Book Review: Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos

^{Disclosure: This newsletter/ blog post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to shop through one of the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Little Fox Lair is supported by its audience, so thank you in advance for helping this bookish den run and grow.}

Book: Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos

Genre: Cozy Fantasy, LGBTQIA+ Fantasy, Romance Fantasy

Publisher: Del Rey Books

Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos came up in my reading queue at exactly the right time. I often read books with a lot of political intrigue that are heavy on the soul, and I wanted to read something that highlighted relevant cultural issues while giving me hope after reading it. If you need that too, then Homegrown Magic is your next read. 

Yael Clauneck and Margot Greenwillow are childhood friends that reunite in their twenties. Yael, the heir of a wealthy banking family in the city of Ashaway, is trying to run away from his family’s questionable business legacy. Margot, a plant witch living in the countryside community of Bloomfield, is trying to save her family that has fallen from grace. As Yael and Margot reconnect and work together to find a solution to their own troubles, a sentimental romance emerges. 

The world of Homegrown Magic is inclusive and normalizes gender and relationship fluidity. This representation in literature is imperative. I speak a lot about how all readers should have the opportunity to see themselves and pieces of their stories in characters. Not only is this good for the mental health of the reader, but it also fosters empathy and understanding from readers that do not share that lived experience and seek to better understand people outside of their limited social spheres or communities. 

Pacton and Podos explore themes of family duty and personal freedom. Homegrown Magic highlights the importance of community and finding people who accept you for who you are. This story also looks at what it takes to break generational patterns and the ethics and morals of possessing and using power. 

Homegrown Magic is a sentimental and cozy LGBTQIA+ fantasy romance. For fans of botanical magic, feel-good romance, and inclusive stories, this is a great book to add to your reading list. 

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey, Jamie Pacton, and Rebecca Podos for allowing me to read this copy in advance in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.  

Homegrown Magic is available for pre-order and releases March 11, 2025. 

View Homegrown Magic on Amazon | Bookshop.org | Audible | Kobo Rakuten