Into the Forest discussion

Here is the place to discuss retellings, traditional tales, or fairytale/folklore books where a character(s) has a Land Stewards occupation
Includes farmers, gardeners, shepherds, foresters, etc

The River Has Roots, which I read in 2025, is about a family that grows and harvests magical willow trees.

Od Magic by Patricia McKillip would be a good one, I also have Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen on my tbr

Rose wrote: "Od Magic by Patricia McKillip would be a good one, I also have Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen on my tbr"

I havent read Od Magic, but I’ve enjoyed every single book I’ve read by McKillip!

I liked Garden Spells very much!

Od magic is great, one of my favourites! Might re-read for this

I recently read The Garden of Delights and one of the main characters is a caretaker of the titular magical garden.

Just finished Garden Spells for this category, has really left me in the moon for more magical gardens! I am going to read the sequel First Frost, but be good to find some more for this one too.

I haven't read any of these!

Here are some recs:
-The Antidote by Karen Russell: One of the characters is a farmer. It's a lightly magical historical fiction set during the Dust Bowl, I really enjoyed it.
-The Enchanted Hacienda: This is a contemporary romance with fairytale elements centering a family flower farm in Mexico.
-Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton: A cozy fantasy romance involving a green house owner.
-Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh: Anyone who hasn't read this yet should do so! Greenman perfection.
-Two middle grade recs: Majestica (Jurassic Park with magical creatures) and A Song for You & I (about a shepherd and a musician).

Currently reading Juliet Marillier's The Amber Owl. The main character, Staysia, is a protector/guardian of the forest and animals.

Nine Goblins - One of the main characters is a veterinarian, but he also cares for the forest and magical creatures.

He could also work for healer, and the other characters could work for man-at-arms.

Ozsaur wrote: "Nine Goblins - One of the main characters is a veterinarian, but he also cares for the forest and magical creatures.

He could also work for healer, and the other characters could ..."

I think I used this one for healer because I already had so many men-at-arms books. Such a fun read! Did you enjoy it?

I just read The Blue Rose by Kate Forsyth for this prompt. One of the main characters is a gardener. It’s more realistic historical fiction but there are lots of fairy tales and legends woven in! All in all an enjoyable read that I’d recommend!