Imagine if Howl’s Moving Castle and The Secret Garden had a magical, honey-soaked baby, and you’ll get The Enchanted Greenhouse. This book is warm, whimsical, and quietly profound—like a hug from a cozy blanket, but with an undercurrent of bittersweet longing. Durst weaves a world so lush, you can almost smell the earth and taste the honey cakes. There’s an aching beauty to Terlu’s journey—about loneliness, second chances, and the small, unexpected ways we find belonging. Plus, there’s a sentient rose, and if that doesn’t sell you, I don’t know what will. A gentle, tender fantasy for those who love soft magic, found families, and stories that feel like stardust and sunshine.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is a delightful and whimsical read, a perfect blend of fantasy, mystery, and heartwarming character development. Terlu Perna, a librarian who dared to conjure a sentient spider plant, finds herself resurrected from wooden statue-hood on a mysterious island teeming with magical greenhouses. Terlu is a wonderfully relatable protagonist. Her subsequent determination to save the greenhouses, even at the risk of further punishment, showcases her growth and newfound sense of purpose. She's not a perfect hero, but her flaws make her all the more engaging. The supporting characters, especially the grumpy gardener and the sentient rose, add depth and humor to the story. Their interactions with Terlu are a highlight, creating a found family dynamic that is both heartwarming and believable.
Overall, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about second chances, the power of connection, and the importance of embracing one's passions. It's a charming and beautifully written novel that will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired. Perfect for fans of whimsical fantasy and anyone looking for a story that celebrates the magic of friendship and the beauty of the natural world. A book I would highly recommend.

This book sucks you into a magical world that is so wonderfully crafted and truly beautiful to be a part of. It's magical, mystical, and intriguing. Sarah does a fantastic job at creating a magic system and world that just makes sense to the reader, while still being so cozy, beautiful, and truly intricate.

Everyone needs to read at least one of Sarah's book in their time, because they're beautifully written and utterly magical.

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC!

Thank you NetGalley for an early eBook!

I know I'm not the only one who read The Spellshop and immediately started craving more cozy fantasy that would satisfy every whimsical urge I've ever had. When I found out about the Enchanted Greenhouse I was so stoked and then immediately scared that it wouldn't live up to my love of the first one. Boy was I wrong, this book was AMAZING.

Continuing a storyline that we were introduced to in the first book Durst weaves a story that has you wanting to sit by a fire and eat honey cakes. Terlu has woken up on a snowy island after spending the past six years as a wooden statue, a punishment she had to endure after creating Caz (ie. the sentient spider plant), after wondering through the forest she stumbles upon an, you guessed it, enchanted greenhouse. After stumbling her way through a few of the hundreds of greenhouse Terlu finally meets Yarrow. He's an introverted gardener who simply wants to save his greenhouses from whatever failed magic is happening and live out the rest of his days caring for his plants. He is the epitome of acts of service and truly I would die for him (also he's a cat person... hello!) Terlu is spunky and energetic and willing to do whatever she can to help Yarrow out even if that means breaking the law one or two (or many many more) times. The themes of starting over and a want for belonging continues in this book but not in a repetitive nature that seems overdone.

One of my favorite things about this book and this series is that the magic feels real. These women who are academics and have studied this stuff in the boundaries of the library are able to complete these spells through trial and error. It is not just looking at a candle and thinking "Light". It is hardwork and determination, and maybe a little help from a sentient rose.

I could go on and on about every aspect of this book and it's character, creatures and coziness that I love but I think everyone should read it for themselves to really experience the love.

It's alright. Took me weeks to finish, I'm not sure I was in the mood for it, and I had to force myself to finish. It's slow and drags. It missed the vibrancy of personalities from the first book, it picks up at about 75% when other human characters show up and the plot quickens. I love plants but didn't feel connected to them in this book, I wonder if this would have been better written from the male lead's POV.

Such a wonderful story!! Sweet and cozy, but plenty of twists to keep your attention. Worth the read and the re-read!

The Enchanted Greenhouse was a warm hug of a book—full of magic, mischief, and more heart than I expected. Terlu’s journey from lonely exile to unlikely hero was both charming and bittersweet, and I couldn’t help but root for her as she found purpose (and possibly love) among the island’s mysterious greenhouses.
The world the author created was enchanting, from the singing flowers to the sentient rose, and the grumpy-yet-kind gardener was the perfect reluctant companion. And let’s not forget the honey cakes—this book practically smelled like warmth and comfort.
While the pacing slowed in parts, the story’s heart made up for it. If you love magical gardens, second chances, and found family, this book was an absolute treat.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is the second book I’ve read by a new favorite author, Sarah Beth Durst. After falling in love with The Spellshop, I had to get a signed copy for my special book shelf!

