What do you think?
Rate this book
Thornhaven #1
The Enchanted Workshop
Cael Ashford spent twelve years as an adventurer and has nothing to show for it except a bad knee and a leather pack that holds everything he owns. So when a letter arrives telling him his estranged uncle has died and left him an enchanted workshop in a village he hasn't visited since childhood, he almost doesn't go.
Almost.
The he has to stay for one year or lose everything. The workshop is falling apart. The two hundred and fourteen enchantments his uncle maintained for the village are breaking down. A soup pot is launching its contents at the ceiling. The local merchants are circling. And a judgmental orange tabby named Whiskers has been granted, by legal covenant, the right to evaluate everyone who enters the premises.
Thornhaven doesn't need a hero. It needs someone who will stay.
But staying means fixing what's broken, earning trust from people who loved the man he never bothered to visit, and learning that the hardest magic isn't in the spellwork. It's in putting down roots.
For fans of Legends & Lattes and The Spellshop. A warm, heartfelt fantasy about found family, second chances, and a cat who knows exactly what he's doing
Almost.
The he has to stay for one year or lose everything. The workshop is falling apart. The two hundred and fourteen enchantments his uncle maintained for the village are breaking down. A soup pot is launching its contents at the ceiling. The local merchants are circling. And a judgmental orange tabby named Whiskers has been granted, by legal covenant, the right to evaluate everyone who enters the premises.
Thornhaven doesn't need a hero. It needs someone who will stay.
But staying means fixing what's broken, earning trust from people who loved the man he never bothered to visit, and learning that the hardest magic isn't in the spellwork. It's in putting down roots.
For fans of Legends & Lattes and The Spellshop. A warm, heartfelt fantasy about found family, second chances, and a cat who knows exactly what he's doing
- GenresFantasyCozy Fantasy
222 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
R.J. Cole
9 books3 followersI write techno-thrillers and cozy fantasy about ordinary people caught inside systems built to break them.
The ORACLE Series is my near-future trilogy about an AI that takes over the world, the war that follows, and the sun that doesn't care. My newest project, the Thornhaven Series, turns toward cozy fantasy. It launches with The Enchanted Workshop, a story about a retired adventurer, a magical repair shop, and one very opinionated cat.
I live near Pittsburgh with too many servers and not enough sleep.
The ORACLE Series is my near-future trilogy about an AI that takes over the world, the war that follows, and the sun that doesn't care. My newest project, the Thornhaven Series, turns toward cozy fantasy. It launches with The Enchanted Workshop, a story about a retired adventurer, a magical repair shop, and one very opinionated cat.
I live near Pittsburgh with too many servers and not enough sleep.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 8, 2026
Excellent "cozy" fantasy
The worldbuilding is fascinating with a unique magic system. The characters are likeable and believable, and the story is well-written and mostly low stress, although bad things do happen. The twins are fun, the cat is definitely magical, and the enchanted objects are intriguing. Cael is definitely "impossibly slow." I'll happily visit Thornhaven again.
The worldbuilding is fascinating with a unique magic system. The characters are likeable and believable, and the story is well-written and mostly low stress, although bad things do happen. The twins are fun, the cat is definitely magical, and the enchanted objects are intriguing. Cael is definitely "impossibly slow." I'll happily visit Thornhaven again.
July 17, 2026
Cozy
I don't read Cozy stories, but somehow a special cozy showing itself to me. It's as if the Cozy stories just know that I might need a cheer-me-up right now. It's exactly how I stumbled onto this book. And I am so glad that this Novel had come my way.
This is one of those stories that make you cuddle up with a soft blanket wrapped around you, turn on some slow music and fix a cuppa tea, and now you're ready for a spaziergang in another world. And this book was a real special treat. A cozy with fantasy, a village full of small miracles. This cozy is handling all the details with pinach and charm, with time spent getting introduced to all the lovely people living in a village, neighborly people.
Now, it's unfortunate that I have a gripe too, one that made my molars grind together, grrrrgrrr. Eek! I hate it when that happens, the editor overlooked some very irritating things, I really don't like being constantly interrupted reading a cozy story, the tea gets cold. My beef has to do with problems with conversations part of the story. The punctuation is all wrong and I, you, get yanked out of my reading. And that is doubly troubling, aggravating even, not knowing who is talking. And it happens a lot. The story is really lovely, I certainly was pulled into it full on, and "no, not again!" Just need to put this " in the right place so we know who is speaking.
The story is written so well I got smothered with the fun of a really good cozy story. This kind of writing, story telling is special, it takes an author who has a gift for details, for knowing how to cozy up to his readers. R.J.Cole Mr Cole do us readers the favor and look over the rules for handling conversation inside a story, these """"" placing them in the right place so we know who is now speaking. Can you do that please.
I would really like to read more of your stories, please don't make me work for the enjoyment. You do have a gift writing cozy stories, cozy fantasy. You tell the story, it reminds me of my youth in the village we lived, fields of hops and margaritas covering the hills, cow bells donging quietly. The sky a blue, I describe it. But you are really good telling about everything, it's really like a cuddly soft blanket wrapping itself around the readers. You write with devotion, yet nothing schmalzy about your writing. You do have a gift. I subtracted one star because, although your villagers are friendly, they are not too gabby. But because you tell the story so special that being yanked out of the cozyness because -> " < these buggers need to be used properly.
I don't read Cozy stories, but somehow a special cozy showing itself to me. It's as if the Cozy stories just know that I might need a cheer-me-up right now. It's exactly how I stumbled onto this book. And I am so glad that this Novel had come my way.
This is one of those stories that make you cuddle up with a soft blanket wrapped around you, turn on some slow music and fix a cuppa tea, and now you're ready for a spaziergang in another world. And this book was a real special treat. A cozy with fantasy, a village full of small miracles. This cozy is handling all the details with pinach and charm, with time spent getting introduced to all the lovely people living in a village, neighborly people.
Now, it's unfortunate that I have a gripe too, one that made my molars grind together, grrrrgrrr. Eek! I hate it when that happens, the editor overlooked some very irritating things, I really don't like being constantly interrupted reading a cozy story, the tea gets cold. My beef has to do with problems with conversations part of the story. The punctuation is all wrong and I, you, get yanked out of my reading. And that is doubly troubling, aggravating even, not knowing who is talking. And it happens a lot. The story is really lovely, I certainly was pulled into it full on, and "no, not again!" Just need to put this " in the right place so we know who is speaking.
The story is written so well I got smothered with the fun of a really good cozy story. This kind of writing, story telling is special, it takes an author who has a gift for details, for knowing how to cozy up to his readers. R.J.Cole Mr Cole do us readers the favor and look over the rules for handling conversation inside a story, these """"" placing them in the right place so we know who is now speaking. Can you do that please.
I would really like to read more of your stories, please don't make me work for the enjoyment. You do have a gift writing cozy stories, cozy fantasy. You tell the story, it reminds me of my youth in the village we lived, fields of hops and margaritas covering the hills, cow bells donging quietly. The sky a blue, I describe it. But you are really good telling about everything, it's really like a cuddly soft blanket wrapping itself around the readers. You write with devotion, yet nothing schmalzy about your writing. You do have a gift. I subtracted one star because, although your villagers are friendly, they are not too gabby. But because you tell the story so special that being yanked out of the cozyness because -> " < these buggers need to be used properly.
June 30, 2026
What a wonderful story!
I loved this book and can’t wait to get, and read, the next one. It has charming characters, an amazing and wonderful magical cat, magic, a village I would love to live in, romance (no sex), no violence, no cliffhanger ending, and just the greatest storyline!
A perfect book to curl up in a comfy reading chair on a cold rainy/snowy day with a warm pot of tea and lose yourself in the story.
I loved this book and can’t wait to get, and read, the next one. It has charming characters, an amazing and wonderful magical cat, magic, a village I would love to live in, romance (no sex), no violence, no cliffhanger ending, and just the greatest storyline!
A perfect book to curl up in a comfy reading chair on a cold rainy/snowy day with a warm pot of tea and lose yourself in the story.
June 7, 2026
Not really my thing but I was intrigued, an ok story, well written.
June 22, 2026
Fantastic read!
Loved this from start to finish. The journey of a man who found what he didn't know he was looking for. Beautiful tale
Loved this from start to finish. The journey of a man who found what he didn't know he was looking for. Beautiful tale
July 10, 2026
i could hardly put it down
July 11, 2026
Beautifully written.
Wonderful story of magic and love. The coming together of a village and the family and friends. The characters were awesome.
Wonderful story of magic and love. The coming together of a village and the family and friends. The characters were awesome.
Read
July 17, 2026This book was different than what I am use to.
I enjoyed very much. I have already bought the next 2 😀
I enjoyed very much. I have already bought the next 2 😀
July 22, 2026
Needs more character interaction
I probably won't continue with the series because this book is full of repeating inner thoughts. There is not much action between the characters. It is mostly the main characters thoughts which get repeated over and over again . I prefer books with dialogue between characters. This book is probably a third longer than it needs to be because of all the repition.
I probably won't continue with the series because this book is full of repeating inner thoughts. There is not much action between the characters. It is mostly the main characters thoughts which get repeated over and over again . I prefer books with dialogue between characters. This book is probably a third longer than it needs to be because of all the repition.
July 24, 2026
A great story
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Cael's story pulls you in and you just have to keep reading. Its a simple story, but also complex. The cat is hilarious as only a determined cat can be, they truly are the rulers of their households.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next. Cael's story pulls you in and you just have to keep reading. Its a simple story, but also complex. The cat is hilarious as only a determined cat can be, they truly are the rulers of their households.
July 25, 2026
The Enchanted Workshop
Loved it. The story gives a dystopia vibe.
The characters are interesting. The soup pots enchanted. The found family.
Looking forward to what's next.
Loved it. The story gives a dystopia vibe.
The characters are interesting. The soup pots enchanted. The found family.
Looking forward to what's next.
June 22, 2026
Unique
Cael inherits a workshop but discovers it comes with a village. And as he begins to understand the full meaning of this, he takes his late uncle's work in a different direction.
With a blend of rune, crystal and botanical magic, this story goes beyond simple good vs evil dynamics. It encompasses community, cooperation, understanding, forgiveness and more.
The writing is excellent and a pleasure to read. The mystery kept me guessing.
The only thing I'd change is to stop using the pronoun who for an animal. But that's our culture these days. Animals have been elevated to "who," while people are demoted to "that." At least this author uses "who" for both.
Cael inherits a workshop but discovers it comes with a village. And as he begins to understand the full meaning of this, he takes his late uncle's work in a different direction.
With a blend of rune, crystal and botanical magic, this story goes beyond simple good vs evil dynamics. It encompasses community, cooperation, understanding, forgiveness and more.
The writing is excellent and a pleasure to read. The mystery kept me guessing.
The only thing I'd change is to stop using the pronoun who for an animal. But that's our culture these days. Animals have been elevated to "who," while people are demoted to "that." At least this author uses "who" for both.
June 4, 2026
It was a nice story
I gave this book 3 stars because I found it hard to get through. I found it laboriously slow. I like the characters, but their persons were described repetitively as was the town. It would probably be a good read for someone nostalgic and a little sappy.
I gave this book 3 stars because I found it hard to get through. I found it laboriously slow. I like the characters, but their persons were described repetitively as was the town. It would probably be a good read for someone nostalgic and a little sappy.
July 16, 2026
I have a huge problem with this book. Spoilers ahead!
Cael knows that someone is sabotaging his enchantments. He sets “telltales” in them to show when they have been tampered with. After the big storm that wrecks many of the town’s enchanted objects, Cael repairs them and puts telltales in them to show when they have been tampered with again. Cael finds many of the enchantments tampered with after the storm, so he confronts the person he thinks is responsible, Linden, the herbalist. Linden admits to sabotaging the enchantments prior to the storm, but insists he stopped and didn’t touch anything after the storm. However, many of Cael’s telltales are set off on newly repaired enchantments after the storm. If we take Linden at his word, he didn’t do it, so who did? We never know, because the story just continues as if there wasn't a huge error in the plot.
This is a minor quibble, but we are told that Linden’s workshop has instruments that aren't needed by a herbalist, but these instruments aren't discovered or described until much later in the story. Why weren't we told about them at the time Cael first thinks about the suspicious instruments? I found myself having to go back several pages because I was looking for the passage in the book where we were told there were suspicious instruments in his shop. It wasn't there.
Cael knows that someone is sabotaging his enchantments. He sets “telltales” in them to show when they have been tampered with. After the big storm that wrecks many of the town’s enchanted objects, Cael repairs them and puts telltales in them to show when they have been tampered with again. Cael finds many of the enchantments tampered with after the storm, so he confronts the person he thinks is responsible, Linden, the herbalist. Linden admits to sabotaging the enchantments prior to the storm, but insists he stopped and didn’t touch anything after the storm. However, many of Cael’s telltales are set off on newly repaired enchantments after the storm. If we take Linden at his word, he didn’t do it, so who did? We never know, because the story just continues as if there wasn't a huge error in the plot.
This is a minor quibble, but we are told that Linden’s workshop has instruments that aren't needed by a herbalist, but these instruments aren't discovered or described until much later in the story. Why weren't we told about them at the time Cael first thinks about the suspicious instruments? I found myself having to go back several pages because I was looking for the passage in the book where we were told there were suspicious instruments in his shop. It wasn't there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2026
This story felt like a warm hug, Like tea on a cold morning, with a blanket on your lap and a cat on top. It was a beautiful heart-warming cosy story about finding yourself in places you least expect and building something quietly with purpose. About choosing each morning to get up and stay. I utterly adored it and I honestly can't wait for the next chapter in this series.
June 1, 2026
Enjoyed the Book. However the computer narration was bad. Will read the next book on Kindle not audible
June 15, 2026
it’s good
I really like the story but this needs editing big time. Not so much for typos or error but readability. The paragraph structure makes it very hard to follow a conversation. It starts with one character saying something in one paragraph. Then another responds in a short one sentence paragraph but then sometimes continues on in the next full paragraph. Half the time I can’t tell if it’s the same character continuing or another responding again. And this completely ruins the flow of the story. Also the last 35-30% really dragged and I found myself skimming. I didn’t have that issue earlier. I do want to continue the series but I hope the formatting improves.
I really like the story but this needs editing big time. Not so much for typos or error but readability. The paragraph structure makes it very hard to follow a conversation. It starts with one character saying something in one paragraph. Then another responds in a short one sentence paragraph but then sometimes continues on in the next full paragraph. Half the time I can’t tell if it’s the same character continuing or another responding again. And this completely ruins the flow of the story. Also the last 35-30% really dragged and I found myself skimming. I didn’t have that issue earlier. I do want to continue the series but I hope the formatting improves.
June 8, 2026
Reached 76% and struggling to finish. Too much repetition. Too much description of the mechanisms of ‘enchantments’. Insufficient character development to the point where I don’t care what happens to any of them….. I have bought the next book in the series but not sure I’ll bother……
July 18, 2026
Omg a book that will make you as happy as Christmas morning.
July 31, 2026
A good story that was over-written.
I enjoyed the setting and concept of the work they undertake. The Characters were distinct and had their own voice which was great. And the central plot was interesting.
The romance felt like a friendship. I don't think it would have taken anything away from the story by not making it a romance.
Unfortunately the book kept revisiting the same points, often essentially repeating sections to the point I began skipping them because they added nothing new, especially as the final confrontation approached.
I think this came in part with too much focus on keeping the setting cosy. where everything was 'warm' or 'honey coloured' and 'homely'. I d like to have seen how each house was different, some people living cluttered lives, others more minimalist etc. showing that cosy has different meanings to everyone, rather than this strange mass produced cosiness everyone in town had; it felt like IKEA furniture but for the senses, everyone had the same stuff.
The speech formatting was strange. Even by the end of the book it still felt wrong and I had to mentally check myself with it and re-read it as the author intended.
"By which I mean a character would speak." Bradley said.
"Then continue speaking on a new line."
To me, speech on a new line means another character is speaking, not the same one. If it's the same character, continue it on the same line after the 'this character said' part.
Also, plot hole
And one more thing,
I enjoyed the setting and concept of the work they undertake. The Characters were distinct and had their own voice which was great. And the central plot was interesting.
The romance felt like a friendship. I don't think it would have taken anything away from the story by not making it a romance.
Unfortunately the book kept revisiting the same points, often essentially repeating sections to the point I began skipping them because they added nothing new, especially as the final confrontation approached.
I think this came in part with too much focus on keeping the setting cosy. where everything was 'warm' or 'honey coloured' and 'homely'. I d like to have seen how each house was different, some people living cluttered lives, others more minimalist etc. showing that cosy has different meanings to everyone, rather than this strange mass produced cosiness everyone in town had; it felt like IKEA furniture but for the senses, everyone had the same stuff.
The speech formatting was strange. Even by the end of the book it still felt wrong and I had to mentally check myself with it and re-read it as the author intended.
"By which I mean a character would speak." Bradley said.
"Then continue speaking on a new line."
To me, speech on a new line means another character is speaking, not the same one. If it's the same character, continue it on the same line after the 'this character said' part.
Also, plot hole
And one more thing,
May 25, 2026
Gentle and Homey
This is a lovely, atmospheric story that envelops the reader in a wonderful community full of magic and practicalities.
The only thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is that either the author or the type setter cares nothing about how to format a paragraph! A paragraph frequently begins in the middle of a thought, and so many conversations are included in these misshapen paragraphs that the reader will find themselves frequently backtracking to see who said what to whom. It will add to the reading time by about a third, and it is incredibly frustrating.
That said, it is a lovely story, and I hope to enjoy the next installment every bit as much.
This is a lovely, atmospheric story that envelops the reader in a wonderful community full of magic and practicalities.
