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Halflings of Smallburrow #1
Buried in Friendship
When Eilaen gets a mysterious letter in the mail indicating that her grandfather has left his farm to her upon his passing, she heads out with her best friend Kaida for a new adventure. She doesn't know anything about farming, but she's willing to give it a shot. The charming Fae-next-door named Jareth doesn't hurt either, even if he's a little bit grumpy and doesn't know the meaning of personal space.
But when trouble occurs on the farm, will Eilaen be up to the task of putting the effort into fixing things or will she hightail it back to where she came from? Eilaen never would have thought that figuring out the farm basics would be the easy part of this adventure. But a halfing's gotta do what a halfling's gotta do, and she just hopes it's sorted out by dinner time.
But when trouble occurs on the farm, will Eilaen be up to the task of putting the effort into fixing things or will she hightail it back to where she came from? Eilaen never would have thought that figuring out the farm basics would be the easy part of this adventure. But a halfing's gotta do what a halfling's gotta do, and she just hopes it's sorted out by dinner time.
135 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2023
55 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Mayfield
10 books46 followersT. M. Mayfield is a small town author who loves all things fantasy. She is currently working to make her dream of being a fantasy author come true. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find her snuggling her cat, homeschooling her children or picking fights with her cinnamon roll husband. She’s also waiting for the day that Sonic: America’s Drive-In realizes she can give them plenty of advertising and decides they want to sponsor her editing comfort drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
December 10, 2023
Buried in Friendship is a cute, cozy fairytale-like story. I found the farm to be the most adorable little thing. It is perfect if you're looking for a quick harvesty story. The characters were likable and there's the funniest pig. I can't wait to see what the halflings are up to in the next installment of this cute little series.
October 21, 2023
This was a fun quick read! Just what I needed something light and warm hearted!!
October 11, 2023
Absolutely adored this book!! Smiled the whole time reading it 😊 definitely a comfort read for a rainy day to snuggle up into a warm hug that this book gave me!! Highly recommend!!
October 13, 2023
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I really enjoyed this read! It was a nice change of pace from my usual routine. If you’re looking for a cozy friendship read this is the one! Honestly it kind of reminded me of Halloweentown with the different types of people and how the community comfortably works and lives together.
I loved reading about Eilaen and Kaida’s adventure with the farm and it honestly reminded me a lot of me and my best friend! We are moving together in November and this book made me excited about what adventures we have ahead of us.
I related a lot to both characters and could see myself in each one. As someone who has made her own family everywhere she goes it was sweet watching the girls settle in to Smallburrow and experience the same.
I loved reading about Eilaen and Kaida’s adventure with the farm and it honestly reminded me a lot of me and my best friend! We are moving together in November and this book made me excited about what adventures we have ahead of us.
I related a lot to both characters and could see myself in each one. As someone who has made her own family everywhere she goes it was sweet watching the girls settle in to Smallburrow and experience the same.
January 7, 2026
I absolutely adored this little slice-of-life cozy fantasy.
The theme of finding your place among friends was very well portrayed. I loved the friendship between the main character and her besties, the support and love can clearly be felt throughout the book.
However, I have to say that I think a certain mischievous pig stole the spotlight and my heart. I love Tillard so much!
The theme of finding your place among friends was very well portrayed. I loved the friendship between the main character and her besties, the support and love can clearly be felt throughout the book.
However, I have to say that I think a certain mischievous pig stole the spotlight and my heart. I love Tillard so much!
August 27, 2024
3✨
Quick and cute, fun for the fam
Quick and cute, fun for the fam
October 22, 2024
Buried in Friendship is a novella cosy fantasy, following two halflings that move to a new town.
This book was not what I was expecting, I found it very repetitive and slow for such a short book. Nothing really interesting happens, and it’s a true cosy in the way that it just follows the lives of the characters. Just not for me.
This book was not what I was expecting, I found it very repetitive and slow for such a short book. Nothing really interesting happens, and it’s a true cosy in the way that it just follows the lives of the characters. Just not for me.
October 13, 2023
Have you ever wanted to read a book where halflings, elves, Fae, orcs, gnomes, and pixies all live together in small-town harmony? Well, thanks to the amazing @seetaylorwriteandreview you definitely can! Buried in Friendship is the first book in the Hobbits of Smallburrow series and it tells the tale of Eilaen and Kaida as they work on completing their dreams of running a large farm and owning a bakery, respectfully. Along the way, the two halflings must learn how to harvest their crops, fit in with the locals, and tame their farm animals, including a dastardly and cantankerous menace of a pig named Tillard. There is absolutely an abundance of things to love about this story, including the small-town Stardew Valley-esque vibes, the memorable and easy to love cast of characters, and one of my favorite tropes ever of found family.
Not only are the magical elements of the fantasy world represented, but Taylor also offers diverse representation of the neurodivergent world. Kaida the half-elf has ADHD, Eilaen the lead is confirmed to have OCD and anxiety, especially when her morning routines are thrown out the window, and I get vibes that Jareth might be on the autism spectrum because some of his mannerisms remind me of my cousin's form of autism. All in all, this cozy hobbit tale will keep you engrossed until the very end! It is a quick read and is super relaxing to read with a warm beverage under a blanket and in front of a fireplace if you have one. This was a super easy book for me to give ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to and I cannot wait to support my friend Taylor in all the rest of her endeavors as a new author! Pick up Buried in Friendship if you're in for a cozy fantasy read. You won't regret it.
(I received an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
#cozy #cozyfantasy #cozyfantasybooks #hobbits #hobbitsofsmallburrow #buriedinfriendship #arcreadersofinstagram #arcreviewer #arcreader #arc #seetaylorwriteandreview #tmmayfieldauthor
Not only are the magical elements of the fantasy world represented, but Taylor also offers diverse representation of the neurodivergent world. Kaida the half-elf has ADHD, Eilaen the lead is confirmed to have OCD and anxiety, especially when her morning routines are thrown out the window, and I get vibes that Jareth might be on the autism spectrum because some of his mannerisms remind me of my cousin's form of autism. All in all, this cozy hobbit tale will keep you engrossed until the very end! It is a quick read and is super relaxing to read with a warm beverage under a blanket and in front of a fireplace if you have one. This was a super easy book for me to give ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to and I cannot wait to support my friend Taylor in all the rest of her endeavors as a new author! Pick up Buried in Friendship if you're in for a cozy fantasy read. You won't regret it.
(I received an electronic ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
#cozy #cozyfantasy #cozyfantasybooks #hobbits #hobbitsofsmallburrow #buriedinfriendship #arcreadersofinstagram #arcreviewer #arcreader #arc #seetaylorwriteandreview #tmmayfieldauthor
November 5, 2023
Buried In Friendship is a sweet cozy fantasy novella featuring Eilaen (sounds like Elaine) and her best friend Kaida. Eilaen struggles with anxiety and uses her routine to help her feel grounded and in control. One day she receives a letter from her grandfather, a man she never knew. It seems he has passed away and left her Mapleground Farm in Smallburrow. This has definitely upset her routine so she needs to speak with Kaida and heads over to her bakery.
With Kaida's encouragement and support the two head out on a great adventure to discover the farm bequeathed to her, and this new town where halflings live peacefully among other fantastical beings like gnomes, elves, fae, and more.
This was a beautiful story of friendship, acceptance, and belonging. Smallburrow welcomes the two new residents with open arms, and new friendships are formed. While trying something new, Eilaen finds that her private dreams actually come true.
I loved the dynamic between the characters. Eilaen and Kaida are very different, but offer one another endless support and understanding. They truly are best friends. Add in Ms Kestrel, the grandmotherly gnome, and Jareth, the socially uncouth fae, and suddenly Eilaen and Kaida have a new found family.
I really appreciated how the author introduced a variety of neurodiverse characters where their idiosyncracies were embraced and accepted as simply part of their character. I also enjoyed how their happiness and value came from within, and was not dependent on others.
I highly recommend checking out this sweet read.
With Kaida's encouragement and support the two head out on a great adventure to discover the farm bequeathed to her, and this new town where halflings live peacefully among other fantastical beings like gnomes, elves, fae, and more.
This was a beautiful story of friendship, acceptance, and belonging. Smallburrow welcomes the two new residents with open arms, and new friendships are formed. While trying something new, Eilaen finds that her private dreams actually come true.
I loved the dynamic between the characters. Eilaen and Kaida are very different, but offer one another endless support and understanding. They truly are best friends. Add in Ms Kestrel, the grandmotherly gnome, and Jareth, the socially uncouth fae, and suddenly Eilaen and Kaida have a new found family.
I really appreciated how the author introduced a variety of neurodiverse characters where their idiosyncracies were embraced and accepted as simply part of their character. I also enjoyed how their happiness and value came from within, and was not dependent on others.
I highly recommend checking out this sweet read.
October 15, 2023
This was a fun, quick, cozy, wholesome read that is perfect for fall! Eilaen's adventure of inheriting a farm, dealing with crazy animals, figuring out how to grow produce, all while making friends and finding her place in the world was delightful.
The detailed descriptions of the farm and the food did a great job setting the scene and making the experience immersive. I loved the cozy fall vibes that came from the descriptions of tea and soup and baked goods. I wish that Kaida was my bestie so that I could have fresh baked treats every day!
I also loved the friendships and found family. I am normally a big romance reader, but it was really refreshing to read a story focused on friendship and family dynamics and how meaningful they can be to finding a place in the world.
Overall, if you're looking for a cozy autumn read, definitely check this one out! And make sure to have a cup of tea and a sweet treat nearby!
The detailed descriptions of the farm and the food did a great job setting the scene and making the experience immersive. I loved the cozy fall vibes that came from the descriptions of tea and soup and baked goods. I wish that Kaida was my bestie so that I could have fresh baked treats every day!
I also loved the friendships and found family. I am normally a big romance reader, but it was really refreshing to read a story focused on friendship and family dynamics and how meaningful they can be to finding a place in the world.
Overall, if you're looking for a cozy autumn read, definitely check this one out! And make sure to have a cup of tea and a sweet treat nearby!
May 27, 2024
This. Book. Was. ADORRRRRRRABLE
AND THE MAIN CHARACTER BEING NAMED ELAINE HAD ME SOBBING. Granted it was spelled in such a way that I kept calling her Eileen 😅
This was such a cozy, sweet, simple read and one I’ll forever enjoy. It was so easy to fall in with the characters and start flowing with their day-to-day which honestly, I’m not typically fan of. I usually don’t care what they’re eating for each meal or what they do for a morning routine, but this felt refreshing. I enjoyed every second of reading what they ate for breakfast and what they talked about during supper after a day of farming.
THIS is what cozy fantasy is all about. This felt like a cup of iced tea on a hot summer day. Do yourself a favor if you enjoy the Hobbit, and pick up this sweet little book.
I read it in about 2 hours give or take. Definitely something you could read during nap time with your kids or enjoy on the front porch after a long day of working in your summer garden.
Solid 5 ⭐️ (I’d give it 6 if I could)
AND THE MAIN CHARACTER BEING NAMED ELAINE HAD ME SOBBING. Granted it was spelled in such a way that I kept calling her Eileen 😅
This was such a cozy, sweet, simple read and one I’ll forever enjoy. It was so easy to fall in with the characters and start flowing with their day-to-day which honestly, I’m not typically fan of. I usually don’t care what they’re eating for each meal or what they do for a morning routine, but this felt refreshing. I enjoyed every second of reading what they ate for breakfast and what they talked about during supper after a day of farming.
THIS is what cozy fantasy is all about. This felt like a cup of iced tea on a hot summer day. Do yourself a favor if you enjoy the Hobbit, and pick up this sweet little book.
I read it in about 2 hours give or take. Definitely something you could read during nap time with your kids or enjoy on the front porch after a long day of working in your summer garden.
Solid 5 ⭐️ (I’d give it 6 if I could)
Read
October 16, 2023This book was an ARC ❤️
This was a cosy book to read, it’s perfect for the fall season . It’s a Fantasy book about 2 friends who embark a new journey for a new life at a farm, not knowing what to expect. It’s sweet, fun and funny to read. Shows the strength of friendship and chosen family. It has a lot of cooking in it so word of advice have a snack beside you while you cosy up with this light hearted book. It was a short read. Enjoyed reading it. Loved the emphasis on the love of family and friends and fulfilling dreams and what kind of happiness they bring.
Halflings, elves, orcs, fae, pixies, and gnomes live in a small town all together. Farming, cooking and magic all in one book what more do you need. There is a bundle of love in this book ❤️
This was a cosy book to read, it’s perfect for the fall season . It’s a Fantasy book about 2 friends who embark a new journey for a new life at a farm, not knowing what to expect. It’s sweet, fun and funny to read. Shows the strength of friendship and chosen family. It has a lot of cooking in it so word of advice have a snack beside you while you cosy up with this light hearted book. It was a short read. Enjoyed reading it. Loved the emphasis on the love of family and friends and fulfilling dreams and what kind of happiness they bring.
Halflings, elves, orcs, fae, pixies, and gnomes live in a small town all together. Farming, cooking and magic all in one book what more do you need. There is a bundle of love in this book ❤️
October 13, 2023
Every great story begins with an adventure. Buried in Friendship was such a beautiful and cozy story of friendship, love, and found family.
Eilaen and Kaida are moving to a farm in Smallborrow that Eilaen inherited from her grandfather. Faced with challenges both big and small, these two friends realize that they can overcome any obstacle by working together. As they meet with their neighbors and other members of the town, they're welcomed into the fray with warm, open arms.
This story of friendship and found family was truly heartwarming and cozy, the perfect thing to warm your heart, just like all of Kaida's baked goods!
Eilaen and Kaida are moving to a farm in Smallborrow that Eilaen inherited from her grandfather. Faced with challenges both big and small, these two friends realize that they can overcome any obstacle by working together. As they meet with their neighbors and other members of the town, they're welcomed into the fray with warm, open arms.
This story of friendship and found family was truly heartwarming and cozy, the perfect thing to warm your heart, just like all of Kaida's baked goods!
October 13, 2023
This book will make you hungry, make you laugh, make you tear up and make you feel seen. We get a cozy little found family of halflings, fae, orcs and more that all come together to create a beautiful community.
We get a taste of what it’s like to be OCD and have your routine thrown off ( I have never felt so seen!! And heard!), the chaos of a the best friends ADHD,as well as town folk showing signs of multiple other neuro spicy traits.
Eli and Kaida learn how to start over in a new city, build up a farm, tackle the wild pig and make memories for a life time.
I can’t wait for book 2. This whole book just felt like a big warm hug.
We get a taste of what it’s like to be OCD and have your routine thrown off ( I have never felt so seen!! And heard!), the chaos of a the best friends ADHD,as well as town folk showing signs of multiple other neuro spicy traits.
Eli and Kaida learn how to start over in a new city, build up a farm, tackle the wild pig and make memories for a life time.
I can’t wait for book 2. This whole book just felt like a big warm hug.
January 9, 2026
This was such a cute cozy read 🥰
I have been wanting to read the series so when the author was rewriting the first two books that were released it was perfect timing!
I loved Kaiden and Eilaen 💜 their friendship was so wholesome and cute 🥹 them sticking together for everything 💜
This is very stardew valley coded! Eilaen loves gardening and realizes that is her dream to be a great farmer who grows produce to provide for the small town
Kaiden her bestie is the greatest baker ever! She has everyone hooked! While Eilaen is the perfect cook! They are truly the greatest pair!
I am so excited for the next book and recommend this book if you want a cozy read :)
I have been wanting to read the series so when the author was rewriting the first two books that were released it was perfect timing!
I loved Kaiden and Eilaen 💜 their friendship was so wholesome and cute 🥹 them sticking together for everything 💜
This is very stardew valley coded! Eilaen loves gardening and realizes that is her dream to be a great farmer who grows produce to provide for the small town
Kaiden her bestie is the greatest baker ever! She has everyone hooked! While Eilaen is the perfect cook! They are truly the greatest pair!
I am so excited for the next book and recommend this book if you want a cozy read :)
October 16, 2024
"Family, Eileen learned, can come in all flavors, just like pastries. Sometimes you're born into it. Sometimes your family looks like you. But sometimes, your family finds you and picks you up out of your ashes, sweeps you off, and helps you back onto your feet."
How is this book only 137 pages long? I feel as if I just journeyed to Smallburrow and spent so much time with Eileen and Kaida. I'm convinced that the pages are magic and it's really a full length novel.
The best way I know to describe this book is "Stardew Valley meets The Hobbit". Everything about this book is cozy and so wholesome. It feels like a lovely Autumn afternoon with tea, cakes, a fireplace, and your best friends. The pacing of the story is perfect and I really enjoyed reading every page. Also, the platonic friendships? YES PLEASE. I feel like fiction is saturated with romance right now, and I genuinely loved the simplicity of platonic friends who build their lives together and encourage each other.
There's no cursing, no spice, and no gore/action. It's truly a "Hallmark with a touch of fantasy" and it's everything I wanted when I downloaded it.
How is this book only 137 pages long? I feel as if I just journeyed to Smallburrow and spent so much time with Eileen and Kaida. I'm convinced that the pages are magic and it's really a full length novel.
The best way I know to describe this book is "Stardew Valley meets The Hobbit". Everything about this book is cozy and so wholesome. It feels like a lovely Autumn afternoon with tea, cakes, a fireplace, and your best friends. The pacing of the story is perfect and I really enjoyed reading every page. Also, the platonic friendships? YES PLEASE. I feel like fiction is saturated with romance right now, and I genuinely loved the simplicity of platonic friends who build their lives together and encourage each other.
There's no cursing, no spice, and no gore/action. It's truly a "Hallmark with a touch of fantasy" and it's everything I wanted when I downloaded it.
February 9, 2025
Perfect Cozy Fantasy for a grade schooler
While the over all plot I found boring (30yr old) I think this is a book I would highly recommend for a 3rd to 6th grader, depending on reading level. The language is simple and the plot easy to follow. There is no need to read between the lines or deduce the undertones they are spelled out.
I picked up the book because the plot sounded so similar to Stardew Valley that I felt I had to check it out.
Tropes: mental awareness, found family, magic abilities, inheritance
While the over all plot I found boring (30yr old) I think this is a book I would highly recommend for a 3rd to 6th grader, depending on reading level. The language is simple and the plot easy to follow. There is no need to read between the lines or deduce the undertones they are spelled out.
I picked up the book because the plot sounded so similar to Stardew Valley that I felt I had to check it out.
Tropes: mental awareness, found family, magic abilities, inheritance
November 4, 2023
I LOVED this book.
It’s a perfect cozy read. It gave my the warm, comfy feelings of a sweet, small town life with a couple of good-humored girls (like Gilmore Girls) with the charm and magic of fantasy.
I also love seeing characters with neurodiverse tendencies represented.
It sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
It’s a perfect cozy read. It gave my the warm, comfy feelings of a sweet, small town life with a couple of good-humored girls (like Gilmore Girls) with the charm and magic of fantasy.
I also love seeing characters with neurodiverse tendencies represented.
It sucked me in and I couldn’t put it down until I was finished.
November 7, 2023
I ABSOLUTELY ADORED this book. From the start to end I could not put it down. My heart connected to this book in ways I cannot even put down. If anything, this should be on your reading list because there isnt one thing I can fault. Thank you T.M Mayfield for the opportunity of being whisked away to a very cosy, warm, adventurous, exciting and beautiful world that I now hold close to my soul ❤️
November 2, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
Buried in Friendship feels the same as sitting near a fire while drinking a warm cup of tea when the air outside is crisp. While it's short, the way it was written had me slowing down to really appreciate every detail and be immersed in the cozy tale. It was so comforting and had me craving butterscotch tea.
Eilaen gets a letter from her grandfather and sets off on an adventure with her best friend. Their adventure? Learning how to run a farm.
If you like found family, cozy fantasy, neurodivergent rep, stardew valley/harvest moon and menacing pigs, you should check this out!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Buried in Friendship feels the same as sitting near a fire while drinking a warm cup of tea when the air outside is crisp. While it's short, the way it was written had me slowing down to really appreciate every detail and be immersed in the cozy tale. It was so comforting and had me craving butterscotch tea.
Eilaen gets a letter from her grandfather and sets off on an adventure with her best friend. Their adventure? Learning how to run a farm.
If you like found family, cozy fantasy, neurodivergent rep, stardew valley/harvest moon and menacing pigs, you should check this out!
I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2024
For fans of Legends & Lattes!
Picture a Hallmark Channel movie about a small farm… except instead of humans it’s halflings, fae, dwarves, and *magic*! Sooo cozy and full of descriptions that will make your mouth water and heart full.
Picture a Hallmark Channel movie about a small farm… except instead of humans it’s halflings, fae, dwarves, and *magic*! Sooo cozy and full of descriptions that will make your mouth water and heart full.
November 21, 2025
A cozy read
This book had a lot of Shire vibes and was a nice, easy read. I do think there were a few too many chapters that ended in the MC going to bed. Otherwise it was nice and cozy.
This book had a lot of Shire vibes and was a nice, easy read. I do think there were a few too many chapters that ended in the MC going to bed. Otherwise it was nice and cozy.
November 1, 2023
My honest review:
This is the MOST positive, cosy, warming little fantasy I've ever read!
The characters are just beautiful created and so helpful and inspiring to each other. Especially as they have their own qwerks..
Favourite characters has to be that menacing pig 🐖 😄
This story had me smiling throughout and was just the cosiest little beautiful read!
Definitely hobbit vibes but less violent and more magical!
Lovely to read with a nice cuppa by the fire with a lovely blanket! I loved it!
This is the MOST positive, cosy, warming little fantasy I've ever read!
The characters are just beautiful created and so helpful and inspiring to each other. Especially as they have their own qwerks..
Favourite characters has to be that menacing pig 🐖 😄
This story had me smiling throughout and was just the cosiest little beautiful read!
Definitely hobbit vibes but less violent and more magical!
Lovely to read with a nice cuppa by the fire with a lovely blanket! I loved it!
December 29, 2024
This was a really enjoyable read! I picked it up wanting a cozy fall easy read and it absolutely fit the bill perfectly.
September 29, 2025
short, sweet novella. friendship and found family.
December 31, 2023
Just a cute and fun cozy fantasy novella. Filled with magic, baked goods, fantasy creatures and a farm! Two best friends working on living their dreams together. Loved it so much!! Can’t wait for the next book!!!
November 18, 2024
The perfect cozy hobbit like fantasy. I can see myself in both of the main characters. I love the budding friendships everyone starts forming. A quick, cozy read that filled me with so much joy.
October 23, 2023
Thanks for the ARC!
This book is a cozy fantasy read. Perfect to get in the mindset of Autumn, you’ll want to cook and bake right along with these adorable halflings. Just don’t let the pig in the kitchen! 🐷
This book is a cozy fantasy read. Perfect to get in the mindset of Autumn, you’ll want to cook and bake right along with these adorable halflings. Just don’t let the pig in the kitchen! 🐷
October 18, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.75
October 16, 2023
I wanted to read some cozy fantasy books this fall season, so when I stumbled across the ARC for T.M. Mayfield’s new book, Buried in Friendship, it was perfect! This was one of the first cozy fantasy books I've read and it is so fun for the fall. It's a short read focusing on two best friends who up and change their lives while helping each other along the way. The new relationships they make in this were so fun and the cozy fall vibes were perfect!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews