Being really into cosy fantasy and wanting to read more, I requested this book. It tells the story of our main character, who has always felt that something is missing in her life. Never quite feeling like she belongs in her talented family, she yearns for more. One evening, her grandmother—a honey witch—suddenly turns up and whisks her away to fulfill her destiny.

I loved the beautiful appreciation of nature, and Sydney has a real talent for bringing that to life. The scenes with Marigold and Althea were heartwarming, and I found myself wishing there were more of them. The bees were a lovely part of the story, adding a unique charm.

Unfortunately, though, something was missing for me. I couldn’t quite connect with the characters. The conversations felt a little stilted at times, and the story didn’t always flow—it felt sporadic. I wanted a steadier pace and richer cosy world-building. Of course, I appreciate the need to find balance as a writer, and there were undeniably beautiful elements in this book. It just wasn’t consistent enough for me to fully immerse myself in the tale.

Huge thank you for NetGalley for a copy of this, in exchange for an honest review.

what an amazing book this was, i loved the storyline and the way the author draws you into this magical world.
a story of love, family and finding magic
a great read

This title has been reviewed as part of a monthly reading wrap up of mini book reviews https://youtu.be/4BQ2QzAycdU

I loved the Honey Witch so much that I stayed up late into the night every night until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. The romance was beautiful and I enjoyed immersing myself in the setting of Innisfree. I would recommend The Honey Witch to anyone who loves a magical, queer romance.

I had high hopes for The Honey Witch, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. The story starts off very slowly, which made it hard for me to stay engaged. I also felt that the worldbuilding was lacking the setting had potential, but it wasn’t developed enough to truly draw me in. Overall, the book had an interesting premise, but the execution fell flat for me.

4.5 stars

THE HONEY WITCH is a richly sensual tale of nature magic and love.

This was such a warm, cosy tale. It's not just that it fits into the conventions of cosy fantasy - not world-ending stakes, focusing on relationships of all sorts - but the very subject matter of the book was so warm. It's a story full of rich descriptions of nature, the world sun drenched flowers and luxurious honey. I felt I could taste the honey, and really wanted to try all the types in the book!

It's also got a slower, more pastoral pace to the book which, combined with the prose, helps evoke the sense of time passing naturally, the characters in time with the natural rhythms of the world. This meant that it didn't feel odd that Lottie doesn't really arrive until almost a third of the way into the book, the first section of the book all about Marigold learning the craft. Usually, I'd find that a little frustrating, but it was such a delightful tale of nature and sweet magic that I didn't feel the lack of a driving plot.

It is also a story of love in many forms. There is the romantic, soulmate idea of love - with many characters finding them - but there is also so much familial love. I really liked that family wasn't the obstacle in this book. Yes, Marigold and her mother fall out over the magic, but it's not the way their relationship ends. Family in SFF can be horrible antagonists so it was a nice change to have supporting, loving family on show here.

Tanks NetGalley for the arc !

the honey witch is a fast paced story about a witch coming into her power and her legacy!
It’s also a sapphic romcom with two polar opposite characters who can’t stop clashing with each other. I LOVED THIS RELATIONSHIP. THOSE WOMEN ARE SO GOOD TOGETHER.

Marigold, is a 21 years old young lady who never fitted anywhere in society and longs for something more for her life.
And when her grandma comes to visit her and tell her about her magic, everything makes sense to Marigold, she was meant for more indeed.
Marigold learn that night that she will never fall in love if she choose to inherit her power, because their family is cursed !
Aaaand shenanigans happens !!

Marigold is a whirlwind of a character, she’s full of life and just so so loveable, her counterpart Lottie is her total opposite. They both work so well together. Like Lottie’s scepticism over Marigold power, like damn, their banter was chief kisses.

I really enjoyed this book, while I would have loved if it was more slow paced to build their relationship more but it was still super enjoyable.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher Orbit Little Brown for an advanced copy of the book en exchange of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Witches whose power come from honey? A curse that blocks out love? High stakes? Oh sign me up.

This was a particular read, from one point I absolutely LOVED the magical world of The Honey Witch, but at the same time it felt not deep enough, not described enough. It made me want to know more but not in the usual pleasant way it feels. I loved reading about the spirits, but at the same time I didn't like how *easy* it was for the Ash Witch to hurt them and subjugate them.

I absolutely loved all relationships we read about in this book, all the different pairings (MM, FF and MF) and can I just say Auggie has to live happily forever after otherwise I will riot, enter the story and smack dear old musical Frankie in the head the humber of layers Asters original wedding cake was.

The first half of the book didn't draw me in as much as I expected, especially since the second half picked up well, my main problem was that the ending felt a bit too much anticlimactic for me? The high stakes didn't feel as high even if at the same time they did? I don't know it was a strange experience.

Sydney J. Shields writes magnificently, no doubts on that, Lottie and Mari (especially Lottie) were some of the sweetest girls I've ever read about. The rightfulness of their relationship felt so right and true I was so happy with how the book ended.

Can't wait for the authors next book to see the growth with my own eyes.
3.5/3.75⭐️ 1.25🌶️ (1 full scene and another half one)

If you go into reading this book looking for cosy witch vibes, then you will most likely not be disappointed.

I had a few issues with the pacing of this book. Plot points either felt dragged out for far too long or were completely rushed. This affected my reading experience of this book negatively but did not take away from the lovely cast of characters or the cosy setting the book is based around.

Thank you so much to the publishers Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing me with an eARC to read and review.

I really struggled to get into this book. The beginning was promising, and I’m normally a huge fan of sapphic stories. However, the writing wasn’t for me. It was a bit too simple and lacklustre for what the story is, it doesn’t fit the setting and it kept pulling me out of it. Immersion is very important for me to actually enjoy a book, and unfortunately I couldn’t feel it at all. The story also got progressively boring, it really had a strong beginning. I also didn’t feel like the characters were believable, they all felt surface level and kind of like NPC’s (if you’re not familiar with gaming: ”Non Playable Characters). But I’ve decided to give the book 3 stars, cause I do think it comes down to a matter of preference, and in this case I think the writing style made it hard for me to enjoy most parts of this book.

Good cozy read, a gentle calming fantasy and I enjoyed it.
Could it have had something more happen, yes, did it really need it - probably not.

In typical cozy book fashion, this did evoke cozy feelings. I am once again convinced that cozy fantasy is not for me. Thank you very much for providing this arc.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review The Honey Witch by Sydney J Shields.

Marigold Claude has never been lucky in love.
So, upon the revelation that she could leave her high society life behind and take over the mantel of The Honey Witch from her dying grandmother Althea on the idyllic island of Innisfree all for the price of being cursed so that love may never find her, she jumps at the opportunity to get away and and start a new life amongst the bees. Who needs love when you have an endless supply of honey?

That is until Lottie Burke, a sour skeptical redhead who doesn't believe in Marigold’s so-called "mythcraft" is thrust into her life and Marigold sets out on a mission to prove the magic she has believed in her whole life is real. Only...... as the two spend more time together Marigold finds herself drawn to Lottie, unable to stop the feelings she has for her blooming like the flowers the bees drink their nectar from.

However..... danger lurks on the horizon, threatening the peace of Innisfree and Marigold and Lottie's happiness and future together in the form of Versa The Ash Witch who wishes to take Innisfree for herself and harness its power.....

To start on an emotional note, the relationship between Marigold and her grandmother Althea was one I really connected to and I was reminded of the grief I experienced myself when my own great grandmother passed as I'd been in a similar situation to Marigold helping to care for her before she passed.

The world of The Honey Witch is one beautifully crafted with imagery of gorgeous greenery and sweet honey to set the scene for a cosy sapphic fantasy that keeps you on your toes especially as the plot develops and the story slides into darker tones.

The romance between Marigold and Lottie was one I truly enjoyed especially with their grumpy/sunshine / skeptic/believer dynamic. Their devotion to each other and their relationship throughout the book was something I enjoyed watching develop and rooted for.

The main issue i would have with this book is Marigold herself though. Especially in the beginning of the book I found myself annoyed by her at times. Marigold is the type of woman who wishes to be free from societies expectations of her and run wild and yet doesn't seem to support other women that found their path in life if it's something she didn't want for herself to the point where her own grandmother calls her out on that behaviour (which i was glad to see). Eventually, as her relationship with Lottie started to develop I found Marigold warming on me in the end. Additionally while I enjoyed the book itself I felt as though it was lacking something, this is more of a personal issue I've seen many people who have enjoyed the book with no issue.

Overall I think The Honey Witch is worth a read for an easy cosy romantasy. I would also suggest checking the trigger warnings of the book as there are a few!

Rating: 3 ½ stars rounded down to 3

Thank you so so much to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. It’s a beautiful story filled with all the springtime witchy cottagecore vibes and a perfect read for a warm sunny day.
This story is one of self growth, self belief and finding one’s true place in the world. We meet Marigold at a time where she is going through the motions in life, doing what is expected of her and yet knowing this is not the life she is meant to be leading. Enter a mysterious grandmother who starts Marigold down a path to finding exactly what she was born into this world to achieve, at the price of accepting a curse that she would never have true love. Marigold believes that this is a fair price to pay to finally feel like she is where she belongs… until it starts to feel a little too steep a sacrifice.
The journey that this book takes you on has you curled up in a cozy armchair feeling fuzzy one moment, then on the edge of your seat with bated breath the next. It’s a wonderful journey of love, loss, grief, magic and of course, honeybees.

This was a sweet, cozy read that I mostly enjoyed. Set on the magical island of Innisfree, the story follows Marigold as she steps into the role of Honey Witch, using honey-based magic to help her community. I really loved the concept; it felt unique and whimsical, and the setting was exactly the kind of soft, magical escape I was in the mood for.
Marigold’s connection to nature, especially the bees, and how she learns to channel her magic through honey was one of my favorite parts. I really enjoyed seeing her grow into it with quiet confidence.
The romance was soft and sweet, and I appreciated how the book centered on healing, both magical and emotional. I liked how their dynamic unfolded, with Marigold’s openness balanced by Lottie’s initial guardedness, and how their relationship deepened through simple, meaningful moments.
However, the pacing felt slow at times, especially in the beginning, and I found myself wishing for more depth in both the world-building and the character relationships. Things stayed mostly at surface level, which made it harder to get fully invested at times.
Still, there’s a charm to this book. If you're in the mood for something low stakes, a little magical and full of warm, comforting vibes The Honey Witch is a safe choice. This was a 3.75 read to me, rounded to 4.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

The Honey Witch by Sydney J Shields

Paperback publication Date: 13th May 2025

Thank you so much to Little, Brown Book Group for this magical ARC!

What a gorgeous springtime read this book turned out to be, too! Marigold was a really delightful main character, with various little quirks and emotional depth - though, I will admit, I was slightly fonder of cynical Lottie. Suffice to say the romance between the two was also adorable, and i enjoyed reading all of the the ups and downs! I also loved the atmosphere: from the rich imagery, to the descriptive language and the world-building - it really all brought the magical isle to life, which was great. This book even did a great job of pinpointing certain very, very specific emotions and putting them into words, in a way that I have never seen before.

However, this is cozy fantasy, with emphasis on cozy and its focus on romance. it feels like a cottagecore hallmark romance with magic, and anyone expecting anything more may find themselves misled. As for my occasional gripes, I did find some of the side characters to be a little two dimensional, the plot could be predictable, and the emphasis on everyone finding true love and living happily ever after was something that ended up finding a little too trite - which I keep finding as two common downsides of both cozy fantasy and romantasy, at the moment. But perhaps I am just too cynical for this rose-tinted, joyous piece of fluff.

if you do believe in magic and are in search of a little sweetness, though, I would definitely pick this up!

First of all thank you to Netgalley as weil as the publisher for providing me with a cooy of this magical read.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields! The story offers a charming blend of magic, humor, and heartfelt moments that kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters are lovable and well-developed, and the enchanting setting adds a delightful touch to the narrative. Sydney Shields's writing style is warm and inviting, making it a perfect read for anyone looking for a cozy, magical escape. I highly recommend this book to fans of whimsical fantasy and feel-good stories!

Thank you to the publisher for the earc!

I was really excited to read The Honey Witch, but it’s possible my expectations were too high. I feel at certain points it was too dark to be a cozy fantasy. If I read a cozy fantasy, I want it to be heartwarming and happy and… you know, cozy. But the majority of this book felt none of these. And that “battle” at the end was so rushed.

I did loved the setting, and the magic system! The characters were also good, though I cannot say I was surprised by the big plot twist. Who didn’t see it coming?

If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy, you might be disappointed by this story.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an arc in exchange for my honest review

3.5 stars 🌟

I really enjoyed this book, I loved the cosy witch vibes and how the spells and potions ingredients and how to make them were explained, the omens that witches needed to lookout for and the spirits! I loved all of that and of course the bees too🐝

Something that I did find a bit annoying, without giving any spoilers, was that Marigold was at times, very obvious to things that were right infront of her, either that or she was in denial till towards the end when things finally clicked into place for her.

I would recommend this to people who are here for the cosy witch vibes 🫶🏻

2.5⭐️

A grumpy/sunshine sapphic romantasy with a cosy, cottagecore aesthetic? The premise for this one promised A LOT and I really thought I was going to love it. And while I can really see what this was TRYING to be, it just really didn't live up to its potential in my opinion.

First of all, there were lots of things I really liked. The aesthetic definitely came through nicely in places, evoking Studio Ghibli and even Stardew Valley with a helpful farmer running around a beautiful island helping out all the different inhabitants and forming relationships with some of them. The magic system was incredibly cool and was one of the few things that intrigued me about this book that actually fully delivered. The idea of a witch curating the flowers bees use to make their honey so she can use that honey for magic is awesome and such a unique and creative concept!

The central romance in this book had some ups and downs for me. While it felt a little too much like insta-love for my taste, especially since at first I felt zero chemistry between the two women, it did improve over the course of the book. I thought the curse aspect offered an interesting conflict and there were some genuine moments and lines that I thought were super romantic. While I had my issues with occasionally childish dialogue, I did think their relationship was sweet and the grumpy/sunshine element did come through which I enjoyed.

However, the rest of the book sadly didn't quite deliver the same charm. The world-building was just so paper-thin, and this wasn't helped by the anachronistic and frankly quite juvenile writing style. So many things about this world took me completely out of the story by just how ridiculous and non-sensical they were. For example, the line of honey witches was cursed to never find love in an attempt to end their bloodline? Like love is necessary for having children? And the grandma in this story literally had a child ON HER OWN with no partner, so what's the point of the curse at all? This is also a completely queer-normative world where same-sex partnerships and marriages are commonplace, but it still follows the misogynistic, rigid social structures of the regency period. There's a whole thing about the men not being allowed around the women without a chaperone, but nothing about same-sex couples facing the same restrictions - it just doesn't make sense. These characters are basically made to have modern values about queerness and gender-equality, but the society they live in just doesn't reflect that at all so it doesn't make any sense. There's also a massive plot point that it's illegal to have tattoos and even one will lead to you being a social reject?? We're TOLD this but it just doesn't fit in with the more modern attitudes we're SHOWN these people have. Oh and also apparently ash is the elemental opposite of honey? Since when? It all just felt a little bit random and like the author just made up whatever she wanted to happen to move the plot forward without really thinking about whether it made sense.

And the writing... I don't want to be mean, and I do think this is just personal taste, but I found it so hard to immerse myself in this story when apparently Regecy-era ADULTS are saying things like 'Dammit. Escape attempt number one has failed', 'You are my favourite witch in the whole wide world', and 'Oooh, notice me, love me, I'm just a silly girl and I want a silly husband'. It's difficult to maintain a cosy, cottagecore, regency-inspired aesthetic when your characters speak like children who spend too much time on TikTok. There were sections of lovely prose, especially in descriptions of the island, but the dialogue consistently pulled me out of the narrative. It absolutely read more like a YA novel, which would have been fine, except there's also spice, so it clearly is MEANT to be for an adult audience.

That all being said, I did still have a good time with this one. Like I've said, the vibes were there, and there were a few sections I quite enjoyed. At the end of the day, I just think the writing style didn't work for me and prevented me from being immersed in this story at all. But if you're comfortable with a more YA style of writing, love cosy sapphic stories, and can suspend your disbelief when it comes to world-building, I think you'll love this! Sapphic romantasy is a genre I'd love to see explored more, especially in the mainstream, so even if this one wasn't quite right for me I'm still happy to see its success and am really glad its found an audience.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with this eARC in return for my honest review.