The Enchanted Greenhouse was exactly what I needed right now —a cozy, heartwarming escape filled with beauty, love, and just the right amount of magic. In a world that feels overwhelming, this book offered a much-needed glimmer of hope.

Durst’s writing gives me all the warm and fuzzy feelings, just like The Spellshop did. As someone who adores both books and plants, I can’t imagine a cozier or more perfect story.

I absolutely loved the characters. Terlu—who, fun fact, is the librarian who creates Caz from The Spellshop!—has an incredible backstory. Then there’s Yarrow, the lonesome greenhouse gardener, and, of course, there’s the sentient plants, which always steal the show. Lotti the resurrection rose and Denny the philodendron were two of my favorites, and coincidentally, roses and philodendrons are some of my favorite plants to care for!

At a time when DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is inexplicably controversial to some, I deeply appreciate the inclusivity in Durst’s writing. Representation matters, and she weaves it into her stories so beautifully.

The story itself is utterly charming, and the ending was exactly what I needed.

Sarah Beth Durst is also such a kind and gracious author here on Bookstagram, and I can’t wait to meet her in May at the Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books and get The Enchanted Greenhouse signed to match my copy of The Spellshop!

Huge thanks to the author, @NetGalley, and Tor/Bramble for this ARC!

Wow. I absolutely adored this. I think some part of me must have really needed this story right now, because I eschewed all responsibilities yesterday and instead devoured this in one sitting. This is a super cozy fantasy with a dash of mystery and romance sprinkled in to propel the narrative. Terlu is a gem of a protagonist—a patron-focused and chatty librarian with low self-worth and a penchant for organized research. Durst does an excellent job of slowly developing her relationship with the grumpy plant-obsessed Yarrow while balancing the mystery of the failing magic greenhouses.  The plant side characters were some of my favorites—Lotti in particular made my heart ache at times. Terlu is also great fat representation, and I read Yarrow as autistic. (The best of both worlds for me!) 

Overall, 5 stars, 10/10, etc. I'm super excited to purchase this for my library and start recommending it to patrons when it comes out.

Felt a little slow at the start but once I got into it, I loved how cozy and sweet this was. It was perfect to cozy up and read by a fireplace. The fantasy cozy of it all was fantastic. I loved the atmospheric island this was set in and the how this tackles self discovery. Just very beautifully written.

This book was just as cozy and delightful as The Spellshop, which I loved! But with more talking plants! AND a grumpy x sunshine romance, of which I am also quite fond. (The Spellshop was also a grumpy x sunshine, but reversed.)
Terlu is a delightful character who tries her best to remain positive even in, honestly, a pretty traumatic situation. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her find her place in the world and some happiness. The amazing descriptions of the greenhouse didn’t hurt!
The only complaint I have, is that at one point there is a scene in the story, Terlu “sheds” her coat, like, 3 times and her scarf about 2 times. However, the story was so enjoyable for me, that can easily be overlooked.
By the end, I was tearing up. But in a good way! The way that the two stories were tied together but were still their own standalone books was very well done, I thought. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who craves cozy fantasy reads and loves plants!
P.S. I have already preordered the hardcover!

I absolutely loved The Spellshop, so I was ecstatic to learn about a sequel coming out. Sarah Beth Durst has a knack for writing rich details and vivid imagery that leaps off the page, creating wonders such as singing plants (although they may be tone deaf), flying cats, tiny dragons, ad the sweetness of freshly baked honey cakes. She creates these magical greenhouses that are so unique and truly wonderous. The characters are warm and heartfelt, although both MC's are lonely and have no idea what it feels like to have friendships or be wanted, something they both need. And the sentient plants are snarky, hilarious, and all with their own individual personalities. Durst masterfully weaves together themes of forgiveness, redemption, and belonging into a cozy romance story that feels not only comforting but adventurous.

Some tropes and what to expect:
~ Second Chances
~ Self-Discovery
~ Grumpy Gardener
~ Cozy Romance
~ Slow Burn

While this is technically a sequel, you don't necessarily need to read the first to enjoy The Enchanted Greenhouse. Although I do recommend it to find all the little Easter eggs within the story from the first. Whether you are discovering Durst for the first time or have read any of her previous works, this book reads like a warm hug. A story of finding your place in the world, hope, and love. If you enjoy both magical and cozy tales with a whole lot of heart, The Enchanted Greenhouse is just so wholesome. So grab some cozy reading socks, a comfy blanket, and a hot cup of tea and dive in.

And excuse me while I look up a recipe for honey cakes now.

