Charlie N. Holmberg’s new novel, KEEPER OF ENCHANTED ROOMS, is about a magic-infused house and the people connected to it, all of whom are estranged from loved ones.

The prologue introduces us to Silas Hogwood, who suffers abuse at the hands of his father --- or rather the abusive spells his father casts on him. But it's the last time we feel pity for Hogwood. We witness his descent into depravity as he murders those around him for their magical ability.

At the same time, we are charmed by Merritt Fernsby, a relatively unknown author who inherits Whimbrel House from his maternal grandmother. When he visits the property, which has been unoccupied for over a century, he is astonished to find that it's in good shape. But when he goes inside, the house refuses to let him leave.

"There are twists and turns, some of which are expected, but they all lead to a lovely ending after a suitably thrilling climax.... [I]f you enjoy fantasy, suspense and romance, you will be delighted by KEEPER OF ENCHANTED ROOMS."

In steps Hulda Larkin, a woman possessed of slight magical ability who works for the Boston Institute for the Keeping of Enchanted Rooms (BIKER). Her job is to tame magical buildings and understand their abilities. She is sent to work with Merritt and Whimbrel House, and arrives not a moment too soon as the house has made Merritt a prisoner.

Reading about the house’s antics and trying to figure out its intentions regarding its new inhabitants is delightful. Merritt and Hulda are likable characters as both have experienced betrayal and now wonder if they ever will find a family of their own. However, Hulda is at Whimbrel House as the temporary housekeeper, and she is quite conscious of her status as a sort of employee, although technically she is employed by BIKER. So the attraction between them builds slowly.

Merritt and Hulda eventually determine the origin of the house’s magic. At the same time, we see glimpses into what Hogwood is doing, and we know that Holmberg is planning on bringing all these characters together. When that happens, it will not be for the benefit of Merritt and Hulda. In fact, Hogwood holds a special hatred for Hulda dating back to their encounter in England decades before, which did not end well for him.

The writing includes vivid descriptions that make me long to visit Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island: "There was enough light for her to slip past leathery grape fern and multiflora roses. A path was already starting to form in the long grass, making the way easier. Drawing a deep breath, Hulda absorbed the sweet scent of chrysanthemum and let it fill her, easing the tension of the day." There is also a bit of humor; after one particular room in the house has viciously attacked Merritt and Hulda, the former reflects, "And the lavatory. God help him, he was never going to defecate again."

There are twists and turns, some of which are expected, but they all lead to a lovely ending after a suitably thrilling climax. However, I did want to know more about Merritt and his past, and Hulda and her childhood. I also wish the other characters were more fully plumbed (I would love to see much more backstory in a potential film or series adaptation of the book, which I think would be terrific). Still, if you enjoy fantasy, suspense and romance, you will be delighted by KEEPER OF ENCHANTED ROOMS.