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Stay for a Spell
A cursed princess must discover what her heart truly longs for in this charmingly cozy romantic fantasy for everyone who’s ever lost – or found – themselves in a bookshop.
Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar is disillusioned with life as a princess. She longs for real conversation, the chance to build a life of her own making, and uninterrupted reading time.
During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, Tandy’s dream comes true when she finds herself cursed to remain in a run-down bookshop until she unlocks her heart’s desire. Certain that someone will figure out how to break the curse eventually, and delighted by the prospect of an entire bookstore of her own, Tandy settles into life among the stacks. She finds it easy to exchange balls and endless state dinners for teetering piles of books and an irritatingly handsome pirate who seems bent on stealing her stock.
She even starts to believe she's stumbled into her very own happily ever after.
There's just one, minor problem: as Tandy's royal duties go unfulfilled, her frantic parents start sending princes to woo her, each one of them certain their kiss will break the curse. After all, what more could a princess want but a prince?
Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar is disillusioned with life as a princess. She longs for real conversation, the chance to build a life of her own making, and uninterrupted reading time.
During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, Tandy’s dream comes true when she finds herself cursed to remain in a run-down bookshop until she unlocks her heart’s desire. Certain that someone will figure out how to break the curse eventually, and delighted by the prospect of an entire bookstore of her own, Tandy settles into life among the stacks. She finds it easy to exchange balls and endless state dinners for teetering piles of books and an irritatingly handsome pirate who seems bent on stealing her stock.
She even starts to believe she's stumbled into her very own happily ever after.
There's just one, minor problem: as Tandy's royal duties go unfulfilled, her frantic parents start sending princes to woo her, each one of them certain their kiss will break the curse. After all, what more could a princess want but a prince?
374 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2026
180 people are currently reading
23021 people want to read
About the author
Amy Coombe
2 books81 followersBorn and raised in California, Amy is an award-winning writer, editor and publisher. She has lived all over the United States and is now based in London, where she uses her degrees in Law and Modern History to do neither of those things. She’s an avid reader, a licensed mudlarker, an enthusiastic fossil-hunter, a fledgling birder, and a font of useless trivia.
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January 28, 2026It’s giving Rapunzel/Princess and the Pea in a bookshop and I am here for it. 🙌🏻
August 1, 2025
*4.5 stars*
This is an absolutely charming fairy tale for adults, starring a busy (and lonely) working princess who should be on the road nonstop but sneaks away for a moment of joy to explore a cozy bookshop - and then finds herself cursed (cursed!) to stay there, taking over as its new proprietess, surrounded by fabulous books and unable to go back to her duties. WHAT a shame!
Needless to say, she is *far* less distressed by this news than her royal parents, who immediately start sending a stream of royal princes to attempt to break the curse through kisses and true love - but the only person stirring her heart in that particular direction is the also-cursed pirate who keeps wandering into her shop for flirtation and mild robbery.
The world-building is extremely thin, but honestly, quibbling over that seems unfair because it is so very much beside the point of the whole story. It reminded me in a very good way of M.M. Kaye's The Ordinary Princess, and I enjoyed it a lot. I also REALLY hope there will be a sequel starring the princess's supremely competent assistant!
This is an absolutely charming fairy tale for adults, starring a busy (and lonely) working princess who should be on the road nonstop but sneaks away for a moment of joy to explore a cozy bookshop - and then finds herself cursed (cursed!) to stay there, taking over as its new proprietess, surrounded by fabulous books and unable to go back to her duties. WHAT a shame!
Needless to say, she is *far* less distressed by this news than her royal parents, who immediately start sending a stream of royal princes to attempt to break the curse through kisses and true love - but the only person stirring her heart in that particular direction is the also-cursed pirate who keeps wandering into her shop for flirtation and mild robbery.
The world-building is extremely thin, but honestly, quibbling over that seems unfair because it is so very much beside the point of the whole story. It reminded me in a very good way of M.M. Kaye's The Ordinary Princess, and I enjoyed it a lot. I also REALLY hope there will be a sequel starring the princess's supremely competent assistant!
January 12, 2026
*3.75
Tanadelle is a princess who accidentally gets cursed and is now trapped inside a bookshop. Her parents send the seven princes of the land to break the curse with true love’s kiss. Chaos, of course, ensues.
The characters were fun. Tandy was relatable, Sasha the goth draconae was funny, and Bash the sailor was an endearing kleptomaniac.
I do wish we got more details into the magic of the world and how it worked, but I think that’s just the epic fantasy reader in me.
There were a few scenes that I didn’t really care for; The random blurting out of the f-word felt very weird and took me out of the story (especially with the fact that that was practically the only instance of cursing in the book), the scene where a character gets a little too drunk and decides to go in the rain was a bit hard to read, there was a very suggestive romantic scene near the end that I didn’t care for, and then one of the princes being a princess was a bit weird as well.
I did still enjoy this book a lot, and I stayed up a little too late finishing it. Definitely one of the better cozy fantasies that I’ve read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
Tanadelle is a princess who accidentally gets cursed and is now trapped inside a bookshop. Her parents send the seven princes of the land to break the curse with true love’s kiss. Chaos, of course, ensues.
The characters were fun. Tandy was relatable, Sasha the goth draconae was funny, and Bash the sailor was an endearing kleptomaniac.
I do wish we got more details into the magic of the world and how it worked, but I think that’s just the epic fantasy reader in me.
There were a few scenes that I didn’t really care for; The random blurting out of the f-word felt very weird and took me out of the story (especially with the fact that that was practically the only instance of cursing in the book), the scene where a character gets a little too drunk and decides to go in the rain was a bit hard to read, there was a very suggestive romantic scene near the end that I didn’t care for, and then one of the princes being a princess was a bit weird as well.
I did still enjoy this book a lot, and I stayed up a little too late finishing it. Definitely one of the better cozy fantasies that I’ve read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
April 18, 2026
There’s something special about a book that feels like stepping into a place you wish existed, and Stay for a Spellby Amy Coombe absolutely delivers that kind of magic.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the quiet charm of Little Pepperidge and its slightly ramshackle, very enchanted bookshop. Our main character, Princess Tanadelle (Tandy), finds herself stuck there thanks to a curse that won’t let her leave until she figures out her heart’s true desire. And honestly? Being trapped in a magical bookshop doesn’t sound like the worst fate.
What I loved most about Stay for a Spell is how gentle it feels. This isn’t a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat fantasy. It’s soft. Cozy. Intentional. The kind of story that slows you down in the best way. The bookshop itself feels alive, full of warmth and little quirks that make you want to curl up there with a cup of tea and never leave.
Tandy’s journey is really at the heart of everything. Watching her step away from royal expectations and start figuring out who she actually is felt both relatable and quietly empowering. It’s less about big dramatic moments and more about small, meaningful realizations, and I appreciated that so much.
And then there’s the romance. It builds slowly, naturally, and with just the right amount of tension and sweetness. Nothing feels rushed, which makes it all the more satisfying. Plus, there’s a slightly roguish edge to the love interest that adds just enough spark without taking away from the cozy tone.
I also have to mention the found family element, because it’s so well done. The side characters bring so much life and comfort to the story, and by the end, they genuinely feel like a little community you don’t want to say goodbye to.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the pacing might feel a bit too slow for readers who prefer action-heavy plots. But for me, that softness is exactly what made it work. It’s a story you settle into, not rush through.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of book you read when you want to feel warm, safe, and just a little bit enchanted. It’s about finding yourself, choosing your own path, and discovering that sometimes the life you didn’t plan is the one that fits you best.
A perfect cozy fantasy for anyone who loves bookshops, soft romance, and stories that feel like home.
From the very first chapter, I was pulled into the quiet charm of Little Pepperidge and its slightly ramshackle, very enchanted bookshop. Our main character, Princess Tanadelle (Tandy), finds herself stuck there thanks to a curse that won’t let her leave until she figures out her heart’s true desire. And honestly? Being trapped in a magical bookshop doesn’t sound like the worst fate.
What I loved most about Stay for a Spell is how gentle it feels. This isn’t a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat fantasy. It’s soft. Cozy. Intentional. The kind of story that slows you down in the best way. The bookshop itself feels alive, full of warmth and little quirks that make you want to curl up there with a cup of tea and never leave.
Tandy’s journey is really at the heart of everything. Watching her step away from royal expectations and start figuring out who she actually is felt both relatable and quietly empowering. It’s less about big dramatic moments and more about small, meaningful realizations, and I appreciated that so much.
And then there’s the romance. It builds slowly, naturally, and with just the right amount of tension and sweetness. Nothing feels rushed, which makes it all the more satisfying. Plus, there’s a slightly roguish edge to the love interest that adds just enough spark without taking away from the cozy tone.
I also have to mention the found family element, because it’s so well done. The side characters bring so much life and comfort to the story, and by the end, they genuinely feel like a little community you don’t want to say goodbye to.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the pacing might feel a bit too slow for readers who prefer action-heavy plots. But for me, that softness is exactly what made it work. It’s a story you settle into, not rush through.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of book you read when you want to feel warm, safe, and just a little bit enchanted. It’s about finding yourself, choosing your own path, and discovering that sometimes the life you didn’t plan is the one that fits you best.
A perfect cozy fantasy for anyone who loves bookshops, soft romance, and stories that feel like home.
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April 19, 2026
A cute fantasy about an introverted, overly people-pleasing princess who gets cursed to stay in a bookstore until she figures out her heart's desire.
I really liked Tandy. I liked the rest of the characters, too. They might have been a bit one-dimensional, but they worked well with that they were given. The romance was soft and slow, filled with subtle yearning instead of white-hot angst, and the world-building was also gentle and didn't take itself too seriously. I was pleased with how queer normative the world seemed to be, too. It was a delightful surprise.
Anywho, the book was cute and it was fun and all about Tandy figuring out how to stand up for herself.
Did it ever really examine its own odd capitalist streak? Sure, Tandy was proud to turn a profit and balance her books and whatnot, but also...did she have to? She's a princess! She's richer than any single person in town, so her raising the prices of her merch to fit with demand didn't really sit well with me. It felt odd in this cozy setting.
Overall, though, it was a very cozy fantasy.
I really liked Tandy. I liked the rest of the characters, too. They might have been a bit one-dimensional, but they worked well with that they were given. The romance was soft and slow, filled with subtle yearning instead of white-hot angst, and the world-building was also gentle and didn't take itself too seriously. I was pleased with how queer normative the world seemed to be, too. It was a delightful surprise.
Anywho, the book was cute and it was fun and all about Tandy figuring out how to stand up for herself.
Did it ever really examine its own odd capitalist streak? Sure, Tandy was proud to turn a profit and balance her books and whatnot, but also...did she have to? She's a princess! She's richer than any single person in town, so her raising the prices of her merch to fit with demand didn't really sit well with me. It felt odd in this cozy setting.
Overall, though, it was a very cozy fantasy.