Readalikes:
Legends & Lattes
A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic
The Baby Dragon Café
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

Thank you to Tor Publishing Group fir this digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A captivating and immersive fantasy that transports readers to a richly crafted world. The world-building is intricate and vivid, bringing every detail to life. The characters have incredible depth, making their journeys feel real and compelling. The author’s writing has grown, weaving a beautiful tale of adventure, magic, and destiny. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

I was so excited to hear from the librarian cursed after creating Caz. Everyone was so happy at the end of Spellshop, it felt like we needed Terlu to be too. Her story of perseverance was sickly sweet. Yarrow's personality defrosting over the course of the story was wonderful to watch. The pacing was nice, it was lighthearted, but also relatable and emotionally profound. A great cozy read for the winter when stuck in our own snowy worlds.

Sarah Beth Durst does it again!

Sarah has once again woven magic into words, creating a world that feels both familiar and enchantingly new.

The comparison to The Spellshop is inevitable, yet The Enchanted Greenhouse stands tall on its own merits. It's not a direct sequel, but the shared universe ties both stories together in a comforting embrace. The setting and world-building are meticulously crafted, offering a backdrop that is ripe with hope, coziness, and love. The narrative promises an escape into a world that mirrors our desires for warmth and affection, making it a perfect read for those who seek solace in the pages of a book.

The themes of hope, coziness, and love are interwoven throughout the story, creating a tapestry that feels both intimate and grand.

Pacing and character development are handled with a deft touch, ensuring that readers are engaged from the first page to the last. This natural progression allows us to grow alongside Terlu, Yarrow, and the Belde plants (and even Emeral!), experiencing their triumphs and challenges as if they were our own. Terlu is a sympathetic and deeply relatable protagonist who readers can’t help but root for from the first few paragraphs—or even earlier if you’ve read The Spellshop.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is a book that I cannot recommend enough. Its ability to transport readers into a world that is at once familiar and fantastical is a testament to Sarah’s skill and imagination.

Whether you're a fan of "The Spellshop" or new to Sarah’s work, this book promises a journey filled with wonder, growth, and the comforting embrace of a story well told.

Now I just need the folks of Belde and Caltery to meet in an Avengers style crossover!

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is like stepping into a warm hug. A story of second chances, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and sentient plants? Say less.

Terlu is a delight—curious, determined, and full of heart—and watching her navigate life on Belde with its curmudgeonly gardener, Yarrow, was pure joy. The greenhouse itself is a wonderland of whimsical details: winged cats, miniature dragons, and bioluminescent plants that practically glow off the page. Like, hello?! I really don’t need to say anything else. It’s the kind of world you want to sink into with a blanket and a cup of tea.

While the pacing meanders a bit, the quiet moments of growth and connection between Terlu, Yarrow, and the magical flora make this a standout cozy fantasy. If you love gentle, hopeful stories with lush worldbuilding and a slow-burn romance that feels earned, this one is for you.

The charming and delightful THE ENCHANTED GREENHOUSE delivered everything I wanted and more. Charming and delightful is a challenge that not all authors manage instead falling into twee, saccharine and unbelievable. Sarah Beth is a master at delivering a comfort read.

I adored the first book but liked this title even more because I found the heroine so heroic – she is willing to sacrifice herself to do right for others. She understands what her sacrifice will cost her. She is scared (and scarred) and her actions threaten the new love she is finding but still he does the right thing.

The tone is cozy, charming, delightful, and optimistic. It is a story filled with fabulous food, appealing friends, and a slow-burn, believable romance. What slow burn does so well is show us the couple falling in love because of who they are and who they can be together. Bravo!

A story of second chances, not just for the rogue librarian turned statue and back, but also for the lone gardener left on the island of Belde and the dormant sentient plants. This book contains a lovely assortment of wonders from talking plants to winged cats to miniature dragons, from greenhouses filled with plants from all over to ocean filled ones to bioluminescent ones to vegetable gardens and singing plants and so so much more. This really was a story filled with hope and love. Absolutely adored it!

This feels like it would be the perfect book to read in winter with a cup of hot chocolate. I loved the tiny dragon pollinators and the hopefulness of this book.

"What's the point of sailing free, choosing your own horizon, if you won't choose what's right over what's easy?"

The Enchanted Greenhouse was arguably my most anticipated book of 2025. I was truly HONORED to have received an arc copy (thank you NetGalley and Bramble). When I read The Spellshop last year, it opened the door to cozy fantasy for me and I haven't been able to get back to the exact magic I was looking for until Sarah provided this fabulous second installment. She is truly unmatched when it comes to magical and immersive descriptions. Not only was this book an excellent escape, it also had many timely and important messages about doing what is RIGHT and never giving up HOPE. I cannot imagine a more timely message. I laughed and cried and cannot wait to pick up a physical copy on release day. I will be holding my breath until 2026 when the next book hits shelves.

Thank you Sarah, for writing this when I needed it.