Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombes
A magical, gentle fantasy about books, curses, and finding your own happily-ever-after.
Pre-Reading Thoughts: A spellbound bookshop and a princess who’d rather read than rule? Yes, please. I was expecting cosy humour, whimsical magic, and maybe a touch of mischief - all the little things that make a fantasy world feel like home.
Post-Reading: As I thought... this was utterly charming. Tandy is relatable and clever, and the bookshop setting makes for a warm, immersive space. The spell device is clever but never cruel, keeping the tone light and joyful.
It surprised me by... just how much heart there is beneath the fluff. The royal obligations, parental pressure, and the attention of princes give the story stakes without turning anyone truly villainous. Even the irritating pirate has layers, and the small-town interactions sparkle with humour and sweetness. I’d happily revisit this world - or get a companion story in the same tone.
Music Pairing: 🎵 Featured Song: “Home” – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros 🎶 Vibe Album: Folklore – Taylor Swift 🎧 Artist Recommendation: Ingrid Michaelson (light, charming, whimsical)
Vibe Check:
🎨 Colour Palette: dusty rose, sunlit gold, cream
🎬 Soundtrack: soft chimes, turning pages, the occasional seagull (from the pirate’s distant antics)
🌤 Season: early spring, a bright, gentle thaw
💭 Mood: cosy, whimsical, quietly mischievous
🌹 Scent: old books, vanilla, a touch of sea breeze
Tarot Pull: Page of Cups. Gentle, whimsical and romantic, this card perfectly suits Tandy and her longing for a different kind of life.
For fans of: The House in the Cerulean Sea and A Wish in the Dark (for whimsical charm and gentle worldbuilding)
Stay for a Spell publishes on the 23rd of April, 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
