Cosy fantasy at its finest. The cottage, island, characters, story and romance were all perfect, there was literally nothing I didn't enjoy about this book! Sometimes you just need a bit of sweetness and a change of pace and this certainly provided that.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book quite simply takes your hand and tugs you gently on a journey through the most gorgeously described world filled with magic and sentient plants. This book is the warmest of hugs and the perfect book to just get lost in.

I really enjoy how Kiela is so introverted, it truly resonated with me as someone who really struggles to verbally communicate with people. What I really found beautiful though is that you see Kiela grow and begin to find her place and somewhere she feels she belongs. The changes that get her there are slow and gentle and a wonderful journey. She truly wants to do right by the people around her but makes some incredibly amusing mistakes along the way.

This book honestly has the sweetest, clumsiest romance I never knew I needed. Larran and Kiela are both absolutely adorable and their interactions are of such a innocent nature and their blossoming relationship warmed my heart and gave me all the fuzzy feels.

The dry sense of humour is incredible and the banter especially from Caz is one of my favourite aspects. This book had me at sentient spider plant and it did not dissapoint in the slightest.

This book was just the definition of a cozy fantasy. It was lovely and heartwarming and so sweet. After reading so much high fantasy within the last couple of weeks, this was the perfect little break.

Cottagecore at its finest. This book has such a delightful cast of characters that you can’t help but love. It has found family, love, friendship and the feeling of finally finding a home in the world. Kiera starts off as quite an antisocial prickly character but soon opens up and becomes just a wonderful character to read about. I also just loved the assortment of creatures in this book from merpeople to unicorns to winged cats, it was so fun. You truly do get swept up in the magic.

I will say it took me a little while to get into as there’s definitely not high stakes when it comes to this story which is not off brand for a cozy fantasy. However I soon found myself invested in the book. I would of also loved to here a bit more about the politics going on in the main city and would of liked a bit more worldbuilding but again I don’t think that really had much of a place in a book of this particular genre.

Overall, this was a joy to read.

This is a small-town romance with an endearing side of cozy fantasy elements, there were times I almost felt it was too sweet but I know others will adore that. I wanted a bit of drama to build back from but felt like that never came.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for approving my request for the arc of this magical book! ✨

Rating: 3.8 🍃

Themes: forbidden spells, enchanted creatures, jam shop, library, cute romance, friendship and community, foraging, cottagecore, small island.

Prefacing this by saying this should be a 4 star but I personally need a bit more plot and action. I understand that this is a cosy cottagecore fantasy and so the themes will not be violent or dark or cause a lot of stress when reading as it’s supposed to be a calm vibe. I unfortunately like the impact of an earth shattering plot and emotional damage, which understandably will not fit into this book and so it shouldn’t be penalised for that. However, I still need to rate it based on how much I enjoyed the reading experience.

The first 100 pages were a bit slow with not much going on plot-wise but the rest was fab. There were some risks involved and threads of a cute romance that made up the cosy quilt of this book.

I actually didn’t like Kiela very much at the beginning because of her unfriendliness and unnecessary rudeness (I couldn’t see what her issue was with Laran at the start) but I ended up really liking her character development by the end of the book. It also made sense since she’s spent most of her life tucked away in the library of Alyssium from the outside world.

I never thought I’d be reading a book with talking plants but here we are and surprisingly I didn’t hate it 😅 it added a more magical element to it which made it feel more immersive. There’s also lgbtq rep here which was awesome to see! This is a book I would love to visualise more clearly on a screen - it sets a beautiful scenery.

This book came as such a blessing at a very stressful time in my life. If you’re ever feeling stressed and need some calmness during the (magical) storm, I could think of no better book to recommend.

Kiela is a librarian in the city of Alyssium, but when revolution hits and the library is burned, she flees with several books and a sentient plant to the distant island she was born on, and there starts to create herself a new life.

This book had me smiling from the first page to the last. I adored Kiela and Caz and their entire found family, right down to the Cloud Bears. This is definitely a book to pick up whenever you need a joyful read!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

"The Spellshop" immerses readers in a charming fantasy world, following librarian Keila's journey after fleeing Alyssium amidst a revolution. Accompanied by the sentient spider plant, Caz, and the spellbooks they rescued (and stole), Keila returns to her hometown of Caltrey, uncertain of her next steps.

While categorized as cosy fantasy, the novel ventures into high-stakes territory, straddling the line between whimsical and urgent. While this balance adds intrigue, I found myself craving more depth in the world-building and lore. Surface-level explanations left gaps in understanding regarding the history, politics, and magic systems.

Despite this, the characters shine with distinct charm and personality. I absolutely adored Caz, he is such a great character, even though it took my brain a while to imagine what he would be like! Larran is just a golden-retriever man and I love him so much! At the start of the book I really wasn’t sure on Keila, but I warmed up to her by the end. The representation of the LGBTQIA+ community is great, with diverse characters and relationships.

Overall, I really enjoyed "The Spellshop" and the theme of found family, and acceptance shines through beautifully. Though I longed for deeper exploration of the islands' history, character motivations, and political dynamics, the happenings on Caltrey were wonderful to read and transported me to the whimsical island.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalleyand Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

If you like cosy reads; talking, sentient spider plants; merhorses; flying cats; yummy cinnamon buns and jam, then this is the book for you.
Oh, and don't forget the gorgeous cover!

The main character, Kiela, is a bit of an introvert, and she escapes the city and her job as a librarian with her talking spider plant, Caz, and some books, because of a revolution, and returns to her home Island, where she was born. She begins to find that the Island isn't how it used to be. It's not as healthy, and so tries to find ways to bring back it's magic.

The book has a cosy, fresh feel to it, and it was lovely to read, especially considering I had just finished reading a couple of intense fantasy books. The Spellshop definitely cleansed my pallete.
I could feel the sea breeze and the comfort of the cosy cottage which Kiela slowly restored. With the help of Larran.

It is a cosy, slow moving book which can be enjoyed during those moments when you want a calm fantasy book to read. And who can complain when there is a talking, sentient spider plant as the FMC's side kick!? 😃🪴

Utterly captivating!!

I think I was only 2 chapters into this before I preordered the hardback. Described as a cosy fantasy, it really does epitomise the genre.

Kiela is a cinnamon bun, book loving introvert librarian, with a sentient spider plant as a best friend. Rarely have I connected with a character as much as her, and I think she may be one of my all time favourite book characters! Fleeing a violent revolution, Kiela returns to the island of her birth, saving what books she can. Whilst meant as a fleeting visit, Kiela learns the island needs her and her spellbooks - and just perhaps, the island has something that she needs too.

There is magic, friendship, romance, cloud bears, flying cats, jam, baked goods, mermaids, merhorses and just wholesome characters with an equally wholesome plot.

I loved every aspect of this book. I read most of it out loud to my 12 week old baby, so I think I'll forever associate it with cosy baby cuddles, hot chocolate and sweet treats (yes, includjng cinnamon buns!). To me, this book is perfect and, whilst I maybe sometimes get carried away with 5 star ratings, this is truely deserving.

Highly recommend, especially for fans of Legends and Lattes.

--

Also - I just want to jump into that cover -I think it's one of the most beautiful I've ever seen!

I'm not quite sure what it is that's not clicking with me here. It's a cosy fantasy with low stakes. Perhaps it's that I was 40% in and was still unsure what the big plot was. Or that I didn't entirely connect with the characters because there wasn't much description about their motivations or their pasts, or even their presents. The romance has promise, but almost halfway through, nothing much had happened and I need something a bit more fast-paced.

4 - 4.5 stars

Oh this book was lovely! I really enjoyed Kiela's story and of course Caz! Who knew I needed sentient plants in my life - I need more of these!

This story is so cosy - there is some threat (some of which I did find a little repetitive in how it was brought up, particularly in the first half of the book), some romance that wasn't too mushy for me, a plethora of magical creatures, and the charming islanders who provided so much flair. I wish I could live there! And I adored the cottagecore vibes so freaking much!

As I mention, I did struggle a little in the first half - having the feeling I was rereading some of the same passages - but this disappeared in the second half, and I had a wonderful time. I would absolutely love to revisit this story and these characters - I hope there is more to come!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reading The Spellshop felt like being wrapped in a fluffy blanket, curled up on a plush sofa, and having a nap in the sun. It was the epitome of cosy vibes. I loved every second of it.

The best way I could describe this book would be a Hallmark movie storyline set in a cosy fantasy world. It has all the markers that make us fall in love with a feel good romance story over and over again. A big city career woman who isn’t particularly fond of people returns to her small hometown (in this case, island village), and after doing everything wrong and bumbling through simple tasks (like not losing your chicken), falls in love with the calmer way of life… and the hunky, overly helpful neighbour she initially despised for being her opposite in every conceivable way. We even get the local baker who’s a notorious gossip and the grumpy old man who hates ‘city folk’! A tried and true classic romance storyline that is comfortable and easy to melt into.

While I would personally classify this book as a romantacy, it’s about so much more than just romantic love. Our main character, Kiela, goes on a personal and physical journey that involves finding herself after tragedy, falling in love with herself and others, finding home and community, and a light-hearted take on the importance of civil disobedience. Throughout the story, she challenges her own motives as well as the motives behind the laws of her land.

Other than a few minor continuity errors that will hopefully be resolved before it goes to print, this book was so easy to fall into and get lost in the story. It gave me that perfect cottage core fantasy I’m always yearning for. Such a great read for a sunny afternoon in the garden or an evening curled up by the fire. I have a feeling this is a story I’ll come back to again and again. I was gifted a digital ARC by the publisher in exchange for this review, but I have a feeling I’ll be purchasing a paperback hard copy as soon as they’re available. This is a book I’d love to have a battered, well-read copy of on my shelves that I can pick up any time I’m needing a quick dopamine boost.

There are a few content warnings I would give for this story (domestic abuse, war, and loss). However, they are handled in a way that is respectful to the reader and are not overly detailed in a way that makes you hold your breath. Instead, they help to provide depth to our characters and better understand their motives and backstories.

Overall, I give this book five stars for its clever use of genre, wholesome energy, and overall warmth. Would read again… and again and again.

This book was cosy and magical. Its all about the unfairness of law and how sometimes life requires rebellion in order to keep those you love safe and to live.

This book went by in a blur it was so easy to enjoy!

Well what can I say!?
I loved it and i devoured it.

Its about a librarian and her assistant(who FYI is a sentient spider plant!) , who are working in a library and when the library is attacked they gather some (spell)books and leave.
They head for the island the MC was born on to lay low and protect the books. They find the MCs parents house and restore it then decide to make jam to earn a living.

The MC realises the island isnt as healthy as it once was and starts researching ways to maybe help...

This book was amazing, you have a girl trying to make a new life and home for herself, an island of people willing to help, we have merpeople, merhorses(loved that) oh and cant forget winged cats (awesome)...

What more could you want?

I adored this book. 4.5 stars rounded up!

This is book follows a librarian Keila (and Caz, her leafy assistant) as they Escape a volatile rebellion in Empire and settle back on the Island of her birth .

The writing is wonderfully descriptive. The author has a way that makes you feel as if you’re right there with Keila as she goes about her business. Caz is a treasure. He’s funny, wise and the most loyal friend anyone could wish for. I dare say he stole the show.

The plot is low stakes, and the pacing is quite slow, though I believe that adds to this type of storytelling.

Now, as far as characters go they’re all wonderful. Though Keila starts off a little ornery, especially with Larren, and truth be told a little unlikable, you can understand why. . She’s a multidimensional character and I loved watching her slowly become softer and willing to let people in.
Larran is a sweetheart from the get go. Just a genuinely nice person, if a little awkward albeit in a very charming way.
Being the island of Keika’s birth, there are a lot of nostalgic feelings and old memories brought up and it’s interesting to see how Keila deals with this. Also, lots and lots of magical and fantastical creatures that are fascinating and on occasion adorable.

