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Sanctuary
Sometimes you need to embrace your shadow before you find your light.
When Elizabeth Whit inherits a tiny bed and breakfast in the forests of New England, she jumps at the chance to build a simpler life for herself and her teenagers. But she arrives to find the property a dilapidated mess, with irate neighbors and an unfamiliar community. Handsome handyman Joe keeps sending her mixed signals, and her son seems hellbent on bringing all of their old problems into new places. Failure is threatening all of Elizabeth’s hopes when she discovers something magical on her land ... something that is calling her into the woods at night, and begging her to surrender…
As the autumn leaves turn, Elizabeth isn’t sure if she’s falling apart or falling into place. Despite the obstacles in her path, she can’t bring herself to give up on her new home. Is it the voices that whisper to her, telling her to push on? The friends who see her for who she truly is? Or is it the way that Joe holds her hand when she’s afraid? All paths lead to the oak grove. One way or another, Elizabeth will have to descend into its depths to find the light she is looking for in Solace Spring.
The magic is in the darkness.
A story of finding yourself in the seasons of the Earth, Sanctuary offers true seekers a second chance to come home to love.
Fans of Adrienne Young, Erin Morgenstern, and Gilmore Girls will fall in love with this cozy fall read. Blending shadow work, twin flames, and the burdens of motherhood against the backdrop of Massachusetts maple trees, Elizabeth's journey is a mirror for the modern woman's heart. Early readers are captivated by the tender intimacy of her tale. For those who dream of a quieter world, and a simpler life, within the pages of Sanctuary is the home you long for.
When Elizabeth Whit inherits a tiny bed and breakfast in the forests of New England, she jumps at the chance to build a simpler life for herself and her teenagers. But she arrives to find the property a dilapidated mess, with irate neighbors and an unfamiliar community. Handsome handyman Joe keeps sending her mixed signals, and her son seems hellbent on bringing all of their old problems into new places. Failure is threatening all of Elizabeth’s hopes when she discovers something magical on her land ... something that is calling her into the woods at night, and begging her to surrender…
As the autumn leaves turn, Elizabeth isn’t sure if she’s falling apart or falling into place. Despite the obstacles in her path, she can’t bring herself to give up on her new home. Is it the voices that whisper to her, telling her to push on? The friends who see her for who she truly is? Or is it the way that Joe holds her hand when she’s afraid? All paths lead to the oak grove. One way or another, Elizabeth will have to descend into its depths to find the light she is looking for in Solace Spring.
The magic is in the darkness.
A story of finding yourself in the seasons of the Earth, Sanctuary offers true seekers a second chance to come home to love.
Fans of Adrienne Young, Erin Morgenstern, and Gilmore Girls will fall in love with this cozy fall read. Blending shadow work, twin flames, and the burdens of motherhood against the backdrop of Massachusetts maple trees, Elizabeth's journey is a mirror for the modern woman's heart. Early readers are captivated by the tender intimacy of her tale. For those who dream of a quieter world, and a simpler life, within the pages of Sanctuary is the home you long for.
- GenresFiction
313 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3477 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 10, 2025
You know those books that wrap around your soul like a warm blanket on a chilly autumn night? "Sanctuary" is exactly that kind of read, with unexpected emotional depths beneath its cozy surface. From the first chapters, I was captivated by Elizabeth Whit's world of whispers in the woods and painful new beginnings.
Elizabeth's struggle to rebuild her life in a rundown bed and breakfast is profoundly moving. Her journey isn't just about fixing a dilapidated property, but about healing from invisible scars carefully hidden from her children and the world. You'll find yourself rooting for her as she navigates unfriendly neighbors, troubled teenagers, and a property seemingly determined to break her already wounded spirit.
The New England forest setting emerges as a character itself. I could almost smell the pine and feel leaves crunching underfoot. When Elizabeth begins hearing mysterious calls from the woods at night, you'll feel the same magnetic pull. The magic here isn't flashy but subtle, woven into ordinary life, mirroring her internal journey toward healing.
Markussen's community feels authentic, especially Joe, the handyman whose gentle persistence helps Elizabeth slowly lower her carefully constructed walls. Their relationship unfolds with natural tension that brings genuine smiles.
For those who love stories where reality and magic dance together while characters find healing in unexpected places, "Sanctuary" is a must-read. It reminds us that sometimes we need to get lost in the woods to truly find our way home.
Special thanks to Ember Markusseb for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
Elizabeth's struggle to rebuild her life in a rundown bed and breakfast is profoundly moving. Her journey isn't just about fixing a dilapidated property, but about healing from invisible scars carefully hidden from her children and the world. You'll find yourself rooting for her as she navigates unfriendly neighbors, troubled teenagers, and a property seemingly determined to break her already wounded spirit.
The New England forest setting emerges as a character itself. I could almost smell the pine and feel leaves crunching underfoot. When Elizabeth begins hearing mysterious calls from the woods at night, you'll feel the same magnetic pull. The magic here isn't flashy but subtle, woven into ordinary life, mirroring her internal journey toward healing.
Markussen's community feels authentic, especially Joe, the handyman whose gentle persistence helps Elizabeth slowly lower her carefully constructed walls. Their relationship unfolds with natural tension that brings genuine smiles.
For those who love stories where reality and magic dance together while characters find healing in unexpected places, "Sanctuary" is a must-read. It reminds us that sometimes we need to get lost in the woods to truly find our way home.
Special thanks to Ember Markusseb for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
Elizabeth Whit’s story begins in Southern California, preparing to uproot her teenage son and daughter for a cross-country move to an inherited inn on the East Coast called The Sanctuary. It’s a place they’ve visited often over the years, returning again and again to the quiet healing of the forest and the slower, steadier pulse of the small town that holds it.
But Elizabeth isn’t just carrying dreams of rebuilding their lives and bringing the inn back to life - she’s carrying the weight of never feeling “enough”, the hollowness of shallow community, and the exhaustion of giving from a cup that’s long been empty. Restoring the inn and finding her place among unfamiliar neighbors is just the beginning. She also has to face the deep inner work she’s spent years avoiding - the shadow work, the unraveling, and the slow rebuilding of a self she’s long neglected.
༺☾⋆☽༻
Has a playlist ever made you pick up a book?
Until recently, I would’ve said no - but that was before Sanctuary.
I haven’t been reaching for much contemporary fiction lately, but when I saw Trevor Hall, Rising Appalachia, and Brandi Carlile listed on the playlist for this one, paired with a comparison to Chocolat and a promise of mycelium wisdom and earth magic? Well, I was convinced before I even read the blurb.
This book is incredibly easy to settle into. I loved the author’s prose and cadence, the Gilmore Girls–esque charm of Solace Spring, and the FMC’s immediate connection to the seemingly sentient forest surrounding their new home.
I related to Elizabeth on so many levels - close in age, mothering three of my own, fighting my introverted nature to build genuine community in a fast-paced world, and of course that pull toward soul-work found in quiet moments among the trees. If anything, it left me wishing I could stumble upon a glowing trail to an old oak grove myself, mystical voices and all! And while there’s a twist that didn’t quite land for me, it was a small note in an otherwise steady emotional arc.
While there is a small-town romance woven into the story, it ultimately serves more as a mirror for Elizabeth’s unfinished inner work than as the central plotline. I appreciated that it didn’t overwhelm her journey, because a heavier romance focus wouldn’t have aligned with her arc. Instead, what stood out to me was the community she builds with the women of Solace Springs, the wary elders who slowly soften to her presence, her deep dive into shadow work, and the healing she and her children discover in the slow living of their new home.
༺☾⋆☽༻
This is a story for women entering or already in their middle years - for those balancing caretaking and self, craving a life that feels more rooted and less rushed. For anyone reclaiming pieces of themselves, finding quiet clarity in the woods or in long, intentional breaths. If the soft magical realism and small-town transformation of Chocolat resonate with you, or if you’re drawn to stories of personal reclamation, Sanctuary is one worth slowing down for.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review - I enjoyed my time in Solace Spring!
But Elizabeth isn’t just carrying dreams of rebuilding their lives and bringing the inn back to life - she’s carrying the weight of never feeling “enough”, the hollowness of shallow community, and the exhaustion of giving from a cup that’s long been empty. Restoring the inn and finding her place among unfamiliar neighbors is just the beginning. She also has to face the deep inner work she’s spent years avoiding - the shadow work, the unraveling, and the slow rebuilding of a self she’s long neglected.
༺☾⋆☽༻
Has a playlist ever made you pick up a book?
Until recently, I would’ve said no - but that was before Sanctuary.
I haven’t been reaching for much contemporary fiction lately, but when I saw Trevor Hall, Rising Appalachia, and Brandi Carlile listed on the playlist for this one, paired with a comparison to Chocolat and a promise of mycelium wisdom and earth magic? Well, I was convinced before I even read the blurb.
This book is incredibly easy to settle into. I loved the author’s prose and cadence, the Gilmore Girls–esque charm of Solace Spring, and the FMC’s immediate connection to the seemingly sentient forest surrounding their new home.
I related to Elizabeth on so many levels - close in age, mothering three of my own, fighting my introverted nature to build genuine community in a fast-paced world, and of course that pull toward soul-work found in quiet moments among the trees. If anything, it left me wishing I could stumble upon a glowing trail to an old oak grove myself, mystical voices and all! And while there’s a twist that didn’t quite land for me, it was a small note in an otherwise steady emotional arc.
While there is a small-town romance woven into the story, it ultimately serves more as a mirror for Elizabeth’s unfinished inner work than as the central plotline. I appreciated that it didn’t overwhelm her journey, because a heavier romance focus wouldn’t have aligned with her arc. Instead, what stood out to me was the community she builds with the women of Solace Springs, the wary elders who slowly soften to her presence, her deep dive into shadow work, and the healing she and her children discover in the slow living of their new home.
༺☾⋆☽༻
This is a story for women entering or already in their middle years - for those balancing caretaking and self, craving a life that feels more rooted and less rushed. For anyone reclaiming pieces of themselves, finding quiet clarity in the woods or in long, intentional breaths. If the soft magical realism and small-town transformation of Chocolat resonate with you, or if you’re drawn to stories of personal reclamation, Sanctuary is one worth slowing down for.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review - I enjoyed my time in Solace Spring!
July 29, 2025
🌲✨ Sanctuary is the kind of book that finds you when you need it most.
This isn’t just a story about starting over—it’s about reclaiming yourself after life has hollowed you out. Elizabeth Whit’s journey through motherhood, betrayal, and quiet transformation is steeped in raw honesty and soul-deep magic. Ember Markussen writes with a gentleness that lingers—but she doesn’t shy away from the kind of heartbreak that rewrites your understanding of love and self-worth.
When Elizabeth arrives in Solace Spring, she isn’t trying to heal—she’s simply trying to survive. What she finds is far more than a fixer-upper bed and breakfast. It's a place—and a community—that reflects her back to herself. The rhythms of nature, the hush of the woods, and the changing seasons all mirror her slow, aching evolution.
She’s spent years believing she wasn’t enough. That she was too much to love, or not quite the right shape for someone to stay. Those beliefs—planted by people who left her behind—have shaped every corner of her inner life. And just when she dares to hope again, that wound is cracked wide open.
But this story isn’t just about loss. It’s about resilience. About choosing yourself—again and again—even when others don’t. It’s about forgiveness that doesn’t come easy, and love that doesn’t show up clean.
The women of the local book club were one of the book’s most powerful surprises. Their quiet presence, their comfort, their staying power—moved me to tears. As someone without much of a support system outside of my husband and daughter, I ached for that kind of circle.
There’s a soft magic here, one that seeps through the pages and pulses in the stillness between words. Whether the voices Elizabeth hears are supernatural or symbolic, they speak to the heart of someone trying to listen—maybe for the first time.
By the end, love doesn’t come wrapped in a perfect bow, but it arrives all the same—with an honesty that hurts and heals. Because sometimes, the most powerful kind of sanctuary is the one you find in yourself. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, it’s the one you find in someone else too.
🌿 For fans of Practical Magic, The Starless Sea, and stories rooted in seasons, soul work, and second chances—this one lingers.
This isn’t just a story about starting over—it’s about reclaiming yourself after life has hollowed you out. Elizabeth Whit’s journey through motherhood, betrayal, and quiet transformation is steeped in raw honesty and soul-deep magic. Ember Markussen writes with a gentleness that lingers—but she doesn’t shy away from the kind of heartbreak that rewrites your understanding of love and self-worth.
When Elizabeth arrives in Solace Spring, she isn’t trying to heal—she’s simply trying to survive. What she finds is far more than a fixer-upper bed and breakfast. It's a place—and a community—that reflects her back to herself. The rhythms of nature, the hush of the woods, and the changing seasons all mirror her slow, aching evolution.
She’s spent years believing she wasn’t enough. That she was too much to love, or not quite the right shape for someone to stay. Those beliefs—planted by people who left her behind—have shaped every corner of her inner life. And just when she dares to hope again, that wound is cracked wide open.
But this story isn’t just about loss. It’s about resilience. About choosing yourself—again and again—even when others don’t. It’s about forgiveness that doesn’t come easy, and love that doesn’t show up clean.
The women of the local book club were one of the book’s most powerful surprises. Their quiet presence, their comfort, their staying power—moved me to tears. As someone without much of a support system outside of my husband and daughter, I ached for that kind of circle.
There’s a soft magic here, one that seeps through the pages and pulses in the stillness between words. Whether the voices Elizabeth hears are supernatural or symbolic, they speak to the heart of someone trying to listen—maybe for the first time.
By the end, love doesn’t come wrapped in a perfect bow, but it arrives all the same—with an honesty that hurts and heals. Because sometimes, the most powerful kind of sanctuary is the one you find in yourself. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, it’s the one you find in someone else too.
🌿 For fans of Practical Magic, The Starless Sea, and stories rooted in seasons, soul work, and second chances—this one lingers.
December 13, 2025
Elizabeth Whit is a loving mom living in California. Her husband Tyler passed away recently and she has 2 teenagers - helpful first child Lily and broody, emo Cody. They visited a New England inn called The Sanctuary for years. It holds a special place for them.
Matty, the owner of The Sanctuary in Solace Springs, passes away and leaves the inn to Elizabeth in his will. The Whits feel no connection to California. They all want a fresh start. So, they pack up and go cross country. Solace Springs is an idyllic, if not magic, place in the Berkshires. It almost reminds me of Salem, which makes me very happy.
Initially, Elizabeth struggles to connect to her new community which is already so tight knit. She wants to fix up the inn, reinvent it and be successful. The land holds some magic. A mysterious mechanic/repair man named Joe tells Elizabeth that Solace Springs was founded on miracle water.
Things I loved:
-Elizabeth's fierce Mama Bear side, particularly when she protects outcast son Cory
-Solace Springs and their inhabitants in general but I really loved the character of Denny. What a bright light! I wasn't surprised to read she was from the south since she oozes Southern Hospitality
-the descriptions and details were so good that sometimes I really felt like I was there
Things I didn't love:
-the fact that Elizabeth is happy to welcome Joe back into her life after he leaves. I don't care that they're taking it slow. I thought the book was partially about her gaining her power. She doesn't need some wayward man dragging her down. Can you tell I loathed the Joe character?
-I still don't understand why she was chosen by Matty to inherit The Sanctuary (I may have just missed this in my reading)
-I also still don't understand why her blood makes extra flowers grow ( I also may have missed this LOL)
All in all, a cute cozy read.
3/5
Check out Fueled by Coffee and Books for more reviews :)
Matty, the owner of The Sanctuary in Solace Springs, passes away and leaves the inn to Elizabeth in his will. The Whits feel no connection to California. They all want a fresh start. So, they pack up and go cross country. Solace Springs is an idyllic, if not magic, place in the Berkshires. It almost reminds me of Salem, which makes me very happy.
Initially, Elizabeth struggles to connect to her new community which is already so tight knit. She wants to fix up the inn, reinvent it and be successful. The land holds some magic. A mysterious mechanic/repair man named Joe tells Elizabeth that Solace Springs was founded on miracle water.
Things I loved:
-Elizabeth's fierce Mama Bear side, particularly when she protects outcast son Cory
-Solace Springs and their inhabitants in general but I really loved the character of Denny. What a bright light! I wasn't surprised to read she was from the south since she oozes Southern Hospitality
-the descriptions and details were so good that sometimes I really felt like I was there
Things I didn't love:
-the fact that Elizabeth is happy to welcome Joe back into her life after he leaves. I don't care that they're taking it slow. I thought the book was partially about her gaining her power. She doesn't need some wayward man dragging her down. Can you tell I loathed the Joe character?
-I still don't understand why she was chosen by Matty to inherit The Sanctuary (I may have just missed this in my reading)
-I also still don't understand why her blood makes extra flowers grow ( I also may have missed this LOL)
All in all, a cute cozy read.
3/5
Check out Fueled by Coffee and Books for more reviews :)
August 2, 2025
During grief or trauma, we often bury things deep inside, hoping that if we don’t acknowledge them, we won’t have to face them. But our collective subconscious: our dreams, visions, and gut feelings—often knows better. These hidden wounds, the shadows we carry, can’t be ignored forever. And until we face them, we can’t truly find our light.
At its core, that’s what Sanctuary by Ember Markussen is about.
Elizabeth Whit inherits a run-down bed-and-breakfast in Solace Springs and jumps at the chance for a fresh start for herself and her two teens. What she doesn’t expect are the wary neighbors, a distant but compelling handyman, and something ancient and magical calling from the woods. As the seasons pass, Elizabeth is drawn toward the oak grove and the whispers of something both beautiful and unsettling. To move forward, she must confront not only the mystery of the forest but also the buried pain she’s been carrying for too long.
Some elements—like the poems and oak grove visions—felt disjointed or hard to follow at times, and the mycelium imagery felt too abstract. I also don't think the book needed the Epilogue, even though it did bring about more closure, but none of it takes away from the heart of the novel about healing, transformation, and self-discovery outside of society’s expectations.
I loved the way the seasonal changes mirrored Elizabeth’s inner journey, culminating in her blooming alongside the arrival of spring. I also loved the hidden messages in the narration, which encourage self-love, like: “We see ourselves so little. We shield ourselves too much.” It’s a beautiful reminder of how fear can keep us from the experiences we’re meant to live. On the whole, Sanctuary is a quiet, magical reflection on grief, resilience, and the communities that hold us as we find our way back to ourselves.
Thanks to Ember Markussen for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
At its core, that’s what Sanctuary by Ember Markussen is about.
Elizabeth Whit inherits a run-down bed-and-breakfast in Solace Springs and jumps at the chance for a fresh start for herself and her two teens. What she doesn’t expect are the wary neighbors, a distant but compelling handyman, and something ancient and magical calling from the woods. As the seasons pass, Elizabeth is drawn toward the oak grove and the whispers of something both beautiful and unsettling. To move forward, she must confront not only the mystery of the forest but also the buried pain she’s been carrying for too long.
Some elements—like the poems and oak grove visions—felt disjointed or hard to follow at times, and the mycelium imagery felt too abstract. I also don't think the book needed the Epilogue, even though it did bring about more closure, but none of it takes away from the heart of the novel about healing, transformation, and self-discovery outside of society’s expectations.
I loved the way the seasonal changes mirrored Elizabeth’s inner journey, culminating in her blooming alongside the arrival of spring. I also loved the hidden messages in the narration, which encourage self-love, like: “We see ourselves so little. We shield ourselves too much.” It’s a beautiful reminder of how fear can keep us from the experiences we’re meant to live. On the whole, Sanctuary is a quiet, magical reflection on grief, resilience, and the communities that hold us as we find our way back to ourselves.
Thanks to Ember Markussen for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
September 11, 2025
My sister's friend wrote this book! It's about a woman, Elizabeth, and her two teenagers who leave the "shallow" life of southern California and move to a small town in Massachusetts. Elizabeth inherited an inn, called the sanctuary, which needs a lot of work. So the book is about how she and her kids find their way in a new place. It describes the way they meet people, find meaningful activities, develop relationships, etc, through all four seasons until the new place becomes home. I appreciated the chronicle of all of that and very much enjoyed following their process.
At the same time, there was magic going on in the garden. Special lights appeared from the ground and supernatural voices whisper to Elizabeth. I think this was supposed to be the real highlight of the book. I guess it helped make Elizabeth feel more in touch with the earth and with herself. I've never had those kind of experiences and found them distracting, although I don't deny that they could happen. But if I was writing the book from the point of view of my life experiences, Elizabeth and her family could have adjusted to Massachusetts just as beautifully without the magical realism. It could have happened by accepting all that they see and the new things they learn. The people and the land offered many wonderful gifts, which, for me, created a transformative environment.
However, I think many people will love this book because of the magic, not despite it.
At the same time, there was magic going on in the garden. Special lights appeared from the ground and supernatural voices whisper to Elizabeth. I think this was supposed to be the real highlight of the book. I guess it helped make Elizabeth feel more in touch with the earth and with herself. I've never had those kind of experiences and found them distracting, although I don't deny that they could happen. But if I was writing the book from the point of view of my life experiences, Elizabeth and her family could have adjusted to Massachusetts just as beautifully without the magical realism. It could have happened by accepting all that they see and the new things they learn. The people and the land offered many wonderful gifts, which, for me, created a transformative environment.
However, I think many people will love this book because of the magic, not despite it.
August 8, 2025
Author Ember Markussen (@thestorypriestess ) promised me a cozy fantasy and The Sanctuary was indeed as cozy as a knit blanket from grandma’s house. Blending a rural-ish small town setting with a storyline centered on heartache and healing, grief and self-discovery, this novel is likely to be a hit with readers who appreciate the challenges and rewards of personal growth.
At its core, The Sanctuary is a book about simply being; being yourself in all ways possible, both wonderful and messy, and allowing yourself the opportunity to transform into who you need and want to be. MFC Elizabeth does just that after inheriting a small bed and breakfast in Massachusetts. She and her children struggle and even manage to carve out a new life for themselves in a slow-paced but community-oriented town, though not without incident.
I would have loved a bit more background/explanation on the presence of magic in the land and how Elizabeth came to discover it and there were a few moments that felt unexplored to their full potential, but this is overall still a great read for cozy fantasy fans. There are also romantic elements, but the romance doesn’t overwhelm the whole plot, which I personally think was a smart move on Markussen’s part.
Themes of motherhood, selfhood, community, and identity are explored in this novel that releases August 8th, 2025.
At its core, The Sanctuary is a book about simply being; being yourself in all ways possible, both wonderful and messy, and allowing yourself the opportunity to transform into who you need and want to be. MFC Elizabeth does just that after inheriting a small bed and breakfast in Massachusetts. She and her children struggle and even manage to carve out a new life for themselves in a slow-paced but community-oriented town, though not without incident.
I would have loved a bit more background/explanation on the presence of magic in the land and how Elizabeth came to discover it and there were a few moments that felt unexplored to their full potential, but this is overall still a great read for cozy fantasy fans. There are also romantic elements, but the romance doesn’t overwhelm the whole plot, which I personally think was a smart move on Markussen’s part.
Themes of motherhood, selfhood, community, and identity are explored in this novel that releases August 8th, 2025.
September 18, 2025
Some stories feel like they arrive when you need them most. Sanctuary was one of those for me. It is a tender novel about starting over and slowly finding the pieces of yourself you thought were lost.
Elizabeth Whit comes to Solace Spring burdened with betrayal, self-doubt, and the weight of motherhood. What she expects to be a simple refuge becomes a place of quiet healing, shaped by the rhythm of the seasons, the kindness of community, and the courage to see herself anew.
The beauty of this story lies in its honesty. Love is imperfect, forgiveness is complicated, and healing is never neat. The women in the book club touched me most. Their gentle strength reminded me of the power in friendship and the comfort of being understood.
The town of Solace Spring feels alive, a sanctuary in its own right. The hint of magic threaded through the story adds wonder without ever overshadowing the humanity at its heart.
This is a novel of resilience, belonging, and the quiet grace of hope. It lingers softly, like the memory of a kind word.
Elizabeth Whit comes to Solace Spring burdened with betrayal, self-doubt, and the weight of motherhood. What she expects to be a simple refuge becomes a place of quiet healing, shaped by the rhythm of the seasons, the kindness of community, and the courage to see herself anew.
The beauty of this story lies in its honesty. Love is imperfect, forgiveness is complicated, and healing is never neat. The women in the book club touched me most. Their gentle strength reminded me of the power in friendship and the comfort of being understood.
The town of Solace Spring feels alive, a sanctuary in its own right. The hint of magic threaded through the story adds wonder without ever overshadowing the humanity at its heart.
This is a novel of resilience, belonging, and the quiet grace of hope. It lingers softly, like the memory of a kind word.
August 11, 2025
I had some moments where I was really enjoying my time reading this book and others where I just found I could not relate enough to the main character to want to spend time seeing things through her point of view. The cozy town vibes were fun, as well as the idea of picking up and starting over at an inherited inn. The nature/ magical elements were also kinda fun but I think could have been executed a little more clearly. There were times where I was confused if I was alluding to magic in my own mind or if the author was. That being said, page 243 of the book really encapsulates my understanding of the theme of this book. So if you’re wondering if this is for you, maybe skip to that page and see if the vibes are right.
September 7, 2025
🌳 Book Review 🌳
Thank you to Ember Markussen for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Publication: Out now!
Rating: I liked it!
This book was like very rich chocolate. Very sweet and you could let it melt the more you hung on. I loved the elemental aspect and how Ember made the Sanctuary its own kind of character. I will say that my biggest struggle was the pacing and trying to connect to Elizabeth. Overall, a lovely escape perfect for fall time.
For fans of:
🌱 Third person POV
❤️ Singular POV
🌱 FMC in her 40’s
❤️ Widow
🌱 Small town
❤️ Life after loss
🌱 Earth/nature vibes
❤️ Sprinkle of magical realism
🌱 Women’s fiction
🌟 What to read next 🌟
✨ Wayward by Emilia Hart
Thank you to Ember Markussen for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
Publication: Out now!
Rating: I liked it!
This book was like very rich chocolate. Very sweet and you could let it melt the more you hung on. I loved the elemental aspect and how Ember made the Sanctuary its own kind of character. I will say that my biggest struggle was the pacing and trying to connect to Elizabeth. Overall, a lovely escape perfect for fall time.
For fans of:
🌱 Third person POV
❤️ Singular POV
🌱 FMC in her 40’s
❤️ Widow
🌱 Small town
❤️ Life after loss
🌱 Earth/nature vibes
❤️ Sprinkle of magical realism
🌱 Women’s fiction
🌟 What to read next 🌟
✨ Wayward by Emilia Hart
November 2, 2025
Thank you to the author for the eARC! This story really is comforting. It’s about starting over and I appreciate that includes 40 something tired moms and their kids, that aspect felt so real. The small town and little world and property the main character finds herself in definitely has its magical element so it’s not always into the gritty realism but I thought it was a good balance. The quality of writing was also quite high in this. My only issue is that the plotting is a bit too slow for me. I would absolutely try this author again because again the prose was great. Thank you to the author for the ebook copy!
January 1, 2026
Sanctuary wraps around your soul like a warm blanket on chilly nights. It surprised me in unexpected ways.The challenges that the family faces are real and relatable. Elizabeth is just trying to survive when she arrives in Solace Spring. What she finds there is the quiet healing of nature and the slower steady pace of small town life. This story is about resilience, choosing yourself, and about forgiveness and love. This book pulled me in and held me in a tight hug as I followed Elizabeth's journey one page at a time. This is one of my Favorite books of the year. Thank you Ember Markussen for the copy of your debut book in an exchange for an honest review
October 4, 2025
This was a unique book. I felt the magical realism. It was enjoyable and a fun read. I love the concept of the Sanctuary and that the entire book was about the main character finding her way to being her true self and developing the property into what works for her, her family, and the community. She reminds me of myself in that she's very introverted but tries to make connections where she can.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional, Honest, and Totally Worth the Read
The Sanctuary by Ember Markussen surprised me in the best way. The storyline kept me locked in, and I really enjoyed watching the characters grow and figure themselves out. Some of the more abstract stuff—like the mycelium moments and water symbolism—went over my head, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience.
This book reminded me how powerful unconditional love can be, especially when things feel heavy. It left me thinking, and I appreciate that. I’m definitely planning to read more from Ember—she’s got a unique voice and perspective that pulled me in.
Emotional, Honest, and Totally Worth the Read
The Sanctuary by Ember Markussen surprised me in the best way. The storyline kept me locked in, and I really enjoyed watching the characters grow and figure themselves out. Some of the more abstract stuff—like the mycelium moments and water symbolism—went over my head, but honestly, it didn’t take away from the experience.
This book reminded me how powerful unconditional love can be, especially when things feel heavy. It left me thinking, and I appreciate that. I’m definitely planning to read more from Ember—she’s got a unique voice and perspective that pulled me in.
August 13, 2025
Sanctuary
A tale intertwining Elizabeth’s family dynamics, magic, and her deep yearning for a true home, all driving rich character development. The challenges they face feel authentic, the shadow work is raw and tangible, and the relationships are layered and compelling without overshadowing the story.
A tale intertwining Elizabeth’s family dynamics, magic, and her deep yearning for a true home, all driving rich character development. The challenges they face feel authentic, the shadow work is raw and tangible, and the relationships are layered and compelling without overshadowing the story.
August 15, 2025
Sanctuary was exactly what my heart & soul needed. It took me to a magical place, helped awaken my dormant senses and revive parts of my heart that I had shut down. Grateful to experience the wonders of this book.
September 21, 2025
Wonderful cozy fall vibes. I really enjoyed the journey that the main character took me on while she discovered her purpose and found her people. As a mom I could relate to some of the feeling that comes along with raising teens and children of all ages in general. I recommend this with a side of warm apple cider :)
August 9, 2025
By chapter three of Sanctuary, by Ember Markussen, I was ready to call out from work, curl up on the couch with some tea, and read all day. My in-progress list of books is long, but this is a book I couldn’t put down. I felt like a kid sneaking a few pages in before work, at lunch, before cooking dinner - whenever I had a few minutes - eager to know what would happen next.
Ember beautifully weaves family dynamics, magic, and the longing to find a true home into powerful character development. The challenges the characters face are real and relatable. The shadow work is raw and palpable. The relationships are rich and complex. And there’s a dash of magic for good measure. I eagerly look forward to reading more from Ember.
Ember beautifully weaves family dynamics, magic, and the longing to find a true home into powerful character development. The challenges the characters face are real and relatable. The shadow work is raw and palpable. The relationships are rich and complex. And there’s a dash of magic for good measure. I eagerly look forward to reading more from Ember.
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