The only thing that keeps me from giving it five stars is that either the author or the type setter cares nothing about how to format a paragraph! A paragraph frequently begins in the middle of a thought, and so many conversations are included in these misshapen paragraphs that the reader will find themselves frequently backtracking to see who said what to whom. It will add to the reading time by about a third, and it is incredibly frustrating.
That said, it is a lovely story, and I hope to enjoy the next installment every bit as much.
June 14, 2026
My reviews are my own. If you enjoyed this book, I’m glad you did. If not, I respect your opinion, so please respect mine. This is simply my view, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
Very sweet story, a bit repetitive and I could have done without the romance. People do not need to be in a relationship in order to be happy. I hope the authors will get that, there is something called friendship. Anyway, it was ok, maybe a "not for me".
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Very sweet story, a bit repetitive and I could have done without the romance. People do not need to be in a relationship in order to be happy. I hope the authors will get that, there is something called friendship. Anyway, it was ok, maybe a "not for me".
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
May 15, 2026
What a wonderful read this was! A fantastic cozy mystery that draws you in and holds you close in this incredible world of magic, mystery, intrigue and incredible characters. The author shows us a world of wonder and imagination as we enter Thornhaven and this incredible enchanted workshop. It’s a heartwarming journey, heartfelt, emotional and a very judgy cat! It’s a great read for second chances and putting down roots! Loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a lovely story.
The magic system so interesting I’m jealous I don’t live there.
Cael was a great MMC, taking over the workshop, looking after everyone and respecting the memory of his uncle.
The community of side characters were well written, it really described humanity, people trying to do what they think is right and understanding why.
The magic system so interesting I’m jealous I don’t live there.
Cael was a great MMC, taking over the workshop, looking after everyone and respecting the memory of his uncle.
The community of side characters were well written, it really described humanity, people trying to do what they think is right and understanding why.
June 16, 2026
Good read. Not a gamer's story.
At first, I thought it was a gamer's story.I was wrong. The setting starts as if it is one but it isn't. The tale is not your average one but filled with a mystery to solve, a quest to fulfill, and a found family within a community at large. Sometimes it takes a village to become a home to quit running from life.
At first, I thought it was a gamer's story.I was wrong. The setting starts as if it is one but it isn't. The tale is not your average one but filled with a mystery to solve, a quest to fulfill, and a found family within a community at large. Sometimes it takes a village to become a home to quit running from life.
Did Not Finish
July 13, 2026This very much reads like AI. I'm not the type to say that willy nilly either. Premise had potential but this is very weirdly written. Repetitive, self-contradictory, overly descriptive and with an odd cadence.
The cover also screams AI and the gaps (or lack thereof) in publication dates raised my eyebrows.
The cover also screams AI and the gaps (or lack thereof) in publication dates raised my eyebrows.
July 29, 2026
This Book! This Story!
I love love love this book, the characters, the village, the Magic. I would so dearly love to be able to go and live in Thornhaven, be able to take tea with Miriam and Cael, be able to watch Penny and Paul grow up... (sigh) Thank you for making this village and these characters so real for me.
I love love love this book, the characters, the village, the Magic. I would so dearly love to be able to go and live in Thornhaven, be able to take tea with Miriam and Cael, be able to watch Penny and Paul grow up... (sigh) Thank you for making this village and these characters so real for me.
July 29, 2026
A good cozy read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was heartwarming and great to read before bed. The connections of the characters and the sense of the community really shines. I'm a sucker for a story that leaves you wanting more stories of friendship and comradery and this book checked all the boxes!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was heartwarming and great to read before bed. The connections of the characters and the sense of the community really shines. I'm a sucker for a story that leaves you wanting more stories of friendship and comradery and this book checked all the boxes!
August 4, 2026
A Pleasant Diversion
Cozy Fantasy.
Not for everyone. I picked this up sure that I wouldn't get past the first chapter.
Finding myself halfway through the book was a nice surprise.
Nice characters , straight forward plot, and it kept me from doomscrolling for several hours.
Gotta thank the author for a bit of calm.
Cozy Fantasy.
Not for everyone. I picked this up sure that I wouldn't get past the first chapter.
Finding myself halfway through the book was a nice surprise.
Nice characters , straight forward plot, and it kept me from doomscrolling for several hours.
Gotta thank the author for a bit of calm.
May 2, 2026
This book was everything you want a cozy fantasy book to be. There was magic, intrigue, found family, slow blooming relationships, and a judgy cat. I was immersed in Thornhaven as soon as Cael got there and I never wanted to leave! I cannot wait to read more about life in the village!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews