This book has a heavy start for a middle grade fantasy. Lavender is losing her memory after having lost her mom. She’s lost her best friend and can't remember why. She isn't able to talk to her dad about her loss of memory, and he won't talk about her mom. It's a lot. Grief and loss are a main focus of the book. She's desperately trying to figure out how to handle her mom’s death and clinging to the memories she has of her. Other people around her are also dealing with grief of their own, and that leads them to certain actions through the course of the story.

Even with the heaviness of grief and loss, the book is still sweet. There's an almost cottagecore, cozy feeling from the town, the apothecary shop, and the sweetness of most of her memories.

I liked all of the characters in this book. Even the ones who are frustrating for various reasons have some complexity and depth to them that added charm and sweetness. Her father, Munin, Faye, Guste and even the shopkeepers have a lot of life to them. Lavender herself is a likeable character whose grief shapes her choices but remains lovable.

There are a few things I wanted more explanations of. Her falling out and eventual becoming friends with Guste again or why she was able to move on to forgiveness for the character who has done her a lot of harm. It seemed like there should have been more to some of that and some of the memories.

Overall, this is a magical story full of heart about how grief can change people for good or bad and how to move on when things seem hard. There’s a lot of emotional depth, a compelling world, and characters you want to root for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this was a fantastic story. Debut author CM Cornwell weaves an enchanting tale that features magical embroidery, a cozy apothecary setting, themes of grief, and a wholesome enemies-to-crushes romance. I really enjoyed this poignant tale and can't wait to see what the author does next.

I really enjoyed this book. It was heart-wrenching and sweet in all the best ways. I loved the world, the magic, and of course, the talking bird!

This book really grabbed my daughter’s attention. We were so invested in the mystery that Lavender finds herself wrapped up in. My daughter found Lavender’s character very relatable, especially her desire to keep the memory of her mother alive forever. The relationship between Frey and Lavender was a great addition to how young girls can find solace in others who are going through similar experiences. And how to deal with relationships that just might turn for the worst. A great fantasy read for young readers who want to read about love, loss and friendship.

*Thank you to C.M. Cornwell, Random House Children's | Delacorte Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s very well written and handles grief in a beautiful way. I think a lot of kids will be able to see themselves in both Lavender and Frey and I can’t wait to order this book for work. The magic system and world building was next level and I’m obsessed!! I never wanted the book to end and I think that any reader will feel the same. Unlike many books I’ve read that were written for kids that handle grief, this one never felt like it skewed younger than the intended audience and that is one of my favorite things about Cornwell’s writing.

This was a fun and engaging middle grade fantasy that lightly deals with some deeper themes. A compelling read that kept me turning pages. The chapters were short, which kept the pacing high and made it easy to feel the progress as I read through the story - and hard to put the book down. Because the story dealt with re-experiencing and remembering memories, there were a few of the same memories that circled around a couple of times and felt a little repetitive in some places. We didn't relive them in their entirety, but I did almost wish for a little more variety in the memories.

But I found the premise really intriguing and enjoyable. I loved the idea of a girl losing her memories in the wake of her grief. I thought Lavender struggling to remember her mother because of the fading of time blended nicely with the memory magic threaded into the plot. It also contrasted so beautifully with the way others in the story dealt with grief. Her father refused to "remember" in the name of moving on. Her neighbor wanted to reminisce with her to help her remember and to both give and have consolation. Her friend sought to be physically present to show his loyalty and help her grieve by being there for her. The variety of ways to cope on display was really cool to see: ignoring it, anger, fear, physical actions, words, comfort with hugs, etc.

I do think there were a few pieces I thought were set up perfectly to go a little further or deeper, but didn't. One memory Lavender goes back to is a tree that looks dead on the outside, but is still green and living underneath the layer of bark. I was so sure that would be applied metaphorically to her father's coping and perhaps even a few other characters that could have applied to, but it never really went much deeper than the memory. The story also set up a fantastic opportunity to show the grace and healing power of forgiveness, but it actually says "I'll never forgive..." a couple of times, even ending on that note (while balancing it with a more positive ending in other ways). That left a sour taste because I personally believe forgiveness was what this story was missing. The antithesis of the hurt, revenge, grief, and sorrow could have shown such an incredible picture of choosing to love in spite of that pain, to forgive in order to move on. But alas, the story sort of makes it sound okay to hold on to that and like you can move on even if you don't forgive (even though some apologies did happen? It was a little confusing.). The whole deal with Guste and Lavendar in the beginning where they started out with this falling out didn't ever really feel as resolved as I'd wanted either.

The characters were fun. Lavender grabs you straight from the start. She's a very determined character who knows exactly what she wants. Her sense of urgency and her absolute will to believe her plan must work compelled me to keep reading to see what would happen. There were times I hoped she'd learn a few lessons that she, again, only kind of brushed upon, but overall, I liked her. Guste was charming and loyal and someone you'd definitely want to be your friend. I loved him to bits and pieces. Lavender's father was fascinating. I loved seeing how he behaved so differently from Lavender, seeing the tension in their relationship and what she believed about him and how they navigated their losses and circumstances. I also really loved getting to understand the nuanced reasons behind why he made the choices he did. He was a great character. Munin was a lot of fun and I ended up really appreciating her. And Faye was a great, mysterious figure that kept me guessing through much of the story. I do wish someone had just given the poor woman a big hug.

The world was creative and easy to grasp. A delightful contrast between medicine and magic with the apothecary pitted against the enchanted clothing woven by an enchantress. I loved the cozy, homey feel of the apothecary. We got to see a few other shops around the town and of course the enchantress's cottage on the outskirts. A simple, small world that really allowed the characters and themes to shine. And the magic was much the same: easy to understand, straightforward, and simple in a way that allowed the other elements in the story to shine.

Speaking of themes, we've already touched on how the story really centers around grief. That is the primary theme, alongside memories and memory loss, etc. But the story also deals with love, truth/lies, friendship, bitterness and anger - not so much the forgiveness and repentance side of things, like we said. There's a mix of how to be a good or bad friend, from a surface level view, and a touch of the trouble lies can cause. But there isn't much of the deeper is it right or wrong to lie (outside of the preteen who insists it was wrong for her father to keep something from her, which in my personal opinion was good parenting on his part. Having grown up in a home where my parents dumped their financial woes on the shoulders of literal children there are some things that aren't a kid's business or responsibility. He never lied to her about the position they were in; but he was making adult decisions about adult matters that his kid wasn't entitled to knowledge about. She's allowed to be upset and to have a mature conversation with him about it, but she's also subject to his authority as her father who ultimately is responsible for the household in this situation.)

Anywho, the book has some great elements that could springboard into good conversations with kiddos about some of these themes and about the perspective and choices of several of the characters in different key moments in the story, and even in the ordinary moments.

Content: MG - no swearing, very little and mild violence, though a little bit of mild creep factor with the witch's curse and the aesthetic that comes with (black eyes, dark threads, crows, etc.), and a super mild middle school crush. Themes that deal with loss, grief, honesty and dishonesty, friendship, bitterness, anger, and hope. There's some "dark" magic that comes from a character giving into bitterness and anger and using dark memories to weave curses into clothing. I'd probably recommend 10 to 12+, depending on how the kid does with some of these themes.

As a note: thank to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy - this one was a surprising delight to read and the above are my honest and voluntary thoughts on the book. 4.5/5

In her captivating debut novel, The Memory Spinner, author C.M. Cornwell weaves a fresh tapestry of magic, adventure, and peril. The book introduces a world where memories become an intangible magic currency but forgetting has devastating consequences. At the heart of this world is Lavender, a bold and plucky main character grappling with a problem that not only threatens her future as an apothecary but also the cherished memories of her recently lost mother. Desperate for a cure, Lavender’s search leads her to the doorstep of a mysterious enchantress named Frey, a fascinating and morally complex antagonist whose promises of help come with a hidden price.

Cornwell's magic system is one of the novel's standout features. Instead of relying on typical spells and incantations, the author has created a unique form of magic centered around enchanted clothing woven from the power of words and the act of spinning threads into clothing. Under Frey’s tutelage, Lavender not only gets her memories back but also begins to learn this intriguing magic herself, drawing the reader into a world of bewitchment and wonder. However, as Lavender delves deeper, she uncovers the chilling truth behind Frey's generosity: the enchanted clothes are more than they seem, and the town stands in grave danger of being cursed.

