⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4/5

This book is basically what would happen if the Pixar movies Onward and Luca had a baby, and then The Nightmare Before Christmas showed up and said, “Let’s make it even weirder, but in the cutest, coziest way possible.” Add in winged cats, pastel rainbows, animated plants, a grumpy gardener, and a whole lot of honey cakes—and yeah, that’s The Enchanted Greenhouse.

Set in the same world as The Spell Shop (though you don’t have to read that first), this follows Terlu Perna, a sweet, anxious, overthinking librarian who’s been exiled for a magical crime that didn’t actually hurt anyone. She ends up on this quiet island with a very grumpy gardener named Yarrow, who shows he cares mostly by cooking for people and avoiding all conversations involving feelings. Honestly, relatable.

Together, they try to figure out what’s wrong with this magical greenhouse that’s falling apart around them, while also slowly (and awkwardly) learning to trust each other. There’s a lot of emotional healing here, a little bit of soft magical politics in the background, and a whole lot of very detailed food descriptions. Like… a lot.

I listened to this on audiobook and I have to say—this is one of those stories that really works in audio. The narrator did an excellent job capturing that whimsical, slightly chaotic energy of the world, and the almost neurotic nervousness that defines so much of Terlu’s personality. It felt like the right tone for the book from beginning to end.

There’s so much I liked about this. The vibes are top-tier cozy. The world is sweet and dreamy and filled with charm. Terlu is super relatable—she’s all word-vomit and emotions and self-doubt, and I felt that deeply. Yarrow is the classic grump with a gooey center, and I love that his love language is basically “Here, eat this stew.” Also, the magical setting is just stunning. I didn’t expect this much whimsical worldbuilding in something that felt so soft and quiet.

But… I’ll be honest. It was almost too sweet for me. Like, sugar rush sweet. After a while, I felt like I was getting the literary equivalent of a cavity. The pacing dragged in spots, especially with the constant food tangents, and I think this book would’ve been even better if it had been about 100 pages shorter. I also didn’t totally connect with the characters emotionally, which surprised me. I liked them. I rooted for them. But I didn’t feel them the way I wanted to. Their flaws felt a little too soft, like they were wrapped in bubble wrap.

That said, if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy that leans Hallmark more than Hobbit, where the stakes are low but the feelings are tender, this might be your next comfort read. Just maybe have a cookie nearby. You’ll crave one by chapter three.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This story was cute and just as magical as the first one in it's own way. I was slightly dissapointed that we didn't get Cas or the island of Caltrey in this one. But that's a me type of dissapointment. The enchanted Greenhouse is just as worth it with the grumpy gardener and a whole slew of sentient beings. I feel there's something for everyone in this one. Absoulutely adore the narrator chosen for these story's.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for this gift to read early.

Reviews

🪴 the Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is easily one of my favorite books of 2025.

This story is about Terlu, who found herself in a bit of trouble while trying to make a friend. Literally. You may recognize Terlu from the Spellshop as the creator of Kaz, a magical sentient spider plant. When Terlu Perna’s fate seems doomed, she is reawakened and given another chance. Is it to right her “wrong” or to find where she belongs? Maybe both, but certainly not do anything that would have her turned back into a wooden statue..

Unfortunately, that may not be an option. It just so happens that magic is why she was brought here. A gruff, but handsome, quiet gardener requested a sorcerer to save the greenhouses, and someone sent her.. but she couldn’t possibly do magic again. Could she? She has to decide what a long dead Sorcerer’s greenhouses are worth. These aren’t just ordinary greenhouses, of course. These are enchanted greenhouses. Each one unique and necessary in its own way. And each one seems to be not only losing its magic, but magically destroying itself with dying suns and rapid temperature fluxes. With the reawakening of a sentient rose, Terlu begins to truly understand what is at stake. They aren’t just plants.

This story is about finding the courage to do what is right and finding where you belong. Sarah Beth Durst writing style paints a portrait of whimsy. She provides us with meaningful characters of the smallest variety, and a plus-size heroin who loves honey cakes. (I had to ask my husband to bake me honey cakes while reading this book.) There are dragons & desserts, seashells & sea turtles, griffons & greenhouses, family & forgiveness.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is a spellbinding tale reminding us of community, hope, and love. I would recommend it to anyone who loves cozy stories of magic and whimsy. The audiobook, narrated by Caitlin Davies, also enhances the experience with distinct character voices adding even more depth to characters.

Many thanks to @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @sarahbethdurst for sharing The Enchanted Greenhouse with me for my honest review.

#bookreview #arc #cozyread #sarahbethdurst #theenchantedgreenhouse

I thought this book was cute.I really do like the way that the author writes. I feel like there were topics in here that I just don't agree with. Yes, and I don't think need to be in books. Like the ridiculous they them discussion. There was just something about the way that this was written. Then I did not connect to like I did.The first one. This one felt like the story was just trying to be inclusive. So politically, it was hitting its mark, but the story didn't really flow for me. As the first one did.

Such a cute, cozy read.. I loved the magic and that the “villain” was actually just imperfect spells from a sorcerer who passed. The romance was satisfying but not unnecessarily focused on in the story. Will come back to update this review in a day or so

I have already reviewed the ebook of this, and I was so entranced I needed the audiobook as well for an immersive experience.

The audiobook is perfect for this, with narration that transports all the feels.

I can't get enough of this world and I'm already longing for the next book.

Thank you for the audiobook, I highly recommend it.

"The Enchanted Greenhouse," started off a bit slow for me. However, around 15% into the book, things picked up, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the journey.

The imagery in this book is very well done. Durst masterfully paints a picture of a magical greenhouse that feels alive, filled with vibrant plants that seem to have their own personalities (some do). Each description draws you deeper into this enchanting world, and entwines the themes of forgiveness, healing, and finding your purpose.

Overall, once the story gained momentum, it turned into a delightful adventure that kept me engaged until the very end. It was a great whimsical read filled with wonder and vivid imagery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me audio ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

ARC Review for:

📚 The Enchanted Garden
Written by Sarah Beth Durst

Tor Publishing Group
Macmillan Audio, Narrated by Caitlin Davies

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Spoiler free 😁

I REALLY enjoyed this cozy cottagecore fantasy! It takes place on a magical island with enchanted greenhouses, a grumpy gardener, and a sunshine FMC, complete with talking flowers and a winged kitty! The spunky talking rose was like a Betty White character of the book. ❤️ This storyline is very creative and descriptive drawing you right in. I truly hope there's a sequel. . . and a recipe for the homemade honeycakes!!! We all need more books like this with friendship, love, hope, and second chances.

Thank you so much to:

@macmillan.audio
@sarahbethdurst
@netgalley

#NetGalley
#SarahBethDurst
#CaitlinDavies
#TorPublishing
#MacmillanAudio

Charming and cozy and sweet! I love the tie-ins with The Spellshop. This was exactly the story I wanted when I found out about it.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Absolutely delightful and enchanting! The narrator did an amazing job breathing life into all the characters, especially Terlu and all the plants. This was very helpful in distinguishing them and adding a lot to their personality. The only criticism I have is that there were many 'ending' chapters that felt a bit like Lord of the Rings. Overall, I highly rate and recommend this book!

This was so sweet! At first I was worried that this would end up just being the same as The Spellshop with different names but all the characters were different enough while still giving that cozy feel. Terlu, especially, felt like an MC we don't see enough of. Also, the descriptions of all the different greenhouses were simply magical.

Enjoyed it as a palate cleanser listen
This would be great for anyone who likes a low stakes cute fantasy.

Narrator was really good too
It was very sweet and whimsical
Characters didn’t have much of an arc but seems like that’s normal with cozy fantasy so for what it was it was a good story

What a fantastic story! I loved everything about it. You know those days where you hang out with your favorite friends and loved ones, do fun things together, talk about your lives, help solve each others problems and feel like you’re having an absolutely wonderful day surrounded by the people you love and that love you? That is exactly what reading this book felt like. I haven’t read The Spellshop yet, but this one caught my interest because it combined two things I love, plants and fantasy. While it’s in the same world as The Spellshop, you definitely don’t have to have read it first to understand and enjoy The Enchanted Greenhouse. It truly serves as a standalone addition to the world and is wonderful. This was one of the best lighthearted, fun, emotional filled, satisfying, feel like a warm hug and cup of happiness fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. It was nothing short of perfection! Now I wish I could enchant my own plants and have them talk to me too! I listened to this book on audio and the narrator was also sheer perfection!

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan audio for giving me this advanced audio to listen to in exchange for my honest review.

This is an imaginative cozy read, full of mystery, talking plants and a slow burn romance. The Heroine of this story has a lot to over come. She has been given a second chance at life, but in order for her to embrace it she must let go of her fears and find her inner strength. What a great follow up to The Spellshop. If you haven’t read the first book, no worries as this can be read by itself. I recommend this to anyone looking for something heart warming, with a touch of whimsy. The Audiobook is wonderful and the narrator did an amazing job. Her voice inflection made this a fabulous experience.

I was absolutely thrilled to be provided an Advanced Copy of the audiobook through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Enchanted Greenhouse is just as cozy and sweet as The Spellshop!
An adorable read, with the most magical story.
The characters are lovable and unique and the sentient plants are the funniest. There are some more fun characters and plants hiding in the greenhouse including tiny dragons.
The lost FMC meets the broody MMC with the cutest romantic sparks.
Love, found family, magic, and a whimsical atmosphere make this another perfect cozy fantasy from Sarah Beth.
Cailtin Davies again brings these characters and magic alive with her fantastic narration.

This is a very cute young adult book to read. The audio for it is read by one person, which it would be better if there was a man reading with for the guys parts. It took me a bit to get through this due to it not really being my style, but for a young adult fantasy with a very clean taste it was cute!

Amazing book alert! The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is an amazing cozy fantasy novel that will be a book I return to regularly. I am so grateful to have been approved for the audiobook ARC through Netgalley. To return to the same world as The Spellshop, but to see another place and new characters was so wonderful. As a plant and fantasy lover, I adored everything in this book. 5 stars easily. Highly recommend if you need a break after w book hangover. This is the perfect novel. I found the main characters very relatable as well.

I absolutely loved this ALC. I loved the talking plants and cat. I liked the dragons. I loved the banter between the FMC and MMC. And the plot and lesson behind the story was amazing.I will definitely buy the book when it comes out on July 15, 2025.

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0 Stars

Sarah Beth Durst's The Spellshop is a masterclass in cozy fantasy and I am happy to report that she somehow found a way to improve on perfection with The Enchanted Greenhouse. I love that she's built a world that feels expansive and fleshed out, mixing classic fantasy elements with modern sensibilities in a way that feels natural.
I appreciate that for a cozy tale Durst doesn't ignore the fact that some of the events of the book are highly traumatic for the characters and addresses that there will be some fall out/consequences from that. Could it be further fleshed out and more realistic? Of course, but she's writing in the coxy fantasy genre, its not the place for a full deep dive into the psychology of trauma.
While I personally could have taken or left the romance plot, I can appreciate that that is a me thing. Its not clunky or overly spicy, romance in general just isn't my jam. I think those that do like it will find the progress of the relationship to be believable and sweet.
I also appreciate that this is a standalone story so I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to dip their toes into the genre, and then share the happy surprise that there is another book in world if they enjoy it.
Hoping to see more from this world in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for this review copy.

I was so excited to see that there was another book taking us back into this world coming into existence, I absolutely adored The Spellshop. This tale was just as cozy, and I was emotional from the beginning after knowing the story of the librarian that created Caz. I was so happy to see that that very librarian is getting a second chance to be human again (who wants to stay as a wooden statue for eternity?). Between her, the grumpy gardiner, and saving the greenhouses, I could not get enough of this story. It's another perfect story with magic and romance to curl up with a cup of tea while reading.