Member Reviews

A sweet fantasy romance set in the same world as The Spellshop, but this time telling the story of the librarian who created Caz, the sentient spider plant, from The Spellshop. Those looking for a spicy romantasy should look elsewhere, but if you want a sweet, gooey one about a librarian and a gardener helping each other heal from trauma in their cozy enchanted greenhouse, look no farther!

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I adore The Spellshop and somehow The Enchanted Greenhouse is even better! Let us officially crown Sarah Beth Durst as the queen of cozy fantasy because the way she weaves these world is absolutely unmatched! I was enchanted from page one. Her world building, her gentle characters, It was the exact hug in a mug type of book you're looking for I promise.

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The Enchanted Greenhouse is an absolute delight of a read—one that wraps you up in its warmth, magic, and heart from the very first page. Sarah Beth Durst has created a world that feels both enchanting and real, full of whimsy, second chances, and the quiet beauty of self-discovery. If you’re a fan of magical adventures with emotional depth, this one’s for you.

At the center of it all is Terlu Perna, a character who starts her journey in a rather unusual and unfortunate place: turned into a wooden statue for breaking the law. But Terlu’s story is far from over. She awakens on a nearly deserted island full of mysterious greenhouses, each more magical than the last, and finds herself drawn into a mission to save these life-giving spaces from a failing magic. Along the way, she forges a bond with a grumpy-but-kind gardener, and together, they try to uncover the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer to restore the island’s magic. Terlu’s journey is as much about saving the island as it is about learning to forgive herself and make peace with her past.

What makes this book truly shine is the world Durst has built. The island, with its magical greenhouses, feels alive, full of mystery, wonder, and beauty. Each greenhouse offers something new—something unexpected—and you can almost smell the flowers and feel the magic in the air. The pacing is perfect, with just enough intrigue and emotional depth to keep you hooked, while also giving you moments of joy and humor along the way.

The characters really make this story special, though. Terlu is such a relatable and endearing protagonist. She’s flawed, she’s made mistakes, but she’s determined to make things right—and you can’t help but root for her. The gardener, though initially gruff and standoffish, becomes an unexpected source of warmth and companionship. And the sentient rose? I loved it. It brings such a fun, quirky element to the story while also offering some unexpected wisdom. Their interactions together provide the perfect balance of humor and heart.

What I found most moving about The Enchanted Greenhouse is its themes of forgiveness and second chances. It’s a story about learning to accept your mistakes and the courage it takes to try again. It’s about growth—of plants, yes, but also of people. It’s a gentle reminder that even when things seem broken, there’s always room for healing and new beginnings.

This book is just plain magical. It’s full of heart, humor, and a touch of enchantment that makes it impossible not to fall in love with. If you’re in the mood for a feel-good story that’s full of charm and a little bit of magic, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a must-read. It’s a tale that will make you believe in second chances—and in the kind of magic that can help us grow.

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Sarah Beth Durst’s The Enchanted Greenhouse is a beautifully written tale of second chances, self-discovery, and the healing power of community. At the heart of the story is Terlu Perna, who is punished for creating a magical, sentient spider plant out of loneliness. Her punishment—being turned into a wooden statue and left forgotten in a library—seems like the end of her story. But one winter day, Terlu wakes up on a mysterious, nearly deserted island filled with magical greenhouses, where her journey truly begins.

Cold, hungry, and uncertain, Terlu finds an unlikely ally in a grouchy gardener who offers her warmth, food, and kindness. As she explores the enchanting greenhouses, she discovers they are dying, their once-thriving magic fading. Determined to save the island, Terlu teams up with her new friend and a witty, sentient rose to uncover the secrets of a long-lost sorcerer. Together, they face challenges that test their courage and resilience, proving that sometimes, breaking the rules is worth it when it’s for a greater good.

This novel shines with its vivid imagery and rich details, from the wonder of singing flowers to the comfort of freshly baked honey cakes. The greenhouses are magical spaces filled with surprises, and the interactions between the characters are warm and heartfelt. Durst masterfully weaves themes of forgiveness, redemption, and belonging into a story that feels as comforting as it is adventurous.

Whether you’re already a fan of Durst’s previous works or discovering her for the first time, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a treat for the imagination. It’s a story of hope, love, and the beauty of finding your place in the world, perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, magical tales with a lot of heart.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for sharing this unique fantastic journey's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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I was so excited to jump back into this world! These books truly show the power of librarians; they can solve almost any problem you have!

The Enchanted Greenhouse was another wonderful read filled with magic, love, community, and finding your purpose. This book was just as cozy as The Spellshop, but the stakes felt higher considering how harshly Terlu has already been punished for casting a spell. Add to that the rush against time to save the greenhouses and I couldn't put this book down. I was worried it would feel a little less magical with a nearly-deserted island (I wanted ALL the magical creatures!), but that worry didn't last long. SPOILER- mini dragons!!! I also loved that the flying cat on the cover wasn't just a tease this time! I'd like to imagine that, unlike real life, I wouldn't be allergic to flying cats!

I cannot wait to share this book with everyone! I also recommend having something yummy nearby to snack on. The food in this book sounds delicious! I think Sarah Beth Durst needs add a Crescent Islands Cookbook to the writing list!

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Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is a cozy fantasy that follows a librarian on an island with a cursed, enchanted greenhouse and the hermit gardener determined to save it.

I knew after reading the Spellshop that this series of standalones were going to be near and dear to my heart, and book two did not break that streak. These books just warm your soul and somehow manage to defy my imagination yet give me exactly what I’m hoping to find in their magical world. Delicious food, endearing mythical creatures, a magical problem to solve, and a common theme of community makes each story difficult to put down.

Honestly, I’m so grateful I was allowed to read an ARC of this book at this time because it really lifted my spirits when I needed it the most. This book solidified Sarah Beth Durst as being an auto-buy author for me and if you haven’t read her books, I encourage you to do so!

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