🌟 Synopsis
A shy gardener with a green thumb and a heart full of regret. An ex-healer who’s sworn off magic—and the man she once broke. In Growing Memories, Jaime Ryanne invites us back to the enchanting Valley of Sylveren, where friendships bloom into love, ancient plants hold the cure to a kingdom’s curse, and healing isn’t just about mending wounds—it’s about rediscovering the parts of yourself you thought were lost forever.
Eunny Song has left healing magic behind, running a cozy repair café where she fixes broken things—just not people. Ollas Nevin, the quiet horticulture professor who’s loved her since childhood, returns to Sylveren University hoping for a second chance. But when an accident in Eunny’s shop throws them together again, magical plants from their shared past awaken…along with long-buried feelings.
As secrets unravel and the plants’ demands grow, Eunny must decide if she can face the magic she fears—and the man who never stopped caring.
💬 Detailed Review
If The House in the Cerulean Sea and Emily Henry’s romances had a baby raised in a magical greenhouse, Growing Memories would be it. Jaime Ryanne crafts a love story that is as gentle as it is emotional, pairing whimsical magical STEM elements with the rich ache of second chances.
Eunny’s journey is one of self-forgiveness. She isn’t your typical FMC charging headfirst into danger—she’s deeply flawed, hesitant, and utterly relatable in her desire to protect herself from further hurt. Ollas, on the other hand, is peak book boyfriend material—patient, tender, and quietly determined to prove that some loves are worth nurturing, no matter how long it takes to bloom.
What elevates this book beyond standard cozy fantasy romance is the tactile magic. You can almost feel the warmth of the greenhouse, smell the earthy loam, and watch the slow unfurling of enchanted leaves as the romance deepens. The plants aren’t just a cute backdrop—they’re integral to the plot and metaphorically mirror Eunny and Ollas’s rekindling relationship.
The slow burn here is delicious. Every lingering glance, every shared chore in the greenhouse feels intentional, like watching seeds sprout in real time. Jaime Ryanne doesn’t rush the emotional beats—she lets them grow naturally, which makes the payoff in the final act all the more satisfying.
This is a story about magic, but also about the choice to let yourself be vulnerable again. It’s about reconciling with the past, learning that healing isn’t a straight path, and that sometimes love needs more than time—it needs tending.
📚 About the Author
Jaime Ryanne writes cozy romantasy with heart, humor, and a dash of magic. Her Valley of Sylveren series combines small-town fantasy charm with romantic tension and imaginative magical systems, creating warm, immersive reads that feel like wrapping yourself in a blanket with tea in hand.
✨ Books Similar to Growing Memories
- Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries – Heather Fawcett
- Legends & Lattes – Travis Baldree
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches – Sangu Mandanna
- A Far Wilder Magic – Allison Saft
🔥 Spice Rating
🌶️ Low – Expect kisses, heated glances, and romantic tension that will make your heart skip without explicit scenes. Perfect for readers who prefer swoon over steam.
💡 Why You Should Get a Copy
- Cozy Fantasy Meets Magical Academia – A greenhouse full of magical plants, whimsical STEM elements, and just enough intrigue to keep you hooked.
- Childhood Friends-to-Lovers – A romance steeped in history and mutual care.
- Emotional Depth – Deals with healing from guilt, reclaiming lost parts of yourself, and forgiving the past.
- Standalone in a Connected Series – You can start here or enjoy as part of the Valley of Sylveren world.
🎯 Interactive Section – “Which Magical Plant Are You?” Quiz
Question 1:
When faced with a challenge, you:
A) Stay calm and work steadily until you solve it.
B) Panic, but then power through.
C) Immediately call a friend for advice.
D) Ignore it until you have no choice but to deal with it.
Question 2:
Your ideal cozy day involves:
A) Tending to a garden or houseplants.
B) Reading with tea by the fire.
C) Baking something sweet.
D) Napping with a pet nearby.
Question 3:
How do you express love?
A) Acts of service.
B) Words of affirmation.
C) Quality time.
D) Gift-giving.
Results:
- Mostly A’s: Sunleaf Bloom – Steady, dependable, and a source of warmth for everyone around you.
- Mostly B’s: Whisperfern – Gentle and thoughtful, with a hidden spark.
- Mostly C’s: Honeyvine – Sweet, nurturing, and deeply connected to those you love.
- Mostly D’s: Dreamroot – Protective, private, but willing to open up when the time is right.
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🏆 Final Thoughts
Growing Memories is the kind of book that lingers. You don’t just finish it and move on—you keep thinking about Eunny’s choice, Ollas’s steadfastness, and the way a single greenhouse can hold so many untold stories.
If you love Legends & Lattes but wish it had more emotional depth, or if you’re a fan of T. Kingfisher’s gentle, plant-filled magic worlds, you need this on your TBR.
Perfect for readers who enjoy:
🌱 Cozy fantasy romance
🌱 Magical academia
🌱 Friends-to-lovers
🌱 Greenhouse/gardening vibes
🌱 Healing and emotional growth arcs
My Verdict:
A tender, beautifully written romance with magic that feels both whimsical and profound. Jaime Ryanne has given us a greenhouse full of heart—and I can’t wait to see what blooms next in the Valley of Sylveren.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Highly recommend for your next cozy read!
Reading Caffeinated 