Twig's Traveling Tomes

by Gryffin Murphy

A plot is brewing between the adventure and romance aisles.



When visiting Twig’s Traveling Tomes, customers will get the exact book they need, even if it isn’t the one they want. As for the proprietor and renowned Book Witch, Louella Twig lives her life sequestered with her stories, just as she likes it.



When devilishly handsome rogue Everett Sharp stumbles in looking to remove some handcuffs—closely followed by Louella’s former tutor, whose prized grimoire has been stolen—her literary sanctuary is fully upended. Only Louella’s magic can locate the grimoire, and teaming up with Everett is her best chance at retrieving it . . . but how can she trust that the man behind the wolfish grin isn’t interested in stealing the book for himself?



With a host of friends old and new, Louella sets off on an adventure she never thought she’d take—and starts to realize that, just like her books, what matters most has always been what’s under the surface.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Romance, Cozy Fantasy, Books About Books, Adult, Fiction

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 8, 2026

About the author

Gryffin Murphy lives in Virginia with her husband and their two pugs, Bagels and Buster. She spends her days in overalls, trying to befriend the neighborhood crows and writing stories that warm the heart like the perfect cup of tea on a rainy day.

Reviews

[Patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I'd REALLY like to visit Twig's bookstore!

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Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a cozy fantasy centered on Louella Twig, a book-loving witch who runs a magical traveling bookstore that doesn’t stay in one place for long. The shop journeys across the four kingdoms. Louella guided by a touch of magic seems to understand its readers better than they understand themselves. Shelves shift, doors open onto unexpected streets, and the store itself feels almost alive — as if it chooses its destinations with purpose. When a powerful grimoire is stolen, Louella is pulled out of her comfortable, book-filled routine and into an adventure across those same kingdoms, joined by a charming rogue, her former professor, and a gnome companion.

The traveling bookstore is easily one of the most compelling elements of the novel. It’s such a warm, imaginative concept, and the author truly explores the idea that books themselves hold transformative magic. The world feels vibrant and the journey beyond Louella’s shop introduces a range of interesting creatures and whimsical settings that make the adventure feel lively and visually rich.

The found family motif adds emotional warmth to the story. Watching this unlikely group slowly come together is one of the book’s strengths, especially as Louella is pushed outside her comfort zone and forced to grow.

That said, while the premise and worldbuilding are wonderfully engaging, the characters themselves aren’t the most unique. I didn’t feel as invested in their individual fates as I would have liked. Still, the setting and magical atmosphere were so charming that it didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment.

Overall, Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a comforting, imaginative read. Perfect for readers who love cozy adventures, magical bookstores, and stories about finding belonging in unexpected places.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was proved wrong, this was not a 5 star read. It was, in fact, a 6 star read. I can’t even find the right words for how much I loved this book. It was everything I wanted from a cosy fantasy 💕

It’s filled with found family, a heartmelting slow-burn romance, so much yearning, and the beautiful journey of finding yourself within a community. It’s about self-acceptance, inclusivity and oh so warm and funny.

I want to live inside this story.
I want to wander through Twig’s bookstore and get the book I really need.
I want to travel with the Grimoire Avengers, have adventures with friends, and see all the creatures and lands of Four.
I want to learn magic with Feralorn. I want to garden with Midge. I want to fly with the Pirates.
I want to sit and read with Louella.

And yes, I absolutely want Everett to flirt with me. (Pretty please?)
I mean… just listen to this:
“You don’t ever need to justify your book purchases to me. If you want it, you should have it.” 🥹 OMGosh.

More than anything, I wish I could read this again for the very first time.

This book is for everyone who has ever wanted to go on an adventure with a Flynn Rider–type rogue, take on a quest for a stolen book including finding magical creatures, and create magic with the most relatable and charming book witch.

One more quote:
“That is the author… They put a small part of their souls into every work they write, with the desperate hope their book will find the right reader.”
Well, this book found the right reader. (It’s me, hi!)
Gryffin Murphy made me a forever fan with this book – of her writing, her wit, her humor, her heart, and her romance.
And I made friends in this book. They’re going to stay with me forever.

Thank you to Bindery, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Dadreadsanreviews (james) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the chance to review this book! This may be the most perfect cozy fantasy I could imagine. It’s full of found family, slow burn romance, yearning, finding your true self in community, self acceptance, inclusivity, and most of all…puns! The writing style is engaging and every character has a distinct voice and place in Louella’s arc. The pacing was excellent. I knew that the story was dragging in someone’s of the plot, but in didn’t care because each scene added depth, humor, and richness to the characters. The story feels like a warm blanket beside a fire with a cup of tea on winter’s day. An absolute joy to read!

[Herbibliomaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟

Adorable cozy romantasy. Fun characters all throughout the story. Flynn Rider vibes from the mmc (with a hint of Kristoff).

I love books that have books, so a traveling bookshop sounded too fun to pass up. I enjoyed this from the first page. It has an entertaining meet-cute, snarky book magic, found family friends, humor throughout, and of course a quest to take them all over the place. I really enjoyed the banter between the fmc and mmc. The book titles were probably my favorite part aside from the quirky cast of characters. In general I loved all of it.


Thanks Bindery Books | Cozy Quill for sending me an Arc to review.

[hon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Gryffin Murphy, Bindery Books and Netgalley for this ARC to read and review

Twig’s Travelling Tomes is a magical, fantastical yet cozy and heartwarming journey about Louella the Book Witch—a witch shunned by most of the magic community for having an unconventional magic source. Instead of having magic connected and powered by nature, Louella’s magic is connected to books. Louella runs a travelling bookstore, one bookstore in each kingdom. Here she lives a quiet life of solitude, apart from the company of her books, of course. She is known for her talent of providing her customers with exactly the book they need, even if it’s not the book they originally wanted. Life is always the same for Louella, until a roughish yet handsome ex thief from an infamous criminal group arrives in her shop, hiding from a guard and requiring her help. If that wasn’t bad enough, her prior mentor stumbles in, desperate for her assistance in finding and rescuing the pages of his stolen grimoire. This unravels into an unwanted adventure with the thief and her ex mentor to retrieve the grimoire, where we follow them on an exciting and cozy escapade, coming across different magical creatures, new friends and all sorts of dangers—all of which are entirely out of Louella’s comfort zone.

I adored this book from the very first pages. It immediately enraptures and envelopes you in a cozy, magical warmth—like a cozy, warm hug shared sat in front of a roasting fire. The story is fast paced and there is an immediate spark between Louella and Everett, drawing you in and making you need to know what, if anything, will happen between them. The writing is lovely, witty, holds your attention and absolutely cozy (shall we start a count on how many times I say cozy in this review?). The cast of the book begins with a very amusing trio, although along the way new friends are found and our little trio grows. The characters are unique, have good depth and are endlessly endearing. I truly began to love the characters and already miss them since finishing the book. I loved reading about Louella’s personal journey. I loved her silly awkwardness, the way she is completely different, perhaps a little weird, yet owns and rocks it. I truly felt for her in her struggles with her academic struggles due to being “different” and hurting when she is reminded of her being “defunct”. Her growth throughout the book was wonderful to read and I genuinely felt proud of her moving out of her comfort zone in her little bookish sanctuary and delving into the real world, writing a story of her own.

