Cecilia Edward’s debut novel “An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating” casts a delightfully potent spell that transports readers alongside protagonist Thorn Scarhart from the grimy realities of 17th-century life to the bewildering complexities of 21st-century romance. This cozy fantasy romance brew combines humor, heart, and genuine emotional depth in ways that feel both refreshingly original and comfortably familiar.
The story begins with thirty-nine-year-old Thorn desperately trying to secure a husband before her fortieth birthday, armed with her collection of love potions and the services of local matchmaker Madam Maude. When a brewing mishap launches her three and a half centuries into the future, Thorn discovers that while finding love remains challenging, at least modern plumbing and electric kettles make daily survival considerably more pleasant.
Character Development: Flawed, Funny, and Fundamentally Human
Thorn Scarhart: A Perfectly Imperfect Protagonist
Edward crafts in Thorn a protagonist who defies the typical romance heroine mold. At thirty-nine, she slouches, has graying hair, and possesses what she considers an unremarkable appearance. Yet her voice crackles with wit, determination, and vulnerability that makes her instantly relatable. Thorn’s journey from someone who believes she needs magic to be loveable to recognizing her own inherent worth forms the emotional backbone of the narrative.
The author skillfully avoids the trap of making Thorn’s transformation too dramatic or sudden. Instead, her growth unfolds organically through interactions with modern characters like Meg, the museum curator who becomes an unexpected friend, and Walls, the veterinarian whose quiet kindness challenges everything Thorn believes about love and worthiness.
Supporting Cast: A Menagerie of Memorable Characters
The supporting characters shine with distinct personalities and purposes. Bandit, Thorn’s familiar, delivers some of the novel’s best comedic moments with his sardonic observations and shameless food obsession. His voice provides a perfect counterpoint to Thorn’s often anxious internal monologue, and their relationship evolves beautifully throughout the story.
Walls emerges as a romance hero who feels genuinely refreshing—patient, kind, and secure enough in himself to let Thorn set the pace of their relationship. His profession as a veterinarian adds layers to his character while serving the plot’s needs perfectly. The chemistry between Walls and Thorn builds naturally, grounded in mutual respect and genuine affection rather than instant attraction.
Plot Mechanics: Time Travel with Purpose
The Magic System: Grounded Fantasy
Edward establishes clear rules for her magical world without overwhelming readers with exposition. The potion-brewing feels authentic and lived-in, with ingredients like “wart of spider” and “beard of goat” that maintain the whimsical tone while serving specific narrative functions. The time travel mechanism, though initially accidental, becomes integral to both plot progression and character development.
The author demonstrates impressive plotting skills by weaving together multiple timeline elements. Revelations about Thorn’s past, particularly regarding her sister Rose, unfold with careful pacing that maintains reader engagement without feeling manipulative. The locked memory subplot involving the Liar Liar potion provides emotional weight while explaining certain character motivations convincingly.
Pacing and Structure: Generally Solid with Minor Stumbles
The novel maintains good momentum throughout most of its length, though certain middle sections focusing on Thorn’s various dating attempts occasionally feel repetitive. Edward could have streamlined some of the failed dates to maintain narrative tension more effectively. However, these sequences do serve to illustrate Thorn’s growing understanding of herself and what she truly wants in a relationship.
The book’s climax, involving Rose’s return and the revelation of their shared past, provides satisfying emotional resolution while setting up potential future storylines. The author balances multiple plot threads competently, though some resolutions feel slightly rushed compared to the careful buildup.
Writing Style: Charming Voice with Room for Growth
Narrative Voice and Humor
Edward possesses a natural gift for comedic timing and character voice. Thorn’s observations about modern life—from her bewilderment at dating apps to her appreciation for electric kettles—provide consistent entertainment. The author’s humor never feels forced or anachronistic; instead, it emerges naturally from character interactions and situational comedy.
The dialogue sparkles with personality, particularly in exchanges between Thorn and Bandit or during Thorn’s conversations with Walls. Edward demonstrates skill in differentiating character voices, making each supporting character feel distinct and memorable.
Areas for Improvement
While Edward’s storytelling instincts are strong, certain technical aspects could use refinement. Some descriptive passages feel slightly overwrought, and occasional info-dumping disrupts the narrative flow. The author sometimes relies too heavily on coincidence to advance the plot, particularly in the dating sequences where multiple men happen to be connected to the central mystery.
The book’s length works against it in places, with certain subplots receiving more attention than their importance to the overall story warrants. Tighter editing could have strengthened the novel’s impact without sacrificing its charm.
Themes: Love, Self-Worth, and Second Chances
Beyond Romance: Deeper Emotional Currents
While marketed as a romance, the novel succeeds most powerfully as a story about self-acceptance and healing from family trauma. Thorn’s relationship with her mother and sister provides the story’s emotional core, exploring themes of conditional love, sacrifice, and forgiveness with genuine depth.
The contrast between Thorn’s desperate pursuit of love through magic and her eventual realization that she deserves love as she is resonates strongly. Edward handles these themes with sensitivity, avoiding easy answers while providing hope for healing and growth.
Modern Dating Commentary
The novel offers sharp observations about contemporary dating culture without becoming preachy. Thorn’s experiences with online dating, ghosting, and modern relationship dynamics feel authentic and provide natural humor while advancing her character development.
Similar Reads and Genre Positioning
Readers who enjoy “An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating” should seek out:
- Sangu Mandanna’s “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches“ – Similar cozy fantasy tone with found family elements
- Erin Sterling’s “The Ex Hex“ – Witchy romance with humor and small-town charm
- Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” – Family saga with magical realism
- Sarah Addison Allen’s “Garden Spells” – Magical realism with romantic elements
- Alix E. Harrow’s “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” – Portal fantasy with strong character development
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Magical Potential
“An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating” succeeds as an entertaining debut that balances humor, romance, and emotional depth effectively. While Edward’s writing shows room for growth in terms of pacing and technical refinement, her instincts for character development and comedic timing suggest a promising future in the cozy fantasy genre.
The novel works best for readers seeking comfort reads with magical elements, though those looking for intense romantic tension or complex world-building might find it lacking. Thorn’s journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance provides genuine emotional satisfaction, making this a worthwhile read despite its minor flaws.
Disclosure Note: Like a perfectly timed love potion delivered at just the right moment, this advance reader copy appeared in my mailbox through the mystical channels of publishing magic, offered in exchange for my honest and unfiltered thoughts—no enchantments required to ensure authenticity.