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

Love Love LOVE

Now I have to wait til the next book comes out. This was another "can't put it down" story.
Just read and enjoy.

Loved this story!

I really enjoyed this story more then I expected to! I am looking forward to the second one in April 2023!

Yet another amazing story!!!

I haven’t enjoyed a story like this since I read the Paper Magician. I seriously felt as if I couldn’t listen fast enough

Fantastic

Loved it! It took me a bit to understand but then it took off great.

Interesting premise, delivery lacking

DNF, so perhaps it got better after the first two hours. Narration was so-so, pace is slow, but I also listen to 23 hr books regularly.

An enjoyable book

I very much enjoyed this audiobook. Great character development and an equally good storyline. I recommend it to anyone looking for a low-key but action packed read

Very cute and sweet story

A very cute and sweet story with enough magic and intrigue to keep me listening. Can't wait for the next book(s) in this series.

Entertaining

I loved it especially the dog. I am looking forward to the next part of the story.

Another great Holmberg book

Love the story, great well rounded characters and narration. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

This book is cute but too repetitive and predictab

Basically this is a light romance wrapped in a veneer of a made-up magical-historical world. It can hold your attention but not much more.