Book Review: A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner: A Cozy Fantasy Sweet Treat

★★★½☆

This one’s for readers who want to disappear into a world where the ovens are warm, the friendships are steady, and the most high-stakes moment might involve a poorly set custard. It’s not trying to be edgy. It’s trying to be kind. And in that, it succeeds.

The great baking battle is the heart of the book. It’s fun, cute, and full of cozy touches—like tiny fairies who cool the desserts mid-challenge and a (mostly) encouraging crowd cheering everyone on. The recipes sound delicious, the mood stays light, and the book doesn’t pretend to be anything more than what it is. You come for the cardamom and chocolate, and you stay because the world feels like somewhere you might want to live.

Theo, the romantic lead, is the best part. Kind, patient, and quietly self-respecting, he manages to be romantic without ever pushing. When he tells Arleta he grew his entire garden for her—before he even knew her—it’s not just sweet, it’s sincere. He gives her space, honors her agency, and still makes it clear that he cares. It’s rare to see a love interest written with that much gentle strength.

There’s room here for deeper emotional arcs, especially around Arleta’s romantic hesitation. The potential was there. A kiss. A moment of risk. A reason beyond fate. But the book doesn’t quite go there. Still, the story plants enough seeds that an Arleta sequel could bloom beautifully, especially if it leans more into the evolving dynamics of Adenashire, the baking battles, and the ripple effect of Arleta owning her humanity in a magical world. In the meantime, there are already sequels featuring Arleta’s friends Doli and Jez you can check out on bookshop.org.

If you like small-town fantasy, found family, food writing that will make you raid your kitchen, and characters who are soft but trying, this book will hit the sweet spot. Best read with something warm in hand and something sweet in reach.

Cover of A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner featuring an elf (Theo) and a woman (Arleta) holding a bag of bread loaves.