“The Faraway Inn” by Sarah Beth Durst
“It can feel like a thousand doors are shutting in your face. This is about believing that there’s a door out there that will open for you and lead you to some place new and wonderful, and just knowing that there’s going to be light after the darkness and good in the world… and cake, so much cake.”
If you’ve entered the whimsical world of cozy fantasy, then you are most definitely familiar with New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst. This month on the Narratives & Nightcaps podcast, Sarah joined us to spill the tea (pun intended) about her latest release, The Faraway Inn. It’s a story and episode that invites readers to walk through a door and into adventure, a charming escape, and heartwarming tale.
The narrative: about The Faraway Inn
Sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt’s Vermont inn with a broken heart. She’s arrived for a summer escape, an interlude from reality, and hopefully to help Auntie Zee around the B&B… because clearly, it needs a little TLC.
Except, Auntie Zee isn’t exactly thrilled Calisa has showed up on the porch, and Calisa starts to think her great-aunt’s reaction might have something to do with whatever she’s hiding. Because the inn, well it has some quirks. And the guests? They’re a bit – different.
Calisa’s summer checklist might have started with “heal a broken heart,” but she’ll have to add “uncovering the secrets of this B&B” before time runs out.
The nightcap
Sarah always writes with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, but the most suitable beverage pairing for this book is Cliché Tea’s Cozy Chocolate Earl Grey Tea. The most important thing to know here is that Sarah says it’s the “best tea ever,” and we trust her cozy expertise. While we can’t guarantee a magical teapot will pour you a cup, we’re confident the blend of earl grey tea, cacao, and vanilla black tea will be both comforting and sweet, making it the perfect companion for this cottagecore, heartwarming story.
In the episode
Get to know Sarah in this episode of Narratives & Nightcaps. We talk about:
Sarah’s storytelling process, which begins with “vibes” and the things that bring her happiness, in hopes that joy will spread to others.
The first moment Sarah thought about writing cozy fantasy books and what that means. Sarah shares that it’s a sanctuary (much like the inn), a deep breath, a warm hug, a magical escape, and hope. “It is optimistic fantasy distilled into cake and hugs.”
Overcoming self-doubt, especially for aspiring writers. “You are your biggest enemy,” Sarah says, but she has a few tips that have worked well over her expansive career of 30+ books.
Plus, Taylor Swift, cheese, and a whole lot of whimsy!
Sarah Beth Durst’s passion for cozy fantasy shines throughout her work and this conversation, with The Faraway Inn embodying exactly what so many readers hope for in this genre. It’s a vibrant, magical experience, full of hope, healing, and connections. Her cast of characters are infused with personality and allow you to show up, just how you are.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, her enchanting storytelling style is sure to transport you to delightful worlds. Our hope now is that you’ll simply open the door.
Listen or watch to the full author interview on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
Purchase your copy here.
Connect with Sarah!
Thank you to Penguin Random House for coordinating this author interview.