Twig's Traveling Tomes

by Gryffin Murphy

A plot is brewing between the adventure and romance aisles.

When visiting Twig’s Traveling Tomes, customers will get the exact book they need, even if it isn’t the one they want. As for the proprietor and renowned Book Witch, Louella Twig lives her life sequestered with her stories, just as she likes it.

When devilishly handsome rogue Everett Sharp stumbles in looking to remove some handcuffs—closely followed by Louella’s former tutor, whose prized grimoire has been stolen—her literary sanctuary is fully upended. Only Louella’s magic can locate the grimoire, and teaming up with Everett is her best chance at retrieving it … but how can she trust that the man behind the wolfish grin isn’t interested in stealing the book for himself?

With a host of friends old and new, Louella sets off on an adventure she never thought she’d take—and starts to realize that, just like her books, what matters most has always been what’s under the surface.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Romantasy

Audible Audio

First published September 8, 2026

About the author

Gryffin Murphy lives in Virginia with her husband and their two pugs, Bagels and Buster. She spends her days in overalls, trying to befriend the neighborhood crows and writing stories that warm the heart like the perfect cup of tea on a rainy day.

Reviews

[Christine Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louella Twig may have failed to earn her broom, but she possesses a rarer kind of magic: She can identify exactly which book each customer needs even when it is not the one they want. Content to remain secluded among the shelves of her ambulatory bookshop, Louella has arranged a life that allows her to travel without truly venturing outside her comfort zone.

That carefully ordered existence is disrupted when her former tutor arrives in search of his stolen grimoire, and the devilishly handsome Everett Sharp appears along with him. Only Louella’s magic can locate the missing book. This forces her into an adventure with a wizard and a rogue, thoroughly thwarting her reclusive plans. Everett immediately intrigues Louella, but she is hesitant to place even an ounce of trust in a former thief. She may read romance novels, but confronting romance in her own life proves far more complicated.

The journey to recover the grimoire’s scattered pieces is wonderfully ridiculous. Louella and her companions encounter moths that rapidly devour clothing (how convenient), defy a siren’s call, and travel in a flying greenhouse, among other strange and hilarious situations. The story has a distinctly RPG-like quality, with an expanding party of adventurers moving from one imaginative challenge to the next.

I quickly fell for this eccentric and wonderfully diverse cast, especially Louella, with her multitude of skirts containing nearly every item one could possibly need. Everett enters the story as a roguish thief but gradually reveals the hidden hero beneath the swagger (as any good bad boy should). They are joined by Louella’s former tutor, the wizard’s more-than-friend, and two gnomes who came looking for adventure and provide plenty of comedic relief. I especially appreciated the variety of magical species represented and the different kinds of romantic relationships woven naturally into the story. Together, they form an inclusive and endearing assortment of unlikely companions.

Imogen Church is particularly well suited to the book’s playful tone. She gives the many colorful characters distinct voices, delivers the comedy with impeccable energy, and brings the necessary intensity to the romantic moments. The singing can be deliberately obnoxious, but that appears to be part of the joke and makes the audiobook’s humor even more memorable.

Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a funny, romantic, and adventurous cozy fantasy filled with bookish magic, flirtatious distractions, and lovable misfits. Readers who enjoy whimsical quests with a strong RPG feel—and who appreciate a dashing rogue capable of coaxing a bookish hermit beyond her shelves—should find plenty to enjoy here.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cozy fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle. With its cottagecore aesthetics, cute tropes like insta-love and only one horse and found family, along with beautiful self-discovery, it makes for a great little autumn read! ☕🍂🔮📚🗡️ I wish I had loved this more.

The setting sun was irritating, its bright light hitting her squarely in the eye and obscuring her view of the book’s pages. Thankfully, a shadow cast over her, making it much easier. She looked up to see Everett standing before her, smiling, his figure perfectly blocking the sun’s harsh rays.
“You’ll stand there the entire time?” she asked, doubt edging her tone.
“I’ll stand by you forever,” he flirted shamelessly.

[ Contains some spoilers ]

PLOT SUMMARY
Louella Twig is a renowned Book Witch who owns Twig’s Traveling Tomes, a magical moving bookshop (though the journey isn’t very bumpy) that travels between the kingdoms. She is known as “defunct” by the institution and never earned her broom, a symbol of a witch’s graduation, because of her unorthodox powers: she knows what books a customer needs because the books speak to her.

Louella’s former tutor, an eccentric wizard named Feralorn Rags, visits. Before they had parted ways, she had prevented his grimoire from his tea spillage. Now the grimoire has been stolen, its pages scattered throughout the Four Kingdoms and transformed into various magical creatures from its contents. He feels Louella is the only one who can help, what with her magical gift and previous interaction with it.

She encounters a handsome rogue and Dishonorable League thief Everett Sharp (Flynn Rider meets Howl Pendragon) on the run, who offers to help her on her quest. Louella has every reason not to trust Everett, after all there is no reason why he wouldn’t steal the book himself. Two gnomes join them along the way: Imogen “Midge” Bee whose husband has cheated on her, and Oliver Oak Midge’s childhood friend who has a fear of dragons.

From sirens to phoenixes to knightflower plants to haregon dragon rabbits, together the group journey to find the missing pages. But can Louella truly trust him. But what happens when Everett’s past catches up to him?

“Step up to Twig’s Traveling Tomes and step away with the book that’ll change your life!”

This is told from the third-person past-tense POV of Louella.

OVERALL OPINIONS
ㅤ🪄 📚 booked for enjoyment 📚🪄
I love cozy fantasy stories. The moment I read the opening pages describing Feralorn’s physical appearance and funny traits, I knew I would enjoy this one. There were some great descriptions throughout, which reminded me how much you can get the measure of someone in a few sentences:

He was a gruff cheesemonger whose attitude stank worse than his apron, and he wasn’t the type to mince words, often only speaking two at a time.

There was the excellent word choice of “bristled” describing how Louella reacts when people inquire about her broom.

It was a laugh a minute, honestly, there was always a fun exchange between characters, especially Louella and Everett’s playful banter, or with Feralorn’s realisations that are several chapters late (never misses a thing, indeed). I am still giggling about Louella dropping her book into Everett in the middle of the night (“Books just seem to find me… It’s as if they fall from the sky,” Everett muses!), and the running joke about grappling hooks. And I can thoroughly visualise Louella running barefoot through her shop with her haregon because she is afraid its sneeze will set the whole store on fire! Feralorn has this funny way of muddling words when he’s exclaiming things for example “Indubi-lutey! Abso-tively! Posit-ably!”. Dear Feralorn, I especially loved this hilarious moment with him:

“I’ll stay right beside you, Louella,” Feralorn promised as he followed her behind the counter and sat down on one of the stools. “Rest assured, there’ll be no more trouble from here on out.”
And his rest was assured, for he fell asleep mere minutes later.

I even enjoyed the little quotes in the epigraphs at the start of each chapter, with their punny names such as Croak and Dagger or Kiss and Tale. Love Them or Leaf Them by Cattalia Spud did tickle me so! It’s little details like that that really make the world feel like it has a mind of its own and make it feel alive.

ㅤ🪄 📚 creative concepts 📚🪄
From the book’s whimsical concepts and quirky descriptions, I was sucked in. I really love the idea of a bookshop that can travel and a witch who can tell what book a person needs, and the fact that it is larger inside than on first appearance, giving Harry Potter vibes. I’m only upset Twig’s Traveling Tomes doesn’t exist in real life for me to visit! (But I’d hate the actual transportation, seems a horrible ride haha!). I adored all the parts where books were talked about, how important they are in people’s lives and how beneficial they are to women, like when Louella says:

“A girl can learn a lot from reading romance. We’re quite dangerous in that way. Through stories, we discover what we want and refuse to settle for anything less.”

There are some very creative concepts. For example, the 10 enchanted pages becoming 10 creatures – oh and the haregons are incredibly cute!! Louella has dealings selling books to villains in the Ignis Kingdom.

It is interesting the type of scenarios that come up in this story because it is books people need rather than want: so, for example, a book about a husband cheating on a wife given to you to tell you your own husband is cheating on you arguably isn’t a very ideal way to find out – but it is a way to find out things all the same. It does leave room for an interesting sort of debate about whether it is right. I also think customers would be more hoping to receive the books they want the most – but who knows, maybe if I say I need a limited edition of a book in my head three times a day, Louella might produce it for me. I digress, but it really is thought-provoking!

ㅤ🪄 📚 character parallels and positives 📚🪄
I always adore parallels between the FMC and MMC in a story, so I really liked how it was done here: both are running away from things in their own ways, as Everett is literally running from the law, and Louella escapes through books and the literal bookshop’s mechanism. Both are adopted. They are also outsiders in the sense that Everett was raised by clairvoyant trolls and he doesn’t possess the ability to see the future so he didn’t belong, and Louella feels like she will never fit in with other witches and wizards because she didn’t get her broom.

There is some representation in a non-binary character named Cal, a witch who sells greenery, and in Louella’s mothers, Roberta “Robin” and Chlorella, a lesbian couple who are very entertaining in the latter half of the book.

ㅤ🪄 📚 negatives and paper-thin logic 📚🪄
While I really loved the humour and quirky descriptions, I found there to be issues with the narrative, romance and worldbuilding. I appreciate that this is a cozy fantasy so there isn’t meant to be loads of depth or information – but I should still have been able to walk away satisfied with everything provided and I wasn’t.

The odd thing was this read almost as a young adult because of its simplicity but there were adult themes within. The dialogue could occasionally be disjointed and a letdown as I cringed at the way the mothers were with Louella, like when Chlorella says “I thought he might like a view of your rear end in these pants as you walked away” – this feels inappropriate to say, why encourage that sort of behaviour?

The relationship between Louella and Everett is essentially insta-love that is mostly a slowburn but the pacing feels off – ironically how Louella finds a story she is reading “the will-they-won’t-they felt a little dragged out”. Barely into Chapter 3, having just met the man in the previous chapter, he “reached out a shackled hand to coil a finger around one of her tendrils”. But then I expected them to kiss long before they actually did because of the initial quick establishment. There was so much forced proximity between them too.

There was too much repetition with it as well: whenever a character flirted with another, they would always blush. I think it’s fine to have the same character do it but when everyone flushes about it, characters lose their individuality. Why is the default response always to blush or to turn to hide the blush? There are so many other things to be doing other than actually blushing. Why not simply look down, clear the throat, busy oneself with a task, roll the eyes, suddenly be very interested in a bit of lint on the arm? And don’t get me started on the number of interruptions. Essentially every time they are thrown together, someone interrupts them which unfortunately was getting annoying.

Speaking of individuality, a character voice issue cropped up. There was a moment where Everett muttered “I think I’m missing some essential backstory here” and while I was thinking the exact same thing, a character would never say “backstory”, they would probably say “I think I’m missing something here” or “There’s a story there, do tell”.

The world is simplistic in a lot of ways: the collective name for the 4 kingdoms is literally Four Kingdoms; the different kingdoms are just Latin names of four elements, which is uninspiring and therefore predictable; the stakes are very low for the story too as I thought there would be more through the guards or the DL. A lot of the time, their retrieving the pages was reasonably straightforward too. And yet, it felt like several aspects were being crammed into one story almost like a checklist, to the extent it almost felt stifling and there was actually no real focus: the shop, earning her broom, the quest to get the book back, the creatures, the different kingdoms including the villains, Everett’s family, the familiar, the push-and-pull of Everett and Louella’s relationship, the airship, the ball, the final boss. Louella suddenly getting the haregon Nix as a familiar was the most random aspect ever and as much as I loved it (it was so charming!), the haregon literally did nothing afterwards? I expected it to come with her for the ball or help out when the dragon is on the rampage. The LOOT team was also a sudden thing to come in, and I think it would have been even better to have focused on the real villain Gwendolyn, and had it look like he was going to betray Louella to her (as opposed to Louella going along with his ruse).

There is a lot of grey area and mismatching concerning the magic system. Feralorn’s excuse of not graduating her because she needed to discover what her real magic was herself was confusing and unfortunately unconvincing. What did she need to actually do in order to pass? This is the most unclear and knowing what she needed to undergo would raise the stakes as to why the broom is so vital. It says in Chapter 1 that “while other witches and wizards in the kingdoms drew their magic from nature, Louella connected to books” and she mourns at one point “Just because they don’t understand what fuels my powers, they assert it cannot exist” and I don’t get it – if she has powers which for her draw from books instead of nature, why can’t she graduate? The aspect of the magic is the same thing; it draws from something even if it’s in a different way. And then it is even more confusing because Feralorn says “Your magic is not books; it’s people. Your treasured tomes are just the conduit!” which pivots away from both nature and her whole identity as a Book Witch. This was deeply unsatisfying.

ㅤ🪄 📚 to conclude 📚🪄
In conclusion, this had a very compelling premise and I adored reading this for the humour and quirkiness, and I really wanted to love it. Unfortunately, there were just too many things specifically the romance and the worldbuilding that felt disjointed. I am rating this a 3.5 and would round it up for the humour, but I’m ultimately rounding it down to 3 because the cons outweighed the pros this time.

<< Positives >>
🠚 Laugh-out-loud humor with running jokes and witty character banter
🠚 Creative epigraphs and punny chapter quotes
🠚 Charming premise of a traveling bookshop with Howl’s Moving Castle and Harry Potter vibes
🠚 Thought-provoking magical book recommendation concept
🠚 Adorable haregons and magical creatures

<< Negatives >>
🠚 Awkward forced proximity
🠚 Occasional cringeworthy and inappropriate lines
🠚 Repetitive aspects like constant saving, blushing and interruptions
🠚 Character voice is inconsistent and lacked individuality at times
🠚 Simplistic worldbuilding and uninspiring kingdom names
🠚 Missed opportunity to make the familiar useful
🠚 Confusing, contradictory, and unsatisfying magic system

CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Louella꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ I like that she is unapologetically herself, and I completely understood her need for validation with the broom and I think a lot of people will relate to this idea. I like that by the end of it she realises that she doesn’t need it to prove to anyone she is an amazing witch, that was a great character arc for her. I too have signed and special editions which I would never sell haha. It is funny the idea of her having many skirts and pockets, women can never have too many pockets truth be told. And there is “always time for reading”, true!
I did find her character a little contradictory when it is revealed about her mothers and the airship, since she likes her shop and never indicates that she is outgoing/is an adventurer, or interested in that lifestyle.

-ˋˏ ꒰ Everett꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ He is so funny, I love the way he steals the customer’s bifocals. I appreciated the Howl references, with his white shirt tucked into tight trousers description. He is sweet, like when he remembers Louella’s love of honeycomb, and wanting to protect her when she feels overwhelmed. He absolutely is a green flag when he says to her she doesn’t need to justify her book purchases to him and gets them for her, I was giggling and kicking my feet over that. However, he does far too much, saving Louella pretty much all the time haha. He does have a lot of excellent lines that made me go “dayum”!
I do think he is so quick with his flirting when she asks if he’s hungry on page 57 and he looks at her up and down and responds “Ravenous”. Also his “how else am I meant to learn what you like” while swoonworthy unfortunately felt inane because he could literally ask. I found him a bit pushy when he was saying she should host a story time for children – acting like he owned the place. I thought he had more reason behind him having sympathy for her teacher but this didn’t seem to go anywhere.

His responding smile was lazy. “Don’t fret, dear Twigs. I’ve learned from your books that you appreciate a slow burn. And so, I shall.” His hand slid down the length of her arm until it reached hers and squeezed.
“Shall what?” she asked as they walked hand in hand toward the picnic.
He looked down at her as if the answer were simple. “Burn, Twigs. Slowly. I’ll wait for as long as you dare me to hope.”

FAV QUOTES
• In the entire realm of Four, Louella Twig was the only witch of her kind—and a bit prickly about it. While other witches and wizards in the kingdoms drew their magic from nature, Louella connected to books.
• His blue eyes still sparkled without any offense. She frowned, disappointed that she failed to unnerve him once again. Most people found her a bit peppery, even when she didn’t mean to be. Perhaps that was why he unsettled her—he didn’t just tolerate her thorniness; he embraced it.
• As few things are as stubborn as a book lover’s determination to read one more chapter
• She’d thought the only risk of sending a thief to her loft was that he might try to break into her safe. She hadn’t considered that Everett might instead try to unlock her innermost desires.
• “Your smile,” she whispered, repeating his words from the lava caves. “Show it to me again.” | A laugh rumbled in his chest as he returned a peck on the tip of her nose. “I smile at you quite often, Twigs. In fact, I don’t think I ever stop smiling around you.”
• “I didn’t end up with an inordinate amount of gold from our journey, but I feel rich beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve been shown what’s truly valuable: long-lasting friendships, a place where I belong, and the greatest treasure of all . . . your heart.”
• “My darling Twigs,” he murmured against her lips, “I promise you, I will follow you, I will cherish you, and I will treasure you . . . for as long as you’ll have me.” | Louella looked up at him. “I’ll take forever if you’re up for it.” | “No spoilers.” He grinned, flashing his special smile. “But that would be the greatest adventure of my life.”

══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Gryffin Murphy, Bonnier Books UK, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.

A huge thank you to the Bonnier Hive Influencer program for providing me with a copy.

[Olga · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Este libro me da muchísima ternura.

Una bruja de libros, un ladrón y una biblioteca mágica teletransportadora... ¿Qué más se le puede pedir a la vida?

Una fantasía cozy muy interesante que además es una oda a los libros, tal como promete la sinopsis. Este libro transcurre en una aventura para conseguir las páginas de un libro y es genuinamente emocionante.

​En primer lugar, la portada me encanta. Refleja muchísimo la historia y tiene una paleta de colores súper cozy y otoñal. Por cierto, mientras leía no paraba de imaginarlo como una caricatura o un anime y no como personas de carne y hueso.

La protagonista, Louella, es fascinante y tiene el don especial de saber exactamente qué libro necesita cada persona en su momento adecuado. Es un tipo de magia que, en particular, me encanta, ya que es innegable que los libros por sí solos son magia.

​Además, no puedo dejar de mencionar a su familiar: un haregon (un conejito con características de dragón) que es la cosa más preciosa, tierna y adorable del mundo. Y en general, la esencia de Louella se define a la perfección desde la primera frase de la historia:

​“In the entire realm of Four, Louella Twig was the only witch of her kind and a bit prickly about it. While other witches and wizards in the kingdoms drew their magic from nature, Louella connected to books.”

Con respecto a los demás personajes, tenemos a Everett, un ladrón pícaro pero de buen corazón que me recordó muchísimo a Flynn Rider. Por otro lado está Feralorn, que con esa mezcla de demencia y carisma gigante me dio vibras de Dumbledore. También tenemos a Midge que tiene un carácter y una personalidad increíbles, y a Oliver, que es súper cute. Además, está Arturo, que es encantador, sin olvidar a las madres de Louella, que son lo más cool del universo, y a unos gigantes inolvidables.

Lo que más me fascinó es cómo se van uniendo uno a uno: literalmente, uno traía al otro para quedarse y se iban haciendo más y más. En general, todos son de lo más entrañable y, junto a la protagonista, sostienen uno de los pilares más sólidos del libro: un found family muy fuerte y hermoso que se desarrolla poco a poco.

Además, tenemos un entorno muy queer y definitivamente es un libro más de personajes que de trama.

También hay algo de romance. Es un insta-love y un slow burn al mismo tiempo: desde el primer momento nos damos cuenta de que él cayó primero y más fuerte, pero extrañamente la dinámica se siente muy lenta en la práctica. Sabemos que los dos se re gustan (y entre ellos lo saben), y esa tensión paulatina me pareció genial. El primer beso me hizo fangirlear de una manera inimaginable.

Y realmente, me encantaron los romances que se desarrollan en este libro, aunque para mí lo verdaderamente central e importante de la historia siguen siendo la magia, los libros y la amistad.

Todo esto viene acompañado de un mundo de fantasía hermoso y bien construido a través de sus cuatro reinos, especies particulares y magia. El libro tiene un humor sencillo, pero muy gracioso y carismático. Mención especial para la escena del “coqueteo” en la cafetería, que me hizo soltar carcajadas y el capítulo 18 que fue increíble.

​Para cerrar, les dejo esta frase que sentí que me habló directamente. Me sentí observada, ayudaaaa jajaja:

​“You see, you can't only live your life in pages. Books can expand your experience of this world, but they cannot replace it entirely.”

​I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have decided to write this review in Spanish to better express my thoughts and introduce this book to Spanish-speaking readers. 📚🧡

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was proved wrong, this was not a 5 star read. It was, in fact, a 6 star read. I can’t even find the right words for how much I loved this book. It was everything I wanted from a cosy fantasy 💕

It’s filled with found family, a heartmelting slow-burn romance, so much yearning, and the beautiful journey of finding yourself within a community. It’s about self-acceptance, inclusivity and oh so warm and funny.

I want to live inside this story.
I want to wander through Twig’s bookstore and get the book I really need.
I want to travel with the Grimoire Avengers, have adventures with friends, and see all the creatures and lands of Four.
I want to learn magic with Feralorn. I want to garden with Midge. I want to fly with the Pirates.
I want to sit and read with Louella.

And yes, I absolutely want Everett to flirt with me. (Pretty please?)
I mean… just listen to this:
“You don’t ever need to justify your book purchases to me. If you want it, you should have it.” 🥹 OMGosh.

More than anything, I wish I could read this again for the very first time.

This book is for everyone who has ever wanted to go on an adventure with a Flynn Rider–type rogue, take on a quest for a stolen book including finding magical creatures, and create magic with the most relatable and charming book witch.

One more quote:
“That is the author… They put a small part of their souls into every work they write, with the desperate hope their book will find the right reader.”
Well, this book found the right reader. (It’s me, hi!)
Gryffin Murphy made me a forever fan with this book – of her writing, her wit, her humor, her heart, and her romance.
And I made friends in this book. They’re going to stay with me forever.

Thank you to Bindery, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

💫✨ Twig’s Traveling Tomes ✨💫

I loved this one so freaking much! This was truly the coziest of cozy fantasies. A magical traveling bookshop, a lovable found family, and an enchanting quest made this such a comfort read.

I never wanted to leave this world! 🥹📚✨

6 star read!

🪄 What to Expect
• Book witch heroine
• Magical traveling bookshop
• Quest
• Found family
• Flirty banter
• Cozy fantasy
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: September 8, 2026
📝 Thank you to Bindery Books, Cozy Quill, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Maeghan &#x1f98b; semi-hiatus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! The found family was truly precious. I loved how bookish this was 🥰 it felt like a love letter to readers. The slow burn romance was so heartfelt. Looking forward to the author’s next projects!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I was initially put off by the title (which felt overly twee to me, personally), but I'm so glad I gave it a chance anyway. Twig's Traveling Tomes turned out to be really fun - deeply cozy, yes, but charming rather than twee, and genuinely very, very funny. I laughed out loud at multiple points!

This is a really gentle book - don't come looking for any dramatically high stakes! - but it's so well done that I never felt bored for a second, just perfectly comforted and soothed as I sank into the story. The romance was swoony, the magical adventures were really fun, and the book also includes what might be the most romantic line I've ever read, uttered by the hero as the heroine is in the middle of explaining why she definitely, absolutely needs to buy yet another book today:

"Just give it here, Twigs," Everett answered with a lazy smile, adding the book to the pile. "You don't ever need to justify your book purchases to me. If you want it, you should have it."

SWOON. ;) <3

It's a lovely, clever comfort read throughout!

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Twig’s Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy

Twig’s Traveling Tomes was quite different from the books I normally read, and for much of the story, I wasn't sure what to make of it. For probably the first 80%, I struggled to understand how all the pieces connected. There were even several times when I considered giving up. I am so glad I didn't! By the end, everything fell beautifully into place, and what had confused me earlier finally made sense. In fact, I think this is one of those books I could listen to again in a year or two and appreciate even more the second time around.

I absolutely loved the bookish magic at the heart of the story. Louella has the remarkable ability to know which book a person needs, with a book seemingly speaking to her almost as soon as someone enters the shop. I especially loved the eventual explanation that it isn't really the book speaking to her—it is the piece of the author that was left behind in the book. As someone who loves books, that idea really resonated with me. I've often felt that when an author writes something truly special, a little piece of that author remains within the pages.

The quest to recover the scattered pages of a wizard's book was also great fun. The pages present themselves in different forms at different locations, and as the journey continues, more characters join the quest. I loved the pacing of those introductions because I had time to get to know each character before someone new joined the group. They were unique, entertaining, and ultimately formed a wonderful found family.

My favorite part, though, may have been Louella and Everett. Their relationship developed so naturally. It wasn't rushed, and I loved watching them gradually grow to care deeply for one another—even when the story occasionally left me wondering whether Everett truly had Louella's best interests at heart. The romance is somewhat more passionate than what I usually read, with some detailed kissing, but there are no sex scenes. By the end, seeing Louella and Everett together at the bookstore and looking toward their future left me completely satisfied. It felt as though all the pieces of the story had finally landed exactly where they belonged.

Imogen Church's narration was outstanding. She gave the characters distinctive voices, to the point that once I became familiar with them, I immediately knew who was speaking without needing to be told. Her pacing was excellent, she was easy to understand, and her lively performance brought this magical world to life.

I was blessed with an ALC of Twig’s Traveling Tomes through NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen and review. All opinions are my own and unbiased.

This ultimately became a five-star listen for me, and I'm especially glad I stayed with it through the portions I initially found confusing. Readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, magical bookstores, quests, found family, and a gently developing romance should find plenty to love here. Gryffin Murphy has another book coming, Ash’s Airborne Apothecary, and after this experience, I am definitely planning to read it.

[Patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I'd REALLY like to visit Twig's bookstore!

------------------------------------------

Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a cozy fantasy centered on Louella Twig, a book-loving witch who runs a magical traveling bookstore that doesn’t stay in one place for long. The shop journeys across the four kingdoms. Louella guided by a touch of magic seems to understand its readers better than they understand themselves. Shelves shift, doors open onto unexpected streets, and the store itself feels almost alive — as if it chooses its destinations with purpose. When a powerful grimoire is stolen, Louella is pulled out of her comfortable, book-filled routine and into an adventure across those same kingdoms, joined by a charming rogue, her former professor, and a gnome companion.

The traveling bookstore is easily one of the most compelling elements of the novel. It’s such a warm, imaginative concept, and the author truly explores the idea that books themselves hold transformative magic. The world feels vibrant and the journey beyond Louella’s shop introduces a range of interesting creatures and whimsical settings that make the adventure feel lively and visually rich.

The found family motif adds emotional warmth to the story. Watching this unlikely group slowly come together is one of the book’s strengths, especially as Louella is pushed outside her comfort zone and forced to grow.

That said, while the premise and worldbuilding are wonderfully engaging, the characters themselves aren’t the most unique. I didn’t feel as invested in their individual fates as I would have liked. Still, the setting and magical atmosphere were so charming that it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment.

Overall, Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a comforting, imaginative read. Perfect for readers who love cozy adventures, magical bookstores, and stories about finding belonging in unexpected places.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! It is cozy, whimsically, relaxing, funny, lighthearted and adventurous! It is a fantasy mixed in with some romance. Just think of feel good vibes throughout the entire novel. It is about a book witch who has a traveling bookstore, that is completely magical! This standalone book was well written, very atmospheric and beautifully executed. I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Gryffin Murphy and Bindery Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review and rating. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book releases September 8, 2026!

[Genoveva Dimova · Rating 5 out of 5]

When reviewing audio ARCs, I usually focus on the story first and then add a sentence or two about the audiobook narrator in the end. In this case, I don't think I can do that, because Imogen Church, who narrated the story, absolutely killed it. The voices, the comedic timing, I loved every second of it. What a perfect match between book and narrator.

The book itself is equal parts heart-warming and hilarious. It knows its tropes and uses them to its advantage: the classic fantasy worldbuilding, the book-loving main character and the roguish love interest, the fantasy creatures, the supporting cast of eccentric outcasts (I especially loved the main character's tutor, who is such a classic wizard archetype, he wouldn't be out of place in Terry Pratchett's Unseen University).

Overall, a great listen, and I'd recommend it to anyone who is in the mood for something funny, comforting, with a lot of heart.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so ... first of all...

I read (and doing the review) for an ARC of Twig's Traveling Tomes, BUT I also have a physical copy AND the art preordered.

Apparently Louella Twig's book magic works outside the book too, because she somehow convinced me that I needed this one on my shelf.

Louella Twig is a Book Witch. And I mean an actual BOOK WITCH.

She owns a magical traveling bookstore that moves from place to place and when a customer comes inside looking for something to read, the books "speak" to Twig.

Except they don't necessarily choose the book the customer wants.

They choose the book the customer needs.

Which, as someone who has absolutely bought books based on nothing more than oooooh pretty cover, feels slightly judgmental, but okay.

Twig's magic has always worked a little differently from what's expected, and because of that, she never received the same official recognition as other witches. So she has settled into a quiet life with her traveling bookstore, her books and approximately ZERO adventures.

Until Everett Sharp walks into her shop.

Handcuffed.

Everett is a rogue, thief-ish, suspiciously charming scoundrel who needs some assistance with his current... jewelry situation.

And then, on the SAME DAY, Twig's former tutor arrives because someone has stolen his valuable grimoire.

Sir.

That timing is looking a little suspicious...

And just like that, Twig's peaceful little existence goes from 0 events scheduled to ABSOLUTE CHAOS.

Because Twig's magic revolves around books, she's one of the few people who might actually be able to locate the missing grimoire.

Unfortunately, she needs someone who understands thieves.

Enter Mr. Handcuffs himself.

THIS SCOUNDREL!!!

And off they go.

What follows is such a cute mixture of cozy fantasy and actual adventure. There are plenty of fun moments, some genuinely dangerous ones, new friends along the way, magic, strange creatures and a Book Witch who is slowly being dragged very far outside the quiet little existence she built for herself.

I particularly loved watching Twig learn more about her own magic.

At the beginning, there's this sense that because her abilities don't work the way they're supposedly meant to, they're somehow less valid. But as the adventure progresses, she begins understanding what she can actually do and gaining more confidence in herself and her magic.

And then there's Everett.

Scoundrel status aside... I really liked these two together.

Their relationship develops slowly as they travel and get themselves into increasingly ridiculous situations. They become friends, learn to trust each other and, meanwhile, there's this attraction simmering underneath everything.

Although...

If the whole not falling for the siren's song situation wasn't enough evidence that SOMETHING was happening between these two, I don't know what would've been.

And when we FINALLY got that kiss?

UUUUHHHH.

So. Freaking. Cute.

I actually really appreciated that the romance was a slow burn. It suited Twig especially well because so much of the story is about her gradually stepping outside her comfort zone; not just romantically, but through friendship, adventure and learning to trust herself and others.

Overall, Twig's Traveling Tomes was exactly the kind of cozy fantasy I wanted it to be: magical, sweet, funny, adventurous without losing that comforting feeling, and incredibly easy to relax into.

It's one of those books where I could just settle in and enjoy the journey.

And apparently enjoy it enough to buy another copy after already reading it.

Twig's magic wins again.

4.25⭐

Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss+ for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.

https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...

[andreea ᥫ᭡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

𐔌 . ⋮ twig’s traveling tomes 📜 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

what to expect:
— cottagecore, whimsical story
— low-stakes adventures
— found family
— insta-love
— howl’s moving castle vibes

the story follows louella twig, a witch whose magic is tied to books, who runs a traveling bookstore that somehow always gives people the exact book they need. she mostly keeps to herself until a thief shows up in her shop, and soon after, her old mentor pulls her into a search for a stolen grimoire.

from there, the story turns into more of a journey, with louella traveling alongside a small group to try and find it, even though she’s clearly not someone who’s used to that kind of life.

it has a really nice concept, especially with the whole magical bookstore idea, but the story leans more on the journey and the characters than on a strong, fast-moving plot.

i truly believe that, with a bit more time and development, twig’s traveling tomes could’ve been great. my main issue was that i just couldn’t connect to the characters, and because of that, i didn’t really care about the plot either. there’s barely any tension; not between the characters, and not when it comes to the actual goal of the story.

collecting the pages of the grimoire, which should’ve been some of the most intense moments, would be over in a page with no real buildup or suspense. everything felt very rushed, like i was being told things instead of actually experiencing them.

i also didn’t find myself caring about any of the characters. louella’s friends and family kind of just exist in the background without adding much, and her personality feels way too centered around everett. outside of him, it’s hard to say who she even is. and by day five they were already in love… insta love just isn’t for me.

to me, this read more like a ya book, despite all the innuendos. the tone felt very young and a bit too cheeky at times, which just didn’t really work for me. by the 70% mark, i was honestly pretty bored and not that invested in what was happening anymore.

that being said, it’s not all bad. there were a few elements i liked, and i can see this working better for other people. i’d probably recommend it as something to read in between heavier books, since it’s quick and easy and doesn’t require too much investment.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

𐔌 . ⋮ pre-read 📜 .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

trying to catch up on my arcs and this one expires in 6 days… amazing timing. but it looks so cozy i can’t even be mad, i’m actually really excited for it!!

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Twigs Travelling Tomes is one of the cosiest and fun filled audio books I've read this year and I was hooked from the first few minutes of listening.
The narrators range of voices was absolutely fantastic and very entertaining throughout. I did start this as a hybrid read (physically reading and listening to the audio) and ended up just listening to 3/4 of the book on audio the narration was that much fun.
Twig and her newfound friends are a hoot and the romance was sweet and humorous as we're the exploits and situations the misfit group get themselves into time and time again.
This is the perfect autumn book to curl up with with a hot drink, blankets and snacks and get whisked away into.

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

A Book Witch, a reforming thief, a gnome and a professor walk into an adventure. Or something like that. Louella is every reader's dream. She is a person who can tell you what you need to read next. She is so good at it that her store that travels between four kingdom's is well known and many come to get the book they need to read next. She has a fulfilling work life but hasn't made a lot of time for any kind of romance or even friendships. That is until a man in handcuffs walks into her store and steals/borrows a doorknob (it will make more sense in the story) and plummets her into a new world of possibilities. Now they and her former mentor, the professor that didn't let Louella pass her witches exam, are off to find the lost pages of his magical book throughout the four kingdoms.

Louella seems to be picking up more and more people on this adventure and eventually not only has Everette Sharp, former thief of things and who is currently trying to steal Louella's heart but we are also joined my a newly single (thanks to Louella) gnome, the professor and a few more friends along the way. It seems like everywhere they go they pick up someone new that wants to join in. Searching for the pages isn't that hard as Louella is great at finding books, the hard part is getting them from their current state as the mystical creatures they explain, back into the book form.

Twig's Traveling Tomes was such a fun little cozy fantasy story. Like most cozy fantasies, I have to manage my expectations on the world building and plot lines. They are fun, light and you don't have to put a lot of thought into them. Sometimes I need a pallet cleanser to reset and cozy fantasy is a good way to do that as they are generally low stakes. It has an emphasis on found family, second chances and learning that your view of yourself sometimes doesn't match what the world sees. We are often harder on ourselves than the outside world is and coming to realize and misunderstandings can take some time to work through. This was a low stakes fun story that entertained and left me feeling satisfied at the end.

His responding smile was lazy. “Don’t fret, dear Twigs. I’ve learned from your books that you appreciate a slow burn. And so, I shall.” His hand slid down the length of her arm until it reached hers and squeezed.
“Shall what?” she asked as they walked hand in hand toward the picnic.
He looked down at her as if the answer were simple. “Burn, Twigs. Slowly. I’ll wait for as long as you dare me to hope.”

Narration:

Performance: ★★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★★

Imogen Church has a great voice for a cozy fantasy. I've enjoyed her narrations previously and continue to think she is a narrator that will encompass the voices so well that her performance adds to your connection to the story. But that should be expected with almost 400 titles under her belt. Her voice fit Louella so well but also I enjoyed how her choices for Everette made me really enjoy his character and root for him as he tried to woo they elusive book witch.

Listen to a clip: HERE

[ฅ^•⩊•^ฅ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 30–40%

As a librarian, I am absolutely the target audience for a book about books, librarians, booksellers, and a magical traveling bookshop. Twig's Traveling Tomes sounded like exactly the kind of cozy, whimsical adventure I would love: a traveling bookstore, a witch, books, magic, and a comforting atmosphere. And, for a while, I actually got some of that. Unfortunately, I feel like the book eventually lost sight of what it was trying to be.

My biggest issue was the romance. It felt so heavily pushed into the story that it completely disrupted the cozy atmosphere for me. Every time something interesting, magical, or genuinely cozy was happening, the book seemed to find a way to throw in flirting, sexual tension, or some romantic innuendo. The male protagonist is constantly flirting with the female protagonist, while her thoughts increasingly revolve around sex and sexual attraction. And honestly, I got tired of it.

I went into this expecting a cozy fantasy adventure with books and magic. Instead, it increasingly felt like the book was trying to be cozy fantasy, romance, and something much steamier all at once. The adventure was there, but it became difficult for me to enjoy it because I was constantly being pulled back into the romantic/sexual tension between the two characters.

At some point, I realized that I was no longer wondering what would happen next in the adventure. I was just waiting for these two to finally get together so the story could move on. That is simply not what I wanted from this book. I don't mind romance in cozy fantasy, but here it felt intrusive rather than complementary. I wanted the books, the magic, the traveling bookstore, the witch, and the cozy adventures. I didn't want the story to constantly remind me that the protagonists are attracted to each other.

Unfortunately, I reached the point where all the sexual looks, flirting, and innuendos became more exhausting than enjoyable, so I'm calling it a DNF at around 30–40%. It had so many elements that should have made it a perfect book for me, which honestly makes this even more disappointing. I just don't think the direction it took was for me.

[Hannah · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5*
Twig's Traveling Tomes is such a cosy, fun and easy read - I kept wanting to come back to it at any chance I could!

Louella Twig is a Book Witch who runs a bookshop that teleports between the Four kingdoms, a vocation she chose after being cast out of academia for not having the right kind of magic. Her magical gift, however, is the ability to find the right book for customers, whether the customers knows (or wants) it or not. Now that might sound a little cliché, but it occasionally gets Twig into trouble. Her gift also butts in to tell her what book she needs to read, signalling her internal thoughts, but at the worst times.

This is a story about found friendship, coming together for an adventure to complete a common goal and discovering themselves along the way. It's simply heart-warming and also comical throughout. With her new friends in tow, they go on an adventure to gather the lost pages of her old mentor's grimoire about fantastical creatures, of which, the pages have turned into the very creatures that are written on them!

I would say this book is aimed at young adults, though there are innuendos and clever work arounds with expletives. There's no spice, but lots of affection. There are also LGBTQ and non-binary characters.

If you're in a reading slump, you love books about books, or you enjoy low stakes cosy fantasies that are easy to read, then this book is for you!

Thank-you to the publisher for reaching out and offering this book to me, I'm glad I read it.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a standalone cozy fantasy by Gryffin Murphy. Louella Twig is an unusual witch whose power comes from books rather than nature. Rejected as not being a true witch, she instead opens a bookshop that can transport itself between storefronts across the four kingdoms with the turn of a knob, supplying customers with the exact book they need. When a former mentor asks for her help retrieving his stolen grimoire, she teams up with the handsome rogue Everett Sharp and a few others who tag along as they set out to recover the missing pages.

I really wanted to like this book, but I struggled with just how mid it was. It’s not that it’s a bad book; it’s just sort of unremarkable. Maybe I simply wasn’t in the right mood or mindset for it, but I found it a little boring and mediocre. Don’t get me wrong—I love cozy fantasy and have read plenty of it. This felt like it was trying a little too hard to be cute and cozy, but the result came across as forced rather than charming.

The story moves quickly, but its structure becomes repetitive, with essentially the same sequence of events playing out as they retrieve one set of pages after another. The characters also face very few meaningful obstacles or challenges, which left me wondering what was actually at stake. For all the traveling and page collecting, I never really felt a compelling reason for this story to be told.

I had similar issues with the characters. There is a found family here, and I really wanted to love them, but there simply wasn’t enough for me to latch onto. They felt haphazardly thrown together, without much holding them together beyond their banter. And while I do enjoy good banter, that seemed to be almost all the book had to offer. The characters bantered constantly but had very few serious conversations, which made their relationships feel less compelling and convincing. I did sort of like the romance, but there was far too much flirting far too early, and the book never really slowed down enough to develop the emotional side of the relationship.

Twig’s Traveling Tomes had all the right ingredients for a good cozy fantasy, but it left me underwhelmed.

*Thank you to the publishers for the eARC via NetGalley

[Dots · Rating 2 out of 5]

✅Found family
✅Adventure
✅Books
✅Magic
✅D&D style adventure
✅Cozy, very cozy

BUT IT WAS JUST SO BORING AND EASY.
If you ever wanted to read a book where you, a whimsy book loving girl who is magical falls in love with Flynn Rider from Tangled when he was still a "bad thief" and not Eugene... than have I got the book for you!

Thank you to Bindery Books and Netgally for an ARC copy of this book to review.

[Amy (ReadThisAndSteep) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read! I love books about books, and this one features a magical traveling bookstore and a witch with bookish magic. Super cozy, whimsical, and heartwarming!

Louella is a book witch with a magical bookstore that can teleport from place to place. Her magic allows her to instinctively match customers with the exact book they need, even if it's not the one they originally wanted. When Louella's former mentor shows up asking for help retrieving his stolen grimoire, she sets off with a band of quirky companions, including a handsome rogue named Everett, to find it. And it isn't long before sparks fly between Louella and Everett.

This has elements of found family, a slow burn romance, and a quest. However, the stakes are low, and it's a relaxing, romantic, escapist read that had me smiling from start to finish. The romance is sweet and flirty, with lots of banter. I also enjoyed all the imaginative elements and magic throughout. The worldbuilding was strong, and the magic was so playful that it was fun to go along for the ride and see where the adventure would take them next.

I was sad to have to say goodbye as I could have explored this world with these characters a bit longer. If you're looking for a comfort read with autumn vibes, add this one to your tbr!

Thank you to Bindery Books for the gifted review copy

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so darn good!
Adventure, books, witches, a baby rabbit-dragon and some kissing.
I absolutely adored the whimsy of this book and implore everyone to read it!
The audio was beautifully narrated by Imogen Church; no surprise.
I will definitely be looking into Gryffin Murphy's back list.
Much love to NetGalley & RBmedia for my ALC!

[Emily Wrayburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 13 September 2026:

Well, this was just delightful! Definitely one my favourite books so far this year!

Louella Twig is a witch with an affinity for books. The problem is, a magical affinity should connect to nature, and so hers isn’t considered real. She can’t graduate, and so ends up sticking it to her former mentors by opening a teleporting bookshop where she can predict exactly what book a customer needs at any time. When her former mentor shows up offering her a bookish quest, and a rakish former rogue shows up offering to work as her assistant, she ends up finding a purpose she could never have imagined, as well as a found family who love her regardless of whether she ever gained her broom.

I will admit when Everett Sharp first turned up, I thought we were in for another annoying insta-love story, with this standard snarky banter that was actually insulting, but that the female lead would forgive because he’s sexy. Fortunately, this did not turn out to be the case. While they are instantly attracted to each other, and the story does acknowledge how quickly their feelings develop, there is a sincerity to their romance that a lot of other stories seem to lack. I ended up loving their dynamic! It’s been ages since I was kicking my feet and whispering “staaahp!” over a romance in a book.

To be honest, if I have any criticisms of Sharp as a love interest, it’s that he’s a bit too perfect. Yes, he’s a former thief, but apart from kind of pushing his way into Twig’s life, he’s just always there with a kind word and does exactly what she needs him to do. I get that’s kind of what we look for in a love interest in a cozy story, but just as the cozy stories I enjoy most still have some stakes in them, I need there to be a bit more depth to both sides of my romantic story.

In addition to the romance, we have a lovely found family group of friends. Twig realising there are people who are happy to know her in spite of her slightly odd affinity and lack of broom, and that she doesn’t need to retreat into solitude despite some rough times throughout her life is a lovely evolution to follow.

The quest plotline is honestly secondary to the found family and character aspects of the story. Sometimes the artefacts are collected far too easily/quickly, but at the same time, tracking down ten different magical artefacts in detail would have slowed the story right down. The details were there when they needed to be.

After enjoying this one so much, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for other books by Gryffin Murphy. She definitely knows how to hit my cozy fantasy spot!

(Thank you to Bindery Press for a free advance copy of this book)

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 5 stars

Twig’s Travelling Tomes is a charming and fantastical tale by author Gryffin Murphy. This is the Cosy Romantasy of my dreams that I have yearned to experience for far longer than I can ever even think about putting into words. Filled to the brim with non-stop adventure, loveable characters and an endearing love story that is bound to make you smile… this is a book that you’re not going to want to put down from the moment you settle in to read. I’m literally beyond obsessed and think that this couldn’t have been made any better if the author tried. If I didn’t have to squeeze every single reading opportunity possible between working a full-time job then I would’ve easily consumed this entire book in one sitting. Murphy does a phenomenal job at building up the world with such vivid imagery without being overwhelming. I existed in a constant state of giddiness and glee from beginning to end and I’m already mentally calculating when I can appropriately abandon my TBR for a re-read. If you are a reader who is looking for a cosy Fantasy with moderate stakes, effortless banter and a romantic sub-plot that will leave you swooning into your pillow then Twig’s Travelling Tomes is the book for you.

Louella Twig is living every bookworm’s dream as she runs her own successful travelling bookshop business thanks to the assistance of her unique magical abilities. I really felt for Louella throughout her journey as her unconventional magic source resulted in the rejection from her peers and her graduation from academics being denied. I was living for the fact that she basically started her business out of spite to prove everybody wrong before realising that she is exactly where she not only should be, but also wants to be. It was wonderful to witness Louella slowly coming out of her isolated shell as she embraces the unexpected journey that she finds herself embarking upon thanks to the meddling of her ex-tutor and a handsome thief that is set on next stealing her heart. Her kindness and empathy for others shone through the pages and I loved every opportunity we were provided to delve deeper into her history and vulnerabilities. Louella is fiercely independent and settled within the safety she finds within familiar comforts which is what makes her journey so beautiful to recognise. She finally has the opportunity to live out her own adventure rather than spending her life seeking them within the pages of her books with her capacity for bravery and ability to adapt coming in handy. At her core, Louella is a bright and passionate woman who was spurned earlier in life whom has since struggled with seeking validation and acceptance from others for the magic she possesses. I adored every moment of Louella’s journey as she learns how to open herself up to new experiences and people, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see how beloved she is by those most important to her in the end.

I officially have a new bookish obsession and his name is Everett Sharp. I’m not even exaggerating when I say that the vast majority of my highlights are from this man’s dialogue and I have no complaints that his many swoon-worthy moments play on repeat within my mind. I was immediately sold when the promise for a ‘Flynn Ryder-coded’ MMC was delivered upon without effort… however it was his actions as a character that has left me yearning for my own real life Everett Sharp. This man was down bad for our lovely heroine from the very moment he wandered into her bookshop to avoid being incarcerated. Everett is endlessly charming and knows how to talk himself out of a sticky situation, however I loved to see how earnest and softened he became when surrounded by his friends. He is an absolute sweetheart to his core with the rugged confidence to match…. and I adored every moment when Everett stepped forward in defence of Louella in his determination to keep her out of harm’s way. The way he seems to instinctively understand her needs with an almost frantic keenness to be the one who meets them left me smiling on numerous occasions. Everett is a wonderful love interest and primary character who brings so much humour and brightness to the story. I adored every single interaction that we see him share with the rest of the cast and there’s no denying that my ever growing ‘book boyfriend’ list has found itself a new addition.

Naturally I also need to give a shout out to the wonderful supporting characters that I have adored and connected with as the plot continued to progress. Feralorn and his eccentric personality. Midge with her taste for adventure and unwavering loyalty. Oliver with his soft determination when faced against his greatest fears. Arturo and his calming presence being the constant voice of reason. Every single character played a role in helping to curate the most unlikely show of friendship that are unrelenting in their resilience as they all worked to achieve their shared goals. The found family elements are largely in part of what makes this book so strong for me and I cannot deny being sad if this is the only adventure we get to follow them on.

Twig’s Travelling Tomes is a wonderful tale filled with so much vibrancy for life and an adventure that you will mourn the loss of in the end. The conclusion was entirely satisfactory as a finale but selfishly I cannot help but wish to see more from these characters and this world. I would gladly follow them on even more adventures should the opportunity arise, but if not then I’ll just console myself with many re-reads in the future.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.

[CJ Alberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for work, such a sweet cozy romantasy with a rich and detailed world!

[Alyssa Russek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the Author and Publisher for the ARC provided via Netgalley

I am going to give this book 3 stars, but I want to preface with this is entirely ME and not the book. The book feels YA, but I think that is just the cozy fantasy sub genre and I am new to it. It was a very simple read but I am not sure I love cozy books as much as I love cozy video games. I do think this was very personal to me. While this may not been a 6/5 for me, I really believe a lot of people are going to read it and love it. I would love to read another book in this world for sure. A short story or book about Louella's life before this, just working the shop and her daily life would be my dream.

This may be a personal thing, but I completely and utterly want this as a video game. Find the pieces, while being able to make time for customers. When the customer comes it gives you hints as to which book to recommend, giving the right book gives you points which in turns grants you bonuses for the page search. (Cozy Quill... if you start making video games and need a tester for that HMU) I also want to say I don't find this strictly an autumnal read. Personally I think this book is great for any change of seasons. When spring leaps to summer, when summer dances into autumn, when autumn falls into winter, when winter crawls into spring. Maybe it's because I'm reading it as the weather changes every day (yikes tbh) but as I flip the pages I imagine each kingdom having slightly different weather to match mine outside.

The beginning was fun but felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to see more of Louella's daily life. The premise of a book witch who pairs you with the book you need sounds so fun and perfect. I really wish we had a full chapter of her going about, and Everett somewhat in the background, just as an intro. Seeing her switch worlds while selling books, her interactions with customers. She seems to be a legend in world, and that is lore I would have wanted to explore more.

I also feel like with the door knob, the author did a tell not show in the explanation. While we did see it in action once before the "action" started I feel like her explanation wasn't entirely necessary if Louella could have used it a bit more in a daily life way. It was a short paragraph but it didn't really feel necessary to me. Afterwards when she changes the knob it doesn't go into the descriptions of the knobs, just the feeling. Possibly this bit of magic, which I felt hyped from the synopsis, wasn't as magical after the first bit. I also found myself wondering if her magic is with books, how did she enchant the knobs? How did she go through and set it up? We were thoroughly told HOW it worked, just not HOW it began.

I did like the way the adventure started. It gives you a hint of, hmm why is Everett truly doing this, without seeming overly like, this weirdo will not leave.
There's clearly an instant connection which is cute. Sometimes when I am reading a book it is hard to understand a character's motivation. With Everett I didn't think that was so. Louella... it was hard at times. I felt a large part of her motivations was just that she was too nice of a person. I did really appreciate that she would correct herself whenever she made an assumption about a person. It felt like Louella was a truly fluid person who was trying to grow at all times. She did initially come off "sheltered" but that was an assumption on my part, and wrong. I think too often we imagine our heroines or heros who are displayed at introverted to either be either sheltered or just hiding their sparkly personality behind a veil of shyness. Sometimes, just like with real people, they may just be introverted and its OK.

The character Feralorn is a good comedic relief but he is also an annoying person (as in if I was Louella I wouldn't be so nice). He didn't really get redeemed until the later part of the book so I questioned why Louella was helping him at all for most of the book. Even after the "redemption" the quest didn't make sense to me because, he still was a bit rude.
Midge and Oliver, sweet side characters. I enjoy their banter and personalities. Everyone seems to fit into a bit of a niche. Everett, the redeemable rogue, Feralorn, the comedic tutor, Midge, the brave friend, Oliver, the side kick to the brave friend who's trying to learn how to be brave (haha!!) Her mothers brought a nice background to her story, same with Everett and his parents. It was a nice explanation to the MCs, which I feel can be lost in some romances. And of course, Louella, the heroine who is finding herself and her heart.

I did find that by the end of the middle it began to get a little repetitive. I feel as if the book could have taken away a chapter or two and still be in the same place when the story is over. The cast got a bit wider and I feel like the author took Happily Ever After and stretched it to fit everyone, which then in turn made the story feel a little bloated in the middle. As a video game it would be EXCELLENT, but as a book I felt that they had "leveled up" already and were ready to move on. Parts felt rushed, the scene where Everett and Louella were in the cave. Other parts felt unnecessary entirely, the painter witch. Honestly this whole part didn't make sense to me. Why did she follow him? Why did he think she would just sleep with him in the middle of the day while her party was outside? Maybe I missed something there...

Once the story shifted a bit I was pulled back in. Despite enjoying the story overall I found myself reading the middle a little bit like a chore. I said to a friend, it was like molasses, sweet but hard to finish.

[ᒚᘿSS ᒍᗩY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twig's Traveling Tomes is a charming and whimsical cosy fantasy that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.

I had high hopes going into this one because it contains so many elements that I personally love in a cosy fantasy: a witch whose magic comes from books, a magical bookshop, found family and a whimsical world. There was so much potential in the premise, and while I did enjoy aspects of the story, I found myself wanting a little more depth in some areas.

The magical bookshop was easily one of my favourite elements of the story. I loved the idea of a shop that seems to know exactly which book its customers needed.

I did, however, struggle to become particularly invested in the characters. I liked Twig, but I found that I wanted more depth from her character and more exploration of her relationship with books and her magic. There is an interesting conflict in the fact that her magic comes from books despite this being frowned upon in the world and I would have loved to see this explored further.

While the romance was sweet and light, it was also very much an instant romance. I’m personally not a huge fan of this trope, although I can understand how it fits into the story’s plot and overall pacing. For me, I tend to look for more depth and growth in a romance.

The growing found-family dynamic was a highlight for me. It allowed room for plenty of humour, banter and heart woven throughout. I don't think it was executed to its full potential, but I enjoyed that it opened another avenue for the characters and gave the story another layer to lean into.

The pacing was another area I struggled with. The adventure follows a fairly repetitive rhythm of travelling, retrieving another piece of the grimoire and then moving on to the next location. While this kept the story moving, it also unintentionally highlighted that there were very few meaningful obstacles or challenges. I found myself wanting some of these moments to have more weight, particularly as the premise offered so many opportunities for the characters to be tested.

That said, I did appreciate how much this story embraces the cosy fantasy atmosphere. The world is whimsical, the premise is incredibly bookish and there are plenty of charming ideas throughout. While some of the execution didn't quite work for me personally, I can absolutely see the appeal for readers looking for a lighter fantasy with magical books.

Thank you to Bindery Books and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Rebecca · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5? rtc

[Scolardy · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

“Twig’s Traveling Tomes” von Gryffin Murphy ist der Auftakt einer Cosy-Fantasy Dilogie, die ursprünglich als Standalone geplant war.

Ich folge der Verlegerin auf Tiktok, weil sie wirklich die herzigsten Inhalte liefert. Ihre Videos sind täglich Balsam für die Seele, da verzeiht man auch die charmante Eigenwerbung. Als ich jedenfalls entdeckt habe, dass der Titel in meinem Hörbuch-Abo enthalten ist, gab es für mich kein Halten mehr und ich bereue keine Sekunde.

Das Hörbuch wird von Imogen Church vertont und ihren Namen sollte man sich besser merken. Sie moduliert ihre Stimme so, dass jeder Charakter unverkennbar wird und singt sogar! Zwar war der Gesang gewollt ulkig, aber das macht es nur noch charmanter.

Apropos, charmant: „Twig’s Traveling Tomes“ ist das Epitom einer Cosy Fantasy. Nicht ohne Fehl und Tadel, dafür umso verzaubernder. Eine buchstäbliche Bücherhexe; ein ehemaliger Dieb; zwei Gnome, die das Abenteuer suchen; ein Zauberer und dessen „Freind“, deren Magierkodex Beine, Flügel, Krallen und mehr bekommen hat; sowie ein Buchladen, der wandert – das ist „Twig’s Traveling Tomes“ auf seine Grundbausteine reduziert.

Die Welt ist überschaubar. Die Welt der Vier Königreiche beinhaltet eben vier Königreiche, deren Namen die verschiedenen Elemente auf Latein sind. Und wisst Ihr was? Ich mag das. Die vier Königreiche sind eh nur die Hintergrundkulisse, also muss die Autorin, meiner Meinung nach, nicht viel Energie darauf verschwenden, diese wer weiß wie auszubauen. Die einzige Welt, die für diese Geschichte zählt, ist das Innere der magischen Buchhandlung und seine unmittelbaren Stationen und diese hat Murphy ausschweifend beschrieben – keine Sorge.

Generell ist ihr Spiel mit Worten wirklich entzückend. Dabei habe ich die Hälfte vermutlich nicht einmal wahrgenommen, weil ich den Text nicht vor Augen und Englisch nicht meine Muttersprache ist. Eventuell landet dann also doch auch noch die physische Variante im Warenkorb irgendwann…

Abgesehen davon, wie clever Murphys Wortspiele sind, sind sie auch extrem witzig. Es gibt wirklich alle paar Sätze etwas zu lachen, dabei sind die Witze mal clever, mal flach, mal albern…es ist von allem etwas dabei.

Liebe liegt in der Luft – und auch davon zeigt uns Murphy ganz viele verschiedene Arten. Zwar steht die Slow Burn Romanze von Louella und Everett im Vordergrund, aber die Nebencharaktere sind nicht nur reine Statisten. Jedermanns Geschichte wird hier erzählt.

Dadurch ist tatsächlich ganz schön viel los auf relativ wenigen Seiten bzw. in meinem Fall in relativ wenigen Stunden, aber auch das empfinde ich eher als etwas Positives. Denn so sehr ich Cosy Fantasy auch schätze, meistens langweile ich mich ab einem gewissen Punkt und die kam hier nie auf.

Alles in allem ist „Twig’s Traveling Tomes“ eine zauberhafte, romantische, abenteuerliche und witzige Geschichte, die es wert ist, entdeckt zu werden. 4,5 Sterne!

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a cute, cozy fantasy romance that combines magic, romance and adventure from Gryffin Murphy.

While other witches in the Realm of the Four draw their power from nature, Louella Twig is a witch with a unique magical affinity for books. Louella can sense exactly which book a person needs, even when it isn’t the one they came looking for. Her solution to being shunned by the magical community is to create a travelling bookshop that magically moves between the four kingdoms, allowing her to build a quiet, comfortable life surrounded by stories.

Louella’s peace is disrupted however when handsome rogue Everett Sharp literally stumbles into her shop, followed soon after by Louella’s former mentor, whose stolen grimoire has been scattered across the realms. Louella is the only person with the ability to track it down, so she reluctantly joins forces with Everett and her former mentor to recover the missing pieces.

The plot of Twigs Traveling Tomes as a whole is fairly low stakes but the adventure is fun and unfolds at a good pace. As the trio journey through the realms, they are faced with several challenges including deadly flowers, ravenous moths, fire breathing rabbits, and sulky sirens. They also collect an eclectic group of allies, creating a warm found family feel.

Of course I loved the idea of a magical bookstore that can travel from place to place and, even better, seems to know exactly what its customers need. I particularly enjoyed the humour of the book matching process, even if some of Twigs clients didn’t.

I liked Louella’s personal journey, she starts out believing she is an inadequate witch because her magic doesn’t fit the expectations of others, but gradually comes to recognise that being different isn’t the same thing as being deficient. Everett is charming and insouciant, which makes him a good foil for the sweet and sensible Louella. Their low spice romance is a bit of a slow burn while Louella tries to decide if Everett is someone she can trust, but all the sweeter for it.

Lighthearted and charming, I found Twig’s Traveling Tomes to be an easy read with a delightful and comforting happy ever after.

[Niki Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy, found families for the win. This is one of the lowest stakes cozy fantasy books I've read. Due to that, I didn't feel a gripping desire to finish the book or the chapter, but it was still an easy read.

I didn't like the weird slow burn, but very upfront sexual comments from the main characters. You can't have it both way. He's pretty much saying 'I want to get in your pants' (actually, I think he 100% said that), and then still not get a kiss until 11 1/2 hours into the book.

Audio book narrator was excellent.

Overall, easy read but not ground breaking by any means.