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The Charmed Library
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26Blending the magic of
The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep
, the bookish wonder of
The Lost Bookshop
, and the small-town ambiance of Rachel Linden,
The Charmed Library
invites you into a world where words come alive, secrets are steeped in magic, and lives are transformed one story at a time.
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 words. But Stella has a 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 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.
With a hint of summer love, a journey of self-discovery, and the extraordinary power of words, The Charmed Library is a captivating exploration of life's possibilities when you dare to embrace the magic within.
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 words. But Stella has a 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 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.
With a hint of summer love, a journey of self-discovery, and the extraordinary power of words, The Charmed Library is a captivating exploration of life's possibilities when you dare to embrace the magic within.
Audible Audio
Expected publication January 6, 2026
34 people are currently reading
12318 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Moorman
27 books610 followersJennifer Moorman is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of five novels, including The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, The Magic All Around, and the Mystic Water Series. Her creative works also include a collection of folklore retellings and Strawberry Shortcake children’s books. Praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and others, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds is described as “imbued with Moorman’s trademark touch of magic,” “a seamless blend of history and magical realism,” “an absolute treasure of a book,” and “absolutely mesmerizing.”
A double major graduate of Middle Tennessee State University from the Recording Industry and English programs, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, The Nerd Daily, Women’s World Magazine, Hollywood Weekly, and many more. She holds degrees with concentrations in mass communications, linguistics, and fiction writing, reflecting her diverse background in storytelling and communication.
She put together a band and toured the United States as an accomplished professional singer for five years. She also worked many years as a senior editor for Harper Collins, guiding authors through the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Jennifer is the cocreator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.
When she’s not writing, you can find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.
A double major graduate of Middle Tennessee State University from the Recording Industry and English programs, her writing has appeared in numerous publications, including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, The Nerd Daily, Women’s World Magazine, Hollywood Weekly, and many more. She holds degrees with concentrations in mass communications, linguistics, and fiction writing, reflecting her diverse background in storytelling and communication.
She put together a band and toured the United States as an accomplished professional singer for five years. She also worked many years as a senior editor for Harper Collins, guiding authors through the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Jennifer is the cocreator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.
When she’s not writing, you can find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
November 18, 2025
Loved everything about the book. Heartwarming ending. Outstanding narration. This was quite a cozy tale. Quite innovative and unusual. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
November 21, 2025
3+⭐
❁ Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer Moorman and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion ❁
Ok, umm 🤔
This is a nice book, a quick and pleasant read but I expected more.
That's it, the whole review.
I expected more because I know how wonderfully Moorman can turn a simple plot in so much more and I was waiting and waiting and it never came. So it was nice, interesting idea, but quite underwhelming execution and ending for me. Also the love story: underwhelming.
Loved the word-seeing plot and the charmed library bits.
Still, I'm interested in this author's writing, I'll probably give her another chance in the future and also re-read the one I've loved in the past ✨
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
I've been sitting on this ARC for a while:
A. Because, sadly, the best way to read this is on.the.computer (not good for my eyes) and not the kindle version since it's not the definitive edition
B. Because I have high expectations!
I've had the pleasure of reading another ARC from J. Moorman, "The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds", and I thought it was literally exceptional.. an amazing story written with poignant emotion, romantic without being a romance, thought provoking.
Now I do expect another great and beautifully written story, just not behind a red door, but inside a library 💖
❁ Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer Moorman and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read the ARC of this in exchange of my honest opinion ❁
Ok, umm 🤔
This is a nice book, a quick and pleasant read but I expected more.
That's it, the whole review.
I expected more because I know how wonderfully Moorman can turn a simple plot in so much more and I was waiting and waiting and it never came. So it was nice, interesting idea, but quite underwhelming execution and ending for me. Also the love story: underwhelming.
Loved the word-seeing plot and the charmed library bits.
Still, I'm interested in this author's writing, I'll probably give her another chance in the future and also re-read the one I've loved in the past ✨
Ⓟⓡⓔ—Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
I've been sitting on this ARC for a while:
A. Because, sadly, the best way to read this is on.the.computer (not good for my eyes) and not the kindle version since it's not the definitive edition
B. Because I have high expectations!
I've had the pleasure of reading another ARC from J. Moorman, "The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds", and I thought it was literally exceptional.. an amazing story written with poignant emotion, romantic without being a romance, thought provoking.
Now I do expect another great and beautifully written story, just not behind a red door, but inside a library 💖
July 10, 2025
Words actually come to life in this quirky novel about overcoming heartbreak and how to let go of your past. Library employee and stage five clinger, Stella, is struggling to get over being dumped by someone named WADE LOL. A sudden turn of events takes her on a fun and magical adventure of self discovery.
This was an especially fun read for me since I have a love for both writing and reading. The author does an amazing job turning words into sparkling visualizations. The only problem I had was Stella's brother glorifying a "life-changing" “three-figure salary”... I loved the sudden twists at the end! These blindsides made the whole story worth it and come together quite nicely.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with a digital copy for review.
This was an especially fun read for me since I have a love for both writing and reading. The author does an amazing job turning words into sparkling visualizations. The only problem I had was Stella's brother glorifying a "life-changing" “three-figure salary”... I loved the sudden twists at the end! These blindsides made the whole story worth it and come together quite nicely.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for providing me with a digital copy for review.
October 22, 2025
Imagine Night at the Museum, but inside a library. Figuring out her life after heartbreak, our protagonist finds peace only in the library she works in. But strange little incidents hint that something secretive is happening here. Characters from books start stepping into reality, and the words she occasionally sees on pages begin exploding out of nowhere. And just like that, the adventure begins.
The book carries its moments of emotion and uses them to beautifully shape narration and decision-making. We witness stagnant lives, uprooted ones, friendships, and even crushes stepping right out of the books. Amidst the chaos that unfolds, we also see characters losing themselves in love (absolute head over heels) and making plans that may not always feel right. But all’s well that ends well. The magic lingers in every nook and cranny of the story—it feels as if someone gathered all our wishes and poured them onto ink and paper.
I feel this book will charm every book lover because it speaks to the one dream we all secretly share: meeting the characters who live inside our favorite books! So go ahead and read or listen to it.
The book carries its moments of emotion and uses them to beautifully shape narration and decision-making. We witness stagnant lives, uprooted ones, friendships, and even crushes stepping right out of the books. Amidst the chaos that unfolds, we also see characters losing themselves in love (absolute head over heels) and making plans that may not always feel right. But all’s well that ends well. The magic lingers in every nook and cranny of the story—it feels as if someone gathered all our wishes and poured them onto ink and paper.
I feel this book will charm every book lover because it speaks to the one dream we all secretly share: meeting the characters who live inside our favorite books! So go ahead and read or listen to it.
June 15, 2025
Imagine having your biggest fictional crush come to
Life…meeting your favorite characters in person…and facing the villains of your childhood . Imagine not only having words guide us when they are spoken but having words control us and lead us to our desires, warn us of our fears and hopes. In her upcoming novel Jennifer Moorman opens up the magic portal of books and allows the reader to see if the characters they love became reality.
Stella Parker is a woman who is searching for purpose She’s had a life filled with loss and she’s done with love. She’s always found solidarity in books and she has a power of seeing words all around When she meets her favorite book character in the flesh her whole world turns upside down.
Perfect read to escape to imagine to hope and to give love a second chance
Life…meeting your favorite characters in person…and facing the villains of your childhood . Imagine not only having words guide us when they are spoken but having words control us and lead us to our desires, warn us of our fears and hopes. In her upcoming novel Jennifer Moorman opens up the magic portal of books and allows the reader to see if the characters they love became reality.
Stella Parker is a woman who is searching for purpose She’s had a life filled with loss and she’s done with love. She’s always found solidarity in books and she has a power of seeing words all around When she meets her favorite book character in the flesh her whole world turns upside down.
Perfect read to escape to imagine to hope and to give love a second chance
August 15, 2025
Another beautiful story by Jennifer Moorman! The power of words and stories and books is the center of the magic that happens in the library where Stella works. I absolutely loved everything about this story. Jennifer’s gorgeous writing makes this book an absolute joy to read.
If you love libraries, books and words with a little magic sprinkled in then this is the book for you. Don’t question the why the magic happens…just enjoy it and savor this story!!!!!
If you love libraries, books and words with a little magic sprinkled in then this is the book for you. Don’t question the why the magic happens…just enjoy it and savor this story!!!!!
November 16, 2025
A small town, second chance at love story that has an assistant librarian falling for her fictional book boyfriend as she learns that her library has the special ability to bring fictional characters to real life. This was unique, compelling and one of those stories you just don't want to end. Great on audio and highly recommended for fans of books like The astral library by Kate Quinn and The book charmer by Karen Hawkins. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 23, 2025
While an adorable concept, this book didn’t hit the mark for me. The idea of Stella, a librarian in a small town, being able to see “words” around her that no one else can see was an interesting bit of magic but there was really no explanation as to WHY there is magic in this story. Perhaps that’s the contribution to the small-town mystery? I would have liked Jack to have been introduced a bit differently because that entire relationship just gave me a bit of the ick, but I won’t get into the specifics on that.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Charmed Library.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review The Charmed Library.
October 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
The Charmed Library was an endearing and sweet read—one of those fluffy stories that passes the time nicely. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it had enough charm to keep me going.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kathleen McInerney, who did a fine job overall. Her voice was warm and perfectly suited to the FMC, giving the story a soft, comforting tone. The pacing was average, though I found it more engaging once I sped it up a bit. The overall production quality was clean and crisp, which made for a pleasant listening experience.
This book has an undeniable coziness to it, with themes that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy gentle, heartwarming tales with a touch of magic. However, for me, it stayed firmly in the “nice but not memorable” category. It had all the right ingredients but never quite rose above being simply okay.
In the end, The Charmed Library was a perfectly fine, feel-good read—sweet, easy to listen to, and a solid choice when you want something light and comforting.
was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Harper Muse Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
The Charmed Library was an endearing and sweet read—one of those fluffy stories that passes the time nicely. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, but it had enough charm to keep me going.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Kathleen McInerney, who did a fine job overall. Her voice was warm and perfectly suited to the FMC, giving the story a soft, comforting tone. The pacing was average, though I found it more engaging once I sped it up a bit. The overall production quality was clean and crisp, which made for a pleasant listening experience.
This book has an undeniable coziness to it, with themes that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy gentle, heartwarming tales with a touch of magic. However, for me, it stayed firmly in the “nice but not memorable” category. It had all the right ingredients but never quite rose above being simply okay.
In the end, The Charmed Library was a perfectly fine, feel-good read—sweet, easy to listen to, and a solid choice when you want something light and comforting.
was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Harper Muse Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.
⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me; I never DNF ARCs.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.
October 3, 2025
This story has everything a bookworm could ask for …. a library, a book boyfriend 🥰, a town festival and the best of friends and family.
Jennifer Moorman brings once again a magical element in THE CHARMED LIBRARY that is extraordinary and enchanting. Stella is an assistant librarian who is grieving both the loss of her father and a devastating break-up. One day she decides to burn her journal as a means to leave the past in the past AND that’s when the magic begins. 🙌🏼 The author adds a great cast of literary favorites (including Mr Darcy) and an excruciatingly handsome man in Jack, and the sweetest friend, Arnie to Stella’s world ♥️♥️
Thank you @jenniferrmoorman for sharing a copy of THE CHARMED LIBRARY with Beyond the Pages as a traveling ARC. And I can’t wait to meet you next month in Nashville 😍
“If we don’t believe in magic, we’ll never find it.”
