I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This was a cozy fantasy with a sentient spider plant, magical beings, and a beautiful island that becomes home again for Kiela. Fleeing from the capital, Kiela returns to her hometown with contraband on hand and sets to hiding and secluding herself away. But, on an island full of friendly and nosy neighbors, that is not as easy to do. With the help of a cinnamon roll love interest, Kiela makes new friends and abilities through conflicts and baking. Read this for a cozy cottage core novel that is lighthearted, quick, and well-told.

I was so excited to get this Audio book, as I knew I was going to get the physical book from Fairyloot. The Audio was done so well, I felt immersed in the world, and really enjoyed all the different charter voices. Well done!

This was quite a fun cozy book. Instantly Caz, the sentient spider plant was an unusual flag and I wanted to read it. Kiela and Caz flee the burning library (where Caz was born) and where Kiela never expected to have to leave. Her parents gone from sickness they need a new place to live and Kiela's parents had a cottage on a island where they should be safe-even if they did rescue several crates of spell books, they probably won't be accused and prosecuted for stealing the books,,,right?

Kiela is a curmudgeonly librarian type, and Caz is a bit of a worrywart, and they want to lay low, just in case the capital didn't fall and people come looking for them, and the books they stole, however that is a bit difficult to do when you show up on a small island and rein habit a cottage that has been empty for many years (like 10+?) Their neighbor is a friendly and inquisitive type that really just wants to help and it takes time for Kiela to warm up to him and the townsfolk but she'll need a way to get food, so she also needs a way to make money, so she starts a jam shop-with the help of some spell books, and a few villagers.

This is definitely a low stakes (for most of the book) story with a slow-burn romance aspect. The narrator for the audiobook was also fantastic.

This one was a DNF for me. I just couldn't get into the story. Most reviewers really enjoyed this one - unfortunately, it just didn't resonate with me.

A heart warming story of finding your people and discovering yourself. The characters are all lovable and supporting even the grumpiest ones. The whimsical setting is cozy and I hope to read more set in this world.

4.15⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for this arc! (Even if im a hundred years late)
This has the best cozy small town fantasy vibes ever. It’s the perfect fall read! I had so much fun with this book, honestly I’ve been unable to stay engaged in a book cause of stress, buttttt this one really had my attention. It’s weird and fun and so so so wholesome. I loved the librarian main character, Kiela, she was such an enjoyable main character to follow. Shes introverted and would rather have the company of her books over people. And i love the talking plant aspect, Caz made the book even better. And Lauren (probably spelling his name wrong cause i listened to this book) was SUCH a good man. Oh to have a love like the one in this book. This man was the sweetest guy yo ever exist, he buys her cinnamon buns, cares for her, AND BUILDS HER BOOKSHELVES!!! (Me and who). And he’s not the only amazing side character, almost everyone in this small town was so damn welcoming and loving, it makes me want to live in this book. The plot was good, kept me engaged while also not being too high-stakes.
I really am craving cinnamon buns now.

A cute, cozy fantasy full of plants, books, magic, and jam! This is a perfect escape from reality to an island of misfits that find themselves banding together in perfect found family fashion. I found myself increasingly happy getting to know each character. I would have liked a touch more romance development though.

The audiobook narrated by Caitlin Davies was brilliantly done! She has the ability to give every character their own personality - even the sentient ones! She is also easily understood at faster speeds.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and author Sarah Beth Durst for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This was so sweet and cozy. I loved the magic system and the subtle but elegant world building. I felt like the pace was quite nice and this was a lovely borderline romantasy story. The characters were all interesting and complex, the love was sweet, and this was just a good time.

Easiest review in a while: comforting, soothing, soft, peaceful. It was a bit uneventful even by cozy fantasy standards but just exactly what I needed at the time I listened/read.

Need a nice escape from reality? The Spellshop is a quaint book to take you away from your troubles. It offers all the characteristics of a fantasy with the addition of new ideas. It was refreshing to hear new fantasy ideas along with new takes on old legends and creatures. Follow Kiela on her journey from everything she has known back to her birthplace. Where she has to start over to make a living while hiding the secrets of her new life.

While adjusting to her new home she meets a handsome islander, a corky baker and new mystical friends. Thumbs up to it being a friendly read and the narrator in the audio version does a great job throughout. A fun story that will make you smile.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, as an audiobook, is an enchanting and whimsical journey into a world filled with magic, adventure, and self-discovery. From my perspective, Durst's storytelling is immersive and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the vibrant universe she has created. The narration enhances the experience, bringing the characters and their magical escapades to life with lively energy and distinct voices.

