In this book I learned that when the stakes are lowest, they're also the highest when there's people involved. And the most important messages in this book are to stand with each other, and to share knowledge and not abuse power.
I wanted to state this simply to show that this is not just the coziest of cozy fantasies (which it is) or a slow burning romance (which it is) or a story about love is love (which it is), but also an important statement against oppression and pro taking everyone as they are, open communication and community.
It took me a little while to warm up to the characters of Kiela and Caz, but once I did they invaded my heart and now live there rent-free. All the other characters are just as lovely (except those who aren't), but I'm not gonna lie: Meep is my favorite, my spirit animal...uh...plant.
This book is like eating a cinnamon roll while being hugged by a warm blanket. The writing style is so vivid, I have all of Caltrey in my head as if I've been there. And the inevitable conflicts are solved in ways that are unique and stem from everything I mentioned above.
This book works perfectly as a standalone, though I'd visit the island and its people again anytime.

Hurray to Pine Cone Coven!

5/5 jars of jam

Thank you @netgalley and @panmacmillan and @sarahbethdurst for the eARC !

#Spellshop #PineConeCoven #Netgalley #Bookstagram

Well, this book was just a delight to read. The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst (coming 11th July) is a whimsical cosy fantasy set in a world of jewel-toned merhorses, ghost-like tree guardians, sass talking sentient spider-plants and elderly harp-playing centaurs all wrapped up in the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and a pot of raspberry jam slowly bubbling on the stove.

Kiela, our blue-haired, socially awkward orphan, is forced to flee the confines of The Great Library of Alyssium (her home for over 11 years) when it's set ablaze by revolutionaries attempting to overthrow the tyrannical government who seeks to control the unauthorised use of magic. She fills her canal boat with contraband spell books and returns to the remote island that her parents used to own a cottage on before they travelled to the capital city to seek out opportunities and a better quality of life.

I loved watching Kiela slowly put down roots (pun intended) on the island by carefully renovating the cottage, restoring her garden, setting up her business and exploring the possibilities of magic with her hilarious leafy sidekick. It's a wholesome tale of unexpected friendships with a slow blossoming romance that will have you grinning from ear-to-ear. It's perfect for readers who want to lose themselves in a heartwarming, low-stake world of mythical creatures and endless possibilities. Reading The Spellshop was like receiving one big cosy hug.

What an utter delight this book was! This was such a cozy cottagecore fantasy romance with a librarian who’s running away from an uprising with spell books from the library and her journey in trying to keep them safe. There’s 2 sentient plants - a cactus called Meep and a spider plant called Caz. We’ve got a jam/spell shop setting and a beautifully tender friends to lovers romance.

A perfect, cozy, feel good read.

4.5 stars.

This is a delightful cozy cottagecore fantasy book. Perfect for some gentle low stakes reading.

Caz the sentient spider plant is the star character. He and Kiela escape from Alyssium during a revolution which sees their library burn, saving several boxes of spell books. Initially planning to remain a recluse, Kiela quickly learns that this won’t be possible and is sucked into life on the small island of Caltrey which she once called home.

The characters are well written, even if Kiela’s attitude towards people in general starts off rather cold. The romance sub plot is cute with absolutely no spice at all which is a nice change. This was a perfect brain break from high fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-ARC.

I loved the characters and especially Caz, the sentient spider plant, and the story was good. All in all it was a very good read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC**

"The spellshop" was everything it promised to be: a cosy cotagecore story, sweet and wholesome. It focuses on Kiela constructing her new life after fleeing the capital and the revolution. The decor is well conveyed, the island giving that sense of close community and support without forgetting the annoying member of said community. There are some wonderful creatures with a sort of fairytale vibe that I enjoyed tremendously. The protagonist, I think, well built, with enough layers and complexity to be enjoyable and not annoying inher doubts. Her spider plant assistant is huge fun, as well as some of the other characters. As for the romance, it is a secondary plot but really cute and soft, fluttering feelings and touches. I loved it (I tend to struggle with straight romance, but here it wasn't the case).
I liked the way the plot moves, cosy yet with an good underlying tension.
All in all, promised fulfilled ! If you are looking for cotagecore cosy fantasy with magic and whimsical vibe, "The spellshop" might be for you !

I liked this, it was fun and cozy with low stakes, the storytelling was good and the characters well written. Loved Caz the plant!
My only gripe with this is that it was too long and there were parts where I was bored

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc