Enchanting, cozy, and full of magic—Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell is a captivating first book in the Arcadia Falls series. This cozy witchy romcom follows a young woman’s life-changing journey—one of unfailing hope and friendship—where magic rules and ghosts abide.
Rhea Wolfe’s life is nothing to write home about. She lives in a small Alabama city, has a dead-end job, two dependent and demanding younger sisters, an ex who won’t stop proposing, and his brother, a cop who gives her tickets just because he can. Oh, and she has a pet parrot who loves musicals.
Her life takes a turn when her estranged grandmother dies, leaving her everything. After being fired, she uproots her life and moves to Arcadia Falls—the town her mother made her swear never to set foot in. There, she discovers a charming town, rundown properties, ghosts, witches, and her own magic.
With the help of handsome handyman Hunter Blakely—the grandson of her grandmother’s sworn enemy in witchcraft—she works to turn a shabby small-town video store into the bookshop of her dreams, while uncovering why some residents hated her grandmother so passionately.
I was captivated by the book and enjoyed it immensely. This was the most pleasurable read I’ve had in ages—brilliant characters, magical world-building, and loads of magic. Eccentric townsfolk, self-discovery, found family, slow-burn romance, and a parrot all contributed to a feel-good delight. And don’t forget the ghosts, poltergeists, and wild turkeys (straight out of a Hitchcock movie) thrown into the bargain.
The banter between the characters was a joy, as were humor, the bookish references, and the cozy small-town setting where everyone knows everyone and often helps each other out. Rhea’s sisters were a bit annoying; as the eldest, Rhea was the smart, dependable one who always handled the difficult tasks no one else wanted to do. It sometimes felt like her sisters leaned on her too much. They didn’t stand out much in the story, but perhaps we’ll get their arcs in future books.
There is a slow-burn romance, but it’s more of a subplot. The real focus is on Rhea’s growth, with themes of friendship, family, love, second chances, betrayal, and forgiveness woven throughout. Rhea’s bookshop is one I’d be thrilled to visit for sure.
I was enchanted by the connection between books and magic, Maggie’s sharp comments that provided comic relief, Doris the cockatoo sidekick, and the quirky residents. All in all, an enchanting fantasy I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. Fans of feel-good, light, cozy fantasy will surely enjoy the book.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "Books & Bewitchment" by Isla Jewell
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