The Witch at the Edge of the Wood is a cozy fantasy novella that captures the heart. Velina's journey to find a witch who can help her live a normal life is both touching and empowering. The story emphasizes themes of self-discovery, friendship, and overcoming fear.

Deborah Balm's narration adds warmth and depth to the tale, making the audiobook experience truly delightful.

Highlights:

Cozy Atmosphere: A perfect blend of magic and comfort.

Empowering Themes: Focuses on self-acceptance and growth.

Engaging Narration: Balm's performance enhances the story's charm.

Conclusion:

A heartwarming tale that leaves a lasting impression. The Witch at the Edge of the Wood is a cozy fantasy gem.

This story was really cute and I really enjoyed how the magic of the cottage works. I did feel like it could have been more descriptive and detailed however as I just couldnt connect to the characters. The writing style was very whimsical, almost like a fairy or folk tale - it was an okay quick listen.

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Witch at the Edge of the Wood
Author: Liz Delton

Thank you Netgalley and Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing for this ALC. A friggin delight! So cute and just the right length. The narrator was amazing and really set the tone. Love a good cozy fantasy and this delivered just that. Velina lives her life being shamed for her appearances (pointy ears/silver hair), and she searches for a witch that she heard could maybe solve her problems. She ends up finding an abandoned, and magical cottage. She ends up taking the place of the witch who was there before her, and helps visitors that come to get their wishes granted. I’m not sure if there will be any more books after this, but I would definitely read more. Perfect cozy fantasy vibes. Something to read or listen to when you’re just in the mood for some warm and fuzzy feelings.

This was such a cute cozy fantasy read! I was originally drawn to it by the adorable cover. I also have a gray cat so I immediately wanted to read this. The audiobook was the perfect length for my long car ride.

It was fun learning about the cottage and watching Velina make friends and help them along her journey. I think it added such a fun twist to the story and I felt like everything was complete in the story. I wasn't craving romance between characters or having questions afterwards. The narration was also perfect, it felt like I was truly in another world. Thank you to Netgalley, Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing, and Liz Delton for an ARC of this audiobook. This review is my own honest opinion.

Absolutely delightful low stakes fantasy dripping in cozy comfort. Friendship, baked goods, and magic 😍😍😍 I had such a great time listening to this one.


Thank you to Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing and NetGalley for an opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The coziest of cozy fantasy. It’s almost like a sleep story.

Velina was left at an orphanage as a small child as has spent all of her young life being exploited for labor in workhouses, but she’s had enough. Using a map she traded her final meal for, she goes in search of the witch of the woods for help.

Instead of the witch she finds an abandoned cottage. Butt he cottage itself is magical and provides her a safe haven and comfort.

Before long she’s mistaken for the witch. Velina decides to embrace the role and along the way builds a chosen family.

This was such a cute lil cozy read!!
I def felt the Howl’s Moving Castle vibes w/ the Witch’s Cottage- Always such a fun addition!!
(lowkey gave House Of Wind vibes too)
Following Velina through three acts, we get to see her find purpose, overcome past trauma, & help others along the way.
Overall, this was the perfect novella for the weekend for those nice, low stakes, cozy vibes 🤍
Deborah Balm put my mind to ease & transported me to this lovely realm.

This was a sweet cosy fantasy with bakery's a magic cottage trauma healing and found family I loved the audio book it took me on a journey

This was such a heartwarming story! A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon (though I did read it on a lazy Saturday afternoon, haha). This book filled me with a sense of peace and friendship, it felt like a big warm hug, a kiss on the forehead and someone whispering "All will be okay."

I really enjoyed the cosiness and magic of the cottage and oh, do I wish I could stumble upon one in the real world! I loved how everything fell into place for Velina, sometimes you just need a story that pays more attention to the good than the bad.

If you need an escape from reality, this is the perfect solution.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy of the audiobook!

This was a precious cozy fantasy read. It was fast paced but I still felt like everything was answered and I wasn’t craving anything that was missing. I really appreciated how the story was focused on Velinas self growth and not focused on the other characters or adding in a romance (even though Will was precious). The friendships were adorable and Velina truly is a sweetheart. Oh how I wish I could live in a magical cottage 🥹

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sending me the audiobook arc for review.

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.