The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment

Series: Enchanted Confections #2 (Standalone within the series)

Author: Sarah Carlisle

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling, Romance

Rating: 5 stars

Review:

A helping of brownies. A fistful of gremlins. And a sprinkling of love to mend what is broken.

The proudest day of Bryony’s life is the day her father, the village carpenter, is knighted for saving the king. The worst is when she learns the king has a reward for her, too: marriage to a stranger. Not just any stranger, but an earl with a frightening reputation.

Bryony arrives at Aberarth expecting polished floors, bustling servants, and a grand welcome. She’s met with an empty, neglected house and withered fields.

But Bryony isn’t delicate. She’s a village girl with stubborn optimism and capable hands. No servants? A new husband who’s too busy making mysterious magical explosions in his study to help with the laundry? Fine. She’ll rebuild Aberarth herself. First step: leave milk on the hearth for the household brownies. Then she’ll roll up her sleeves and get to work.

Because Bryony isn’t alone. Brownies, gremlins, dryads, kobolds—the fae have had reason to stay hidden. As Bryony coaxes the estate back to life, old magic stirs. And so does something dangerous and tender between her and the eccentric young earl. But Aberarth’s decay is a warning. Is Bryony the key to waking its true power—or the bait that triggers what’s buried beneath it? – summary from Goodreads

*I received an ARC from the author, and all opinions are my own.

A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment was a fantastic retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon!

I really love East of the Sun, West of the Moon, and retellings of this story are something I really enjoy. I absolutely loved this book so much- it’s probably my favorite retelling of this story!

It did change one of the main parts of the story, but I was absolutely okay with that. I was never the biggest fan of the sharing a bed but not knowing what the other person looked like. So, I was happy that was changed around a little. A small spoiler: instead, he couldn’t touch anyone. I loved this aspect of the story. As someone who is sensory sensitive, I loved having this representation, though it’s a little different.

Bryony was the absolute best! She was hardworking and dedicated to her work! I loved how this book showed the power of hard work. Most of the story was about her making her new home a livable place and befriending the local Fae. I liked that this book shows how doing the work and being kind is important. She was also very kind to those around her.

Arthur was also amazing! He wasn’t in the story too much, but the parts he was in were great. He was very dramatic, which I loved; the first quote I share below demonstrates that. I am also drawn to being melodramatic at times, so this was very entertaining to me. He was also hardworking, though in a different way from Bryony, and caring. In the beginning you think that Arthur is very gruff, but throughout the course of the story you see a deeper side to him.

Their relationship started off a little rocky, but it quickly grows into something more. They are in a surprise arranged marriage, which causes some issues, along with the fact that he is never seen during the day. They do challenge each other and work well together. I loved the way that Arthur quietly cared about Bryony. He would see she needed something, so he made it for her- it was so cute. I loved seeing their relationship grow!

Bryony was also a commoner while Arthur was an earl, so there were some class differences that were explored. Bryony showed Arthur how to work hard, while Arthur taught Bryony how to read. It was incredibly cute!

I loved the way the curse was broken. It was unique and fit the story really well. The way the Fae were woven into the story was also wonderful. They brought a lot of fun and energy to the story, as well as shenanigans!

The way the story ended was everything! It was so sweet and brought everyone together!

A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment is a cozy retelling with Fae, magic, and sweet romance that I highly recommend!

A Batch of Bears and Bewitchment releases on May 15, 2026.

Quotes:

“‘I am a miserable failure, and there is not even music to comfort me.’”

“‘Aberarth seemed lost in the shadows, and you brought the sunshine.’”