Book Review: An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Elizabeth Edward
From the moment I stumbled upon An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Elizabeth Edward, I felt drawn to the whimsical premise of a 17th-century witch accidentally catapulted into the 21st century. As a fan of cozy fantasies and magical tales, I was intrigued—could this delightful concoction of time travel, romance, and feline friends really weave a narrative as charming as it sounds? Spoiler alert: It absolutely does, and then some.
At the heart of this enchanting tale is Thorn Scarhart, our lovable witch who, at thirty-nine, grapples with the profound belief that life without true love simply isn’t worth living. Thorn’s journey begins with her mother’s unfulfilled quest to perfect a True Love potion, driving Thorn to seek out every potential match she can find, including enlisting the help of a matchmaker. However, when her latest attempt goes awry, she finds herself thrust into a time far removed from her own—a world of electricity, plumbing, and online dating!
What sets this story apart from a typical rom-com is its emotional depth. As Thorn navigates the quirks of modern life with her new friends Meg and Walls, she discovers that love is not just about finding "the one." The development of her relationship with Walls, which begins as a beautiful friendship, is a slow burn that felt utterly authentic. It was refreshing to see Thorn evolve, casting off the weight of her low self-esteem and her mother’s expectations while realizing that self-love is just as important—if not more so—than romantic love.
Edward has a knack for balance in her storytelling, skillfully blending humor with heartfelt moments. I particularly enjoyed Thorn’s adaptation to modern life; her naïveté makes for hilarious situations, like when Meg introduces her to “Jean’s pants” (a.k.a. jeans). Thorn’s experiences reflect a gentle reminder that growth often comes from stepping out of our comfort zones—something we can all relate to.
And oh, the cats! Thorn’s familiar, Bandit, not only communicates with her but also offers witty insights, adding a layer of charm to the narrative. The inclusion of stray cats, like Pumpkin and Pepper, makes for delightful moments and showcases the author’s genuine love for our feline friends. As a proud cat lover myself, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the “cosmic cat distribution system”—a concept that truly resonated with me!
The narrative’s pacing is smooth, with enough mystery sprinkled in (including the enigma surrounding Thorn’s late sister Rose) to keep readers engaged. Edward manages to weave in meaningful themes about self-worth and the unexpected forms that love can take, all against the backdrop of a cozy, magical atmosphere.
In conclusion, An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating is a heartwarming tale that will surely resonate with fans of cozy fantasies, mystery lovers, and of course, cat enthusiasts. If you’re seeking a read that combines chuckles with genuine introspection, this book is a must-add to your TBR pile. After closing the book, I found myself reflecting on the value of self-discovery and laughter—a reminder that the quirkiest journeys often lead us to where we truly belong. Thank you, Elizabeth Edward, for this delightful escape!
Discover more about An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating on GoodReads >>