Set in Victorian England during the holidays, a young woman must find the cause of her mother’s peculiar malady with the help of a handsome stranger whose sister has befallen the same fate. With echos of the Chronicles of Narnia, this was a sweet tale of magic and cozy mystery. Looking forward to exploring the author’s back list! Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

This was a fun gothic romance. It had great characters, and the pacing kept me reading all night (I read this book in one sitting). Great book!
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

Fisher’s bio says she writes genre mashups, and that’s both this book’s biggest strength and greatest weakness. Grimm Curiosities started off fantastically as a historical gothic - we have our intrepid heroine, many mysterious goings on, and lots of detail about the city of York (which makes a nice change from all those London-set historicals). I was really looking forward to watching Lizzy unravel the secrets her father left behind, and falling in love along the way.

Unfortunately, around the halfway mark, the instalove romance comes to the fore, and our intrepid heroine suddenly becomes blind to the mystery in front of her, in lieu of pining over a man she’s known for mere weeks. The mystery plot ultimately becomes rushed, and some of the gothic elements became a letdown for me (I really wanted more of the ghosts than we ultimately got).

This book had the bones of a great story, but some more deftness in blending the very elements, and a trifle more characterisation for its leads would have elevated it from an ok book to a good one.

"'I will happily give up everything for you. Title, money, land--I don't need any of it. Let me be the one you lean on. I want nothing else.'"

Did you know that in Victorian times it was customary to tell ghost stories around Christmas? In this book, a new version of those stories is lovingly told.

Set in Victorian York (which was such a beautiful setting), Lizzy Grimm is barely getting by running her late father's shop Grimm Curiosities and taking care of her mother who after speaking to a ghost never spoke again. When she meets a Lord's son whose sister seems to have fallen under the same affliction, the two team up to try to cure their loved ones. Yearning romance and ghostly mysteries and adventures ensue!

This book was a perfect transition between spooky fall and cozy winter. Never quite scary, just some eerie ghostly happenings that left me more curious than spooked. Meanwhile, the descriptions of snow-covered York gave me the winter vibes I'm longing for.

The romance was sweet and wholesome. The two become closer as they both finally find someone to confide in. I love their banter and how open they are with each other. They have a very comfortable sort of love, even while their differing stations in society stand in the way.

This book is a slower paced one, so be aware of that before going in. But if you let yourself be swept away by the beautiful descriptions and the fantastic mystery, preferably with a warm drink, it's perfect to bring in the new season.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC.

This was a great book that I did not expect to like as much as I did. I picked it up because I felt the synopsis promised a sweetly grim fairytale with romance to cozy up with.
But it exceeded my expectations.

We follow our FMC as she teams up with our MMC to try to uncover the mystery of an affliction that hit her mother and his sister.

The journey and the adventure we get to go with them on were just what I needed at the time I was reading the book. They were the perfect escape from real life.

The events take place over the days leading up to Yule, and I loved how the writer weaved in the Grimm fairytales with the Victorian Christmas in York in the mid 1800's. The writing was so immersive, and I found myself transported into the book and the story. I could not put it down.

Also, it should be pointed out that this book is the perfect example of how a slow burn romance is made inseparable from the plot of the fantasy. Both, the plot and the romance developed alongside each other throughout the story without one having to overshadow the other.
Lizzy and Antony are, very simply put, loveable characters.

The story is a mix of paranormal fantasy and Grimm fairytale.
12/10 would recommend this book for a cozy night beside the fire during December with a glass of sherry or a cup of piping hot tea.

The book comes out November 5, 2024, so be sure to put it on your radar.

• Thank you to NetGalley, author Sharon Lynn Fisher, and 47North for a chance to read an early e-arc of this book •

It's 1851. Lizzy Grimm is at her lowest. Her father's death and her mother's mysterious illness have left her to keep the family business afloat. She's about to find the magic in books that readers have universally discovered. One lucky day....she thinks....two very different men come into the curiousity shop, both looking for books, but for very different reasons. Antony is looking for a book containing clues to Lizzy's Mother's illness, the same one his sister suffers with. Mr Stokes wants the same books and is willing to pay enough money to allow Lizzy to save the shop.

While the synopsis makes the book sound a little dark, it's actually a cozy. The story contains a growing romance with a few ahhhh moments. It's got plenty of magic to keep the story interesting and entertaining while Lizzy proves to be a worthy opponent for those who would see her fail. Sharon Fisher provided me with a very good read that I was not expecting to like this much.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.


Although this is not a book I would normally pick up, I'm so happy I did. It's such a delish mix of mystery and intrigue that I could not put it down. I kept thinking A.A was A.A Milne, but that was on me

🕸 Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher transports readers into a wintry world filled with doorways, ghosts, and spirits. This enchanting story blends cozy mystery with hints of supernatural horror, creating an immersive read perfect for chilly days.

The story follows Lizzy Grimm, who’s determined to save her family’s curiosity shop in Victorian York after her father’s death—a difficult task in a society where women aren’t meant to be business owners. On top of this, Lizzy is also fighting to keep her mother from being sent to an asylum. She soon meets Anthony, and together, they uncover a mystery that connects Lizzy’s mother’s mysterious ailment with Anthony’s sister’s, revealing things beyond the natural world.

This book was hard to put down! Lizzy's character is compelling with her courage and strength to protect her mother as well as herself for as long as she can in the circumstances of her life. The pacing kept me hooked from start to finish, and while the horror elements weren’t too scary, they added an exciting edge to the story. Overall, it’s a charming, eerie read, perfect for the season. 🕸

Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for this book. All opinions are my own.

Victorian England, in the town of York, Lizzy Grimm must keep her father’s curiosity shop afloat while tending to her mother’s haunting affliction. Lizzy meets a gentleman, Antony Carlisle whose sister has the same affliction as Lizzy mother. Cancer the two solve the mystery?

And why do books suddenly find themselves in Lizzy’s path, are they trying to tell her something? They are a set of rare books about ancient folklore, enchantments and Yuletide myths.

This was a great historical fiction, paranormal fantasy and a bit of romance. I really enjoyed the setting and loved hearing about what could be found in the curiosity shop!

The bit of mystery surrounding the books and the affliction was interesting and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen.

Refreshing read from author, Sharon Lynn Fisher. Thank you to both the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this epub. My review is being left voluntarily.

After the death of her father and a mysterious illness striking her mother, Lizzy takes over running the family antique shop in York, Grimm Curiosities. She strikes up a partnership with the local baron's son, Antony, in order to search for a cure to the illness affecting both her mother and Antony's sister. Along the way, they counter ghosts, doorways to magical worlds and Krampus himself.

Honestly, this is the perfect book to read for the Christmas season as it takes place during the month of December. Fisher crafts a fun and whimsical fairy tale with a predictable but sweet ending. From beginning to end, it is fairly obvious the research that went into recreating Victorian era York as the city becomes a character itself. Lizzy and Antony are both great main characters who are actually fairly intelligent! I appreciate that they were able to piece clues together pretty quickly without everything needing to be spelled out for them. That is such a refreshing change of pace. The romance between the two is pretty insta-lovey but it's still cute.

The only aspect of the story that holds it back from a five star is the under development of all the fantastical portions of the world building. It was fairly surface level and relied heavily on known myths from our world. I feel more could have been done to truly make the book immersive.

Reviews going live on Goodreads, Storygraph and Fable on 11/4 and Tiktok on 11/5.

Grimm Curiosities
by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Fantasy Paranormal Mystery
NetGalley eARC
Pub Date: Nov 5, 2024
47North
Ages: 14+

After her father dies, Lizzy Grimm struggles to run her father's antique shop called Grimm Curiosities, but then her mother is stricken by an ailment while contacting a spirit for a client.

When a man comes into the shop and upon finding an old book about magic he asks if Lizzy has the rest of the copies and was willing to pay a lot of money, which would help Lizzy pay off her and her mother's debts, and keep her father's shop open.

Then walks in Antony Carlisle whose sister suffers from the same affliction as Lizzy's mother, and together they search for a cause.

But as they investigate, they start to believe that those books of folktales, magic, and myths that the other man wants so desperately may have something to do with the affliction.


When I requested this, I did not realize that this could be considered a Christmas story loosely based on the actual origins of Christmas, meaning Yule.

It's a cute, cozy mystery about Lizzy struggling in 1851 to keep her father's shop open while caring for her mother. The plot is simple, but it moves along at a good pace and does keep one guessing even though the outcome is obvious within the first few chapters. It's the mystery that makes this a unique story.

There's nothing overly graphic, though there is romance but it stayed in the PG area. There's some violence and a tad bit of suspense, but no gore so it's suitable for readers fourteen and older.

A little more depth in the plot, characters, and setting would have earned this one more star.

3 Stars

The nitty-gritty: Sparkling writing, a fascinating setting and time period, and a lovely, slow burn romance make Grimm Curiosities a must read paranormal mystery.

Grimm Curiosities is the perfect cozy fantasy/mystery to curl up with on a cold winter’s night. I always enjoy Sharon’s books, and her latest is an engaging historical fantasy with just the right touch of romance. If you love stories that combine ghosts, portals to other worlds, rare books, curses and more, I think you’ll love this too.

The story takes place in York, England in 1851. Lizzy Grimm and her mother run a shop called Grimm Curiosities, which belonged to Lizzy’s father until his untimely death. Without her father around, Lizzy is struggling to be taken seriously as a woman business owner, and she and her mother can barely keep food on the table and pay the rent. Even worse, Lizzy’s mother, a talented medium who helps people connect to dead loved ones, suddenly stopped speaking after one such ghostly encounter, and now exists in a sort of waking coma state, unable to communicate.

Lizzy wants nothing more than to find the source of her mother’s illness, and one day she gets her chance when a handsome man comes to the shop, asking to speak to her mother. Antony Carlisle is the eldest son of Lord Carlisle, and his younger sister Sophia, who can also see spirits, has fallen into the same state. Lizzy suggests that if they work together, they might be able to figure out what happened to their loved ones, and maybe even find a cure. Despite their differences—Mr. Carlisle comes from an important, high ranking family, and Lizzy is a mere shopkeeper—they decide to meet to solve the mystery.

Meanwhile, Lizzy gets another visitor to the store, a man named Mr. Stoke who is interested in a rare collection of books, books that Lizzy doesn’t intend to sell because they were beloved by her father. She and Antony soon discover that the books, stories about folklore and myth, may hold the answers they are looking for. 

Grimm Curiosities has many wonderful layers, including several intriguing mysteries that keep the plot moving forward. First, we have the mystery of the strange affliction of Sophie and Lizzy’s mother, which Lizzy and Antony are desperate to find a solution for. The fact that they both can see spirits and were struck by this weird malady right after communicating with one suggests the same thing happened to both of them. We also have the mystery of her father's books, which was one of my favorite story elements. Lizzy grew up reading these wondrous stories about fairy portals, mythological creatures and even old tales about St. Nicholas and Krampus. Why didn’t her father want her to sell the books, and why is Mr. Stoke insistent on buying them from her? What exactly is Ginnel Press---the publisher's name stamped on the spines---and who printed the books? Lizzy and Antony follow the clues and discover some shocking things about the books and her father.

I also loved the time period and setting. Fisher clearly did lots of research for her book, and she even includes a map of York with important landmarks found in the story. There’s a glossary of words that might be unfamiliar to modern readers, like the word “ginnel,” a narrow alleyway between buildings—which felt sort of magical to me, especially since doors and passageways play an important part in the story. Fisher addresses the role of women during 1850s England as well. Lizzy is looked down upon for running her own curiosity shop, even though her father has died and she doesn’t have a choice. Her wellbeing depends on being able to make connections and buy goods for her store, and of course attract buyers, and as a single woman it’s extremely hard to do. When she meets Antony and they start meeting on a regular basis, they both understand that Lizzy is way below Antony’s station, and yet they can't deny their attraction to each other. 

And of course, there is a romance between Lizzy and Antony, although it’s a very slow burn, chaste relationship. The two grow to appreciate and respect each other in many ways, which is why their burgeoning feelings for each other felt so satisfying. The romance doesn’t take over the story, so readers who hesitate whenever that word is mentioned can rest easy: this is mostly a paranormal mystery with fascinating story elements and wonderful characters.

Speaking of which, I loved Lizzy’s plucky personality. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep Grimm Curiosities going, but she’s also convinced there is a cure for her mother and she won’t rest until she finds it. Antony is a bit different from most leading men, and I thought he was the perfect match for Lizzy. Mr. Stokes comes between them and tries to shake things up, and his character added a lot of drama to the story. Finally, we meet a woman named Charlie Croft who runs a printing press (and is an important connection to the books!) and befriends Lizzy, and I thought she was a great addition to the cast of characters.

The story takes an unexpected turn near the end, as Lizzy and Antony finally put all the pieces of the mystery together, and I don’t think it will be a spoiler to tell you they do get their happily ever after. Once again, Sharon Lynn Fisher has charmed me with her cozy writing style, lovable characters, and fascinating historical details, and I’m happy to say that Grimm Curiosities is her best book yet.

