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Shadow & Root
After leaving her position at the university under difficult circumstance, Elowen retreats to a neglected farm at the edge of a quiet valley. The cottage needs repairs and the land needs work, but it is peaceful here in a way that her old life never was.
As Elowen begins the slow work of rebuilding the farm, she realizes that she may not be as alone as she thought. Small repairs appear overnight and the farm feels as if someone has been quietly looking after it.
That someone is Fen.
Fen has lived beneath the valley for a very long time, keeping the tunnels under the hills stable and the land above them intact. He never expected the farm above his home to belong to anyone again, and he certainly did not expect the new owner to make tea for him.
As the seasons change, Elowen and Fen begin to build a quiet life together among the growing crops, repaired walls, and long evenings spent reading by lamplight. The Valley slowly becomes the home Elowen never thought she would find.
When the past she left behind reaches out to pull her back, Elowen must decide whether to return to the life she once planned or remain in the Valley that has quietly made space for her.
Love in the Valley is a no spice cozy monster romance series that is perfect for fans of Stardew Valley.
As Elowen begins the slow work of rebuilding the farm, she realizes that she may not be as alone as she thought. Small repairs appear overnight and the farm feels as if someone has been quietly looking after it.
That someone is Fen.
Fen has lived beneath the valley for a very long time, keeping the tunnels under the hills stable and the land above them intact. He never expected the farm above his home to belong to anyone again, and he certainly did not expect the new owner to make tea for him.
As the seasons change, Elowen and Fen begin to build a quiet life together among the growing crops, repaired walls, and long evenings spent reading by lamplight. The Valley slowly becomes the home Elowen never thought she would find.
When the past she left behind reaches out to pull her back, Elowen must decide whether to return to the life she once planned or remain in the Valley that has quietly made space for her.
Love in the Valley is a no spice cozy monster romance series that is perfect for fans of Stardew Valley.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 2, 2026
This book is absolutely perfect for anyone who loves cozy gaming sims like Stardew Valley. Shadow and Root follows Elowen, an ex-University teacher who buys a dilapidated farm in a small town away from the busy city. Although Elowen is reeling from a bad experience, she learns to accept help from the townsfolk.
I really liked Elowen as a character. Her hesitancy to open up and accept help from people was really relatable, especially because of her past experiences where people always had an alterior motive to offering help. Although slow to trust, Elowen instantly forms a bond with the farm she bought, using magic to help her crops along, and slowly realising that someone has been taking care of the farm.
Fern was a really interesting character. I liked his bluntness and straight-talking nature. It made the dynamic between him and Elowen really sweet and also so funny at times. Both Fern and Elowen have had bad experiences in the past but they learn to trust and open up to other people together. Also Elowen is a beautiful name.
As someone who loves cozy farming sim games, this was such good vibes.
I really liked Elowen as a character. Her hesitancy to open up and accept help from people was really relatable, especially because of her past experiences where people always had an alterior motive to offering help. Although slow to trust, Elowen instantly forms a bond with the farm she bought, using magic to help her crops along, and slowly realising that someone has been taking care of the farm.
Fern was a really interesting character. I liked his bluntness and straight-talking nature. It made the dynamic between him and Elowen really sweet and also so funny at times. Both Fern and Elowen have had bad experiences in the past but they learn to trust and open up to other people together. Also Elowen is a beautiful name.
As someone who loves cozy farming sim games, this was such good vibes.
July 13, 2026
Considering this is an ode to the Stardew Valley farmer x Krobus fluff story, I actually enjoyed it. Very laid back and no true stress. My least favorite part is she only ever mentions eating bread, bread with cheese or honey, water and tea…. That’s it. THE WHOLE TIME! So that annoyed me. Besides that it was a very chill relaxed story of self discovery.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews