Book description
The Enchanted Greenhouse - A Sweet, Spell-binding Tale of Second Chances
Sarah Beth Durst's newest novel, The Enchanted Greenhouse, lands in the same warm, whimsical world she first introduced readers to in The Spellshop. With her signature blend of humor, heart, and a dash of honeyed magic, Durst delivers a standalone story that feels both fresh and delightfully familiar.
At its core is Terlu Perna-a lonely librarian who broke the law with a spell that birthed a sentient spider plant. Her punishment? A wooden statue in a quiet alcove of Alyssium's Great Library. The premise alone sparks curiosity, but Durst turns it into an adventure that lingers long after the last page.
Terlu wakes on a deserted island, surrounded by hundreds of greenhouses that pulse with life and music. The island is nothing short of a living garden-singing flowers, honey cakes baked to perfection, and a grumpy yet endearing gardener named Yarrow who offers her shelter. Their unlikely friendship blossoms amid the scent of roses and the rustle of leaves. As Terlu learns the greenhouses' magic is fading, she realizes that restoring it may mean breaking the very rules that once condemned her.
Durst's prose is as gentle as a breeze through vines. She balances the fantastical with the relatable: Terlu's longing for companionship, Yarrow's gruff exterior hiding tenderness, and the sentient rose who offers sage advice. The narrative hums with humor-think of a statue navigating a modern library or a gardener who's more stubborn than a cactus-but never loses its core message: everyone deserves a second chance.
The book's pacing is steady; Durst gives each scene enough time to breathe while keeping the plot moving forward. Readers will find themselves humming along with the "singing flowers" and savoring the sensory details of honey cakes, which add a tangible sweetness to the reading experience.
What makes The Enchanted Greenhouse stand out is its blend of lighthearted fantasy and emotional depth. Durst invites us to believe that even in a world where magic can be both wondrous and perilous, love-and a willingness to break the rules-can heal and transform. The ending leaves you with a sense of hope, as Terlu's journey from stone to self-realization mirrors the rejuvenation of the greenhouses themselves.
In sum, The Enchanted Greenhouse is an enchanting read that will appeal to fans of cozy fantasy and those looking for a story about redemption, friendship, and the beauty found in second chances. Durst has once again proven she can weave spellbinding tales that warm the heart as much as they delight the imagination.
MindfulMingle
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. I can't get enough of this app's convenience – it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience. 🎶📚 Setting the mood with stories instead of songs – this app is my go-to playlist! 🎧🌟 I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
NoiseCake
I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. The compatibility with Apple Watch is a huge plus. I can control my audiobooks from my wrist!
Marigold Loot
The app's recommendations are surprisingly accurate – it's like they know my taste perfectly! ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Badger the Burglar
The voice actors are incredible – they make the characters come alive. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener. Navigating chapters and genres is a breeze with this app's functionality. Audiobook pleasure simplified – this app's design is a standout. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Acid Gosling
The noise reduction feature in ListenBook Pro is a game-changer for enjoying clear recordings. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app never glitches. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Scrapper
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. Audiobook adventures simplified – this app's functionality is a revelation. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. I’d listen to this narrator read anything! Their voice was so expressive and fitting for the material. The story itself was great, but the narration took it to the next level. Definitely a 5-star experience.
Cowboy Booter
🎧 Immerse yourself in stories effortlessly – this app's functionality is the gateway to endless audiobook adventures. 📚🌟 ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It elevates the audio quality, providing a clear and immersive listening experience that enhances my enjoyment. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Referee
With ListenBook, I can enjoy a wide range of audiobook formats without any hassle, making my listening experience seamless. ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. This app has made long flights and road trips so much more enjoyable. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
Athena Star
Audiobooks have never been this accessible – this app is a true innovation. Effortless audiobook exploration – this app's functionality is remarkable. With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧 Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design are a win. 📚👏
MythMaker
ListenBook has brought a whole new level of convenience and enjoyment to my audiobook experience. Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. I've listened to hundreds of audiobooks, and this one stands out for its professional quality. The narrator struck the ideal balance between dramatic interpretation and letting the text speak for itself. The audio engineering was superb with consistent volume levels and crystal-clear recording.
Delicious Cupid
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Navigating audiobooks effortlessly – this app's functionality is commendable. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer!
Lounge Master
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Spitfire
ListenBook's support for a variety of download methods means I can access my content in the way that suits me best. I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats – it's a true lifesaver. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
NightDream
📱 It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. 📚🔥 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. It’s a unique feature.
Little Drunk Girl
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback. ListenBook's versatility with various audio formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from multiple sources effortlessly. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read.
Austin Shamrock
I can't believe how easy it is to dive into a new world with this app. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Cupid Dust
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. ListenBook has become my ultimate audiobook companion. It enhances every listening session.
RiddleRanger
This app's convenience and ease of use have transformed my screen time into productive learning sessions. Efficient audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. This served its purpose as background listening while I worked. I probably missed some details but the narrator's voice was pleasant enough.
QuestWeaver
ListenBook has rekindled my love for learning, one audio experience at a time. Effortlessly managing my audiobook collection – this app's functionality is a winner. ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
Mum Mary
ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a game-changer. I can now focus on the story even in noisy environments. The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience