First line: They say York is the most haunted city in England, but I'm probably the only person in it named after a ghost.
The plot: December 1851. Lizzy Grimm and her mother live above their small shop, Grimm Curiosities. For awhile, Lizzy's mother worked as a medium to help pay the rent, but a year ago she was stricken silent. Now it's up to Lizzy to take care of her mother and to keep her late father's antique shop open, but things aren't going well. She finds unexpected help from Antony Carlisle, the oldest son of the local baron. His younger sister has also been stricken silent. He and Lizzie team up to try and discover why. And they think they just might find the answers they're seeking in her father's treasured set of books about ghosts, faeries, doorways, otherworldly creatures, and yuletide myths. Only someone else really wants those books--an older gentleman who is also interested in Lizzy.
My thoughts: This book is an enchanting combination of mystery & romance with a touch of fairy tale magic. Oh, and ghosts! I loved the Grimm's small curiosity shop and the ghostly atmosphere permeating York. All the old buildings and narrow alleyways called ginnels made for a great setting. And Lizzy and Antony are both very engaging characters. I loved how their cautious friendship deepened into something more over the course of their search. There's even a ball. And the magical elements made this book even more fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Happy Reading!
Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts. I can't wait to dive into this enchanting story!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it! :D
DeleteI think I remember seeing this one and then I forgot. Now I need to get my hands on a copy stat! This sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was some lighthearted and magical fun.
DeleteI’m black you enjoyed this one my friend.
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Thanks, Regine! :D
DeleteSounds great! I picked up a copy recently, but haven't start it yet. So glad to see your review!
ReplyDeleteI hope you like it, too.
DeleteI love the sound of this! I'm so curious why her mom and his sister were stricken silent! I'm adding this to my wishlist. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's one I think you would really like, Ashley. :D
DeleteThis sounds really good! I love visiting York, but haven't read many books set there.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go to York someday! It sounds so interesting.
DeleteOoh. This one does sound fun.
ReplyDeleteStarting the year off right with some fun books....I hope that trend continues all year long. :D
DeleteThe plot does sound quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun one.
DeleteThis combines so many great elements within an even better setting. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI love that combination of historical and supernatural with a bit of mystery and romance thrown in. It checks all the boxes. :D
DeleteWhat a delightful and enchanting story! The mix of mystery, romance, and fairy-tale elements sounds like a perfect read, especially with the atmospheric setting of York and its ghostly allure. Lizzy and Antony’s journey, along with the curious, magical elements, must make for such an engaging adventure. I’m glad you enjoyed the book, and I’ll definitely be checking it out! Wishing you a fantastic weekend and feel free to pop by my latest post at www.melodyjacob.com for more!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughful comment!
DeleteThe setting and the story sound whimsical and wonderful! I'll check this one out, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteWhimsical is a good word to describe it. :D
DeleteI'm always on the lookout for gothic settings in the 19th century. I may give this one a try.
ReplyDeleteI liked the fairy tale magic aspect of it and the characters were so likeable. :D
DeleteThe magical elements of this one makes it sound good to me.
ReplyDeleteThey were a fun take on fairy tales and yuletide myths.
DeleteThis sounds wonderful. I will have to look into this one. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed it! :D
DeleteOoo! Ghosts! I bet I would love this.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun! :D
DeleteI loved this too! It was such a great mix of ghost story and cozy fantasy😁
ReplyDeleteYes! I hope she writes more books like this one.
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