Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore
A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.
Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.
The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance—she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.
Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.
When a mysterious blight endangers every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together, through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another, to save their community. But with a figure from her previous life knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder…does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?
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Emily Krempholtz
Emily Krempholtz writes at the intersection of magic, emotion, and human connection, crafting stories where fantastical worlds feel grounded and characters grow in unexpected ways. Based in Colorado, she draws inspiration from the wide skies and mountain landscapes around her, weaving settings that feel alive with possibility while exploring themes of redemption, belonging, and self-discovery.
Before stepping into the cozy fantasy romance spotlight with her upcoming debut, Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore (Ace Books, 2025), Emily built a career guiding other writers as an editor, book coach, and ghostwriter, helping hundreds reach bestseller lists including USA Today and Publishers Weekly. This deep immersion in storytelling informs her own writing, giving her narratives a thoughtful, layered quality that blends charm, humor, and emotional resonance.