Book Review: The Enchanted Greenhouse

• Rating: 5⭐️
• Author: Sarah Beth Durst
• Genre: Cozy Fantasy
• Pages: 375 pages

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Synopsis

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.

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First Impressions

Last fall, I read The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst and was utterly enchanted. At that time, The Enchanted Greenhouse had already been announced, and of course, I put it straight on my TBR. Fast forward to April of this year, when I received an email letting me know I had been chosen to receive a free ARC of that very book—I don’t think any email has ever made me squeal with excitement quite like that one! I immediately downloaded the book and was swept right back into the whimsical world Durst first introduced in The Spellshop.

Did it meet, exceed, or defy expectations?

At first, I doubted that the sequel could surpass the brilliance of The Spellshop (especially since I found Terlu a little grating at first). But oh, how wrong I was! To my surprise, I think The Enchanted Greenhouse not only met my expectations but surpassed them.

Strengths

The coziness factor is dialed up beautifully here. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic between Terlu and Yarrow was absolute perfection—I could have read an entire book just about their slow-growing affection. More than that, I loved the warmth of the found family aspect and the tender reminder that love—romantic or otherwise—can flourish even in unexpected places.

Writing Style

Durst’s prose is lush and descriptive without ever feeling heavy. Her ability to create a setting that feels both magical and comforting is unmatched, and I found myself wishing I could step into those greenhouses myself.

Characters

The characters felt deeply relatable in their search for belonging and meaning. None of them were flawless—least of all Terlu—but that made them all the more lovable. Watching her grow into herself while still carrying her imperfections was incredibly rewarding. I especially loved how forgiveness, acceptance, and second chances were central themes.

Weaknesses / Caveats

Honestly, none. This book is a hug in novel form. Even my initial hesitation toward Terlu melted away as the story unfolded. By the end, I adored her as the heart of this book.

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Final Thoughts

The Enchanted Greenhouse felt like pure magic. It was cozy, heartwarming, and brimming with enchantment. I didn’t want it to end, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I closed the final page. My only hope now is that Sarah Beth Durst isn’t finished with this series—because I would happily return to this world again and again.

Recommendations: This book is perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Legends & Lattes.