A Spell for Midwinter's Heart: A Witchy Holiday Romance with Small-Town Magic, Second Chances, and a Snowless Christmas

by Morgan Lockhart

Rowan Midwinter has sworn off magic, and for good reason. A spell gone wrong back in high school left her with nothing but missing memories and regret, so she's not exactly thrilled when she's guilted into returning to her quaint mountain hometown for the first time in years. But it's already Yule and much-needed snow still hasn't fallen, so Rowan reckons she can put up with her family, friends, and former coven if it means saving the town's beloved winter festival from the megacorporation threatening to buy it out.


But Rowan's plans to save the festival and make it through the holiday magic-free go awry when Gavin McCreery, prodigal son of the festival's landlord, insists on helping, and their unwanted chemistry keeps setting off holiday lights… literally.


As the quest to keep the festival alive grows increasingly complicated, Rowan realises she must reconnect with what she tried to leave behind - her family, coven, and even her memories - to let go of her fear of magic and let her heart lead the way.

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Fantasy, Fiction, Contemporary, Witches

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

Morgan Lockhart hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she currently lives with her family, including her partner, two children, and a pack of fur babies. Growing up in the woods of Washington State, Morgan has always been telling and consuming stories in all shapes and sizes. She roamed her way to California, where she graduated with highest honors from the creative writing department at UC San Diego. Her path forked into video games then, as she put off her final trimester of college to work on her first video game. Currently, she works as a writer and game developer for video games.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for a magical christmas romance, but I was just too frustrated with the heroine in this one. Most of the conflict has to do with her not using her magic wisely and carelessly messing with mind magic (erasing memories) SO MANY TIMES. She would even make herself forget something she just thought about a lot because she didn't want to think about it anymore. So no surprise that magic turned into an even bigger problem for her over and over again in this book. The heroine just made this one hard to like!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Spell for Midwinter's Heart by Morgan Lockhart, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Rowan Midwinter is a witch, who is not happy to be going back home. Rowan wants to save her towns winter festival, and make sure the town has snow. This is a sweet and magical winter love story.

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book absolutely felt like I was watching a Christmas Hallmark Movie in book version. Rowan is a witch who has refused to use her magic. After a disastrous work event she heads home for her town's annual Yule festival. She finds out that her town is in danger of losing their festival to a corporation. To complicate matters, the man who she has had a crush on since she was in high school is part of the reason their family is losing the festival. Rowan must figure out a way to save the festival, get the guy, and figure out how to use her magic responsibly.

This book was charming and sweet. I read it in the summer so it did lose a little of its magic as I was reading about hot chocolate and winter time events when it was 90 degrees outside. However, I do think this would be the perfect winter read and a great book to cozy up by a warm fire. Rowan being a witch was a great touch as I enjoyed reading about her magic abilities. It led to some cute and funny moments. If you are a fan of contemporary romances with some magic sprinkled in you will enjoy this novel.

4/5 stars

Thank you to Dutton Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

[hailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5***

very cute!!!!

this was so inclusive of so many cultures & holidays, i had a lot of fun learning about the traditions new to me.

the romance was sweet but tbh i needed a bit more! i also found myself getting irritated by the FMC’s self sabatoging actions towards the end.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher, Dutton, for giving me access to this title! I really appreciate your recommendations!

This book sounded absolutely adorable - I was sure I would love it. From the cute cover and premise, it sounded right up my alley.

Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. I was turned off from Rowan almost the moment she was introduced. Finding out that she spitefully cast a spell to turn Gavin’s hair prematurely gray when they were teens made her seem very petty and bratty. It did not endear me to her and she did not get better. She came off as snotty and gave major attitude to Gavin for no reason. She was also very hot and cold with him and was always jumping to conclusions about how he felt or what he was thinking. I had no idea what he saw in her. She really didn’t treat anyone very well to be honest and felt sorry for herself a lot.

I didn’t like any of the secondary characters much either, except for Rowan’s dad and Gavin. They were all introduced at the same time and no one really stood out.

I also didn’t like the anti-Christian elements. I get that this is a witchy, midwinter story rather than a Christmas story, but there were a lot of anti Christian sentiments that really turned me off and it seemed like Rowan couldn’t understand why anyone would like Christmas.

Unfortunately I don’t think I’m the right audience for this book. If you like witchy stories you might enjoy this one, but sadly it was a miss for me.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fall so I am officially in my magic/witch fall-vibes era and A Spell for Midwinter's Heart was a great addition. The fall AND winter vibes were immaculate, it was super inclusive, and I was vested in the romance. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

[✨Jessica✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“That isn’t how I kiss when I mean it.”

“What’s the difference?”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1.5🌶️

A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart was a cute and fun witchy holiday romance. Rowan Midwinter has sworn off magic but this year for Yule she is finally returning home to her family and coven.

Gavin and Rowan haven’t seen one another in years but reunite when she returns for the Yule festival. Their families have always been adversaries and now Gavin’s dad is part of a group that’s trying to buy out the town and with that would come the end of their celebrations.

As Rowan rediscovers her magic and her and Gavin try to figure out a way to save the festival sparks stir up between them again, but she must decide whether or not to let him in on the truth about her magic.

This is a quick, lighthearted read that’s perfect for the ber months.

Thank you to Dutton books for the e-arc. All opinions are my own.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unexpectedly deep and moving, making it very hard to put down! Gavin and Rowan are an endearing who are encountering outside forces as well as inner turmoil that stand in the way of the HEA. Each of them have conflicting emotions regarding their families, their jobs, their homes; and Rowan is also conflicted about her use of magic and embracing that part of her. Did I mention she’s a witch?? The witchcraft itself is an interesting component, especially as it pertains to Rowan and her feelings about Gavin, and things she regrets from her past. Set during the season of Yule, this book should appeal to many readers—in a word, it was magical. I received a copy of the book from the publisher.

[Lani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart isn’t just a book - it’s a cozy Hallmark holiday movie that got tired of clichés and decided to show up with sharper characters, terrific writing, and genuine heart.

Morgan Lockhart writes with such vivid detail that you don’t just read the story, you inhabit it. Her worldbuilding makes every corner of the town feel alive and familiar, the kind of place you wish you could pack a bag and go visit.

What sets it apart even more is its inclusivity. This isn’t one holiday or one narrow perspective. Lockhart weaves in different traditions and relationships, creating a world that feels larger, warmer, and more welcoming without ever slipping into a lecture. It’s life - messy, joyful, diverse, and beautifully celebrated.

The result is immersive and charming, a heartfelt, cinematic, magical story that completely pulls you in. If you want warm, witty, and absorbing, this book delivers. I’d watch the movie adaptation in a heartbeat, but the truth is, the book already is the movie, only better.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect blend of witchy small town holiday enemies to lovers romance that has a self-exiled witch returning home to help with the winter festival only to run into her high school rival/ex who she unknowingly banished from her memories after a traumatic experience in their past.

I loved all the different Midwinter festival traditions shared in this book. It had tons of small town cozy charm and the two main characters work together to try to make the winter holiday town a more feasible year round attraction by capitalizing on different holidays.

Amazing on audio narrated by one of my favs, Bailey Carr and perfect for fans of authors like Sophie H Morgan or Erin Sterling. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[MrsHarvieReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are many things to enjoy in A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart by Morgan Lockhart. It’s a cozy Hallmark style rivals to lovers holiday romance with magical elements. The setting is a charming small town in the Pacific Northwest during the holidays.

Unfortunately I struggled with a few aspects of the story. I had a difficult time connecting with the female main character, Rowan. I did not like her persistent negative self talk or her dramatic reactions to different characters. She wants her love interest, Gavin, to support her plan to save their small town? Then he MUST choose between her and his father! I also felt that the pacing, especially during the middle third, was too slow for my taste. There are a few spicy scenes between Rowan and Gavin but they are sparse and seemed rushed. While it had its moments of magical sweetness and spice, ultimately the book was an underwhelming read. 2.5/5⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Anna (annasbookstacks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun!! An entertaining witchy holiday read that’s different from other holiday books I’ve read. I really appreciated the diversity and inclusivity of different holidays and traditions!! I enjoyed how it wasn’t just focused on Christmas. I just probably won’t think about this book again!! 🥲

[tiff rasberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

May I just say this is probably one of the most inclusive holiday themed books I’ve ever read. I was looking up characters mentioned every once in a while to see which culture or religion it had been pulled from.

