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Working Magic #1
The Bramblespell Branch Library
The hardest part of opening a library isn’t the paperwork—it’s not falling in love.
Career librarian Kasya Talley has a plan: spend six months establishing a library in the remote village of Bramblespell, earn the promotion she’s been chasing, and return to her life in the capital. After a painful breakup, putting eight hours between herself and her ex is just a bonus.
Then Kasya reaches Bramblespell and discovers the kingdom’s newest library is a dusty corner of a crumbling post office, with no shelves, almost no budget, and a deeply unenthusiastic postman for a coworker.
But Kasya has never met a problem she couldn’t solve with enough hard work and meticulous organization. Soon she’s building bookshelves out of crates, performing storytimes, tracking down books for goblin patrons—and becoming far more attached to the eccentric community she came here to serve than she ever intended.
Then there’s Rima—a warm but guarded single mom and local handywoman who keeps finding reasons to help with the library. The more time Kasya spends with Rima, the harder it becomes to imagine leaving Bramblespell behind.
And when strange magic begins spreading through the nearby forest, threatening her newfound community, Kasya must decide whether Bramblespell is just a stepping stone for her career... or a home worth fighting for.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a sapphic cozy fantasy featuring magical librarianship, slow-burn romance, found family, and small-town charm.
Career librarian Kasya Talley has a plan: spend six months establishing a library in the remote village of Bramblespell, earn the promotion she’s been chasing, and return to her life in the capital. After a painful breakup, putting eight hours between herself and her ex is just a bonus.
Then Kasya reaches Bramblespell and discovers the kingdom’s newest library is a dusty corner of a crumbling post office, with no shelves, almost no budget, and a deeply unenthusiastic postman for a coworker.
But Kasya has never met a problem she couldn’t solve with enough hard work and meticulous organization. Soon she’s building bookshelves out of crates, performing storytimes, tracking down books for goblin patrons—and becoming far more attached to the eccentric community she came here to serve than she ever intended.
Then there’s Rima—a warm but guarded single mom and local handywoman who keeps finding reasons to help with the library. The more time Kasya spends with Rima, the harder it becomes to imagine leaving Bramblespell behind.
And when strange magic begins spreading through the nearby forest, threatening her newfound community, Kasya must decide whether Bramblespell is just a stepping stone for her career... or a home worth fighting for.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a sapphic cozy fantasy featuring magical librarianship, slow-burn romance, found family, and small-town charm.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2026
About the author
Amber Morrell
2 books90 followersAmber Morrell has been writing stories since she was seven years old. As a teenager, she attended Idyllwild Arts Academy to formally study creative writing. She went on to earn her BA in English Literature at Cal State Fullerton and her MS in Library Science at San Jose State University. A passionate children’s librarian and public servant, Amber has worked in libraries for over a decade, where she shares her love of reading and learning with the world. She lives in Orange County, CA with her wife, daughter, and two fur babies. In her limited free time, Amber enjoys playing D&D, watching Star Trek, and learning obscure local history facts. Her first novel, The Alchemy of Letting Go, was published in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 3, 2026
This was a super cute and fun read!
The writing was smooth and easy to flow through, the characters were relatable and the slow burn was actually slow (which was so nice and well done!)
There's sapphic, bisexual, non-binary, queer and straight rep. All of it just part of a wonderfully queer normative world.
And being a book about building a library and book loving community, it was wholesome, inclusive and pulled me in hard and fast.
Finished in 2.5 days (around work), damn good read and definitely be looking at others from this author.
The writing was smooth and easy to flow through, the characters were relatable and the slow burn was actually slow (which was so nice and well done!)
There's sapphic, bisexual, non-binary, queer and straight rep. All of it just part of a wonderfully queer normative world.
And being a book about building a library and book loving community, it was wholesome, inclusive and pulled me in hard and fast.
Finished in 2.5 days (around work), damn good read and definitely be looking at others from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. All opinions are my own.
I think this is a great addition to the cozy fantasy family! Kasya is a librarian who is assigned a role starting a brand new library in a small town at the most southern part of the kingdom. While her goal is to get the library going and then return to the capital city to continue her rise through the librarian ranks, she discovers that being part of a community means a lot more than she thinks.
The story is entirely from Kasya's point of view, and I enjoyed seeing her learn about the Bramblespell community and do an amazing job as the librarian. I appreciate a competent main character, and Kasya knew what she was doing as the librarian and as a community leader. The magic system, especially the parts tied to the library, was really interesting, and the subtle world-building parts were woven throughout.
