Sunday, October 26, 2025
Review - The Charmed Library
AUTHOR: Jennifer Moorman
RATING: ★★★
RELEASE DATE: January 6th, 2026
Summary (from Goodreads): What happens when you open your heart to the stories waiting to be written?
Stella Parker is stuck. Stuck back in her childhood bedroom in the small town she grew-up in. Stuck between playing it safe and making a change. Stuck in heartbreak. As an assistant librarian, she's surrounded by her favorite things: words. But Stella has a secret: she can see words not just on the page but all around her--words that shimmer and flit like living things, carrying emotions and whispers of untold stories. For years, she's kept this gift hidden, scribbling fragments into notebooks, unsure of their purpose.
After a lifetime of seeing and hiding her words, Stella views her gift as a mere curiosity, filling countless notebooks with words, poetry, and unfinished stories that seem to insist on being penned. However, Stella's world is upended when she tosses a journal filled with love notes to her ex into the library's furnace. This impulsive act awakens a new kind of magic--words that surge through her with undeniable urgency and purpose. Suddenly, Stella begins to wonder: Could her gift help guide others to the stories they need most? Could these words hold the power to change lives--including her own?
Things get complicated when, after hours in the library, Stella encounters unusual visitors and stumbles upon the library's long-held secrets of magic. Her questions lead her deep into the library's hidden magic, where she discovers the extraordinary ability to bring fictional characters to life. As she navigates the chaos of keeping the library's secrets safe, managing an enchanting WWII soldier, an unexpected villain, and her own meddlesome brother, Stella finds herself on a journey of love, courage, and rediscovery.
REVIEW: I read a review on NetGalley where the reviewer remarked that The Charmed Library reminded them of the movie Night in the Museum, and I thought how that was a perfect way to describe this book. There is a magical element to the plot, which I’m normally not interested in, but this was a cute story. (Note: I started with the audiobook version, but the narrator had a childlike voice that kept distracting me, so about 1/4 of the way through I switched to reading the digital book). I believe every devoted reader has wished to meet a fictional book character at least once or twice in their lifetime, but I don’t think most of us consider the repercussions that may come from it when you bring a character from their fictional world into this chaotic real world we live in. The main character, Stella, found out what happens when you take the risk, and it makes for an interesting story. There were a few instances that seemed a little too far-fetched, and the ending felt rushed and too easy (if that makes sense), but that wouldn’t keep me from recommending it. If you enjoy reading stories with magical elements, then you’ll probably love it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(Atom)
Currently Listening
Currently Reading
Popular Posts
NetGalley Badges
Goodreads Updates
I do like magical elements in a book...especially in a book with a library! I think I'd like this one. :D
ReplyDeleteIt was a sweet story. I hope you enjoy it if you decide to read it!
DeleteThis sounds absolutely magical! ✨ A hidden library, secrets of magic, and the power to bring fictional characters to life — what more could a book lover ask for? 📚💫 Stella’s adventure sounds like the perfect mix of wonder, romance, and a touch of chaos. Definitely going on my must-read list!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it if you decide to read it! Thank you for visiting! Have a great week!
DeleteOh wow, this sounds like a total dream for any book lover! 😍 The idea of a library filled with secrets and the power to bring stories to life is just irresistible. I’m already intrigued by Stella’s journey — a bit of magic, mystery, and romance all wrapped into one? Count me in! 📖✨
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it if you decide to read it! Thank you for visiting! Have a great week!
DeleteSorry to hear it was just a 3 star.
ReplyDeleteOh, it’s okay. I’m not sorry I read it. It was a cute story. 🙂
DeleteToo bad you didn't like this one more. The premise sounds cute. Thanks for the heads-up on the audio. I'll skip it in favor of the print version.
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to read it!
Delete