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The Charmwitch Seamstress
A royal assignment. A burned-out seamstress. A reluctant homecoming.
After the whirlwind of last winter’s royal tour, Giselle Phula thought she had everything she ever desired: a name as a talented royal seamstress, a commission to sew the crown princess’s wedding dress, and her very own dress shop in Delibera—only no one seems to remember her name, the wedding dress keeps going awry, and her shop, located in the seediest underbelly of town, is proving to be an unprofitable business venture.
When Giselle is suddenly evicted by her tyrannical landlady, she has no choice but to accept another royal assignment: become the tour guide for a handsome emissary whose visit to Witch Village will promote harmony between humans and their magical counterparts. But going home is the last thing Giselle wants. Her plan of action?
Get in, hole up with the emissary for two weeks, get out.
However, when a weather malfunction plunges the entire village into darkness and injures her handsome charge, Giselle is forced to stay and face the family she abandoned last winter. As tensions run high between humans and witches, Giselle must learn who to trust, who to love, and question what she truly desires.
This book is best read after The Herbwitch's Apprentice and The Herbwitch Princess.
After the whirlwind of last winter’s royal tour, Giselle Phula thought she had everything she ever desired: a name as a talented royal seamstress, a commission to sew the crown princess’s wedding dress, and her very own dress shop in Delibera—only no one seems to remember her name, the wedding dress keeps going awry, and her shop, located in the seediest underbelly of town, is proving to be an unprofitable business venture.
When Giselle is suddenly evicted by her tyrannical landlady, she has no choice but to accept another royal assignment: become the tour guide for a handsome emissary whose visit to Witch Village will promote harmony between humans and their magical counterparts. But going home is the last thing Giselle wants. Her plan of action?
Get in, hole up with the emissary for two weeks, get out.
However, when a weather malfunction plunges the entire village into darkness and injures her handsome charge, Giselle is forced to stay and face the family she abandoned last winter. As tensions run high between humans and witches, Giselle must learn who to trust, who to love, and question what she truly desires.
This book is best read after The Herbwitch's Apprentice and The Herbwitch Princess.
- GenresFantasy
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2025
13 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Ireen Chau
5 books546 followersIreen Chau is a long time artist, writer, and above all, a lover of stories located in the Bay Area. When not reading, writing, or drawing, Ireen can be found browsing Pinterest for inspiration or watching YouTube commentary videos.
Visit her Instagram @theherbwitchsapprentice for news about future projects!
Visit her Instagram @theherbwitchsapprentice for news about future projects!
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November 3, 2025This one's for the eldest daughters of immigrants with mommy issues <3
Signed,
the youngest daughter of immigrants with mommy issues
Signed,
the youngest daughter of immigrants with mommy issues
November 26, 2025
✨️E-ARC review✨️
Imagine: It's the middle of an incredibly hectic final assessment and exam period, and every single sentence of literary analysis you attempt to write makes you want to burst into tears. These novels are driving you insane, but the minute you close your laptop, you run straight back to yet another book. Why? Because it's an Ireen Chau novel, of course.
The Charmwitch Seamstress is the quintessential cosy read. Chau's descriptions of food, clothing, and weather are just as delightful as ever, and while the stakes are never truly dire, the pacing feels fairly solid and is enough to keep you on your toes.
I think delving deeper into Witch Village in this third instalment was the perfect choice. We've seen Chau explore the royal aspects of this world before (and loved it!), but there really is something special about going beyond this to look at the wider effects of policy and public attitudes towards witches, who are essentially immigrants in a world where humans and witches have been thrust apart. There is no easy reconciliation between the two groups, which feels authentic and also allows this novel to rise above the conventional fairytale-esque ending tropes that can come off as somewhat cheesy.
Now am I saying that nothing about this book comes across that way? No. Crucially, this is a true-to-form YA, or perhaps even middle-grade, book - not the mismarketed-definitely-way-too-mature kind that often crops up in fantasy spaces - so it would be wrong to expect anything less. The main character, Giselle, is really irritating to me at times as an older reader, but I do identify a lot of her mindset with my younger self. She's reckless, stubborn, often quite selfish (sometimes justifiably, but oftentimes just due to ignorance), and very down on herself. But I will give her some grace - after all, I love a good flawed character, and it is all of this that feeds into the story progression.
I also just want to take the time to praise the mother-daughter relationship in this novel. Because, wow! Chau isn't afraid to make things awkward and messy, and I love that nothing is tied up in a neat bow by the end. It's complicated, and I LOVE it.
I've given this 3.5 stars, rounded up to a 4 because I know that once I get my hands on a physical, illustrated copy, everything is going to be elevated that much more. Chau is an incredible artist, and it was actually through the promotional art that she posted for the regular edition of The Herbwitch's Apprentice that I first found her! I'm so excited!
Thank you so much, Ireen, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review ☺️
Imagine: It's the middle of an incredibly hectic final assessment and exam period, and every single sentence of literary analysis you attempt to write makes you want to burst into tears. These novels are driving you insane, but the minute you close your laptop, you run straight back to yet another book. Why? Because it's an Ireen Chau novel, of course.
The Charmwitch Seamstress is the quintessential cosy read. Chau's descriptions of food, clothing, and weather are just as delightful as ever, and while the stakes are never truly dire, the pacing feels fairly solid and is enough to keep you on your toes.
I think delving deeper into Witch Village in this third instalment was the perfect choice. We've seen Chau explore the royal aspects of this world before (and loved it!), but there really is something special about going beyond this to look at the wider effects of policy and public attitudes towards witches, who are essentially immigrants in a world where humans and witches have been thrust apart. There is no easy reconciliation between the two groups, which feels authentic and also allows this novel to rise above the conventional fairytale-esque ending tropes that can come off as somewhat cheesy.
Now am I saying that nothing about this book comes across that way? No. Crucially, this is a true-to-form YA, or perhaps even middle-grade, book - not the mismarketed-definitely-way-too-mature kind that often crops up in fantasy spaces - so it would be wrong to expect anything less. The main character, Giselle, is really irritating to me at times as an older reader, but I do identify a lot of her mindset with my younger self. She's reckless, stubborn, often quite selfish (sometimes justifiably, but oftentimes just due to ignorance), and very down on herself. But I will give her some grace - after all, I love a good flawed character, and it is all of this that feeds into the story progression.
I also just want to take the time to praise the mother-daughter relationship in this novel. Because, wow! Chau isn't afraid to make things awkward and messy, and I love that nothing is tied up in a neat bow by the end. It's complicated, and I LOVE it.
I've given this 3.5 stars, rounded up to a 4 because I know that once I get my hands on a physical, illustrated copy, everything is going to be elevated that much more. Chau is an incredible artist, and it was actually through the promotional art that she posted for the regular edition of The Herbwitch's Apprentice that I first found her! I'm so excited!
Thank you so much, Ireen, for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review ☺️
October 5, 2025
I finished this book at exactly 00:33. Am I exhausted? Yes. Was it absolutely worth it though? 100%
I was SO EXCITED when I got an advanced readers copy of this book- especially because I’d only read the three other books in this series a few months prior, and I remember thinking Giselle should totally have her own book, so this ended up being one of my most highly anticipated releases.
I will not spoil anything, only I love how well written Giselle is as a character: she’s flawed, imperfect, but also well-intentioned and I really loved how her character was given so much more depth in this instalment.
I genuinely had such a fun time reading this whole series, but honestly this book was ADDICTIVE. Like even if you knew or could anticipate what was going to happen, it was still so enthralling that you just couldn’t put it down. Honestly I didn’t see the hours go by when I read this 😭
I still am in shock I managed to even have an ARC (it had been my first time ever receiving one ever!) and can confidently say that I find this book to be the best one in the series, in terms of pacing, writing and characters, I genuinely feel that you could see Ireen Chau’s progression as an author throughout this series, and I think it truly was culminated with this book.
Omg this is the longest review I’ve ever written in my life.
I was SO EXCITED when I got an advanced readers copy of this book- especially because I’d only read the three other books in this series a few months prior, and I remember thinking Giselle should totally have her own book, so this ended up being one of my most highly anticipated releases.
I will not spoil anything, only I love how well written Giselle is as a character: she’s flawed, imperfect, but also well-intentioned and I really loved how her character was given so much more depth in this instalment.
I genuinely had such a fun time reading this whole series, but honestly this book was ADDICTIVE. Like even if you knew or could anticipate what was going to happen, it was still so enthralling that you just couldn’t put it down. Honestly I didn’t see the hours go by when I read this 😭
I still am in shock I managed to even have an ARC (it had been my first time ever receiving one ever!) and can confidently say that I find this book to be the best one in the series, in terms of pacing, writing and characters, I genuinely feel that you could see Ireen Chau’s progression as an author throughout this series, and I think it truly was culminated with this book.
Omg this is the longest review I’ve ever written in my life.
October 30, 2025
THE CHARMWITCH SEAMSTRESS by Ireen Chau
The Charmwitch Seamstress is another hyper cosy read by Ireen Chau, very much in the vein of her previous two main books. However, this third installment differs in something I considered quite essential to the series: the romance. This novel is not as heavy in the romance department as the previous two books, but I must admit that a reread (I first read this in January as a beta reader, and now once again with the ARC) has shown me more of the romance I perhaps missed on the first read.
This space left by the romance has, however, been filled with something I consider all good YA novels must have: a deeper connection to our world. Plenty of The Charmwitch Seamstress revolves around the tension between humans and witches, who have rejoined humans on the surface after decades separated. The discrimination and distrust witches like our protagonist suffer will resonate deeply with our current climate across the world, and this book sends out a message of unity, empathy, and understanding that I would have loved to read as a teen.
Another highlight is the absolutely gorgeous worldbuilding of the Witch Village, something we haven't had the chance to explore too deeply in previous books. I am a sucker for all things festivals and quaint details, and I loved seeing how this underground world worked, with its vibrant character and unique cultural details. When it comes to the plot, I do wish things had been tauter. I clocked the antagonist of the book as soon as they showed up; I won't get into spoilers for obvious reasons, but this person took a long time to actually act as an antagonist, which did string out the plot a bit.
The main character, Giselle, embodies the perfectly imperfect YA protagonist. She is flawed, often reckless, and prone to self-doubt, but she is also well-intentioned. Beyond the protagonist's personal development, one of the most powerful and relatable aspects of the book is the mother-daughter dynamic.
Overall, The Charmwitch Seamstress marks a clear progression for Ireen Chau as an author. This installment delves deeper into character, societal impact, and authentic emotional relationships than previous books, all while maintaining the cosy quality that makes her writing so addictive. Honestly, I didn't see the hours go by when I read this, and I find it to be the best one in the series in terms of pacing, writing, and characterisation. And, naturally, the biggest highlight of Ireen Chau's books remains the cats-a detail that simply cannot be overlooked for any feline-loving reader.
**Thank you to the author for the eARC and the chance to beta read. This has not affected my opinion**
Instagram: @librisinetenebris
Maddox reached over to brush the particles from my head. "You know... one day they'll see what you're worth." [...]
"And what am I worth?" I said, forcing a smile.
He looked up at the cracked ceiling. "A lot more than this".
Royal seamstress Giselle Phula's anticipated success after the last winter’s royal tour quickly unravels when her business fails and she is evicted by her landlady. This forces her to accept a royal assignment: acting as a tour guide for a handsome emissary visiting the Witch Village to promote harmony between humans and witches. Though Giselle plans a quick return to the home she abandoned, a sudden weather malfunction plunges the village into darkness and injures the emissary, forcing her to stay and confront the family she left behind. As societal tensions mount, Giselle must navigate these strained relationships to discover who she can trust and what she truly desires.
The Charmwitch Seamstress is another hyper cosy read by Ireen Chau, very much in the vein of her previous two main books. However, this third installment differs in something I considered quite essential to the series: the romance. This novel is not as heavy in the romance department as the previous two books, but I must admit that a reread (I first read this in January as a beta reader, and now once again with the ARC) has shown me more of the romance I perhaps missed on the first read.
This space left by the romance has, however, been filled with something I consider all good YA novels must have: a deeper connection to our world. Plenty of The Charmwitch Seamstress revolves around the tension between humans and witches, who have rejoined humans on the surface after decades separated. The discrimination and distrust witches like our protagonist suffer will resonate deeply with our current climate across the world, and this book sends out a message of unity, empathy, and understanding that I would have loved to read as a teen.
Another highlight is the absolutely gorgeous worldbuilding of the Witch Village, something we haven't had the chance to explore too deeply in previous books. I am a sucker for all things festivals and quaint details, and I loved seeing how this underground world worked, with its vibrant character and unique cultural details. When it comes to the plot, I do wish things had been tauter. I clocked the antagonist of the book as soon as they showed up; I won't get into spoilers for obvious reasons, but this person took a long time to actually act as an antagonist, which did string out the plot a bit.
The main character, Giselle, embodies the perfectly imperfect YA protagonist. She is flawed, often reckless, and prone to self-doubt, but she is also well-intentioned. Beyond the protagonist's personal development, one of the most powerful and relatable aspects of the book is the mother-daughter dynamic.
Overall, The Charmwitch Seamstress marks a clear progression for Ireen Chau as an author. This installment delves deeper into character, societal impact, and authentic emotional relationships than previous books, all while maintaining the cosy quality that makes her writing so addictive. Honestly, I didn't see the hours go by when I read this, and I find it to be the best one in the series in terms of pacing, writing, and characterisation. And, naturally, the biggest highlight of Ireen Chau's books remains the cats-a detail that simply cannot be overlooked for any feline-loving reader.
**Thank you to the author for the eARC and the chance to beta read. This has not affected my opinion**
Instagram: @librisinetenebris
October 15, 2025
*ARC Review*
Loved it, obviously. Thank you so much Ireen Chau for sharing this ARC with me, I don't think I could have waited longer to read the third one. The tension was there, the slow build up was real, even the subtle (were they subtle? lol) references to the real world were perfect. I realized that the first two books were more swoon-worthy but the very last page made me giggle and kick my feet like a teenager.
Loved it, obviously. Thank you so much Ireen Chau for sharing this ARC with me, I don't think I could have waited longer to read the third one. The tension was there, the slow build up was real, even the subtle (were they subtle? lol) references to the real world were perfect. I realized that the first two books were more swoon-worthy but the very last page made me giggle and kick my feet like a teenager.
October 7, 2025
This story is so impactful. A simple girl with dreams in a society that doesn’t accept her. I ate this book up so fast!
The characters are vibrant and down to earth. The pacing and storytelling portray something deeper that I think many can relate to in different ways. Eldest daughters with difficult mother relationships are absolutely one of them.
It was a joy to be back in the world of Witches of Olderea. I loved the cameos of Bennett, Narcissa, and the kittens.
The characters are vibrant and down to earth. The pacing and storytelling portray something deeper that I think many can relate to in different ways. Eldest daughters with difficult mother relationships are absolutely one of them.
It was a joy to be back in the world of Witches of Olderea. I loved the cameos of Bennett, Narcissa, and the kittens.
November 18, 2025
Imagine this for a moment: you’re flying from coast to coast across the US, with a layover in some random town just west of the Mississippi. Your airplane breaks, causing a 45 minute delay. You only have a 45 minute layover.
By some miracle, you arrive 10 minutes before your next plane departs. One mile lies between you and salvation so you sprint, luggage and all, like your life depends on it, arriving with five minutes to spare.
The gate is empty. The pilots stare smugly at you from the cockpit. You have an asthma attack in concourse F while the airplane flies away, bereft of your presence.
Thus begins a wild goose chase of flights across the rest of the US.
Yet despite what was quite possibly the worst travel day of your life, none of it mattered because you had The Charmwitch Seamstress with you.
Each additional flight was another opportunity to read a story where the characters felt like coming home and their struggles resonated deeply yet healed a part of your heart.
Every delay gave you a chance to immerse yourself in a world so whimsical, so lovely, it seeped across to the real world and made even it seem not so bad.
This, my dear readers, is the magic hidden within every one of Ireen’s books and it is GLORIOUS. The Charmwitch Seamstress is no exception. If you need a book to provide some coziness while everything else is crashing out, here ya go.
By some miracle, you arrive 10 minutes before your next plane departs. One mile lies between you and salvation so you sprint, luggage and all, like your life depends on it, arriving with five minutes to spare.
The gate is empty. The pilots stare smugly at you from the cockpit. You have an asthma attack in concourse F while the airplane flies away, bereft of your presence.
Thus begins a wild goose chase of flights across the rest of the US.
Yet despite what was quite possibly the worst travel day of your life, none of it mattered because you had The Charmwitch Seamstress with you.
Each additional flight was another opportunity to read a story where the characters felt like coming home and their struggles resonated deeply yet healed a part of your heart.
Every delay gave you a chance to immerse yourself in a world so whimsical, so lovely, it seeped across to the real world and made even it seem not so bad.
This, my dear readers, is the magic hidden within every one of Ireen’s books and it is GLORIOUS. The Charmwitch Seamstress is no exception. If you need a book to provide some coziness while everything else is crashing out, here ya go.
November 17, 2025
E-ARC review (No spoilers)
First of all, thank you Ireen for the Advanced Readers Copy! I was so excited to get it and see what the third installment of Witches of Olderea had in store for us!
The Charmwitch Seamstress was not what I expected but honestly? it was better that I imagined. I initially thought it would be more romance-driven and though the romance it's there, the story is mostly about Giselle as a character. (also, this book took me out of a reading slump. I read it so fast I couldn't believe it, so thank you Ireen!!!)
The Characters
I loved Giselle as a MC! She isn't perfect but she does the best she can with what she has. I found her a little frustrating at times but I couldn't judge her much as I understood where she was coming, plus I loved her character journey! I was very proud of who Giselle became at the end. On the other hand, Maddox was such a sweetheart, and I loved how he supported Giselle when she has having a (very) hard time.
The plot
I was very happy to get a diferent perspective of Olderea in this book (outside of a royal setting) and see the issues that witches face now that the Non-Magical era has ended (and being essentially immigrants- another well-developed aspect of the story) and the hardships that they deal with now (I also loved seeing more of Witch Village!). It helped the world feel more real and makes it stand out from other fantasy books (plus the mother-daughter relationship it's beautifully done, it's complex but authentic). Another thing I liked about this book was the ending - things aren't perfect, it takes time for them to get better, but they're taking it setep by step and that's amazing! I feel like most books rush things to wrap them up in a nice little bow, so I appreciate the realism that Ireen gives to the story without losing the coziness. The romance is subtle but sweet and honestly left me wanting more (Ireen, if you wanted to do another novella like Bennett Turns Into a Cat for Giselle - and Amarante too! - you would make me the happiest reader on Earth and I would read them immediately)
Now, onto things I didn't like as much. The antagonist - I immediately clocked them, and though that wasn't an issue for
me, I would've liked to have a bit more development on that conflict (as well as in the romance). I think the book could've had a couple more chapters to touch more on these aspects, but it's still very enjoyable as it is (and I'll say it again: I absolutely loved it. It's the book I needed in this moment of my life).
Overall, The Charmwitch Seamstress is the perfect read for anyone who's looking for a cozy but heartfelt story with strong characters and a beautiful (and magical!) world. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy and see the illustrations!
First of all, thank you Ireen for the Advanced Readers Copy! I was so excited to get it and see what the third installment of Witches of Olderea had in store for us!
The Charmwitch Seamstress was not what I expected but honestly? it was better that I imagined. I initially thought it would be more romance-driven and though the romance it's there, the story is mostly about Giselle as a character. (also, this book took me out of a reading slump. I read it so fast I couldn't believe it, so thank you Ireen!!!)
The Characters
I loved Giselle as a MC! She isn't perfect but she does the best she can with what she has. I found her a little frustrating at times but I couldn't judge her much as I understood where she was coming, plus I loved her character journey! I was very proud of who Giselle became at the end. On the other hand, Maddox was such a sweetheart, and I loved how he supported Giselle when she has having a (very) hard time.