The emphasis is definitely on the amazing characters, though. Not only were Kasya and Rima wonderful, but all the secondary characters in this fantastic town - Emery, Norbert(!!!), Merin, Fox, and so many more. I also really appreciated that Rima, the love interest, was a single mom. It's not something you see a lot of and it was handled SO WELL here. You can also definitely tell Morrell is a librarian herself - the details given about setting up the library, the children's programs, the fundraising - but all of those little details added to how great the story was.
The threat to the town was wrapped up kind of quickly in the end, but I didn't mind too much because again, the focus is very much on Kasya, Rima, and the others, and how Kasya connects and comes to care for everyone in Bramblespell.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy like Rebecca Thorne (Can't Spell Treason Without Tea) or Travis Baldree (Legends and Lattes), I think you'll like this too.
I think this is a great addition to the cozy fantasy family! Kasya is a librarian who is assigned a role starting a brand new library in a small town at the most southern part of the kingdom. While her goal is to get the library going and then return to the capital city to continue her rise through the librarian ranks, she discovers that being part of a community means a lot more than she thinks.
The story is entirely from Kasya's point of view, and I enjoyed seeing her learn about the Bramblespell community and do an amazing job as the librarian. I appreciate a competent main character, and Kasya knew what she was doing as the librarian and as a community leader. The magic system, especially the parts tied to the library, was really interesting, and the subtle world-building parts were woven throughout.
The emphasis is definitely on the amazing characters, though. Not only were Kasya and Rima wonderful, but all the secondary characters in this fantastic town - Emery, Norbert(!!!), Merin, Fox, and so many more. I also really appreciated that Rima, the love interest, was a single mom. It's not something you see a lot of and it was handled SO WELL here. You can also definitely tell Morrell is a librarian herself - the details given about setting up the library, the children's programs, the fundraising - but all of those little details added to how great the story was.
The threat to the town was wrapped up kind of quickly in the end, but I didn't mind too much because again, the focus is very much on Kasya, Rima, and the others, and how Kasya connects and comes to care for everyone in Bramblespell.
If you enjoy cozy fantasy like Rebecca Thorne (Can't Spell Treason Without Tea) or Travis Baldree (Legends and Lattes), I think you'll like this too.
Review of advance copy received from Author
i was gifted an ARC of this book, and boy am i glad for it!
what a perfect cozy adventure to kick off my autumn reading. there's enough happening you're never bored, but not so much that you get lost. from the first page we're off on kasya's journey, picking up names and dropping off cacti. taking a romp through a queernormative, magical little village as someone who grew up in a non-queer, non-magical little village was absolutely wonderful; i could practically smell the farmer's morning efforts and hear the pub's gentle clamour.
no spoilers, but i will say that if you're a softie like me - you'll want some tissues handy for the final act.
if you enjoy reads like legends & lattes, can't spell treason without tea & similar tomes - you'll enjoy getting your teeth into this sweet as pie story.
what a perfect cozy adventure to kick off my autumn reading. there's enough happening you're never bored, but not so much that you get lost. from the first page we're off on kasya's journey, picking up names and dropping off cacti. taking a romp through a queernormative, magical little village as someone who grew up in a non-queer, non-magical little village was absolutely wonderful; i could practically smell the farmer's morning efforts and hear the pub's gentle clamour.
no spoilers, but i will say that if you're a softie like me - you'll want some tissues handy for the final act.
if you enjoy reads like legends & lattes, can't spell treason without tea & similar tomes - you'll enjoy getting your teeth into this sweet as pie story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adore a Sapphic cozy fantasy, and this one is about a library in a small town, which I adore. It's a fantasy librarian twist on the big shot goes to a small town. The process of building up the library, integrating into the town, and making friends all hit all the right spots for me. The romance is sweet (no spice), and I absolutely adore Rima's daughter Lili.
Although this is definitely meant to be cozy, it felt like the stakes were resolved a little *too* easily, and the reasoning behind the attacks didn't quite make sense.
Still, I had a good time with this, and it's a great cozy fall read.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review.
Although this is definitely meant to be cozy, it felt like the stakes were resolved a little *too* easily, and the reasoning behind the attacks didn't quite make sense.
Still, I had a good time with this, and it's a great cozy fall read.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review.
September 15, 2026
I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely adored Bramblespell and all of its charming characters! Even the minutiae of the library was intriguing. Normally I prefer a little spice with my romance, but Kasya and Rima still had amazing chemistry without it. And Lili was the absolute cutest!! If you like sweet little cozy romantasy books, check this one out October 1, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great cozy read with a world that feels interesting and lived in outside of what we see. Fun cast of characters (loved the book club). Id love to see more from this world in the future and see more of the magic and cultures!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sometimes, you need a book that feels as warm and comforting as a cup of tea on a rainy day, and The Bramblespell Branch Library is *just* that. Written with the love and attention to detail only a librarian could, Amber Morell gives a wonderful story of a community coming together for the love of books, with the *sweetest* romance woven in between with main FMC Kaysa, the city librarian tasked with establishing the new branch after a painful breakup, and Rima, the local handy woman with a big heart, and a few secrets. The magic system for the library network is thoughtfully put together (and quite frankly pretty neat), and the characterization of the people and world building of the small town of Bramblespell make you feel like maybe you've heard of somewhere like it before....albeit with a few more elves, goblins, paladins and tieflings.A fabulous addition to recommendations for Sapphic September, The Bramblespell Branch Library is waiting for you to come on by ❤️
Review made possible by ARC gifted by author. All opinions are my own
Review made possible by ARC gifted by author. All opinions are my own
September 10, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, and the following is my honest opinion.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a cozy fantasy about a librarian, Kasya, leaving the big city to open a rural branch with the promise of getting promoted if she's successful. Kasya is driven, career-focused, and excels at rules, regulations, and proper library process to a fault, the perfect person to start a brand new branch in the sleepy town of Bramblespell. Plus, it's the perfect temporary escape to get away from her recent breakup.
What she doesn't expect, is to find such an enthusiastic community welcoming not just a library, but her to the town. When she meets Rima, the local handywoman, things get even more complicated. Soon, she's forced to evaluate what exactly she's after in Bramblespell: a rung on the career ladder, or a new home.
This book lives off its characters. Kasya and Rima are both incredibly charming alone and with each other, and the rest of the town shines in more than a perfunctory way. It feels like a real community Kasya's encountering and joining. I am reminded of the small town feel of other cozy fantasies like Legends and Lattes, The Keeper of Magical Things, or Can't Spell Treason without Tea. If you are looking for a cozy escapist book of hope and significant amounts of detail on how running a library actually is, you're going to find it here.
I will say that the overall meta plot of an external threat to the town by development of a nearby tourist location and strange shadows in the forest did not always feel as impactful to the overall story of the library founding as I would have liked. This is a personal thing for me, as I generally prefer a little more stakes in my cozy fantasy than I think others do. It never grew too tense or ominous feeling, which I think is exactly what a lot of readers are looking for. For me, I wanted just a little more tension in that part of the plot.
Something else I feel is worth mentioning is that Rima, the love interest, has a 7 year old daughter named Lili from a previous marriage. In fact, there is a surprising amount of focus on the village children and how they interact with the library in this. This is not a bad thing, it is all very heartwarming and as a father of a small child I thought they were portrayed accurately (boy kids do love to chat, don't they?) I bring this up because there are people who probably are looking for more cozy romances with single parents as one of the love interests, and it could be a big selling point that the blurb I was given doesn't bring up. In fact, I can't think of any cozy fantasies I've read where one of the love interests has a child. This book is pretty unique in that.
If you're well read in cozy fantasy, I think you'll find that a lot of the plot beats are as expected, though no less heartwarming or enjoyable. In particular the ending felt more formulaic than the rest of the book, and I was hoping for a little more of a twist on it, but it's not enough that it soured my overall opinion in the book. And there is a lot to love here--particularly the library aspect of it. I feel a lot of "opens a business" cozy fantasy books gloss over the amount of work it actually would be, and that's not here. Kasya works to make the library a success, and to engage with the community, and there's a well thought out magical system that the library runs on. (I didn't check, but Amber must be a librarian in real life, or she's spied on them, because this feels exceptionally well fleshed out how the whole system of inter-library dependence works in this). There is also a really enjoyable subplot on the connection of the town with the nearby goblin community and how they bridge old prejudices that I don't really want to talk about anymore because those interactions were some of my favorite parts.
Overall, this is a good entry in the cozy fantasy canon, I look forward to whatever Amber writes next, and if any of what I talked about sounds interesting you should look forward to getting this when it releases October 1st.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a cozy fantasy about a librarian, Kasya, leaving the big city to open a rural branch with the promise of getting promoted if she's successful. Kasya is driven, career-focused, and excels at rules, regulations, and proper library process to a fault, the perfect person to start a brand new branch in the sleepy town of Bramblespell. Plus, it's the perfect temporary escape to get away from her recent breakup.
What she doesn't expect, is to find such an enthusiastic community welcoming not just a library, but her to the town. When she meets Rima, the local handywoman, things get even more complicated. Soon, she's forced to evaluate what exactly she's after in Bramblespell: a rung on the career ladder, or a new home.
This book lives off its characters. Kasya and Rima are both incredibly charming alone and with each other, and the rest of the town shines in more than a perfunctory way. It feels like a real community Kasya's encountering and joining. I am reminded of the small town feel of other cozy fantasies like Legends and Lattes, The Keeper of Magical Things, or Can't Spell Treason without Tea. If you are looking for a cozy escapist book of hope and significant amounts of detail on how running a library actually is, you're going to find it here.
I will say that the overall meta plot of an external threat to the town by development of a nearby tourist location and strange shadows in the forest did not always feel as impactful to the overall story of the library founding as I would have liked. This is a personal thing for me, as I generally prefer a little more stakes in my cozy fantasy than I think others do. It never grew too tense or ominous feeling, which I think is exactly what a lot of readers are looking for. For me, I wanted just a little more tension in that part of the plot.
Something else I feel is worth mentioning is that Rima, the love interest, has a 7 year old daughter named Lili from a previous marriage. In fact, there is a surprising amount of focus on the village children and how they interact with the library in this. This is not a bad thing, it is all very heartwarming and as a father of a small child I thought they were portrayed accurately (boy kids do love to chat, don't they?) I bring this up because there are people who probably are looking for more cozy romances with single parents as one of the love interests, and it could be a big selling point that the blurb I was given doesn't bring up. In fact, I can't think of any cozy fantasies I've read where one of the love interests has a child. This book is pretty unique in that.
If you're well read in cozy fantasy, I think you'll find that a lot of the plot beats are as expected, though no less heartwarming or enjoyable. In particular the ending felt more formulaic than the rest of the book, and I was hoping for a little more of a twist on it, but it's not enough that it soured my overall opinion in the book. And there is a lot to love here--particularly the library aspect of it. I feel a lot of "opens a business" cozy fantasy books gloss over the amount of work it actually would be, and that's not here. Kasya works to make the library a success, and to engage with the community, and there's a well thought out magical system that the library runs on. (I didn't check, but Amber must be a librarian in real life, or she's spied on them, because this feels exceptionally well fleshed out how the whole system of inter-library dependence works in this). There is also a really enjoyable subplot on the connection of the town with the nearby goblin community and how they bridge old prejudices that I don't really want to talk about anymore because those interactions were some of my favorite parts.
Overall, this is a good entry in the cozy fantasy canon, I look forward to whatever Amber writes next, and if any of what I talked about sounds interesting you should look forward to getting this when it releases October 1st.
October 5, 2026
If you are looking for a sweet FF romance, with one of the Main Female Characters having a small child, and a small town of quirky characters then this is the book for you!
What is one to do when your desire to improve your status professionally conflicts with your ability to find a home and make lasting connections? I for one have actually faced this and suffered the after effects. In this book Kasya Talley, a dedicated Royal Librarian with aspirations of moving up in her career, is the Main Female Character in this book. Kasya feels that she has her life mapped out and no one is going to stop it. Until she lands in Bramblespell!
Bramblespell is a small town in the southern most region and has SO MANY DnD (Dungeons and Dragons) elements that I was in ecstasy. There were many different races and characters that the townspeople are a huge part of this book! The town is set in a picturesque area as well and while reading you can imagine what it would be like to live there. When Kasya arrives her plan is to create a self-standing library branch in 6 months and leave.
No problem, right? However, enter Rima and Lili. Rima is the other half of the romantic couple and she is a silent, strong, and sensitive woman. Lili is her 7-year-old daughter. Neither Rima nor Kasya expected the instant attraction but it can’t be denied no matter how much Kasya tells herself it can.
Throw in dark elements at work in the forest, goblins needing library books, as well as the interactions of the townspeople and you have an enjoyable sweet romance!
I give it 4 stars as for me the plot was a bit slow in parts as well as there were almost too many different plots going on. Additionally, while I loved the FF romance, the threat in the forest as well as the Paladin elements I wished they played a bigger part. Yet I know there is only so much space in a single book, haha!
I highly encourage you to read this book for a feel good sweet romance set in a quirky small town. Bonus points as it has DnD elements!
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What is one to do when your desire to improve your status professionally conflicts with your ability to find a home and make lasting connections? I for one have actually faced this and suffered the after effects. In this book Kasya Talley, a dedicated Royal Librarian with aspirations of moving up in her career, is the Main Female Character in this book. Kasya feels that she has her life mapped out and no one is going to stop it. Until she lands in Bramblespell!
Bramblespell is a small town in the southern most region and has SO MANY DnD (Dungeons and Dragons) elements that I was in ecstasy. There were many different races and characters that the townspeople are a huge part of this book! The town is set in a picturesque area as well and while reading you can imagine what it would be like to live there. When Kasya arrives her plan is to create a self-standing library branch in 6 months and leave.
No problem, right? However, enter Rima and Lili. Rima is the other half of the romantic couple and she is a silent, strong, and sensitive woman. Lili is her 7-year-old daughter. Neither Rima nor Kasya expected the instant attraction but it can’t be denied no matter how much Kasya tells herself it can.
Throw in dark elements at work in the forest, goblins needing library books, as well as the interactions of the townspeople and you have an enjoyable sweet romance!
I give it 4 stars as for me the plot was a bit slow in parts as well as there were almost too many different plots going on. Additionally, while I loved the FF romance, the threat in the forest as well as the Paladin elements I wished they played a bigger part. Yet I know there is only so much space in a single book, haha!
I highly encourage you to read this book for a feel good sweet romance set in a quirky small town. Bonus points as it has DnD elements!
I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Want to read a book that's like the love child of 'Legends & Lattes' and 'The Keeper of Magical Things'? Cozy, small town, found family, with a muscle momma as a love interest, all wrapped up in a librarian's finest and its low stakes. This just might be your next comfort read.
plot spoilers discussion below:
I received an ARC and this review is inexchance for the early access.
plot spoilers discussion below:
I received an ARC and this review is inexchance for the early access.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved The Bramblespell Branch Library! It's a cozy, very fall-coded sapphic fantasy that follows one of my favorite storylines, in which the heroine moves to a small town to escape her past and ends up rediscovering herself, alongside a new found family and love interest. Amber Morrell executes it perfectly!
I immediately warmed to the cozy rural setting of Bramblespell, complete with the requisite bakeshop and inn, and this time - of course! - a brand-new library. Morrell's familiarity with, and love for, libraries and librarianship is so vibrant, and this is the beating heart of the book. In particular, I loved the storytime moments! All the detail about the massive amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a library makes the story so much more immersive.
The supporting characters are also delightful, from the grumpy, underachieving Norbert to sweet library champion Emery to slightly odd but kind Fox. The phrase "found family" is tossed around a lot these days, especially with respect to cozy fantasies, and many are not all that familial, but this version feels genuine, fleshed-out, and truly loving. We see them work together, challenge each other, and care for each other time and time again, so it's easy to believe in their bonds and connection. The same is true of the gentle, slow-burn romance between Kasya and Rima. I loved the easy, mature, and supportive nature of their relationship, and enjoyed the nuances of how Rima's daughter both complicates and adds to it.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a fantastic read for lovers of libraries, cozy fantasy, and sapphic romance alike. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I immediately warmed to the cozy rural setting of Bramblespell, complete with the requisite bakeshop and inn, and this time - of course! - a brand-new library. Morrell's familiarity with, and love for, libraries and librarianship is so vibrant, and this is the beating heart of the book. In particular, I loved the storytime moments! All the detail about the massive amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a library makes the story so much more immersive.
The supporting characters are also delightful, from the grumpy, underachieving Norbert to sweet library champion Emery to slightly odd but kind Fox. The phrase "found family" is tossed around a lot these days, especially with respect to cozy fantasies, and many are not all that familial, but this version feels genuine, fleshed-out, and truly loving. We see them work together, challenge each other, and care for each other time and time again, so it's easy to believe in their bonds and connection. The same is true of the gentle, slow-burn romance between Kasya and Rima. I loved the easy, mature, and supportive nature of their relationship, and enjoyed the nuances of how Rima's daughter both complicates and adds to it.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a fantastic read for lovers of libraries, cozy fantasy, and sapphic romance alike. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author, Amber, for an advanced copy of this book!
This was a cute foray into Lit-RPG library life, and I loved it.
Amber had a talent for writing memorable characters; there's quite a cast here, but they're all unique and diverse in their own way. I love a goblin character, and Norbert and Rima (of course) were my favorites. You don't see a lot of single parent characters (or characters with romantic histories) in fiction, and I really appreciated Rima's backstory and her relationship with Lili, her daughter.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the insight into the world of libraries. As a librarian myself, the hustle and bustle of Kasya's day-to-day tasks and struggles for funding really resonated with me. I especially enjoyed the story time parts of the story; it is such a bummer when only a few people come to your programs, especially if you're just starting out, and Kasya handles it with such grace. Even one book in the hands of someone can change a life, and I think this book did a great job at conveying that and the important of libraries as gathering spaces.
I think this book is unique because of its setting and characters, and how they fit into the background of the author. You can really tell Amber took her time fleshing these characters out, and that she knows what she's talking about from her librarian background. What a fun, clever way to use your skills, and charmingly written.
I loved the relationship between Kasya and Rima-- their strengths and weakness, and how they support one another (and who doesn't love a good third act "I want you here" breakup). It reminded me a lot of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Spellshop.
A solid addition to cozy fantasies, and an informative, creative way to tell a romance story.
This was a cute foray into Lit-RPG library life, and I loved it.
Amber had a talent for writing memorable characters; there's quite a cast here, but they're all unique and diverse in their own way. I love a goblin character, and Norbert and Rima (of course) were my favorites. You don't see a lot of single parent characters (or characters with romantic histories) in fiction, and I really appreciated Rima's backstory and her relationship with Lili, her daughter.
Another thing I really enjoyed was the insight into the world of libraries. As a librarian myself, the hustle and bustle of Kasya's day-to-day tasks and struggles for funding really resonated with me. I especially enjoyed the story time parts of the story; it is such a bummer when only a few people come to your programs, especially if you're just starting out, and Kasya handles it with such grace. Even one book in the hands of someone can change a life, and I think this book did a great job at conveying that and the important of libraries as gathering spaces.
I think this book is unique because of its setting and characters, and how they fit into the background of the author. You can really tell Amber took her time fleshing these characters out, and that she knows what she's talking about from her librarian background. What a fun, clever way to use your skills, and charmingly written.
I loved the relationship between Kasya and Rima-- their strengths and weakness, and how they support one another (and who doesn't love a good third act "I want you here" breakup). It reminded me a lot of The House in the Cerulean Sea and The Spellshop.
A solid addition to cozy fantasies, and an informative, creative way to tell a romance story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charming, cozy book with developed world building and characters. World background information is introduced along with action so it doesn’t just feel like a wall of information text. Every character feels like you’re actually getting to know them alongside the main character, and all have unique little quirks.
Descriptions aren’t overly flowery but are clear; I could envision each scene and always knew what the people were doing while speaking to each other which is a must for me!
You have a solid idea about who the MC is and her goals before she even meets the love interest, which is nice. The romance starts off a bit love-at-first-sight for my personal taste but then does gradually build more of a strong friendship base and more lead-up to the romance as well, which is satisfying. All of the relationships are clearly important and fleshed out too, not just the main couple, and events in the world are drivers of the story and the character growth too which I love.
Overall, expect just enough tension to keep you engaged while the gentle prose style and natural story progression soothe and satisfy.
(Note: I received an advance copy from the author.)
Descriptions aren’t overly flowery but are clear; I could envision each scene and always knew what the people were doing while speaking to each other which is a must for me!
You have a solid idea about who the MC is and her goals before she even meets the love interest, which is nice. The romance starts off a bit love-at-first-sight for my personal taste but then does gradually build more of a strong friendship base and more lead-up to the romance as well, which is satisfying. All of the relationships are clearly important and fleshed out too, not just the main couple, and events in the world are drivers of the story and the character growth too which I love.
Overall, expect just enough tension to keep you engaged while the gentle prose style and natural story progression soothe and satisfy.
(Note: I received an advance copy from the author.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclosure: I received an Advanced Review Copy of the novel for free. The following is my honest opinion.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a perfect fit for anyone who likes cozy sapphic romantasy novels, which is my preferred niche. I was pulled into the setting just as much as the main character, with the arrival in the small town of Bramblespell. The main character's - Kasya's - adventure and growth through her time establishing the library was as heartwarming and exciting as could be; and all through the lens of library bureaucracy!
I laughed, I cried for sadness, I cried for joy, I felt tingles of warmth and gratitude as every character, and the town itself grew alongside the little library. Every plot element was fantastically woven in through the end and all of the points that rose during the story were addressed and came to a well foreshadowed, yet still quite surprising, and highly enjoyable ending.
I can't wait to get a physical copy and reread it, if only to enjoy Norbert again.
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a perfect fit for anyone who likes cozy sapphic romantasy novels, which is my preferred niche. I was pulled into the setting just as much as the main character, with the arrival in the small town of Bramblespell. The main character's - Kasya's - adventure and growth through her time establishing the library was as heartwarming and exciting as could be; and all through the lens of library bureaucracy!
I laughed, I cried for sadness, I cried for joy, I felt tingles of warmth and gratitude as every character, and the town itself grew alongside the little library. Every plot element was fantastically woven in through the end and all of the points that rose during the story were addressed and came to a well foreshadowed, yet still quite surprising, and highly enjoyable ending.
I can't wait to get a physical copy and reread it, if only to enjoy Norbert again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was great to kick off this fall season in Bramblespell! The village is cozy, the characters are sweet, and everyone has a purpose. I enjoyed the chaos the kids created, I delighted in the unquestioned queerness of the world, and I was amused by the portrayal of an unmotivated civil servant.
What I really enjoyed the most though was how the main character grew to feel part of a community and work on expanding their support outside the original book club. All the small ways the villagers pitched in to create a place for the everyone, instead of just themselves. Given the opportunity, the villagers helped the librarian spread the resources they'd worked hard to grow with the vaguely suspicious outsiders. More proof that librarians are who we need in charge if we're going to save the world!
It was great to kick off this fall season in Bramblespell! The village is cozy, the characters are sweet, and everyone has a purpose. I enjoyed the chaos the kids created, I delighted in the unquestioned queerness of the world, and I was amused by the portrayal of an unmotivated civil servant.
What I really enjoyed the most though was how the main character grew to feel part of a community and work on expanding their support outside the original book club. All the small ways the villagers pitched in to create a place for the everyone, instead of just themselves. Given the opportunity, the villagers helped the librarian spread the resources they'd worked hard to grow with the vaguely suspicious outsiders. More proof that librarians are who we need in charge if we're going to save the world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is good. Like really 'good'. The writing is amazing and so professional. And the characters are fully realized. The plot is the absolute perfect ideal cozy fantasy plot. But beyond that this book is 'good' at its heart.
There is so much goodness and love in the energy of this book. There is clearly so much love for our library system here and in the fantasy world. And love for small communities. The goodness of people coming together. People being inspired by the efforts of each other and building and revitalizing communities.
Are you having a bad day? Read this book. Having a great day? Even better, read this book. I have just finished it and I want nothing more than to own a physical copy because I know I will be rereading it over and over.
There is so much goodness and love in the energy of this book. There is clearly so much love for our library system here and in the fantasy world. And love for small communities. The goodness of people coming together. People being inspired by the efforts of each other and building and revitalizing communities.
Are you having a bad day? Read this book. Having a great day? Even better, read this book. I have just finished it and I want nothing more than to own a physical copy because I know I will be rereading it over and over.
October 3, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and here is my honest opinion.
Overall 4.2 stars for me.
I dont read cozy fantasy very often but this was very refreshing. The story follows Kasya throughout her emotional journey with her ex as well as her job. I particularly enjoyed all the detailed put into the library system and how the library brought the community together, specially with the goblins and the grumpy mill guy. The character development of him and the postman were definitly my favorite.
As for weakness i felt all the end was a bit rushed. The fight with the shadow was very short and its lore underexplained. The resort building argument was also resolved a bit too easily for me.
Thank you so much morelli!
Overall 4.2 stars for me.
I dont read cozy fantasy very often but this was very refreshing. The story follows Kasya throughout her emotional journey with her ex as well as her job. I particularly enjoyed all the detailed put into the library system and how the library brought the community together, specially with the goblins and the grumpy mill guy. The character development of him and the postman were definitly my favorite.
As for weakness i felt all the end was a bit rushed. The fight with the shadow was very short and its lore underexplained. The resort building argument was also resolved a bit too easily for me.
Thank you so much morelli!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was very happy to have received this ARC and even more happy that the book was fantastic. This was my first ARC and I was terrified that the book would be horrible. I ended up pre-ordering the book on Amazon as well.
(for full disclosure I was in an ALA-accredited masters program to become a librarian but dropped out)
I love the characters and the world building in this book so much, really gives me similar vibes to games like Sun Haven and Stardew. I also really appreciate the portrayal of librarians in this book; where a librarian is someone who connects their patrons to resources, not just books.
(for full disclosure I was in an ALA-accredited masters program to become a librarian but dropped out)
I love the characters and the world building in this book so much, really gives me similar vibes to games like Sun Haven and Stardew. I also really appreciate the portrayal of librarians in this book; where a librarian is someone who connects their patrons to resources, not just books.
October 1, 2026
I received an advance reader copy to review.
The Bramblespell Branch Library was such a good little book! Heartwarming and cozy, perfect for a fun fall story. Very easy to read with a solid plot line, good character development, and just a dash of mystery to keep things extra interesting. The 'city to small town' theme is familiar without being trite, and filled with realistic, well written people who just happen to live in a fantasy realm with a little bit of magic. Wholesome interactions, no spice, suitable for all ages. Looking forward to the next book from Amber Morrell!
The Bramblespell Branch Library was such a good little book! Heartwarming and cozy, perfect for a fun fall story. Very easy to read with a solid plot line, good character development, and just a dash of mystery to keep things extra interesting. The 'city to small town' theme is familiar without being trite, and filled with realistic, well written people who just happen to live in a fantasy realm with a little bit of magic. Wholesome interactions, no spice, suitable for all ages. Looking forward to the next book from Amber Morrell!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was gifted an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 stars. I really enjoyed this cozy fantasy novel. Characters were well developed. I enjoyed reading about a library in a small town. Descriptions of the town made me feel like I was part of the town. To me, it reads more as YA versus adult which is the only thing that dropped the rating.
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4 stars. I really enjoyed this cozy fantasy novel. Characters were well developed. I enjoyed reading about a library in a small town. Descriptions of the town made me feel like I was part of the town. To me, it reads more as YA versus adult which is the only thing that dropped the rating.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was so magical. I loved seeing the world building and the magic used in the library. As a book lover myself it was a joy to read a book about books. Especially the magic behind the library and how much paper work it takes. Butit wasn't just about the library there was so much more happening in the small town. This book is not just a romance it is an adventure too. I received a free advanced copy from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW! This may have been the best book I have read all year. I was really intrigued by the premise, and I told lots of people about it as I was reading it, but now that I’ve finished reading it, I don’t know if I will ever be able to forget about this book. I genuinely think it will live rent free in my brain for the rest of time.
I genuinely loved the characters and the plot and the setting. It’s such an amazing book, and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!
I genuinely loved the characters and the plot and the setting. It’s such an amazing book, and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!
September 20, 2026
I received an advance review copy of this book from the Author!
I really enjoyed this sweet little book! It’s cozy and a little slow. A meander, not a sprint. I loved the little world of Bramblespell and all its characters. I love librarians, but I was still surprised by how moved I was by the library’s impact. Sweet and cute!
I really enjoyed this sweet little book! It’s cozy and a little slow. A meander, not a sprint. I loved the little world of Bramblespell and all its characters. I love librarians, but I was still surprised by how moved I was by the library’s impact. Sweet and cute!
October 10, 2026
The perfect read to cozy up with as Fall settles in! The magnet personalities of each character draw you in slowly, slight teases at first for some-ah’em Norbert-but soon enough you love every Bramblespell resident. Book 2 better be coming soon because I need more of moments between Rima and Kasya, and the childish joy of Lili!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a digital copy of The Bramblespell Branch Library for free as part of the Advance Readers group.
Spoiler-free Review:
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a cute magical sapphic story of passion in more ways than one. Can you love your job and find love for someone else? This is the path we follow with our main protagonist, Kasya, as she adventures to Bramblespell, a small town that's very different from her big city life.
I found this book very cute, with a perfect mix of romance, magical whimsy, and just a hint of found community. Those who enjoy those tropes will fall in love with The Bramblespell Branch Library.
There is no spice, if you are wondering.
Spoiler-free Review:
The Bramblespell Branch Library is a cute magical sapphic story of passion in more ways than one. Can you love your job and find love for someone else? This is the path we follow with our main protagonist, Kasya, as she adventures to Bramblespell, a small town that's very different from her big city life.
I found this book very cute, with a perfect mix of romance, magical whimsy, and just a hint of found community. Those who enjoy those tropes will fall in love with The Bramblespell Branch Library.
There is no spice, if you are wondering.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brilliant! A story about libraries always hits the spot for me…and this has so much more! From building the library from scratch to building relationships with the town people and there are mysteries to discover too!
Thanks to the author for a free ARC copy. This is my honest review.
Thanks to the author for a free ARC copy. This is my honest review.
October 31, 2026
love letter to libraries
This wonderful fantasy book is all about how libraries can build community. It reminds us of the power of books and the strength of working together for good.
This wonderful fantasy book is all about how libraries can build community. It reminds us of the power of books and the strength of working together for good.
October 26, 2026
Loved it. More please🙏
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