This book is available for preorder now but while you wait … read THE MAGIC ALL AROUND and THE VANISHING OF JOSEPHINE REYNOLDS stat.
#btptravelingarc #btpbookclub #aileenonbookz #bookpeoplearethebestpeople #toomanybooksnotenoughtime #breathoflife #anáilnabeatha #outjanuarysix
Jennifer Moorman brings once again a magical element in THE CHARMED LIBRARY that is extraordinary and enchanting. Stella is an assistant librarian who is grieving both the loss of her father and a devastating break-up. One day she decides to burn her journal as a means to leave the past in the past AND that’s when the magic begins. 🙌🏼 The author adds a great cast of literary favorites (including Mr Darcy) and an excruciatingly handsome man in Jack, and the sweetest friend, Arnie to Stella’s world ♥️♥️
Thank you @jenniferrmoorman for sharing a copy of THE CHARMED LIBRARY with Beyond the Pages as a traveling ARC. And I can’t wait to meet you next month in Nashville 😍
“If we don’t believe in magic, we’ll never find it.”
This book is available for preorder now but while you wait … read THE MAGIC ALL AROUND and THE VANISHING OF JOSEPHINE REYNOLDS stat.
#btptravelingarc #btpbookclub #aileenonbookz #bookpeoplearethebestpeople #toomanybooksnotenoughtime #breathoflife #anáilnabeatha #outjanuarysix
December 15, 2025
What an absolutely INCREDIBLE book! And, what a vivid imagination this author has! 😊
Stella is an assistant librarian. She loves her job, but is kind of stifled there. Her boss is wonderful, but she doesn’t really see herself going any further…
Additionally, she recently had her heart broken. Or, more likely, gave it to the wrong person to hold on to. 😳
Plus, she feels like she is all alone!
Her father passed, not too long ago.
Her Mother walked out on their family when she was little… and never looked back (or came back!) 😮😮
And her brother wants her to move on, and move out… preferably to another state… like Florida.
But she doesn’t want any part of that!!
One day she decides to burn her book of love notes and poems for/from Wade… the one who broke her heart.
She is really unsettled about this as she LOVES all things book related… but she really feels like she needs to let go.
So she goes ahead with this… and then everything seems to change for her. She starts experiencing something like ‘magic’…. And feels like she can pull books out for people based on signs she sees emitting from them in the form of words! (Wait… what???? )
And, she thinks she hears things coming from the archives… voices. But her boss says she’s crazy.
Until one day something happens… and he needs help… and Stella’s life will never be the same again!!
So this is a kind of ‘dual timelines’ book, but not really. Kind of like ‘Magicks’… but not really. And there’s lots of emotions… love… friendships… bonds… community coming together… and so much more!
To put it succinctly… THIS IS A MAGICAL BOOK, and if what I’ve mentioned inspires you, please, DON’T PASS THIS ONE UP!!
#TheCharmedLibrary by @JenniferMoorman and narrated beautifully by @KathleenMcinerney.
5 Incredible, Magical, Shiny, Sparkly, Word-Infused, Phenomenal Stars for me!! ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️
Oh… and can I mention that I just LOVE the COVER too??!!
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Please look 👀 for it in a few weeks, on 1/6/26!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperMuse and #HarperAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Stella is an assistant librarian. She loves her job, but is kind of stifled there. Her boss is wonderful, but she doesn’t really see herself going any further…
Additionally, she recently had her heart broken. Or, more likely, gave it to the wrong person to hold on to. 😳
Plus, she feels like she is all alone!
Her father passed, not too long ago.
Her Mother walked out on their family when she was little… and never looked back (or came back!) 😮😮
And her brother wants her to move on, and move out… preferably to another state… like Florida.
But she doesn’t want any part of that!!
One day she decides to burn her book of love notes and poems for/from Wade… the one who broke her heart.
She is really unsettled about this as she LOVES all things book related… but she really feels like she needs to let go.
So she goes ahead with this… and then everything seems to change for her. She starts experiencing something like ‘magic’…. And feels like she can pull books out for people based on signs she sees emitting from them in the form of words! (Wait… what???? )
And, she thinks she hears things coming from the archives… voices. But her boss says she’s crazy.
Until one day something happens… and he needs help… and Stella’s life will never be the same again!!
So this is a kind of ‘dual timelines’ book, but not really. Kind of like ‘Magicks’… but not really. And there’s lots of emotions… love… friendships… bonds… community coming together… and so much more!
To put it succinctly… THIS IS A MAGICAL BOOK, and if what I’ve mentioned inspires you, please, DON’T PASS THIS ONE UP!!
#TheCharmedLibrary by @JenniferMoorman and narrated beautifully by @KathleenMcinerney.
5 Incredible, Magical, Shiny, Sparkly, Word-Infused, Phenomenal Stars for me!! ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️
Oh… and can I mention that I just LOVE the COVER too??!!
*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Please look 👀 for it in a few weeks, on 1/6/26!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperMuse and #HarperAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 21, 2025
A DELIGHTFUL MAGICAL REALISM STORY
SUMMARY
All libraries are magic, and some libraries are more magical than others. The public library in Blue Sky Valley, North Carolina, is in the latter category. Stella Parker is an assistant librarian who is unaware of her library’s special magic, but she soon discovers strange characters in the library after hours. One of the characters is Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. Stella finds that she, too, has the power to bring fictional characters to life when she inadvertently invites Captain Hook to the library, and chaos ensues.
Stella quickly learns the importance of protecting the library’s secret. As she gets to know and fall in love with the real Jack Mathis she has to face the reality that all stories must end. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. Jack’s time is almost up, and Stella must face the reality of her loss.
If you could bring a fictional character from a book to life, who would it be?
REVIEW
THE CHARMED LIBRARY is a delightful, magical realism story. It’s a lighthearted story about grief and growth and the role of books. The story is fun and imaginative, and it is a great read for lovers of books, stories, and libraries.
Author Jennifer Moorman’s writing flows nicely and is delightfully descriptive. Stella's character is well-developed and engaging; and her relationship with Jack is endearing. I loved Stella's best friend, Ariel, who was always there for her and full of cheer.
My favorite part is surprisingly when Stella goes head-to-head in a battle for the library with Captain Cook. My least favorite part was the words that popped out everywhere and constantly surrounded Stella, even attacking her at times.
The narrator, Kathleen McInerney, has a warm voice that fits the book perfectly. She slides you into the story and does a fabulous performance, distinguishing character voices. She convincingly performs women and men, young and old, and good guys and bad ones. Her tone, pacing and delivery were enjoyable
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Libraries are Magic!
Publisher Harper Muse AudioBooks
Published Jan 6, 2026
Narrated Kathleen McInerney
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
All libraries are magic, and some libraries are more magical than others. The public library in Blue Sky Valley, North Carolina, is in the latter category. Stella Parker is an assistant librarian who is unaware of her library’s special magic, but she soon discovers strange characters in the library after hours. One of the characters is Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. Stella finds that she, too, has the power to bring fictional characters to life when she inadvertently invites Captain Hook to the library, and chaos ensues.
Stella quickly learns the importance of protecting the library’s secret. As she gets to know and fall in love with the real Jack Mathis she has to face the reality that all stories must end. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. Jack’s time is almost up, and Stella must face the reality of her loss.
If you could bring a fictional character from a book to life, who would it be?
REVIEW
THE CHARMED LIBRARY is a delightful, magical realism story. It’s a lighthearted story about grief and growth and the role of books. The story is fun and imaginative, and it is a great read for lovers of books, stories, and libraries.
Author Jennifer Moorman’s writing flows nicely and is delightfully descriptive. Stella's character is well-developed and engaging; and her relationship with Jack is endearing. I loved Stella's best friend, Ariel, who was always there for her and full of cheer.
My favorite part is surprisingly when Stella goes head-to-head in a battle for the library with Captain Cook. My least favorite part was the words that popped out everywhere and constantly surrounded Stella, even attacking her at times.
The narrator, Kathleen McInerney, has a warm voice that fits the book perfectly. She slides you into the story and does a fabulous performance, distinguishing character voices. She convincingly performs women and men, young and old, and good guys and bad ones. Her tone, pacing and delivery were enjoyable
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Libraries are Magic!
Publisher Harper Muse AudioBooks
Published Jan 6, 2026
Narrated Kathleen McInerney
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
December 6, 2025
Can you imagine having the opportunity to talk to a literary character? This was a magical romantic story.
It was a slow build that really ended with a bang!
It was a slow build that really ended with a bang!
October 26, 2025
⭐️ 1 Star
The premise of The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman was so enticing — a magical library where beloved literary characters come to life and you can actually interact with them. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t work for me. The story took a turn into chaos when multiple characters escaped from their books and began wreaking havoc. Imagine Captain Hook running wild through the library and taking members of a book club captive — it was just a bit too over-the-top for my taste.
I truly appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, but sadly, this one just wasn’t for me.
The premise of The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman was so enticing — a magical library where beloved literary characters come to life and you can actually interact with them. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t work for me. The story took a turn into chaos when multiple characters escaped from their books and began wreaking havoc. Imagine Captain Hook running wild through the library and taking members of a book club captive — it was just a bit too over-the-top for my taste.
I truly appreciate NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, but sadly, this one just wasn’t for me.
August 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
If you’re looking for an easy HEA without many problems, and also happen to be a super-fan of libraries, this book could be for you.
Personally, I did not connect. The concept was very promising, but the execution fell short. Mostly due to the following issues:
1. It was way too wordy. Please don’t drag things out needlessly for word count. Make your words count! There were so many extraneous details and unnecessary minutiae about the things Stella did, ate, and saw. From a detailed description of the linoleum floor to what she packed in an overnight bag for the hospital, there were countless throwaway sentences that didn't really add to the story at all. The meat and potatoes of the novel contributed to (maybe) 50% of the word count, and the rest was just filler. I wish there was more show, and less tell.
2. The magical concepts were lacking in many ways. And they were some really solid concepts! Stella's own ability was interesting, and the idea of fictional characters coming to life is absolute gold. But almost nothing was fleshed out or explained in detail. There were no rules as to how or when Stella could use her own magical ability, so it felt like it was just conveniently inserted from time to time. And then, the magic of the characters coming to life was explained away in the most matter-of-fact and arbitrary manner. This mysterious concept you wait almost the entire story for was described in less than a page. All in all, pretty disappointing.
3. Flat characters. I would have loved to see greater development of each character. The most unique one was probably Ariel, but everyone else kind of came across as the same, without a distinctive voice. And the most disappointing was definitely Jack. Absolutely nothing about him proved he was a decorated American soldier from the 1940’s (except for the fact that he listened to an old record one morning, and he often said the word “swell”). He came across as the most normal, modern man who didn't have much to say, and was super into Stella... for some reason.
4. Plot holes, too many conveniences, and nonsensical storyline choices.
I will give the book 2 stars because of the concept, but I have too many hesitations to credibly give The Charmed Library anything more.
If you’re looking for an easy HEA without many problems, and also happen to be a super-fan of libraries, this book could be for you.
Personally, I did not connect. The concept was very promising, but the execution fell short. Mostly due to the following issues:
1. It was way too wordy. Please don’t drag things out needlessly for word count. Make your words count! There were so many extraneous details and unnecessary minutiae about the things Stella did, ate, and saw. From a detailed description of the linoleum floor to what she packed in an overnight bag for the hospital, there were countless throwaway sentences that didn't really add to the story at all. The meat and potatoes of the novel contributed to (maybe) 50% of the word count, and the rest was just filler. I wish there was more show, and less tell.
2. The magical concepts were lacking in many ways. And they were some really solid concepts! Stella's own ability was interesting, and the idea of fictional characters coming to life is absolute gold. But almost nothing was fleshed out or explained in detail. There were no rules as to how or when Stella could use her own magical ability, so it felt like it was just conveniently inserted from time to time. And then, the magic of the characters coming to life was explained away in the most matter-of-fact and arbitrary manner. This mysterious concept you wait almost the entire story for was described in less than a page. All in all, pretty disappointing.
3. Flat characters. I would have loved to see greater development of each character. The most unique one was probably Ariel, but everyone else kind of came across as the same, without a distinctive voice. And the most disappointing was definitely Jack. Absolutely nothing about him proved he was a decorated American soldier from the 1940’s (except for the fact that he listened to an old record one morning, and he often said the word “swell”). He came across as the most normal, modern man who didn't have much to say, and was super into Stella... for some reason.
4. Plot holes, too many conveniences, and nonsensical storyline choices.
I will give the book 2 stars because of the concept, but I have too many hesitations to credibly give The Charmed Library anything more.
July 27, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Harper Muse.
This book felt like stepping into a whimsical Hallmark dream. Afterall isn't it every romance readers dream to meet their fictional crush?
That said, there were a few elements that didn’t quite land for me. Ariel, the friend character, felt a bit jarring in the story. Her “vibe-sensing” ability didn’t mesh well with the magical tone of the book. It gave off more of a forced Gen Z quirkiness that felt out of place. The scene where she was inserted into a romantic moment also felt awkward and oddly intimate for a third-party character.
The magical rules of the world weren’t fully fleshed out either. It often felt like the author was shaping the magic to fit the plot, rather than building a consistent system or framework that made sense on its own.
I also would’ve loved more development and emotional depth in the central relationship. It all felt a bit rushed and more like a plot device than a natural progression of love. Some book character arcs were left unresolved, and I found myself with lingering questions by the end.
Lastly, the tone and voice felt more geared toward a college-aged audience even though the characters were supposed to be the late 20s to 30s age group.
Still, at its core, this was a fantastical story about taking chances, letting go of fear, and embracing unexpected change. Sometimes life pushes us forward before we’re ready and that’s when the next chapter begins.
This book felt like stepping into a whimsical Hallmark dream. Afterall isn't it every romance readers dream to meet their fictional crush?
That said, there were a few elements that didn’t quite land for me. Ariel, the friend character, felt a bit jarring in the story. Her “vibe-sensing” ability didn’t mesh well with the magical tone of the book. It gave off more of a forced Gen Z quirkiness that felt out of place. The scene where she was inserted into a romantic moment also felt awkward and oddly intimate for a third-party character.
The magical rules of the world weren’t fully fleshed out either. It often felt like the author was shaping the magic to fit the plot, rather than building a consistent system or framework that made sense on its own.
I also would’ve loved more development and emotional depth in the central relationship. It all felt a bit rushed and more like a plot device than a natural progression of love. Some book character arcs were left unresolved, and I found myself with lingering questions by the end.
Lastly, the tone and voice felt more geared toward a college-aged audience even though the characters were supposed to be the late 20s to 30s age group.
Still, at its core, this was a fantastical story about taking chances, letting go of fear, and embracing unexpected change. Sometimes life pushes us forward before we’re ready and that’s when the next chapter begins.
July 4, 2025
The Charmed Library
By: Jennifer Moorman
Publisher: Harper Muse
Pub date: January 6, 2026
5📘📘📘📘📘
Another magical book by Moorman. A library comes alive with all kinds of characters.
Stella, is a librarian assistant who has gone through a painful breakup and she is feeling stuck.
She has a unique ability which adds to her life and the library is the perfect place as it comes alive magically. A wonderful character and her gift makes this a fun book to immerse yourself. Libraries are magical, but this added gift adds to the magic.
I discovered this author last year with my bookclub and am working my way through her books. I have enjoyed all that I have read and she is an auto-buy for me.
By: Jennifer Moorman
Publisher: Harper Muse
Pub date: January 6, 2026
5📘📘📘📘📘
Another magical book by Moorman. A library comes alive with all kinds of characters.
Stella, is a librarian assistant who has gone through a painful breakup and she is feeling stuck.
She has a unique ability which adds to her life and the library is the perfect place as it comes alive magically. A wonderful character and her gift makes this a fun book to immerse yourself. Libraries are magical, but this added gift adds to the magic.
I discovered this author last year with my bookclub and am working my way through her books. I have enjoyed all that I have read and she is an auto-buy for me.
October 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It turns out that it was nowhere near what I thought it would be about according to the title of it. I received this as an advanced reader copy (ARC) from #Netgalley.
We meet Stella who works for her local library and when she burns her journal everything changes in her life. The magic of the library comes to life and she learns that not everything she sees or hears is what she thinks it is. Many different relationships are introduced and are played out to progress to a great story line.
Overall, it was a great book. Some parts were slow and took a minute to draw you back in, but overall I would definitely recommend it to young adult readers moreso than any other age category.
We meet Stella who works for her local library and when she burns her journal everything changes in her life. The magic of the library comes to life and she learns that not everything she sees or hears is what she thinks it is. Many different relationships are introduced and are played out to progress to a great story line.
Overall, it was a great book. Some parts were slow and took a minute to draw you back in, but overall I would definitely recommend it to young adult readers moreso than any other age category.
