REVIEW: An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward

An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward: Thorn Scarhart never expected a love potion to backfire—especially one that literally catapulted her 350 years into the future. Suddenly, she’s in a world of humming electric lights, endless screens, and the baffling world of dating apps, where swipes and texts replace spells and potion bottles.

Stranded in the 21st century with her snarky cat familiar in tow and zero clue how to “adult,” Thorn has to navigate a modern life she doesn’t understand: ordering coffee without accidentally setting it on fire, figuring out social norms that make no sense, and somehow keeping her magic under wraps. All while tracking down her missing sister, discovering her own strengths, and realizing that maybe—just maybe—love in this new world isn’t as impossible as it seems.

I enjoyed AN ANCIENT WITCH’S GUIDE TO MODERN DATING! Author Cecilia Edward’s writing sparkles with cozy charm and gentle humor, balancing whimsy with heart. There’s a comforting rhythm to her storytelling—the kind that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and stay in Thorn’s world a little longer.

The chemistry between Thorn and Evan is sweet, awkward, and surprisingly tender—like watching two worlds slowly collide and realize they fit anyway. Their connection grows through small, quiet moments and laugh-out-loud misunderstandings, all while Thorn realizes something even more magical: she’s stronger, braver, and more capable than she ever imagined. In the process, she learns to trust herself, embrace change, and discover what truly matters—love, family, and the courage to start over.

Tropes I Enjoyed:

• Time-travel witch meets modern world
• Grumpy/sunshine energy (but make it witchy)
• Magical chaos meets online dating
• Snarky cat familiar
• Cinnamon-roll vet MMC
• Found family + self-rediscovery
• Cozy fantasy with rom-com heart

AN ANCIENT WITCH’S GUIDE TO MODERN DATING is a charming, magical rom-com about finding your place—and your person—no matter what century you’re in. If you love cozy fantasy with heart, humor, swoony romance, and a heroine discovering her own strength, this one will cast a spell on you.

Book Info:

Publication: Published: June 24, 2025 | Saga Press|

An ancient witch explores the thrills—and perils—of online dating with hilarity and heart in a charming rom-com perfect for fans of cozy fantasy and witchy romance.

Meet Thorn Scarhart, a thirty-nine-year-old witch who’s having trouble finding love in the 17th century. Despite the local matchmaker’s efforts and Thorn’s arsenal of powerful love potions, she has yet to fall in love. After the disappearance of her sister and the loss of her mother, Thorn was too caught up in…well, life, to focus on dating. Now, she fears she may have missed her chance.

But, when one of her potion brews backfires spectacularly, Thorn is hurled 350 years into the future, landing in a bustling city where her once-isolated cottage is now a historical museum. While this unexpected leap through time may seem daunting, modern life does have its perks: indoor plumbing, electric kettles, and the world of online dating. At thirty-nine, the odds may not be perfect, but at least they’re not impossible.

With the help of the museum’s new curator—and her charming veterinarian brother—Thorn dives headfirst into the 21st-century dating scene. And as she searches for romance, she might also find herself along the way.

An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and a sprinkle of magic. Cozy fantasy lovers will adore this enchanting rom-com, which is a must-read for fans of Sangu Mandanna’s The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and Erin Sterling’s The Ex Hex.