I really enjoyed reading this one. This is such a beautiful and cosy story and it feels like a warm hug.

The story is set in 1846 London and follows 31 year old Merritt Fernsby, who has been estranged from his family for over a decade. He was shocked when he realised his grandmother had left him a remote estate, Whimbrel House. Although he didnt understand why he had inherited Whimbrel, he was happy to move in until the house locked him in. Merritt soon realised that Whimbrel has more secrets than meets the eye and the dangers lurking from within.

I love how well written and whimsical this was and I felt that it balances out well with the darker side of the plot which made this story even more charming. I also love how the main characters are in their 30s and is relatable in many ways. Despite the seriousness of the plot, I love how it is covered up with plenty of quirky and humorous moments which makes this a light and comforting read.

Thank you Netgalley and 47North for the arc.

I loved this book so much! A magical house with attitude, a dark villain craving vengeance, a magical keeper with power and poise, and a confused man who inherits a house that doesn't want him all equal an imaginative plot that pulled me in. The setting/house itself was so fun. A house with attitude, hidden depths (literally/figuratively), and a personality that enjoys pranks while still protecting those within was very well done in providing humor and suspense. The slow-burn romance between Merrit (home owner) and Hulda (magic keeper) was sweet and satisfying, as they learned more about each other's personality while figuring out how to keep out a murderous power-obsessed villain from Hulda's past. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a little bit of magic and danger with a sweet slow-burn romance.

A brand new view on magic and how genetics play within the magical community.

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is Mary Poppins meets Howls Moving Castle. The story will keep you on your feet and wondering what the heck is going on with this magical house!

Since I was wanting something different to read this book worked out quite well for me.
But as a Christian, I normally don't read these types because of the dark magic but this one was quite entertaining indeed!
There some places in this book that made me giggle so I kept reading to see how it turned out.
The characters were well rounded out and the plot turned out quite satisfactory.
This book kept my attention all the way through.
The other thing I enjoyed about the book was how past and present was woven together nicely. I love when an author can do that without missing a beat.
My favorite though was the past part of the story. The 1800's is one of my very favorite time periods.
Overall, a very enjoyable read with lots of twists and turns to add here as well.
5 stars for a job well done! I recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

In a Nutshell: All things bright and beautiful, some creatures great and small, many things wise and wonderful – the author included them all. Loved it!

Story Synopsis:
1846. Thirty-one year old Merritt Fernsby, who is estranged from his family since more than a decade, gets a shock when he learns that his grandmother has left him a remote estate named Whimbrel House. This property has been vacant for more than a century, but Merritt, who doesn’t really have an alternative, is happy to move in. This is only until he realises that his new house has locked him in and has no intention of ever letting him out.
Unbeknownst to Merritt, Hulda Larkin, a valuable employee of the ‘Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms’ (BIKER!), has been assigned Whimbrel House in order to ascertain its magical propensity and calm down its aggression. When she arrives, Merritt is relieved. However, they both soon realise that their residence has far more secrets than they initially assumed, and the dangers to them might not come from the house alone.
The story comes to us in a limited third person perspective of various characters.

Where the book worked for me:
😍 The prologue set in 1818, London is chilling, and took me in a very different direction to what ultimately occurs. Love it when a prologue is utilised well rather than simply leaking a scene from further in the book.
😍 The two main characters are charming. Awkward to begin with, Merritt and Hulda grew on me as the chapters progressed. As both of them are in their thirties, it is funny to see them so clumsy and almost juvenile around each other, but the author has written the reasons for this so well that it doesn’t jar. Hulda’s strong façade and her underlying vulnerability make her the perfect titular character.
😍 Baptiste and Beth. Such memorable secondary characters within their limited roles! I’d have loved to see more of them.
😍 Owein. Owein is like THE reason to read the book. Can’t tell you more though I am bursting with comments about him. (I even Googled the correct pronunciation of his name so that he sticks in my head the right way. I hope he comes in book two as well.)
(Psst… I realise I have three separate bullet points just for the characters, but trust me – they have earned their spots on this list.)
😍 The romance – just as I like it. Slow, steady, organic, clean. It’s a connection based on alike minds than on attractive bodies. Gimme more of this!
😍 So many humorous scenes! I laughed quite a few times and even ended the book with a big grin on my face. There are also a fair number of touching scenes, which show the vulnerable side of the characters. The author balances fun and seriousness nicely.
😍 While the pacing of the book ranged between medium to slow, I never felt tempted to speed-read. The writing isn’t decorative but is charming enough to appeal with its simplistic style. Hulda’s “dictionary-style” language is written and utilised wonderfully in the plot without making it seem odd.
😍 There's a list of magic terms at the start of the book. While most meanings are guessable if you know their meanings in English, it's worth going through the list as they come up regularly in the plot. There’s also a blueprint of Whimbrel House. Appreciate both these inclusions.


Where the book could have worked better for me:
😐 The antagonist was dangerous but this character’s potential wasn’t used to the extent possible. There could have been so much more danger added to this arc, especially during the finale. (He still creeped me out though!)
😐 Some things are left hinted at but unexplained. Though these don’t affect the comprehension per se, they did leave me a curious cat.

It took me ten days to complete this book because I have had a crazy hectic week. Usually, when books take more than 3-4 days of my time, I start losing my interest in them. Not with this one though. Not once was I bored! If I had read this at some other time of the year, I am sure I would have binge-read it from start to end. It has its minor flaws, but the memorable characters, the innovative storyline, and the smooth writing style all ensured that this was a solid read for me.

Strongly recommended to lovers of historical fantasies.

4.5 stars.

My thanks to 47North and NetGalley for the DRC of “Keeper of Enchanted Rooms”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. I can’t wait to get to the sequel!

The interweaving stories, the magic... While the story contains a level of darkness, in the end good outweighs evil in a promising way. Looking forward to book two next year.

I enjoyed the system of magic in this book and how it passed down the generations and dissipated. It was a refreshing twist on a not so new concept. The idea of transferring magic to inanimate objects which could then cast that magic without penalty was also fun.

I also found the characters mostly likeable even if occasionally stubborn. It was enjoyable in a way classic British Literature is except it also feels current at the same time. Here's hoping Baptiste gets that cow in the sequel!

This is a cozy little fantasy book from Charlie N. Holmberg, who always delivers on writing enjoyable books. We meet an artist, Merritt, who learns he inherited a house from his grandmother in middle of nowhere Rhode Island. But when he goes to move in he discovers the house is enchanted but luckily the magical society established there send someone, Hulda, to help tame the magic in the house.

I really enjoyed the magic in this book and thought it was fascinating. The characters were likable, I laughed at parts of the book, and jumping between past and present worked nicely. Sometimes the plot is a little slow moving and even though I liked both of their characters, I thought the romance lacked some spark. Overall a good read.

A very light novel, perfect for a quick uplifting summer read. Like all the stories from Holmberg, the magic system is very well thought-out, clear and super pleasant, and the 2 main characters are likable and ready for a sparkly cute romance. This writer is a pro, her novels are smooth with the action unraveling at perfect pace. Each turn or twist is strictly signposted and you will never get lost or grow confused, the magic is explained, makes sense, the historical setting gives it a very clean tone, there is all the touches of humour necessary, it is pristine.
I can understand all the love for all of her book, they re beautifully streamlined. But I will admit I get bored. I like surprises in my books and twists and less obvious villains. It's good for a quick read, and I can totally imagine a TV series working very nicely with the material, but I would like maybe just a few strands of grass sticking out the wrong way.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of "Keeper of Enchanted Rooms" in exchange for an honest review. This book needs more widespread recognition! I thought it started off a bit slow, but I ended up really enjoying this book. In fact, I immediately went looking for the sequel which I plan to read early in the new year. If you enjoy comfort fantasy or comfort paranormal books, I think you'd really love this. It is somewhat comparable to "House on the Cerulean Sea" or "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches". Definitely those same homey-found family-comfort vibes. In this world, magic is a thing that is becoming less and less common so there are organizations that work to preserve it. Merritt Fernsby is a non-magical writer who is losing his home and needs to find a new place to live. Suddenly he is bequeathed a house on a little, hard to get to island and he's thrilled because it should be a great place to hide away from the world and write. The house seems to have other ideas as it immediately traps him underground. He is saved by a woman who is from the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms. Hulda wastes no time explaining to Merritt that she is to stay on and help him acclimate to the new house and its magic. They have to find a way to get along because the home is magical and needs to be protected. I can't give a lot away because of how much fun this is to discover on your own. I will say there is definitely some stuff going on with the house (which I loved!) and also there is a bad guy out to get them for his own nefarious purposes. Again, I wish the story hadn't quite taken as long to get moving for me because for a little bit I almost DNF'd it, so I'll give this a solid four stars. More patient readers may easily decide this is a five star book all the way and I really hope you give it chance and then hype it up for others to discover.

"Magic is uncommon in today’s age, but hardly unheard of."

Imagine 19 century in a Magical world, the people who have magic in their blood from their parents or rarely accidentally have it, born with a spell and protecting the MAGIC, caring and operating ENCHANTED buildings.

"Magic is a dying art. Magicked homes even more so."

Once upon a time, there was a not-very-old rogue who didn't believe in ghosts, lived in a not-very-dingy apartment in New York, then suddenly received a call from a very polite lawyer about his grandmother will and inherited a hundred years old abandoned haunted house in the middle of a marshy island.

Merritt Fernsby had recently sold his second novel to his publisher, finds Whimbrel House a great opportunity to finish his book, safe and sound.
Though when Merritt enters the house which looks very nice from the outside, falls into a NOT very safe and sound situation.
He will be more or less swallowed by an evil enchanted house, the lavatory nearly skewers him, real rats and rains fake blood...

This is a time for Hulda Larkin from the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms to come to help and take care of the new resident or perhaps Whimbrel House itself!

But things are not so easy, Whimbrel House isn't like others, some things are in the shadows buried, hidden and they are all in danger!

If I don't stop myself, will continue to write more, about how much I loved this book, how fantastic and mysterious was, engaging and funny, how much I liked the characters (even the french chef!), enjoyed the story and drawn to the romantic and emotional feel of it.
One of the best reads of this year, so happy there will be more stories of this fantastic gang, Heir of Uncertain Magic.

My huge thanks to 47North via NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this beautiful book, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms (Whimbrel House #1) by Charlie N. Holmberg, I have given my very honest review.

It's been some years since I read The Paper Magician and discovered Charlie Hoolmberg and her intriguing stories and complex worlds.
This is another great story and I loved the world building and the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

This was delightful. I really enjoyed it from start to finish. The magic and world were uncomplicated and easy to understand and I enjoyed the characters. The house was a fantastic character all on its own and was probably my favorite. This was one of those books that I couldn’t believe was over because I made my way through it so quickly.

Not a huge fan of this book. I was excited by the concept, but overall to me it felt overwritten. I was hoping for something cozier. I like books with complexity but ones that don't talk down to you and I felt like the writing was trying to be something it wasn't. Thi is is just a personal opinion, but overall I just couldn't get into the book at all despite mutliple attempts. I enjoy the concept so I give the author credit for that.

What a lovely, wonderful, fantastical book that takes you to another world. I really enjoyed this one and as it sounds like it is #1 in a series I look forward to seeing what follows and wait in anticipation.

The story of Merritt Fersnby as he inherits a somewhat haunted house (although that is not what 'Biker' would call it) and navigates his way to bringing the house under control, but can it be done, even with the help of Hulda Larkin.

This is a book I chose as I love a good fantasy and it sounded like a bit of fun and some darkness. It was all of that and more. It is quirky, whimsical, fun, crazy and very entertaining. It is easy to read and kept me interested as I always wanted to know what the house was going to do next. So many crazy things were happening. Full of mystery and magic, great characters who I came to love, like and maybe even dislike a little bit.

I loved this book, can't wait for the next installment and will tell all my family and friends to give it a read as it is wonderful.

Thank you netgalley for giving me an e-arc in exchange for honest review!
“ Hulda Larkin of the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms has been trained in taming such structures in order to preserve their historical and magical significance. She understands the dangers of bespelled homes given to tantrums. She advises that it’s in Merritt’s best interest to make Whimbrel House their ally. To do that, she’ll need to move in, too.

Prepared as she is with augury, a set of magic tools, and a new staff trained in the uncanny, Hulda’s work still proves unexpectedly difficult. She and Merritt grow closer as the investigation progresses, but the house’s secrets run deeper than they anticipated. And the sentient walls aren’t their only concern—something outside is coming for the enchantments of Whimbrel House, and it could be more dangerous than what rattles within.”

It was written in way whimsical way. Christmas season is here and it really fit the theme for cozy and warm reading for late evening <3! I enjoy this verrrrry much. Hope to see other stories soon <3 rtc

This book was out of my usual genre, though it was lovely. I enjoyed the whimsical aspects of the book and the intertwined stories. It was a quick read!

Another homerun for Charlie N. Holmberg!
I have been reading their books since Paper Magician and love their ability to craft unique worlds and circumstances. In Keeper of Enchanted Rooms, we get multiple POVs and shifting timelines. I found myself exceptionally drawn to Merritt with his disillusioned dumpy life and Hulda with her quirks and prim and proper attitude. I also found my shoulders tensing and my anxiety spiking whenever we shifted back to Silas' POV. I think it takes a really special book to get you that invested in the content. Overall, a charming and fun read from a must-read author.

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

Beautiful and unique writing. The story is captivating!i Its got history, magic, and charm. It’s a cozy read, perfect for these colder days! I highly recommend Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. 5/5 stars!!.

It’s getting harder and harder to pick out my favorite Charlie book when she keeps writing amazing books.. and this one is no difference. Right from the beginning I was hooked. The book begind with dual timeline but quickly changes to one as they converge. One of my favorite aspects of Charlie’s writing is her world and the magic within it. I’m still amazed how she can come up with so many different magic systems and make them unique in their own way. I loved the magic in this world and how it applied to the house. The story unravels in such an interesting way that made me just want more. Charlie continues to drag me in to her stories with her fast paced, magical worlds.

Along with a wonderful world, Charlie’s characters always win me over. And again, this book was no exception. Hulda fascinated me from the beginning and I loved her. Merritt even more. The characters interaction and the way their stories unfolded was just as compelling as the story itself.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N Holmberg was another winner! With another fascinating and unique magic system, Charlie draws me into this world of magic, lost magic, stolen magic, and magical houses. The plot is fast and entertaining as the stories collide. Hulda, Merritt and Silas are all interesting characters and I loved how their stories unfolded. I cannot wait to dive into the next book! If you enjoy anything magical, please pick this book up.