The plot
I was very happy to get a diferent perspective of Olderea in this book (outside of a royal setting) and see the issues that witches face now that the Non-Magical era has ended (and being essentially immigrants- another well-developed aspect of the story) and the hardships that they deal with now (I also loved seeing more of Witch Village!). It helped the world feel more real and makes it stand out from other fantasy books (plus the mother-daughter relationship it's beautifully done, it's complex but authentic). Another thing I liked about this book was the ending - things aren't perfect, it takes time for them to get better, but they're taking it setep by step and that's amazing! I feel like most books rush things to wrap them up in a nice little bow, so I appreciate the realism that Ireen gives to the story without losing the coziness. The romance is subtle but sweet and honestly left me wanting more (Ireen, if you wanted to do another novella like Bennett Turns Into a Cat for Giselle - and Amarante too! - you would make me the happiest reader on Earth and I would read them immediately)
Now, onto things I didn't like as much. The antagonist - I immediately clocked them, and though that wasn't an issue for
me, I would've liked to have a bit more development on that conflict (as well as in the romance). I think the book could've had a couple more chapters to touch more on these aspects, but it's still very enjoyable as it is (and I'll say it again: I absolutely loved it. It's the book I needed in this moment of my life).
Overall, The Charmwitch Seamstress is the perfect read for anyone who's looking for a cozy but heartfelt story with strong characters and a beautiful (and magical!) world. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy and see the illustrations!
November 26, 2025
as an eldest daugther and an immigrant, i feel attacked but thank you.
Giselle, i see you and i feel you girl. I love that I was able to relate to her character throughout the story. Giselle literally could not catch a break haha and all i wanted to do was give her a cup of strong tea with no milk. She screamed eldest daughter with her determination to do everything herself, being a perfectionist, while being unable to draw boundaries. I'm happy we got to see a lot of sides to her, and we even got to see a character arc!! guys, she's literally just a girl.
Ireen wrote in her acknowledgement section that “Giselle’s story is an immigrant story - a tale of being caught between tradition, fear and the promise of opportunity”. And i felt that. Giselle trying to making it on her own when all the cards are stacked against her, living in an environment where prejudice is strong and her credibility is questioned - i admire her. i really do.
I could not keep a poker face while reading this in public because the bits of romance we got were so cute. I had a physical reaction to certain scenes and you best bet most of my highlighted quotes were interactions with Giselle and the MMC. I was actually scared for my life because of the potential love triangle but it's okay...there was only one right answer, and I'm happy with how the romance ended <3.
The pacing was also surprisingly good, the story is set over the course of around two weeks and so there wasn't a lot of big time jumps (which i liked). Being book 3 of a series, the world was pretty established and the politics laid out (so i recommend reading it in order) but i loved how Ireen incorporated timely themes in the plot. This might be a stretch but I felt like the subplot of using magic in a creative business (dressmaking) was a subtle reflection of how AI exists in the creative space?
Family was also a really big theme in the book, and throughout reading it I was lowkey self-reflecting on my experiences growing up with strict parents. Everyone shows love differently, and it is REALLY hard to see that as a kid/teen. Ireen did such a great job of weaving that experience through Giselle and her family.
on a lighter note, CATSSSS <3
i can't wait to get my hands on an illustrated hardback to finish my collection (and to see all the ARTTT OMGG)
Giselle, i see you and i feel you girl. I love that I was able to relate to her character throughout the story. Giselle literally could not catch a break haha and all i wanted to do was give her a cup of strong tea with no milk. She screamed eldest daughter with her determination to do everything herself, being a perfectionist, while being unable to draw boundaries. I'm happy we got to see a lot of sides to her, and we even got to see a character arc!! guys, she's literally just a girl.
Ireen wrote in her acknowledgement section that “Giselle’s story is an immigrant story - a tale of being caught between tradition, fear and the promise of opportunity”. And i felt that. Giselle trying to making it on her own when all the cards are stacked against her, living in an environment where prejudice is strong and her credibility is questioned - i admire her. i really do.
I could not keep a poker face while reading this in public because the bits of romance we got were so cute. I had a physical reaction to certain scenes and you best bet most of my highlighted quotes were interactions with Giselle and the MMC. I was actually scared for my life because of the potential love triangle but it's okay...there was only one right answer, and I'm happy with how the romance ended <3.
The pacing was also surprisingly good, the story is set over the course of around two weeks and so there wasn't a lot of big time jumps (which i liked). Being book 3 of a series, the world was pretty established and the politics laid out (so i recommend reading it in order) but i loved how Ireen incorporated timely themes in the plot. This might be a stretch but I felt like the subplot of using magic in a creative business (dressmaking) was a subtle reflection of how AI exists in the creative space?
Family was also a really big theme in the book, and throughout reading it I was lowkey self-reflecting on my experiences growing up with strict parents. Everyone shows love differently, and it is REALLY hard to see that as a kid/teen. Ireen did such a great job of weaving that experience through Giselle and her family.
on a lighter note, CATSSSS <3
i can't wait to get my hands on an illustrated hardback to finish my collection (and to see all the ARTTT OMGG)
December 12, 2025
An enjoyable read, but my ebook edition was out of order in the last 4 chapters which made it quite confusing and I'm not sure if it was just a me issue?
I didn't reread the first 2 books before this one so I had forgotten a lot of the plot points and worldbuilding, but it was still enojoyable and easy to get back into. I really enjoyed this one too. I did really enjoy Giselle actually, especially her internal arc and especially her relationship with her mother. I think the plot of this one was the weakest of the 3 but I didn't mind because I really enjoyed the worldbuilding of Witch Village and the way it delved into the social dynamics of the witches and humans. Xenophobia 101 but palatable for the intended audience [which I am not]. I'm still not sure which romance I prefer out of the trilogy, but Giselle and Maddox were cute <3 However, I still do not know how he wrote a book so quickly though like damn, king we gotta do some editing and revisions you can't just publish it. Also I found that the plot resolved quite satisfyingly.
I think this world is so lovely though and I don't want the books to end, the vibes are too comforting :(
Also with every new book in this series I yearn for the physical copies with the gorgeous art, but alas I cannot reasonably afford the international shipping etc
I didn't reread the first 2 books before this one so I had forgotten a lot of the plot points and worldbuilding, but it was still enojoyable and easy to get back into. I really enjoyed this one too. I did really enjoy Giselle actually, especially her internal arc and especially her relationship with her mother. I think the plot of this one was the weakest of the 3 but I didn't mind because I really enjoyed the worldbuilding of Witch Village and the way it delved into the social dynamics of the witches and humans. Xenophobia 101 but palatable for the intended audience [which I am not]. I'm still not sure which romance I prefer out of the trilogy, but Giselle and Maddox were cute <3 However, I still do not know how he wrote a book so quickly though like damn, king we gotta do some editing and revisions you can't just publish it. Also I found that the plot resolved quite satisfyingly.
I think this world is so lovely though and I don't want the books to end, the vibes are too comforting :(
Also with every new book in this series I yearn for the physical copies with the gorgeous art, but alas I cannot reasonably afford the international shipping etc
October 19, 2025
Firstly, I’m very happy to have received an ARC and am looking forward to buying the physical book when it comes out.
TLDR: The Charmwitch Seamstress is a fun little return to Olderea for anyone who enjoyed THA and THP, and will be moving to anyone with complicated familial bonds.
The first third/half of this book was really strong. Giselle is great as a protag, independent to a fault, and the interactions between her, her sister and her mother were very dynamic to the point where I personally felt the same emotional suffocation. The complexity of familial bonds from a working class immigrant perspective, where there’s not necessarily a correct resolution, is done very well to the end of the story.
However, I feel that Giselle as a character unravels a little bit by the second half, her arc rushed along by plot requirements. I’m mostly thinking of the scene where she suddenly becomes okay with using her coercion magic even though she had been very distraught that someone tried to use her for said magic just the day before. All it took was Maddox speaking some platitudes for the idea to be planted in her head.
Additionally, I understood the messages the book was putting out and I definitely agree with them. It’s okay to take your time with your craft, with your life, you don’t have to succeed on the first try, etc. But the way these messages were delivered were a little heavy handed sometimes. E.g.: “The war is not won, but the battle is,”
Overall, it’s a fun read for someone invested in Witches of Olderea but I would not recommend it as a standalone.
TLDR: The Charmwitch Seamstress is a fun little return to Olderea for anyone who enjoyed THA and THP, and will be moving to anyone with complicated familial bonds.
The first third/half of this book was really strong. Giselle is great as a protag, independent to a fault, and the interactions between her, her sister and her mother were very dynamic to the point where I personally felt the same emotional suffocation. The complexity of familial bonds from a working class immigrant perspective, where there’s not necessarily a correct resolution, is done very well to the end of the story.
However, I feel that Giselle as a character unravels a little bit by the second half, her arc rushed along by plot requirements. I’m mostly thinking of the scene where she suddenly becomes okay with using her coercion magic even though she had been very distraught that someone tried to use her for said magic just the day before. All it took was Maddox speaking some platitudes for the idea to be planted in her head.
Additionally, I understood the messages the book was putting out and I definitely agree with them. It’s okay to take your time with your craft, with your life, you don’t have to succeed on the first try, etc. But the way these messages were delivered were a little heavy handed sometimes. E.g.: “The war is not won, but the battle is,”
Overall, it’s a fun read for someone invested in Witches of Olderea but I would not recommend it as a standalone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
Thank you so much for the ARC. I felt truly grateful to be able to read the 3rd book in advance of what has become one of my favorite book series.
I think this book is important in the way it shows different family dynamics and socioeconomic constructs between the witches and humans. I would say this book left me sad most of the time. I felt heartbroken for Giselle and the trials she faced and I absolutely couldn’t stand her family. If I were in her position her Ma would be told off A LOT.
The vibes are a bit off for me in comparison to the other two books. Yes there is witch prejudice (as in the other two) but we’re missing the hero witch aspect that makes us root for the witches. Honestly they were all quite rude and no one made a redemption arc in my opinion. The only witch I was rooting for was Jeraldine and I wish we had her perspective much sooner than the last few chapters. In a way the book felt more realistic than cozy/magical like the other two books. There’s nothing wrong with this per se but when the strong FMC vibes and coziness was present in the first two I kinda expect to have similar feels and found Giselle drab.
I felt that I really didn’t know Giselle after reading this. We got to know a completely different side of her with Narcissa and while I can appreciate this book gives us some understanding of her backstory, I found her character quite bland. Overall I wished for more Maddox banter as well as Narcissa!
Last but not least Edmund being the “villain” didn’t feel right. I wish they could have had a platonic relationship with his opinions triumphing over the “crown” group. I didn’t feel a shock factor as anticipated.. just indifferent.
I think this book is important in the way it shows different family dynamics and socioeconomic constructs between the witches and humans. I would say this book left me sad most of the time. I felt heartbroken for Giselle and the trials she faced and I absolutely couldn’t stand her family. If I were in her position her Ma would be told off A LOT.
The vibes are a bit off for me in comparison to the other two books. Yes there is witch prejudice (as in the other two) but we’re missing the hero witch aspect that makes us root for the witches. Honestly they were all quite rude and no one made a redemption arc in my opinion. The only witch I was rooting for was Jeraldine and I wish we had her perspective much sooner than the last few chapters. In a way the book felt more realistic than cozy/magical like the other two books. There’s nothing wrong with this per se but when the strong FMC vibes and coziness was present in the first two I kinda expect to have similar feels and found Giselle drab.
I felt that I really didn’t know Giselle after reading this. We got to know a completely different side of her with Narcissa and while I can appreciate this book gives us some understanding of her backstory, I found her character quite bland. Overall I wished for more Maddox banter as well as Narcissa!
Last but not least Edmund being the “villain” didn’t feel right. I wish they could have had a platonic relationship with his opinions triumphing over the “crown” group. I didn’t feel a shock factor as anticipated.. just indifferent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
firstly, thank you for giving me an e-arc !! i really appreciate it.
i already loved all of ireen chau's books so i knew i was going to adore this one, but not in the way i expected. as much as i love narcissa and amarante, i did not relate to them as i related to giselle. she literally SCREAMS eldest daughter who moved away but left her heart at home.
her relationship with her sister reminds me of mine, and overall giselle reminds me of me.
maddox is an icon and i love the fact that he can notice what giselle won't say !! their relationship is so cute even though it wasn't outright declared in the book. i also would like to teleport into the book so i can throw hands at [redacted] and [redacted] and maybe [redacted].
ALSO HER RELATIONSHIP WITH HER MOTHER?? IREEN CHAU
this book i feel like is my safety net and i will gladly purchase when it comes out !! overall, a 5/5 read and once again, thank you for the e-arc !!
i already loved all of ireen chau's books so i knew i was going to adore this one, but not in the way i expected. as much as i love narcissa and amarante, i did not relate to them as i related to giselle. she literally SCREAMS eldest daughter who moved away but left her heart at home.
her relationship with her sister reminds me of mine, and overall giselle reminds me of me.
maddox is an icon and i love the fact that he can notice what giselle won't say !! their relationship is so cute even though it wasn't outright declared in the book. i also would like to teleport into the book so i can throw hands at [redacted] and [redacted] and maybe [redacted].
ALSO HER RELATIONSHIP WITH HER MOTHER?? IREEN CHAU
this book i feel like is my safety net and i will gladly purchase when it comes out !! overall, a 5/5 read and once again, thank you for the e-arc !!
December 13, 2025
yay! we finally got Giselle's story! it was fun to spend time in the witch village again!
December 26, 2025
many thanks to the author for the eArc in advance! super late but this was a very cute read. RTC
November 23, 2025
Rating: 5/5 stars
Read: October 2025
Age Group: Teen and Up (clean)
I am so glad I was able to receive an ARC for this book! It is a great addition to the series. We get to follow one of the secondary characters from Book 2: The Herbwitch Princess on her own journey to find her place in the ever-changing world of Olderea! It's a cozy and engaging read, with relatable characters, witty jokes, and interesting plot. The romance is a slow-burn, and it has a great payoff at the end! But I won't spoil it for you ;)
Read: October 2025
Age Group: Teen and Up (clean)
I am so glad I was able to receive an ARC for this book! It is a great addition to the series. We get to follow one of the secondary characters from Book 2: The Herbwitch Princess on her own journey to find her place in the ever-changing world of Olderea! It's a cozy and engaging read, with relatable characters, witty jokes, and interesting plot. The romance is a slow-burn, and it has a great payoff at the end! But I won't spoil it for you ;)
October 20, 2025
First of all, huge thanks to the author for letting me be blessed enough to read an eARC!! I was so excited, especially since I love the series and THP is my #1 comfort read (I'm actually in the middle of a reread and falling in love with it all over again), so I was excited to see familiar faces and read about Giselle's journey in TCS!
Definitely a good read! Loved the cameos and every cat mentioned, and can't wait for whatever's next in the works!
Definitely a good read! Loved the cameos and every cat mentioned, and can't wait for whatever's next in the works!
November 6, 2025
Before I begin, I would like to thank Ireen Chau for allowing me to read a copy of her upcoming book, The Charmwitch Seamstress, which is the third book of the Witches of Olderea series and will be available on Amazon on November 25th, 2025.
After what happened on the royal tour last winter, Giselle Phula thought she had everything she ever wanted to start her life aboveground - record of being a talented royal seamstress, the commission for the future crown princess’s wedding dress, and a dress shop in Delibera. Problem? No one remembers who she is, the wedding dress designs keep having mistakes, and her shop is in the sketchiest and probably most dangerous place in town. When her awful landlord evicts her, Giselle agrees to go back to the Witch Village and show a handsome emissary what it’s like there for two weeks and then leave ASAP. Her childhood home has unpleasant memories for Giselle so the last thing she needs is to be there more than necessary. But when the weather underground shuts down and leaves everyone in the dark (literally) and her charge is injured, Giselle has to figure out what’s going on. Between dealing with prejudice, extreme tension between humans and witches, she has to decide who to trust and who and what she truly wants.
This book was wonderful. You have Giselle, a determined, hardworking, talented, clever, and lovely young charmwitch who is doing her best to be a successful seamstress in Delibera and forget about her complicated feelings towards her family and childhood home. The interactions between Giselle and Maddox, the future crown princess’s brother, were funny, sweet, and honest. Christabella was sweet, spoiled and a bit naive while Edmund was very charming (made me very suspicious). The author’s portrayal of prejudice and discrimination between humans and witches felt authentic, raw, and could easily be applied to current events, especially concerning immigration and Indigenous peoples. I also appreciated how the author handled Giselle’s complex family dynamic and how good intentions can lead to people getting hurt (at least emotionally). The plot twists were well written, and I enjoyed seeing familiar characters from previous books. Overall, if you like complex characters, wonderful worldbuilding, magic, dresses, investigations, and sweet subtle oblivious FMC x patient MMC with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
After what happened on the royal tour last winter, Giselle Phula thought she had everything she ever wanted to start her life aboveground - record of being a talented royal seamstress, the commission for the future crown princess’s wedding dress, and a dress shop in Delibera. Problem? No one remembers who she is, the wedding dress designs keep having mistakes, and her shop is in the sketchiest and probably most dangerous place in town. When her awful landlord evicts her, Giselle agrees to go back to the Witch Village and show a handsome emissary what it’s like there for two weeks and then leave ASAP. Her childhood home has unpleasant memories for Giselle so the last thing she needs is to be there more than necessary. But when the weather underground shuts down and leaves everyone in the dark (literally) and her charge is injured, Giselle has to figure out what’s going on. Between dealing with prejudice, extreme tension between humans and witches, she has to decide who to trust and who and what she truly wants.
This book was wonderful. You have Giselle, a determined, hardworking, talented, clever, and lovely young charmwitch who is doing her best to be a successful seamstress in Delibera and forget about her complicated feelings towards her family and childhood home. The interactions between Giselle and Maddox, the future crown princess’s brother, were funny, sweet, and honest. Christabella was sweet, spoiled and a bit naive while Edmund was very charming (made me very suspicious). The author’s portrayal of prejudice and discrimination between humans and witches felt authentic, raw, and could easily be applied to current events, especially concerning immigration and Indigenous peoples. I also appreciated how the author handled Giselle’s complex family dynamic and how good intentions can lead to people getting hurt (at least emotionally). The plot twists were well written, and I enjoyed seeing familiar characters from previous books. Overall, if you like complex characters, wonderful worldbuilding, magic, dresses, investigations, and sweet subtle oblivious FMC x patient MMC with low spice, then I would highly recommend this book.
October 11, 2025
First off, I must thank Ireen for gifting me an Advanced Reader Copy. I was so happy to receive it!
It felt so good to get back into Olderea and with a character I love so much. Giselle Phula who we saw the royal seamstress in ‘The Herbwitch Princess’ and a good friend to Narcissa in ‘Bennett turns into a Cat’. In this book we find Giselle running her own dress shop and working on Narcissa’s wedding dress. However, the shop isn’t doing too well, and Maddox seems to be one of the few customers she has. After being evicted by her landlady Giselle takes a royal assignment in taking a human emissary to witch village causing Giselle to face the past she tries hard to stay away from. She is then forced to return to her home and family after witch village is plunged into a blackout.
**Mild Spoilers Ahead**
I really loved this book and as a crafter felt I could identify a bit with Giselle more than I could with the past two leads of the series. Along with her suffering through the burnout that often comes with any creative discipline. As a side note: I did think that her struggling with the crochet was quite funny as that is my main crafty outlook. Back to it: The way Giselle grows through the book is amazing, all the characters for that matter. I also loved getting to see the banter between Maddox and Giselle again, as well as the way their relationship progressed. I am also a very big fan of the ending; I thought it was amazing.
While I will love everything Ireen has written this one is vying for my favorite right now. Giselle has grown so much as a character by the end of the book, and I think that might be one of the best qualities. The way she decides to do something that I don’t think Giselle at the beginning of the book would do is honestly admirable.
Again, thank you to Ireen for the ARC, I truly loved the book!
It felt so good to get back into Olderea and with a character I love so much. Giselle Phula who we saw the royal seamstress in ‘The Herbwitch Princess’ and a good friend to Narcissa in ‘Bennett turns into a Cat’. In this book we find Giselle running her own dress shop and working on Narcissa’s wedding dress. However, the shop isn’t doing too well, and Maddox seems to be one of the few customers she has. After being evicted by her landlady Giselle takes a royal assignment in taking a human emissary to witch village causing Giselle to face the past she tries hard to stay away from. She is then forced to return to her home and family after witch village is plunged into a blackout.
**Mild Spoilers Ahead**
I really loved this book and as a crafter felt I could identify a bit with Giselle more than I could with the past two leads of the series. Along with her suffering through the burnout that often comes with any creative discipline. As a side note: I did think that her struggling with the crochet was quite funny as that is my main crafty outlook. Back to it: The way Giselle grows through the book is amazing, all the characters for that matter. I also loved getting to see the banter between Maddox and Giselle again, as well as the way their relationship progressed. I am also a very big fan of the ending; I thought it was amazing.
