Wishspun

by India Holton

A librarian and a mage from rival kingdoms must work together to translate a magical book and lift its curse in this cozy cottagecore fantasy.

Welcome to Inglewood, a quiet village tucked into idyllic countryside. Inglewood’s librarian, Mellyd, is a shy woman who secretly writes magical wishes that she slips into each book someone borrows. These are simple charms to bless the villagers with happiness, health, and prosperity. Once, she dreamed of studying magic at university, but she’s grown comfortable in her placid life, with her tiny pet dragon and the library’s surly cat for company.

But when a stranger leaves a magical grimoire in the library, Mellyd cannot resist trying a spell from it. Just as she is doing so, Nian, a mage from the royal court of a rival kingdom, walks in and catches her. The grimoire was used to curse his king, and Nian must urgently find a way to lift that curse or else the king will die and the kingdoms’ delicate truce will be in jeopardy.

As Mellyd and Nian work together to translate the book’s mysterious spells, an attraction starts to grow between them. But pestered by nosy neighbors, a mischievous dragon, and a king so irascible it’s no wonder someone cursed him, they will need all the magic they can raise to secure a happily ever after for themselves and the world.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy, Cozy, Adult, Fantasy Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 16, 2027

About the author

India lives in New Zealand, where she writes fantasy romcoms featuring unconventional women and men who adore them.

India's writing is fuelled by tea and thunderstorms.

Reviews

[Melanie (meltotheany)]

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

this looks so perfect that i had to request an arc, but the cover is giving eren yeager a tiny bit 🤔

[DB (DB's Guide to the Galaxy)]

all I've ever wanted are more India Holton books 🤩

[Stella]

I YEARN FOR 2027

Shy librarian and mage from an enemy kingdom working together to decode a magical grimoire?? My dream date.

[Ella B]

Thank you Berkley publishing for the ARC.

This book the is essence of comfort and the joy I felt reading this is unmatched.

I absolutely loved everything about it, from the soft, intentional, slice of life moments to the tender romance that stole my breath away.

I adored Mellyd and the quiet life she created for herself as a librarian, with a pet dragon and a surly cat. It was just so comforting to read the slice of life moments. But this peace is disrupted by Nian, a powerful mage from another kingdom. As they team up to undo a curse, chaos ensues. The antics and characters are hilarious and classic India Holton.

The romance was just so sweet and tender. Mellyd and Nian had a very supportive relationship, always encouraging and being there for each other. There were so many wholesome moments that had me swooning. I just can't get enough of them!

I would recommend this for when you want a soft, gentle paced plot, but still full of hilarious and wholesome moments.

🔥 Heat level: Closed-door, kisses only. Innuendos throughout.
🫢 Language: None

[angelinabvby ۶ৎ]

got this gorgeous arc with its gorgeous cover 😻💗💐

[Krista Kimball]

India Holton does it again! She delivers a pure gem of a book that offers comfort and warmth. In Wishspun we meet Mellyd, a shy librarian with a slight fascination with magic. Her journey alone would be worth it. Wishspun though has a cast of characters you get so charmed by you can’t help but continue to read on.

Things I loved:
For those who like a no spice romance this is perfection. The yearning was so amazing.

The setting is amazing. I hope we get more in this world.

There are characters that we meet in this book that I sure hope get their own story.

If you cry easily, like I do, be prepared for some heart strings to be tugged. In the best way possible.

[Mariana ✨]

Ghibli x Anne of Green Gables oh okay this was engineered in a lab specifically for MEEE

[M. Stevenson]

A lovely, soft dream of a book. Both main characters are very sweet, and I particularly loved that mages are all neurodivergent. Definitely a comfort read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

[Lindsay Adams]

This was an absolute joy to read. A lovely story filled with bursting gardens, a library set in a quaint country cottage, magic, romance, royalty, and so much more. I adored Mellyd and Nial. They found their way into my heart within the first chapter. All the quirky characters from Imerlay and Celindor made this a fun read guaranteed to make you giggle. Meanwhile Mellyd’s pets made it that much more cozy. I loved being immersed into their magical world. I took away a star because I felt that the cure for the king was pretty lackluster and fell pretty flat. Otherwise, it was a wonderful story! India Holton is a fantastic writer. Thank you NetGalley and India Holton for this ARC!

