The Spellshop

By: Sarah Beth Durst

Narrated by: Caitlin Davies

Long-listed, Barnes and Noble Best New Books of the Year, 2024

Long-listed, Hudson Booksellers Best of the Year, 2024

Long-listed, Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2024

The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottagecore tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

Join Kiela the librarian and her assistant, Caz the sentient spider plant, as they navigate the low stakes market of illegal spellmaking and the high risk business of starting over.

“Sarah Beth Durst is the hidden gem of the fantasy world.”—Book Riot

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she hasn’t had to.

She and her assistant, Caz, a magically sentient spider plant, have spent the last eleven years sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite. But when a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz save as many books as they can carry and flee to a faraway island Kiela was sure she’d never return to: her childhood home. Kiela hopes to lay low in the overgrown and rundown cottage her late parents left her and figure out a way to survive without drawing the attention of either the empire or the revolutionaries. Much to her dismay, in addition to a nosy—and very handsome—neighbor, she finds the town neglected and in a state of disrepair.

The empire, for all its magic and power, has been neglecting for years the people who depend on magical intervention to maintain healthy livestock and crops. Not only that, but the very magic that should be helping them has been creating destructive storms that have taken a toll on the island. Due to her past role at the library, Kiela feels partially responsible for this, and now she’s determined to find a way to make things right: by opening the island’s first-ever secret spellshop.

Her plan comes with risks—the consequence of sharing magic with commoners is death. And as Kiela comes to make a place for herself among the kind and quirky townspeople of her former home, she realizes that in order to make a life for herself, she must learn to break down the walls she has built up so high.

Like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic, Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop will heal your heart and feed your soul.

A Macmillan Audio production from Bramble Books.

©2024 Sarah Beth Durst (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Those who come for the cheery aesthetic and celebration of everyday successes... will find this utterly delightful."—Publisher's Weekly

"The Spellshop sweeps readers into a world of merhorses, illegal spells, and first loves… it’s as comforting as homemade jam on a fresh baked muffin!"—Rebecca Thorne, author of Can't Spell Treason Without Tea

"Thoroughly enchanting! The Spellshop is brimming with cozy charm, endearing characters, and reminders that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the sweetest rewards. I’m looking forward to reading more of Sarah Beth Durst’s magical books."—Heather Webber, USA Today Bestselling author

wonderful one shot fairytell

I started out annoyed at her inner rambling, wondering when the actual story was going to start. then realized she was me! An over thinker, who worries about the dumbest things, including everyday mundane life. Then fell in love that there wasn't a MMC that was dangerous and deadly, that friends could come out of the wood work and be a comfort. i loved and needed this little book

Cozy & well-written

This book is like cozy, but with enough ‘action’ to keep everything interesting and readers not wanting to put the book down (or take the headphones off!) until they reach the very end! Good world building, great character-development, and the narrator does such an amazing job with emotion and differentiating characters. Highly recommend!

Adorable

The warm and fuzzies were incredible. Enough tension to keep it interesting, but not enough to make the story dark. Just cozy and lovely

Wonderful characters, easy listening

I Love the characters, the silly banter and the pace of the story. I’ve never been so fond of house plants, perfect sidekick!

Cute and charming fantasy

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I only bought a copy because of how beautiful the physical book is. If you are looking for a sweet, easygoing, and charming romantic fantasy, this is perfect for you! colorful cast of characters, quite literally. Just a young woman who goes from avoiding interactions to having no choice but to interact and makes a lot of friends along the way!

Wholesome and Engaging

Well-written and well-spoken audiobook! Definitely worth a listen! Magical elements, but the story line is what kept me listening.

I really want to live on Caltrey!

This book was so nice and cozy to read. I loved the world building and all the magical characters.. this book made me smile so much while reading it.

A very cozy romantasy

An unusual world and fascinating characters lead to a delightful story. I particularly enjoyed the sentient plants. Even though it’s a fantasy setting the characters felt very relatable. I would happily listen to more stories set in this universe. Despite starting in the middle of a revolution there is little to no violence in the book. For those concerned with those things the book is not explicit in any way. The narrator did a wonderful job giving each character a distinct voice.
I would rank this up there with Legends & Lattes and strongly encourage people to buy the book.

Quick but fun

This was just a nice listen. Easy flow to the narration and fun story.
Fun premise.

the cover art

this is a colorful world with unique characters, positive messaging and overall kind, heartwarming story. I enjoyed this story. glad it didn't end at the predicted conclusion.