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Saffron Vale #1
A Colour to Dye For
Embarking on a new life in Saffron Vale, Crimson never imagined her dreams would come crashing down upon arrival. The quaint town is not what she expected, and the only available shop is a dilapidated mess. With a surly warden and a leaky roof, how will she ever open her dream dress shop and share her designs with the world?
Instead of landing on her feet, she's landed on a shed load of problems and she has to solve them fast.
This charming tale features quirky characters, cozy settings, a pet dragon and lots of chocolate and tea.
If you like cozy fantasy with slow burn romance and funny moments, you'll love this series. Perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes or the Bookshop and the Barbarian.
Instead of landing on her feet, she's landed on a shed load of problems and she has to solve them fast.
This charming tale features quirky characters, cozy settings, a pet dragon and lots of chocolate and tea.
If you like cozy fantasy with slow burn romance and funny moments, you'll love this series. Perfect for fans of Legends and Lattes or the Bookshop and the Barbarian.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
73 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2024
This is the first book, after an introductory story in the Winter Tales from Cozy Vales collection. We met Crimson as she tried to join the dressmaking guild and got rejected because the son of the mentor she lived with made sure she would, in order to get himself in. Believing she could just work for him.
She left there and made her way to a place that makes the dyes for cloth. When she arrives all is not rainbows and glitter, but she finds a dragon, a love interest and a home, working hard to make her dream come true, while sorting a shop for herself. It's a lovely story and leaves you feeling happy and content. I love the little dragon, the sentient spider, the people and the setting. Cozy vales is a medieval type place of magical people and this is a perfect book for the place. I can't wait to find out what adventures she gets up to with Lief to help her.
It's a really good story.
I got this as an ARC copy, which was excellent because I am a big fan of Gemma's books.
She left there and made her way to a place that makes the dyes for cloth. When she arrives all is not rainbows and glitter, but she finds a dragon, a love interest and a home, working hard to make her dream come true, while sorting a shop for herself. It's a lovely story and leaves you feeling happy and content. I love the little dragon, the sentient spider, the people and the setting. Cozy vales is a medieval type place of magical people and this is a perfect book for the place. I can't wait to find out what adventures she gets up to with Lief to help her.
It's a really good story.
I got this as an ARC copy, which was excellent because I am a big fan of Gemma's books.
August 21, 2025
I'm afraid I really don't understand all the super positive reviews of cuteness or coziness. I usually enjoy cozy fantasies and have read many of them, but I found this book mostly boring with a side of irritation.
The main source of irritation? The male love interest. This is supposed to be a grown man who apparently gets his jollies by setting the MC up for failure and humiliation as often as possible for most of the book. Verbal abuse isn't flirting and being a perpetually grumpy dickhead isn't endearing. And still, as often as he takes his frustrations out on her, she winds up apologizing to him?
He's an obnoxious asshole and she's a wet-blanket who spends half the story alternately screaming and crying. There's no chemistry, no cuteness, and no real warmth.
The main source of irritation? The male love interest. This is supposed to be a grown man who apparently gets his jollies by setting the MC up for failure and humiliation as often as possible for most of the book. Verbal abuse isn't flirting and being a perpetually grumpy dickhead isn't endearing. And still, as often as he takes his frustrations out on her, she winds up apologizing to him?
He's an obnoxious asshole and she's a wet-blanket who spends half the story alternately screaming and crying. There's no chemistry, no cuteness, and no real warmth.
October 10, 2024
What a lovely warm and cosy story, just perfect to settle down with as Autumn takes hold!
Crimson is feisty and determined, with a need to be liked and be successful, after loss and betrayal in the past. She arrives in Saffron Vale full of big ideas and a vision of how things would progress, only to find things aren’t quite as she hoped.
Leif, the somewhat brusque and surly warden, seems to view her as an annoying outsider, who doesn’t belong in Saffron Vale, yet is seemingly always on hand to help.
The story develops with Crimson trying to make her mark, fit in and find success, gradually making friends and finding her path forwards. All the while, she and Leif continue to be at odds, yet he is supports her more than either of them expect.
Slow burn romance, friendship, affection and all the feels, make this a must read book and I’m looking forward to more in the series.
Crimson is feisty and determined, with a need to be liked and be successful, after loss and betrayal in the past. She arrives in Saffron Vale full of big ideas and a vision of how things would progress, only to find things aren’t quite as she hoped.
Leif, the somewhat brusque and surly warden, seems to view her as an annoying outsider, who doesn’t belong in Saffron Vale, yet is seemingly always on hand to help.
The story develops with Crimson trying to make her mark, fit in and find success, gradually making friends and finding her path forwards. All the while, she and Leif continue to be at odds, yet he is supports her more than either of them expect.
Slow burn romance, friendship, affection and all the feels, make this a must read book and I’m looking forward to more in the series.
November 1, 2024
This was another delightful book in the Cozy Vales world! I absolutely adored it! The characters were great, the setting was fun, and the story was so cozy! Such a unique and magical read!
October 31, 2024
Traveling from her home in Oasis, she heads out ob a traveling library. She runs across a book with illustrations of a town named Saffron Vale. The colors brought dreams of her making clothes with the wonderful colors of the Vale. Knowing no one, basic belongings, her cloak and some coin, she heads off the library caravan into a world so new and strange. On her first day of travel she comes across heavy rains. Taking a wooded path to shield her, she gets turned around and lost. That is where the town warden, Lief, finds her. Not liking newcomers, more so than the town folk, his rough exterior starts to melt away. The more he helps Crimson repair the run down vacant shop, the more a happier side reveals itself. Crimson quickly is accepted to many town folk and is 'adopted' by a young injured dragon. This is an enjoyable story with many interesting creatures!
November 4, 2024
Oh, this was SUCH a lovely read!
A wonderfully warm story, full of crazy characters, bright inventors, and a small town, that's taking its time in welcoming a new dressmaker, who is as colourful as her wares!
I instantly loved Crimson. She is stronger than she knows, and is determined enough to succeed with her new shop, despite the people of Woolton Town living with a rather drab colour palette.
But then, their biggest money-maker, is growing, picking, sorting, and treating, a special genus of Crocus, where Saffron is a highly prized by-product, used for many different things.
With the colours they deal with there, the townsfolk need a bit of persuading, to adjust to Crimson's use of her own glorious palettes, which are just as bright!
I'm really loving the slow burn, and exceedingly gentle, romance going on between Crimson, and Lief, the Warden of Saffron Vale.
Lief has a heart that has been hurt deeply, and Crimson has gone through something similar, so neither of them are actively looking for love, although, deep in their hearts, both have wide spaces just waiting to be filled.
I really, really, love Smudge, the small dragon that adopts Crimson, and I can't wait to read more about him - well, about everyone that Crimson has encountered so far, anyway. Lol
The ending of this book came at an opportune time to halt, until the next book comes along, and I'm so very glad that I've pre-ordered Book Two: 'Going For Guild', which releases on 30th January, 2025 - so not TOO far into the future. Then Book Three: 'Commission Impossible', which is due for release on 30th April, 2025.
That's going to be quite a wait but, if they're anything like this first book, it'll be well worth it! Lol
I'm very much hoping that this series won't end with just the three books, as there's so much fodder to be used, from the people of Woolton!
In the meantime, I've a huge selection of books to read, and I'm going on to Book One of Jenn Mitchell's new series, called: Tarot's Pawn Shop', whose title is: "Soul Snatcher"!
Once I've finished reading this next new book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it - if it's as good as Jenn's other works, then I'm in for a real treat! Lol
A wonderfully warm story, full of crazy characters, bright inventors, and a small town, that's taking its time in welcoming a new dressmaker, who is as colourful as her wares!
I instantly loved Crimson. She is stronger than she knows, and is determined enough to succeed with her new shop, despite the people of Woolton Town living with a rather drab colour palette.
But then, their biggest money-maker, is growing, picking, sorting, and treating, a special genus of Crocus, where Saffron is a highly prized by-product, used for many different things.
With the colours they deal with there, the townsfolk need a bit of persuading, to adjust to Crimson's use of her own glorious palettes, which are just as bright!
I'm really loving the slow burn, and exceedingly gentle, romance going on between Crimson, and Lief, the Warden of Saffron Vale.
Lief has a heart that has been hurt deeply, and Crimson has gone through something similar, so neither of them are actively looking for love, although, deep in their hearts, both have wide spaces just waiting to be filled.
I really, really, love Smudge, the small dragon that adopts Crimson, and I can't wait to read more about him - well, about everyone that Crimson has encountered so far, anyway. Lol
The ending of this book came at an opportune time to halt, until the next book comes along, and I'm so very glad that I've pre-ordered Book Two: 'Going For Guild', which releases on 30th January, 2025 - so not TOO far into the future. Then Book Three: 'Commission Impossible', which is due for release on 30th April, 2025.
