Goodreads Monday/TBR Monday is hosted by Budget Tales Book Blog and invites you to post about what books are on your Goodreads “to read” lists or TBR lists, the progress you have made on your current books and reading challenges, and any other bookish news!

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This week, I am choosing a book from an author I have enjoyed quite a bit, having finished her Paper Magician series several months ago: Charlie N. Holmberg.

Synopsis

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. (via Amazon)

Why This Book?

Simply speaking, I have been wanting to dive into more of Charlie’s books. She has such a knack for historical fantasy novels full of magic and romance. As mentioned, I have read and reviewed the Paper Magician series so I will link these reviews below in case they sound like something up your alley.

• Paper Magician – Review
• The Glass Magician – Review
• The Master Magician – Review
• The Plastic Magician – Review

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms is just the first book in the Whimbrel House 5-book series all of which are included in Kindle Unlimited!

Updates

For the audiobook The Elsewhere Express, I am about 45% through. While I enjoy the whimsical nature of the train, I am struggling to get through the book. I am not sure if it is the magical realism side of things or the overwhelming characters on top of everything else, but I am having trouble keeping my attention to what I am hearing. There are only 6 days left in my loan so I need to lock in and get through it.

I plan on starting The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion (volume 2) today. I was originally planning on starting Crimson Leaves, but I noticed it had over 700 pages so I wanted a break from the longer books before I undertake that journey lol.

My Goodreads 2026 Reading Challenge Update

32/48 books (67%)

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What book is on your Goodreads/TBR list? How are you doing in your reading challenges?