While I will love everything Ireen has written this one is vying for my favorite right now. Giselle has grown so much as a character by the end of the book, and I think that might be one of the best qualities. The way she decides to do something that I don’t think Giselle at the beginning of the book would do is honestly admirable.
Again, thank you to Ireen for the ARC, I truly loved the book!
November 2, 2025
Thank you to Ireen Chau for the e-ARC of The Charmwitch Seamstress!
I absolutely loved this story — it’s heartfelt, beautifully layered, and full of quiet strength. Ireen Chau once again creates a world that feels both magical and deeply human. Through Giselle’s journey, The Charmwitch Seamstress explores so many meaningful themes: prejudice against witches (which mirrors real-world bias and immigrant experiences), the complexities of a strained mother-daughter relationship, and the bittersweet process of growing up and finding one’s own identity.
Giselle’s growth throughout the book is incredible to watch — she begins unsure of her place and ends up discovering her voice, her worth, and her courage. I found her struggles deeply relatable, especially her creative burnout and the pressure of expectations. And while I won’t spoil anything, I really enjoyed how the romance unfolds; it’s gentle, full of mutual respect, and beautifully written.
I also have to mention the kittens — their presence as a source of comfort and warmth was such a lovely touch! They made the emotional moments even more heart-melting.
The Charmwitch Seamstress is a story about healing, identity, and love — both for oneself and for others. It’s tender, empowering, and quietly magical. I truly can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you again to Ireen for the opportunity to read this early — this might just be my favorite in the series yet. 💖
I absolutely loved this story — it’s heartfelt, beautifully layered, and full of quiet strength. Ireen Chau once again creates a world that feels both magical and deeply human. Through Giselle’s journey, The Charmwitch Seamstress explores so many meaningful themes: prejudice against witches (which mirrors real-world bias and immigrant experiences), the complexities of a strained mother-daughter relationship, and the bittersweet process of growing up and finding one’s own identity.
Giselle’s growth throughout the book is incredible to watch — she begins unsure of her place and ends up discovering her voice, her worth, and her courage. I found her struggles deeply relatable, especially her creative burnout and the pressure of expectations. And while I won’t spoil anything, I really enjoyed how the romance unfolds; it’s gentle, full of mutual respect, and beautifully written.
I also have to mention the kittens — their presence as a source of comfort and warmth was such a lovely touch! They made the emotional moments even more heart-melting.
The Charmwitch Seamstress is a story about healing, identity, and love — both for oneself and for others. It’s tender, empowering, and quietly magical. I truly can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you again to Ireen for the opportunity to read this early — this might just be my favorite in the series yet. 💖
November 19, 2025
The Witches of Olderea is one of my favorite series & I was SO excited for this third installment. Giselle was a very fun character in The Herbwitch Princess, so it was not only great to see her again as the lead, but to follow her adventure into Witch Village.
This book was an addition to the series that I didn’t realize I needed, specifically due to Giselle’s witchiness. Unlike our other two heroines who were raised among human nobility, she’s a descendant of one of the witches who found sanctuary in Witch Village, and has lived a very different life. Complicated mother-daughter dynamics are a bit of a trend in the series, but Giselle’s hits in a particularly different way because of her fears of inadequacy when it comes to her mother and how much they struggle to understand each other. (The author mentioned this aspect on social media as being very true to the immigrant child experience, and I whole-heartedly agree.) Giselle is also very stubborn and proud, sometimes to a fault, but those flaws only add to her character, and it’s genuinely a payoff when she grows from them.
And I just have to mention for those of us who love Narcissa and Bennett, there are some crumbs of them! It was so fun to see them again happily engaged, and I’m glad they were included!
Overall, I’m so grateful I was given an eARC & will most definitely be purchasing a physical copy once they’re available!
This book was an addition to the series that I didn’t realize I needed, specifically due to Giselle’s witchiness. Unlike our other two heroines who were raised among human nobility, she’s a descendant of one of the witches who found sanctuary in Witch Village, and has lived a very different life. Complicated mother-daughter dynamics are a bit of a trend in the series, but Giselle’s hits in a particularly different way because of her fears of inadequacy when it comes to her mother and how much they struggle to understand each other. (The author mentioned this aspect on social media as being very true to the immigrant child experience, and I whole-heartedly agree.) Giselle is also very stubborn and proud, sometimes to a fault, but those flaws only add to her character, and it’s genuinely a payoff when she grows from them.
And I just have to mention for those of us who love Narcissa and Bennett, there are some crumbs of them! It was so fun to see them again happily engaged, and I’m glad they were included!
Overall, I’m so grateful I was given an eARC & will most definitely be purchasing a physical copy once they’re available!
October 19, 2025
Thank you, Ireen, for the arc!
I was so excited to finally read the third installment of the Witches of Olderea series, and it certainly did not disappoint! These books are always sweet and heartwarming, and they truly just keep getting better — a true testament to Chau’s growth as a writer and storyteller.
I really appreciated that Charmwitch approached several topics (parental issues, immigration stories, heritage) with great nuance and emotional depth while still fitting within the YA genre. I also think Chau does an excellent job of writing flawed protagonists and showing their steady growth throughout each book.
The world building in Olderea is also enchanting as ever, and I really enjoy that both the second and third books have examined the societal, political, and economic ramifications following the events of the first book. I know Brandon Sanderson has mentioned this was his inspiration for Mistborn (“what happens after the empire falls?”), and I always find it exciting to explore these kinds of scenarios. So few stories talk about what happens after the hero succeeds, and it’s been wonderful to see those aftereffects in this charming (ha) series. Looking forward to whatever comes next!! ✨
I was so excited to finally read the third installment of the Witches of Olderea series, and it certainly did not disappoint! These books are always sweet and heartwarming, and they truly just keep getting better — a true testament to Chau’s growth as a writer and storyteller.
I really appreciated that Charmwitch approached several topics (parental issues, immigration stories, heritage) with great nuance and emotional depth while still fitting within the YA genre. I also think Chau does an excellent job of writing flawed protagonists and showing their steady growth throughout each book.
The world building in Olderea is also enchanting as ever, and I really enjoy that both the second and third books have examined the societal, political, and economic ramifications following the events of the first book. I know Brandon Sanderson has mentioned this was his inspiration for Mistborn (“what happens after the empire falls?”), and I always find it exciting to explore these kinds of scenarios. So few stories talk about what happens after the hero succeeds, and it’s been wonderful to see those aftereffects in this charming (ha) series. Looking forward to whatever comes next!! ✨
November 15, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and was delighted to be back in this world! This third book really let us see another angle of the witches of Olderea. I would definitely recommend. I will say, it’s been a tougher read than the other books in this series simply because Chau captures frustrating and complicated family dynamics so well and many of them hit close to home for me.
However, that actually speaks to her skill as a writer in my opinion because while I may not know the challenges and even traumas of being an immigrant or a child of immigrants, I do know what it is like to have family expectations that you step away from and the frustration that comes with that. This book helped encourage the empathy that (I hope) is already present for individuals who have different experiences than myself and I think it could do that for anyone. I’d fully recommend but perhaps expect to be challenged in the most charmingly uncomfortably of ways.
However, that actually speaks to her skill as a writer in my opinion because while I may not know the challenges and even traumas of being an immigrant or a child of immigrants, I do know what it is like to have family expectations that you step away from and the frustration that comes with that. This book helped encourage the empathy that (I hope) is already present for individuals who have different experiences than myself and I think it could do that for anyone. I’d fully recommend but perhaps expect to be challenged in the most charmingly uncomfortably of ways.
October 15, 2025
I've been looking forward to this book for some time and enjoyed it immensely. This is the third book to the Witches of Olderea series, and it is indeed necessary to read the previous books beforehand. I'm a big fan of Ireen Chau's work, and was not disappointed.
Upon starting this book, I was immediately pulled in, and immersed. It was easy to enjoy and I finished quickly, as a result. The events in the previous books added up, and Giselle finds herself dealing with a world that fears her, and makes it clear she isn't welcome. Giselle's plight was sadly relatable and very much an immigrant's story. Her perspective is understandable and believable. It's easy to empathize with her. Her relationship with her family is one where tensions run high and one that I've personally lived, so for me especially, this book hit a little hard.
The pacing was good, and nothing felt too rushed or too drawn out.
The author mentioned that there was less romance in this book, and it holds true, compared to the previous books.
My only complaint is that I really wanted a little more! A few more pages, or an epilogue would have been perfect, but nonetheless, the book still ended nicely, and I still greatly enjoyed the read.
If you've already read the previous books, then I urge you to continue and read this one as well. The book was a joy to read, and to discover the happenings of Olderea. I love Ireen's work, and I know I'm always in for a comfortable ride. I'm looking forward to re-reading the whole series after this.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Upon starting this book, I was immediately pulled in, and immersed. It was easy to enjoy and I finished quickly, as a result. The events in the previous books added up, and Giselle finds herself dealing with a world that fears her, and makes it clear she isn't welcome. Giselle's plight was sadly relatable and very much an immigrant's story. Her perspective is understandable and believable. It's easy to empathize with her. Her relationship with her family is one where tensions run high and one that I've personally lived, so for me especially, this book hit a little hard.
The pacing was good, and nothing felt too rushed or too drawn out.
The author mentioned that there was less romance in this book, and it holds true, compared to the previous books.
My only complaint is that I really wanted a little more! A few more pages, or an epilogue would have been perfect, but nonetheless, the book still ended nicely, and I still greatly enjoyed the read.
If you've already read the previous books, then I urge you to continue and read this one as well. The book was a joy to read, and to discover the happenings of Olderea. I love Ireen's work, and I know I'm always in for a comfortable ride. I'm looking forward to re-reading the whole series after this.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2025
Another fantastic addition to the Witches of Olderea series! This series is perfect for fantasy readers of any age. I love all the Barbie movies and Regency vibes I get when reading one of these stories. The plot was captivating. I could not put the Charmwitch Seamstress down! Giselle has been was one of my favorite characters in The Herbwitch Princess. Her story was beautiful written and she had fantastic character development. I admire her determination and loved how her story unfolded! The world building is well done. It was so cool learning more about the Witch Village. I loved her dynamic with Maddox. The banter was perfect! Sassy and sweet. Highly recommend this book!
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I volunteered to read an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
December 4, 2025
Well, be damned this has been her best work just yet!! ✨
I loved how the story was about a simple witch going back home. And how it was lowkey a representation of being a foreigner immigrating abroad as well as being too foreigner in your own home, with lots of gossip as small places tend to be! 🥺
The family dynamics were also very familiar and complicated as they should be! I feel a lot of people such as myself can relate with the protagonist! 💖
I also liked how it wasn’t as focused in the romance as her previous books though I do love romance so I will be waiting for more cute scenes between Maddox and Gigi 🫶✨ I loved how in the bit of romance they had it was a mature and understanding partnership! My favorite kind 🥰
Can’t wait for the next one! Hopefully about Cinder and Alex 🎀
I loved how the story was about a simple witch going back home. And how it was lowkey a representation of being a foreigner immigrating abroad as well as being too foreigner in your own home, with lots of gossip as small places tend to be! 🥺
The family dynamics were also very familiar and complicated as they should be! I feel a lot of people such as myself can relate with the protagonist! 💖
I also liked how it wasn’t as focused in the romance as her previous books though I do love romance so I will be waiting for more cute scenes between Maddox and Gigi 🫶✨ I loved how in the bit of romance they had it was a mature and understanding partnership! My favorite kind 🥰
Can’t wait for the next one! Hopefully about Cinder and Alex 🎀
December 5, 2025
A charming story that offers readers a chance to examine how their own dreams may not truly be what they wanted or needed.
Giselle has been dying to escape Witch Village, to see the sun and fulfill her dreams of being an acclaimed seamstress. However, the reality is much less fanciful, and when she is placed in a situation where she must choose between her dream and her future, she has a difficult choice to make.
Even though Chau's stories are fairly short, I always enjoy how she crafts her world and the characters. Giselle isn't always an admirable character; she's selfish and stubborn. However, those flaws make her feel human especially when she learns from her mistakes.
Giselle has been dying to escape Witch Village, to see the sun and fulfill her dreams of being an acclaimed seamstress. However, the reality is much less fanciful, and when she is placed in a situation where she must choose between her dream and her future, she has a difficult choice to make.
Even though Chau's stories are fairly short, I always enjoy how she crafts her world and the characters. Giselle isn't always an admirable character; she's selfish and stubborn. However, those flaws make her feel human especially when she learns from her mistakes.
October 17, 2025
I read the first 2 books earlier this year and was ecstatic to hear that a third one was coming. I was extremely lucky to get an advanced reader’s copy and this book was wow! Firstly as an immigrant and an artist I related to our main character so much. I loved her interaction with Maddox and I’m so happy we got a glimpse of it first in bk 2 so it definitely felt like their relationship was developed prior to the book idk if that makes sense. Anyway I’m not gonna give spoilers but Imma just say I flew through this book. It was a fun read!
October 17, 2025
I literally love this book series and the third one is another treasure! This book focuses on Giselle and the aftermath of the engagement tour… I loved the seeing this character navigating her experiences with living in witch village and her relationship with her ma and her helping resolve the anti witch group to make a better kingdom for Olderea. I loved the see Maddox and Giselle’s friendship continue to grow and their banter with each other. I recommend this book for lovers of ya regency and witches.
November 25, 2025
This was a wonderful third entry to the world of the Witches of Olderea. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Witch Village through the eyes of Giselle, a witch who actually grew up in the village. This entry is most enjoyed if you've read the other two books in the series, but specifically if you've read book 2. I loved that we got to know Giselle and Maddox so much better. Giselle was a standout. Even though I didn't always agree with her, I related to her and rooted for her. If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, don't miss out on this one!
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