A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.

Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.

The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance—she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.

Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.

When a mysterious blight endangers every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together, through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another, to save their community. But with a figure from her previous life knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder…does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?

Violet is a powerful witch yearning to leave her villainous past behind. She comes to Dragon’s Rest to remake herself and open a flower shop. As she tries to leave the past behind it seeps into her new life and threatens her new-found happiness.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-drawn and the story moves at a good pace. We can empathize with Violet’s desire to change and her misgivings that she will fail and lose what she wants. The plot itself is somewhat predictable but the characters are so relatable that the trip to the conclusion, though familiar, is thoroughly enjoyable.   This is a warm story of people changing themselves as well as finding acceptance and each other. I look forward to reading more of Emily Krempholtz’s work. Recommended ~~ Stephanie L Bannon

For more titles by Emily Krempholtz click here