Nothing beats a “let’s come together to save the small town from capitalistic corruption” especially in this day and age. Throw in a second chance trope and I’m an absolute goner. The main characters had their beautiful quirks that were essential to the story.

Love comes in so many forms. The love shown whether blood or found highlights the many layers and complications that comes with maintaining relationships.

I would absolutely love to visit Elk Ridge any time of the year… would even consider attempting to not die in cold weather to try some hot apple cider hehe

Pub Date September 23 2025

ARC provided by Dutton and NetGalley. Thank you.

review posted to NetGalley & Goodreads

[jule · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book!! It really put me in the holiday spirit and i just adore the cozy, witchy atmosphere in this book. it was way more than a holiday romance and i loved the character development as well as the found family trope!!
lots of love and merry christmas 🎄

[CM AB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spell for a Midwinters Heart

Thanks so much to the author and the publisher Dutton for the eARC of this book! All opinions are my own!

This was such a cute one! It was the perfect opening book for all my holiday reads.

Rowan is a witch from the small town of Selkirk a Ridge who has been avoiding and running from using her powers since she was a teenager headed off to college. But one Christmas when her coven and family need her help to save their small town from being bought out by big corporate conglomerates, she is thrust back into the magical world of Elk Ridge and facing her past. It’s all thrown for a loop when the son of head corporate conglomerate, handsome and charming Gavin McCreery, steps back into her life.

I love a witchy book and a holiday romance and the two of them together was magical. I truly enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet style love story between Rowan and Gavin. You could feel their chemistry from the moment they set their eyes on each other at the airport and every moment after.

As far as side characters go, this book had fun ones! Zaide and Naomie were great but I love kooky old Birdie, as well as her loveable and level headed dad. Stephan had his moments as well.

The boom slowed down for me towards the middle of the book and it felt like the problem that Rowan was having communicating and getting through to her mom was taking a bit longer than I would have liked. Even though the book took place over Yule, it felt like the problems they were having could have wrapped up faster than that, especially since some of them had already been going for years (ie: the disagreement over selling to Gavin’s dad).

Nevertheless, I still enjoyed myself and the way it all wrapped up in the end. I appreciate the authors writing and the character building they did and would be interested to see more of their writing!

[Douglas Juno · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface this book this book is basically a Hallmark movie story with a magical twist. And that is true but between the fully fleshed out world and vivid description that place you in that world, there is a lot of depth. There is the threat of climate change, the idea that quick fixes don’t address an underlying problem, the value of embracing the things about yourself that make you unique, and finally, the importance of surrounding yourself with a support group. I feel like magic here is used as shorthand for the shortcuts we all try and make in life to avoid our problems or avoid trying to face difficult realities. “Oh, this new vacuum will keep my house tidy” or “This kitchen gadget will make me a great chef.” Those things are true if the foundation is already there. A new vacuum won’t change bad habits but it can be a good tool paired with good habits. Just like magic here can be a very useful tool but cannot fundamentally deal with problems a person is willing to face about themselves. Real change happens in a person when they face their painful difficulties instead of ignoring them or finding quick band-aid fixes to postpone the issue. That along with finding strength in others, in this case, the coven instead of trying to fix everything by yourself. This book gives you a lot to think about wrapped in a fun, Hallmark-y, candy shell. I’d read a sequel in this same universe.

[Megan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️Thank you Dutton Books for the gifted ARC

When I picked this book up, I figured it would mean taking a break from cozy, Fall-ish reads in order to dive into this Winter story. But I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, despite this being Winter and Yule focused, it was actually also perfectly cozy and witchy, fitting right in with my mood recently.

Rowan is a witch who cast a forgetting spell 8 years ago, effectively isolating herself from her coven. She returns home for Yule for the first time in years, and discovers that her town's winter festival is at risk of ending. She sets aside her ambivalent feelings toward her magic, and throws herself into helping save it. Along the way, she discovers an unlikely ally in Gavin, the son of the man threatening the festival.