Big thanks to Sharon and the publisher for providing a review copy.

The holidays are approaching. In the north, it is getting cold outside and maybe it is even snowing. Grab your favorite hot beverage and curl up with a blanket and Grimm Curiosities.

This charming (and a little bit creepy) story draws on fairy tales, Charles Dickens, and C.S. Lewis to tell the story of a young woman, Lizzy Grimm, who is struggling to keep her curiosity shop open to support her mother after the death of her father. Christmas is not far off, so with any luck, gift shoppers will help her out.

Then comes Antony Carlisle, whose sister has a condition resembling that of Lizzy’s mother. Speechless and unresponsive, these traits occurred in the aftermath of a séance for both of them. The pair will work together to find a cure for their loved ones. At the same time, a collector offers large amounts of much-needed money to Lizzy for a collection of books. Books her father never wanted her to sell.

This story is full of what I love most in a great story. Surprises, twists, and unexpected revelations. Things are not as they seem, but if you have a good imagination, you just might have an idea of where the next threat will come from. Lizzy has a dangerous amount of imagination and that gets both Lizzy and Antony into some risky situations. As she always does, Fisher creates an intricate tale of danger and romance. In Grimm Curiosities, she uses myth, ghosts and proper 19th century English society to bring heart to this wonderful (and yes, creepy) story.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

This book was just perfect! If you’re a fan of Charles Dickens’ Christmas tales and you love the magical feel of Narnia, then you’re in for a treat with this one. “Grimm Curiosities” has everything you need for a great read: a Victorian Christmas setting with snow and festive myths, a touch of magic, ancient books and fantastic characters.

The mystery kept me hooked, and I loved how everything wrapped up in the end. The myths and folklore really brought the story to life, and the setting was just spot on. It’s well-written and the story is super engaging. I’d give it 4.5 stars for sure. Will recomend to anyone that's looking for their next Christmas read.

Grimm Curiosities is the perfect book to read between Halloween and Christmas. A Victorian ghost story set in the festive season. Despite having supernatural elements, like with her Jane Eyre retelling Salt & Broom, Sharon Lynn Fisher calls attention to little magics. By this, I mean that our world is already full of it if we are willing to look for it and to see.

This book feels like it owes something to Dickens, at times The Old Curiosity Shop, and at others, A Christmas Carol. But one of my favorite things is that Christmas is never really looked at in the modern Christian context, but as an amalgamation of many things that came before.

Overall a sweet, festive Victorian romance with a great mythological and supernatural subplot that was very fun to read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Lizzie Grimm understands loneliness. With her father dead and her mother no longer communicating or engaging, she toils alone in their antiques and curiosities shop in York. After Papa passed, Mama supplemented their income by offering her services as a medium, but since she went into some kind of permanent trance, Lizzie carries the burdens of the household alone.

Then two very different men appear in her life, setting Lizzie to ponder marriage and whether she’s willing to risk the possibility that it might answer her financial difficulties. Antony Carlisle, first-born son of a local baron, visits the shop looking for a gift. It turns out his sister Sophie is suffering the same affliction as Mama. This shared tragedy brings the two close, as they try to solve the mystery. Ambrose Stoke is interested in purchasing a set of fairytale books, for which Lizzie desperately needs the money, but the books were set aside by papa, not to be sold. When Lizzie finds some of the books in odd places, seemingly having moved with minds of their own, she wonders if Papa is sending her messages from the grave? Perhaps he wants to help her help Mama?

Set at Christmas in 1851, Grimm Curiosities is a charming mystery with an interwoven romance. The otherworldly goings-on keep the story moving, making it believable, even as it stretches credulity. A fantasy gives the author plenty of scope to follow some strange plot threads, but she keeps it all within the bounds of a polite Victorian tale, with timely descriptive details and genteel dialogue. I might have preferred Antony’s scenes to be told in third person rather than first, but that’s a small thing, and this is otherwise a fast, straightforward read which carries off the term “historical romantasy” quite satisfactorily.

3.7 Stars
One Liner: A pretty entertaining read

1851, York
Lizzy Grimm is struggling to save her family shop, Grimm Curiosities, afloat after her father’s demise and her mother’s ill health.
One day in December, Antony Carlisle visits her shop, looking for help. Turns out, his younger sister suffers from the same affliction as Lizzy’s mother. They decide to work together to find the cause for it. With a stranger showing immense interest in certain rare books collected by Lizzy’s father, they are drawn into something darker and dangerous.
Can Lizzy and Antony find the answers to their questions and fight for their budding love?
The story comes in Lizzy’s first-person POV with a few chapters from Antony’s (also in first-person) POV.

My Thoughts:
The book starts with a map and an author’s note explaining what certain names mean. This was helpful (ex: words ending with gate don’t have a gate but are something else).
The beginning is a bit slow as it establishes the plot and the conflict. Slowly, it picks up pace as the drama intensifies. The book also deals a little about privilege, class differences, sexism, etc.
The setting is quite atmospheric. The snowy and cold winter works well to create a sense of eeriness and melancholy, depending on the situation. The shop is easily my favorite part of the book. I would have loved to see more spookiness in there.
Naturally, the book has many paranormal elements. The FMC knows about it, though she has a hard time correctly deciphering the clues. Can’t blame her much, though. She has a lot of pressure and practicalities to deal with.
The MMC is a sweet guy (25yo); considerate and supportive but also tentative and not always assertive. This creates some drama in the love angle. Despite the ‘mystery’ this would be a romance book (clean stuff).
The side characters aren’t fully developed but sometimes they shine better than the lead characters (especially Charlie and Isabel). Turns out one of them was based on a real-life person! In fact, quite a few elements in the book are taken from the real stuff. Read the note at the end to know the details.
Despite the dark elements, the book would be categorized as a cozy read. It combines different lores and even has a Narnia touch. Some of it might go over the head if you aren’t into folklore and mythical creatures.
The romance is understated and tentative. While I didn’t particularly feel it, the execution suited the characters. It aligns with their arcs, which is more important. There’s an epilogue and HEA.

To summarize, Grimm Curiosities is an enjoyable read, combining folklore, paranormal, drama, and romance in a historical setting. It should be a good pick between intense books.
Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

With thanks to Netgalley, Sharon Lynn Fisher and 47North for my ARC.

I loved this book with it's fascinating setting, entrancing main characters and detailed world building. Being set in the lead up to Christmas was perfect as it enhanced the sense of the main character Lizzy's desperation. Lizzy needs to make enough sales in the family's curiosity shop to cover the rent... And to uncover the cause of her Mother's affliction, which has left her silent and mostly unresponsive.

Lizzy struggles valiantly alone until she meets Antony Carlisle and discovers that his sister is similarly affected. Meanwhile another gentleman, Mr Stoke is keen to purchase a set of books which could resolve the money problems but that her Father left instructions not to sell.

The setting is charming as is the interweaving of the stories of Krampus, St Nick, the Wild Hunt, ghosts and fae creatures into the budding romance between Lizzy and Antony. Lizzy discovering that she possesses her Mother's gift of seeing ghosts adds extra poignancy to the story.

As in all good romances, although this title is definitely an extremely good romantasy, the lovers have obstacles to overcome not the least interfering family members!

A thoroughly enjoyable read this enchanting tale is worth reading again and sharing with loved ones at any time of the year.

Christmas romance, historical fantasy, cozy supernatural mystery.

From the start, I was fascinated by the beautiful world-building. The winterly atmosphere of the Victorian era with its evening walks and the courtesy of the time period, all in a romantic holiday setting.
I wanted to be there.
The mystery is intriguing with a hint of the supernatural. The myths of Saint Nicholas, Krampus and others, mixed with ghosts, are the ideal setting for a mystical reading. The ending caught me by surprise, a little spooky but then beautiful.
Finally, what makes this read particularly special is the charming romance with the fairy tale happy ending.
I can't wait to buy a copy and add it to my must read every year in Christmas time.

Thank you to Netgalley and 47North Publishing for the eArc!

Genuinely, I enjoyed this book and it is very different to what I would normally read. It is set in 1800 Victorian York and the descriptive writing from Sharon Lynn Fisher really places you there.

Lizzy Grimm has a lot on her plate, with the passing of her father and the affliction her mother is suffering. She is finding coping with the family business, Grimm Curiosities, difficult. The way of those times means many men won’t trade or do business with her. Lizzy is strong minded and determined to keep the business going and look after her mother.
Lizzy meets Antony Carlisle, who is the son of Lord Carlisle and her heart will never be the same. They share something in common and they work together to try and solve the mystery.

This book has all the Halloween and Christmas vibes.
There are ghosts, myths and fairy tales all rolled into one. There are secrets and mysteries to uncover and you won’t want to put it down!
I have rated this book 4.5 🌟