What follows is an exciting and daring adventure filled with unexpected turns that will keep readers entranced as they watch Lavender navigate a treacherous path: choosing between her desires and the safety of her loved ones. The book expertly explores themes of loyalty, friendship, family, trust, and courage, all while maintaining a perfect blend of excitement, drama, and chills. The hint of romance is an excellent touch, adding a layer of depth without overpowering the central plot.

The Memory Spinner is a thrilling journey that will appeal to fans of fantasy, adventure, and anyone who loves a good mystery. It’s a compelling read that will leave you pondering the true cost of power and the lengths one will go to protect the people they cherish. I can’t wait to see what magic C.M. Cornwell spins in her next novel!

Full of beauty, whimsy, and emotional intelligence. I could have stayed with Lavender in her world forever.

A young girl is troubled due to her unexplained memory loss which is causing problems with her already strained relationship with her father. As Lavender seeks a solution to the memory loss, she gets entangled with a woman named Frey who is more than she seems. The Memory Spinner has a cozy vibe with a slow build up of light scariness. I appreciated the pace at which key details are revealed and the climatic ending. Anyone who loves fantasy and is looking for a unique magic system should read C. M. Cornwell's The Memory Spinner today!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

The Memory Spinner by C. M. Cornwell is a first person-POV Middle Grade fantasy about memory loss and grief. When Lavender’s mother passed away, she took the joy in the house with her. Lavender is officially in training to take over the apothecary from her father, but she struggles to remember anything after a few minutes, making it difficult for her to do her job and ruining her personal relationships. Lavender desperately wants to keep her memories and she will give up anything to do so.

Frey, the town’s enchantress, can weave memories and use them when she casts magic. She uses Lavender’s good memories of her mother to weave a cloak to help Lavender remember things better, but it comes with a price of forever losing one of her happiest memories. Spinners can also use unhappy memories for dark magic, including curses, though this is seen as a taboo due to how dangerous it is.

Lavender is pretty deep in her grief and it doesn't help that her father doesn't want to talk about her mother. He's very focused on the apothecary and what Lavender could be doing, which makes him a poor listener and looks Lavender out. It is a realistic portrayal of grief as many people do push their feelings aside because it is too painful or they believe that if they try hard enough, their feelings will just sort themselves out on their own. Parents often do this as a way to help their children, but in doing so, they often invalidate their children’s feelings and teach poor coping mechanisms, which is the opposite of what a parent should be modeling.

The language is very immersive but the book itself moves at a fairly fast pace. I was really surprised to see how quickly I went through this as I felt everything on the page was taking its time and really letting me see what was happening. For a debut, that is very impressive. This is going to be a great read for reluctant readers who really struggle to stay within a story.

I would recommend this to reluctant readers who love fantasy and young readers who need a book discussing grief

This book is just beautiful! The cover, the words inside, the themes! Cornwell does an incredible job making every moment count. Every word has a purpose to the overall story and themes. She crafts enchanting magic with quick moving adventure that I plan to revisit because this is a book worth rereading.

A heartwarming, magical and honest tale about grief that centers a child’s perspective when oftentimes they are pushed aside.

The Memory Spinner is a luminous and emotionally resonant debut that blends fantasy and grief in a way that feels both heartfelt and inventive. Lavender’s struggle to hold onto her memories of her mother while navigating the expectations of her present life as an apothecary’s daughter is deeply moving. The relationship she forms with the mysterious enchantress Frey is rich with tension, beauty, and moral complexity. Some magical elements could have been more fully developed, but the novel’s emotional core, centered on memory, loss, and the courage to move forward, is powerful and affecting. A strong debut that will linger with readers.

This was a great premise, and I loved getting to meet Lavender! Her story is a sad one, but Lavendar never loses hope. I found the rules of the memory loss to be a little confusing at times regarding what memories she was losing and which she got to keep (and why). I also found myself really caught up in the idea of the potential future that was facing Lavendar if she hadn't broken the curse--would she have forgotten her whole life? That future seems quite grim / dark for a children's book. But the magical system was really interesting, including the connection to thread and cloth, and I really enjoyed the tension between magic and science!

The Memory Spinner is a lovely debut novel. It's fun, mysterious, magical, and full of heart. It's about grief and hope, and the different ways they affect us.
The protagonist, Lavender, is easy to relate to. She's trying her hardest to do her best, but keeps running into issues with her memory. It's a very troubling problem to think about, and it isn't hard to understand why she goes looking for a magical solution. She's a fantastic narrator that I think many kids will see themselves in.
The mystery of Lavender's fleeting memory was interesting, and went in directions I didn't expect. It kept the story moving at a good pace, and made it easy to keep reading.
This book is great for all audiences, but I know I would have eaten it up as a kid due to the magic and setting. This is a solid middle grade, and I'm interested to see more from the author.

Lavender used to have an excellent memory, but since her mom died, she’s losing her old memories and struggles to remember anything new. She’s an apprentice at her dad’s apothecary shop, so it’s vital she retain her memories. She’s haunted by the ones of her mom she’s lost. Lavender begins to work for an enchantress, in order to regain her memories.

This middle grade fantasy book is filled with magical enchantments and curses. I highly recommend reading this interesting book!

This was a lovely but quite melancholy middle grade story about a girl who is losing her memory. She makes a deal with a witch to help her gain her memories back. This book was sweet but a bit sad and a bit of a bummer. I’m not sure it’s something I would encourage my sensitive child to read but maybe other kids would enjoy it. There are heavy themes around grief and death.

The Memory Spinner is a gentle, wistful tale about memory, loss, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. C. M. Cornwell weaves a quietly magical story that explores grief through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Lavender, whose struggle to remember her late mother forms the heart of the narrative.

Lavender’s predicament—forgetting both practical skills and cherished moments—adds a realistic weight to the fantasy elements. The introduction of Frey, the clothing enchantress, brings a mystical and tender aspect to the story, as her spinning magic allows Lavender to reconnect with her mother’s warmth and love. Their friendship is a highlight, adding emotional depth and a comforting sense of hope.

While the concept is lovely, the pacing can feel slow at times, and some plot developments—especially the reveal of Frey’s vengeful motives—come across as predictable rather than surprising. The story leans heavily on introspection and atmosphere, which may not satisfy readers seeking more action or higher stakes.

Still, The Memory Spinner offers a sweet, thoughtful meditation on grief and healing, with lyrical prose and a gentle magical touch. It’s a quiet read for those who appreciate emotional nuance and soft fantasy, even if it doesn’t quite break new ground in the genre.

This book made me cry. A lot. I mean, oh gosh. You couldn't help but root for Lavender and her earnest desire to get her memories back. The exploration of grief in particular was so thoughtfully done. Raw and real, yet laced with a kind of gentle hope. Where pain and healing are encouraged to coexist, and I really appreciated that.

I found myself genuinely loving almost every single character we met, which is rare for me. Each one felt distinct, layered, and emotionally resonant, adding something unique to Lavender’s journey. The relationships were complex but grounded in love, understanding, and sometimes missteps, just like real life.

The worldbuilding was another highlight. It was so immersive and atmospheric. Calming, even. I loved how we were introduced to the magical elements gradually, learning alongside Lavender in a way that felt natural and full of wonder. The magic also enhanced the emotional core of the story in beautiful ways.

I truly loved this book and can’t recommend it enough. The emotions were rich, the prose was poetic, and the story wrapped itself around you like a warm blanket. It reminds you that you’re not alone, even when everything feels too big to bear.

A beautifully written middle grade fantasy with major fairy tale vibes that follows a girl struggling with memory loss after Mom passes away. An especially dangerous situation as she can't remember the power of herbs while apprenticing in her father's apothecary and heartbreaking as she can't remember details about her beloved mother. Soon she is given a chance to get it all back--work for an enchantress for just a few weeks and get a memory cloak to help remember. Twists and turns ensue in this powerful story about loss and redemption. I love that this book has such a classic feel with a powerful energy in its voice. Highly recommend!