June 27, 2025
2.5 stars,
A really cute and cosy concept, I love the idea of fictional characters coming to life but just felt the execution wasn’t there. The writing style wasn’t for me and was very much ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’. I also would have loved for the magic elements to be more fleshed out and the romance to have some more depth. This was an cute, easy read though and I did enjoy the concept!
*Netgalley reader*
A really cute and cosy concept, I love the idea of fictional characters coming to life but just felt the execution wasn’t there. The writing style wasn’t for me and was very much ‘tell’ rather than ‘show’. I also would have loved for the magic elements to be more fleshed out and the romance to have some more depth. This was an cute, easy read though and I did enjoy the concept!
*Netgalley reader*
September 30, 2025
Stella, an assistant at the local library in her little town Blue Sky Valley, is stuck in a rut. After a recent breakup and the death of her father, she's trying to figure out the purpose and direction of her life. Things get crazy and out of control when she learns that her boss has been keeping a monumental secret from her: the characters in the library books can be brought to life. Between navigating this new magic along with her own unique ability to see words, Stella works to figure out a new direction to obtain her happily ever after with the dreamy Jack - a character who has to return to his book in just a few short days.
Tropes/Points of Interest:
Magical library
Golden Boy MMC
Fairytale References
Small town cozy romance
Fade to black/no spice
Thoughts:
The premise of this book felt so interesting but I just feel like the execution fell flat. The characters just felt really shallow to me. There are so many potential things we could connect to emotionally (the end of a tumultuous romance, death of a parent, feeling stagnant and stuck with your life path, health scare for found family, hope for new romance).. but I never really felt connected to any of those things as a reader. The author did a lot of telling versus showing so the connection never happened. The romance and character development also felt weak; three days with her favorite character and suddenly everything is all cleared up for our FMC. The premise of the romance was weak; our FMC loved the book our MMC was in growing up and our MMC has heard about our FMC from the librarian but beyond that they don't really get to know one another on a deeper level. I wanted to see more angst, more uncertainty, more build-up of confidence, more exploration into the magic, more connection in the romance. By the end of the book I still felt like all the growth from our FMC came because of her love interest versus actual personal growth and development. I also didn't see any point of all the ruminating the character did within her childhood home. It didn't feel like she was truly missing or longing for her father, reflects that things have not been changed since childhood, and then does nothing. The interactions with the literary characters was fun and I would have enjoyed seeing more of that element in the story. If we had removed some of the ruminating and expanded on the magical elements in the story, I think this would have been a higher rating.
Overall this is a neutral 3⭐ for me.
Tropes/Points of Interest:
Magical library
Golden Boy MMC
Fairytale References
Small town cozy romance
Fade to black/no spice
Thoughts:
The premise of this book felt so interesting but I just feel like the execution fell flat. The characters just felt really shallow to me. There are so many potential things we could connect to emotionally (the end of a tumultuous romance, death of a parent, feeling stagnant and stuck with your life path, health scare for found family, hope for new romance).. but I never really felt connected to any of those things as a reader. The author did a lot of telling versus showing so the connection never happened. The romance and character development also felt weak; three days with her favorite character and suddenly everything is all cleared up for our FMC. The premise of the romance was weak; our FMC loved the book our MMC was in growing up and our MMC has heard about our FMC from the librarian but beyond that they don't really get to know one another on a deeper level. I wanted to see more angst, more uncertainty, more build-up of confidence, more exploration into the magic, more connection in the romance. By the end of the book I still felt like all the growth from our FMC came because of her love interest versus actual personal growth and development. I also didn't see any point of all the ruminating the character did within her childhood home. It didn't feel like she was truly missing or longing for her father, reflects that things have not been changed since childhood, and then does nothing. The interactions with the literary characters was fun and I would have enjoyed seeing more of that element in the story. If we had removed some of the ruminating and expanded on the magical elements in the story, I think this would have been a higher rating.
Overall this is a neutral 3⭐ for me.
December 8, 2025
If whimsical Hallmark-style stories are your thing, this book belongs on your TBR pile.
Stella Parker is in limbo. After losing her father and walking away from her accounting job, she’s back in her small Southern hometown working as an assistant librarian. She has always loved words, and even seen them shimmer in the world around the people she meets. She’s starting to wonder if she was meant to be surrounded by stories rather than spreadsheets all along.
Her secret visions are something she’s never quite known how to explain, but when she discovers her boss, the head librarian, is hiding an even bigger secret, everything shifts. Fictional characters can come to life (if only briefly) and suddenly Stella’s path looks nothing like she imagined.
The premise is a reader’s dream: meeting beloved characters and maybe even falling in love with one. But the execution didn’t fully land for me. I found myself wishing Stella had fallen for an actual book character rather than someone from a fictional novel within the novel. The magical elements, including the ancient Irish connection felt underdeveloped, more like hints than fully built rules. The plot often bent the magic to whatever was convenient in the moment, and the story, especially the romance, felt strangely rushed. I also would have loved to “meet” more characters pulled from real books.
A charming concept with cozy vibes, but I wanted just a bit more magic on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks, and author Jennifer Moorman for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Charmed Library is out on January 6th. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Stella Parker is in limbo. After losing her father and walking away from her accounting job, she’s back in her small Southern hometown working as an assistant librarian. She has always loved words, and even seen them shimmer in the world around the people she meets. She’s starting to wonder if she was meant to be surrounded by stories rather than spreadsheets all along.
Her secret visions are something she’s never quite known how to explain, but when she discovers her boss, the head librarian, is hiding an even bigger secret, everything shifts. Fictional characters can come to life (if only briefly) and suddenly Stella’s path looks nothing like she imagined.
The premise is a reader’s dream: meeting beloved characters and maybe even falling in love with one. But the execution didn’t fully land for me. I found myself wishing Stella had fallen for an actual book character rather than someone from a fictional novel within the novel. The magical elements, including the ancient Irish connection felt underdeveloped, more like hints than fully built rules. The plot often bent the magic to whatever was convenient in the moment, and the story, especially the romance, felt strangely rushed. I also would have loved to “meet” more characters pulled from real books.
A charming concept with cozy vibes, but I wanted just a bit more magic on the page.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks, and author Jennifer Moorman for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Charmed Library is out on January 6th. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
October 11, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review.
Bewitching. Bewitching is the first word which springs to mind when thinking about this book. Jennifer Moorman again delivers a beautiful tale of magical realism.Stella Parker is reeling from her relationship breakup and is stuck. Stuck in her hurt. Stuck staying in her old childhood bedroom in her hometown. Stuck between staying safe in her work in the library or choosing a different path entirely.
**Words matter to Stella. For as long as she can remember, she's seen them. Words appear--in varying colors and fonts--rising from surfaces, bouncing over objects, and even wiggling out of people. Words give her insight into emotions and untold stories. But the words change for Stella after she burns her journal. Suddenly they're demanding, urgent--and painful.
Then Stella stumbles upon strange characters in the library after hours. One is an oddly familiar World War II soldier who introduces himself as Jack--Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. A fictional hero and Stella's first crush. Standing in front of her in the flesh.
Jack tells Stella about the magic hidden in the library. Skeptical, Stella rashly invites a villain to visit, and chaos ensues. As she discovers the importance of protecting the library's secret and gets to know the real Jack, words continue to appear. What are they trying to tell her?
Much too quickly, Stella is faced with the reality that all stories must end, and magic comes at a price. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. And Jack's time is almost up**
Jennifer Moorman once again weaves magic in this stunning tale of love, the power of words and how to be true to yourself and follow your heart.
Bewitching. Bewitching is the first word which springs to mind when thinking about this book. Jennifer Moorman again delivers a beautiful tale of magical realism.Stella Parker is reeling from her relationship breakup and is stuck. Stuck in her hurt. Stuck staying in her old childhood bedroom in her hometown. Stuck between staying safe in her work in the library or choosing a different path entirely.
**Words matter to Stella. For as long as she can remember, she's seen them. Words appear--in varying colors and fonts--rising from surfaces, bouncing over objects, and even wiggling out of people. Words give her insight into emotions and untold stories. But the words change for Stella after she burns her journal. Suddenly they're demanding, urgent--and painful.
Then Stella stumbles upon strange characters in the library after hours. One is an oddly familiar World War II soldier who introduces himself as Jack--Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. A fictional hero and Stella's first crush. Standing in front of her in the flesh.
Jack tells Stella about the magic hidden in the library. Skeptical, Stella rashly invites a villain to visit, and chaos ensues. As she discovers the importance of protecting the library's secret and gets to know the real Jack, words continue to appear. What are they trying to tell her?
Much too quickly, Stella is faced with the reality that all stories must end, and magic comes at a price. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. And Jack's time is almost up**
Jennifer Moorman once again weaves magic in this stunning tale of love, the power of words and how to be true to yourself and follow your heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
The Charmed Library is a cute, cozy, Hallmark-movie-like story where words can magically appear and characters can leave their books behind and temporarily live in the real world. I don’t read a lot of magical realism, but when I do, I’m not in the business of questioning the magic system. If you’re particular about those things, you might have a completely different reading experience. Overall, it’s a fun, lighthearted, comfortably predictable tale with plenty of easter eggs for the literature nerds.
This book was mostly lovely until the love interest admitted that he’d known the FMC since she was a child. Major ick. Also, there are disgusting amounts of Harry Potter references for a book that’s to be released in 2026.
I’d recommend this one for the romance-loving Hallmark movie enthusiasts. It’s a delightful combo of lost protagonist with emotional baggage, perfectly charming and handsome love interest with a secret, loyal best friend with a loud personality, and an older mentor/father figure all interacting within the backdrop of a darling little small town.
It was a very enjoyable read, and I’m grateful to Harper Muse for the eARC via NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book was mostly lovely until the love interest admitted that he’d known the FMC since she was a child. Major ick. Also, there are disgusting amounts of Harry Potter references for a book that’s to be released in 2026.
I’d recommend this one for the romance-loving Hallmark movie enthusiasts. It’s a delightful combo of lost protagonist with emotional baggage, perfectly charming and handsome love interest with a secret, loyal best friend with a loud personality, and an older mentor/father figure all interacting within the backdrop of a darling little small town.
It was a very enjoyable read, and I’m grateful to Harper Muse for the eARC via NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Audio ARC of The Charmed Library.
The Charmed Library is a wonderfully enchanting story about a young woman who’s stuck — in grief, in heartbreak, and in a life that feels paused. When the head librarian falls ill, she discovers he’s been keeping secrets about the library... magical secrets.
What follows is a beautiful blend of magic, mayhem, and self-discovery. With the help of her friends — and a few very special guests — she begins to heal, rediscover her strength, and find her passion and purpose once more.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Her expressive tone and well-timed inflections really drew me in and made the magic feel even more vivid. My only small note is that she sometimes made the main character sound a bit younger than I imagined, but overall I enjoyed the performance immensely.
This story reminds us that love, in all its forms, can guide us home — and that sometimes, the most magical journeys begin when we find the courage to turn the page. If only we could all be so lucky.
The Charmed Library is a wonderfully enchanting story about a young woman who’s stuck — in grief, in heartbreak, and in a life that feels paused. When the head librarian falls ill, she discovers he’s been keeping secrets about the library... magical secrets.
What follows is a beautiful blend of magic, mayhem, and self-discovery. With the help of her friends — and a few very special guests — she begins to heal, rediscover her strength, and find her passion and purpose once more.
The audiobook narrator did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. Her expressive tone and well-timed inflections really drew me in and made the magic feel even more vivid. My only small note is that she sometimes made the main character sound a bit younger than I imagined, but overall I enjoyed the performance immensely.
This story reminds us that love, in all its forms, can guide us home — and that sometimes, the most magical journeys begin when we find the courage to turn the page. If only we could all be so lucky.
October 16, 2025
Join Stella in her journey through grief, heartbreak and new beginnings. The Charmed Library presents a magical mystery that pushes Stella to plant her roots into a new life and allow herself to choose her own path.
I found the atmosphere that Moorman created in this book absolutely charming (sorry). When I found this book, I was itching for a cosy romance and absolutely found it here. The story was simplistic and easy to follow while providing the ingredients of cosy in its comforting library setting, low-stakes character crisis journey and the mingling of childhood classics along the way.
I found some of the plot points a little too predictable and didn't quite feel the character development of Stella to be wholly satisfying, but to me, the whimsical nature of the magic and setting made up for some of the narrative gripes that I had. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants an easy, quiet and comforting read.
I found the atmosphere that Moorman created in this book absolutely charming (sorry). When I found this book, I was itching for a cosy romance and absolutely found it here. The story was simplistic and easy to follow while providing the ingredients of cosy in its comforting library setting, low-stakes character crisis journey and the mingling of childhood classics along the way.
I found some of the plot points a little too predictable and didn't quite feel the character development of Stella to be wholly satisfying, but to me, the whimsical nature of the magic and setting made up for some of the narrative gripes that I had. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who wants an easy, quiet and comforting read.
June 18, 2025
4.5⭐️ | For anyone who's ever fallen in love with a fictional character 📚✨
The Charmed Library is pure magic—a love letter to libraries, stories, and the readers who carry them close. Jennifer Moorman brings words to life in the most literal sense, with characters stepping off pages and into reality... including that swoony book boyfriend you never quite forgot.
Stella is a relatable, tender-hearted heroine with a gift for seeing words—actual, floating words—and when she stumbles into the library’s secret, it’s like stepping into the warmest kind of dream. There’s humor, heartache, magic, and a quiet reminder that the stories we love shape us long after we close the book.
Perfect for fans of The Midnight Library or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, but with cozier, Hallmark-romance vibes and a soft fantasy twist. A hug in book form.
The Charmed Library is pure magic—a love letter to libraries, stories, and the readers who carry them close. Jennifer Moorman brings words to life in the most literal sense, with characters stepping off pages and into reality... including that swoony book boyfriend you never quite forgot.
Stella is a relatable, tender-hearted heroine with a gift for seeing words—actual, floating words—and when she stumbles into the library’s secret, it’s like stepping into the warmest kind of dream. There’s humor, heartache, magic, and a quiet reminder that the stories we love shape us long after we close the book.
Perfect for fans of The Midnight Library or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, but with cozier, Hallmark-romance vibes and a soft fantasy twist. A hug in book form.
December 17, 2025
What would you do if you could bring your favorite characters out of their books for a little bit? Would you ask them questions? Go on quests? Fall in love?
The Charmed Library explores all of that in this enjoyable audiobook. Stella gets to experience what it’s like having a whole cast of characters out of the books and in the real world. Some are just as she had hoped while others are not all that they seemed to be. Overall it was well done and an enjoyable story, but something was a little lacking for me. I think I struggled to connect with the characters from the narrator, but she did do a good job. Just something was a little off.
Thank you to Jennifer Moorman and Harper Muse Audio for a copy of this audiobook!
The Charmed Library explores all of that in this enjoyable audiobook. Stella gets to experience what it’s like having a whole cast of characters out of the books and in the real world. Some are just as she had hoped while others are not all that they seemed to be. Overall it was well done and an enjoyable story, but something was a little lacking for me. I think I struggled to connect with the characters from the narrator, but she did do a good job. Just something was a little off.
Thank you to Jennifer Moorman and Harper Muse Audio for a copy of this audiobook!
July 21, 2025
Any book surrounding a library will always draw me in. In this book, words literally fly off the pages right before our main character Stella Parker's eyes. When she burns a journal of words, of love letters to her ex, the plot of the story kicks off in which she discovers fictional characters coming to life.
It was a cute concept. What feels cozier than a spending time in a library having characters come to life? Unfortunately. this one just wasn't for me. It was cute, but I just wasn't a fan of the romance and after a while the plot began to lose me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It was a cute concept. What feels cozier than a spending time in a library having characters come to life? Unfortunately. this one just wasn't for me. It was cute, but I just wasn't a fan of the romance and after a while the plot began to lose me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 12, 2025
Hello, y'all!! The Charmed Library will release on January 6th. I was lucky enough to get an eARC and fall in love with the story. TCL totally gave me Hallmark movie vibes, with a funny small town and what romance readers all wish could happen to us: the book boyfriend brought to life. There were parts I connected with Stella, such as her search for purpose. She went through some pain in her life, and she's left with no purpose, not knowing what's there for her. The book is full of amazing characters, such as Arnie, Stella's coworker. I just wish Jack, THE book boyfriend, had been introduced differently. For me, it felt kind of weird; He was brought to life a few times throughout the years, then saw her from afar. Besides that, I enjoyed The Charmed Library so much.
June 15, 2025
So many great things to love about this book. I have never read Jennifer Moorman before but I enjoyed this book a lot. I agree with other reviewers who said that romance developed too quickly however, there was a lot to love about this book as well!
I loved that the librarians were not portrayed stereotypically and that the main character stood up for the profession. Loved the different characters that appeared over the course of the book. Loved the main characters development over the course of the book. I would definitely recommend it and will buy it for the library.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation.
I loved that the librarians were not portrayed stereotypically and that the main character stood up for the profession. Loved the different characters that appeared over the course of the book. Loved the main characters development over the course of the book. I would definitely recommend it and will buy it for the library.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation.
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