Stay for a Spell by Amy Coombe ~ a Review

by MK French

Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar is tired of royal obligations and prefers a quiet life filled with books. When a curse traps her within a bookshop, she's thrilled and tries to send away the well-meaning princes arriving to "save" her. Though there's a pirate that keeps stealing the books, the curse is the best thing that has ever happened to her.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

April 2026; Ace; 978-0593955536
audio, ebook, print (384 pages); romantic fantasy

Tandy is the younger princess and spends a lot of time reading in carriages, going from one opening event to another. She loves books, and getting more for her next journey leaves her trapped within the bookshop. She has one angsty teen who comes in, the pirate cursed to dear water coming in to steal books on curses, and then the parade of princes hoping to be the kiss that breaks the curse. There are seven in the various kingdoms, but the curse won't break until she gets her heart's desire. In the meantime, she's sprucing up the shop, learning a little magic, and living a quiet life in a small town.

The concept is such a fun one, and I eagerly devoured the book. Tandy is likeable and fun to follow, with interesting side characters within this cozy romantic fantasy. We can tell who she actually enjoys spending time with, and it's a fun match-up as the relationship develops. She also develops a community despite being stuck in the bookstore, a sense of what she enjoys and doesn't, and the ability to start defending those choices rather than trying to please everyone else. This was a book that I had a lot of fun reading. 

Buy Stay for a Spell at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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