[Ashley]

I was already familiar with India Holton’s work after reading The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love, and I loved how witty, charming, and fast-paced it was. So, of course, I was excited to pick up Wishspun—and it did not disappoint!

The setting, characters, and story were all so wholesome and charming. I loved getting swept up in this world and genuinely enjoyed every minute of this book! 🥰✨

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC! I’m so happy I got to experience this one early. 💕

[Ati ୨୧]

I NEED THIS SO BAD

[Emily]

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

Wishspun was a delightful and enchanting tale about a quiet village librarian who learns to come out of her shell with the help of a lively band of people and in particular thanks to the help of a gentle and kind battle-mage.

This story was lyrically beautiful. I did some research about this book prior to reading it and I learned that India Holton meant this book to be a love letter to Anne of Green Gables. I can tell you with 100% certainty that she definitely succeeded in that goal. Ironically I had just finished Anne of Avonlea a few weeks before starting this book so I was able to really recognize India Holton's love for that world reflected in her own story. It is very rare that you find a book that can make you feel with just descriptive words alone.

The plot was an interesting one. Our lovely battle-mage and MMC Nian enlists the help of Mellyd, our FMC, to help him break a complicated and temperamental curse that has been placed on his king. While Nian and Mellyd learn to navigate the magic plaguing the king, they also learn to navigate something far more complicated...romance. Since this is a cozy fantasy the plot is pretty low stakes which is nice when you are looking for something comfortable to read. The ending wrapped up the story very nicely but there is still definitely more tales that can be told in this world.

Mellyd is a very quiet FMC that will not vibe with everyone. She is very shy so she often will not speak up for herself and is very much an apologist. I didn't mind her but she was not exactly my favorite protagonist I've ever read. Nian is similar in that he is shy but a bit more outgoing than Mellyd. He was very sweet but, again, will not be everyone's cup of tea. As a couple I think they were a great match and it was nice to see their romance unfold.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who are looking for a warm, atmospheric read with beautiful writing, a fun story, and a romance that will melt your heart. While this is categorized as an adult novel, I believe it is even appropriate for upper YA readers.

I look forward to reading India Holton's backlog and any books she writes in the future!

[bells]

Rating: 4.25⭐️


This book feels like a concentrated dose of whimsical fairytale serotonin. I looooved the magic system! Mellyd can basically speak magic into her charms through her synesthetic sense of language, and there’s just something so enchanting about it.

And I really loved watching Mellyd discover her potential throughout the story. Seeing her slowly understand what she’s capable of, while also learning her own worth, was so delightful and satisfying to read.

The romance between Mellyd and Nian is SO tender and sweet. There is approximately zero dark sinister energy here. Zero, zip, zilch, nada. And honestly, I deserve a fun whimsical field trip once in a while. Their romance was so cutiefulmaxxing. Yes, it’s a real word. No, I will not be taking questions.

Pipkin and Tilly, however, need to be placed directly into my pocket. Preferably immediately. I love them so much goshhh they’re my babies !!!

My only complaint is that the stakes weren’t quite high enough for me. I know this is very much a cozy romantasy, so the softer approach absolutely fits the story, but personally, I think a teeny tiny sprinkle of darkness could’ve made things even more interesting. Just enough danger to raise the stakes without sacrificing the whimsy. But maybe I’m just incapable of behaving when a book gives me too much sunshine.

Overall, this was a warm hug in book form. The coziness and wholesome atmosphere still won me over even though I was craving a dash of darkness. And yes, I am taking Pipkin and Tilly home with me <3


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Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Sonia Koss]

5 ⭐️ what a beautiful, soft and dreamy fantasy 🌸 this story follows Mellyd, a librarian in a small countryside village who, through a series of unexpected circumstances, finds herself entangled with the royal court of Celindor (the nation across the river). It all begins when a strange man deposits a magical grimoire in her library and then flees, followed shortly by the arrival of Nian, the royal mage to the king of Celindor. He’s been tracking the man and the book across Mellyd’s nation for days, as it was used to curse the king, and no one, not even Nian himself, has been able to break it. In order to find a way to counteract the curse, Nian needs to study the original spell within the grimoire. Unfortunately for him, the book only seems to open for Mellyd.

Now, if there’s any hope of saving the king’s life and preventing another war between the two nations, Mellyd must help Nian decipher the grimoire and find a cure for the ailing king. What follows is a cozy, magical story filled with books, beautiful gardens, hope, and a sweet, gentle love between two incredibly anxious people who are just discovering what it means to find your person.

I loved everything about this book. Mellyd and Nian were such gentle characters with quiet strength, and their love was absolutely precious. They truly saw one another, in a way that neither had experienced before. The writing itself was lyrical and gorgeous, and all together this book felt like a cup of sunshine. I just want to hold this book and think about all the warm feelings it gave me

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Berkley publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Shan]

5⭐️

I had to take some time to get my emotions in check after finishing this amazing book. It has been so incredibly long since a book has made me feel quite like this. First off, India's writing is so beautiful and poetic. I love how she mixes the gentle softness with whimsy and fun humor and an amazing vocabulary. I adore her writing and I'm so excited to read her other books. There is not a single thing I would change about this story. I'm completely and utterly in love with Mellyd and Nian individually and together. Something that hit me really hard was Mellyds inability to fathom that someone would be nice to her, consider her, or care about her. I face this a lot in my daily life as well. When someone remembers something small about me, shows that they listen to me, or express any sort of true interest about me it shocks me and I typically become emotional over it just like Mellyd. Wishspun has made me want to read more cozy fantasies, I didn't give them the time of day before because I thought I would end up bored without a typically fantasy final battle storyline. I have been proven wrong. I was so invested in not only our characters, but the overall plot. I was so excited to see where the story was going and find out what was going to happen next. I was simply addicted. I did cry quite a few times while reading because of how touched I felt by some of the scenes and characters. Don't even get me started in Pipkin and Tilly, my babies! Coming away from reading this magically beautiful story, I feel a sense of peace and calmness. And even hope.

[Hannah Rowan]

This was the most pure hearted and romantic story I’ve ever read. It’s for the sensitive souls. The ones that feel it all. The ones who can’t handle all the noise and prefer the tranquility of a backyard garden. India Holton’s writing is beautiful as well. This story is not in the same witty tone as her other works, but it still has the classic India Holton charm that I can’t get enough of. Her beautiful descriptions of the setting made the writing incredibly atmospheric and immersive. This is a slower, lower stakes cozy fantasy. It is extremely sweet and sentimental. It might not be for everyone but the ones who get will GET it. The characters are achingly relatable. They are both neurodivergent (confirmed by the author) and I loved to see that representation. I enjoyed the slow, quietness of the story. Even the slice of life elements were lovely and somehow relaxing. I loved how well our two main characters/love interests complimented each other so well. Both of their POVs were very enjoyable. I would love more stories in this world. I would love to get to know Queen Aloria more and even Talaric! As always, I will continue to read India Holton’s works and cheer her on. I highly recommend!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*

[Sandrine]

I loved this book! This was such a nice cozy closed door romance ! What I loved the most is how each character is so endearing, especially Ascelin and pipkin! This book also had a comedic aspect that I didn’t expect, but that I very much enjoyed. Most of the story takes place in the library of the small village of Inglewood where Mellyd lives and works. She has her usual routine being pretty isolated from the other residents of the village, until someone drops a mysterious grimoire and then her life is changed. I liked seeing the character development of Mellyd, it was nice to see her finally understanding her worth. It was also very nice to see the romance blossoming between Mellyd and Nian, you could feel how both really cared for each other. The magic system, while simple, was well done and served well the story ! I don’t have much to say except that the ending of the romance, for me was a bit unexpected for me since I found it quick, but it was still satisfactory! It’s the perfect book for readers who love a nice cozy fantasy romance with a whole cast of very endearing characters and animals ! I will be reading more from this author for sure !

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book, opinions are my own.

[Alex]

If I hadn't read this in the shadow of another pink covered cozy romantasy, I would have been hopelessly swept off my feet!

I really appreciate India Holton's writing style. There's something about it that is so romantic and whimsical that Nian and Mellyd felt so dimensional and sweet. It's a lovely cozy story of two magical gardeners who deserve each other. I was rooting for them the moment the library door went ding-ding.

There's a diverse cast of characters, self-reflection, and grief all woven together so well. Problems felt real without feeling dire or overwhelmingly dark in comparison to the softness Mellyd brings. "Wishpun" hovers between a 4.25 and 5 stars for me. I think if the ending weren't such a whirlwind and I felt higher stakes in the relationship, I could love it a bit more. But this all just me being nitpicky because I can't help but to compare. Holton's puns are a delight and add great humour where I didn't know I wanted it to be!

This is going to someone's go-to cozy read for spring and autumn, I can already feel it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-advanced copy.

[Abbi]

I received this ebook ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

Wishspun feels like someone took the most perfect summer day in a garden and poured it straight into a book. Full of whimsy and charm and romance, but also dealt with grief and loss. Mellyd and Nian were fantastic characters, and I loved the way they used magic and also the connection that grew between them as they fell in love.

Ascelin was the BEST - I loved his grumbling comments on things, but also his story of deep love for his late wife and how he lost her to illness. His part of the story was handled so well. Pipkin and Tilly were delightful companions throughout, and I dare anyone to not want to take up gardening after the beautiful descriptions of the flowers and the gardens.

I also really appreciated that Mellyd was a peaceful and shy person and that part of her really didn't change, even as she became more confident in her abilities and herself. Yes, I love a strong, assertive heroine, but there's space for quieter women too and I think the author handled that so well.

This book is perfect for readers who want a peaceful, lovely, summer's day kind of cozy fantasy romance.

[Jennah Gray]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to receive an ARC of Wishspun by India Holton

Mellyd is a shy librarian who slips charms into books the townspeople borrow, bringing them happiness, health and joy. She likes her quiet, but she does feel lonely.

One day a stranger comes in leaving a grimoire, curious Mellyd unlocks and tries a spell from the book. Thinking she was alone, she doesn’t realize she has an audience. Someone who is very much interested in the grimoire, and now her.

Nian is a royal mage from the rival kingdom, seeking the grimoire for a spell that will cure his King. Nian and Mellyd must work together to translate the grimoire.

I loved this story, both Nian and Mellyd were happy being on their own. Until they meet each other, they start to wonder if there was more outside of their personal bubble.

Mellyd just wants to feel like she belongs, that she is being seen. And for Nian, he sees Mellyd - they are each other’s anchors. They understand each other in ways those around them do not.

“You’re not taking up my time. If I could, I’d stop the sun and still the world to have just one more minute with you.”

[Anna]

When I first saw a post about this book I knew it was right up my alley. And it is. It gives my heart peace while reading it and my soul so much joy ♡ It is exactly the kind of cosy, whimsical and emotional book I need in my life. I am very sure I will reread it.
The main characters are wonderful. I love all 3 of them. I feel Mellyd and know how it is to never fit anywhere but wishing everyone else nonetheless good things and hoping to be loved and accepted. Nian is her perfect person, the other side of the same coin. They share a bond and understanding beyond normal relationships. They share the same language, wishes and understanding of things. And that is a rare gift. The king is a wonderful addition as a main character. He shows the struggles but also the good things love can bring with it. I adore him and want to hug him.
As always the animal sidekicks were grandiose. Pipkin and Tilly brought a cuteness, joy and lightness that was beautiful.
The story was amazing and I love it really much. My heart felt lighter and also whole after finishing the book. I read it in one go because I got so enveloped in the feeling of contentment I felt while reading.

[Monica Quin]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 STARS

I’m not even going to lie, the cover is what made me request this ARC from NetGalley. LOOK AT IT. ✨😂 I haven’t read anything by India Holton before, so I guess this was love at first sight.

Wishspun is also VERY different from my usual reads. Think cottagecore, whimsy, cozy magic, and a romance that feels just as soft. ✨🌿 It’s basically the complete opposite of the darker books I usually gravitate toward, so this was a nice little palate cleanser for me.

I 100% enjoyed the magic system, and I especially loved watching the main character discover more about herself and her abilities throughout the story. The character development was one of the strongest parts for me.

The writing is lovely, the world is charming, and even though this particular vibe isn’t necessarily my usual thing, I genuinely appreciated what the book was trying to do. I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. 😂

A solid 4 stars from me for a charming, whimsical read that managed to pull me out of my usual dark little fantasy corner for a while. ✨

[Caitlin]

This book was like a warm hug. I loved everything about it.

Our FMC tends to the library in her small town and practices magic (even though it’s illegal woops), with her cat and little plant dragon. Until… an old grimoire is left in her library and a mage comes to claim it, stating that the king is cursed and this book is the only thing that can save him. What follows is an absolutely delightful, heartwarming, charming, and sweet adventure to save the king.

The characters were likable, the plot was smooth, the yearning was sweet, and I loved seeing our FMC blossom and open up throughout this story. Throughout this adventure, we get to see her step into herself and it’s a beautiful thing.

I had a smile on my face for almost every page of this, and was so sad when it ended. If you love to cozy up with a feel good book that’s just going to make you feel fuzzy and warm inside, this will do it. You’ll also get a good chuckle from the king and the mayor.

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book.

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers]

This book is comfort in a cup— like a big bowl of your favorite soup when you are feeling under the weather.

While Holton delivers a soft and sweet fantasy romance - the message is no less powerful. It’s about belonging, found family, self-confidence, and courage. All of these themes can be seen in Mellyd and Nian (our MCs), who work together to save an ailing king from a debilitating curse. Their soft and sweet romance drives this book along especially as the plot builds. Holton’s book is filled with heart, humor, and a horde of hilarious side characters that will have you smiling. It is coupled with her lyrical yet humorous prose that perfectly matches the tone of the book. The reader will be carried away to this fun small village and love every minute of it.

This book delivers all those warm cozy feels that you want in a budding spring time romance. It’s new, warm, and soulful.

[Kelsey L]

This was an absolutely dreamy fantasy romance! There was a delicate love story set in an enchanting library. I really enjoyed the softness of this love story. It was so light and airy. There was of course drama and heartache, but a majority of this book was lyrical in its loveliness. It is hard to express just how dreamy this story was. Also, I would do anything for Pipkin! The whole story was just so endearing. This is what a soft love story should be! Stolen glances and a terrible amount of longing from some very shy people. If you’re looking for a dreamy love story with a hint of magic, this is definitely the book for you. If you want more of a hardcore fantasy book with smut and blood, this won’t be the book you’re looking for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me this eARC to review.

[Maddelyn]

Mellyd is a shy orphan who works as a librarian in a small town. She has experimented a bit with magic, but only small things. She tries to give out blessings to the patrons of her bookshop through enchanted bookmarks. One day, someone comes in and places a book in her library. She doesn't know what it is, but she knows it's magic. Then a second man shows up. Turns out that the book was used to curse King Ascelin, the ruler of a neighboring kingdom and now they need it to save him. But as Nian and Mellyd try to understand the magic threatening the king, they grow closer. It's a nice story about finding your place and facing your fears.


Netgalley gave me a copy in return for an honest review.

[Rei Smoak]

It's so rare to be stunned and delighted by a book, but this one did both. So much deeper and more fun than the glut of romantasy that's come out in recent years, full of passages that just jump off the page and a lingering happy feeling that'll stick with you when you close the cover. Mellyd is one of of my new favorite characters, and while I expected Nian to be a typical romantasy man he was so utterly different and likeable that I was happy every time we got to see his perspective. Keep an eye out for this one when it comes out if you're into cheerful romance, cottagecore vibes and books that make you happy to inhabit their world for as long as you can. Loved every single word of this!

[Nic]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

I was drawn in by the cover and the cozy quaint atmosphere. I stayed for the charm and softness exuding from each page. The plot and world was so gentle.

I loved how the characters were introverted and they came into their own and embraced their strengths throughout the book. There were so many heartwarming moments and humorous scenes.

This descriptions throughout the book add to the atmosphere and make you feel as if you’re embracing a more peaceful way of life. This book was a nice change of pace.

Recommended reading age (12 yrs+)
No Spice (just kisses)
Mild Explicit Language Use (1-10 swear words)
No Violence/Gore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Utterly Charming

[RevRachelK]

I love it when an author takes a pivot from their usual format and it pays off! I have been a huge fan of Holton’s particular comedic tone in her romances with quirky characters. Wishspun is sweeter and cozier than her previous books, but I dare say just as fun. I absolutely cackled at different moments. Holton had a rare gift for a throwaway line at just the right moment: “She kissed him with the passion she usually reserves for rare first editions” Amazing!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy

[Kelly]

This book was whimsical, soft, lavender scented, peppermint tea floating on a breeze. Both of our characters are kind, gentle, compassionate, and powerful. But that last one takes our FMC, Mellyd, a little longer to realize. I absolutely loved that the MMC, Nian, who is this all-powerful mage, is also this calm, warm man. He leads with his heart, even though he could easily lead with violence (and win).

I truly enjoyed this book. It's everything I hoped it would be. I found myself reaching for it when the days got too loud, rushed, overwhelming.