Reviews with content warning for Grief - The Honey Witch

Such a good read. Starts off cozy and sweet but definitely has high stakes in second half. What I love is the queer joy. Queer relationships are a normal thing that no one bats an eye at in this world.

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metaphorsandmisc's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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jadubug's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m getting back into reading fiction and really enjoyed this book as my re-entry! While the pace was pretty fast at first, it evened out and I had time to fall in love with the characters. I post it noted my favorite passages and everything, I don’t remember the last time I read a book so fast! The direction of the story isn’t as challenging to predict, but I think a read like that was suited to my needs. I really loved the characters, both main and background. Little moments made me so happy, and I love to see friendships and relationships form. I also love nature and connections to nature that are either spiritual or bigger than we are, so I was bound to enjoy this book.

As for the “it’s complicated” aspects of my ratings, I feel like it was a little hard to track character development because a lot of development happened off screen. I feel like it’s a little understandable since there’s a lot to cover in the timeline, but Marigold got the hang of things pretty quickly, considering the speed of her circumstances changing. I also chose that ranking for the diversity category since most of the main characters are queer, but most of the characters are also white. I guess it’s part of the setting (1800s Western Europe esque setting), but it would be nice to see more important characters of color like August.

Overall, I just had the best time reading this book!! I’m so glad I got a physical copy so it will always be on my shelf. I really want to draw the characters, now.

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allena_inwonderland's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

First a thank you to NetGalley, Libro.fm, and Sydney for the ARC copies! This is my honest review.
FIVE STARS. The way I was sobbing at the end of this book made me want to read it all over again. This is a debut novel; sapphic cozy fantasy with a mix of cozy mystery. It's pitched as Bridgerton meets Practical Magic (but make it gay) this hit the nail on the head.
The Honey Witch is beautifully written and has themes of familial disagreements, death of a grandparent and grief, as well as exploring self independence.
I did guess at one of the major twists about halfway through, and I can assure you this didn't hinder the story one bit. It was almost satisfying to be right lol.
Marigold is a ray of sunshine, a honey witch who's been practicing her magic and perfecting her trade. When her childhood friend August comes to her looking for her help to find his soulmate, his best friend Lottie has a strong opinion. Lottie is a secret tattoo artist who doesn't believe in magic. Mari helps wants to help August but also feels like proving Lottie wrong about magic.
The audiobook was amazing! Highly recommend 🥰

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liinley's review

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inspiring mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This was a fantastic combination of cozy fantasy, witchy, and cottage core. The magic system is based on bees and different types of honey which I found unique. Marigold finds out she is a honey witch and goes on a journey of self-discovery. I finished this book in just two sittings, I didn't want to put it down. If you loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, you're going to love this.

Thank you NetGalley and Redhook Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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kaitie_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a wonderful read - cozy, whimsical, witchy, and cottagecore with an interesting magic system. I feel like this book will be loved by any woman who has ever felt like a misfit.

Marigold has never fit into her surroundings. While her parents and siblings enjoy high society dinners and socializing; she feels a calling to run among the wildflowers and bask in the moonlight. She follows that calling and discovers a whole new world at her fingertips and new friendships, too. Marigold, Lottie, and August are wonderful characters, and I loved their friendship and found-family vibe.

I loved some of the passages and quotes in this book very much. The way the author describes emotions like grief or loneliness is exquisitely profound. Many of the passages resonated deeply with me. The writing and relatability in the first few chapters drew me in.

I did find the ending a bit rushed. The storyline overall is a little bit predictable, and some of the relationships and dialogue fell a little bit flat. The world-building was also a little odd in my mind, but I've forgiven my little qualms with it because it is a fantasy read.

Overall, it is an enjoyable, cozy, slow-burn sapphic romance.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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