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The Faraway Inn
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26After a devastating heartbreak, a teen girl decides to spend her summer helping her eccentric great aunt manage her quaint Vermont inn--but this fixer-upper is hiding a magical secret--in this cozy and irresistable new fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop.
Sixteen-year-old Calisa is desperate for a change of scenery after her lying ex ruins her perfect Brooklyn summer. When her parents suggest she head to rural Vermont to help her great-aunt run her cozy bed and breakfast for a few months, she jumps at the chance.
But when Calisa arrives at the B&B, she's shocked to find a rundown inn with only a handful of guests. And to make matters worse, upon meeting with her great-aunt it quickly becomes clear that Calisa was not invited. Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn…even if it is clear she needs the help.
To earn her keep, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundskeeper's (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the more it becomes evident that there is something strange about the B&B—and its residents. Something almost…otherworldly.
The inn is keeping a magical secret—but to protect the place she's come to love, Calisa must unravel the truth of it, and her aunt, before it's too late.
Sixteen-year-old Calisa is desperate for a change of scenery after her lying ex ruins her perfect Brooklyn summer. When her parents suggest she head to rural Vermont to help her great-aunt run her cozy bed and breakfast for a few months, she jumps at the chance.
But when Calisa arrives at the B&B, she's shocked to find a rundown inn with only a handful of guests. And to make matters worse, upon meeting with her great-aunt it quickly becomes clear that Calisa was not invited. Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn…even if it is clear she needs the help.
To earn her keep, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundskeeper's (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the more it becomes evident that there is something strange about the B&B—and its residents. Something almost…otherworldly.
The inn is keeping a magical secret—but to protect the place she's come to love, Calisa must unravel the truth of it, and her aunt, before it's too late.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
7 people are currently reading
2176 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Beth Durst
41 books6,074 followersSarah Beth Durst is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty-five books for adults, teens, and kids, including cozy fantasy The Spellshop. She's been awarded an American Library Association Alex Award, as well as a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award. Several of her books have been optioned for film/television, including Drink Slay Love, which was made into a TV movie and was a question on Jeopardy! She lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, her children, and her ill-mannered cat. Visit her at sarahbethdurst.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 20, 2025
[Advanced reader copy]
Cozy. Cute. My kind of easy comfy read.
I did keep getting confused around the protagonists age. I imagine this is intended to be YA. But I kept thinking she was 18+ but acting younger. However, for someone exploring the summer before their senior year, the character is feasible in a cozy comfy novel.
I was surprised this title and cover look so much like her “The Spellshop” series but are set in an entirely different world.
Unless… they are ultimately linked?
The first two in that series were obviously the same world/realm. This is more modern day, current universe.
Will continue to look forward to Sarah Beth Dursts releases and hope this one proves to be a success for her.
4.5? I’d come back to this world / characters again.
Cozy. Cute. My kind of easy comfy read.
I did keep getting confused around the protagonists age. I imagine this is intended to be YA. But I kept thinking she was 18+ but acting younger. However, for someone exploring the summer before their senior year, the character is feasible in a cozy comfy novel.
I was surprised this title and cover look so much like her “The Spellshop” series but are set in an entirely different world.
Unless… they are ultimately linked?
The first two in that series were obviously the same world/realm. This is more modern day, current universe.
Will continue to look forward to Sarah Beth Dursts releases and hope this one proves to be a success for her.
4.5? I’d come back to this world / characters again.
Want to read
August 18, 2025i will read anything she puts out
August 11, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Sarah Beth Durst’s “The Faraway Inn” is a warm, whimsical YA fantasy that combines magical mystery, personal growth, and a dash of romance into a story as inviting as a cozy Vermont summer. Fans of Durst’s other conzy fantasy series will feel right at home, though this tale stands firmly in its own modern-day, self-contained world.
Sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt Zee’s bed-and-breakfast expecting quaint charm, only to find a crumbling fixer-upper and an aunt as prickly as she is eccentric. Determined to prove she belongs, Calisa throws herself into repairing the inn, with unexpected help from Jack, the groundskeeper’s kind (and handsome) son. But as she settles in, she begins to suspect that there’s more to the inn and its quirky, oddly unforgettable guests than meets the eye.
Durst fills the pages with a menagerie of memorable characters, each with their own peculiarities and hidden depths, creating a found family dynamic that brims with genuine love and friendship. I absolutely loved Steve the little dragon as well as all the other extremely unique characters that are all lovable in their unique ways. The inn’s magical secret unfolds in a way that’s both surprising and heartwarming, introducing the concept of interconnected realms and hinting at larger adventures beyond this book. Calisa’s journey is one of self-discovery and trust as she learns that it’s not weakness to rely on others, and that sometimes the best way forward is together. This book is just filled with genuine love as Calisa learns to help the inn’s guests and the guests in turn help Calisa grow as a person throughout the book.
The romance between Calisa and Jack is sweet but never overshadows her personal growth, and the emotional reunions sprinkled throughout are bound to tug at your heart. There were a couple of moments that were so overflowing with love that they brought tears to my eyes. Durst’s signature warmth and worldbuilding shine here, offering younger readers an empowering message wrapped in a charming, magical package. I would definitely recommend this book for younger YA readers as this story has humor, love, and powerful lessons throughout.
Overall, “The Faraway Inn” is a comforting escape as it’s overflowing with love, secrets, and second chances. It’s the kind of book you want to curl up with on a rainy day, leaving you smiling (and maybe a little misty-eyed) by the final page.
Sarah Beth Durst’s “The Faraway Inn” is a warm, whimsical YA fantasy that combines magical mystery, personal growth, and a dash of romance into a story as inviting as a cozy Vermont summer. Fans of Durst’s other conzy fantasy series will feel right at home, though this tale stands firmly in its own modern-day, self-contained world.
Sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt Zee’s bed-and-breakfast expecting quaint charm, only to find a crumbling fixer-upper and an aunt as prickly as she is eccentric. Determined to prove she belongs, Calisa throws herself into repairing the inn, with unexpected help from Jack, the groundskeeper’s kind (and handsome) son. But as she settles in, she begins to suspect that there’s more to the inn and its quirky, oddly unforgettable guests than meets the eye.
Durst fills the pages with a menagerie of memorable characters, each with their own peculiarities and hidden depths, creating a found family dynamic that brims with genuine love and friendship. I absolutely loved Steve the little dragon as well as all the other extremely unique characters that are all lovable in their unique ways. The inn’s magical secret unfolds in a way that’s both surprising and heartwarming, introducing the concept of interconnected realms and hinting at larger adventures beyond this book. Calisa’s journey is one of self-discovery and trust as she learns that it’s not weakness to rely on others, and that sometimes the best way forward is together. This book is just filled with genuine love as Calisa learns to help the inn’s guests and the guests in turn help Calisa grow as a person throughout the book.
The romance between Calisa and Jack is sweet but never overshadows her personal growth, and the emotional reunions sprinkled throughout are bound to tug at your heart. There were a couple of moments that were so overflowing with love that they brought tears to my eyes. Durst’s signature warmth and worldbuilding shine here, offering younger readers an empowering message wrapped in a charming, magical package. I would definitely recommend this book for younger YA readers as this story has humor, love, and powerful lessons throughout.
Overall, “The Faraway Inn” is a comforting escape as it’s overflowing with love, secrets, and second chances. It’s the kind of book you want to curl up with on a rainy day, leaving you smiling (and maybe a little misty-eyed) by the final page.
August 13, 2025
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books, and Sarah Beth Durst for this ARC of The Faraway Inn. Ms. Durst, you are a WIZARD! Both The Spellshop and The Enchanted Greenhouse were a 5/5 for me, but I would give The Faraway Inn a 100/5 if I could! 🪄 💫
This story takes place in a different world than both of the previous books, but it’s a world I would visit over and over again with this cast of quirky, but delightful, characters.
Main character Calisa has been sent to her Auntie Zee’s inn in Vermont for the summer, and this is fine with her because she needs to put some time and distance between her and her ex. But what Calisa doesn’t know, is that it isn’t an ordinary inn. It’s a sanctuary for those who need a place to land, time to think, and space to recover. To say it’s magical would be putting it lightly. Calisa soon realizes that nothing, including her Auntie Zee, is what it seems on the surface.
Not only does Calisa overcome her heartbreak over the summer at the inn, she makes new connections and gains something much greater—a future she never could have imagined.
This is definitely an adventure you should go on! You won’t regret being a part of this magical journey. ♥️
This story takes place in a different world than both of the previous books, but it’s a world I would visit over and over again with this cast of quirky, but delightful, characters.
Main character Calisa has been sent to her Auntie Zee’s inn in Vermont for the summer, and this is fine with her because she needs to put some time and distance between her and her ex. But what Calisa doesn’t know, is that it isn’t an ordinary inn. It’s a sanctuary for those who need a place to land, time to think, and space to recover. To say it’s magical would be putting it lightly. Calisa soon realizes that nothing, including her Auntie Zee, is what it seems on the surface.
Not only does Calisa overcome her heartbreak over the summer at the inn, she makes new connections and gains something much greater—a future she never could have imagined.
This is definitely an adventure you should go on! You won’t regret being a part of this magical journey. ♥️
August 8, 2025
Delightful. Reminds me a little bit of Ilona Andrews' Innkeeper series (one of my all time favorite series). Loved the personal growth side of things, the magical happenings, the delightful and peculiar found family.
My only quibble, which I hope will be ironed out before publication, is a little problem of missing supplies -- this is why they have to look for Vee -- they are out of milk, they are waiting for groceries when she disappears -- and then... suddenly they have milk for Mulligan when he comes downstairs and they go on about needing groceries for a few more days and then... they just don't mention it again. I kept wanting to know how they solve this grocery problem and it just gets dropped like a hot potato. I suspect this will get addressed.
I continue to be delighted by Sarah Beth Durst's success in the cozy romantasy realm. So much fun!
Advanced Reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss.
My only quibble, which I hope will be ironed out before publication, is a little problem of missing supplies -- this is why they have to look for Vee -- they are out of milk, they are waiting for groceries when she disappears -- and then... suddenly they have milk for Mulligan when he comes downstairs and they go on about needing groceries for a few more days and then... they just don't mention it again. I kept wanting to know how they solve this grocery problem and it just gets dropped like a hot potato. I suspect this will get addressed.
I continue to be delighted by Sarah Beth Durst's success in the cozy romantasy realm. So much fun!
Advanced Reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
I was excited to have a chance to read an advanced copy of this novel.
Already a fan of Sarah Beth Durst, this cozy read was hard to put down.
Reeling from heartbreak, Calissa escapes New York City to spend the summer at her great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast. But the moment she arrives, it's clear something has changed. The once-charming inn she remembers is eerily quiet, seemingly abandoned—and before she can even knock, the rotting front porch gives way beneath her feet.
Undeterred by a little hard work, Calissa rolls up her sleeves and sets out to conquer the dirt, dust—and her own heartbreak. With help from the groundskeeper’s charming son, she begins restoring the inn to its former glory. But as the summer unfolds, strange occurrences begin to stir. And then there are Auntie Zee’s only two rules: Don’t open any doors. Don’t ask questions. But how long can Calissa follow the rules when Auntie Zee goes missing?
Already a fan of Sarah Beth Durst, this cozy read was hard to put down.
Reeling from heartbreak, Calissa escapes New York City to spend the summer at her great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast. But the moment she arrives, it's clear something has changed. The once-charming inn she remembers is eerily quiet, seemingly abandoned—and before she can even knock, the rotting front porch gives way beneath her feet.
Undeterred by a little hard work, Calissa rolls up her sleeves and sets out to conquer the dirt, dust—and her own heartbreak. With help from the groundskeeper’s charming son, she begins restoring the inn to its former glory. But as the summer unfolds, strange occurrences begin to stir. And then there are Auntie Zee’s only two rules: Don’t open any doors. Don’t ask questions. But how long can Calissa follow the rules when Auntie Zee goes missing?
September 5, 2025
I received a temporary digital copy of The Faraway Inn from NetGalley, First Ink and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
After experiencing a devastating break-up, 16-year-old Calisa flees to her aunt's bed and breakfast in Vermont for the summer. She had been to her aunt's B&B as a child and remembered it much differently than the run-down inn she arrived at. Determined to prove to her aunt she can stay for the summer, Calisa begins helping to restore the building and grounds. In the process, she notices there is much more to the B&B and its guests than she originally realized.
Like her novels before, Durst brings enchantment and wonder to The Faraway Inn through her gorgeous descriptions and magical realms. Four stars and hoping Durst expands upon the realms she created in The Faraway Inn.
After experiencing a devastating break-up, 16-year-old Calisa flees to her aunt's bed and breakfast in Vermont for the summer. She had been to her aunt's B&B as a child and remembered it much differently than the run-down inn she arrived at. Determined to prove to her aunt she can stay for the summer, Calisa begins helping to restore the building and grounds. In the process, she notices there is much more to the B&B and its guests than she originally realized.
Like her novels before, Durst brings enchantment and wonder to The Faraway Inn through her gorgeous descriptions and magical realms. Four stars and hoping Durst expands upon the realms she created in The Faraway Inn.
Read
May 9, 2025Absolute perfection.
May 17, 2025
help this was so cute
August 14, 2025
I read this book in one day. I could not put it down. It's the type of YA book that you forget is YA so it definitely will appeal to adult readers.
I received an advance copy of this book.
I received an advance copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews