https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7487878766 Terlu Perna has been condemned to live her life as a wooden statue. Terlu’s crime? Using magic to create a sentient spider plant named Caz. Terlu isn’t sure how much time has passed when she finds herself awake, human, and seemingly alone in the woods outside a rather large collection of greenhouses. Gardener Yarrow is expecting a sorcerer to awaken from the statue, so he is equally surprised to find Terlu. The magic on the greenhouses is failing and if it’s not fixed soon, all of the plants will die. Terlu is sure she can fix it - she’s a librarian after all!

As someone who doesn’t usually like cozy stories, I have to say Sarah Beth Durst may be the exception. I loved returning to the magical world of the Crescent Islands. Terlu was such an easy character to relate to. All she wants is friendship and to be loved for who she is. Yarrow is a great match for her. He has stayed behind even when his family left so that he can continue to care for the greenhouse. His isolation may be self-inflicted, and he may be a bit grumpy when they first meet, but he is quick take care of Terlu and welcome her into his home. Their love story was such a treat to read - though now I am craving both soup and honey cakes.

While I missed Caz, there is not shortage of magical companions to be found in The Enchanted Greenhouse. There are SO many talking plants and each has their own distinct personality. Durst really gave life to each of these characters, especially Lotti, and they felt like true secondary characters. The audiobook narrator did such a great job voicing all of them! The chapter where the plants are woken up was a particular favorite of mine. We also encounter gryphons, small dragons, and a flying cat named Emeril. I hope that if this series continues we learn even more about the creatures and the other islands.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for a review copy.

As much as I wanted to love this book. I made it 61%. The idea of having Terlus story sounded great, as the story kept going, it was just too much.

I loved The Spellshop so I was really looking forward to this story about Terlu. Terlu created our favorite sentient spider plant named Caz and was sentenced to life as a statue for using sorcery when it was forbidden. Years pass and one day Terlu wakes up on an all but deserted island only to find a cranky gardener has broken the spell she was under because he thinks she’s a sorceress who can help him restore the magical greenhouses he tends to. What they cook up together is a wild ride of plant characters, curmudgeonly old gardener, and an ever hopeful optimist terrified of life as a statue again. I loved this story and its continuation of a fascinating world that the author has built. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was perfect.

Thanks to #NetGalley for sending me an arc of the audio book for my review.

A sweet, cozy fantasy that feels like a warm hug completely wrapped up in magic and whimsy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Enchanted Greenhouse.

The story follows Terlu, the librarian who once created Kaz the sentient spider plant from The Spellshop. She was punished for using illegal magic and was turned into a wooden statue. Years later we see her awaken on a snowy island full of interconnected enchanted greenhouses. There she meets Yarrow, a grumpy gardener who slowly opens his heart through honey cakes and tentative friendship.

The setting is absolutely charming. There’s greenhouses filled with singing flowers, miniature dragons, and a winged cat named Emeral. The writing is vivid, I was able to easily visualize the world and could practically feel the cold of winter outside and the warmth of the fire in the hearth inside the cozy cabin.

This is a story of healing, found family, and second chances. Terlu’s growth from insecurity to confidence is beautifully written, with Yarrow’s quiet support making their journey all the more heartwarming. Their slow-burn romance is kind and sweet.

If you loved The Spellshop and its quirky plant characters, this sequel is a perfect continuation. It’s fun, imaginative, and rich in atmosphere. This is the kind of book you just want to read curled up snuggled with tea and a blanket. It’s whimsical, forgiving, and completely comforting. A perfect cozy fantasy, full of found family and gentle love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced audiobook copy of this book.

This is such a cute series!! So cozy and sweet. I was happy to return to this world with our fun cast of characters.

I loved this. If you are a plant lover, you will love this too. Readers get a sneak peak into the backstory of the creator of Caz from The Spellshop, Terlu. This was a beautiful read while watching Terlu come to terms with the things that have happened in her life and her accepting that things sometimes happen for a reason. Although she may not be able to change her past, she can work towards a better future. Terlu’s inner turmoil, overthinking and need to be accepted is something I think many readers will be able to connect and resonate with. The exploration of Terlu and Yarrow’s relationship was a beautiful unfolding. Terlu was always mindful of Yarrow’s boundaries and comfort level despite him being a man of few words. I enjoyed the fact that the plot was not overshadowed by the romance and still had its moments to shine. This book was full of little Easter eggs that I thoroughly enjoyed and it had me captivated from the beginning. Sarah Beth Durst never misses when adding a touch of cozy softness to her books, with a dash of perfect - still moments. The ending was beautiful. The diversity and representation was beautiful. My heart cannot take it. I thoroughly enjoyed this Audio and story!!

4.5 stars. Love Sarah Beth Durst and her amazing cozy romantasy books. This is a standalone novel set in the world of The Spellshop. Terlu Perna is a librarian charged with using magic. As she is not a sorcerer, this was forbidden. She was lonely and created a sentient plant, named Caz. Terlu is sentenced to be a statue and stuck in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alysium.
However, miraculously, one day Terlu wakes up to snow and hunger, on an almost deserted island full of magical greenhouses. She meets a grumpy gardener named Yarrow, who woke her with the hope of Terlu saving the dying greenhouses.
Terlu would love to but is afraid of breaking the law again. However, she is not alone this time and with help from Yarrow and a a sentient rose named Lottie, Terlu will save the wondrous island of greenhouses.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this digital audio e-arc.*

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Listener Copy of The Enchanted Greenhouse.

I LOVED Sarah Beth Durst's previous cozy fantasy, The Spellshop, so when I heard that there was going to be a follow-up book set in the same world I was very excited and had HIGH expectations. I'm happy to say that The Enchanted Greenhouse did not disappoint and I may have even liked this one MORE?!

The Enchanted Greenhouse tells the story of Terlu Perna, a librarian who worked at the Great Library of Alyssium until she broke imperial law to create Caz (the sentient spiderplant sidekick from The Spellshop) because she was lonely. Terlu was turned into a wooden statue as punishment and would likely have been destroyed/burned alive during the revolution had someone not shipped her along with spell instructions to "de-statue-ify" her out of harms way and to a remote and *mostly* deserted island. Once she is turned back into a person, Terlu wakes up alone and confused. She seeks refuge from the cold in a magical greenhouse where she meets a grumpy (but quite handsome) gardener who needs her help to fix the enchantments on the failing magical plants and greenhouses. Terlu is torn between her desire to help her new friends and her fear of breaking the law again/being turned back into a statue. Luckily, she is no longer alone and this time around has more friendly folks looking out for her!

The Enchanted Greenhouse is just as sweet and romantic as The Spellshop and is full of winged cats, mini dragons, LOTS of talking plants and plenty of cottage core cozy vibes!

While in the Spellshop, The MC (Kiela) is at first a bit brusque/closed off to making new friends when she relocates back to her home island, the MC (Terlu) in the Enchanted Greenhouse is just aching for connection and community. I instantly connected with Terlu and her desire for friendship/love while also struggling with insecurities of feeling like she is "too much". I also really enjoyed the romance in this book! Her and Yarrow absolutely melted my heart. I adore the two of them together so much and loved how they compliment each other and helped each other grow throughout the book. Moreover, I LOVED Lottie the little sentient rose plant! She had just as much spunk as Caz and was a delight every time she appeared in the story.

All in all this was a lovely read with excellent audio narration and one I'll reach for again whenever I'm in the mood for a cheerful cozy fantasy with lots of heart!

"If you’re hurt, you’re hurt. It doesn’t matter if anyone else thinks you don’t have a good enough reason. Pain doesn’t require approval."

Who would have thought that a cozy fantasy could heal a small part of me that I didn't know was broken? Sarah has an incredible way with words. She makes you feel comfortable while dropping powerful and meaningful quotes that stick with readers.

Enchanted Greenhouse is the sequel to The Spellshop. While these books can be read as standalones, I highly encourage you to read them in order, as it will make the ending so much sweeter.

We get to follow Caz' creator, Terlu. She was turned into a statue for breaking the law and creating Caz, but now she's mysteriously woken up on an island she's never been on.

Terlu never felt like she belonged on her home island or while working in the library. Throughout the book we get to watch her find her place in the world.

We also get to watch the grumpy gardener come out of his shell. I truly loved this story. It is written in Terlu's POV, but the author did a terrific job of explaining why both characters acted the way they did. The whole story was cozy and comforting, but also showed a significant amount of character growth.

The Spellshop was one of my favorite reads this year, so I was beyond thrilled when I was granted the opportunity to listen to The Enchanted Greenhouse before it releases! The narrator did a wonderful job distinguishing between the character voices. I think Dendi is my favorite simply because of the way his voice and personality were portrayed

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to the ARC of The Enchanted Greenhouse!

This cozy sequel to The Spellshop brings us back into the magical world of sentient plants, only this time, we follow Terlu, the mysterious woman who once enchanted our beloved spider plant, Caz. The book begins with a quick but impactful prequel that explains her past: a spell gone too far, a trial, and a six-year punishment spent as a wooden statue. Things pick up when Terlu is suddenly and inexplicably freed, waking up on a snow-covered island with no one around but a grumpy gardener. (Hello, grumpy/sunshine trope—yes please.)

From there, we’re treated to a whimsical and heartfelt journey with a charming ragtag crew of sentient plants. Together, they try to break a curse and save the enchanted greenhouse from decay. I especially loved the new additions to the greenhouse family, each plant has such personality! Honestly, I would love a book where Caz gets to meet them. Speaking of Caz, we get a small update on him and Kiela, and it hit me right in the feels.

The pacing is slower and the stakes aren’t especially high, so when the resolution arrives, it feels a little anticlimactic. But the cozy vibes, the warmth of the characters, and the magical writing carry the story beautifully. This one leans more on heart and character than plot twists and that’s not a bad thing at all.

One thing I’ve noticed across this author’s books (this is the 3rd I've read from her) is the tendency to repeat inner thoughts or fears often. In Terlu’s case, her anxiety about the imperial guards turning her back into a statue is completely understandable. But it’s mentioned so frequently it starts to feel like a reminder for the reader, rather than a natural worry. A little less repetition and it would’ve been even stronger.

Now onto the audiobook itself: This is my second time listening to this narrator, and I’ll admit, I struggled a bit. Her style includes a lot of “uptalk,” where the ends of sentences rise in pitch as if she’s asking a question. Once I noticed it, I couldn’t unhear it. That said, she still captured the tone of the story well, and the audiobook was otherwise enjoyable.

Overall, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a cozy, gentle read with a touch of whimsy, found family, and emotional healing.

This was the most adorable sequel to The Spellshop a girl could have asked for! It was absolutely perfect!

Six years after being turned into a wooden statue for breaking imperial law by using outlawed magic, Terlu wakes up alone in the middle of a winter wonderland on an unknown island.

The only other inhabitant is a grumpy gardener, Yarrow, who cares for the island's magical greenhouses in solitude who offers her food and shelter.

Soon after, she quickly learns that she was sent to the island by sheer coincidence when she discovers that the magic that preserves the greenhouses is malfunctioning, destroying everything inside it.

Terlu takes it upon herself to try and find a spell she could cast among the notes left behind by the island's deceased sorcerer that would counteract the effects of the failed spell, with the help of Yarrow and a sentient rose, named Lottie.

I read TS at the start of this year and instantly fell in love with Durst's writing style and storytelling. It is intrinsically beautiful and cozily comforting. But TEG definitely managed to exceed all my expectations and surpass my love for the first novel.

The characters are honestly the best part of the entire story. The sentient plants were the most endearing part of all. I also didn't know that I could love another talking plant more than Kaz, but here we are!

Caitlin Davies is also the most perfect narrator, bring every single character to life and making them distinctive from one another with their quirks and personalities. I will listen to anything she narrates.

I also loved the little references to the first book as well. I thought it was the perfect little way to tie the two together. My only criticism is that the story felt a little repetitive at times, but that didn't affect my overall rating of the book.

Lastly, I thought the inclusion of the etymology of the languages found within the story was just a brilliant added touch. *chef's kiss*

This book/series is perfect for readers who love a sweet cottagecore romantasy fit with grump x sunshine, talking plants, forbidden magic, and stories about finding where you belong. 5⭐️

Thank you to Sarah Beth Durst, Bramble Romance, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

2.75/5 stars (rounded up)

An all-around cozy fantasy about a former librarian, loner gardener, lots of enchanted plants and finding your place in the world.

Overall, I think this book was mostly enjoyable, if not particularly unique or special. Listening to the audiobook, I definitely smiled at some of the various antics, especially with the cast of motley characters and talking plants. The setting is cute and cozy, with lots of fun plant descriptions and whimsical critters (like tiny jeweled dragons and winged cats).

I'm keeping my rating as solidly average. I think some of it is that cozy fantasy may not be my cup of tea - while I enjoy the ambience of cozy stories, I think I need slightly higher stakes in order to feel truly engaged in the story lines. The stakes here were pretty low and felt a bit repetitive both within the story and compared to The Spellshop (the first book by Durst set in this same world).

One pet peeve that I think was particualrly prevalent to me as I was listening was that the author never seemed to trust her reader. Too many things were repeated unnecessarily, even accounting for the sort of anxious nature of the main character (from who's POV the story is told, though it is 3rd person). The story opens with a full account of Terlu's trial and punishment for creating a sentient spider plant named Caz, but just two chapters later we are continued reminded that Terlu was punished for creating a spider plant named Caz - everytime Terlu thinks of Caz or reflects on her time as a statue, it is completely spelled out for us. This same kind of over repetition happens throughout, as those Durst thinks her readers can't remember a character name or description or relationship she JUST told us a few sentences or maybe a page or two ago.

Related to above, this book needed an editor that was willing to slash and burn a bit more. Not just characters, but settings are over wrought in their descriptions, and the story continues on for too many chapters after that resolution of the main plot. The timeline also doesn't really match up to me. Terlu arrives on the island in what I assume is the dead of winter (lots and lots of snow/very cold), but the story ends on the winter solstice (which is usually the start of winter). Yet, based on the events happening in the story, at least a few months should have gone by (lots of things happen after "several weeks" (minor spoiler - the pattern of greenhouse failure should occur every few months, and two failures are explictly described while Terlu is there). Nothing in the world building indicates that seasons are dramatically different from the real world, so it doesn't make sense that Terlu could be there for something like 3-6 months and it still winter. Also minor quibble of worldbuilding - obviously with magic greenhouses they can have all sorts of plants in and out of season, but we also get a lot of mentions of honey (not mentions of bees), and butter, cheese and dairy products (no mention of cows, chickens or any other domestic animals). In theory those could be among supplies brought by the sailor, but she doesn't visit that often and its not explicitly mentioned, and so it just sort of annoyed me.

Overall, I think good for fans of very cozy, low stakes fantasy or folks who might not have as much time to read (so the constant reminders of small details are more useful).

his is the sequel to “The Spellshop” and follows the creator of Caz, the sentient spider plant. One day she wakes up on a nearly deserted island, full of magical greenhouses. This book is all about giving second chances to both yourself and others.

Sarah Beth Durst does not miss. She knows what she is doing and her writing is incredible. I thought this was a really cute follow up to this interconnected series. I would describe the our female lead to have that golden retriever energy and I’ll admit, at times it was a bit much. However it is hard not to like her. This love story is your classic grumpy vs. sunshine. It was a really cute, cozy fantasy romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advance audio copy of this book!

This second Spellshop book was one of my MOST anticipated cozy romantasy reads of 2025 and it DID not disappoint!! Terlu was a former librarian turned into a statue who finds herself magically brought back to life by Yarrow, a grumpy gardener who needs help saving the plants on his isolated magical island. I loved this slow burn that has two lonely souls working together to help save beloved plants, a talking/flying cat companion and a sentient plant. It was sweet, cozy and gave off the perfect vibes. It was also great on audio and had a gorgeous cover too!! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!! Recommended for fans of books like the Study in drowning series and Wooing the witch queen.

What a lovely escape from reality -- just the ticket for a summer day at the beach, or a rainy one for that matter! It gave me the same warm feelings that T.J. Klune books give me, and the narrator was spot on in conveying the interwoven romance, comic, and poignant themes. Terlu and Yarrow with their companion stories of loss, finding oneself and a sense of belonging are two characters that I will not soon forget. I think this is a great recommendation for those who don't read alot of fantasy and want to try something new.

3.5 stars!

This is the perfect cozy fantasy sequel to The Spellshop (can be standalone tbh). Durst writes fantastic prose that really makes you feel like you are in a greenhouse with a cat flying around and a grumpy hot gardener. That being said, it is very slow moving with super low stakes, so there’s nothing really keeping you reading if that makes sense? There’s a problem but conflict is so low and written kind of in a way that downplays the severity. You are reading purely for the vibes, love story, and characters rather than having to read to find out the resolution -- which the vibes are really nice. I am not usually a cozy vibes kind of girl, but I do really enjoy the brain break this series has given me two years in a row now.

Adorable.

Terlu and Yarrow shows that opposites attract especially when in forced proximity of each other. Leading to tension and shy moments between two who aren't the best at social situations. The main characters are cute and quirky and have their own unique styles which the narrator brings to life with her voices and speed she talks. Adding the multiple talking plants to the small cast of characters makes the book even more charming and so much fun to read. This book has 0 spice but has such an amazing slow burn romance that you see slowly develop. The plot of the greenhouses is interesting and keeps my attention and the explanation of the magic is always wonderful to in fantasy books.
Great addition to The Spellshop world.

After falling in love with The Spellshop, I was so excited to dive into this one—and I especially loved the way the two books tie together. It made the story feel even more magical and familiar.

While The Enchanted Greenhouse had a few slower moments, and I personally found The Spellshop to be a bit more engaging overall, this book still had so much heart. The quiet, whimsical atmosphere made it perfect for a cozy weekend read, and Sarah Beth Durst's writing never fails to delight me.

What I love most about her stories is how they always leave me feeling inspired—especially to try new recipes! She brings such a comforting, homey touch to her worlds that it’s hard not to want to recreate that magic in your own life.

If you're looking for something sweet, magical, and soul-soothing, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a lovely addition to your TBR.

After thoroughly enjoying The Spellshop, I was excited to read another story set in the same world. Unfortunately, I did not enough this one nearly as much as its predecessor.

There are many of the same qualities that made The Spellshop great. The writing is lush and whimsical, making it easy to visualize the surroundings. There’s an adorable animal sidekick (this time a cat!). There’s anthropomorphic plants! There’s appreciated and valuable commentary about book banning and the impact of silencing dissonant political opinions.

However, there’s simultaneously an absence of the qualities that I loved in The Spellshop. The plants in this story were not as well fleshed out and likable for me. And most importantly, there was a *lot* of focus on a romantic connection with a mysterious gardener who, in all honesty felt rather one-dimensional to me. I know there are those who will enjoy watching Terra Lu and Yarrow’s relationship grow, but for me I would’ve much rather seen a greater found family relationship developing.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ – Magical, Vibrant, and Full of Heart

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst is an absolute delight that I could completely imagine as a movie. From the talking flowers with personality to the vivid, romantic storytelling, this book practically bursts off the page in full color. It’s charming, imaginative, and beautifully written—everything you want in a cozy fantasy with just the right touch of whimsy and warmth.

The magic in this story isn’t just in the greenhouse—it’s in the characters, the relationships, and the way Durst weaves together wonder with emotional depth. The romance felt genuine and sweet, and the lush setting is so gorgeously described that it felt like I was walking among the blooms myself.

This book was fantastic, and I loved every moment I spent in its pages. I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. Highly recommend it to fans of magical realism, cozy fantasy, and anyone who wants to escape into a world where flowers talk back—and might just have something to say about your love life!