Keeper of Enchanted Rooms

Whimbrel House, Book 1

By: Charlie N. Holmberg

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

Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

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

This was brilliant

Enjoyed all of this!!
Narration, characters, storyline were all absolutely breathtaking, well thought out and excuted. Looking forward to book 2!

Too much figurative language

The story was interesting but there were so many similes and metaphors to describe characters, events, etc. that I spent half the time rolling my eyes. It read like a high schooler had been asked to write a story using x amount of similes and metaphors.

fun read

fun silly read. enjoyed the concept and performance. great for when you need to take the world less seriously

A pleasure to listen to!

Not only is this a wonderful and engaging story, but the three individuals who voice it are a treat for the ears! The story, and the artists, had me engaged from beginning to end!

Truly enchanting story

I could not stop listening. the various voice actors were phenomenal, and the story just drew me in, from the preface. I loved it. the slightly alternate world to ours was a mild, but brilliant change. Truly an enchanting story.

Interesting Plot with Cute Romance

I honestly loved listening to this book. The characters were relatable (not the magic piece, but I wish), and made me invested in completing their story. I'm glad there was conflict to make the book more than just a romance, but I rated it 4/5 due to how quickly the conflict was resolved (in 2 chapters). Overall, a super cute read that I enjoyed!

Great concept- fun story

I liked the characters and the way magic was incorporated into the world… it was a little confusing at first though.

Go ahead and listen!

A really entertaining read. Cute story, likeable characters, professional performances, well written. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Top-tier narration and a lovely story

Normally a multiple narration audiobook can be a bit jarring and feel like a play, however this worked perfectly and the changes between narrators was seamless. A really excellent and heartwarming story too, and a nice change from more intense fantasy books I’ve been reading recently. Can’t wait for the next book!

ugh

alternates between dark and silly. not my cup of tea maybe others would like it. none of the characters won my interest.