I loved how the story balances humor and heartfelt moments, allowing me to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The protagonist's journey of finding her place in a world of spells and enchantments is relatable, and the exploration of friendship and family adds layers to the narrative. The pacing is generally brisk, keeping the excitement flowing, though there were moments where I wished for a bit more depth in character development.

Overall, The Spellshop is a delightful audiobook that left me smiling and enchanted. It’s a fantastic choice for listeners of all ages who enjoy imaginative tales filled with magic and adventure, and it showcases Durst’s talent for crafting captivating stories that resonate with the heart.

Short synopsis: Kiela is forced to leave her beloved library after a fire, along with her faithful sidekick Caz and some stolen spellbooks they go to her home island.

My thoughts: I was immediately smiling from the first few pages of this book. I love plants, so when I heard about a talking spider plant I was Immediately entranced. Throw that in with a little magic, some mermaids and merhorses, a romance, and the fantastic small island setting and it’s the perfect cozy fantasy.

This one did feel a little on the long side, I think some of the minor plots could have been eliminated to shorten it up at bit. But overall I really enjoyed the atmosphere from this one!

The audio was so well done in this! The narrator added so much depth to the story!

Read if you love:
- Spider plant sidekick
- Mer-horses
- Found family
- Magic
- Slow burn romance

This was such a fun cozy fantasy cottage core read! Kiela is forced into hiding away from the city and on the island she was born on. As a librarian she quickly became and introvert but needing to survive on her home island she has to break out of her shell a bit and possibly break some law while she’s at it.

The collection on characters in this story are so fun and quirky. They each have such fun personalities. I was even fussing at the old curmudgeon on the island who complains about everything.

Kiela really seems to rediscover herself with the help of some new friends.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.

This. Book. Was. Everything. I absolutely fell in love with Sarah Beth Durst's cozy world, drenched in sunlight and whimsy, and will return to it over and over to fulfill that need for something to heal my soul.

As for the audiobook, I think the narrator did a pretty good job. She isn't necessarily the exact voice I would have picked for this cozy story because she gave a bit more of a contemporary vibe to this fantasy story, which isn't always my favourite, but over all the whimsy of the story did work well through her narration.

I don’t 5 start often but definitely had to for this one. I absolutely LOVED it!!! Such a fun story. I love the world the author created, such unique characters and creatures, my favorite being Caz. I would love to see this book as a series! I look forward to reading more from this author.

A cute and cozy read! If you enjoyed Bookshops and Bonedust or even Assistant to the Villain, this book is for you! I also LOVED the narrator. Highly recommend

I loved the coziness of this book. The story started out strong as Kiela the librarian tries to save spellbooks from a fire. She and her assistant Caz (a spider plant) take the books and sail to the small island where she was born. I loved how the spellshop/jam making came about naturally, and how the small community of Caltrey really backed Kiela. I loved meep the cactus so much as well. I could definitely read more in this universe.. If you are a fan of lattes and legends you should check this one out!! Also the cover of the physical copy is so beautiful and I loved the painted purple edges.

I just know that this will be one of my top fantasy reads of 2024. It was such a quick, delightful, and feel good cottage core fantasy that was full of heart and made me so happy. I am amazed that this is Sarah Beth Durst's debut, since the world building and character development where so well done.

Kiela, is an introverted librarian who likes books better than people. A revolution is taking place in the Kingdom of Alyssium, and unfortunately, the fighting has reached the great Library, where Kiela works. She and her assistant Caz (a sentient spider plant), are forced to flee, however they manage to save five crates of magical books.

Having nowhere safe to go, they decide to head to the island where Kiela was born, and spent the first 9 years of her life. Hoping to live a quiet life, continuing to protect the books they saved. Although she wanted a live a quiet life once on the island, Kiela is drawn into the community and into many interactions with her friendly neighbour Larran. Soon, Kiela ends up opening up a jam shop and seeing remedies (which are secretly spells) to help the Island of Caltrey and it's inhabitants once again thrive.

I think all book lovers will see many parts of themselves in Kiela, she is shy and introverted, but has a big heart and is willing to do what is right and will do anything for her friends. I absolutely loved her. Caz was a delight and such a perfect side character; I would do anything to protect him.

I listening to the audiobook, and the narrator, Caitlin Davies, did such an incredible job bringing this story to life. No spoilers, but there is one character who ends up being introduced who only says one world, and Caitlin managed to convoy so much emotion and expression into that one word!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This was perfectly perfect. Precious. A cozy little story you can get wrapped up in. A sweet slow burn romance with a helpful charming neighbor. A talking plant. Merhorses. It's lower stakes. An easygoing story about finding your way in the world and learning to let people in. Exactly what I want when seeking a cozy fantasy. Also I don't even eat jam and this book as got me craving some.

Thank you to netgalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.