Cover Image: Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

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Member Reviews

I absolutely adored this charming funny fantasy read and I can't wait to read the next book.

When Merritt inherits a house on an island from his estranged family, he goes to the house to discover its actually enchanted (and a little stuborn). So he seeks the help of an agency that works to get magical items under control. We get a dual pot story that is funny and interesting the whole way through

If you love quality writing, unique but not complicated magic systems, adorable slow burn romances, bantering dialog, mischievous houses, satisfying climaxes, then this is the book for you. And if you don't think you like those things you're wrong, read this great book anyway.

I'm very excited for book 2

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I consider myself a Charlie Holmberg fan. I loved the paper magician series. And rhere was alot of here to love, but one of the storyline that I found so boring. Whenever I got to a new chapter and it was him... ick.. I skimmed many of those sections after awhile. And he was a hood idea for a villiam but the way his storyline built, I hated him before we got there. Loved the other storyline though!

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Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is not my usual read, a little bit too much fantasy romance but having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of haunted houses. When Merritt Fernsby unexpectedly inherits a house from his grandmother he is quite surprised, after all he has not spoken to any of his family in a decade. That the house is haunted comes as an even bigger surprise. When Hulda Larkin from BIKER (Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms is sent to investigate the haunted house what she finds is a very grumpy spirit that likes to throw tantrums. But as Merritt and Hulda start to know and understand the spirit, they discover their is a great evil from Hulda's past that wants take the spirits powers.
Charlie Holmberg gets a lot of well deserved praise for her worldbuilding and her magic systems, both of which are on display in this novel.

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What a truly original and imaginative tale! This book was perfect for me. It straddles so many genres so eloquently and smoothly that readers of each can savor every word, from historical to fantasy to mystery and romance. There are many words that attract you.

The story of a haunted home, the guy who unintentionally inherits it, and the lady who helps tame it is told in this gorgeous, entertaining tale.

As the author explores two completely dissimilar people in two utterly dissimilar places, the writing may initially seem a little muddled and disconnected. however, you don't want to put it down once the action truly gets going. The events that followed will stir your curiosity.

I like how the author explains the MCs' origins gradually throughout the plot rather than all at once at the start of the book. The characters' past are also revealed to one other in a more subtle and genuine approach than all at once.

Charlie has defenitely created a wonderful world and a system that is as fantastic as ever. I enjoyed discovering how everything functioned and observing how the magic impacted every other aspect of the narrative. Along with the other powers, Hulda's augury was well explained and utterly captivating.

In all honesty, this story has a lot going on, but it appeals to me. I found it difficult to put this down since it made the plot seem compelling. The antagonist's plot line piqued my interest, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it all came together.

Even though I occasionally thought it moved a little slowly, I truly liked this book and would recommend it.

I wholeheartedly suggest this book, especially to everyone who enjoyed or is currently desiring the blend of historical fiction and fantasy in magical language!

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I just finished reading Keeper of Enchanted Rooms and absolutely loved this book. This really surprised me because this is not a genre that I usually read! I had never read anything by Charlie N. Holmberg before but seen this was an Amazon First Reads choice and I was very intrigued by the sounds of it. However, I didn’t get it from there because I chose another book instead. Luckily I then found it on the NetGalleys Read Now section so I quickly grabbed it up. I’m so glad I did! This story had a little bit of everything, but mainly it was the attraction between Merritt and Hulda that took center stage for me. I loved all the magic, just imagining the house doing all the crazy things that the author described. It was so much fun! I would love to see this book made into a movie. I think viewers of all ages would enjoy seeing it. After finishing this, I was excited to learn that the author has a second book releasing on April 11, 2023 named Heir of Uncertain Magic which is Book 2 in this series. I’m looking forward to reading this story as well! This was a book that really opened my eyes and made me realize that it’s fun and enlightening to read out of your norm. It’s a story I will be recommending to my friends and one I’d like to add in physical form to my own home collection. I’m even considering ordering some of her backlist to see if I enjoy them as much. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc. I enjoyed it so much and am giving it a 5 star rating!

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4.5/5.0

I simply could not put this book down, I raced through it in under 24 hours.

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms was such a cosy, whimsical read with a slow burn adorable romance and of course a healthy helping of magic & macabre. The magic system and concept behind the book was completely unique and not something I have encountered before - I now really wish my house was enchanted.
Holmberg managed to create characters I genuinely began to care about and rooted for throughout the book.

I was so happy to see that there would be a sequel to this book - it cannot come quick enough, I need more Merritt and Hulda in my life!

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When Merritt inherits a house, he is excited at first. However, he soon realizes his house is enchanted, and not in a good way. Enter Hulda from BIKER - the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms. She is sent to diagnose the enchantment of the house and help Merritt get it in order. As they work together, romance starts to bloom. However, a dark force from Hulda's past is determined to take all the magic for himself.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but at times I found it a bit slow. I definitely liked the more magical parts especially before the house is diagnosed more, as I found the pace faster. A good magical read though.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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What a fun romantic fantasy. The characters are all wrapped up in their own angst and it was amusing to watch them dance around each other. I see there’s a book two listed on Goodreads. I just marked it as to read and I look forward to it!

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Thank you for the ARC. This was the coolest and sweetest book I have read in a while. We have a man who was abandoned by his family and he receives an inheritance. It is an isolated old house no one has lived in in 100 years. He goes and moves in, as one does, and it turns out to be sentient.
It ends up being a creepy fun mystery and a romance. There is magic and a really cool housekeeper. He gets a maid and the funniest cook.
I just loved it.

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The cover is what captured my attention immediately. I enjoyed this read a lot. The writing drew me in countless times and I realised how immersed I was in the story until I was more than half way done. I really ended up enjoying this!

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There isn't any genre Charlie can't write!

This was the perfect story to wrap up the spooky season, and I especially loved the audiobook narration as well. The blend of magic, mystery and romance was better than I could've hoped for, and I can't wait for the next book in the Whimbrel House series.

If you could take the enchanted characters from the Beast's castle and sprinkle them with a little magic from Hogwarts, then you'd have Keeper of Enchanted Rooms. A delightful book that will draw you in and keep you on your toes until the very last page.

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Once again, Charlie N. Holmberg has created a magic system that blows my mind. The concept for Keeper of Enchanted Rooms intrigued me immediately. I mean, a magic house holding its owner hostage? Who wouldn’t want to hear how that works out? I loved this book! It felt like a quirky Mary Poppins filled with magic and mayhem. The story is creative and fun with hints of adventure and romance. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.

*Thank you Charlie N. Holmberg and 47North for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

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Congratulations to Charlie N. Holmberg on yet another fantastical, whimsical, and binge worthy book!

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms follows Merritt, a writer who has just inherited a magical house, and Hulda, a woman educated in the ways of house taming.

The mystery of the house was interesting enough for me, and then the added secondary plot that brought in the villain, Silas, who was so absolutely creepy, took this book to the next level for me. I was glued to the pages until the very end.

Very excited to see what the next book in the series will be about!

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I loved this book! Such a fun fantasy with a unique magic system. The villain was so creepy and awful and so perfect. Hulda and Merritt were great! Loved the splash of romance. Such a fun book. Highly recommend. This makes me want to read everything by this author.

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Whimsical, enchanting, and delightful!
This may be my favorite Charlie Holmberg book to date. I love the historical aspects, the old house, Hulda, and Merritt. The characters are flawed in the best way with room to grow and endearing quirks. The mystery was wonderful. Just enough clues dropped to keep me guessing and unsure if I really knew what was going on. I'm very excited for the sequel. This was a perfect read for fall!

*Mild fear and suspense, brief depiction of child abuse, murder, and injuries

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Howard Marketing for my advanced copy of this book. All opinions here are my own.

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I cannot say how much I loved this book. The unique magic system was amazing, and the characters were so well developed I find myself thinking about them even though I’ve been done with the book for a while. I’m so in love with this world, with Hulda and Merritt and their house, and I just want more of them all!

Another amazing book by this author! I can’t wait for more in this series!!

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4.5/5.0
What an incredibly unique and creative story! It inhabits a bit of so many genres, from historical, to fantasy, mystery and romance so seamlessly and beautifully that fans of each can relish every word! From the first chapter to the closing page, the story grabs the reader, immerses them in the world, the characters and the intrigue. It is wildly creative, as well. A spirit that inhabits the very walls of a house is the means for all kinds of crazy shenanigans - of which it abounds! Yet, all the fun is superbly tempered with an evil that lurks and grows as the story progresses.

At first, the writing might seem a bit confusing and disjointed, as the author explores two completely disparate people, in completely different countries. But, it isn't long until the genius of why this is needed comes to light and the story-line gels into a right rollicking mystery/suspense! In fact, this book is a resounding 5 star read right up until the very last page!

But.... it is on the last page that it loses it's absolute perfection. The story ended without Hulda ever speaking her feelings where Merritt is concerned. After an entire book of those feelings growing, and after Merritt laid his heart out so beautifully for her, I closed the last page extremely unsatisfied. And I hated that! The rest of the book was so perfect, why leave us without the cherry that tops such a wonderful story? There were a few threads left hanging at the end, as well, such as whatever happened to Myra? Her actions were relevant and consequential enough to require some sort of explanation.

SO.... nearly perfect story, slightly disappointing ending. Overall, however, HUGELY recommended read!!

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This book is another superb example of Holmberg's world building and character development. Somewhat darker than her Paper Magician series, and yet reminiscent of it. The magic system in this book seems a little more thought-out and there is the potential for more books in this world. I loved this book and absolutely can't wait for more!

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Charlie Holmberg is one of the most versatile writers I know. She writes everything from fantasy fiction to romcoms, and does it all so well.
Not all of her genres are my favorite, but this book falls into a category I adore - magical fiction. If, like me, you loved the Paper Magician series - this book is for you. Here in a fictional Boston, Holmberg has created yet another magical universe with its own rules and attributes, in 1800s America.
I had a little trouble getting into the characters at the start, but by the end, I’ve found much to love about both Merrit and Hulda. There’s also an evil magician, and an enchanted house. Themes include family, love, letting go, and second chances. The plot moves along well and the characters grow and develop (growing on the reader as well) as the plot progresses. I can’t say too much about the enchanted house without spoiling anything, but suffice it to say Holmberg does such a great job of writing in fun little quirks of magic. I hope there will be more to this magical world!

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