Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 4 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

A sweet, cozy fantasy with a happily-ever-after ending.

This was a quick, relaxing read that didn't require much intellectual or emotional investment. Yet, it still had enough going on to keep me interested and entertained. And who can resist a witch's cottage that can cater to its host's needs?!

Perfect for those days when you want something quick, light, and cozy.

My New Favorite Cozy Fantasy

"She longed to open the pages of a book and lose herself in another world, another time, if only for a moment."

I devoured this little slice of heaven just like Velina savoring a scone from the boardwalk bakery in Elody! The Witch at the Edge of the Wood was pure magic—riddled with snippets of quiet wisdom, wrapped in a cozy, whimsical world that felt like a warm hug.

I was lucky enough to receive both the ARC and ALC of this gem, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. I quickly flew through the ebook—the pacing was smooth, the characters charming, and the setting delightfully enchanting. It struck that perfect balance between comforting and magical.

Once I turned the last page, I jumped straight into the audio format for a reread! The narration was fantastic, adding even more depth to an already immersive experience. It brought cottage—and Velina’s gentle, heartfelt journey—even more vividly to life.

"We must find joy where we can get it, eh dearie? And when you can't find it, make it."

This is truly a book I see myself returning to time and time again. It’s uplifting, soothing, and quietly powerful. I can’t wait to explore more of Liz Delton’s work!

Huge thanks to Liz Delton, NetGalley, and Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

ARC review📚
It was a charming, magical read. I enjoyed it a lot and ended up reading this book in one sitting! Would recommend it to fans of “Legends & Lattes” and those who are looking for a fun, cozy fantasy read with relatively low stakes.
The world building was masterful, and the world itself was really enjoyable. The characters were diverse and believable, the author managed to make them all feel real and alive. The writing itself was really good, easy to read and understand. Even though the stakes were pretty low, I was completely invested in the story and loved the “found family”. Was also quite refreshing to read a fantasy book with no romance in it. Would definitely read more books set in this beautiful world.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book🤍

Oooh ✨💖 I’m an ambience gal, and this book delivered on the cozy fantasy checklist!
From the get go, it’s perfect in mood setting and has you entertained. This is a book to go into for a fall mood read

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

This was such a precious cozy fantasy read! The Witch at the Edge of the Wood is light, fluffy, and fun—exactly the kind of comforting story that’s perfect as a palate cleanser between heavier books. Despite being a short novella, it felt complete and satisfying. The pacing is quick, but nothing felt rushed or underdeveloped.

I especially loved how the story focused on Velina’s personal growth. Watching her learn to read, explore her magic, and come into her own was heartwarming. I initially thought the plot was headed toward an insta-love romance with Will, but I was pleasantly surprised when their relationship stayed a friendship—it made the story feel even more wholesome and refreshing.

Velina was a surprisingly well-developed main character for such a short book. Her journey was engaging and believable, and I appreciated how the spotlight stayed on her rather than shifting to a romantic subplot or side characters.

The worldbuilding was lovely too—cozy and magical. I only wish we could have spent more time in it. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to live in a magical cottage at the edge of the woods? 🥹

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing the audiobook ARC with me in exchange for an honest review!

5 Stars – A Cozy Fantasy Gem

The Witch at the Edge of the Wood is a delightful novella that captures the essence of cozy fantasy. Liz Delton weaves a tale of self-discovery, friendship, and quiet magic that resonates deeply. 

Velina, born with silver hair and pointy ears, has spent her life shunned and passed from one workhouse to another. Her journey to find a witch who can grant her wish for a normal life leads her to an abandoned cottage at the edge of the wood. As she settles in, she encounters a noble seeking his own wish, and together, they navigate the mysteries of the cottage and their desires.  

Delton’s writing is warm and inviting, creating a world that feels both magical and grounded. The narrative focuses on themes of belonging, identity, and the courage to embrace one’s uniqueness. The absence of romance allows the story to delve deeper into personal growth and the bonds of friendship.

For fans of Legends & Lattes and Howl’s Moving Castle, this novella offers a comforting escape into a world where magic and self-acceptance go hand in hand.

I loved this book! It was just enough cozy and witchy and perfect I do hope there is another that keeps on with this story cause there could be so much more! but this a perfect cozy witchy ready for anytime of the year!!

If I could crawl inside a book and live in it's world, this book would be the one I chose. The world Delton creates in such a small book is fabulously vivid, packed full of life and reminiscent of Howl's Moving Castle. Velina is a likeable and interesting character, however the book felt slightly too short to offer much character development.

My major issue with this book is that it was far too short and I want much more of the world, the characters and the cosy feelings it gives me!

This book feels like a warm hug, a hot cup of tea and honey, a woodland stroll with friends and a cosy cat purring on your lap, I love it!

Those who enjoy the mundanity that is characteristic of cozy fantasy will enjoy this book. It’s fairly well-written, whimsical, and cute. However, it’s just not compelling or memorable to me, personally.

This was a really fun quirky book that just called to my spooky loving heart. I really liked the FMC and enjoyed the plot

What else can I say about this one other than it’s just cozy fantasy perfection. Adventure, friendship, and a whole lot of magic. Perfect for if you just want a nice low-stakes, cozy and quick little read.

I absolutely adored this little gem of a book! It was just the coziest read—the equivalent of a cup of tea and a scone in a cozy chair by the fireplace on a cold evening.
Watching Velina find her forever home after a lifetime of suffering was very cathartic, and I adore the magical cottage, and all the friends our protagonist found along the way. My only real gripe is that I wish it had been longer!
I can only very much hope that there is more to come for Velina and the cottage, and I will be keeping a sharp eye out for a follow-up, because this can’t be all there is!

4 BIG stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Liz Delton for the advance reader’s copy. All opinions are my own.

This was an absolutely adorable little Cozy fantasy filled with found family, magic, finding ones home and place, and a beautiful little charming cottage capable of magic. settling into this book was just like settling into a cozy rocking chair with a hot cup of tea and a book, wrapped in a cozy blanket as it rains softly outside the window with a crackling fire. short and so very sweet, we are introduced to a hard world that gets better piece by piece as we follow the journey of the main character on her search for a better life, a true home, and a way to help others. I can't wait to see what other books this author has out, as her writing style is smooth, fast paced, and quite comforting. a great way to cleanse the pallet between more intense books, or just as a way to make your day all the brighter.

ARC and ALC review
Publication date: 23 Jun 25


“The Witch at the Edge of the Wood” by Liz Delton is cozy fantasy novella.

I received a digital review copy and audiobook from Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing via Netgalley.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Velina was born with silver hair and pointy ears and is looking for a witch that can help her liver a normal life.
But the cottage she finds in the woods is abandoned and when a noble man mistakes her for the witch she agrees to help him.

I enjoyed this cozy novella full of magic, adventure and friendship.
The audiobook is narrated by Deborah Balm and she has the perfect voice for this story.
It made me feel like I was part of the book and Velina's life.
The story is divided in 3 parts, that follows not only the plot, but also the development of Velina as a character.

It would be so nice if magic cottages existed in real life.