This was a cute read.

The kind of book that you pick up, fall into and then leave sadly at the end, wondering where the day went.

A statue that turns back into the librarian who created Caz in the previous book. An isolated island with magical greenhouses and a grumpy gardener.

It was just so easy to fall in love with the characters in this book (both human and plant variety) and I so wanted to solve the problem of the crumbling magic on the island.

This book had the perfect mix of grumpy / sunshine characters, cute slow burn romance, and second chances. Plus a quest to save the magical greenhouses and plants.

The author cleverly tied in her previous book and the characters which I though added that extra sweet vibe to the story.

Loved the ending of this. New beginnings, hope, magic and a little hint of what lies ahead.

The Spellshop was a perfectly cozy fantasy and this book, based in the same world had the same coziness, magic, sentient plants, and a happy ever after with a big dash of true love! Caz was really great and so I loved that Terlu Perna gets a chance to live her life (after spending 6 years as a statue as a punishment for creating Caz due to stupid Empire law) on an island that is perfect for her expertise. The greenhouses enchanted by the now dead sorcerer Laken are failing, and with them, the wonderful magic plants (and ordinary ones too). She and Yarrow (the only gardener left on the island) put their heads together (after a bit of awkwardness due to Yarrow being an extreme introvert and Terlu as the extrovert longing for contact after being a statue) and along with a slew of sentient plants (who are absolutely adorable!), a winged cat, and a lot of studying books, they work their way to a happy ending which is so sweet! You also get good messages about family, both found, and reconnecting, working through issues instead of avoiding them, and dealing with anxiety and low self esteem when in actuality Terlu is awesome and an expert in plant magic which is not a crime!

I really hope Sarah Beth Durst writes a few more books in this world because they are absolutely wonderful and I am so thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to get lost once again in this world of an overthrown Crescent Island Empire and librarians finding new places in the world and free to use magic to help others!

Sarah Beth Dust has done it again. When I finished reading „The Spellshop“, I was sad to be done with this universe. It was a really cozy fantasy book, with great characters and even better worldbuilding, not better than Caz of course ^^, but it was fantastic. But when I heard that the author was going to write another story in the same world, not on the same island, but in the same universe, I was immediately hooked. Especially when I heard that the main protagonist would be Terlu, the librarian who created Caz and was turned into a statue as punishment for practicing magic and sorcery, even though she is not a sorceress. After Terlu was turned into a wooden statue, she found herself locked in darkness, with no sense of time, but after some time had passed, she woke up on an island with an enchanted greenhouse, with so many rooms that it would take weeks to explore them all. But unfortunately, some of the many, many rooms have been destroyed and Yarrow, the only remaining gardener on the island, is determined to find a solution to this problem and maybe Terlu is the key to it all. The two not only have to work together but also learn to trust each other as they are complete opposites in character.
„The Enchanted Greenhouse“ was just as cozy and wonderful as „The Spellshop“. I devoured the book within a day. I couldn't put it down.
And if you like a book with wonderful protagonists, talking plants and hopeful dreams as much as I do, you've come to the right place!!!

Thank you so much for the E-Arc Netgally and Pan Macmillan and Sarah Beth Dust!

This is a book for the people who love slow paced, cozy fantasy, with slow burn romance, a lot of magical plants, love for said plants, magical creatures and more.

We follow Terlu, who was so lonely, she casted a spell to awake a sentient plant, named Caz, so she won’t be alone anymore. The trouble is, she isn’t allowed to cast spells as she’s a librarian not a sorcerer. She is trialed and then she was sentenced to be a statue.

Later, she is awakened from her statue state and she finds herself in an island that has many greenhouses. There she meets Yarrow, our lonely but strongly dedicated gardener. He’s alone, taking care of his greenhouses and he loves every plant. Together they have to work out how to keep the greenhouses alive and enchanted.

I loved this book! I haven’t read the Spellshop, and I was worried that I might be confused, but nothing of that happened. It’s a sequel but it can be read as a standalone. Another thing I loved was Terlu, my poor baby, I love her softness, her big heart, how much she wants to help, while risking her freedom again. How this is her second chance in life, how she wants to do better, how she wants to love Yarrow but she’s worried because she has been hurt and abandoned before, used because she could provide them something instead of genuinely seeking her. This being said, she is strong, soft, nice, and I want to hug her.

Yarrow is also something, he’s lonely, left alone on the island, and he’s not used to be around someone else. He was hurt, he made the choice to stay because he thought it was right. And all he wanted was a sorcerer and he ended up with Terlu, and she’s nothing of what he expected. Our guy deserves a hug too!

We also have many many sentient plants that speak and sing and are simply adorable. In the mix we have a flying cat, small dragons that love sweets!

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC! I appreciate it!

I’ll add the review on instagram in a few days!

What can I say?

The Spellshop was awesome. The Enchanted Greenhouse follows in the same footsteps. Sarah Beth Durst does it again, creating an amazing world with endearing characters. It's a tale of second chances, magic, family, and love. There is not much to say apart from: read this book, it's so good you won't be able to put it down.

Pick it up if you like:
- The Spellshop (obviously)
- Plants (so many plants)
- Low-stakes
- Cozy Fantasy
- A bit of romance
- Plants again (because seriously, it's a lot of plants)

Please note: This book is the second in the series. You don't really "need" to read the first one to understand the plot BUT to get it all, it might be better to read The Spellshop before.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is such a gentle, calming read—it completely drew me in. I could have devoured it in a day, but I ended up stretching it out because I honestly didn’t want it to end. There’s something really comforting about the way the story unfolds, like spending time in a quiet, beautiful space that helps you breathe a little easier.

The setting is vivid and soothing, and the touch of magic is just enough to feel special without overpowering the grounded, emotional moments. It’s a book that made me slow down in the best way.
If you’re into soft magical realism, nature vibes, and cosy stories that feel like a warm hug, this one’s a real treat.

This book is the perfect read. It's full of magic, enchantment, and a romance that is full kindness and healing. I lapped it up in one sitting and it gave me hope!

4.5⭐️

Just so sweet and heartwarming I could have cried. The talking plants were phenomenal and I actually did tear up a bit when Terlu walked in on them all laughing and dancing. I adored the Spellshop so was dying to get my hands on this one. And it did not disappoint! Sarah Beth Durst I need you to write more cosy fantasies PLEASE. Plus, the romance in this was subtle and gentle and wonderful. I loved both Terlu and Yarrow. They both immediately burrowed straight into my heart. I also loved the flying cat and the dragons and obviously all of the plants. A perfect book for when you need something light and hopeful and just plain sweet.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor, Pan Macmillan for sending me this ebook. All thoughts are my own.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is the wonderful, cosy, heartwarming, magical sequel to The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst. Can you tell I loved it!?!?

Terlu is the librarian who brought Caz, the sentient spider plant to life and was punished for this action by being turned into a statue and placed in the Great Library, as a warning to all librarians, scholars, and patrons who might be tempted to defy the law and practice magic of any kind!

This is the story of Terlu’s second chance in life. A cosy, wonderful hug of a story that truly embraces the delight of Terlu and Yarrow as the wonderful lead protagonists they are in this absolute snuggle of a story!

Both Yarrow and Terlu each have their own stories and past traumas to address but, they are united in their mission to save Belde. A truly lovely and sweet romance accompanied by small dragons, a winged cat and sentient plants.

An absolute delight of a sequel that will truly transport you away from the trials and mundanities of life.

Huge thanks to Pan MacMillan, Tor and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest and sincere review.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is pure enchantment from the first page to the last. Sarah Beth Durst has crafted a warm, whimsical tale that feels like a hug in book form—filled with singing flowers, sentient plants, and honey cakes so vivid you’ll swear you can taste them.
Terlu Perna is one of the most unique protagonists I’ve ever read—lonely, flawed, and utterly lovable. Her journey from magical misstep to redemption is both touching and empowering. The magical greenhouses, each more dazzling than the last, are brought to life with Durst’s signature lyrical prose, and the emotional depth tucked between the whimsy will stay with you long after you finish.
The supporting cast shines just as brightly—from the curmudgeonly yet kind gardener to a charmingly opinionated sentient rose. The themes of forgiveness, self-worth, and second chances are handled with grace and humor, making this more than just a fantasy—it’s a story with soul.
Whether you're a longtime Durst fan or a newcomer, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a radiant, feel-good fantasy you won't want to leave. Highly recommended for anyone who loves cozy magic, quiet courage, and the healing power of friendship.

Simply Magical! ✨🐉🌷🥀🌼🌺🪴🪻🪴🌱

The follow up cozy fantasy to The Spellshop, which gives you all the feels. Terlu Perna wakes up, after being a statue for many years, as a punishment for creating the sentient spider plant, Caz. Terla never expected to be released and finds herself on the deserted Island of Belde with only the grumpy and unhelpful gardener, Yarrow, as company. Plus, many beautiful, enchanted greenhouses. 🏡👨‍🌾

Yarrow reluctantly helps with food and shelter, then as Terlu Perna starts to explore she accidentally wakes up Lotti, a sentient miniature rose. This leads to more exploration and some drama from failing greenhouse magic, before Terlu agrees to try to help with illegal magic to try and save the plant life from dying. 📚 🍰

This book is full of beautiful words, phrasing and description. Two of my favourites:

Circling it were dragonflies with sparkling diamond-like bodies and golden wings. They danced together in pairs and trios in a musicless promenade.

It smelled like a summer forest and was far cooler than the prior room, with fans that rotated overhead instead of a miniature sun. Even the colors were softer and more restful: soft, almost furry green in every direction.

This story is like your favourite chocolate bar, making you feel all warm and gooey inside. We move from singing plants and flowers, to miniature dragons, a winged cat, sentient talking plants and even a ghost. The imagination boggles, but all brings emotions of hope, despite the up and downs as we go along. 🎵

We fall in love with Terlu and start to believe in second chances as she finds her place in the world. As Terlu finds herself she also helps Yarrow move forward from trauma from his past and together they fight for a better future for Belde. ❤️

This lovely novel includes magic, coziness, cuteness, hope, friendship and romance, together with a puzzle and some drama. Such a beautifully worded book, that leaves you wanting more. Well recommended! 😊

Thank you to Netgalley, Pan Macmillan and Sarah Beth Durst for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Due to be published on 17 July 2025.

The enchanted greenhouse

Thanks to @panmacmillan @netgalley for the beautiful proof of this one, it is truly stunning!

I am a sucker for a cosy fantasy and this was just adorable. I loved the ties to the spellshop and Terlu as a main character was fantastic.
Terlu is a librarian who gets turned into a statue for using magic to create a talking plant to stop her from being lonely.
One day she awakes to find she is no longer a statue and is somewhere she doesn’t recognise with an enormous greenhouse.
Without giving too much of the story away, the sorcerer of the island died and since then the greenhouse has been slowly dying with all its magical plants and creatures inside. Terlu makes it her mission to crack the sorcerers codes and fix the enchanted greenhouse. Throw in a cute gardener, a flying cat, some talking plants and family issues and you have an amazing, cosiest of cosy fantasies that will make you want to ditch the real world and go live on Belde and eat honey bread all day long.

This book was so lovely! It was a comforting journey for a dark and scary time. A reminder that there is always hope. I loved it so much!

The Enchanted Greenhouse is a magical story of love and finding your place in the world that takes place in the midst of a far-away revolution that has far-reaching consequences.
The setting is absolutely magical! The little island away from everything with its very own kind of magic is such a fascinating idea and I loved reading about it. The whimsical, fun tone also really lent itself to the setting and I got absolutely swept into the story.
I also really enjoyed that every character had something to overcome, usually related to being treated badly in the past, and they helped each other heal from that. It was a beautiful aspect of the whole thing. And most characters also had to recognise that they themselves had also done things wrong and that sweeping hurt under the rug is not productive. I love love LOVE how supportive the main characters (whether plant or human) were of each other. Also, Terlu is described as plus size and is described as attractive, even through her self-doubts, which I loved to see.

A cozy fantasy perfect for the adults who loved Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass when they were a child! The talking, flowers were always my favourite so this book felt nostalgic and comforting. As a gardener myself, the scenes with Yarrow and among the greenhouses and with the plants were another favourite aspect and I thoroughly enjoyed and looked forward to seeing what each greenhouse specialised in. It was so fun!

Yarrow was a great grumpy counterpart to Terlu and her sunny optimism, even after being turned into a statue. I liked how their relationship progressed.

I won’t say too much more as I don’t want to spoil the story but I will say that the side characters were all well crafted and a great addition. I need a story about the sailors!

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is the magical sequel to The Spellshop, the bestselling wonderfully cosy fantasy.

It had been over a year since I read The Spellshop, so I was a bit confused about the identity of our adorable lavender protagonist. I went back and quickly realised her importance... and I was instantaneously heartbroken for her. Terlu was the librarian that created Caz, the sentient spider plant we all know and loved from The Spellshop. Her illegal use of magical saw her punished in an unbelievably cruel manner; she was turned into a statue and placed in the Great Library, to serve as a warning to all librarians, scholars, and patrons who might be tempted to defy the law. Caz thought she had burned in the great fire, but The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about second chances.

This book was like a sleepy hug. I felt warm and cosy whilst reading, however I often felt my attention wandering. It's a lovely story, but the stakes are low and the pace is very slow. I loved the ending; however, I was secretly hoping for a reunion. The romance element is very sweet and touching. I wanted nothing but wonderful things for Terlu. She's such a lovely and affectionate character and I often felt like her trauma was overlooked. I wanted nothing but good things for our plucky heroine and in that respect this heartwarming book truly delivers.

This book delivers lovely, cozy fantasy vibes, infused with a confidently whimsical charm and built around a delightfully unique magical concept. The story follows a librarian who’s turned into a statue as punishment for creating a talking spider plant (yes, really)—only to find herself unexpectedly reanimated on a remote island with an enchanted greenhouses … and an intriguing gardener.

A star for the creativity, another for the lyrical writing, and a third for the cozy atmosphere. While I would’ve loved to feel more connected to the characters, it was still an enjoyable and imaginative read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the advance copy.

5-Star Review: The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

Sarah Beth Durst’s The Enchanted Greenhouse is a heartwarming, magical journey that feels like a cozy embrace. Set on a secluded island filled with whimsical greenhouses, sentient plants, and delightful creatures, the story follows Terlu, a librarian seeking redemption and a new purpose. As she collaborates with the gruff gardener Yarrow and a charming sentient rose, Terlu discovers the true meaning of community, love, and second chances.  

Durst masterfully blends fantasy elements with profound emotional depth, creating a narrative that’s both enchanting and relatable. The vivid descriptions transport readers into a world where magic is tangible, and every character, from the talking plants to the winged cat, adds richness to the tale. The themes of healing, belonging, and self-discovery resonate deeply, making this novel not just a fantasy escape but a reflection on the human experience.

For fans of cozy fantasy and stories that touch the soul, The Enchanted Greenhouse is an absolute must-read. It’s a testament to Durst’s storytelling prowess and her ability to craft worlds that linger in the heart long after the final page.

The story of The Enchanted Greenhouse tells us what happened to Caz's 'mother' Terlu, the original librarian who cast magic when she shouldn't have and was sentenced to life as a statue. We read about this tragic story of Caz's origins in the Spell Shop and when we learn the reasons why Terlu created Caz it only gets more heartbreaking.

Terlu finally wakes in the snow on a mysterious island of giant greenhouses run by magic, with only one gardener (Yarrow) left to care for them. Terlu decides the only thing she can do is save what she can, even if that does mean breaking the law again.

Yarrow, Terlu and the plants, (yes, happily there are more talking plants which are my favourite characters across both books) have to solve the mystery of why the greenhouses are failing, they even appeal to the ghost of the sorcerer who created the island to try and save the plants.

Strong themes of loneliness run throughout the book, grief and loss, paranoia and mental health and also the balance that can be found between an introvert and an extrovert. I adored the way Terlu and Yarrow cared for each other and played to their strengths as their relationship bloomed.

I loved the book and have pre-ordered the hardcopy so I can read it again.

I absolutely adored The Spellshop from this author, it was one of my favourite books of last year so I was eagerly anticipating The Enchanted Greenhouse and so excited to read it! I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This is a charming, cosy fantasy novel set in the same world and timeline as The Spellshop and referencing characters from it. It is a different story though, not purely a sequel and it follows a new main character. You can read the two books standalone easily. We meet a librarian who wakes up on a snow covered island after being frozen as a wooden statue for six years for practicing forbidden magic. She fears for her safety but explores this magical island made up of vast numbers of enchanted greenhouses, each one special in its own way as she discovers throughout the book. She also meets Yarrow, the isolated gardener who seeks to protect and maintain the greenhouses, though the magic seems to be failing. Terlu, our main character is torn between her desire to help and her fear of what will happen to her if she practices magic again.

This is an enjoyable read and I would read it again. The greenhouses are magical and imaginative and we see fascinating worlds held within them. I enjoyed the magic and particularly how it related to plants. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and how they brought out the best in each other.

There were a couple of quirks in the language which meant this didn’t land as well for me as The Spellshop (though I still really enjoyed it.) One character has all his words lengthened out using extra letters which was jarring and it didn’t feel like it was adding anything, it felt a bit strange. Terlu also likes to tell quite long stories from her past to make a point, which was fine other than the frequency with which it occurred, this felt noticeably repetitive. However these are small issues and overall the book is whimsical and enchanting. I loved the food and cooking descriptions and the joy Yarrow finds in this. He was a wonderful romantic interest, for all that he starts out a bit prickly.

I eagerly await more books set in this universe!