I really didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but I definitely didn’t think I’d fall so hard and so fast for these characters. I absolutely loved this book! It felt like a warm hug to my heart that I didn’t know I needed.

This was the second cozy fantasy book that I read, but I would consider it more historical fantasy and magical realism, which, in this case, was my first book in those genres. Charlie Holmberg has made me a huge fan of this area of fiction.

Immediately, I was intrigued when I first started reading this book. I thought it had a unique, creative plot, and the characters were very likable, real, and relatable. They really came to life for me. Ultimately, what really captured my heart were the characters. For me, what makes this such a good book is the character development and less about the plot.

There is a found family in the book when a couple more employees join Whimbrel House: a maid and a chef. As mentioned in the plot, Merritt is estranged from his family, so after a while, he sees these employees as his new family. I just wanted to move in and be part of this adorable “family.”

This story was like Mary Poppins meets Monster House, which the author said is like Mary Poppins meets Encanto, but I haven’t seen Encanto, so I can’t comment on that comparison. Hulda, the main female lead, was my favorite character. She reminded me of Mary Poppins immediately. I could hear Julie Andrews’s voice for the longest time, but then I realized that Hulda is not from England, so she wouldn’t have a British accent (lol). But she is very prim, proper, and professional. She doesn’t put up with any nonsense. She’s a very strong and empowering female protagonist, even though she has her insecurities, which are very relatable. It was very easy to connect and relate to her. I found myself rooting for her the whole time. She may be one of my all-time favorite fictional characters!

I also really enjoyed the enchanted house being a character. I found myself laughing at certain points because there is humor in what the house is doing to the main characters. It’s nothing sinister but rather amusing, endearing, and light-hearted.

I became really immersed in the plot. There are a couple of big plot twists that I enjoyed. For the last quarter of the story, I had a hard time putting it down. There is some mystery involved, and it was fun also playing detective along with the characters.

If you like a cute, clean budding romance, quirky, lovable characters, a good mystery, found family fuzzy feelings (how’s that for some alliteration?), and a fun magic system in a compelling story, then you’ll love this book. It’s very magical, whimsical yet dark, and very intriguing. All around, it gives you all the good feels. Highly recommend!!

P.S. – Charlie Holmberg has quickly become one of my favorite all-time authors and an auto-buy author. I’ve read four of her books so far, and I know I’ll definitely read one more later this year. I’m working on reading her entire backlist. I just love her writing and the creative stories that she tells. Plus, I’ve really come to love historical fantasy and magical realism stories. They are some of my favorites. So I can’t wait to continue reading her amazing books!