The world-building in this book was absolutely magical. I adored the Hallmark-ish feel of the story and how immersed I was in the town and it's people. Rowan was a relatable character, full of self-doubt and negative thoughts about herself. Her character growth was phenomenal and I was rooting for her the whole time. Gavin was her perfect counter-part, and it was clear from the start that he was absolutely smitten.

There were complicated family dynamics between Rowan and her mom and Gavin and his dad, and also between the two families themselves. This added a lot of layers and emotions to the story.

I loved the mysteriousness of Rowan's lost memories, especially when it became clear that they involved Gavin. I was so eager to find out what had really happened between them back in High School.

The ending was satisfying, even when the last few conflicts had me nervous!

If you're looking for a sweet, cozy, witchy, small-town romance that will put you in the mood for winter, I highly recommend this one. It was pure fun and magic and gave me all the warm feelings I love getting from books this time of year.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very charming. I liked how the magic was important, but not everything to the story. Family and community really took center stage here. And the romance was sweet and spicy and developed at just the right pace. Thanks to Dutton for the ARC.

[casey ⋆˚౨ৎ ⋆.˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so charming and cozy!!!! i loved the characters and the whimsical winter vibes. as someone who loves fall and winter, this book was the perfect combo of both with a winter festival setting with one of the main characters being a witch. i read it within twenty four hours because i was invested into the plot. a great contemporary romance with cute and funny moments.

this is a great transition book from fall to winter because the main character is a witch who returns home to save her small town’s beloved winter festival in time for the holidays with the help from her estranged coven and childhood rival gavin. rowan has sworn off magic due to a spell gone wrong back in high school leaving her with nothing but missing memories and regret. she is summoned back to her hometown to save the winter festival from the mega corporation threatening to buy it out. gavin, son of the festival’s landlord insists on helping bringing unwanted chemistry between the two. will they be able to save the festival?

tropes: magic-averse, witch x childhood rival, small town, grumpy x sunshine, second chance, whimsical winter magic

🏔️🌨️🪄🎄❄️

[Sarah ⟡ Tea & Tomes]

Thank you PRH Audio for the free gift!

This was such a well-written and enjoyable holiday romance. I really appreciated that it wasn’t tied solely to Christmas but instead centered around Yule and the winter solstice, which made it feel like a cozy seasonal read that works for anyone during the winter months.

The romance itself was sweet and fun, and I liked how the magic system leaned into the classic idea of witches while still feeling fresh and not overused. It gave the story an enchanting quality that balanced out the humor and heart. Bailey Carr did a wonderful job narrating. She really brought Rowan’s emotions to life in a way that made the listening experience even more engaging.

Overall, this was a cute, cozy holiday romance with just the right touch of magic. I’d recommend it to readers looking for a wintery read with witchy vibes, a charming romance, and a narrator who makes the story shine.

[Nicole Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Dutton Books. This was such a fun read and perfect for the holiday season. We see our main FMC go back home to save her small town Christmas festival. There she reconnects with her family, her childhood rival and herself. It was fun getting to learn about different Winter Holidays and ways that people celebrate them. If you love a good witchy book, then I believe you will love this one.

[Kay Norm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read if you’re looking for witchy Hallmark holiday movie vibes!

Rowan was a bit annoying & I wanted a lot more magic, but overall this was a decent & easy read. If more parts had been a bit less glossed over & instead felt fully fleshed out, it would have gotten a higher rating from me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. It was sweet, fun, cozy and heartwarming. It was like a witchy, inclusive Hallmark movie and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would read more books by this author.

[Carrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley & Dutton for the E-ARC! So cute! Loved the characters & the magical elements. Fast-paced too. Will read more from this author.

[Mimi Schweid]

When will I actually read this? Who knows!!!!! If it's a Hanukkah romance or a witchy kind of Christmas one, I will read it eventually. Probably in January.

[Kimberlyyyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

Full RTC

[Jess Lessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun, sweet, witchy romance. Very Hallmark holiday movie, but not in a bad way. I enjoyed it a lot.

[Paige Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! Very cute - winter, love, and magic!

[Elizabeth Tripp · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Laura | Planners N Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved!!! So much magic in one small book! It was the perfect holiday read with a beautiful message!