Publishers Weekly
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This cute and quirky cozy romantasy, the third standalone set in the world Durst established in The Spellshop, takes to the Crescent Islands Empire’s seas to find adventure, love, and family. Sailor Marin’s life turned upside down two years ago when she discovered that her then-fiancé was trying to sabotage her family’s supply-running business. After the Emperor is overthrown, Marin returns to her home island’s End-of-Harvest Festival, where she discovers that her ex-fiancé has assumed control of the loan her parents took out for her boat and is demanding it be repaid in full just after the winter solstice. Marin and her wonderfully eclectic crew—including dashing new addition Dax, a virtuosic composer who’s traveling with them—embark on a series of entertaining escapades as they work to secure the funds to pay off the debt and keep her parents from losing their home. As in previous installments, the revolution subplot plays out in the background and off-page while the story proper stays focused on the everyday stakes of ordinary—if fantastical—lives. Readers will find it a warmhearted and thoroughly entertaining escape. Agent: Andrea Somberg, Harvey Klinger Literary. (July)

Library Journal
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Marin's heart belongs to the wide-open sea; she refuses to confine herself to a smaller, wife-shaped life. She leaves her fiancé and gets a boat, making ends meet as a runner between islands, delivering mail, everyday goods, and the occasional sentient enchanted object, with a rescued sea serpent named Perri as her only companion. Arriving at Alyssium one day, Marin discovers the city on fire and people evacuating; among them is composer Dax, a prodigy in the middle of working on his magnum opus. Marin takes a number of fleeing Alyssians and magical objects onto her boat and brings them to safety. Even after the other refugees leave the boat, Dax stays onboard to be inspired by Marin's stories, as does an enchanted plant that feels it was meant to be a sailor. With her new passengers, Marin feels less alone. She has now contributed to so many rescues, but can she save herself? VERDICT The third entry in Durst's "Spellshop" series (after The Enchanted Greenhouse) connects characters, places, and events from the previous books, expanding the delightful world of the Crescent Islands.—Kristi Chadwick