The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst

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.

---

A summer escape, a mysterious inn, and magic just beneath the surface.

Pre-Reading Thoughts
I knew I was in for something comforting and whimsical. SBD has a knack for blending everyday life with small, magical surprises, and I was expecting warmth, humour, and a gentle touch of mystery.

Post-Reading
As I thought…
This is pure cosy magic. Calisa is a relatable, smart, and determined protagonist, and the B&B itself is full of charm, personality, and hidden quirks. The narrative is gentle but engaging, and the subtle magical elements are woven beautifully into the setting.

It surprised me by…
Balancing cosy vibes with a slight sense of wonder and mystery. The inn’s secret feels alive and layered, giving the story just enough tension to keep turning the pages without ever losing the warmth at its heart. The little nod to SBD’s Spellshop series is a fun wink for longtime readers.

Overall Thoughts
A perfect summer/escape read - light, enchanting, and comforting, but still with depth and subtle magic. Ideal for readers who want a slow-burn mystery in a cosy, magical setting, with diverse characters and lots of heart.

Tarot Pull
🃏 The Page of Cups (Light Seer’s Tarot) — Curiosity, new experiences, and gentle wonder. Calisa steps into a world just a little larger than she expected, ready to explore, help, and discover magic hidden in plain sight.

Vibe Check

• Colour palette: soft creams, sage green, warm amber

• Soundtrack: acoustic indie, light folk, gentle piano

• Season: summer (or late spring, perfect for escape)

• Mood: warm, cozy, whimsical

• Scent: baked goods, pine trees, fresh linen

For fans of…
Sarah Beth Durst’s other cosy novels • Gentle, magical summer adventures • Cozy mysteries with heart and magic