Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

Whimbrel House, Book 1

By: Charlie N. Holmberg

Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb, Graham Halstead, Nicholas Boulton

A house of haunted history and ill temper. Make yourself at home in this beguiling novel of love, magic, and danger by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

Rhode Island, 1846. Estranged from his family, writer Merritt Fernsby is surprised when he inherits a remote estate in the Narragansett Bay. Though the property has been uninhabited for more than a century, Merritt is ready to call it home—until he realizes he has no choice. With its doors slamming shut and locking behind him, Whimbrel House is not about to let Merritt leave. Ever.

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.

©2022 Charlie N. Holmberg (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“A trio of narrators makes this lighthearted historical fantasy with touches of mystery and romance a delight.… Graham Halstead portrays Merritt, a young writer who is somewhat naïve and endearing. Amanda Leigh Cobb brings in Hulda, an employee from the Boston Institute of Keepers of Enchanted Rooms, who seems to be a stern young woman, at first. Nicholas Boulton presents Silas, an Englishman who transforms into the villain of the story. As the narrators hand off chapters to each other, they keep the story's tone and mood consistent.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Filled with delightful period details and artfully shaded characters, this whimsical, thoughtful look at magic and its price is the perfect read for a cold fall night.”—Publishers Weekly

“Holmberg…has a deft hand portraying internal emotional responses…Keeper of Enchanted Rooms combines lighthearted entertainment and nail-biting excitement.”—Historical Novels Review

I don't know how to fairly review a book like this

The author's style is pretty far removed from my usual reads. I found it too light, too quippy almost to get any textural sense of the world or the characters. However, the story wasn't bad. It was semi-predictable, cute, and wrapped up with a bow. But I found it to lack depth. It isn't something I would re-read. It would be a decent vacation read or travel book. Light entertainment.

Interesting, with Holmberg’s unique talent of charm

Not wild about two of the narrators, but you get used to them, the third, of course, was perfect. Likable characters, unique and interesting magic systems, and a very special, very delightful sense of charm that wiggles under your skin and hooks you tight are some of Charlie N. Holmberg’s talents and were all noticeably present in Keeper of Enchanted rooms. I don’t like books placed in America, and I don’t like eras after Regency, and I still loved this book. Very much looking forward to the next!

Fabulous Team of Narrators!

Interestingly many layered complicated magical story with just the right amount of realism, sarcasm and hope. A magical murder mystery.
Highly recommend for light fun reading.

Mysterious, uplifting and an easy enjoyment.

First, I am not into romance. I get annoyed by it most of the time. But a romance like this I really enjoy. I love where the story is more important and while the romance is there- it isn’t the focus of the story and it doesn’t have paragraph after paragraph or page after page going on about feelings or attraction or sex at nauseam. The story allowed for a slow growing romance without the smut that I find degrading. No, I am not a prude, but I like story- not book porn which is writing on the cheap.

The magic system is well developed. The mystery and plot were very well done. I particularly enjoyed a few twists mixed in. I am rather great at figuring it out plots even the ones that are not obvious. While I did figure out much- there was a surprise for me. My hat is off for the writer, you would be proud if you knew me to know - I was surprised by an aspect. Though I will say- most do not figure things out as I do. This is not a brag- I have always loved solving problems, puzzles and so on.

I love the main characters development.

On the other hand the side characters are sorely lacking development and are typical filler role characters that only help the story get from one place to another.

But it didn’t drag. And that is huge for me. Thus lackluster side characters was fine.

I do like a little meat for any characters that linger throughout the book depending on their relationships with either the main characters or the plot. It doesn’t need to be a lot, but it is difficult to care during scenes with side characters when they are just a few words of description and then filler for the rest of the story.

Well done!

I enjoyed every minute! Charlie N Holmberg has done it again! Her interesting world of magic has such interesting twists and turns.
The narrators are so talented. Thanks for the great performance!