The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst

Sarah Beth Durst invites you to her new standalone novel nestled on a far-away island brimming with singing flowers, honey cakes, and honeyed love. The hardcover edition features beautiful sprayed edges.

Terlu Perna broke the law because she was lonely. She cast a spell and created a magically sentient spider plant. As punishment, she was turned into a wooden statue and tucked away into an alcove in the North Reading Room of the Great Library of Alyssium.

This should have been the end of her story . . . Yet one day, Terlu wakes in the cold of winter on a nearly-deserted island full of hundreds of magical greenhouses. She’s starving and freezing, and the only other human on the island is a grumpy gardener. To her surprise, he offers Terlu a place to sleep, clean clothes, and freshly baked honey cakes—at least until she’s ready to sail home.

But Terlu can’t return home and doesn’t want to—the greenhouses are a dream come true, each more wondrous than the next. When she learns that the magic that sustains them is failing—causing the death of everything within them—Terlu knows she must help. Even if that means breaking the law again.

This time, though, she isn’t alone. Assisted by the gardener and a sentient rose, Terlu must unravel the secrets of a long-dead sorcerer if she wants to save the island—and have a fresh chance at happiness and love.

Funny, kind, and forgiving, The Enchanted Greenhouse is a story about giving second chances—to others and to yourself.

Kindle Edition, 375 pages

Audiobook, 13 hours, 32 minutes

Published July 15, 2025

 by Tor Publishing/Macmillan Audio

4/5 stars

Sarah Beth Durst has long been one of my favorite YA fantasy authors and one I am trying to get caught up on her backlist. This, her latest release, The Enchanted Greenhouse is yet another charming addition to her growing collection of cozy fantasy stories. While technically a sequel to The Spellshop, this book easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend it not just for the charm and fun story but a tad of an introduction to Chaz - a magical spider plant.

The Enchanted Greenhouse isn’t a spicy or high-stakes epic fantasy but rather it’s a gentle, heartfelt tale that’s perfect for those who prefer their magic with more tea and introspection than swords and steamy romance. Set in a magical greenhouse brimming with unusual plants there is mystery, secrets and some suspense.  Maybe even a touch of romance. 

As Terlu tries to rebuild her life the past stays front and center as she fears being caught and the consequences. This is a story with themes of loneliness, family estrangement and the challenge of letting go of the past. It’s all wrapped in an enchanting setting that feels like a place you’d want to escape to yourself - maybe a nice reading spot. The characters are endearing, unique and fun.

A comforting read that I to readers of cozy fantasy and anyone looking for a magical escape with some emotional depth.

My thanks to both Tor Publishing and Macmillan Audio for e-arcs in exchange for a honest review.