Overall this is a very charming book with surprising depth and a satisfying conclusion. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who likes cozy, low stakes fantasy and interesting, relatable characters.

Notes for the puplisher exclusively. Spoilers!

There is a part in the book where Leila and Caz are moving the crates to hide them from Radanne where Keila alludes to hiding Caz as well before Radanne finds him and see’s he is unnatural and they eventually agree that it is a good idea. However, Radanne has already met Caz at Larrans house when Keila saves Sian from poisoning. I think this needs to be addressed before release to avoid confusion.

Also,

There are a lot of instances that use the word ‘and’ that I feel are unnecessary and confusing. Perhaps One more editing pass would help.


Thank you to PanMacmillan and NetGalley for the Arc. All opinions here are my own and I am sharing them voluntarily. Will post to my Goodreads and instagram .

Sarah said she wanted to write a book that felt like a warm hug... and she really did succeed!
I did not stop smiling all the way through, and crying in some parts, it filled me with such joy, it was so pure and full of hope.
Normally, I prefer fantasy books filled with emotional turmoil, you know the ones that leave you a wreck, but this was a breath of fresh air, low stakes, HIGH fantasy, perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes and till death do us bard.
I adored the world building, I could see Keilas cottage and the town so vividly, and the views, coastal, cliff side, all of it, I felt like I was melting into this world, becoming a part of it.
Every character was a delight, I especially loved Cas the sentient spider plant! And the vast array of creatures that appeared throughout, it even had a unicorn.
Literally, some part of my inner child has been healed by this story.
Thank you so much for my advance reading copy.

I absolutely loved this book - I went in hoping it would be sweet, cosy fantasy (which it is) and just got swept away by the brilliant cast of characters, the mix of cottage core and fantasy and the general setting/plot lines making me want to sit under a tree eating jam from the jar.

You can feel this beautiful setting, the sea and the cliffs and the barely contained garden in the forest. The way the magical creatures blend into this story makes you half expect to see them on your next walk through the woods and I couldn't help but want to move to this adorable little village.

The main plot line is a jam making front for an illegal sorcerer trying to help out the locals and one of the protagonists is a sentient - and talking - spider plant.

I messaged so many people that they needed this one, I hope its the start of a series.

I loved this book so much!
Exactly what it days on the tin - a cozy romantasy. The perfect book I needed as a palette cleanser between all the full on fantasy I've been reading.
This book just made me so happy, and I related to the main character a lot! The romance was super cute too.
I NEED a lot more books like this!

I have enjoyed Sarah's past books, so I was curious to read this one as well. The Spellshop is a cozy fantasy story, with low stakes and likable characters, and in the end I liked it. Maybe it wasn't what I expected, and sometimes the pacing was too slow, but it was a good cottagecore book.

A really fun cozy fantasy that I really enjoyed. The plot was more on the slower side and I feel like the book could have maybe been a bit shorter but I absolutely loved the setting and vibes! Our main character being a librarian and book lover made her really relatable from page 1 and I'm also absolutely obsessed with her sidekick, a speaking spiderplant who was serving so much comedic relief. The book was really magical and wholesome with lots of interesting characters and fantastical beings and it's just the perfect book to read on a rainy day.

But while I really did have a good time reading it, I also know that this is not a book that's going to stay with me forever. It's a good book, it really is, for me personally it just didn't have much of an emotional impact which is way I'm probably going to stop thinking about it soon. I liked the characters but did I feel a huge connection to them? Maybe because the book felt so low stakes I wasn't as invested in the story or maybe it's just me. I'm only saying this to explain my rating - which is very subjective - and not to encourage anyone to not pick this book up because I think a lot of people will love this and I honestly would recommend it.