With all of its coziness, this book is also truly funny. Not only are there some hilarious scenes that genuinely made me giggle aloud (some sirens may be involved), it is truly witty all throughout, with Midge, an independent, newly single gnome making me laugh the most. The romance in this book is also lovely. I wouldn’t say it’s the main focus of the book, although admiring gazes and flirty comments from Everett are scattered throughout. While the book is fast paced, the romance feels like a slow burn, but with plenty of little, lovely moments to keep you invested and wanting more.

My only complaint for this book is I would have liked more. Some of the plotlines feel a little rushed or random. I found myself often enjoying a plotline of the book just for it to finish unexpectedly, skipping over parts and leaving me wanting more. Still, I adored this book from beginning to end and absolutely ate it up.

I definitely recommend this book for fans of Diana Wynne Jones’ “Howl's Moving Castle” and fans of Heather Fawcett’s “Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries”. Perhaps even fans of “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree, which I shockingly haven’t read but I still kept feeling would have a similar vibe to this read. All in all, I really couldn’t recommend this more for anyone looking for their next cozy, magical, fantasy read full of romance, adventure and magical creatures.

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨
0🌶️
Cozy Romantasy

📚Fantasy world with magic
📚Slow burn
📚Found family
📚Traveling bookstore
📚He yearns, hard

Louella Twig is a witch and the proud owner of a bookstore that travels magically through the kingdom of Four. Her ability is books, as she is able to magically pair every person with the book they need the most in that moment, She is perfectly content with her calm lifestyle, when her old mentor ropes her in an adventure to find his stolen grimoire. Deciding to take part of the adventure thanks to a charming thief who walks in her bookstore and convinces her to take a risk, Louella will find friendship, love and unexpected adventures are not best tucked away in a book.

"You don't ever need to justify your book purchases to me. If you want it, you should have it."

Well this book was simply fantastic. While reading, I constantly found myself wanting to be Louella and own her bookstore, or at the very least being able to play her character in a videogame (no but for real, how cool would this book be as a videogame?). Louella is unapologetically herself, which I aspire to be every day of my life: she wears no shoes because they're uncomfortable, she always wears the same outfit consisting of multiple layers of gowns and her favourite patchwork hat, and she is strong enough to open her own business, even when her magic is, more than once, questioned. Other than the fact that I'd love to have her power, she is also such a good role model for resilience.

"Don't fret, dear Twigs. I've learned from your books that you appreciate a slow burn. And so, I shall."
"Shall what?"
"Burn, Twigs. Slowly. I'll wait for as long as you dare me to hope."

Everett is probably the best MMC I've read in a while. First of all, in my head he is Flynn Rider from Rapunzel, and that was already a huge plus. Secondly, he is a scoundrel and a thief, yes, but he never once took back the promises he made to Twig. And in a world full of books with morally grey characters who are unable to keep their word but are always excused, Everett Sharp should be the standard for the man you girls need to fall in love with, He is hot, sweet, flirtatious, fun, protective, and overall such a perfect companion for adventures! Yes, he was a thief, but he committed only petty crimes, so nothing too serious in a fantasy world like Four😉

"After not eating breakfast, I'm desperately craving some honeycomb."
"And honeycomb is my nickname, is it?"

The banter between Everett and Louella was always perfectly sharp (pun intended) and on point. It was the perfect mix of flirt and comedy and it is absolutely perfect to read when you want a romcom set in a fantasy world. Altogether, all the characters were given personalized personalities and distinctives traits, making them unique.

"No amount of treasure in the four kingdoms could ever compare to my dear Twigs."

The adventure part of the book was so fun! I loved learning about new animals, new places in the kingdom and new characters, who were also always diverse and unique. Reading this book felt like being immersed in the Ochre Forest with a blanket and hot cup of tea, and even when my mood was bad, it found a way to put a smile on my face. I hope we will get new stories from the kingdom of Four, because I can't wait to delve into it as soon as possible!

Thank you, NetGalley, Gryffin Murphy and Bindery Books, for the opportunity to read this book as an advanced reader copy!

Twig's Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy comes out on September 8, 2026!🗓️

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps you too would like to read a cozy story about a witch who runs a bookstore and goes on an adventure, and falls in love? I don’t know? A tiny joy!

[Chenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a lovely and cozy read. Well-written with a fun storyline, I definitely recommend this to cozy fantasy readers.
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc.

[Nae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Cozy Quill/Bindery Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Very twee, fast-paced, and cheesy. Not for me, but could be an easy, cozy good time for the right reader.

Genres, settings, categories, themes: fantasy, cozy fantasy, romance (M/F), magic, traveling bookshop, found family, adventure, magical creatures, low stakes

💗 Tropes: 💗
> Bookish Themes
> Forced Proximity
> Quest
> Unrequited Love / He Falls First
all about tropes here

POV: 3rd person

Series/Sequencing Style: standalone, no cliffhanger

Format: ebook (e-ARC)

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Overall ratings

Heat level: 👄 1/5 mild sizzle 👄
(from Ampersand’s guide to heat levels in romance novels – (0) sweet, (1) mild sizzle, (2) sensual steam, (3) spicy seduction, (4) red hot, (5) erotic)

~ Heroine (Louella/"Twigs") ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Hero (Everett) ~ 4/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑
~ Other characters ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕 very fun cast of characters, even if it felt like some were randomly tossed in for the vibes / found family trope (in an unbelievable manner)

~ Plot ~ 2.5/5 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑 more promise than was delivered

~ Pacing ~ 1.5/5 🌕🌗🌑🌑🌑 With a breakneck pace for the majority of the book, it felt like we’d hop from one scene to the next, without settling in or finishing any of them. The pacing started to slow down to a comfortable pace with the final part of their quest, going to the fair and all that. The attention focused on that part was missing from the earlier legs of their journey.

~ Romance ~ 1/5 🌕🌑🌑🌑🌑

~ World building ~ 2/5 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑 This world held a lot of promise, but like other elements of the book, seemed to only skim the surface. A map would have been super helpful, and I wanted more details on each of the kingdoms/locations. Seriously, add a map for the final version, it will help a lot.

~ Adventure ~ 2/5 🌕🌕🌑🌑🌑 There’s certainly a lot of adventure implied, and they go many places, but with it feeling rushed and skimping on details, I never felt connected enough to it to enjoy it as a real quest.

~ Writing ~ 3/5 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑 a little too light & silly for me, but possibly fluffy fun for someone else

~ Reading enjoyability & fun ~ 5/5 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

~ Depth & tone (1 light & fun --> 5 more serious, addresses heavier topics?): 1 - very silly
~ Diversity & representation: queer normative world with gay & sapphic side characters, and gender fluidity they/thems
~ Angst level: 1/5
~ Sadness level: 0/5

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❗CW/Triggers:❗nothing?

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📝 Review/Notes 📝

This book seemed like it was going to be a great fit for me–a magical bookstore? Say no more! But also a rogue MMC, adventure, and magical creatures–all of that is very up my alley and sets up for a fun premise. Unfortunately, the execution did not live up to the premise and I found this one too goofy and fluffy for me, but it should have its audience.

The pace is all-out breakneck, rushing from one thing to the next. I’m not sure how other adventure books fit everything in and seem to be paced better and go deeper, but something about this stays very surface-level, skimming from one stop to the next, with new characters quickly hopping on board along the way. While I’d say I usually prefer a faster pace over a slower pace, this is too fast-paced even for me.

Everett is into her from the start and she just kind of starts giving in to him being around in a way that doesn’t really allow for much romantic development or interest there. The entire tone of the book is very corny and cheesy, but if you’re okay with that and want a super lighthearted romp, this could be a lot of fun for you. Someone who vibes with the humor of this book might find it funny enough to overlook the pacing and actually enjoy the tone (both of which were not it for me). The tone was overly silly for me. I just wasn’t invested in the characters or their adventure as much as I’d like and couldn’t really take anything they said seriously. Much too cheesy. Despite the characters being adults, read pretty YA, in my opinion.

Some things I found ridiculous:

• When they magically transport to the forest, there's this whole thing where she's like *well now we're too far away from where you live, so you'll have to stay overnight*...why can’t she just transport them back, or to another location that’s closer to them getting back where they need to go?

• Could do with a little less of her being referred to as “the witch” so often. This was subbed in as often as "she", "her", and her name, and something about it was jarring to randomly have it be like "The witch picked up the book and..."

• Okay, I gotta say, someone new joining the “adventure” at each stop is pretty ridiculous, even if it’s clearly going for found family. Everyone is just like *can I come along on this quest too?* and off they go.

• They go to the sirens and say, “We don’t know what it is, we just know it’s here,” and the sirens are just magically like “Is it this!?” Here ya go!

• “With Arturo’s help, they’d retrieved seven creatures”–wait, so he just showed up with 7 of them in a bag? I guess that's one way to explain away and skip over 7 of the creatures/stops.

From Jada's 2-star review:

"I found the characters to be tropey and one dimensional. What was missing from this book was atmospheric world-building. Instead, there was a lot of jumping between different settings in the first third of the book that I struggled to appreciate them. The writing style is good for those wanting a very simple cosy read, but I found it explaining conversations and scenes that didn’t add to the plot or tell the reader new things about the characters. The wheel was turning very slowly whilst not actually saying much, as the quest was introduced abrasively with low stakes and no tension.

What was supposed to be the energy behind this book was the romance, which felt artificial and not believable. Fantasy as a genre still has realistic aspects, but the instant attraction didn’t have a strong foundation or any substance, and the familiarity between the characters was alarmingly quick and I found myself feeling like I had completely missed a step."

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🤠 Recommended for: fans of Legends & Lattes

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cozy story, full of quirky-characters who go on a quest to find a map that, due to a warding spell gone-wrong, has separated itself into sections and have magically hidden itself away across the land by camouflaging as a local creature. A rag-tag group of characters band together, to find this map, and are led by our FMC and MMC, traversing a litany of fantastical landscapes.

Thank you to NetGallery, Bindery Books and Cozy Quill for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, I greatly appreciated the chance to read Gryffin Murphy's story.

This is a story with low-stakes, an adventure with a quirky witch having to face her own loneliness, and a mysterious rogue who has a hazy past but the right skill-set to help our witch on her mission to find her mentor's map. This cozy fantasy is definitely written with the trope where "he falls first", and both our FMC, MMC and their gnome companions head out on a D&D-like side-quest, where the characters tease one another as they explore different sections of the realm looking to put the map back together.

For me, I am personally drawn to stories with stronger character development than what I experienced here, and this is usually catalyzed through the stakes the author raises throughout the novel. I admit that I read this novel through until I reached the 45% mark, and found that with having read nearly halfway through the book and no new stakes were raised, nor were any current stakes escalated, I found that the story was very much starting to drag.

I had struggled the most with a common trope that romantasies will fall into, and for me, its a pit that does not set the book up for success; the inclination for an author to write one or more of their characters instantly falling in love with another. The "isnta-love" trope. The MMC fell for our FMC within seconds of their first meeting, and the romantic scenes forever afterward are written in such a way that it feels as though they were inserted at random points along the plot-line, so that it doesn't exactly propel the story forward, and instead reads a little awkward and a little oversaturated with infatuation. There is no tension or slow-building of their relationship.

I also had a concern with the one-dimensional writing of our main characters. The MMC especially feels written as a trope and does not have much dimension beyond being the mysterious thief who has heart eyes only for our FMC, despite knowing next to nothing about her. Our FMC likewise is instantly drawn to him, and yet keeps "resisting" her feelings because of this "thief" label that our MMC is given. This kind of barrier doesn't run super deep and doesn't escalate by the 45% mark of the book and so, by this point, I felt more than a little frustration that this romantic stake in the story, which should be driving a romantic cozy fantasy forward, but instead was causing the story to feel like it was dragging along and not reading any deeper than a superficial trope; bad guy falls hard for quirky loner good girl but she refuses him because he's "bad".

The romance for me was the most frustrating aspect of this story, due to the awkward placement of various scenes of infatuation being plunked in the middle of other moments in our story which arguably were doing a better job of driving the story forward. For this reason, time and again, I felt thrown out of the story and even more annoyed at the MMC rather than drawn to him.

I believe that some of the pain in this story's writing is due to the "promise" created by the author at the start of this novel. Our MMC is written as a thief, and is portrayed as a cunning and skillful man that is capable of getting himself out of scraps when our FMC first meets him. However, beyond this, none of his interactions between him and our FMC fulfilled this image as the story progressed. He feels like an ordinary man, with our author hinting and telling us that there's more but with nothing to show for it by the 50% mark. Granted, this is a book written for the cozy genre and I don't expect the action to ramp up like I might with an epic fantasy, but at the same time, I feel let down by our MMC and feel that the author had not delivered or written him to fulfill the role that we are first introduced to in the beginning of the novel.

I found our side-characters held a lot more promise, and made this cozy fantasy so much more enjoyable with the light banter that was volleyed between themselves and our FMC. I think that this author's writing has great potential, but feel that the main characters need to be more deeply established in what they are wanting and creating deeper conflicts which can display behaviours and/or coping mechanisms that show us the characters' insecurities and then to develop deeper stakes between these characters, show us how these coping mechanisms directly clash with one another. This would create deeper conflict that I would enjoy to read and which would make the opposition our FMC feels towards her attraction to our MMC feel more believable. Using conflict as a tool to increase tension would better show us who these characters are rather than telling us who they are through over-used tropes and labels.

[Kels Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to NetGalley and Bindery Books for granting me access to this ARC. Additionally, I want to thank the author for crafting such a beautiful story; I truly enjoyed every moment of it!

Summary - Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a tale of a witch with a rare ability for book magic. However, branded as defunct, she starts her own bookshop to prove herself—a traveling bookshop. One day, her old professor requests her help; reluctantly, she is convinced to go on an adventure to retrieve her professor's grimoire that has been stolen. Along with a handsome rogue, a cheeky gardening gnome, a guard gnome with a fear of dragons, and two wizards, they set off on a grand adventure. It is a story about magic, love, friendship, community healing, dreams, and the feeling of never being enough, along with having the right people to help you see that you are enough.


Thoughts - The combination of a cosy fantasy with romantic elements throughout had me turning pages with excitement. The author embraced a gentle writing style infused with a hint of magic and lightheartedness, creating a comforting atmosphere. It beautifully explored themes of friendship, community, and healing. The world-building was so charming and dreamlike within each of the realms of four that they visited, from lush landscapes with plush, bouncy moss and mushrooms with neon hues illuminating the way to busy little markets with candlelit taverns. It created an atmospheric, immersive, and comforting feel. The scenes between each chapter blended so well and were just so enchanting. You wanted to be with them on this magical adventure. I think one of my favorite parts was when Everett and the gang met his parents and how the sylvan giants bond magically with the mycelium, which makes them clairvoyant. I just loved that little piece of information because mycelium travels underneath, communicating with life. I also love the little touch of Howl’s Moving Castle vibe regarding Louella’s bookshop. The magical creatures within the book were just so unique and cool, it was so much fun finding each new creature and discovering what they were. I don't want to spoil this part because I really think this is part of the charm within the book, as this is the whole adventure, but it has everything to do with Feralorn’s Grimoire Animagienchiridion, as he has a connection with animals.
As I moved further into the story, I just loved the friendship being built one page at a time. It started with Louella and ended with her having a beautiful group of friends and someone she could spend her life with. As she starts off her journey, it is lonely being a defunct witch, and she is always trying to prove herself, which makes her more reclusive in the world. But as her mentor returns, Feralorn, an eccentric and baffling wizard who trained Louella, and a strange and handsome rogue, Everett, who weaves his way into Louella’s heart, their journey begins, and the rest is history. On the way, she befriends Midge, a gardening gnome who takes pride in her garden of dangerous and intriguing plants and loves learning about new species. I loved her personality and little quirks. She was a fun character to get to know, and her passion for plants was delightful to explore. Oliver is also a gnome and has a history with Midge that blossoms again. He is afraid of dragons but is extremely loyal to his friends, no matter what. Lastly, Arturo is Feralorn’s old friend and partner. Together, they create the unforgettable adventure. There are other characters within the book, but you will have to read to discover them.
While this was a cosy fantasy with romance, there is still a beautiful message interwoven through the pages. This story celebrates our true selves, our uniqueness, and self-discovery, but also friendship, love, and connections. I really related to Louella, as I think many do, and to see her thrive and be her true self at the end with people around her who love her was a wholesome and endearing tale. I think Everett was such a great MMC for this story; he was exactly what Louella needed, and I absolutely adored their chemistry. I truly loved this Twig’s Traveling Tomes; it was fun, exciting, cozy, and full of fantasy. I would recommend it to anyone who loves these elements in a book.

[Jada De Luca · Rating 2 out of 5]

For fans of Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, a kindred soul can be found in this light, cozy read. From a genre standpoint, Twig’s Travelling Tomes ultimately achieves what it sets out to do; this book is an addition to the romantasy genre that ticks a lot of boxes for readers— tea, a travelling bookshop, eclectic cast of characters, magic and a slow (yet predictable) burn with a ‘man with a wolfish grin.’

Louella is a witch whom, despite being rejected from academia seven years prior, has established a solid foundation for herself seven years later as the owner of a travelling bookshop. Instead of traditional methods of magic, hers is unique in which she can magically identify exactly the book someone needs. Louella connects lovers, uncovers affairs, and adventures to locate her mentor’s lost grimoire. As a book lover, this premise intrigued me, however along with the soft world-building that didn’t immerse the reader, I put this down after reading 35%. I was hoping that Louella’s personality would show through and not be so heavily reliant on the MMC, and found discrepancies between how she was written and the magic system introduced: for someone that could recommend books to other people so easily, and see the positive effects of such, when her magic recommended books to her own benefit, she was quick to reject them. Her decisions and behaviour around the MMC that was an ‘instant attraction’ were incongruent with a woman that owned her own business and made a name of herself despite being renounced. The back and forth of her attraction, paired with her lack of self-advocacy and the hypocrisy, wasn’t page turning; the writing was direct, lacked description and atmosphere, and was very on the nose.

Instead, I found the characters to be tropey and one dimensional. What was missing from this book was atmospheric world-building. Instead, there was a lot of jumping between different settings in the first third of the book that I struggled to appreciate them. The writing style is good for those wanting a very simple cosy read, but I found it explaining conversations and scenes that didn’t add to the plot or tell the reader new things about the characters. The wheel was turning very slowly whilst not actually saying much, as the quest was introduced abrasively with low stakes and no tension.

What was supposed to be the energy behind this book was the romance, which felt artificial and not believable. Fantasy as a genre still has realistic aspects, but the instant attraction didn’t have a strong foundation or any substance, and the familiarity between the characters was alarmingly quick and I found myself feeling like I had completely missed a step.

Fans of romantasy, quest storylines, found family, and roguish male main characters will enjoy this book, however I was hoping for a title that added unique elements and depth to the romantasy genre.

(Thank you to the publisher Cozy Quill and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book)

[Kori Arkfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Gryffin Murphy, publishers, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

"A girl can learn a lot from reading romance. We're quite dangerous in that way. Through stories, we discover what we want and refuse to settle for anything less."

Honestly this book was a delightful dream from the start. I discovered this book through Meg (megs.tea.room on insta) and I am so happy I got an ARC. These low stake cozy books are such a relaxing adventure and needed sometimes after heavier dramas. It is nice to know all the problems and drama will be resolved and we get a cute little cozy happy ending. And the names of the characters?? Chefs kiss. They just added to the whimsy and coziness.

The sirens cracked me up.
“Support the arts!” LOL

And now all of a sudden I want to buy a grappling hook.

Quotes I loved:

"You mean there are more books?" he asked, gesturing around. "More than this?"
"One can never have too many."

She was growing tired of her many acquaintances with his chest.

"Then I should warn you, I don't have much to offer you," she said, stepping forward to extend her hand before thinking better of it.
"Oh, Twigs, I don't believe that for a second."

"I believe any book can greatly impact someone's life."

"I have plenty of danger under my skirts!"
Everett's frustration vanished, wiped clean by his wolfish grin. "That I knew the moment I first saw you."

"Your smile," he answered dazedly.
"Show it to me again."

"You're leaving now, and if I ever catch you in the vicinity of the Great Book Witch's storefront ever again, I will break both your legs in such a way that you'll be forced to walk as backward as your odious opinions for the rest of your miserable life. Are we clear?"

"You'll stand there the entire time?" she asked, doubt edging her tone.
"I’ll stand by you forever," he flirted shamelessly.

What if, instead of doing our secret handshake, we just kissed? —Ursula Bog, Best Friends to Better Lovers

"Don't fret, dear Twigs. I've learned from your books that you appreciate a slow burn. And so, I shall." His hand slid down the length of her arm until it reached hers and squeezed. "Shall what?" she asked as they walked hand in hand toward the picnic.
He looked down at her as if the answer were simple. "Burn, Twigs. Slowly. I'll wait for as long as you dare me to hope."

"You don't ever need to justify your book purchases to me. If you want it, you should have it."

There is only one bed? For the two of us?
Whatever shall we do? —Henriette Max,
Staying at the One Star Inn

"No amount of treasure in the four kingdoms could compare to my dear Twigs."

Romance is easier read than done. - Yelena Spine, Kiss and Tale

"That is the author themself calling out to you, Louella. They put a small part of their souls into every work they write, with the desperate hope their book will find the right reader. The reader who wants the story as much as the author wanted to write it. And you, brilliant witch, connect to that spirit."

[Beth (covergirlbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romantasy with themes of found-family and self-worth, perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and Sarah Beth Durst!

Thank you to Bindery x Cozy Quill for the advance reader copy!

Louella Twig is a happily productive witch with a magical traveling bookshop. She may not have the accreditation of a broom to seal her education, but her magical specialty is a helpful one: giving her exactly the right book title for the person or situation. Not the book they’re asking for, but the one they need.

One day, two unexpected customers tumble into her shop: an unsettlingly charming bandit called Everett, and her batty former magic tutor, Feralorn.

Feralorn begs Louella’s help to find his stolen grimoire. He needs her book magic. At first, Louella is more than a little reluctant, especially since he rejected her magical knack in the past. But thanks to Everett’s own skills as a thief, and his ability to persuade, Louella agrees to mount a quest for the missing grimoire.

I giggled at Murphy’s humorous tone, but what really captivated me about this book was her imaginative settings! From sea caves of showgirl sirens to fields of fae trees covered in glowing mushrooms, every part of this book felt animated in brilliant colors. I wanted to read it before going to sleep so I could dream about it!

This book will introduce you to many fantastical creatures and settings reminiscent of Stardust and Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies, but the heart of it all is Twig’s traveling bookshop, which reminded me of the wizard’s house in House of Many Ways. I guarantee you’ll want to live in Twig’s treehouse with its library bedroom, stained glass windows, and rooftop reading swing!

I have two tiny qualms with the storytelling. One was that Everett’s personality fell a little flat for me, since he was very devotedly the love interest from the very first moment, and continued to be so. Secondly, there were a few instances when a character said a phrase, that was immediately echoed by another character but with a different meaning.

Ex. [the villain]: “Careful, Sharp,”
[the person being held at knifepoint]: “Careful, it’s sharp.”

This was arguably clever once or twice, but it felt a little too cheesy in the romantic dialogue.

The sweet center of this book is that life’s problems and joys are better shared. Adding more friends to your party (whatever you decide to name it!) has the power to change the story. Loved it!

[Dotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twig’s Traveling Tomes is a delightful cozy fantasy romance following a book witch, Twig, and her magical bookshop. When Twig’s former mentor has a magical book stolen, Twig must team up with a handsome thief, some quirky dwarves, and the elderly wizard. The crew embarks on a series of quests to reclaim the missing pages, which have been scattered around the kingdom, culminating in a magical fair.

This book is so cozy and delightful. The book spends time on the romance and the worldbuilding, but also takes time to describe the coziness of a bath. The book settles into the found family elements and embraces a number of different relationships within the crew. I loved the cozy elements in this book, which really leaned into the “high fantasy - low stakes” core of a cozy fantasy. The stakes for this story are about assembling a book after its theft, rather than some kind of larger world-ending stakes prevalent in much of the fantasy genre.

The romance plotline was stronger than I expected. The story never gets explicit, but there are detailed kissing descriptions and allusions to more. I’m used to cozy fantasy using the romance as a subplot, but this book definitely would best be described as a cozy fantasy romance, as the romance feels like a significant part. The romance itself is well done, with lots of cute moments. The third act conflict is just the right degree of conflict for a cozy fantasy, and there were lovely little romantic moments that made me giggle and smile.

I love a cozy fantasy, and as the genre has expanded, I feel like a lot of publishers have started labeling things as cozy that are not. This book does not have that problem. This book is cozy, and sweet, with an engaging romance and a fun adventure. Twig’s story is delightful and engaging and a lot of fun, and though I assume that Murphy plans on finishing the story here, I would be thrilled to read more story about Twig and Everett and their friends on their adventures.

If you’re looking for something high stakes, with extremely detailed world building and complex magic systems, this is not the book for you. If you don’t like romance in your fantasy, I don’t think this is for you, either. But if you’re looking for a cozy book with a strong romance, a delightful found family and a fun adventure, this is absolutely the right book.

Thank you to Bindery Books for this advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Twigs Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy

Twigs Traveling Tomes follows Louella Twig, a witch who has built a quiet life around her traveling bookshop after stepping away from the magical ambitions she once pursued and believes she failed. When a stolen grimoire and an unexpected request pull her back toward the very magic she abandoned, the story frames this as a quest, but its real focus is more personal. Louella throws herself into something she assumes she is unsuited for, only to discover that the qualities she dismissed in herself are exactly what others need. The roaming shop concept inevitably recalls Howl’s Moving Castle, but here the movement feels gentle and inviting, a space where reinvention is possible rather than a sign of instability.

Louella’s arc is the heart of the book. She begins defined by avoidance, convinced her magic and former goals belong to a past self who did not succeed. The journey gradually reveals that her perceived failure is actually misalignment rather than inadequacy. She is needed precisely for the version of magic she thought was not enough. That reframing lands with quiet emotional weight. It is about trying again without the guarantee of success and finding belonging through effort rather than achievement.

The relationships reinforce this shift. Louella does not just rediscover purpose, she acquires connection. The group dynamic grows into genuine friendship, full of teasing, support, and shared momentum. She also gains a familiar, which symbolically anchors her return to magic in something affectionate and chosen rather than evaluative. The ensemble banter gives the story its warmth, and Everett’s charisma and attentiveness fit naturally into that wider web rather than dominating it. The romance is charming, but it is not the sole point. It is one thread in a broader tapestry of belonging.

This is cozy fantasy that understands the appeal of gentle redemption. It centers the idea that you can return to something you believe you failed and discover you were always capable in the ways that mattered. The stakes remain soft, the tone stays warm, and the outcome feels earned through persistence and community. Five stars, because the book is not only cute, it is quietly affirming about growth, friendship, and the courage to try again.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one reads as if it was consciously crafted to appeal to the Platonic ideal of the cozy fiction fan, and indeed it is being published because it drew the attention of the "tastemaker" who discovered Travis Baldree. My cozy fantasy bingo card filled up quickly: tea, love of books, small business, gender and relationship diversity in all the usual ways (except that nobody is clearly trans), broadly D&D-style setting, quirky introvert protagonist being pushed out of her comfort zone by events, supportive love interest, cute familiar (though not until halfway through).

For me, contrarian that I am, this was almost a downside. It's not all the way to "made from box mix," but it does fall into my category of "if you like this sort of thing, this is definitely one." I personally prefer fresher ideas rather than variations on an established theme, but I know I'm in a minority there, and lots of people will love this unreservedly.

The worldbuilding, while not startlingly original, has had a bit more work than is often the case with cozy. Four kingdoms themed around the traditional four elements, elemental and natural magic, approximately the usual D&D species, though elves have brightly coloured skin and gnomes brightly coloured hair.

The editing is also a bit above average; there are several of the usual issues (occasional missing past perfect tense, "may" in past tense narration instead of "might," dialog sometimes punctuated incorrectly), but fewer examples than I usually see. The biggest problem is the vocabulary. The author uses a number of words that don't have quite the right connotation (the most obvious example being "amorously" for "lovingly" when it isn't sexual love), and a couple that sound similar to the word she means but are a different word, like "hurdling" for "hurtling" and "clamored" for "clambered". Both of those are relatively common confusions, and there may yet be more editing before publication; I had a pre-publication version via Netgalley for review.

The romance begins with instant attraction, then there's a long will-they-won't-they period (about three-quarters of the book) with minimal justification given. There's some very steamy kissing and some innuendo, but nothing more than that on screen.

There's nothing so badly wrong with it that I feel justified in dropping it to three stars, but I'm giving it four a bit grudgingly. Put that down to my curmudgeonly nature and dislike of the expected choice.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twig’s Traveling Tomes is absolutely delightful and one of the best cozy romantic fantasy books I have ever read! This one is for fans of Howl's Moving Castle, the video game Tiny Bookshop, and those who have a soft spot for scoundrels with a heart of gold 💛 (Also as a fellow curly girl, it was lovely to read about a book witch with big brown curls!)

Twig's Traveling Tomes tells the story of Louella Twig and her magical traveling bookshop. Louella has a very special kind of magic. The moment customers walk into her shop, she can tell you the exact book you need. Maybe not the book you *want*, but the exact book you need in that precise moment, which has actually led to some awkward encounters in the past for Louella! But it's a pretty rare gift! In fact, it’s so rare that many other witches don’t fully believe that her source of magic comes from her books and have cruelly declared Louella and her magic “defunct”. This has not stopped Louella though from sharing her gift with folks in need of a good book across the Four Realms and she has gained a lot of success with her traveling (or rather transporting) bookshop!

Now, despite the fact that Louella's bookshop is a magic *traveling* bookshop, she is a bit of a homebody and likes to just keep to herself and her stories. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she begrudgingly agrees to join her former tutor, the kooky but loveable wizard, Feralorn, and the dangerously handsome and charming former thief, Everett Sharp, on a quest to track down Feralorn’s missing grimoire about magical creatures.

This book is full of magic, romance, adorable and fantastical creatures (e.g. a bunny with dragon wings that sneezes flames, magic glowing lunar moths, etc.) and a super cozy and sweet found family!

Yes this book is a romance; a lovely tender romance that will have you giggling and kicking your feet! But it is also a love letter to authors and readers alike. It celebrates the magic that happens when an author pours their heart and soul onto the page and shares their stories with their readers. So it is no surprise that this book is dedicated to its readers.

Thank you to bindery books and netgalley for the digital ARC.

And thank you to Gryffin, this book is a joy and a blessing!

[Poorvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @bindery_books @netgalley for sending the ARC of this novel!

Curling up with Twig’s Traveling Tomes by Gryffin Murphy is like stepping into the most enchanting corner of a library you’ve never known existed—a place where every shelf hums with magic, every book has a secret to tell, and every corner smells faintly of spiced tea and possibility. Louella Twig, the wonderfully grumpy and delightfully book-obsessed Book Witch at the heart of the story, is the perfect companion for anyone who’s ever preferred the company of stories to that of people…until Everett Sharp bursts into her life like sunlight through dusty library windows.

Everett is everything Louella isn’t: charming, bold, mischievous, and utterly irresistible, the kind of rogue who makes your pulse race and your eyes roll simultaneously. Their chemistry is a slow-burn masterpiece of forced proximity and mutual pining, set against the backdrop of an enchanted bookshop that feels almost alive. When Louella is reluctantly dragged into a quest to recover a stolen grimoire, it’s Everett’s energy—and perhaps his grin—that guides her through the chaos. Along the way, we meet a cast of friends old and new who feel like the warm embrace of a found family, supporting Louella as she navigates magic, mischief, and matters of the heart.

Murphy’s writing sparkles with warmth and whimsy, weaving a story that balances magical adventure with tender, laugh-out-loud romance. The novel is a love letter to readers who delight in libraries, cozy nooks, and the quiet thrill of discovering a story that changes everything. The romance is heartfelt and teasing, full of “grumpy meets sunshine” banter, stolen glances, and that delicious tension of two people who know they shouldn’t, yet can’t help but care.

At its core, Twig’s Traveling Tomes is about more than just magic or a stolen book. It’s about learning that the treasures in life—love, friendship, trust—are often hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to look. Between the laughter, the swoons, and the adventure, Murphy creates a world that feels warm, alive, and utterly inviting.

If you love romantasy with heart, magical bookstores, the slow burn of grumpy-sunshine romance, and a quest that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about treasure hunting, Twig’s Traveling Tomes is the perfect cosy read to get lost in. You’ll leave the story with a full heart, a smile on your face, and perhaps a sudden urge to wander your own library aisles a little more slowly, wondering which books are waiting just for you.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

📝 ARC Review: Best read of 2026 thus far!

This story made me feel so much happiness and enjoyment! I actually wound up reading this one rather slowly, because I wanted to make it last as long as possible!

A witch who runs a traveling bookshop, gets pulled into an unexpected adventure/ quest, when her old mentor resurfaces needing her help with finding a lost book. Simultaneously, she’s harboring a fugitive against her will (sort of). Together they make a rag tag team, but along the way, others join them in their quest and new friendships grow, along with some love blooming in the air.

I adored the found family vibes in this story! Also, the steamy tension that grew between Louella and Everett and the way that their little intimate moments always seemed to get interrupted, had me loving it even more! The cast of characters was so full of variety and I found reasons to enjoy each of them. Feralorn, the old mentor, was so quirky and absentminded, as well as oblivious… it created lots of laughs!

I honestly have zero complaints and highly recommend this story to anyone just wanting a lighthearted, fun read, that has a slow burn romance without much in the way of spice.

Genre: Cozy Fantasy
POV: Third Person; Single
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 1/5
Release Date: September 8, 2026

Vibes: All the feel good, happy emotions! Adventure, fun banter, quirky & lovable characters, and a slow burn romance!

Quotes 👇

“Are you a bookmark? Because I want to slide you under my covers.” 😂

“I haven’t been bored for one moment since I met you.”

“Romance is easier read than done.”

“I’ve been shown what’s truly valuable: long lasting friendships, a place where I belong, and the greatest treasure of all … your heart.”

Tropes 👇

- Magic/Witches
- Traveling bookshop
- Search for a stolen book
- Rag tag group banded together for adventure
- Opposites attract
- Slow burn
- Wide variety of magical creatures and people!
- Found family
- Passionate moments always getting interrupted
- Ex-con MMC
- Book Witch FMC
- LGBTQ rep mixed in
- HEA 💞

CW’s 👇

- Thievery

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Haddy • haddyreadshere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & Bindery Books for the ARC.

I guess this book would fall under the genre of romantasy — a mix of fantasy and romance — and I think this might actually be my first romantasy read. And wow, it was such a good one.

This was a very well-written book, and the balance between romance and fantasy was… I don’t want to say perfect, but something very close to perfect. The characters were so well done. I loved all of them — well, except the villains, obviously. But I could genuinely picture this book as a Pixar or Disney adaptation, seeing this magical world come to life with both mythical creatures and humans.

I could clearly envision Twig’s bookshop, the taverns, the kingdoms, her tree house, the flying greenhouse, everything. It was just so vivid and beautiful.

I don’t read a lot of fantasy, but one of my goals this year is to read more of it. And I’d describe this one as more of a mild or medium fantasy. It’s not heavy on multiple worlds, wars, or extreme danger. It’s perfect for someone who doesn’t usually read fantasy but still wants to enjoy it. And I really, really did.

The romance was slow burn and clean, and you could feel the chemistry between the FMC and MMC from the start. I loved watching the friendships grow and seeing each character come into their own throughout the book.

It had all the elements of a feel-good read; sweet, light, and enjoyable. The plot developed beautifully. I didn’t immediately guess who the villain was, but honestly, that didn’t even matter because I was just enjoying the book so much. I mainly wanted Twig, Everett, and everyone else to have a happy ending.

This was my first time reading this author and my first romantasy, and I loved the experience. The writing, dialogue, and scenes were immersive. Everything was mythical, cosy, and magical.

I would absolutely recommend this book. 💯☺️

[Liz Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun, cozy, romantasy romp that had be squealing and kicking my feet for most of the novel. I devoured the first 60% in one sitting. I loved the crew that came together around Twig and her shop. (Arturo is my favorite. I would read a novel of just him and his special someone that comes along later. They are my favorite forever and always.) The story itself was structured in a very simple quest format that I felt suited the narrative well. I enjoyed the episodic feel, and the level of awareness the characters brought to their adventures. I giggled so much throughout this story. The writing was very tight and engaging, and I loved how whimsical Twig's magic was. I mean, magic of books? Come on. It was such a lovely story to sweep me away, and truly encompassed the idea of "escapist" fantasy.

That 60% mark was, however, where the story started to lose me a bit and I began to have some complaints. Everett felt a little /too/ perfect, and I began to realize that for all my delight in the first half, I felt like the two didn't really know each other. They were quite insta-lovey. Which again, at the beginning I didn't care, but the further I got into the story, the more questions I had--and the more I wished Twig was asking questions as well. There were also a few world building questions I had, especially around how her shop runs. How do patrons know she's around if she doesn't keep a consistent schedule? Choosing where to go for the day in a moment by moment basis felt rather convenient to the plot and not super believable.

All in all, I had a really fun time. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, bookish romance filled with magical adventures and a fun quirky cast of friends!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the advance reading copy!

[Gie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8/5

A whimsical world filled with funny and adorable characters, all wrapped inside a cozy fantasy story.

Cozy fantasies are often a hit or miss for me because of their slow-pace and low-stakes plots, but I ended up liking this one a lot. Some parts were admittedly a bit slower than I prefer, but the chemistry between the characters and their funny dialogue kept me entertained throughout.

One of my favourite running jokes in the book was the banter and arguments about choosing a proper team name. Those moments were so precious and charming. Their adventure to recover the missing pages of the grimoire isn’t particularly dangerous, but it is filled with plenty of heartwarming and amusing moments.

My favourite aspect of the book is definitely Twig’s magic. It feels unique and imaginative, and I would absolutely love to visit her magical bookstore. The cozy atmosphere of this story actually reminded me a lot of the video game “Tiny Bookshop”. If a collaboration between the two ever happened, I would be the happiest gamer in the world.

The characters are vivid and likeable, and none of them felt annoying or frustrating to read about. While there are villains in the story, many of them serve more as comic relief than serious threats.

If I had to choose a least favourite aspect, it would probably be the romance. I like both Twig and Everett, but their dynamic with the rest of the team is so entertaining that their romantic moments felt a little dull in comparison.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, anyone looking for a palate cleanser after a darker read, or anyone who simply wants a comforting story that can lift their mood.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jess Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is gorgeously funny, deliciously sweet and an absolute adventure from start to finish. It’s one that you’ll want to read again and again just to enjoy the feeling of being among friends in a magical world.

Louella Twig is a witch with a special type of magic that means she feels exactly the right book that is needed for each person at just the right time. She runs a cosy bookshop caravan that can magically transport to different parts of the kingdom. She enjoys her quiet, reclusive life. That is until she meets a roguishly handsome ex-thief and an endearingly forgetful previous tutor who throw her into an entirely unexpected quest to recover a stolen tome.

I love everything about this story, the funny one liners that made me laugh out loud, the sweet and tender moments, like when Louella realised that the book creatures turn into pages because they feel safe in her hands and the cute little haregon familiar. I love the varied cast of characters that become a part of this adventure and the interesting places they visit.

The thing I loved most about this story is the way Everett is instantly captivated by Twigs and each time he learns more about her his affection only deepens. She can be grouchy or irritated, reluctant or reserved, and none of that is off-putting to him, he just seems to like her more. He may be infuriating her with his playful flirtatious manner but his constant appreciation for all sides of her personality is just magical.

Each chapter feels like curling up in a comfy armchair with a steaming hot drink and a familiar book. The writing is beautifully poetic and the characters are funny and lovable from the start. This was exactly the book I needed at just the right time.

[Nia C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC

This is probably one of my most disappointing reads, and not for the reasons you think!

Twig's Traveling Tomes has so much promise and charm, but unfortunately the execution falls flat. The plot and the world building are spectacular and all the bones are there for a truly excellent adventure romance with a band of loveable characters! I was desperate to love this book because it honestly has everything I would want and with some work could be truly excellent.

The problem for me was that the author doesn't give anything enough time or suspense. Everything is over or explained very quickly with no stakes or build up, and that makes it very hard to care or be engrossed by the story. I had to really force myself through. The actual basis of the adventure (collecting the pages) would be over in less than a page, there was no tension in whether they would be able to get to the animals it was just resolved instantly. Also I was told everything instantly instead of any suspense or finding anything out later in the story, for example did I need Everett's whole story from the beginning? Some things could have come out during his relationship with Twigs developing to up the romance and make you actually root for the characters. I felt like the author was talking me through the story instead of letting me experience it and have time to feel it.

It's like I've just read the story outline before it gets written but not the finished product. Everything is there, and the plot and everything is GOOD but it's not written into a proper story and that was the most disappointing and frustrating part of this read as it could really have been one of my favourite books of all time but ended up the opposite.

[Essentially Bookish Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twig’s Traveling Times by Gryffin Murphy is a delightful cozy fantasy that blends adventure, heart, and a deep love of books into one enchanting story.

At the center is Louella Twig, a book-loving witch who runs a magical traveling bookstore that never stays in one place for long. The shop itself is one of the novel’s greatest strengths—its shifting shelves, mysterious doors, and instinct for matching the right book to the right reader create a warm, immersive atmosphere that feels both whimsical and purposeful. The idea that stories hold transformative magic is woven beautifully throughout the narrative.

When a powerful grimoire is stolen, Louella is drawn beyond the comfort of her beloved shop and into a journey across the four kingdoms. Along the way, she’s joined by a charming rogue, her former professor, and a loyal gnome companion. The adventure introduces a vibrant world filled with magical creatures, lively settings, and just enough intrigue to keep the pages turning.

One of the most satisfying aspects of the book is its found family dynamic. Watching this unlikely group grow closer as they face challenges together adds emotional depth to the story. There’s also a gentle thread of romance and self-discovery that complements the adventure without overpowering it. Themes of belonging, acceptance, and courage shine through in a way that feels sincere and uplifting.

Overall, Twig’s Traveling Times is a comforting, imaginative read perfect for fans of cozy fantasy, magical bookstores, and character-driven adventures. It’s a story about finding your people, trusting your path, and believing in the quiet magic that books can bring into our lives.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Narelle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a book that is charming and cosy, with a host of characters that you want to adventure with across strange lands. Twig's Traveling Tomes is just that book. Gryffin Murphy has created a fabulous story that draws the reader in and takes them along on a magical journey to find the pages of a grimoire that have been scattered across four kingdoms.
Louella, the Book witch, has a power that appears to be quite unique - she draws magic from books, from the written words that sit within their covers. It is a magic that caused her to be named defunct as no one really thought it was a real magic. Despite this, she has made quite a name for herself across the Four selling books from her bookstore, books that are exactly what each reader requires. Thought she has had quite a great deal of success, Louella has not realised how lonely her existence has been, until Everett, ex-thief and a charming rogue, enters her shop and life. Within no time at all, they are engaged in a quest for her past mentor, Feralorn, seeking to find the many pages of his grimoire which was stolen and torn asunder. Louella quickly finds herself the unwitting leader of a growing band of characters all helping to save the day.
Gosh, this was fun in so many ways. The overt use of a range of romantic tropes was very entertaining. You wanted to cheer as each member of the crew became part of the team, and it was really super how Everett became an integral part of Louella Twig's life. It was slow burn, but in the best possible way. This story is one for anyone who wants to slip back into their imaginative childhood in a grown up way - it was just a joyful story.
So glad that Netgalley and the publisher allowed me the chance to read this arc.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankyou so much to the publisher, netgalley and Gryffin Murphy for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my review with my honest opinion.

A wonderfully cosy book with warmth, charm and a swoon worthy romantic adventure along the way!

Louella Twig has a unique ability in that she draws her magic from books, and this has never been the case before in the kingdom which has seemingly ostracised Louella.
So she takes it upon herself to achieve her own goals of opening an ambulatory book shop "Twig's travelling tomes" she does well and has a good reputation (as she gives people the book they need, not necessarily the one they wanted).
Louella's bookshop is one that travels over the kingdoms by having a magical doorknob that she can change and depending on which knob she uses will be where the door opens up at (a bit similar to Howl's moving castle with his magical door).

I felt the story explored feelings of lonliness because of being different and then also found family (amongst others), while finding love along the way and showing how the uniqueness in each person is special.

The FMC is highly likeable, independent, a little stubborn and a witch who has an intriguing and original style of magic, her home is also an amazing tree house that has stained glass windows and just made me instantly want to live in this book!

While the MMC is roguish, super flirty and has a super soft spot for the FMC and he nicknames her Twigs (much to her dismay 🤭) his character is very comparable to Flynn Rider!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read this over a weekend but I'm sure I'll be thinking about it for much, much longer ✨️
Highly recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Ttgyrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all cozy fantasy book lovers!! This tome is for you! Charming in all the best ways, with witches, wizards, gnomes, dragons, thieves, pirates and all types of magical creatures. Lovely characters with fun magic and a heartwarming message.

Louella Twig is a successful book witch 🧙‍♀️with a traveling bookstore, despite not being recognized by the magical community for her unique power. Her magic is in knowing the perfect book for every reader. I want her magic and I wish this bookstore was a real place to visit! Everett is a recently-former thief that she discovers hiding in her store. Although there are instant sparks between them, it’s a slow burn romance as they embark on adventure recovering the pages of a grimoire stolen from her former mentor, Feralorn.

This literally checks all boxes of a cozy fantasy but in a way that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was humorous, had found family, and real family that you’ll fall in love with. These quirky characters collect as Louella and Everett travel across the four kingdoms and the action unfolds at pace with the evolution of their relationship. There are also a host of side love interests that include varied types of romantic entanglements.

My only criticisms are that I wish it was a little more detailed in the world building and I could have used less use of the word “wolfish”. These are minor quibbles that didn’t detract from the overall vibes. And as a bibliophile, I thoroughly appreciated the love and power of books this story reflected. So many things to love in this sweet tale.

Thank you to Bindery Books via Net Galley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Elly · Rating 2 out of 5]

That had moments of joy "he'd brought her to the chicken coop, and had her magically lift and move all the fresh eggs, sorting the bad from the good while avoiding the projectile flames from the laying hens" and to be the fair, the world was cute and cosy. The world building was neat.

But mostly - it was a boring read. The tension was non-existent or perhaps just more that it was unbelievable. It felt more like an eyeroll as our protagonist takes a step over the drama (her skirts rustling as she goes) before setting everything right. It felt so low-stakes as to not even be a thing. Even the will-he-wont-he felt ridiculous, because the extreme pull of love-at-first-sight felt so unwarranted and obvious (and even with the reveal - eye roll) that I would have had more respect if she'd said 'that's a red flag, I'll pass' and we spent the book resolving THAT conflict.

I didn't care enough about the outcome, we could have left the dragon where it was and mostly, all would have been well in our protagonists world and she could just gone back to her little bookshop and reading nooks with little to no change. (Yes, sure, she did not go back to it and there was character growth, but it was because our protagonist is a people pleaser, and not because the character growth was hard won and she deserved the glow up).

Anyway, I wasn't emotionally invested, which was heartbreaking, because usually this kind of story (magic books? In a magic book shop? Quest?) would have been my squick.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc.