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The Memory Spinner
A luminous fantasy debut about a young girl who must choose between staying immersed in a magical past with her deceased mother, or saving those she loves most in the complicated, yet real present.
A JLG SELECTION!
"Emotions bubble like Grief, anger, jealousy, and regret simmer beneath the surface of richly drawn characters with complex motivations....A heartfelt story that will leave readers hoping for more from this promising new voice."--Kirkus Reviews
Since her mama died, thirteen-year-old Lavender has a disastrous memory problem. She forgets her lessons with her papa, an apothecary. She develops elaborate evasions to hide her lack of memory of the herbs and remedies she must learn to attain her dream of being an apothecary apprentice. Worst of all, she forgets memories of her mama.
Despite her papa’s disdain for magic, Lavender seeks a memory remedy from a clothing enchantress named Frey. As the two develop a friendship, Frey uses her spinning magic to help Lavender re-experience past moments with her mama. Lavender hears her mama’s laughter again, her singing voice, and how it felt to be wrapped in her hugs.
But when Lavender discovers the truth about Frey's magic and its vengeful purpose she must decide whether to stay immersed in beloved memories with her mama or save the people she loves most in the present.
A JLG SELECTION!
"Emotions bubble like Grief, anger, jealousy, and regret simmer beneath the surface of richly drawn characters with complex motivations....A heartfelt story that will leave readers hoping for more from this promising new voice."--Kirkus Reviews
Since her mama died, thirteen-year-old Lavender has a disastrous memory problem. She forgets her lessons with her papa, an apothecary. She develops elaborate evasions to hide her lack of memory of the herbs and remedies she must learn to attain her dream of being an apothecary apprentice. Worst of all, she forgets memories of her mama.
Despite her papa’s disdain for magic, Lavender seeks a memory remedy from a clothing enchantress named Frey. As the two develop a friendship, Frey uses her spinning magic to help Lavender re-experience past moments with her mama. Lavender hears her mama’s laughter again, her singing voice, and how it felt to be wrapped in her hugs.
But when Lavender discovers the truth about Frey's magic and its vengeful purpose she must decide whether to stay immersed in beloved memories with her mama or save the people she loves most in the present.
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Published August 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 8, 2025
This book is fantastic!
The writing is very intriguing in a way that made me want to keep reading until the end.
When I got to the second to last chapter, I was thinking “ This isn’t going to end!” Which only made me kept reading, except faster.
This is definitely one of my new favorites!
Thank you Random House for this amazing ARC!!!
The writing is very intriguing in a way that made me want to keep reading until the end.
When I got to the second to last chapter, I was thinking “ This isn’t going to end!” Which only made me kept reading, except faster.
This is definitely one of my new favorites!
Thank you Random House for this amazing ARC!!!
August 7, 2025
This was a really sweet middle grade book.
September 10, 2025
The Memory Spinner is a beautifully written and emotional fantasy that balances magic with raw human truths. Lavender’s struggle with the loss of her mother is heartbreaking, and the way she wrestles with the pull of memory magic versus the weight of reality made the story impossible to put down.
I especially loved the Enchantress—mysterious, powerful, and complicated. Her role in weaving memory and magic brought so much depth to Lavender’s journey, forcing her to face hard questions about grief, power, and the danger of holding on too tightly to the past.
This book captured me from the first page to the last. A luminous tale of magic, loss, and the courage it takes to choose the present over illusion.
Shout out to magical Moon 🌙
I especially loved the Enchantress—mysterious, powerful, and complicated. Her role in weaving memory and magic brought so much depth to Lavender’s journey, forcing her to face hard questions about grief, power, and the danger of holding on too tightly to the past.
This book captured me from the first page to the last. A luminous tale of magic, loss, and the courage it takes to choose the present over illusion.
Shout out to magical Moon 🌙
August 18, 2025
This was a fun and engaging middle grade fantasy that lightly deals with some deeper themes. A compelling read that kept me turning pages. The chapters were short, which kept the pacing high and made it easy to feel the progress as I read through the story - and hard to put the book down. Because the story dealt with re-experiencing and remembering memories, there were a few of the same memories that circled around a couple of times and felt a little repetitive in some places. We didn't relive them in their entirety, but I did almost wish for a little more variety in the memories.
But I found the premise really intriguing and enjoyable. I loved the idea of a girl losing her memories in the wake of her grief. I thought Lavender struggling to remember her mother because of the fading of time blended nicely with the memory magic threaded into the plot. It also contrasted so beautifully with the way others in the story dealt with grief. Her father refused to "remember" in the name of moving on. Her neighbor wanted to reminisce with her to help her remember and to both give and have consolation. Her friend sought to be physically present to show his loyalty and help her grieve by being there for her. The variety of ways to cope on display was really cool to see: ignoring it, anger, fear, physical actions, words, comfort with hugs, etc.
I do think there were a few pieces I thought were set up perfectly to go a little further or deeper, but didn't. One memory Lavender goes back to is a tree that looks dead on the outside, but is still green and living underneath the layer of bark. I was so sure that would be applied metaphorically to her father's coping and perhaps even a few other characters that could have applied to, but it never really went much deeper than the memory. The story also set up a fantastic opportunity to show the grace and healing power of forgiveness, but it actually says "I'll never forgive..." a couple of times, even ending on that note (while balancing it with a more positive ending in other ways). That left a sour taste because I personally believe forgiveness was what this story was missing. The antithesis of the hurt, revenge, grief, and sorrow could have shown such an incredible picture of choosing to love in spite of that pain, to forgive in order to move on. But alas, the story sort of makes it sound okay to hold on to that and like you can move on even if you don't forgive (even though some apologies did happen? It was a little confusing.). The whole deal with Guste and Lavendar in the beginning where they started out with this falling out didn't ever really feel as resolved as I'd wanted either.
The characters were fun. Lavender grabs you straight from the start. She's a very determined character who knows exactly what she wants. Her sense of urgency and her absolute will to believe her plan must work compelled me to keep reading to see what would happen. There were times I hoped she'd learn a few lessons that she, again, only kind of brushed upon, but overall, I liked her. Guste was charming and loyal and someone you'd definitely want to be your friend. I loved him to bits and pieces. Lavender's father was fascinating. I loved seeing how he behaved so differently from Lavender, seeing the tension in their relationship and what she believed about him and how they navigated their losses and circumstances. I also really loved getting to understand the nuanced reasons behind why he made the choices he did. He was a great character. Munin was a lot of fun and I ended up really appreciating her. And Faye was a great, mysterious figure that kept me guessing through much of the story. I do wish someone had just given the poor woman a big hug.
The world was creative and easy to grasp. A delightful contrast between medicine and magic with the apothecary pitted against the enchanted clothing woven by an enchantress. I loved the cozy, homey feel of the apothecary. We got to see a few other shops around the town and of course the enchantress's cottage on the outskirts. A simple, small world that really allowed the characters and themes to shine. And the magic was much the same: easy to understand, straightforward, and simple in a way that allowed the other elements in the story to shine.
Speaking of themes, we've already touched on how the story really centers around grief. That is the primary theme, alongside memories and memory loss, etc. But the story also deals with love, truth/lies, friendship, bitterness and anger - not so much the forgiveness and repentance side of things, like we said. There's a mix of how to be a good or bad friend, from a surface level view, and a touch of the trouble lies can cause. But there isn't much of the deeper is it right or wrong to lie (outside of the preteen who insists it was wrong for her father to keep something from her, which in my personal opinion was good parenting on his part. Having grown up in a home where my parents dumped their financial woes on the shoulders of literal children there are some things that aren't a kid's business or responsibility. He never lied to her about the position they were in; but he was making adult decisions about adult matters that his kid wasn't entitled to knowledge about. She's allowed to be upset and to have a mature conversation with him about it, but she's also subject to his authority as her father who ultimately is responsible for the household in this situation.)
Anywho, the book has some great elements that could springboard into good conversations with kiddos about some of these themes and about the perspective and choices of several of the characters in different key moments in the story, and even in the ordinary moments.
Content: MG - no swearing, very little and mild violence, though a little bit of mild creep factor with the witch's curse and the aesthetic that comes with (black eyes, dark threads, crows, etc.), and a super mild middle school crush. Themes that deal with loss, grief, honesty and dishonesty, friendship, bitterness, anger, and hope. There's some "dark" magic that comes from a character giving into bitterness and anger and using dark memories to weave curses into clothing. I'd probably recommend 10 to 12+, depending on how the kid does with some of these themes.
As a note: thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy - this one was a surprising delight to read and the above are my honest and voluntary thoughts on the book. 4.5/5
But I found the premise really intriguing and enjoyable. I loved the idea of a girl losing her memories in the wake of her grief. I thought Lavender struggling to remember her mother because of the fading of time blended nicely with the memory magic threaded into the plot. It also contrasted so beautifully with the way others in the story dealt with grief. Her father refused to "remember" in the name of moving on. Her neighbor wanted to reminisce with her to help her remember and to both give and have consolation. Her friend sought to be physically present to show his loyalty and help her grieve by being there for her. The variety of ways to cope on display was really cool to see: ignoring it, anger, fear, physical actions, words, comfort with hugs, etc.
I do think there were a few pieces I thought were set up perfectly to go a little further or deeper, but didn't. One memory Lavender goes back to is a tree that looks dead on the outside, but is still green and living underneath the layer of bark. I was so sure that would be applied metaphorically to her father's coping and perhaps even a few other characters that could have applied to, but it never really went much deeper than the memory. The story also set up a fantastic opportunity to show the grace and healing power of forgiveness, but it actually says "I'll never forgive..." a couple of times, even ending on that note (while balancing it with a more positive ending in other ways). That left a sour taste because I personally believe forgiveness was what this story was missing. The antithesis of the hurt, revenge, grief, and sorrow could have shown such an incredible picture of choosing to love in spite of that pain, to forgive in order to move on. But alas, the story sort of makes it sound okay to hold on to that and like you can move on even if you don't forgive (even though some apologies did happen? It was a little confusing.). The whole deal with Guste and Lavendar in the beginning where they started out with this falling out didn't ever really feel as resolved as I'd wanted either.
The characters were fun. Lavender grabs you straight from the start. She's a very determined character who knows exactly what she wants. Her sense of urgency and her absolute will to believe her plan must work compelled me to keep reading to see what would happen. There were times I hoped she'd learn a few lessons that she, again, only kind of brushed upon, but overall, I liked her. Guste was charming and loyal and someone you'd definitely want to be your friend. I loved him to bits and pieces. Lavender's father was fascinating. I loved seeing how he behaved so differently from Lavender, seeing the tension in their relationship and what she believed about him and how they navigated their losses and circumstances. I also really loved getting to understand the nuanced reasons behind why he made the choices he did. He was a great character. Munin was a lot of fun and I ended up really appreciating her. And Faye was a great, mysterious figure that kept me guessing through much of the story. I do wish someone had just given the poor woman a big hug.
The world was creative and easy to grasp. A delightful contrast between medicine and magic with the apothecary pitted against the enchanted clothing woven by an enchantress. I loved the cozy, homey feel of the apothecary. We got to see a few other shops around the town and of course the enchantress's cottage on the outskirts. A simple, small world that really allowed the characters and themes to shine. And the magic was much the same: easy to understand, straightforward, and simple in a way that allowed the other elements in the story to shine.
Speaking of themes, we've already touched on how the story really centers around grief. That is the primary theme, alongside memories and memory loss, etc. But the story also deals with love, truth/lies, friendship, bitterness and anger - not so much the forgiveness and repentance side of things, like we said. There's a mix of how to be a good or bad friend, from a surface level view, and a touch of the trouble lies can cause. But there isn't much of the deeper is it right or wrong to lie (outside of the preteen who insists it was wrong for her father to keep something from her, which in my personal opinion was good parenting on his part. Having grown up in a home where my parents dumped their financial woes on the shoulders of literal children there are some things that aren't a kid's business or responsibility. He never lied to her about the position they were in; but he was making adult decisions about adult matters that his kid wasn't entitled to knowledge about. She's allowed to be upset and to have a mature conversation with him about it, but she's also subject to his authority as her father who ultimately is responsible for the household in this situation.)
Anywho, the book has some great elements that could springboard into good conversations with kiddos about some of these themes and about the perspective and choices of several of the characters in different key moments in the story, and even in the ordinary moments.
Content: MG - no swearing, very little and mild violence, though a little bit of mild creep factor with the witch's curse and the aesthetic that comes with (black eyes, dark threads, crows, etc.), and a super mild middle school crush. Themes that deal with loss, grief, honesty and dishonesty, friendship, bitterness, anger, and hope. There's some "dark" magic that comes from a character giving into bitterness and anger and using dark memories to weave curses into clothing. I'd probably recommend 10 to 12+, depending on how the kid does with some of these themes.
As a note: thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy - this one was a surprising delight to read and the above are my honest and voluntary thoughts on the book. 4.5/5
August 27, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
I would put this one towards more upper middle grade. It’s a cozy cottage core fantasy with a few heavy themes for kids. It follows a girl who loses her memory after her mother dies and she seeks magic to try and get them back. The magic is more magical realism with charmed items and elixirs than it is spells. It was nice to take a break from dragons & enchanted kingdoms in this one.
Really good debut that tackles grief and loss in a sweet way.
I would put this one towards more upper middle grade. It’s a cozy cottage core fantasy with a few heavy themes for kids. It follows a girl who loses her memory after her mother dies and she seeks magic to try and get them back. The magic is more magical realism with charmed items and elixirs than it is spells. It was nice to take a break from dragons & enchanted kingdoms in this one.
Really good debut that tackles grief and loss in a sweet way.
August 23, 2025
Golden Thread; such a well written and memorable book.
Wish the story wasn't over, beautifully created characters, left me wanting more from them and excited to see what other Golden tapestries she can create as this was wonderful. Easy read and couldn't put it down.
Wish the story wasn't over, beautifully created characters, left me wanting more from them and excited to see what other Golden tapestries she can create as this was wonderful. Easy read and couldn't put it down.
August 16, 2025
The Memory Spinner is an emotional and enchanting upper-middle-grade fantasy debut novel that intertwines magical realism, magic, grief, memory, family connections, and the challenges of growing up.
The story follows 13-year-old Lavender, who, after her mother’s death, develops a mysterious memory problem. Seeking help from the retired enchantress in town, she makes a bargain to deliver charmed garments in exchange for her memories returning. Lavender keeps her work for the Enchantress a secret from her apothecary father and friends, leading her to trouble in ways she never expected!
Cornwell’s prose is fresh and lyrical in places, which is perfect for middle-grade readers or anyone who appreciates emotional depth. The story is told from Lavender’s perspective, giving insight into her grief, fascination with magic, and her internal struggles about her fractured relationship with her father. Cornwell structures the story around Lavender’s attempts to recover what she’s lost—her memories (especially precious ones with her mother) and her sense of belonging really stand out. The plot is more emotionally driven than plot-heavy but is always moving and will keep readers fully engaged from start to finish. The world-building is very intriguing but remains narrowly focused—while it offers good emotional clarity to the story, it might be less satisfying for readers who want expansive lore.
The major themes in this book are grief, the ethics of living in the past, family acceptance, and coming of age. Through Lavender’s story, the author analyzes why we focus on the past and how being fixated on memories can be a form of avoidance. The book also does a wonderful job examining communication failures between adults and their children—which can ultimately lead to family breakdown!
In the context of this book, Lavender knows her father’s rigid beliefs against magic and is terrified to tell him the truth about her fascination with it and her work with the Enchantress. Her father expects her to follow in his footsteps and take over the family apothecary business, something Lavender thinks she always wanted—but her experiences with magic make her question how much of the dream was hers and not just her father’s!
Lavender is a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her expression of grief shapes her choices and makes the story very captivating. Her inner monologues display an introspective and emotionally mature attitude that belies her years—and will make the story appeal to readers of all ages! In contrast, her father is a closed-off and sometimes difficult man—he refuses to speak of his grief for his dead wife and is tough on Lavender when she makes mistakes. The communication barriers between him and his daughter only come down once the stakes are high and he is forced to listen—this eventually leads to a profound shift in his character. The Enchantress is a complex, morally grey character. Her connection with Lavender is immediate, and readers later discover why she’s so fixated on Lavender becoming her apprentice. Her various impulsive actions will certainly elicit strong emotional responses from readers! The book also has some charming side characters, including Munin, a talking raven who becomes Lavender’s endearing companion, and Guste, Lavender’s friend whose loyalty is admirable in key moments.
Overall, The Memory Spinner is an emotionally powerful and thoughtful fantasy debut. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasies with authentic portrayals of grief, coming-of-age tales, magical realism, or middle-grade books with emotional stakes will love this book! It’s also a great classroom pick to learn about memory, loss, and ethical choices!
The story follows 13-year-old Lavender, who, after her mother’s death, develops a mysterious memory problem. Seeking help from the retired enchantress in town, she makes a bargain to deliver charmed garments in exchange for her memories returning. Lavender keeps her work for the Enchantress a secret from her apothecary father and friends, leading her to trouble in ways she never expected!
Cornwell’s prose is fresh and lyrical in places, which is perfect for middle-grade readers or anyone who appreciates emotional depth. The story is told from Lavender’s perspective, giving insight into her grief, fascination with magic, and her internal struggles about her fractured relationship with her father. Cornwell structures the story around Lavender’s attempts to recover what she’s lost—her memories (especially precious ones with her mother) and her sense of belonging really stand out. The plot is more emotionally driven than plot-heavy but is always moving and will keep readers fully engaged from start to finish. The world-building is very intriguing but remains narrowly focused—while it offers good emotional clarity to the story, it might be less satisfying for readers who want expansive lore.
The major themes in this book are grief, the ethics of living in the past, family acceptance, and coming of age. Through Lavender’s story, the author analyzes why we focus on the past and how being fixated on memories can be a form of avoidance. The book also does a wonderful job examining communication failures between adults and their children—which can ultimately lead to family breakdown!
In the context of this book, Lavender knows her father’s rigid beliefs against magic and is terrified to tell him the truth about her fascination with it and her work with the Enchantress. Her father expects her to follow in his footsteps and take over the family apothecary business, something Lavender thinks she always wanted—but her experiences with magic make her question how much of the dream was hers and not just her father’s!
Lavender is a compelling and relatable protagonist. Her expression of grief shapes her choices and makes the story very captivating. Her inner monologues display an introspective and emotionally mature attitude that belies her years—and will make the story appeal to readers of all ages! In contrast, her father is a closed-off and sometimes difficult man—he refuses to speak of his grief for his dead wife and is tough on Lavender when she makes mistakes. The communication barriers between him and his daughter only come down once the stakes are high and he is forced to listen—this eventually leads to a profound shift in his character. The Enchantress is a complex, morally grey character. Her connection with Lavender is immediate, and readers later discover why she’s so fixated on Lavender becoming her apprentice. Her various impulsive actions will certainly elicit strong emotional responses from readers! The book also has some charming side characters, including Munin, a talking raven who becomes Lavender’s endearing companion, and Guste, Lavender’s friend whose loyalty is admirable in key moments.
Overall, The Memory Spinner is an emotionally powerful and thoughtful fantasy debut. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasies with authentic portrayals of grief, coming-of-age tales, magical realism, or middle-grade books with emotional stakes will love this book! It’s also a great classroom pick to learn about memory, loss, and ethical choices!
October 8, 2025
This entrancing fantasy explores the affects of grief and the ways our memories shape us.
I first have to say that my son listened to the audiobook version of this book, and he mentioned to me multiple times how much he was loving it. He was incredibly intrigued by the central conflict - Lavender is losing her memories, which causes her trouble in day-to-life but, more importantly, is affecting her connection with her father, the only family she has left after her mother died. This concept of losing your memories was fascinating to him, and he said he could truly imagine being in that situation and wondered what he would do. He loved every minute of this book! When I read the book, I 100% agreed - this is a fantasy tale with a lot of depth to it, and it addresses grief in some very interesting ways. I loved that the villain in the story has an extensive backstory that is revealed as the book progresses and affects the way the MC is eventually able to gain the upper hand. Highly recommended for fantasy readers!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (but also purchased a copy of my own!)
I first have to say that my son listened to the audiobook version of this book, and he mentioned to me multiple times how much he was loving it. He was incredibly intrigued by the central conflict - Lavender is losing her memories, which causes her trouble in day-to-life but, more importantly, is affecting her connection with her father, the only family she has left after her mother died. This concept of losing your memories was fascinating to him, and he said he could truly imagine being in that situation and wondered what he would do. He loved every minute of this book! When I read the book, I 100% agreed - this is a fantasy tale with a lot of depth to it, and it addresses grief in some very interesting ways. I loved that the villain in the story has an extensive backstory that is revealed as the book progresses and affects the way the MC is eventually able to gain the upper hand. Highly recommended for fantasy readers!
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley (but also purchased a copy of my own!)
August 20, 2025
Thank you to Random House Kids for the free book. These opinions are my own.
I'm afraid this wasn't a great fit for me. I found the magic to be unoriginal. It featured memories being pulled like colored threads from the mind in a manner that is quite reminiscent of one of the most famous children's wizard series. And frankly, that's a series I don't enjoy seeing reference to and don't promote.
But more than this, this was incredibly dark. I'm particularly aware right now, having recently lost my own mother. This dealt with death and loss in a way that I would not recommend for children.
I'm afraid this wasn't a great fit for me. I found the magic to be unoriginal. It featured memories being pulled like colored threads from the mind in a manner that is quite reminiscent of one of the most famous children's wizard series. And frankly, that's a series I don't enjoy seeing reference to and don't promote.
But more than this, this was incredibly dark. I'm particularly aware right now, having recently lost my own mother. This dealt with death and loss in a way that I would not recommend for children.
October 19, 2025
TLDR : Although this book explores the concepts of death and grief, it still managed to get me laughing once or twice in nearly every chapter. The writing is fun, the plot is interesting, and it succeeded in keeping me on my toes until the very end. I’ll definitely be recommending this book for readers who are ages 11+ (maybe 10+ depending on the maturity of the child.)
The long version:
I spent nearly an hour at a local bookstore trying to find a Halloween story for a nine year old girl who is a voracious reader. I eventually settled on this book “The Memory Spinner” by C.M. Cornwell. The cover is beautiful, the inside blurb is intriguing, and the first couple of paragraphs read smoothly.
I did double check the age rating (8-12 years old) before I purchased it. Even then I still decided to pre-read it mostly because the main character is thirteen. I have also unfortunately seen way too many stories marketed to the wrong age group.
This being said, the beginning of the book had me worried. First, the vocabulary can be challenging at times (Apothecary, Laudanum, Encyclopedia, Nefarious) to name a few. This isn’t a problem for the child I bought it for, though I imagine some- especially younger children- may struggle. There is talk of debt…which seems bizzare to put in front of an eight year old, but maybe not so weird to introduce to an eleven or twelve year old. There is some lying, and sneaking…a solo trip to meet a stranger, some cruel (but not curse) words. The thirteen year old girl acts more like a semi-sheltered sixteen year old. This could be because she works as an apprentice rather than going to school. Still, in the first half of the book, due to many of her actions, she is not really the role model I would want in any child’s life...despite being very relatable.
Thankfully, as the story progresses most of the aforementioned issues are resolved with some important lessons: to focus on the happy things in life, that lying is not good, that trust is earned, that people can be selfish, but that feelings motivate all actions, that not everything is always as it seems, and to be kind to friends.
Every character has their own flaws just as every real person has their own! I particularly enjoyed this.
Lavender’s (she’s the main character) relationship with her father and Guste are interesting, the enchantress has her own quirky moments, and there is some real character growth. The world building is simple, but works. There is a very very small, nearly negligible amount of romance in this book (a few blushes and hand holding, once.)
All in all I got Disney movie vibes from this book, and I think the story is very realistic to real life (despite the quirky magic) which, in my opinion makes it a worthy read.
The long version:
I spent nearly an hour at a local bookstore trying to find a Halloween story for a nine year old girl who is a voracious reader. I eventually settled on this book “The Memory Spinner” by C.M. Cornwell. The cover is beautiful, the inside blurb is intriguing, and the first couple of paragraphs read smoothly.
I did double check the age rating (8-12 years old) before I purchased it. Even then I still decided to pre-read it mostly because the main character is thirteen. I have also unfortunately seen way too many stories marketed to the wrong age group.
This being said, the beginning of the book had me worried. First, the vocabulary can be challenging at times (Apothecary, Laudanum, Encyclopedia, Nefarious) to name a few. This isn’t a problem for the child I bought it for, though I imagine some- especially younger children- may struggle. There is talk of debt…which seems bizzare to put in front of an eight year old, but maybe not so weird to introduce to an eleven or twelve year old. There is some lying, and sneaking…a solo trip to meet a stranger, some cruel (but not curse) words. The thirteen year old girl acts more like a semi-sheltered sixteen year old. This could be because she works as an apprentice rather than going to school. Still, in the first half of the book, due to many of her actions, she is not really the role model I would want in any child’s life...despite being very relatable.
Thankfully, as the story progresses most of the aforementioned issues are resolved with some important lessons: to focus on the happy things in life, that lying is not good, that trust is earned, that people can be selfish, but that feelings motivate all actions, that not everything is always as it seems, and to be kind to friends.
Every character has their own flaws just as every real person has their own! I particularly enjoyed this.
Lavender’s (she’s the main character) relationship with her father and Guste are interesting, the enchantress has her own quirky moments, and there is some real character growth. The world building is simple, but works. There is a very very small, nearly negligible amount of romance in this book (a few blushes and hand holding, once.)
All in all I got Disney movie vibes from this book, and I think the story is very realistic to real life (despite the quirky magic) which, in my opinion makes it a worthy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
The Memory Spinner by C. M. Cornwell is a first person-POV Middle Grade fantasy about memory loss and grief. When Lavender’s mother passed away, she took the joy in the house with her. Lavender is officially in training to take over the apothecary from her father, but she struggles to remember anything after a few minutes, making it difficult for her to do her job and ruining her personal relationships. Lavender desperately wants to keep her memories and she will give up anything to do so.
Frey, the town’s enchantress, can weave memories and use them when she casts magic. She uses Lavender’s good memories of her mother to weave a cloak to help Lavender remember things better, but it comes with a price of forever losing one of her happiest memories. Spinners can also use unhappy memories for dark magic, including curses, though this is seen as a taboo due to how dangerous it is.
Lavender is pretty deep in her grief and it doesn't help that her father doesn't want to talk about her mother. He's very focused on the apothecary and what Lavender could be doing, which makes him a poor listener and looks Lavender out. It is a realistic portrayal of grief as many people do push their feelings aside because it is too painful or they believe that if they try hard enough, their feelings will just sort themselves out on their own. Parents often do this as a way to help their children, but in doing so, they often invalidate their children’s feelings and teach poor coping mechanisms, which is the opposite of what a parent should be modeling.
The language is very immersive but the book itself moves at a fairly fast pace. I was really surprised to see how quickly I went through this as I felt everything on the page was taking its time and really letting me see what was happening. For a debut, that is very impressive. This is going to be a great read for reluctant readers who really struggle to stay within a story.
I would recommend this to reluctant readers who love fantasy and young readers who need a book discussing grief
The Memory Spinner by C. M. Cornwell is a first person-POV Middle Grade fantasy about memory loss and grief. When Lavender’s mother passed away, she took the joy in the house with her. Lavender is officially in training to take over the apothecary from her father, but she struggles to remember anything after a few minutes, making it difficult for her to do her job and ruining her personal relationships. Lavender desperately wants to keep her memories and she will give up anything to do so.
Frey, the town’s enchantress, can weave memories and use them when she casts magic. She uses Lavender’s good memories of her mother to weave a cloak to help Lavender remember things better, but it comes with a price of forever losing one of her happiest memories. Spinners can also use unhappy memories for dark magic, including curses, though this is seen as a taboo due to how dangerous it is.
Lavender is pretty deep in her grief and it doesn't help that her father doesn't want to talk about her mother. He's very focused on the apothecary and what Lavender could be doing, which makes him a poor listener and looks Lavender out. It is a realistic portrayal of grief as many people do push their feelings aside because it is too painful or they believe that if they try hard enough, their feelings will just sort themselves out on their own. Parents often do this as a way to help their children, but in doing so, they often invalidate their children’s feelings and teach poor coping mechanisms, which is the opposite of what a parent should be modeling.
The language is very immersive but the book itself moves at a fairly fast pace. I was really surprised to see how quickly I went through this as I felt everything on the page was taking its time and really letting me see what was happening. For a debut, that is very impressive. This is going to be a great read for reluctant readers who really struggle to stay within a story.
I would recommend this to reluctant readers who love fantasy and young readers who need a book discussing grief
August 12, 2025
In her captivating debut novel, The Memory Spinner, author C.M. Cornwell weaves a fresh tapestry of magic, adventure, and peril. The book introduces a world where memories become an intangible magic currency but forgetting has devastating consequences. At the heart of this world is Lavender, a bold and plucky main character grappling with a problem that not only threatens her future as an apothecary but also the cherished memories of her recently lost mother. Desperate for a cure, Lavender’s search leads her to the doorstep of a mysterious enchantress named Frey, a fascinating and morally complex antagonist whose promises of help come with a hidden price.
Cornwell's magic system is one of the novel's standout features. Instead of relying on typical spells and incantations, the author has created a unique form of magic centered around enchanted clothing woven from the power of words and the act of spinning threads into clothing. Under Frey’s tutelage, Lavender not only gets her memories back but also begins to learn this intriguing magic herself, drawing the reader into a world of bewitchment and wonder. However, as Lavender delves deeper, she uncovers the chilling truth behind Frey's generosity: the enchanted clothes are more than they seem, and the town stands in grave danger of being cursed.
What follows is an exciting and daring adventure filled with unexpected turns that will keep readers entranced as they watch Lavender navigate a treacherous path: choosing between her desires and the safety of her loved ones. The book expertly explores themes of loyalty, friendship, family, trust, and courage, all while maintaining a perfect blend of excitement, drama, and chills. The hint of romance is an excellent touch, adding a layer of depth without overpowering the central plot.
The Memory Spinner is a thrilling journey that will appeal to fans of fantasy, adventure, and anyone who loves a good mystery. It’s a compelling read that will leave you pondering the true cost of power and the lengths one will go to protect the people they cherish. I can’t wait to see what magic C.M. Cornwell spins in her next novel!
Cornwell's magic system is one of the novel's standout features. Instead of relying on typical spells and incantations, the author has created a unique form of magic centered around enchanted clothing woven from the power of words and the act of spinning threads into clothing. Under Frey’s tutelage, Lavender not only gets her memories back but also begins to learn this intriguing magic herself, drawing the reader into a world of bewitchment and wonder. However, as Lavender delves deeper, she uncovers the chilling truth behind Frey's generosity: the enchanted clothes are more than they seem, and the town stands in grave danger of being cursed.
What follows is an exciting and daring adventure filled with unexpected turns that will keep readers entranced as they watch Lavender navigate a treacherous path: choosing between her desires and the safety of her loved ones. The book expertly explores themes of loyalty, friendship, family, trust, and courage, all while maintaining a perfect blend of excitement, drama, and chills. The hint of romance is an excellent touch, adding a layer of depth without overpowering the central plot.
The Memory Spinner is a thrilling journey that will appeal to fans of fantasy, adventure, and anyone who loves a good mystery. It’s a compelling read that will leave you pondering the true cost of power and the lengths one will go to protect the people they cherish. I can’t wait to see what magic C.M. Cornwell spins in her next novel!
September 20, 2025
ARC provided by Follett First Look
Lavendar's father is an apothecary in Hattertown, and when she turned 13, she became his apprentice. After the death of her mother, however, she experienced so much brain fog that she consulted a seller of used magical clothing on Lacrymose Lane and bought an ugly hat that was supposed to make her sharper. When she still can't remember things, she returns the hat, only to find that the enchantress who made it no longer produces magical clothing. Undaunted, she goes in search of the enchantress, and finds Frey on Boggs Hill. She makes a deal that she will act as a bicycle messenger for Frey in return for a custom garment that will help her with her memories. Lavendar is especially worried that she will forget her mother, because her father refuses to talk about her. Frey starts back up with her production of magical garments, but Lavendar begins to suspect that there is a dark side to the enchantress that may imperil everyone in the town.
This has a standard medievalish/1800s setting, with bakers, cobblers, and apothecaries, so the bicycle and modern language through me a bit. Fantasy fans will be okay with that, and middle grade readers may also enjoy that this gets a bit dark. I personally didn't care for this because of the way that it dealt with Lavendar's grieving for her dead mother, and the idea that her memory loss was because of her father not discussing her mother with her. If this is really set in an older time, people would have been expecting death and able to deal with it much more.
If I thought my students wanted fantasies like this, I would purchase it, but there are even fewer fantasy readers than there were last year. The few requests I have had have been for happy magical realism. Fans of Haydu's Eventown or Destephano's The Girl with the Ghost Machine may like this one.
Lavendar's father is an apothecary in Hattertown, and when she turned 13, she became his apprentice. After the death of her mother, however, she experienced so much brain fog that she consulted a seller of used magical clothing on Lacrymose Lane and bought an ugly hat that was supposed to make her sharper. When she still can't remember things, she returns the hat, only to find that the enchantress who made it no longer produces magical clothing. Undaunted, she goes in search of the enchantress, and finds Frey on Boggs Hill. She makes a deal that she will act as a bicycle messenger for Frey in return for a custom garment that will help her with her memories. Lavendar is especially worried that she will forget her mother, because her father refuses to talk about her. Frey starts back up with her production of magical garments, but Lavendar begins to suspect that there is a dark side to the enchantress that may imperil everyone in the town.
This has a standard medievalish/1800s setting, with bakers, cobblers, and apothecaries, so the bicycle and modern language through me a bit. Fantasy fans will be okay with that, and middle grade readers may also enjoy that this gets a bit dark. I personally didn't care for this because of the way that it dealt with Lavendar's grieving for her dead mother, and the idea that her memory loss was because of her father not discussing her mother with her. If this is really set in an older time, people would have been expecting death and able to deal with it much more.
If I thought my students wanted fantasies like this, I would purchase it, but there are even fewer fantasy readers than there were last year. The few requests I have had have been for happy magical realism. Fans of Haydu's Eventown or Destephano's The Girl with the Ghost Machine may like this one.
August 16, 2025
This book has a heavy start for a middle grade fantasy. Lavender is losing her memory after having lost her mom. She’s lost her best friend and can't remember why. She isn't able to talk to her dad about her loss of memory, and he won't talk about her mom. It's a lot. Grief and loss are a main focus of the book. She's desperately trying to figure out how to handle her mom’s death and clinging to the memories she has of her. Other people around her are also dealing with grief of their own, and that leads them to certain actions through the course of the story.
Even with the heaviness of grief and loss, the book is still sweet. There's an almost cottagecore, cozy feeling from the town, the apothecary shop, and the sweetness of most of her memories.
I liked all of the characters in this book. Even the ones who are frustrating for various reasons have some complexity and depth to them that added charm and sweetness. Her father, Munin, Faye, Guste and even the shopkeepers have a lot of life to them. Lavender herself is a likeable character whose grief shapes her choices but remains lovable.
There are a few things I wanted more explanations of. Her falling out and eventual becoming friends with Guste again or why she was able to move on to forgiveness for the character who has done her a lot of harm. It seemed like there should have been more to some of that and some of the memories.
Overall, this is a magical story full of heart about how grief can change people for good or bad and how to move on when things seem hard. There’s a lot of emotional depth, a compelling world, and characters you want to root for.
Even with the heaviness of grief and loss, the book is still sweet. There's an almost cottagecore, cozy feeling from the town, the apothecary shop, and the sweetness of most of her memories.
I liked all of the characters in this book. Even the ones who are frustrating for various reasons have some complexity and depth to them that added charm and sweetness. Her father, Munin, Faye, Guste and even the shopkeepers have a lot of life to them. Lavender herself is a likeable character whose grief shapes her choices but remains lovable.
There are a few things I wanted more explanations of. Her falling out and eventual becoming friends with Guste again or why she was able to move on to forgiveness for the character who has done her a lot of harm. It seemed like there should have been more to some of that and some of the memories.
Overall, this is a magical story full of heart about how grief can change people for good or bad and how to move on when things seem hard. There’s a lot of emotional depth, a compelling world, and characters you want to root for.
November 15, 2025
“Since mama died, my memories are slippery little things. They weave through my fingers. Sneak away in the darkness.”
“You were brave,” she says, much more softly than I’ve heard her speak before. “The past is like a dragon, nearly impossible to defeat. It’s much easier to run from it than to face it head on. After all, it can scathe us. And when we are weaponless and scrawny, we can’t lash in return. But you, you’re facing your dragons.-the painful past- armed with nothing but your bravery.”
Title: The Memory Spinner
Author: C.M. Cornwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is middle grade fantasy book.
Lavender has been struggling with her memory since her mother died. When she finds an enchantress who will help her with that issue, she jumps at the opportunity to remember not only her mother, but all the remedies she has lost working for her father as his apprentice in his apothecary shop.
The issue is the enchantress wants Lavender to work for her as well. While Lavender struggles to find balance, she comes to realize the enchantress is not what she seems. Can Lavender help herself, her father, and her town from the enchantress?
I really liked this story. The cover of this book is beautiful. But overall, the story is about grief, healing, purpose, family, and friendship. It was just a beautiful story.
“You were brave,” she says, much more softly than I’ve heard her speak before. “The past is like a dragon, nearly impossible to defeat. It’s much easier to run from it than to face it head on. After all, it can scathe us. And when we are weaponless and scrawny, we can’t lash in return. But you, you’re facing your dragons.-the painful past- armed with nothing but your bravery.”
Title: The Memory Spinner
Author: C.M. Cornwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is middle grade fantasy book.
Lavender has been struggling with her memory since her mother died. When she finds an enchantress who will help her with that issue, she jumps at the opportunity to remember not only her mother, but all the remedies she has lost working for her father as his apprentice in his apothecary shop.
The issue is the enchantress wants Lavender to work for her as well. While Lavender struggles to find balance, she comes to realize the enchantress is not what she seems. Can Lavender help herself, her father, and her town from the enchantress?
I really liked this story. The cover of this book is beautiful. But overall, the story is about grief, healing, purpose, family, and friendship. It was just a beautiful story.
November 25, 2025
Reading The Memory Spinner by debut author C.M. Cornwell left me with that feeling like I had found a treasure! I read this middle grade fiction book aloud to my 5 year old, 7 year old, and 10 year old. They all wanted me to keep reading!
Lavender is such a lovable character, and right away we worried for her over her mysterious loss of memories- especially the precious ones of her late mother and the vital knowledge she needed to be a successful apprentice to her father in their apothecary shop. Lavender is clinging onto what she can of her mother. Unspoken grief has put a painful wedge in their relationship, and with her failing memory in keeping herbs and medicines straight, Lavender feels her worth slipping too. Lavender turns to the town enchantress, who also has her own shadows of loss in her story. Frey is a true gray character, who offers Lavender hope, magical remedies, and danger.
I had my thoughts how the threads of the characters were intertwined, but there were twists I did not expect, satisfying spins, and artful messages to take to heart.
I had all of the feels. I was crying and hurting with Lavender. I was crying and hopeful with her too. There is so much depth and meaning in this magically spun story. It pulls all of the right heartstrings, wrapping around you in this beautifully written story of love, loss, relationships, friendships, and memories.
Lavender is such a lovable character, and right away we worried for her over her mysterious loss of memories- especially the precious ones of her late mother and the vital knowledge she needed to be a successful apprentice to her father in their apothecary shop. Lavender is clinging onto what she can of her mother. Unspoken grief has put a painful wedge in their relationship, and with her failing memory in keeping herbs and medicines straight, Lavender feels her worth slipping too. Lavender turns to the town enchantress, who also has her own shadows of loss in her story. Frey is a true gray character, who offers Lavender hope, magical remedies, and danger.
I had my thoughts how the threads of the characters were intertwined, but there were twists I did not expect, satisfying spins, and artful messages to take to heart.
I had all of the feels. I was crying and hurting with Lavender. I was crying and hopeful with her too. There is so much depth and meaning in this magically spun story. It pulls all of the right heartstrings, wrapping around you in this beautifully written story of love, loss, relationships, friendships, and memories.
May 13, 2025
This book made me cry. A lot. I mean, oh gosh. You couldn't help but root for Lavender and her earnest desire to get her memories back. The exploration of grief in particular was so thoughtfully done. Raw and real, yet laced with a kind of gentle hope. Where pain and healing are encouraged to coexist, and I really appreciated that.
I found myself genuinely loving almost every single character we met, which is rare for me. Each one felt distinct, layered, and emotionally resonant, adding something unique to Lavender’s journey. The relationships were complex but grounded in love, understanding, and sometimes missteps, just like real life.
The worldbuilding was another highlight. It was so immersive and atmospheric. Calming, even. I loved how we were introduced to the magical elements gradually, learning alongside Lavender in a way that felt natural and full of wonder. The magic also enhanced the emotional core of the story in beautiful ways.
I truly loved this book and can’t recommend it enough. The emotions were rich, the prose was poetic, and the story wrapped itself around you like a warm blanket. It reminds you that you’re not alone, even when everything feels too big to bear.
I found myself genuinely loving almost every single character we met, which is rare for me. Each one felt distinct, layered, and emotionally resonant, adding something unique to Lavender’s journey. The relationships were complex but grounded in love, understanding, and sometimes missteps, just like real life.
The worldbuilding was another highlight. It was so immersive and atmospheric. Calming, even. I loved how we were introduced to the magical elements gradually, learning alongside Lavender in a way that felt natural and full of wonder. The magic also enhanced the emotional core of the story in beautiful ways.
I truly loved this book and can’t recommend it enough. The emotions were rich, the prose was poetic, and the story wrapped itself around you like a warm blanket. It reminds you that you’re not alone, even when everything feels too big to bear.
September 24, 2025
Thanks to Penguin Random House for the audiobook copy of this title. I listened to the audiobook while reading the eBook version on my tablet. The audiobook narration by Saskia Maarleveld was excellent. She has a deep and wide collection of existing titles and I can see why. She’s a grown woman but was able to voice a young teen character very convincingly. She also did a terrific job creating voices for all the other characters of both genders in such a way that made them unique and distinct.
For the first two-thirds of this book, our FMC makes terrible decisions, and it made me a bit nuts. I was wishing she would be nicer to Guste, her childhood friend who she was angry with for no discernable reason. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t level with her dad. The early bad decision making was infuriating, but I suppose it made it even more satisfying when she finally made better decisions late in the story. Munin the bird is my favorite character, Guste the friend is my second favorite, and our FMC barely comes in third in terms of me liking the character, at least before the last 20% of the book.
This story had good action, though, and solid plotting. I was hoping for some growth and maybe a redemption arc for the sorceress and I definitely got the growth aspect of the FMC, which was such a relief! The last 15% of this story redeemed our FMC for me. I didn't get all the redemptions arcs I was hoping for, but I will say the ending is quite satisfying and has a good wrap-up.
This will be a good story to recommend to younger teens or middle graders who like fantasy and adventure.
For the first two-thirds of this book, our FMC makes terrible decisions, and it made me a bit nuts. I was wishing she would be nicer to Guste, her childhood friend who she was angry with for no discernable reason. I couldn’t understand why she didn’t level with her dad. The early bad decision making was infuriating, but I suppose it made it even more satisfying when she finally made better decisions late in the story. Munin the bird is my favorite character, Guste the friend is my second favorite, and our FMC barely comes in third in terms of me liking the character, at least before the last 20% of the book.
This story had good action, though, and solid plotting. I was hoping for some growth and maybe a redemption arc for the sorceress and I definitely got the growth aspect of the FMC, which was such a relief! The last 15% of this story redeemed our FMC for me. I didn't get all the redemptions arcs I was hoping for, but I will say the ending is quite satisfying and has a good wrap-up.
This will be a good story to recommend to younger teens or middle graders who like fantasy and adventure.
August 23, 2025
Thirteen-year-old Lavender has suffered from a continual deterioration in her memory ever since her mother died. Her father is distant and won't talk about her mother. She is failiing at her apprenticeship at her father's apothecary shop, and she can't remember why she argued with her best friend, Guste. Everything seems so hard. In desperation, and against the advice of Guste, she turns to magical aids for help--she turns to the memory spinner, a reclusive woman who retired years before, but is pulled back into producing magical garments in order to persuade Lavender to become her apprentice. Gradually, though, Lavender begins to suspect that the memory spinner is not the kind-hearted woman she seems. Lavender is forced to choose between the substance of the mundane world and insubstantial but alluring magic, between the desire to keep her memories of her mother and the salvation of the entire town. Lavender is forced to examine what is really important, and in the process, learns about the triumph of hope over bitterness.
March 18, 2025
The Memory Spinner is a wonderful middle-grade fantasy that weaves together heart, imagination, and beautiful prose. Cornwell creates a whimsical world that I loved exploring with Lavender, a spunky, fallible, yet lovable young heroine.
At its core, this book is about hope, loss, and the complicated ways grief can shape relationships. Through an accessible and heartfelt middle-grade lens, The Memory Spinner tackles grief and isolation after the death of a loved one, and explores how to accept those impossibly painful emotions while also rediscovering hope and love. The world-building and magic system is enchanting, rich with detail and imagination. But what truly makes this book shine is its emotional depth—you really feel for Lavender and all she is going through, and root for her to find her path.
I can’t wait to get a copy for my kids. A must-read for fans of heartfelt MG fantasy! Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for an advance copy!
At its core, this book is about hope, loss, and the complicated ways grief can shape relationships. Through an accessible and heartfelt middle-grade lens, The Memory Spinner tackles grief and isolation after the death of a loved one, and explores how to accept those impossibly painful emotions while also rediscovering hope and love. The world-building and magic system is enchanting, rich with detail and imagination. But what truly makes this book shine is its emotional depth—you really feel for Lavender and all she is going through, and root for her to find her path.
I can’t wait to get a copy for my kids. A must-read for fans of heartfelt MG fantasy! Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for an advance copy!
July 18, 2025
The Memory Spinner is a lovely debut novel. It's fun, mysterious, magical, and full of heart. It's about grief and hope, and the different ways they affect us.
The protagonist, Lavender, is easy to relate to. She's trying her hardest to do her best, but keeps running into issues with her memory. It's a very troubling problem to think about, and it isn't hard to understand why she goes looking for a magical solution. She's a fantastic narrator that I think many kids will see themselves in.
The mystery of Lavender's fleeting memory was interesting, and went in directions I didn't expect. It kept the story moving at a good pace, and made it easy to keep reading.
This book is great for all audiences, but I know I would have eaten it up as a kid due to the magic and setting. This is a solid middle grade, and I'm interested to see more from the author.
Thank you to Random House Children's and Netgalley for the ARC.
The protagonist, Lavender, is easy to relate to. She's trying her hardest to do her best, but keeps running into issues with her memory. It's a very troubling problem to think about, and it isn't hard to understand why she goes looking for a magical solution. She's a fantastic narrator that I think many kids will see themselves in.
The mystery of Lavender's fleeting memory was interesting, and went in directions I didn't expect. It kept the story moving at a good pace, and made it easy to keep reading.
This book is great for all audiences, but I know I would have eaten it up as a kid due to the magic and setting. This is a solid middle grade, and I'm interested to see more from the author.
Thank you to Random House Children's and Netgalley for the ARC.
October 28, 2025
I am fully in love with this book. It has wonderful worldbuilding, a lovely cozy fantasy atmosphere, and beautiful gothic vibes. Cornwell is a spinner and weaver of words. Her characters are believable, relatable, and I enjoyed spending time with all of them. The interactions and friction between Lavendar and Guste are particularly satisfying to read. Not only is the plot engaging, it contains a number of satisfying twists, more than a few of which I didn't see coming. And, the internal conflict is just as believable and engaging. This book grapples with the issues of trauma and grief in a way that most kids will be able to relate to, and those who have directly experienced those things will definitely feel seen. Honestly, it's hard to believe Cornwell is a debut author because she is so adept with all the elements of what make a good story. Highly recommended for any and all library shelves.
July 23, 2025
The Memory Spinner completely stole my heart. No seriously. I didn’t expect to fall for it as hard as I did, but here we are. If you love middle grade stories that are full of magic, emotion, and heart, this one is such a gem.
Lavender (cutest name ever and my favorite smell, double bonus) is our main character, and she’s been through a lot. She lost her mom when she was little, and now even the memories she does have of her are fading. Cue the crocodile tears. 😭 When she crosses paths with a magical dressmaker who can weave memories into clothing, she’s tempted to do whatever it takes to remember. I mean, how cool and heartbreaking all at once is that?
I loved everything about this story...the apothecary shop, the spells, the tough choices, the relationship with her dad (so sweet by the end), and just how much heart this book has. Lavender felt so real and brave, and I rooted for her the whole time.
Also, the audiobook? So good. It made the whole magical world feel even more vivid.
If you’re into middle grade books (or have a young reader in your life), definitely check this one out. It’s magical in all the best ways and left me feeling full of feelings and hope. 💛✨
Lavender (cutest name ever and my favorite smell, double bonus) is our main character, and she’s been through a lot. She lost her mom when she was little, and now even the memories she does have of her are fading. Cue the crocodile tears. 😭 When she crosses paths with a magical dressmaker who can weave memories into clothing, she’s tempted to do whatever it takes to remember. I mean, how cool and heartbreaking all at once is that?
I loved everything about this story...the apothecary shop, the spells, the tough choices, the relationship with her dad (so sweet by the end), and just how much heart this book has. Lavender felt so real and brave, and I rooted for her the whole time.
Also, the audiobook? So good. It made the whole magical world feel even more vivid.
If you’re into middle grade books (or have a young reader in your life), definitely check this one out. It’s magical in all the best ways and left me feeling full of feelings and hope. 💛✨
October 12, 2025
Lavender mourns the loss of her mother at a time and place in history/fantasy where apothecaries and enchantments influence healing of the mind, body, and spirit. Lavender and her father are at odds. She is losing her memories and in an attempt to rescue them, she seeks the help of an enchantress. Is she good or is she evil? Readers will quickly turn pages to find out. Readers play with the concept of hope and its power to overcome melancholy and evil. And how to let go of the crushing weight of loss. This would be a good recommendation to students who lost a parent.
Thoroughly engaging. More middle school, but definitely good for elementary too. The relationship between Lavendar and Guste is sweet and innocent but romantic. No kissing.
My one tiny criticism is the cost of items. It didn’t seem true to the time period of the story. It was a distraction.
Thoroughly engaging. More middle school, but definitely good for elementary too. The relationship between Lavendar and Guste is sweet and innocent but romantic. No kissing.
My one tiny criticism is the cost of items. It didn’t seem true to the time period of the story. It was a distraction.
August 7, 2025
The Memory Spinner is a cottagecore fantasy about magic, grief, healing, and love. This middle-grade fantasy novel, written by C. M. Cornwell, has a unique magic system, a wonderful message that anyone experiencing grief can relate to, and fun chapter titles. It does include a small detail at the end that does feel strange to me regarding the father, but that is probably just me. The Bookworm’s Snack rates The Memory Spinner four out of five stars.
If you love cottagecore, witches, fantasy, and adventure, and magic, then you will love this book.
Interested in more? Read my the full review at BWS Review: The Memory Spinner.
https://thebookwormssnack.wixsite.com...
If you love cottagecore, witches, fantasy, and adventure, and magic, then you will love this book.
Interested in more? Read my the full review at BWS Review: The Memory Spinner.
https://thebookwormssnack.wixsite.com...
August 14, 2025
This book really grabbed my daughter’s attention. We were so invested in the mystery that Lavender finds herself wrapped up in. My daughter found Lavender’s character very relatable, especially her desire to keep the memory of her mother alive forever. The relationship between Frey and Lavender was a great addition to how young girls can find solace in others who are going through similar experiences. And how to deal with relationships that just might turn for the worst. A great fantasy read for young readers who want to read about love, loss and friendship.
*Thank you to C.M. Cornwell, Random House Children's | Delacorte Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
*Thank you to C.M. Cornwell, Random House Children's | Delacorte Press and Netgalley for the digital copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.
May 2, 2025
A beautifully written middle grade fantasy with major fairy tale vibes that follows a girl struggling with memory loss after Mom passes away. An especially dangerous situation as she can't remember the power of herbs while apprenticing in her father's apothecary and heartbreaking as she can't remember details about her beloved mother. Soon she is given a chance to get it all back--work for an enchantress for just a few weeks and get a memory cloak to help remember. Twists and turns ensue in this powerful story about loss and redemption. I love that this book has such a classic feel with a powerful energy in its voice. Highly recommend!
ARC read - RTC!
ARC read - RTC!
August 3, 2025
The Memory Spinner is a luminous and emotionally resonant debut that blends fantasy and grief in a way that feels both heartfelt and inventive. Lavender’s struggle to hold onto her memories of her mother while navigating the expectations of her present life as an apothecary’s daughter is deeply moving. The relationship she forms with the mysterious enchantress Frey is rich with tension, beauty, and moral complexity. Some magical elements could have been more fully developed, but the novel’s emotional core, centered on memory, loss, and the courage to move forward, is powerful and affecting. A strong debut that will linger with readers.
August 13, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions expressed are my own.
I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s very well written and handles grief in a beautiful way. I think a lot of kids will be able to see themselves in both Lavender and Frey and I can’t wait to order this book for work. The magic system and world building was next level and I’m obsessed!! I never wanted the book to end and I think that any reader will feel the same. Unlike many books I’ve read that were written for kids that handle grief, this one never felt like it skewed younger than the intended audience and that is one of my favorite things about Cornwell’s writing.
I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s very well written and handles grief in a beautiful way. I think a lot of kids will be able to see themselves in both Lavender and Frey and I can’t wait to order this book for work. The magic system and world building was next level and I’m obsessed!! I never wanted the book to end and I think that any reader will feel the same. Unlike many books I’ve read that were written for kids that handle grief, this one never felt like it skewed younger than the intended audience and that is one of my favorite things about Cornwell’s writing.
September 22, 2025
I fell in love with Lavender, the protagonist, and Cornwell's skillful writing within the first few pages. The entire premise of the novel is original and powerful: loss of memory. I've seen characters in books who worry about forgetting deceased loved ones, but Lavender's failing memory -- across all aspects of her life -- is concrete and visceral. I found myself experiencing each scene from Lavender's point of view, making the messages of love and loss deeply felt, and making the entire tale quite the page-turner! Lavender's ability to heal herself and those around her create an uplifting tale. We all suffer loss, but there is still much joy in life to be experienced. Highly recommend.
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