Discover Well-Read Black Girl Books and the projects reshaping publishing →

What do readers think of The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson? Write your own review.

Summary | Reviews | More Information | More Books

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson

The Reimagining of Thornwood House

by Jaleigh Johnson

  • Critics' Consensus (11):
  • Readers' Rating (44):
  • Publishes:
  • Jun 9, 2026, 400 pages
  • Rate this book

About this book

Reviews

Page 2 of 3
There are currently 22 reader reviews for The Reimagining of Thornwood House
Order Reviews by:

Write your own review!

Power Reviewer
Peggy_H

A Cozy and Captivating Fantasy World
Who doesn't love an imagined world with witches that have specific talents, a house with feelings and its own powers, and a heroine who is trying to buck the governing body to raise an orphaned girl? I know I do!

I absolutely loved disappearing into this story that is imaginative, heartwarming, and kept my attention from beginning to end. I didn't want it to end, and I really want to know what happens after the end of the story. Close your eyes and jump in!
Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)

Excellent Cozy Fantasy
A book about a sentient house? Sign me up! I really enjoyed this story. I loved the nods to classic fairy tales (the chicken feet for example) and that the mother/daughter relationship was centered rather than the romantic one (also kudos for a male romantic interest who was supportive of the strong female character). The cast of characters was engaging and plot was well thought out. An excellent book to curl up with for a relaxing night in.
Cheryl_R

Bonds of love
I thoroughly enjoyed The Reimagining of Thornwood House. I found the story of Evie and Ruby endearing and a relationship to cheer for. Bonding with Thornwood House was the focus of the book. However, there were threads of bonding all through the book as a family is formed, friendships are formed, a new relationship is formed, trust between magical trees and caretakers are formed, and bonds are built between the people watching over the town of Iskendra. Healing is another theme. The story is one of hope, love, and healing. The description of the sentient house was so cute and detailed that I could see the house lumbering it's way into the forest. Just a feel-good read.
Emily_H

Simply good vibes of a book!!
The Reimagining of Thornwood House was just a wonderful comfy hug of a story and I snuggled in for all of the magic! A cozy fantasy with a house as sweetly, petulant as a teenager and witches who you would love to sit with for tea. These main characters were all wrapped up in their own search for belonging and purpose plus some fun, sweet and sometimes emotional subplots of motherhood, a little romance and some family drama. Releasing in June and I highly recommend for anyone but especially lovers of cozy fantasy!!

Thank you BookBrowse, NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced ebook copy!

All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
Linda_B1

Feels like a cozy mug of cocoa on an autumn day
This book was a lovely cozy magical mystery and was an absolute delight to read. It had very similar vibes to The Spellshop. There was a romance aspect but similar to The Spellshop, it was not a major plot point and the book reads like a cozy fantasy, not a romantasy. I really enjoyed the found family aspect.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this ebook for free. My review was optional and reflects my own opinions.
Linda_Monaco

Cozy Read for a Rainy Day
The Reimagining of Thornwood House is a book that I read in one day. I could not put it down. Not only is this a book about an old, interesting house, the house is sentient and has recently taken to running away on chicken legs. What a visual image that creates! The book has a unique storyline and is populated with some of the most interesting characters that I have encountered in fiction in quite a while. The book had been labeled a 'cozy fantasy' so it's not too scary and the main characters are not in mortal danger. It's got romance, good witches, bad witches and lots of kind, regular folks too. The book will be enjoyed by readers who like fantasy and witchcraft.
Debra_F

Thornwood House
I received a free copy of The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson from the publisher, Bookbrowse and Netgalley.

This cozy fantasy follows land witch Evelyn Sharpe and her adopted daughter Ruby as they begin a new life caring for the mysterious Thornwood House—a magical, sentient home at the heart of a small village. What they expect to be a quieter existence quickly turns into something far more unusual when the house itself proves stubborn, wounded, and even capable of walking away. As Evie and Ruby work to earn the house's trust, they uncover deeper magic, hidden damage, and a growing sense that "home" is something you build, not just find.

This book reads like a warm hug with a touch of whimsy. The charm really lies in its atmosphere—gentle magic, a slightly grumpy but lovable house, and that strong thread of found family that runs throughout. The relationship between Evie and Ruby is especially touching and gives the story real emotional grounding. While the pacing can feel a bit slow in the middle and the magic system isn't always deeply explained, the overall tone is comforting and heartfelt. It's the kind of story you sink into rather than race through—perfect for a quiet afternoon in the sun (which I know you're very good at enjoying! ??).

If you enjoy cozy, cottagecore fantasy with heart, a sprinkle of mystery, and a focus on belonging and second chances, this one is a lovely pick.
Nina W. (Greenfield, WI)

A cozy fantasy!
I had never heard of a sentient house or building before. However, the Thornwood House quickly endeared itself to me and I consider it the main character. The author was masterful in her descriptions, character development, and the plot. I felt quite a bit of suspense as the ending neared. When it came I wanted nothing more than to jump and shout in approval even though I did not see it coming. Tears of gratitude for this marvelous book! I must have a hard copy to cherish!
  • Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

More Information

Read-Alikes

BookBrowse Book Club

Book Jacket
When No One Else Will
by Amanda Skenandore
1940s Chicago nurse risks everything at an illegal women’s clinic during a high-profile trial of courage and sisterhood.

Members Recommend

  • Book Jacket
    Dangerous, Dirty, Violent, and Young
    by Zayd Ayers Dohrn
    Son of Weather Underground radicals recounts life on the run and decades of revolutionary struggle.
  • Book Jacket
    The Jellyfish Problem
    by Tessa Yang
    A marine biologist rescues a Maine island menaced by a giant glowing jellyfish in this inventive debut.
  • Book Jacket
    Look What You Made Me Do
    by John Lanchester
    A propulsive tale of intergenerational tension and revenge from the Booker Prize nominee.
Who Said...

A book is one of the most patient of all man's inventions.

Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!

Book
Trivia
  • Book Trivia

    Can you name the title?

    Test your book knowledge with our daily trivia challenge!

Wordplay

Solve this clue:

Q S, S

and be entered to win..

Your guide toexceptional          books

BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.