I received a copy of Keeper of Enchanted Rooms via NetGalley to read and review.

I was curious about Silas’ role since we start out with his story but then there’s a different storyline in America but there’s a good reason for that. I’m glad I got a copy from NetGalley and will be reading the next book in the series!

Thank you net galley for providing me with a copy of keeper of enchanted rooms in exchange for a honest review.


I loved the characters. In fact I think they were the strongest point of the book: they were so livid and humorous they immediately capture your attention. Merrits and Huldas romance was so well done it surprised me, as I found myself rooting for them and giggling at most of their interactions, and having to close the book and take a breath before continuing due to tenderness shown as their love for each other develops. The house's spirit (not naming it,because spoilers) was also such a hilarious, mischievous character to read about.


Also can we please appreciate the fact that Hulda and Merrit are both older? Finally a book that presents two mcs falling in love that are above the age of 25.

The prose of the book is also quite well done, and this manages to find the line between being very decently written and being easy to read.

I also found the amount of humorous vs angsty moments to be balanced, making the characters themselves, their interactions and even the way the story unfolded flow naturally.

Finally, the magic system was very solid, and the way we learn about it through conversations between characters and descriptions of magic taking place instead of an info dump, was very cleverly executed.


However, as much as I liked this I did have to remove two stars, as the side characters weren't given enough spotlight for us to see them develop, and certain parts of the book did feel like I was dragging myself through.

Overall, this was a great cozy fall read and I'd absolutely recommend to everyone who likes cozy fantasies.

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is the perfect cozy fantasy. The adorable and imperfect characters combined with Charlie Holmberg's quirky writing style gives us a book that made me feel as warm and fuzzy as The House on the Cerulean Sea.

The plot of this book was fantastic. I enjoyed how the author wove together a super unique magic system with a bit of action and adventure while not sacrificing the heartwarming and emotional aspects of the story. The romance of the story was also just right. It was sweet and subtle, and didn't overshadow the main plot of the book.

All in all, this was such a beautiful book that made me feel like I'd been wrapped in a warm blanket in front of a fireplace with a cup of cocoa. I am super excited for Charlie's next book to read more about Hulda and Merritt.

I loved that this book kept me interested the entire time. I never felt like there was a “meh” moment. One thing I do love about the authors books is that the story line isn’t super predictable. I can never tell during the story, where the ending will take me! This is a series and I appreciated that it ended on a good note but with still so much to be answered! Definitely recommend this book! Great amounts of magic, mystery, romance, and thrills!

'But Hulda was like picking up a book with no description, fanfare, or title and discovering it got better with each page turned. He wanted to know how her story would read. He wanted to reach the denouement, the end. And he wanted to see if she had a sequel.'

My heart, be still!

This was truly such a great read. I didn't know what to expect it when I picked up this book, but it pleasantly surprised as I read it. First of all, I loved the worldbuilding and the concept of different kinds of magic and how it is passed down through generations. This idea felt unique even as for someone who read quite a few books related to magic. All characters were lovable and the villain felt interesting - not a weird caricature like it sometimes happens in the books. Merritt is such a cinnamon roll and Hulda has a heart of gold. A perfect duo if you ask me. I liked Baptiste a lot too, even though I'd loved for him to be more present in the plot, as well as Mrs Taylor. I saw that a sequel is planned to be released next year, so hopefully I'll get to see more of them in the future!

I have been reading alot of good books lately, but this was GREAT. Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is a funny, detailed and slightly romantically touched story about a magical home and it’s eccentric new inhabitant and his staff. Where I found it getting a bit long at some points (I had a little bit of doubt that the two storylines wouldn’t weave in soon enough anymore but I was so wrong) it saved itself by fun or exciting plottwists so I was entertained through the whole story. I deff want a physical copy of this to annotate as I enjoyed the jokes, character & plot development & overall vibe so much!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Hulda Larkin goes to Whimbrel House to convince its new owner that the enchanted house needs to be preserved. It is a hard sell to begin with as the house, or maybe its ghost, have trapped Merritt inside, refusing to let him leave. As Hulda moves in as the housekeeper, she, Merritt and the two new staff members gradually learn the ways of the house and who is haunting it; and, as they learn, they also start to turn the house into a home and form ties that make them something of a family, something Merritt has longed for, for the last 18 years. But even as the house is tamed a new danger lurks that may rip them apart, if not kill them.

Ms Holmberg builds a very believable alternate world of the 1860s where magic is real, but fading and organizations exists to both preserve what magic remains as well as foster new generations with talent. Her characters are well-rounded, their feelings quite believable as both Hulda and Merritt are hesitant to reveal their growing feelings for each other due to past hurts. The action builds nicely - I read the book in one sitting - and the conclusion is very satisfying, though we are left with some unanswered questions about both Merritt and the future of BIKER. I assume those will be addressed in the next book in the series, Heir of Uncertain Magic, due out in April 2023. I can hardly wait. Highly recommended

This was such a wonderful read for autumn. Holmberg beautifully draws her readers in with her lyrical prose. Absolutely magical!

I can tell that a lot of thought and care went into world building of this book, especially in relation to creating an atmosphere that readers could feel immersed in. If someone is a reader that prefers the ‘vibe’ of a book over a fast-paced plot, this will be a huge plus. I always enjoy books with magic, and I thought the mechanics of this in the story were very nice. I’ve never read anything from this author before, but I enjoyed the writing style. I had a little bit of trouble getting invested in the story at first, but eventually I got into it.

Where do I start? So, so stinking good. When I first saw the length of this book, I thought it would take me days to finish. But between the fast-paced plot, completely perfectly lovable characters, the mysterious villain, and the HOUSE, I ate up this book. The way this book effortlessly slipped into different genres with each page was brilliant. Easy 5 stars.

What a wonderful book! Fantasy, romance. mystery and family. Three of the four main characters (I’m including Whimbrel House here) have lost their families and how it affects their lives sets up the story.
Told from several points of view the story has an entire magical world that is operating side by side with the nonmagic world, but it’s existence in the 1846 is waning. The two worlds meet when Merritt Fernsby, a nonwizard, inherits an house full of enchanted rooms, and finds himself desperately in need of help.
I’ve never read anything by this author before, but the cover and description from NetGalley and the publisher made me decide to request an advance copy and I’m so glad I did. I’ll be reading more of her hers, and hope that this book may be the start of a series.

I LOVED this book. It was so good. The characters are so funny and quirky, while the villain is suitably sinister. The house gives me "casita" vibes from Encanto. Definitely my favorite characer. I was genuinely smiling while reading this book. I have read and enjoyed several other of Holmberg's books, but this one is my favorite by far. I cannot recommend it enough.

*Copy Provided Graciously by netgalley in return for an honest review*

Many of you know Charlie N. Holmberg can do very little wrong in my eyes. Despite this only being the second novel I have read by her (Please go read Will & The Wilds as well), I have fallen utterly in love with her writing style and capabilities!

This story follows three characters, and takes your on a journey through mysterious-thriller-like tale between a boy overwhelmed by his power and a house that seems to enjoy punishing it's non-magical (and sometimes magical) tenants. It is perfect for fall in my humble opinion as it provides you with every dark twist and turn you could desire out of a novel without being too utterly dark that you cannot enjoy it (or feel like you're going to be eaten alive by the pages of the very book you're holding in your hands >.<). If you want something magical, dark, with a ending that will leave you dying for more... you've found the perfect novel.

I absolutely cannot wait to delve into the second book

What an enchanting book!

I don't tend to read fantasy, but I have realized magical realism tends to grab me.

Initially it was the setting that attracted me, Rhode Island in the mid 1800's...on an island with a single house to boot. Would there be enough to create an enjoyable book? YES!

The house itself becomes a great character. There is mystery, romance and found family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am happy to learn it will be a series..

(Also, what a great cover!)

It's the first Charlie N. Holmberg that I've ever read. Not knowing that I would fall in love with her writing in this first book. The story is awesome!! It is magical, yes. It is historical, yes. It's perfect for Autumn historical fantasy read. Can't wait for the second book of this series

Firstly, what a charming cover! Keeper of Enchanted Rooms booked me right from the beginning. I found it to be a highly entertaining story. I was pleasantly surprised at how the author created such an in-depth magic system - a whole world! I am thoroughly charmed by Owain. I hope that this continues as a series. I love Hulda. Strong female characters are fabulous!

Ebook received for free through NetGalley

Another absolutely epic read from Charlie Holberg... That said I might have "bought" it through Kindle First read last month and just finished it yesterday... then saw it on NetGalley. An amazing read which I wish I could forget just for the joy of reading it again. Has all the scary, grinning, awesome points needed. Can't wait to see if there's a continuation!

What a truly enjoyable book! A wonderful mix of magic, whimsy, spookiness and just a touch of romance. I highly recommend reading all about Meritt and Hulda’s adventures!

I thought the premise very unique, and I’m looking forward to,the sequel to see where the story goes from here.

I decided to give this book a go based on the gorgeous cover and the fun synopsis. I've honestly never heard of this author and took the risk, in hopes I'd love her writing. And Charlie did not disappoint!

If you love character driven stories, with a lot of dialogue, grab this book now! If you enjoy our world with an addition of magical realism? Grab this book! I absolutely adored the characters, the plot was fun, I loved the magic that was involved and I hope she delves deeper into the magic system in the next two books that round out this trilogy.

To say I loved this is an understatement, I have added her other books to my TBR and plan to binge read through them all within the next year. I'm so happy that I loved this book and found a new author I can read without worry of a DNF.