October 29, 2025
I loved this!!! so cozy and comforting!!
official blurb:
"Coombe has created an utterly enchanting world and cozy story set against the backdrop of a lovely bookshop and adorable village. Readers will root for Tandy to discover her heart’s desire and find the courage to seize it; as well as root for her banterful romance with a charming pirate. Stay for a Spell is ridiculously fun!"
official blurb:
"Coombe has created an utterly enchanting world and cozy story set against the backdrop of a lovely bookshop and adorable village. Readers will root for Tandy to discover her heart’s desire and find the courage to seize it; as well as root for her banterful romance with a charming pirate. Stay for a Spell is ridiculously fun!"
September 20, 2025
Giggling, squealing, kicking my feet! This was the cutest, coziest book EVERRRR! I laughed so much i gave myself an asthma attack! 15/10
April 5, 2026
4.5/5 rounded up!
Tandy is tired of her royal duties… all she wants in life is to be able to curl up with her books and read. While shopping for new books Tandy accidentally gets cursed and now she can’t leave the bookstore until she unlocks her hearts desire.
I honestly had so much fun reading this one! I laughed out loud, I smiled and got excited, I got exasperated over the lack of feelings being spoken of. It had everything you could hope for in a cozy fantasy romance! Oh and it had books and a bookstore and a bookstore cat! Need I really say more?
If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy then I’d highly recommend checking this one out!
Tandy is tired of her royal duties… all she wants in life is to be able to curl up with her books and read. While shopping for new books Tandy accidentally gets cursed and now she can’t leave the bookstore until she unlocks her hearts desire.
I honestly had so much fun reading this one! I laughed out loud, I smiled and got excited, I got exasperated over the lack of feelings being spoken of. It had everything you could hope for in a cozy fantasy romance! Oh and it had books and a bookstore and a bookstore cat! Need I really say more?
If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy then I’d highly recommend checking this one out!
April 24, 2026
My rating is 4.25
Cozy and bookish, you can't get better than that. Add in a curse (or two!), a pirate and a bookstore cat with no name, and you have a low stakes, sweetly slow burning romantic tale that will work it's way into your heart.
Cozy and bookish, you can't get better than that. Add in a curse (or two!), a pirate and a bookstore cat with no name, and you have a low stakes, sweetly slow burning romantic tale that will work it's way into your heart.
March 25, 2026
I knew I was going to love this book from the premise but it blew me away!
In this story we follow Princess Tandy as she’s cursed to never leave a bookshop again. With the help of an angsty teenager they get to shop back to running again and turn it into a cozy space for the rest of the town. Her parents decide then to send her the seven princes of the realms to try and save her with a kiss. Will it work? Or will the annoying pirate that keeps stealing stuff be the key to solve the curse?
I really loved the atmosphere and the setting so much. Tandy was an incredible MC to follow. And I also love the rest of the characters as well from Sasha, to Bash and all the seven princes. Some of the plot twists and revelations were so bizzarre they had me cackling at the kindle and then tear up when I read the acknowledgments. From that ending, I cannot wait to get more books in this series and to find out more about Honey in the next one? (potentially?)
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this story we follow Princess Tandy as she’s cursed to never leave a bookshop again. With the help of an angsty teenager they get to shop back to running again and turn it into a cozy space for the rest of the town. Her parents decide then to send her the seven princes of the realms to try and save her with a kiss. Will it work? Or will the annoying pirate that keeps stealing stuff be the key to solve the curse?
I really loved the atmosphere and the setting so much. Tandy was an incredible MC to follow. And I also love the rest of the characters as well from Sasha, to Bash and all the seven princes. Some of the plot twists and revelations were so bizzarre they had me cackling at the kindle and then tear up when I read the acknowledgments. From that ending, I cannot wait to get more books in this series and to find out more about Honey in the next one? (potentially?)
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2026
*Thank you to Ace and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
This is my first true 5 star read of the year and it's perfect that it's this book. Who wouldn't want to be cursed to stay in a bookshop? Truly would be heavenly for me.
What really surprised me about this book was how it subverted my expectations. It was certainly comfy and cozy, but it felt like a much more character-driven novel. Stay for a Spell is all about Tandy finding herself and her voice, rather than focusing on the romantic curse cure-all of true love's first kiss. That isn't to say that this book is without romance, as there is PLENTY of smooching! But I felt like she really grew over the course of the book, both into a competent spellcaster and bookseller, but also into a self-assured woman. The cast of characters really complemented Tandy's journey while providing ample entertainment. Between the goth dragon shop assistant and the scalawag teasingly referred to as "barn pirate, they round out a book full of charm and humor.
Now I'll be over here clowning for a sequel with Honey, thank you very much.
This is my first true 5 star read of the year and it's perfect that it's this book. Who wouldn't want to be cursed to stay in a bookshop? Truly would be heavenly for me.
What really surprised me about this book was how it subverted my expectations. It was certainly comfy and cozy, but it felt like a much more character-driven novel. Stay for a Spell is all about Tandy finding herself and her voice, rather than focusing on the romantic curse cure-all of true love's first kiss. That isn't to say that this book is without romance, as there is PLENTY of smooching! But I felt like she really grew over the course of the book, both into a competent spellcaster and bookseller, but also into a self-assured woman. The cast of characters really complemented Tandy's journey while providing ample entertainment. Between the goth dragon shop assistant and the scalawag teasingly referred to as "barn pirate, they round out a book full of charm and humor.
Now I'll be over here clowning for a sequel with Honey, thank you very much.
March 13, 2026
This book had me at "cursed to be in a bookshop."
I loved Tandy. She's so good and loyal and desperately knows she's unhappy with what she's doing with her life. There are a several wonderful secondary characters and of course, a love interest (hello, Barn Pirate), but this is firmly Tandy's story.
Plot wise, it's the loviest of meanderings as we read Tandy figuring out the life she wants while making real friends and learning to flirt. The so-called conflict was an open and honest conversation where everyone took turns talking and listening. And while I wanted something a bit more at the end (seriously, a future take would have been amazing), I loved this slice of time.
Overall, this was the coziest and fluffiest book ever. I can't wait to read it again.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Tandy. She's so good and loyal and desperately knows she's unhappy with what she's doing with her life. There are a several wonderful secondary characters and of course, a love interest (hello, Barn Pirate), but this is firmly Tandy's story.
Plot wise, it's the loviest of meanderings as we read Tandy figuring out the life she wants while making real friends and learning to flirt. The so-called conflict was an open and honest conversation where everyone took turns talking and listening. And while I wanted something a bit more at the end (seriously, a future take would have been amazing), I loved this slice of time.
Overall, this was the coziest and fluffiest book ever. I can't wait to read it again.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
October 4, 2025
A charming and warmhearted fairy tale for anyone who’s ever thought a bookshop feels like home. Stay for a Spell is a potpourri of cozy fantasy elements—princes and pirates, a magical cat, found family, and of course a delightful bookshop—that will enchant readers looking for a gentle place to land.
April 17, 2026
I began reading this before switching over to the audio version narrated by Lottie Bourne, who did a great job of giving voice to this story and its characters. Coombe introduces us to Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar as she travels to the town of Little Pepperidge for a Royal visit. As the youngest princess, Tandy has an exhausting schedule. She longs for a simple life with cozy conversations, bookshops, and plenty of time for reading.
Before departing the village, Tandy slips off to the bookshop where things go awry and she finds herself stuck in the bookstore and its new owner. Oh, the horrors! Despite being confined behind the bookshop walls, Tandy settles in and enjoys it for she knows soon enough her parents will find a way to break the curse and free her...but hopefully not too soon.
The tale that unfolded was filled with books, magic, magical creatures and oozed with charm, humor and a slow-burning romance to curl your toes. I loved the slow transformation of our heroine as she grew in confidence and belief in herself. Her parents, believing a kiss could break the curse, sent princes from every kingdom. It was fun. But it was Tandy's assistant, Bash, and the townfolk who gave the story its heart and had me fully invested.
Stay for a Spell delivered a character-driven, cozy, romantic fantasy that offers the perfect feel-good, low-angst escape sure to make you smile. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Before departing the village, Tandy slips off to the bookshop where things go awry and she finds herself stuck in the bookstore and its new owner. Oh, the horrors! Despite being confined behind the bookshop walls, Tandy settles in and enjoys it for she knows soon enough her parents will find a way to break the curse and free her...but hopefully not too soon.
The tale that unfolded was filled with books, magic, magical creatures and oozed with charm, humor and a slow-burning romance to curl your toes. I loved the slow transformation of our heroine as she grew in confidence and belief in herself. Her parents, believing a kiss could break the curse, sent princes from every kingdom. It was fun. But it was Tandy's assistant, Bash, and the townfolk who gave the story its heart and had me fully invested.
Stay for a Spell delivered a character-driven, cozy, romantic fantasy that offers the perfect feel-good, low-angst escape sure to make you smile. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 27, 2026
I was at the Beverly Farms Bookstore in Beverly Massachusetts on Independent Bookstore day.. and i just kept finding books I wanted. My husband, who had his back turned to me for 30 seconds, spun around to ask me a question and found me with a huge stack of books in my hand and me saying "I have to get out of here"
Stay for a Spell was a book that was included in that stack of books. I had not heard of this book before, but the cover called me. I took a look at the inside cover (unsual for me) and discovered that this book was exactly what I was seeking. The premise of the books was silly, low stakes, and cozy and thats all I ever want.
I think this might be in my top three books of 2026. I really enjoyed this book. There is a mix of magic and mundane- from the real feeling of burnout to the magical creatures that float around. There is comfort in the books and redesigning of the shop. Its not quite a found family, but is found friendship. It was very adorable in so many ways.
I liked the slow romance to this book as well. It is clear to everyone but to Tandy that love is in the air. She has to go through the motions for many, duty based reasons but she also finds herself among the shelves.
Stay for a Spell was a book that was included in that stack of books. I had not heard of this book before, but the cover called me. I took a look at the inside cover (unsual for me) and discovered that this book was exactly what I was seeking. The premise of the books was silly, low stakes, and cozy and thats all I ever want.
I think this might be in my top three books of 2026. I really enjoyed this book. There is a mix of magic and mundane- from the real feeling of burnout to the magical creatures that float around. There is comfort in the books and redesigning of the shop. Its not quite a found family, but is found friendship. It was very adorable in so many ways.
I liked the slow romance to this book as well. It is clear to everyone but to Tandy that love is in the air. She has to go through the motions for many, duty based reasons but she also finds herself among the shelves.
November 19, 2025
📚 Bookish Thoughts
Absolutely obsessed with this cozy fantasy. It was low angst and full of feel good moments. I loved Princess Tandy right away because she felt so real in her internal thoughts. She has lived such a controlled and scripted life as a working royal and I could feel how badly she wanted freedom. She was also the best bookshop owner 😍🥰
Bash was a whole vibe and I was here for it. The reveal of how he got cursed had me cackling.
Tandy’s mom drove me up the wall and her dad was a bit useless, but they did come around. I did love that one of the princes who tried to break the curse was a woman.
I am hoping the ending means this will turn into a series because I need more of Honey.
✨ What to Expect
• Cozy fantasy
• Cursed Princess
• Pirate MMC
• Bookshop
• Royal family drama
_ _ _
⭐ Final Score: 5 Stars
📅 Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
April 24, 2026
"Bookstores: the one place in the entire kingdom that promise something beside dull conversations about economics and local politics and whatever else I'm meant to be thinking about. Books promise you that your life can change in an instant. And bookstores? Bookstores offer refuge, a home away from home. No matter how far you travel, you can always find a little piece of home inside a bookstore."
GENRE: Cozy Romantasy
RATING: 4.25/5
FORMAT: eBook ARC
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Review:
I love when we have books about books and Stay for a Spell was a lovely combination of Cozy fairy tale vibes with an FMC that loves books and wants to own a bookshop. Her dream comes to life through a curse, which she can't undo unless she unlocks her heart's desire essentially.
Tandy (our FMC) was lovely to get to know as she moves into her bookshop ins the small town of Little Pepperidge, which again SO cute. This is a tale of Tandy learning to not be a people pleaser and to put herself first for once, despite feeling the weigh of her responsibility as a Princess. As another people pleaser (not exactly like Tandy because I don't have a bookshop), I felt that a lot of this was relatable. She got to slow down and learn what she wants from life, even if it takes her a while to admit it to herself.
We also get to see her blossom in her friendships with Sasha and other characters plus we get to see her blossoming romance and the start of her falling in like with her pirate, Bash. The setting is so fitting for Tandy as a person to allow her to breathe in for the first time in her life and realise who she is and what she wants.
I think the only thing I wanted a bit more of is a bit world building and an understanding of where the various Princes came from and how they differed. I feel we got this a little as we they were all unique and stood out, with some of them being funny, some droopy...etc.
All in all, this was a lovely Cozy book that features a bookshop and I look forward to reading more by the author.
Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.
April 26, 2026
4.5⭐️
I have found my new favourite cosy book. 100% recommend you add this to your autumn TBR list.
Tandy is a princess and she is exhausted and bored of carrying out her royal duties. She travels all the time for ribbon cutting ceremonies, she just wants to build a life of her own. She gets exactly what she asks for when she gets cursed… After popping into a small, old, rundown bookshop to grab a new book for her travels, she ends up with a curse that doesn’t allow her to leave the shop. Tandy has essentially inherited the bookshop and is forced to pull the plug on her royal duties until the curse is lifted. In the meantime, she improves the bookshop and becomes part of the small town’s community and makes new friends and even a romantic connection.
I definitely feel like there is a reflection of modern times, how everyone would love nothing more than not to work and have more time to do the things they love and just slow down. I’m jealous of Tandy! Who wouldn’t want to run a cosy bookshop and be surrounded by books…
I obviously love this storyline. There is awesome banta between the main characters. At some points I am sure it pokes fun at fairytales/fantasies with the over top, flamboyant princes.
Overall, so joyful, cosy and funny. I love a book about books. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC 🫶🏼✨
I have found my new favourite cosy book. 100% recommend you add this to your autumn TBR list.
Tandy is a princess and she is exhausted and bored of carrying out her royal duties. She travels all the time for ribbon cutting ceremonies, she just wants to build a life of her own. She gets exactly what she asks for when she gets cursed… After popping into a small, old, rundown bookshop to grab a new book for her travels, she ends up with a curse that doesn’t allow her to leave the shop. Tandy has essentially inherited the bookshop and is forced to pull the plug on her royal duties until the curse is lifted. In the meantime, she improves the bookshop and becomes part of the small town’s community and makes new friends and even a romantic connection.
I definitely feel like there is a reflection of modern times, how everyone would love nothing more than not to work and have more time to do the things they love and just slow down. I’m jealous of Tandy! Who wouldn’t want to run a cosy bookshop and be surrounded by books…
I obviously love this storyline. There is awesome banta between the main characters. At some points I am sure it pokes fun at fairytales/fantasies with the over top, flamboyant princes.
Overall, so joyful, cosy and funny. I love a book about books. I would definitely recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this ARC 🫶🏼✨
May 7, 2026
To be completely honest I wasn’t impressed by this book, but I’m not going to totally bash it since it clearly sets out to be a cozy fantasy and sticks to that vibe. It’s definitely one of those super low stakes, very gentle cozy reads, but for me it just felt too dull overall. Every chapter kind of blended into the next and nothing really changed in a way that held my attention. Things only started to pick up maybe around the last 10% of the book, but by then it felt a bit too late to make the whole experience worth it. I also wish the characters had been developed more, especially the pirate, who felt pretty flat and underwritten.
Anyways, I’ve read quite a bit in this subgenre and maybe I’ve just hit the point where the really heavy cozy stuff isn’t for me anymore. That said, if you’re after something even softer and lower stakes than Legends and Lattes and you’re in the mood for a very easy, comforting read, this might still work for you.
Anyways, I’ve read quite a bit in this subgenre and maybe I’ve just hit the point where the really heavy cozy stuff isn’t for me anymore. That said, if you’re after something even softer and lower stakes than Legends and Lattes and you’re in the mood for a very easy, comforting read, this might still work for you.
April 25, 2026
Stay for a Spell was a lovely surprise. I went into it knowing absolutely nothing about the author or the story—I completely judged this book by its cover. And honestly, that cover was gorgeous. The cozy cat-filled bookshop wrapped in wisteria instantly drew me in and made me want to pick it up.
I ended up loving so much more than just the aesthetic. The premise was charming, and the worldbuilding felt rich without being overwhelming. The characters were fun, well thought out, and delightfully quirky.
What stood out to me most was the princess. Even though she was trapped in the bookstore, her situation never felt heavy or hopeless. Instead, there was a sense of calm curiosity and gentle growth. I really appreciated how she used that stillness to reflect and gradually find herself.
Overall, this was such a warm, comforting read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something cozy with heart.
I ended up loving so much more than just the aesthetic. The premise was charming, and the worldbuilding felt rich without being overwhelming. The characters were fun, well thought out, and delightfully quirky.
What stood out to me most was the princess. Even though she was trapped in the bookstore, her situation never felt heavy or hopeless. Instead, there was a sense of calm curiosity and gentle growth. I really appreciated how she used that stillness to reflect and gradually find herself.
Overall, this was such a warm, comforting read—perfect if you’re in the mood for something cozy with heart.
April 27, 2026
Unfortunately, I think I found this book when I was not in the right mood for a low angst, sweet, cozy fantasy. I probably should have put it down and paused it for another day, but I instead chipped slowly at it for about a week. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with the book, but there also wasn't anything that really stood out either. The premise was cute (who hasn't dreamed of being cursed to stay in a bookstore? lol), and the cast of characters were all sweet and adorkably quirky. The different princes coming to try to break the curse was fun, but ultimately the pacing was very slow and I found myself not feeling fully invested. This is mainly a case of "it's me, not you", so I still think that this will be a hit for many cozy fantasy readers. I'm sad that it wasn't for me.
*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book*
*I voluntarily read a review copy of this book*
May 2, 2026
I love discovering books I hadn’t heard of before, and even more, I love when I end up loving them.
This book was exactly that. Cursed to live in a bookstore? Where can I get one of those?
The story was so much fun and perfect for those that consider bookstores a second home (me included). The things that happen are absolutely ridiculous, and I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. It’s the perfect cozy, funny, comfortable fantasy, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it.
This book was exactly that. Cursed to live in a bookstore? Where can I get one of those?
The story was so much fun and perfect for those that consider bookstores a second home (me included). The things that happen are absolutely ridiculous, and I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. It’s the perfect cozy, funny, comfortable fantasy, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon it.
April 24, 2026
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the arc!
This was so much fun!! It was cute, chaotic, and whimsical, and I had such a wonderful time reading it. Definitely one of my favourite cozy fantasies!!
This was so much fun!! It was cute, chaotic, and whimsical, and I had such a wonderful time reading it. Definitely one of my favourite cozy fantasies!!
May 1, 2026
4.5 stars
Cozy Fantasy Romance + Enchanted Bookstore + Cursed Princess + Found Family
Spice: 1.5 (one scene)
Cozy Fantasy Romance + Enchanted Bookstore + Cursed Princess + Found Family
Spice: 1.5 (one scene)
May 1, 2026
Infinity stars I loved this book so so so much.
May 4, 2026
That was SO lovely I'm obsessed awww
April 30, 2026
SOOO cute and cozy. A princess, a bookstore, a pirate, a dragon-human, and lots of curses; what isn't there to love? My absolute favorite cozy fantasy, hands down.
February 15, 2026
Big thanks to NetGalley and Ace for an advanced reader copy!
This was every bit as cosy and funny as I had hoped. I thoroughly enjoyed myself through the whole book. I fear I am starting to like cosy romances 😂
Also, spice level basically zero, which I appreciate 🥳
This was every bit as cosy and funny as I had hoped. I thoroughly enjoyed myself through the whole book. I fear I am starting to like cosy romances 😂
Also, spice level basically zero, which I appreciate 🥳
April 18, 2026
There’s a saying that every cloud has a silver lining. As this story begins, Princess Tanadelle has just been cursed – which really should have been the cloud. But not for Tandy. Being cursed to be confined to a bookshop in the tiny town of Little Pepperidge wouldn’t exactly be a curse for any lifelong reader – and Tandy certainly is that.
From Tandy’s perspective, this so-called curse is the biggest silver lining she’s ever found. It’s not just that she can read to her heart’s content – something that her royal duties have NEVER permitted her to do – it’s that she can stay put and away from the endless duties that being part of the royal family of the Widdenmar obligates her to carry out.
Or rather, the endless duties that her parents, the King and Queen of the Widdenmar, and her older sister, the Crown Prince (not a typo, Prince is a gender neutral term for the heir to any throne in this world) have thrust upon her. None of her duties are onerous, and Tandy recognizes that she leads a VERY privileged life.
But Tandy is the ‘working’ royal who travels up and down the kingdom, representing the royal family in an endless round of anniversaries, dedications, etc., etc., to the point where they only times Tandy gets to come home are when the court is about to move to a different region for the upcoming season.
Her never-ending travel schedule is enough to make the READER tired just reading about it.
Tandy’s curse, as much as it inconveniences her royal parents, is an absolute delight for her. She can stay put. She can sleep in the same bed every night. She has a bit of privacy and something to actually DO every day instead of just waiting for her next appearance and pretending not to have a single opinion about anything at all because she might offend someone if she even asks a pointed question. No one would ever say she has a hard life, but it is wearing. (Or it is from Tandy’s perspective and the reader certainly catches that feeling.)
This is very much a cozy fantasy, so no one is being evil in this situation. Tandy’s parents are a bit single-minded and a bit clueless, while Tandy is an overt people-pleaser who simply doesn’t know how to say “no” and police her own boundaries.
Everybody gets a whole bunch of life lessons in this one, starting with Tandy.
The bookshop isn’t a curse, it’s really a gift in curse disguise. The curse is in the pursuit of the solution. Because to break the curse, Tandy has to discover what her heart’s desire IS and grab it. It doesn’t have to be love – and it mostly isn’t.
Which doesn’t stop her parents from sending a literal rain of princes to her shop to cure her curse with a kiss. Because that’s the way fairy tales are supposed to work. But this isn’t and it doesn’t while the town benefits GREATLY from the princes, their entourages, and all the tourists who come to see the cursed princess and all the princes.
The problem with the curse, from Tandy’s perspective, is that her whole life has been about what other people need, want, and desire. She’s never been allowed to want anything for herself. The curse and the shop that comes with it, are the first opportunity she’s ever had to live just for herself and figure out what SHE wants out of her life.
Which might just turn out to be a life on her own terms. If she can just manage to tell her well-meaning, overbearing, royal parents, “NO” for the first time in her whole, entire, duty-bound life.
Escape Rating A+: Readers will definitely want to “stay for a spell” in Tandy’s magical bookshop. This is a cozy fantasy that will go down every bit as easily as the lattes in Legends and Lattes and the tea in Tomes and Tea – even if just the idea of “turnip leaf tea” makes the reader’s mouth pucker every bit as much as it does Tandy’s.
Which does lead to the one thing I kept wondering. Tandy can’t leave the shop’s property. She can’t exit the front door, she can’t vault the fence in the back garden. But people can enter the shop – and do from her very first day. Why doesn’t she get food delivery arranged? Turnips all the time have to be getting boring even with magical cooking techniques to make them less “turnip-y”. I did wonder. Often. A lot, actually. But that wondering never stopped me from falling in love with the story and its characters. That this is the author’s DEBUT novel is amazing, turnip leaf tea and all!
Because Tandy has a steady visitor from the very beginning in the person of Sasha, a teenaged dracone who would be a goth if goths existed in this world. (In my head Sasha looks like Madame Vastra from Doctor Who, but your imaginary casting mileage may vary).
In Sasha, Tandy finds a kindred soul, someone who can spend hours lost in a good book and who needs a purpose to take herself out of herself. Tandy needs a helper and a guide, Sasha needs a safe haven in which to feel her own feelings, and their friendship is glorious for them both.
Tandy’s other visitor opens her world, as she’s not the only cursed person in town. The ‘barn pirate’, a man afraid of the sea he loves, can’t be kept out of the shop no matter how much he infuriates Tandy at every turn. But just like Sasha, the pirate treats Tandy as herself and not as Princess Tanadelle, helping to figure out who Tandy might want to be if she could choose for herself.
This story, just like Legends and Lattes (particularly Bookshops & Bonedust), Tomes & Tea (beginning with Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea) and Adenashire from its start in A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic, are all cozy fantasies that combine the building of a business with the fulfilment of a lifelong dream and just the right touch of romance into something very special.
Tandy’s curse, as expected for a cozy fantasy story, turns out to be a blessing in disguise. The charm of the story is in the way that she goes about it, not just that she doesn’t EVER sit on her hands and wait to be rescued, but that she works hard at making a new life for herself, even if it might be temporary and even if she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing most of the time.
We simply like her, we enjoy watching her muddle through – even with the endless supply of turnips – and wish that every library and bookshop was supplied with a helpful nest of bluecaps to light the way AND help readers find the books they’re looking for.
I especially enjoyed the way that the ‘parade of princes’ was handled for how it subverted so many tropes. Tandy dreads the princes. Not because they’re evil, not because anything bad is going to happen, but for the string of disappointments. Especially the issues surrounding the last prince, which is built up to be terrible – and is, but not in any of the ways that the reader expects and it’s charmingly done.
I had a terrific time with Tandy and her bookshop in Little Pepperidge. The story gives off big cozy fantasy feels, so if you loved Legends and Lattes, Tomes & Tea, Adenashire, The Teller of Small Fortunes and its follow-up, The Keeper of Magical Things, you’re in for a real treat. (And in spite of having, admittedly, MANY of the same readalikes as yesterday’s book, Stay for a Spell and Death Meets Cute are delightfully different from each other. They may use a lot of the same settings and tropes, but they use them VERY differently. Which does not mean that they are not also readalikes for each other, because they certainly are).
I’m especially happy to be able to wrap this up with Tanadelle Courcy is NOT a Princess Anymore – and just like Violet Thistlewaite no longer being a villain, it’s the making of Violet, Tandy and this charming and cozy fantasy romance.
Originally published at Reading Reality
From Tandy’s perspective, this so-called curse is the biggest silver lining she’s ever found. It’s not just that she can read to her heart’s content – something that her royal duties have NEVER permitted her to do – it’s that she can stay put and away from the endless duties that being part of the royal family of the Widdenmar obligates her to carry out.
Or rather, the endless duties that her parents, the King and Queen of the Widdenmar, and her older sister, the Crown Prince (not a typo, Prince is a gender neutral term for the heir to any throne in this world) have thrust upon her. None of her duties are onerous, and Tandy recognizes that she leads a VERY privileged life.
But Tandy is the ‘working’ royal who travels up and down the kingdom, representing the royal family in an endless round of anniversaries, dedications, etc., etc., to the point where they only times Tandy gets to come home are when the court is about to move to a different region for the upcoming season.
Her never-ending travel schedule is enough to make the READER tired just reading about it.
Tandy’s curse, as much as it inconveniences her royal parents, is an absolute delight for her. She can stay put. She can sleep in the same bed every night. She has a bit of privacy and something to actually DO every day instead of just waiting for her next appearance and pretending not to have a single opinion about anything at all because she might offend someone if she even asks a pointed question. No one would ever say she has a hard life, but it is wearing. (Or it is from Tandy’s perspective and the reader certainly catches that feeling.)
This is very much a cozy fantasy, so no one is being evil in this situation. Tandy’s parents are a bit single-minded and a bit clueless, while Tandy is an overt people-pleaser who simply doesn’t know how to say “no” and police her own boundaries.
Everybody gets a whole bunch of life lessons in this one, starting with Tandy.
The bookshop isn’t a curse, it’s really a gift in curse disguise. The curse is in the pursuit of the solution. Because to break the curse, Tandy has to discover what her heart’s desire IS and grab it. It doesn’t have to be love – and it mostly isn’t.
Which doesn’t stop her parents from sending a literal rain of princes to her shop to cure her curse with a kiss. Because that’s the way fairy tales are supposed to work. But this isn’t and it doesn’t while the town benefits GREATLY from the princes, their entourages, and all the tourists who come to see the cursed princess and all the princes.
The problem with the curse, from Tandy’s perspective, is that her whole life has been about what other people need, want, and desire. She’s never been allowed to want anything for herself. The curse and the shop that comes with it, are the first opportunity she’s ever had to live just for herself and figure out what SHE wants out of her life.
Which might just turn out to be a life on her own terms. If she can just manage to tell her well-meaning, overbearing, royal parents, “NO” for the first time in her whole, entire, duty-bound life.
Escape Rating A+: Readers will definitely want to “stay for a spell” in Tandy’s magical bookshop. This is a cozy fantasy that will go down every bit as easily as the lattes in Legends and Lattes and the tea in Tomes and Tea – even if just the idea of “turnip leaf tea” makes the reader’s mouth pucker every bit as much as it does Tandy’s.
Which does lead to the one thing I kept wondering. Tandy can’t leave the shop’s property. She can’t exit the front door, she can’t vault the fence in the back garden. But people can enter the shop – and do from her very first day. Why doesn’t she get food delivery arranged? Turnips all the time have to be getting boring even with magical cooking techniques to make them less “turnip-y”. I did wonder. Often. A lot, actually. But that wondering never stopped me from falling in love with the story and its characters. That this is the author’s DEBUT novel is amazing, turnip leaf tea and all!
Because Tandy has a steady visitor from the very beginning in the person of Sasha, a teenaged dracone who would be a goth if goths existed in this world. (In my head Sasha looks like Madame Vastra from Doctor Who, but your imaginary casting mileage may vary).
In Sasha, Tandy finds a kindred soul, someone who can spend hours lost in a good book and who needs a purpose to take herself out of herself. Tandy needs a helper and a guide, Sasha needs a safe haven in which to feel her own feelings, and their friendship is glorious for them both.
Tandy’s other visitor opens her world, as she’s not the only cursed person in town. The ‘barn pirate’, a man afraid of the sea he loves, can’t be kept out of the shop no matter how much he infuriates Tandy at every turn. But just like Sasha, the pirate treats Tandy as herself and not as Princess Tanadelle, helping to figure out who Tandy might want to be if she could choose for herself.
This story, just like Legends and Lattes (particularly Bookshops & Bonedust), Tomes & Tea (beginning with Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea) and Adenashire from its start in A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic, are all cozy fantasies that combine the building of a business with the fulfilment of a lifelong dream and just the right touch of romance into something very special.
Tandy’s curse, as expected for a cozy fantasy story, turns out to be a blessing in disguise. The charm of the story is in the way that she goes about it, not just that she doesn’t EVER sit on her hands and wait to be rescued, but that she works hard at making a new life for herself, even if it might be temporary and even if she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing most of the time.
We simply like her, we enjoy watching her muddle through – even with the endless supply of turnips – and wish that every library and bookshop was supplied with a helpful nest of bluecaps to light the way AND help readers find the books they’re looking for.
I especially enjoyed the way that the ‘parade of princes’ was handled for how it subverted so many tropes. Tandy dreads the princes. Not because they’re evil, not because anything bad is going to happen, but for the string of disappointments. Especially the issues surrounding the last prince, which is built up to be terrible – and is, but not in any of the ways that the reader expects and it’s charmingly done.
I had a terrific time with Tandy and her bookshop in Little Pepperidge. The story gives off big cozy fantasy feels, so if you loved Legends and Lattes, Tomes & Tea, Adenashire, The Teller of Small Fortunes and its follow-up, The Keeper of Magical Things, you’re in for a real treat. (And in spite of having, admittedly, MANY of the same readalikes as yesterday’s book, Stay for a Spell and Death Meets Cute are delightfully different from each other. They may use a lot of the same settings and tropes, but they use them VERY differently. Which does not mean that they are not also readalikes for each other, because they certainly are).
I’m especially happy to be able to wrap this up with Tanadelle Courcy is NOT a Princess Anymore – and just like Violet Thistlewaite no longer being a villain, it’s the making of Violet, Tandy and this charming and cozy fantasy romance.
Originally published at Reading Reality
December 4, 2025
I won an ARC of this book. It was a nice little cozy read. My only negative point for this book is the use of titles the author chose. Ex: Crown Prince and Lord Mayor regardless of gender. It was a little confusing at times to understand who was being talked about. I feel using Crown Princess and Lady Mayor would’ve been better.
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