The Magical Spice Tea Shop

by Amy Boyles

Welcome to The Magical Spice Tea Shop, where your wildest dreams can come true with just a pinch of cinnamon . . .

🍂 Cosy romantasy
🍂 Rivals to lovers
🍂 Grumpy x sunshine
🍂 He falls first and he falls harder
🍂 Magical spices
🍂 Small town romance

On the edge of the charming town of Willow Vale sits a tea shop, full of spices that can take you back into your memories. If the rumours are true, they can even allow you to change those memories.

Left alone to run his parents shop, and very much out of his depth, a stoic Finn advertises for an assistant position. Lila, an whimsical ex-event planner with an uncanny ability to get under Finn's skin is the only applicant.

Soon, terrible whispers begin to float in about a customer who is lost in her memories, wandering Honeysuckle Lane in a daze. Finn and Lila are forced to work together to find out what - or who - is sabotaging their shop, before the accidents tear it apart.

As things heat up between the pair, will Lila ever be able to win over the grumpy Finn, or will he remain as closed off to her as he is to the Magical Spice Tea Shop?

From the author of How to Fake it With a Fae comes the perfect small town romance with a sprinkling of magic and undercurrent of healing fiction. Readers adore Amy Boyles's cosy romantasy books! ☕ ✨

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Magic, fun and romance'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'It will make you laugh and cry'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'A joy to read'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Wit and great banter'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 'Small town romantic comedy at its best'

Fans of The Ex Hex, The Baby Dragon Cafe, The Spell Shop and The Modern Girls Guide to Magic won't be able to resist this deliciously enchanting love story.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Tea, Magical Realism, Contemporary Romance

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2026

About the author

Hey, I’m Amy,
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!

Reviews

[Carola]

Thank you Headline and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.

The description of this book sounded so good and the world building was so nice to be in, but the format of this e-arc, the characters and the storyline drew me constantly out of the story.

[TheBookandBubble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a cozy hug with a side of cinnamon and mystery.

The descriptions? SO good. You can practically smell the spices through the pages. I swear I wanted a cup of tea the entire time! 🫖

Finn is holding down the magical tea shop while his parents are away. Lila shows up and applies to be his . She’s impulsive and ready for a new life. He knows she’s going to get on his nerves, and hires her anyway. They have a fun chemistry!

This has a grumpy sunshine energy. Lila begins to fall in love with the shop, the life, and yeah… Finn too! Well, he’s cute!!!

There’s also a mystery going on with someone sabotaging the shop, which keeps things interesting. There is a push and pull between the two and it has the sweetest ending.
We definitely get our happily ever after!
4.5 ⭐️’s

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magical Spice Tea Shop is a cozy, lighthearted book with a magical-realism twist that will be the perfect read for autumn.
I love tea, so I was really excited to read this book. However, technically is not about tea (camellia sinensis) but about infusions with spices and their healing power, which was interesting to read. I liked the characters overall, although Lila felt a little immature at times. The small-town vibes were great, and the coziness of it all was amazing.
I wasn’t expecting the romantic part to be such a big part, but I liked it, although I wasn’t aware it was a bit spicy. I also liked the mystery part of the story and how it was developed.
The thing I did not like very much was the pace, because it was on the slower side. I also felt like it was unnecessarily long, like things could have been solved earlier but weren’t.
Overall, it was a nice and enjoyable read, and I liked how it depicted the powers of spices and herbs to create special blends that could help people, because I think that in real life it can be a little like that too.

[Mela · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this story we follow Finn and Lila. Finn is currently the manager of his parent’s tea shop, while Lila after a terrible break up is looking for a new job. The two end up working together. However things at the tea shop are not as they seem as the teas let you go back into your memories. There are rumours about someone stuck in her memories. Will the two be able to figure out what happened and save the tea shop?

I generally really like cozy fantasy and I thought the premise of this was really good. I really did enjoy the concept of tea helping you work through one’s memories. My biggest issue with this story were the two main characters. I really did not like their banter or the romantic storyline unfortunately. Also Finn as a whole was a bit unbearable at times. Overall this was a cute story, just not my favorite.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it's over 90 degrees outside while reading this I craved a cup of hot tea.

