HEIR OF UNCERTAIN MAGIC is the sequel to KEEPER OF ENCHANTED ROOMS, the opening installment in Charlie N. Holmberg’s Whimbrel House series. Unfortunately, neither title gives even a hint of the delightful character of this magic-filled series about two fairly tortured souls in search of stability and in desperate need of some love in their lives.

In the first book, Merritt Fernsby inherits a magical house, and Hulda Larkin is sent to help him figure out how to control the magic. It's filled with action, danger and some truly heart-wrenching moments. In this latest entry, we meet the residents of Whimbrel House. They include the chef Baptiste, a Frenchman whom Merritt hired; Beth Taylor, who was sent by BIKER (Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms) to keep the house organized and take care of its inhabitants; and Owein, the being who caused the house to be enchanted. He is now in the body of a dog but can communicate with Merritt.

"There is danger from unsuspecting sources, and as the days inch forward (Holmberg provides the dates at the beginning of each chapter as if in a diary), we feel not only the chill of the Boston winter but also the icy finger of peril from within."

Merritt is struggling with his newfound ability of communion. This means he can hear the thoughts of plants and animals, but they reach him throughout the day and night. It’s a phenomenon that makes him unable to sleep because of the constant bombardment of thoughts from all around, even the grass outside the house. He has learned that his father, who hated him and threw him out of the family, isn't really his biological parent. It’s difficult for him to embrace the idea of going home and being reunited with his mother and sisters, whom he hasn't seen in 13 years, and meeting his real father. He’s tormented with doubt and feelings of insecurity --- and because of his past, he’s afraid of being rejected.

Hulda is alone in the world except for a few friends, including her best friend, Myra. Myra was the director of BIKER and her supervisor, but in KEEPER OF ENCHANTED ROOMS, we learned about some malfeasance. Myra worked to fix her mistakes and then disappeared. Hulda can't believe she would abandon BIKER, but it appears that’s exactly what happened. When some employees of the governing group LIKER (London Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms) show up to investigate Myra's disappearance and decide on the appointment of a new director, Hulda is torn. Since their arrival, strange things have been happening at BIKER. Hulda has yearned for romance and someone to have a family with, but she is very straight-laced and rigid, and she loves her job. She is insecure about Merritt's feelings for her, and she, too, fears rejection.

In HEIR OF UNCERTAIN MAGIC, we see the progression of Merritt and Hulda's romance, and their continued realization of their affection for each other. When they’re in trouble, the other residents of the house --- including Owein, the boy-dog who is also Merritt's great-great-great-great-great-great (and then some) uncle --- are there to help. There is danger from unsuspecting sources, and as the days inch forward (Holmberg provides the dates at the beginning of each chapter as if in a diary), we feel not only the chill of the Boston winter but also the icy finger of peril from within.

While we are thrown into the action, there isn't much recap from KEEPER OF ENCHANTED ROOMS. I plan to keep my copy of this one so that when book three is released, I'll be able to refer back to it.