Bridgerton’ influences of this book combined with the ‘cozy’ vibes, but I wish it had been better paced and the more-irrelevant details removed.
This is not the worst book ever, and I do think the audience will like this. It’s just unfortunately wouldn’t recommend this one.

This was a beautifully written cosy fantasy novel. I loved the setting, the characters, the world building and the magic. This novel will tug on your heartstrings in the best way.

Actual rating: 2,5 stars

I really wanted to love this book. I’m a big fan of cosy fantasy, but my expectations for The Honey Witch turned out to be wildly different from what I got. I was expecting strong cottage core vibes while learning honey magic alongside the main character and her grandmother. But it turned out to be a very small part of the book that left me rather unsatisfied. The magic is there, but it is so poorly explained that it was as if the main character mastered it overnight.

I’m always looking for a good sapphic romance, but this one didn’t have any of the chemistry I was hoping for. The main character met her love interest and instantly fell in love despite her bitchy behaviour? I’m sorry but this type of fated love/soulmate never works for me. And don’t get me started on the resolution of the big conflict at the end. It was very underwhelming and felt very lazy.

I usually don’t mind a non-existent and/or unsurprising plot, but you need to give me interesting and compelling characters to keep me hooked. The Honey Witch had none of that, and I had to force myself to continue it. That said, the writing was still good and the atmosphere perfect. I also loved the idea of balance between the honey witches and the ash witches, even if their animosity didn’t really seem justified to me.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Disclaimer: e-Arc provided by Little Brown Book Group, Orbit, via Net Galley for Review. All thoughts are my own. My thanks to Orbit, for providing me with the arc for review.

So, when you first start the book, you find the main character slightly insufferable. She grows on you though, don’t worry, and she also stops saying she doesn’t want a family every few sentences which is a plus. The actual love story had me kicking my feet once it got going but it took a while to start up. It gets better in the end but it’s very slow starting.

4.5☆

This is such an impressive debut and I can't wait for more from this author!

The writing is so beautiful, I was pulled in from the very start and there are so gorgeous quotes that I can't wait to add after release. The pacing of the story is really good, I didn't feel bored at any time or like it was moving too slow or too fast.

This book is so atmospheric. I was completely transported the whole time. It gives me feelings of nostalgia and warm summer days, it has huge cottagecore vibes and is very heartwarming.

The magic system is so unique! I love the idea of honey and ash magic and the connection with the bees and the earth, so well done and imaginative.

All of the characters are very likable and have distinct personalities. The friendships and family dynamics are very sweet and meaningful.
This is a sapphic romance and it's so lovely. I loved that they went from bickering to friends to lovers. There is so much delicious yearning/pining and if you love Pride & Prejudice-esque passion, this one is for you!

There is a sort of bittersweet undertone to the story at times that I actually enjoyed. The explorations of loneliness and family were very good and the themes of womanhood and the autonomy of women was well done.

This was definitely a case of judging the book by the cover and I'm so glad I did because it matches the story perfectly and what a beautiful story it is! I'm very grateful to have had the opportunity to read this ARC

If you enjoyed The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches or A Fragile Enchantment this one is for you!

Disclaimer: e-Arc provided by Little Brown Book Group, Orbit, via Net Galley for Review. All thoughts are my own. My thanks to Orbit, for providing me with the arc for review.

Plot
The Honey Witch follows 21-year old Marigold, who finds out she is a Honey Witch. The magic is passed to the eldest daughter in each generation, and there is a curse that they can either have magic and power, or love.

Thoughts
DNF’d @ 22%

I just couldn’t do it anymore! This book was so dry and boring, let’s of stuff was happening but none of it was being well described. I feel like the book suffered majorly from debut novel syndrome, where the idea is good but the execution is terrible.

The main character was happy to give up love for magic, until she found out that they could do a spell to help people find their soulmates and then she kept asking about finding love!!

I was really anticipating this book, and am sad I DNF’d it after getting the Arc.

One of the main things that tipped it over the edge, was the Irish question. As an Irish person something I can’t stand in books is American authors taking inspiration from Ireland, without setting the book in Ireland. This book was set on an Island called Innisfree and featured a side character called Caoimhe, but all the main characters appear to have English/British inspired names, and there is no reference to it being in Ireland.

Overall, I was really anticipating this book, and am sad I DNF’d it after getting the Arc but I could not have kept going without being mad.

An absolutely gorgeous cottagecore romance - think Bridgerton x Practical Magic but with sapphic witches and opposing powers. 🍯🔥 There was debutant balls, chaperones and soulmates but also spells, magical spirits and heartbreak. And at the very core of the story, an undeniable love-match being held back by a centuries old curse, that needs to be broken 💔 The writing is beautiful, wholesome and heart wrenching all at once. A truly enchanting and empowering tale of love, grief and every other emotion between. I really enjoyed it! 🐝✨

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I enjoyed this one, perfect for a cozy read on a rainy day curled up with a hot cup of tea. My only very minor complaint was that the final confrontation felt a bit rushed. Recommend for fans of whimsical cosy fantasy.

I found this book unfortunately disappointing, with the plot extremely rushed, with no time to explain the world it takes place on and even then, not adhering to its supposed social rules (or commenting on that fact).

The writing, characterization and rhythm seem more approppiate for a low YA book, even a middle grade, which is only a bad thing considering this is supposed to be an adult book. I do think it might be a good entry point into fantasy for people who are not used to reading it, but more experienced readers might be disappointed.

This is the perfect story to read going into spring!

The writing is fantastic and from the beginning you’re transported into the world of Marigold Claude, as she goes on a journey to discover her true self you’re graced with delightful imagery. Flowers and honey and bees and everything soft and cosy!

This book isn’t without its heartbreak and the way that Mari grows into herself and finds the people she loves is just so magical. I am obsessed with honey magic, and I can only wish that I could taste how it works!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the chance to read this ARC, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The Honey Witch was a lovely, escapist fantasy for me, it is descriptive, lore and magic filled and the idea of Honey and Ash witches was truly captivating. I loved the air of Practical Magic, and Marigold and Lottie are fabulous. I hope there’s a sequel.

DNF at 22%.

This is definitely not for me. I was immediately put off by the writing, and then when the magic stuff started I just could not take it seriously. The protagonist goes to dance in a meadow at night, where she meets a glowing butterfly who her grandmother later tells her is a spirit of the land, and they communicate in "hopes, dreams and wishes". Also soulmates are real. I'm much too cynical for this kind of story.

Apart from all that the book seemed far too rushed, hurrying through establishing Marigold's character and feelings of being an outcast, and giving unearned emotionally charged scenes. I found it hard to care about any of it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

"The Honey Witch" is a whimsical story of a young girl named Marigold who leaves her family home to join her grandmother and inherit the role of the next Honey Witch. This cozy fantasy book features a hint of romance and boasts beautifully crafted prose.

I really enjoyed the themes explored in this novel, such as identity and belonging. I also found the vivid descriptions of nature, magic, and the main character's interactions with her surroundings to be particularly captivating. Paradoxically, my favorite part of the book was the initial 30%, where the world is first introduced.

However, there are two main things that did not work for me. First, the general tone of the book. This is an adult novel, but with the exception of one adult scene, it feels like a YA. I think with some minor changes this novel would benefit from being targeted at a younger audience. Second, I found the pacing of the narrative to be somewhat uneven. Most of the book moves at a slow pace, which I appreciated for its descriptive richness and world-building. However, the plot speeds up significantly around the 80% mark, resulting in the novel's main conflict arising and resolving itself within the last 50 pages or so. This rapid progression not only feels rushed, but also diminishes the stakes. Personally, I found the resolution predictable from the beginning, even though I am not particularly good at anticipating plot twists.

Overall, "The Honey Witch" is a whimsical novel with enchanting prose and captivating world-building. While some aspects of the plot may be lacking in execution, I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy tales.

The review will be published on Goodreads in the first half of May.

Thank you for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning gave off Bridgeton vibes. In which I’m really mean regency period. Where the fmc struggles to fit into society and marry a male. She rather be free and among the wilder nature. So she decides to live with her grandmother and become a witch. Later on that regency period theme kinda goes to the background and it settles for a more cozy witch in the forest theme.

The writing came off as lyrical for the most parts but can come off as simple on others. Things are not always explained more so as they are this way because they are. I like the idea of the book more than the execution. As the world was beautiful written but the rest was a bit boring at times.

In the beginning it’s made clear that part of the plot will be that if she decides to become a witch she will not be able to find love. And that there is an opposite bad witch who caused it. But to at least 80% of the book it’s not really mentioned anymore that there is a bad witch.

The ending felt a bit rushed and predictable. It was a fun fast read but don’t go into it with high expectations of an intricate plot. It’s a cozy fantasy with some lgbtq romance.


Would like to post on Goodreads as a review on the 20th of march or earlier