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sweet, Nostalgic Cup of Cozy Fantasy That Will Leave You Teary-Eyed

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Headline for providing an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review!

As a huge fan of cozy fantasy, the premise of a magical tea shop instantly caught my eye. The Magical Spice Tea Shop is a wonderfully gentle, charming, and emotional story that beautifully blends a grumpy-sunshine contemporary romance with a soft, comforting magic system.

The story opens with a gorgeous, nostalgic prologue featuring a hopeful young couple planning their future and opening a shop, before flashing forward to the present day. It is designed from top to bottom to be a comforting, low-key read filled with the warm scents of spices, tea blends, and a dash of small-town adventure. While it leans a bit more toward a romantic comedy with a fantasy subplot rather than a high-magic epic, it completely swept me away by the end, leaving me with a literal tear in my eye.

Meet the Family:

The heart of the tea shop relies on a small, tightly-knit cast of characters whose dynamics bring both the sweetness and the comedy:

Lila (The Sunshine): After an impulsive decision to blow up her predictable life, quitting her job and dumping her boyfriend, Lila arrives in town looking for a fresh start. She is incredibly optimistic, eager to change her life, and brings a creative spark to the shop.

Finn (The Grump): Sour, unhappy, and deeply stressed, Finn has reluctantly taken over the management of the tea shop for his parents. He initially resents being stuck working with Lila, and his unbearable brooding causes them to clash instantly as the very fate of the shop hangs in the balance.

Finn’s Brother: A standout supporting character who brings a fantastic dose of comedy to the mix. The brotherly banter and relationship between him and Finn provide some of the funniest, most grounded moments in the book.

The Plot: Steeping Magic and Memories
When Lila lands a job at Finn's shop, she quickly realizes things are not as they seem. The shop operates on a clever, wonderfully simple magic system: when the tea is blended correctly, it allows the drinker to dive back into their own past memories for a short period of time.

As the story progresses, Lila actually expands this magic, developing innovative new blends that elicit specific states of being rather than just memories, like a focus blend for studying or a patience blend for childcare. But a looming mystery darkens the cozy atmosphere: rumors are swirling about someone who became permanently trapped inside their own memories. As Lila and Finn work together to uncover the truth and save the shop, their relationship naturally evolves from strangers to skeptical coworkers to friends, and finally to lovers.

What Worked & What Missed the Mark for me 💁🏼

The atmospheric descriptions of warm drinks, cinnamon, and cloves hold strong throughout the entire novel. The pacing of the romance is wonderfully balanced and sweet, though I did find myself frustrated by the inevitable third-act conflict. It felt like a classic case of characters acting unnecessarily, where a simple, mature conversation would have cleared up the misunderstanding entirely.

Additionally, if you prefer your cozy fantasy to be completely clean, note that two brief, semi-explicit romantic encounters span a few paragraphs. One is fully closed-door, and the other gives a tiny amount of detail, making them incredibly easy to skip without missing any plot.

My Verdict:

The ending completely caught me off guard emotionally. What began as a charming, cozy fantasy transformed into something deeply heartfelt, and I found myself unexpectedly emotional as everything came together. The Magical Spice Tea Shop is a heartwarming blend of cozy fantasy, gentle romance, found family, and magical mystery. If you enjoy magical shops, comforting settings, charming characters, and stories that leave you feeling warm inside, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

The author leaves the door wide open for future stories set in this charming town, and I will absolutely be lining up to visit this world again. I'd highly recommend this to anyone looking for a lighter, low-key romance with ultimate cozy vibes.

[Heirs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release.

For me, this book is best enjoyed with some cookies, chocolate, and a nice cup of tea.

I would say that you should start this book without any expectations, simply giving it the chance to surprise you and draw you into its world. That's exactly what I did, and I had a very enjoyable reading experience. It was sweet, comforting, and tender, but occasionally bittersweet as well (just like a good cup of tea). The story was addictive, and I found it difficult to put my kindle down.

The story itself is good. Perhaps a little predictable at times, but honestly, I don't expect countless twists and turns from a cozy fantasy romance. The plot was charming and easy to follow, yet it still offered a few little puzzles along the way—a small investigation, mysteries to solve, and protagonists who still have a great deal to learn. I completely lost myself in the story, so for me, the book accomplished exactly what it set out to do.

The characters are equally well written. We get the classic grumpy/sunshine trope, dual points of view, and troubled, wounded souls who manage to move forward and grow. Once again, this aspect was a success.

My only small criticism concerns the ending, which felt far too rushed. I barely had time to process everything that was happening before I had already reached the epilogue. The author often took her time throughout the book, allowing readers to fully appreciate each scene, and then suddenly everything sped up without warning. It felt jarring and somewhat frustrating. That was my one real disappointment with the novel.

Overall, this is a charming cozy fantasy romance (one that will definitely make you want to drink a good cup of tea) featuring likable characters and a sweet, engaging plot. I wasn't looking for anything more from this book, and it certainly succeeded in giving me a wonderful reading experience.


Je remercie Netgalley et l'éditeur de m'avoir permis de lire ce livre avant sa sortie.

Pour moi, ce livre se déguste très bien avec des petits gateaux, du chocolat et une bonne tasse de thé.

Je dirais qu'il faut commencer ce livre sans rien attendre de lui, mais juste lui laisser l'opportunité de nous surprendre et de nous embarquer dans son univers. C'est ce que j'ai fait et j'ai passé un agréable moment de lecture. C'était doux, tendre, mais parfois amer également (comme tout bon thé). La lecture était addictive, j'avais du mal à lacher ma liseuse.

L'histoire est bonne. Peut-être un peu prévisible, mais dans le fond je ne demande pas des tonnes de rebondissements à une cosy-fantasy-romance. L'intrigue était mignonne, peu prise de tête, mais avec des petits casse-têtes (une petite enquête, des mystères à résoudre, des héros qui ont beaucoup de choses à apprendre, etc.). Je me suis totalement laissé transporter par l'histoire, donc pour moi ce livre a réussi le job.

Les personnages quant à eux sont bons. On a le fameux trope du grumpy-sunshine, le double point de vue, des âmes tourmentées et torturées mais qui réussissent à avancer et à évoluer. Là encore c'est une réussite.

Mon seul petit bémol c'est la fin qui est beaucoup trop rapide. J'ai à peine eu le temps de comprendre tout ce qui se passait qu'on était déjà à l'épilogue. L'autrice prenait son temps régulièrement pour nous permettre d'apprécier les scènes, et d'un coup tout s'accélère sans prévenir, c'est déroutant et désarmant. C'est ma petite déception par rapport à ce livre.

Donc, dans l'ensemble, c'est une cosy-fantasy-romance plutôt charmante (et qui donne envie de boire une bonne tasse de thé) avec des personnages agréables et une intrigue plutôt mignonne. Je n'en demande pas plus à ce livre qui aura réussit à me faire passer un bon moment.

[Dotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magical Spice Tea Shop is a sweet cozy fantasy romance novel following two employees of a tea shop and the magic between them. Lila blew up her life, quit her job and broke up with her boyfriend, in an impulsive move to be less predictable. She seeks a job at Finn’s tea shop as he takes over for his parents. The two clash as the fate of the tea shop hangs in the balance.

The magic system in the story wasn’t overly explained but was clear enough; the tea, when blended correctly, allows people to dive into their own past memories for a short period of time. The magic system expands as Lila develops tea blends that illicit states of being rather than memories, like a focus blend to help with studying or a patience blend for childcare. It’s clever in its simplicity, able to easily explain the magic without getting into details.

This story was very cute, leaning heavily on the grumpy-sunshine romance dynamic. The cozy elements of the story were prominent, descriptions of spices and tea blends and warm drinks held throughout. The romance itself was generally well-built, with good pacing and appropriate stakes, except for the third act conflict.

The third act conflict was my biggest qualm with the book; our characters behaved unnecessarily, and a simple conversation would have cleared up the conflict entirely. In fact, our characters had conversations that should have led to the third act conflict being discussed in more detail, at least. I absolutely understand the need for a third act conflict in our story, but please, make it believable.

This story had two scenes where explicit romantic encounters were implied. One of them was fully closed door, and the other gave a small amount of detail. Both were a few paragraphs in length and can be easily skipped if a clean romance experience is desired.

Altogether, this is a fun cozy fantasy romance novel. The stakes felt appropriate, the setting felt cozy, the romance was generally well developed, and the magic system was gentle. The author seems to be setting up for another story in the town, which I definitely will pick up.

Thank you to the publisher for this advanced reader copy!

[Charlotte Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC!

This was a cute and fun read! We follow Lila who has recently up ended her life after needing a change and finds herself applying for a job at The Magical Spice Tea Shop where she encounters Finn, the owner’s son who is in charge whilst they are away, and he is less than happy with her presence. The two start to clash as mysterious goings on threaten the fate of the tea shop.

The magic system in this was subtle but intriguing; the idea that if a tea is blended correctly with the right spices, it will allow a person to transport themselves back to a favourite memory to relive it. It was easy to follow but wasn’t described in too much detail, it would’ve been fun to have a bit more background on how this was discovered. The town is also supposed to be set in northern England but it had more small town American vibes, but mentioning fish and chips and scones felt like the author was trying to keep the ‘English’ vibe.

There was a strong grumpy x sunshine trope in this, but I found Finn to be more on the rude side at times rather than just grumpy. One trope though that I’m not a huge fan of is third act break-up and miscommunication, and unfortunately this featured quite heavily in this book! I found our main characters quite frustrating at times, just assuming what the other wants without having a proper conversation with them to ensure they are on the same page. Considering they are also supposed to be in their early-mid 20s, I found their behaviours a little childish at times. I think this has pulled down my overall rating as I couldn’t pull myself out of those frustrations.

Overall, this was a cute and cosy read, leaning more toward magical realism than cosy fantasy in my eyes. If you’re looking for something comforting for the autumn months, this could scratch that itch. I don’t think I would continue this if more were published in this world, but I am grateful for the opportunity to read this!

[Lyn Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Magical Spice Tea Shop, as the title and book cover suggest, is a cosy romance with a splash of fantasy and mystery.

Lila, on her mother’s endless criticism for choosing to live a life too safe and comfortable after her dad left them, broke up with her long-term boyfriend and quit her stable job. She then applied to The Magical Spice Tea Shop, known for their magical tea where the customers get to relive a memory, good or bad, in hopes to heal from the past and live on in the present.

A grumpy x sunshine romantasy in which he fell first and he fell harder, we follow the main leads in their self-restraint romance as they worked together towards solving a mysterious rumour of a woman getting stuck in her memory and numerous vandalism in their shop.

The well-paced plot made this novel a page-turner, with the story developing and concluding in consistent rhythm. It’s an easy-read, perfect for tea time with cakes and cookies (especially when they talk about blending spice teas!). There numerous suggestive lives with two short, spicy scenes — not too much, not too little — so romance lovers will get some blacket-kicking moments while non-spicy readers can quickly get it over with.

If you’re a fan of cosy romantasy, I highly recommend this one. I don’t usually read romance, but I enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline Books for this e-ARC!

Publication Date: 2 July 2026
Author: Amy Boyles

[Jen (Sip on Stories)]

Thank you Amy Boyles for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Looking for your next cozy romantasy read with a smidge of baked delicacies, a dash of fall festival charm, and fragrant spices with a touch of magic? Brew yourself a warm cuppa and settle in with The Magical Spice Tea Shop.
While his parents are traveling, Finn is left in charge of his family’s magical tea shop, which allows guests to step back into their own memories. The chance to revisit cherished memories and linger a little longer with loved ones is such a beautiful idea.
After a difficult breakup and a major career change, Lila is searching for a fresh start and a way to rebuild her life. Enter the delightful grumpy, sunshine dynamic when Finn reluctantly hires Lila as his assistant. With her bubbly, impulsive personality, their chemistry adds warmth, humor, and cozy charm to the story.
Beneath the comforting aroma of tea and spices, trouble is brewing. Rumors spread while a string of mysterious acts of sabotage threaten the tea shop.
With its whimsical premise, this is the perfect book for readers who love enchanting small town settings, found family, and stories that deliver the cozy, comforting vibe.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Headline Eternal for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of The Magical Spice Tea Shop through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Magical Spice Tea Shop is the perfect cozy read to curl up with on a cool Fall evening. I loved the setting of the book so much and the way the tea blends grew as Lila experimented with new spice mixes. There is also some great low stakes conflict in the small town community since some people love and believe in what the teas can do while others are skeptics and don’t care to visit the shop.

Lila and Finn have a tension-filled grumpy/sunshine relationship and I enjoyed seeing them break down one another’s walls. They both have some great character growth as they confront some family issues and relationship issues.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* Grumpy vs. Sunshine
* Small Town
* Cozy Magical Realism
* Family Issues
* Forced Proximity

𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 🌶️

If you enjoy low stacks magical realism with all of the cozy tea shop and small town vibes then I would recommend The Magical Spice Tea Shop.

[Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

This one definitely serves up the cosy romantasy vibes — from the magical teas that let drinkers revisit cherished memories to the warm glow of the shop’s fireplace and the scent of spices in the air. Honestly, the idea of sipping a steaming cup on a chilly day sounds dreamy.

Where I struggled a bit was with the romance.
Finn, the grumpy MMC, and Lila, the sunshine opposite, start off as a pairing I was excited to root for. Their banter and differences felt promising, and I knew sparks would eventually fly.
But once they grew closer, the miscommunication trope kicked in hard… and after a while, it became more frustrating than fun.

Even so, this was still a cute and enjoyable read overall.
What really kept me turning pages was seeing how the teas helped the townsfolk heal and move forward with their lives. Watching those little moments of magic and comfort unfold was delightful and gave the story its heart.

I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the publisher!

[Holly (Hollys Tea & Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read The Magical Spice Tea Shop.

All opinions are my own.

The story begins with a young, hopeful couple eagerly planning their future and settling on opening a shop. We then flash forward to meet Lila, optimistic and wanting to change her life. Then, Finn; sour, unhappy and not wanting to be stuck with Lila.

I found the story idea interesting, and loved how the idea of tea was connected to memory. This book is very much designed to be a cosy read with some romance and adventure thrown in.

Personally, I struggled a bit with not feeling hooked by the characters, especially the romance element which sometimes felt forced. However, I did enjoy some of the comedy other characters brought to the mix. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Finn and his brother.

I'd recommend the book to lovers of low key romance with cosy vibes.

[Jessica Bellemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical and captivating teashop that will embrace you with open arms.

Lila needs a change, and working at The Magical Spice Tea Shop in her hometown of Willow Vale seems the perfect solution. She’s visited this special tea shop many times, where you can relive a memory from the past whether it be happy or sad.

This book was a cozy joy from start to finish. I’m very much a person who can get a sense of deja vu from a scent; whether it be the distinctive smell that I associate with a loved one’s home or a food that I grew up with, scent is extremely evocative.

The story of Lila and Finn is sweet, with a cast of supporting characters that lend gravitas in their own fragility.

A must-read for anyone looking for a cozy book that will warm your heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline I Headline Eternal for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

[Bente Kato · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book is like a great cup of tea, I had so much fun reading it. I was already sold when I read the title but once I got to know the grumpy and sunshine known as Lila and Finn (and their growing romance) I was absolutely sold. I loved how the two of them responded to each other and how they grew, the only thing that threw me off sometimes was that some bigger problems between them were solved within 1 page while a smaller issue could take 5 chapters.

The other thing that was super nice to read was the world building and the tea shop, this was super comfy for me and I wished I could go visit the store. The story was predictable at times but I also loved how the author sometimes played with those predictions and made a 180 degrees turn.

I definitely enjoyed this book and can absolutely recommend it. I know for sure I will check out other books of this author as I do adore her writing style.

[Clairiefaerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a cute read. It’s one for everyone that wants a romance novel with the magic and whimsy of before the coffee gets cold.

I really liked Lila, she was a sunshine character but she was also really relatable, she didn’t have life figured out and knows there’s no shame in grown ups still having jammy dodgers as their favourite treat.

I loved the idea of memory magic and the spiced tea allowing someone to briefly revisit a memory. This was so pure and joyful, although I did think it was so sad when Finn was forced to explain that the magic wouldn’t work if the person the memory was of, didn’t want to stay 😢

I liked the banter between Finn and Lila but when they go back in Finn’s memories to revisit him catching Lila in a compromising position moved this into giggling, kicking my feet territory.

Also, bonus points for the plot involving a destructive Labrador.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Kristin Moodreaderkriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book! I loved the whole aspect of tea being memories and people being able to have the chance to relive them. The grumpy+ sunshine will always be one of my favorite tropes and this one played out well! I will say, some of the back and forth that the mmc was giving gave me whiplash! The 3rd act breakup really irked me and wasn’t a fan of it! The ending was pretty predictable for me as far as who was sabotaging but I did enjoy the conclusion and how both characters were able to overcome their own insecurities and come together! Such a fun cozy read! If you liked pumpkin spice cafe you will definitely enjoy this one especially if you liked pumpkin spice a little magic in your books! .
🍂 grumpy x sunshine
🍂 magical spices tied to memories
🍂 small-town romance
🍂 found family with heart-warming secondary characters
🍂 autumnal setting

[Sapphire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much NetGalley for sending me an ARC!

This was such a cute cosy read, definitely the type of place you’d want to disappear into. Lila and Finn, opposites but also with some similarities, a perfect match.

I think it’s safe to say that most people would want their own Finn, he is such a well written book boyfriend, like yeah he has a few flaws but he’s aware of them and deals with them. Where can i find a man like this? And Lila, poor gal i’m glad pretty much everyone she met in a way brought her out of the walls she locked herself behind.

I also loved the mystery subplot, it definitely kept the story going, i’ll admit i guessed it quite early on but i didn’t mind that i did because i wanted to see the characters revelation of it.

To be honest, I didn’t want to finish this at all, i could’ve read about their daily lives for ages.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single page and read the book in two sittings, because I just couldn't put it down! From the very first page, this book felt like a cozy hug. 🍁☕️

What I loved most about it is that it is a cozy small town romance, but it's also the story about a woman finding her voice and her path. A woman learning to set boundaries and to stand up for herself. I also loved that we explore the dreams she is chasing and that they involve more than just settling down for a happily ever after in one place. This felt very refreshing. 🌎🧡

The world Amy built here is truly special. The tea shop, the magical tea blends, the small-town feeling; all this made me want to visit Willow Vale and especially the Magical Spice Tea Shop. 🫖

It is a perfect autumn read and a 10/10 recommendation! Thank you, Amy, for writing such a beautiful book. 🥰🍂

[Cally · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cute, cosy and fun read!

I whizzed through this, it was a was fun read that is definitely for my cosy fantasy lovers and those who want something light and fluffy.
I loved the concept of a shop where they make tea with different spices for people to relive their memories, definitely fit the cute British vibes! I also found the mystery with who was trying to sabotage the shop interesting, it added a bit more mystery and intrigue to the book. The romance was sweet, we had our mmc Finn who is a bit grumpy and then our fun bubbly fmc Lila, I liked watching their romance slowly blossom.

If you want a fun easy cosy read then I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Lou Burls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was a perfect blend of mystery, magical, and slow burn suspense. Lila is a perfect example of a strong minded woman whilst still showing her vulnerable and soft side without having her rely on a MMC. Finn is a refreshing MMC showing his vulnerability and own battles as he tries to communicate and change his own ways. I loved seeing their relationship blossom and especially how tender they were in the lead up to the moment of intimacy I had been dying to read. The scene were Lila and Finn begin to explore their relationship and have their first kiss was perfectly written in a way that showed their individual characters personalities and how they work together in perfect harmony. Overall, I loved this book and fell in love with the characters, even the grumpier ones!

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read a book like this before. It is magical in the fact that the rea made is magical and can take you to your memories to help you through them, whether they are happy ones or sad ones.

Lila and Finn are so great. She is the happy sunshine and he is the grumpy one. She loves the tea shop and he, being the owners' son, has bad feelings towards it.

When Lila applies to work there, Finn isn't sure. But soon with her working there they both feel this pull.

Such a beautiful magical book and you need to read if the two come together and see the mysteries that are going on too. I was ao emotional at parts and smiling like a loon at others. Just loved.

[✨ tweety ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the premise and the cover being so cute, the story and the characters lacked substance. This book was cozy but the annoying kind of cozy. I lost interest after the first 30% or so.

Lila is our mfc. She's 24, and she's just quit her job because she wanted to try something new. She wants to get hired at the spice tea shop, a place where they offer you unique experiences: they have teas that will make you remember or forget memories and other special teas. The shop is currently managed by Finn, who's the son of the owners. He is a grumpy guy and hates working at the shop. He dislikes Lila on hearing her speak and vows to never allow her to work there until he understands Lila might be just who he's looking for.

Most of the characters acted like teenagers, even the older ones. The two mcs in particular, who were in their early to late twenties, acted very childish. Most dialogues and descriptions were a bit cringe and juvenile, they made my eyes roll :( and let's not forget the miscommunication and the silly reasons behind the characters' idiotic choices. Ah, and the 'mystery' of the tea shop was also predictable.

I was promised grumpy/sunshine and for the first part of the story, I got that. But then, as the story went on, I didn't buy it anymore, and I found Finn and Lila lacking chemistry. They seemed forced, and most of their interactions were mostly about the same things (how hot they were, how they were afraid the other would reject them etc.). It was quite superficial and I understand this is a cosy romance, it's light, and doesn't go deeper. But I found their inner monologues boring and inconsistent, dragging me away from the rest of the story. I didn't see character development until the very end but even there, it wasn't believable to me. I didn't care if they ended up together or not, honestly. Their back and forth drained me as well. This story could've been told in less words, in my opinion.

Like I mentioned above, I also didn't like the reasons behind some of the character's actions. For example (without spoiling), Lila's reason for wanting to get a new job and breaking up with her ex baffled me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. All the opinions are my own.

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Enchanting.

What an original premise for a story about memories, lost loves and teas. Finn begrudgingly runs the shop for his parents. Lia wants to work there. She used to be a customer, reliving a happy memory each visit. As an employee, Lila shines and creates. She is building up the business. Finn wants to sell. Adventures happen when someone vandalizes the shop. Working together away from the counter takes on a life of its own.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spicy and sweet story about spices, relationships, growing up, and recognizing love when we have it and not letting it slip away.

Lila and Finn are the primary focus of the story, love how their lives evolve after they meet and how the tea blends are part of the focus as well as their families and their friendships as well as relationships.

Wonderfully written and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Amy Boyles, Headline Eternal, and NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Overall this book was very cute with a unique premise, but the weak writing at times and the anticlimactic reveal of the “bad guy” at the end knocked it down to 3 stars for me. So much of the book was spent dealing with the person trying to sabotage the shop, just for it to be almost skipped over.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

allspice

Wow what a brilliant read I absolutely loved it , there was so much going on little plots everywhere my heart was beating faster in a lot of the ups and downs it was a fantastic book I highly recommend it great characters , a massive five stars

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

This was a sweet read,,,grumpy and sunshine. Feelings denied. Growing closer against their will, because life and love happen without your permission. And along with all that , a small mystery……and secondary characters that also fell in love.

[Karen Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a magical story. It’s a warm cozy hug it’s is a perfect read for anyone who loves romance and a little mystery to boot. I couldn’t stop listening to it. The narrator was perfect 🎧📖🎧