That's going to be quite a wait but, if they're anything like this first book, it'll be well worth it! Lol
I'm very much hoping that this series won't end with just the three books, as there's so much fodder to be used, from the people of Woolton!
In the meantime, I've a huge selection of books to read, and I'm going on to Book One of Jenn Mitchell's new series, called: Tarot's Pawn Shop', whose title is: "Soul Snatcher"!
Once I've finished reading this next new book, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it - if it's as good as Jenn's other works, then I'm in for a real treat! Lol
March 3, 2025
To say that I'm obsessed with the books of the Cozy Vales series, which involves many authors, would be a gross understatement. I absolutely adore the stories and the characters, the whimsy, the fantasy, the attention to details - everything is done to perfection each and every time.
This particular story revolves around Crimson (known from one of the previous stories) after she's fled her home, having been stabbed in the back (figuratively, not literally) by both her mentor and her best friend. She flees to Saffron Vale, known for producing the best and brightest dyes for fabrics that call to her and her dream of owning her own dressmaking store. Saffron Vale, at first, is a bland, run-down place where she is a complete stranger and they won't let her forget it for one moment.
Enter an offer she can't refuse, add a dilapidated building ready to fall completely down, season with a spirited dragon, and add some charming - but odd - townsfolk and you have the recipe for an absolutely delightful tale. I hated for this one to end and look forward to the next one in the series.
These books can be read out of order, but I'd advise reading them in order to get a better grasp on the many vales and the characters within.
This particular story revolves around Crimson (known from one of the previous stories) after she's fled her home, having been stabbed in the back (figuratively, not literally) by both her mentor and her best friend. She flees to Saffron Vale, known for producing the best and brightest dyes for fabrics that call to her and her dream of owning her own dressmaking store. Saffron Vale, at first, is a bland, run-down place where she is a complete stranger and they won't let her forget it for one moment.
Enter an offer she can't refuse, add a dilapidated building ready to fall completely down, season with a spirited dragon, and add some charming - but odd - townsfolk and you have the recipe for an absolutely delightful tale. I hated for this one to end and look forward to the next one in the series.
These books can be read out of order, but I'd advise reading them in order to get a better grasp on the many vales and the characters within.
October 13, 2024
If you have had the pleasure of reading Gemma Clatworthy’s previous works (such as the “Rise of the Dragons” series or the “Omensford” series), you certainly are aware of what a delightful treat awaits you with “A Colour to Dye For” (of her latest series, Saffron Vale Book 1), set within the Cozy Vales universe.
MC Crimson is determined to follow her dream to use her talents to add beauty to a sometimes drab reality.
On many levels, this story is an exceptionally sensitive portrayal of daring to reach towards connection even while fearing rejection.
And I confess that I cried when Crimson reluctantly gave up a comforting relationship in the hopes it was for the other’s best future.
You may wish to read Ms. Clatworthy’s prequel of Crimson’s former life, “A Dress with Pockets” in the anthology “Winter Tales from Cozy Vales”.
To learn more about Lief’s calling as a warden, you may wish to read Ms. Clatworthy’s “Boule-igans” in the anthology “Summer Tales from Cozy Vales”.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
MC Crimson is determined to follow her dream to use her talents to add beauty to a sometimes drab reality.
On many levels, this story is an exceptionally sensitive portrayal of daring to reach towards connection even while fearing rejection.
And I confess that I cried when Crimson reluctantly gave up a comforting relationship in the hopes it was for the other’s best future.
You may wish to read Ms. Clatworthy’s prequel of Crimson’s former life, “A Dress with Pockets” in the anthology “Winter Tales from Cozy Vales”.
To learn more about Lief’s calling as a warden, you may wish to read Ms. Clatworthy’s “Boule-igans” in the anthology “Summer Tales from Cozy Vales”.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
October 31, 2024
This was such a cute, cozy fantasy! Crimson is a young woman determined to strike out on her own. She is a dressmaker that has fallen in love with the bold colors made in Saffron Vale. She has left home for Saffron Vale to open her own shop and show those back home she can make it. But when she arrives, it seems as if nothing wants to go her way. From being seen as an outsider to only being able to get a dilapidated shop needing fixed up before she can even show her clothing to having a grumpy handyman, she moves past problem after problem. But it is not all bad! She manages to make a few friends among the locals and a not so local dragon! Can she overcome her own fears and get past the town's lack of forward fashion sense to make her business stand out?
This was such a cute read! I love Crimson and her can-do attitude. When she thinks she may fail, she really digs her heels in and finds a solution. She doesn't take anything for granted. She definitely has a forward-thinking fashion sense compared to the rest of this unique world and can I say that I love how in love with pockets she is!!! And Leif is a mystery! He is a gruff character with a heart of gold. It is fun reading the banter between these 2. And you know he is something, just not what he is!
There are so many wonderful types of supernaturals in this story as well. There are orcs, dwarves, unicorns (not the nice kind!), satyrs, and many more! There is even a Charlotte's Web vibe in parts of the book. And the pet dragon was an absolutely adorable addition! And I love how the author uses the cheese rolling tradition. I am not from England, but my family actually loves watching those videos we find online. So, even though I am not normally a reader who visualizes books (sad face), I actually was able to visualize and laugh at all those scenes!
There was no mystery to solve in this book, but lots of little hiccups that Crimson (and Leif) needed to deal with. There were also some emotional parts of the story where you really felt for Crimson. It was such a fun read and nice to read in between other darker and longer books. I am looking forward to seeing where things go for Crimson and her dress shop and with a certain grumpy warden!
This was such a cute read! I love Crimson and her can-do attitude. When she thinks she may fail, she really digs her heels in and finds a solution. She doesn't take anything for granted. She definitely has a forward-thinking fashion sense compared to the rest of this unique world and can I say that I love how in love with pockets she is!!! And Leif is a mystery! He is a gruff character with a heart of gold. It is fun reading the banter between these 2. And you know he is something, just not what he is!
There are so many wonderful types of supernaturals in this story as well. There are orcs, dwarves, unicorns (not the nice kind!), satyrs, and many more! There is even a Charlotte's Web vibe in parts of the book. And the pet dragon was an absolutely adorable addition! And I love how the author uses the cheese rolling tradition. I am not from England, but my family actually loves watching those videos we find online. So, even though I am not normally a reader who visualizes books (sad face), I actually was able to visualize and laugh at all those scenes!
There was no mystery to solve in this book, but lots of little hiccups that Crimson (and Leif) needed to deal with. There were also some emotional parts of the story where you really felt for Crimson. It was such a fun read and nice to read in between other darker and longer books. I am looking forward to seeing where things go for Crimson and her dress shop and with a certain grumpy warden!
May 4, 2025
I'm glad I picked this up during stuff your kindle day as I think it was a solid start to a series.
I will say that though it's very low angst, it didn't feel like my defenition of cozy as I wanted to smack Lief upside the head and tell him to stop being a jerk too often for that. I think I'm spoiled reading so many dual POV books bc I was dying to know what the heck Lief was thinking the whole time, so I'm glad we got a bit in the last chapter. I'm hoping as Crimson settles more into her place that we'll see more of the promised cozyness and humor.
I was a little uncertain going into this book as the author compares it to Legends & Lattes along with the Bookshop & the Barbarian, while L&L was a 5 star read for me, B&B was a 2 star read that I barely managed not to DNF. Thankfully this falls closer to the former for me and I look forward to the next one
I will say that though it's very low angst, it didn't feel like my defenition of cozy as I wanted to smack Lief upside the head and tell him to stop being a jerk too often for that. I think I'm spoiled reading so many dual POV books bc I was dying to know what the heck Lief was thinking the whole time, so I'm glad we got a bit in the last chapter. I'm hoping as Crimson settles more into her place that we'll see more of the promised cozyness and humor.
I was a little uncertain going into this book as the author compares it to Legends & Lattes along with the Bookshop & the Barbarian, while L&L was a 5 star read for me, B&B was a 2 star read that I barely managed not to DNF. Thankfully this falls closer to the former for me and I look forward to the next one
December 21, 2025
a very cozy fantasy
It reads like a holiday movie: girl with big dreams and broken heart moves to small town and gets in over her head with a problem. In this case, it’s a tumble down building soon to be her dressmaker shop. The local hunky warden of the forest moonlights as a carpenter/handyman and soon he’s fixing more than her roof. It’s completely predictable in plot, but that’s why we like this type of cozy low stakes story. The secondary characters, dragons, trolls, orcs, provide depth and warmth. The side quests, festival, and predicaments add drama without anxiety or chaos. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
It reads like a holiday movie: girl with big dreams and broken heart moves to small town and gets in over her head with a problem. In this case, it’s a tumble down building soon to be her dressmaker shop. The local hunky warden of the forest moonlights as a carpenter/handyman and soon he’s fixing more than her roof. It’s completely predictable in plot, but that’s why we like this type of cozy low stakes story. The secondary characters, dragons, trolls, orcs, provide depth and warmth. The side quests, festival, and predicaments add drama without anxiety or chaos. A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
January 1, 2025
What a great book in a new series! I liked Crimson’s drive to open a new dress shop in Saffron Vale. Lief is a worthy love-interest/adversary, and I loved that Crimson befriended an injured baby dragon, Smudge, and a “luck spider.” She did annoy me at times with her inability to trust Lief, but the townsfolk—and Lief—were really good people. This was a fun and fantastical novel overall, and I’m looking forward to the next one!
February 17, 2025
It's basically a Hallmark movie in a fantasy setting. Crimson moves to a small town in search of the vibrant dyes they produce. The town itself is drab but quirky. She wants to be surrounded by and produce colorful things, which isn't so easily accepted.
There's also the woodsman who does every kind of odd job, like fixing her roof and being in the town band, to ensure he shows up everywhere. And a stray dragon because dragon.
Probably fine for those who enjoy Hallmark movies.
There's also the woodsman who does every kind of odd job, like fixing her roof and being in the town band, to ensure he shows up everywhere. And a stray dragon because dragon.
Probably fine for those who enjoy Hallmark movies.
October 30, 2024
A determined girl with a dream moves to a new home in Saffron Vale in pursuit of it.
Naturally there are obstacles to overcome, but Crimson faces them all to follow said dream, which is a very nice moral of the story. Plus she meets plenty of interesting characters along the way, especially Leif.
Crimson is a loveable MC and this book is exactly whst you'd want from a cozy fantasy.
Naturally there are obstacles to overcome, but Crimson faces them all to follow said dream, which is a very nice moral of the story. Plus she meets plenty of interesting characters along the way, especially Leif.
Crimson is a loveable MC and this book is exactly whst you'd want from a cozy fantasy.
July 31, 2025
Very sweet. She’s a dress-maker who’s moved to Saffron Vale to start her own business. He’s a woodsman and handyman helping her fix up her shop. Lots of coziness, colour, quirky characters, food and a pet dragon. Very sweet romance with lots of banter. A little too cute for me, and the writing is a bit mediocre, but you may enjoy it.
November 12, 2025
A cute premise bogged down by clunky writing, typos, flat characters, and absolutely no chemistry. Plus Crimson, to be frank, is real dumb. I would love for the author to work on depth and release an updated version someday, because I like the world they’re building… but it deserves more investment than they’ve given it.
January 15, 2025
Very enjoyable
I enjoyed reading this cozy fantasy very much. It is a story about a young woman who moves to a new town to open a dress shop. The characters are very different and interesting and the town has it's own character. I enjoyed the mix of fantasy and relationships.
I enjoyed reading this cozy fantasy very much. It is a story about a young woman who moves to a new town to open a dress shop. The characters are very different and interesting and the town has it's own character. I enjoyed the mix of fantasy and relationships.
October 29, 2025
A fun lighthearted read.
I enjoyed this fantasy. Crimson is perfect as the steelmaker moving to a new town to make a living.
Lief whom the town hired to help her fix up her new ramshackle home. Along with Smudge the cutest dragon, the characters she runs into make the story.
I enjoyed this fantasy. Crimson is perfect as the steelmaker moving to a new town to make a living.
Lief whom the town hired to help her fix up her new ramshackle home. Along with Smudge the cutest dragon, the characters she runs into make the story.
January 20, 2025
Great book
This is such a great story and the characters are so well written it makes you want to know more. I can't wait to read the next book.
This is such a great story and the characters are so well written it makes you want to know more. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 5, 2025
Wonderful!!!
Amazing world building, I can see the charming town so clearly . Such a cute story with a strong MFC. I kept rooting for her the whole time!
Amazing world building, I can see the charming town so clearly . Such a cute story with a strong MFC. I kept rooting for her the whole time!
May 17, 2025
Cliffhanger warning
June 15, 2025
Simple, cosy and sweet.
Absolutely adored this one.
Absolutely adored this one.
August 22, 2025
Cute little tale
It was a nice fantasy story with characters like from a Fairytale. I have a feeling that I know what Lief really is but saving that thought to myself.
It was a nice fantasy story with characters like from a Fairytale. I have a feeling that I know what Lief really is but saving that thought to myself.
September 23, 2025
Loved it!
I loved everything about this book! Such a good read, it's sweet and funny. A slow burn, one of genres. Perfect for romance and fantasy lovers.
I loved everything about this book! Such a good read, it's sweet and funny. A slow burn, one of genres. Perfect for romance and fantasy lovers.
October 12, 2025
Lovely cosy fantasy , love crimson's story I will be continuing the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews