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A Curse for Christmas Past: A Novel

Not yet published
Expected 22 Sep 26
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For fans of Lovelight Farms, Hallmark holiday movies, and general witchy shenanigans, a charming holiday romance following a woman with a curse and the handsome witch she enlists to help her break it

Hayleigh Gray is cursed. For real.

After losing her job, her savings, and her relationship, it's the discovery of a lump on her beloved horse’s neck that finally sends Hayleigh looking for solutions in the winter festival in Elk Ridge. Trouble is, she knows there are witches in Elk Ridge because she managed to make an enemy of one (okay, maybe a few) last holiday season.

There, she crosses paths with Stephan Midwinter, an animal-rescuing artist with lumberjack good looks, a reputation with women that stretches a mile long, and a whole lot of magic that Hayleigh wants nothing to do with. Adamant that his coven wasn’t involved in Hayleigh’s curse, Stephan offers to help her find the real culprit and break the curse before Christmas Day.

As Hayleigh and Stephan face ancestral secrets, mischievous holiday spirits, and being snowed into the world’s kitschiest holiday train B&B, Hayleigh finds her heart opening to magic, and to Stephan Midwinter.

But Stephan and his way of life are in direct opposition to everything Hayleigh’s been taught to want, and old habits die hard. With the curse amping up and time running out, will she be able to embrace a new kind of happiness, or will she fall back into the patterns of Christmas past?

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 22, 2026

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About the author

Morgan Lockhart

5 books99 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Kelsey.
113 reviews6 followers
July 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advance Reader copy of this book.

This book follows Hayleigh Gray as she tries to discover her connection and relationship with magic, specifically a curse she believes was placed on her.

Well initially I didn’t love Hayleigh, I grew to appreciate her and understand her more as the story went on and really liked her by the end of it. Her journey of self discovery happened slowly but surely throughout the book.

AND THE MAGIC! I love a book with magic realism and this did not disappoint!!! There were witches and brownies and folk lore and it was so fun!!! You don’t see a whole lot of Christmas Romances with fantasy woven in but Morgan Lockhart nails it. Also Stephan is so loveable from the first scene he’s featured in and you really can’t help but fall in love with him.

If you are a fantasy fan looking for a fun Christmas read, dive into this!!!
515 reviews
May 26, 2026
Exactly the magical holiday read I dream about! This is a bit like a grownup fairy tale with a pinch of romance, spice, ‘good witches,’ and cheer. Think a mashup of The Good Witch, Hallmark, and a romance novel, tied up with a charming bow.

This is a follow-up book to A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart, and I was thrilled to visit the witches of Elk Ridge again! This is a must read for anyone who has read that first book. However, this can be read as a stand-alone and you can jump right into the magic with this book first. I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Profile Image for Judi Lehman (The Novel Hideaway).
62 reviews
May 26, 2026
Mix Ghost of Christmas Past with the lore in The Bear and the Nightingale & you have A Curse For Christmas Past.

A tall, blonde, calming lumberjack witch paired with a rich girl who has spent her whole life controlled & blindly following the rules set for her. When she has no choice but to go to her enemies for help, she starts to realize the harm caused by the choices she knowingly & unknowingly made in the past and has to find the courage to make things right.

This was such a cute & cozy standalone series supernatural holiday romance with a redemption arc. It was an easy read and simple to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit and magical world.
Profile Image for Ana.
26 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2026
This was a Hallmark movie in book form, and I loved every second of it.

I loved how it had all the classic holiday romance chlichés while still being so different and unique. My favorite part was learning so much about Slavic folklore. I thought it added amazing dimension to the story, something that you don't always find.

Hayleigh was an interesting character. I had a bit of a hard time liking her, but by the end I was fully convinced that she deserved everything she was working towards. Stephan was a lot of fun, though sometimes a bit underdeveloped. I felt like we could have learned a bit more about him, seeing as he plays such big part in the book.

This is the perfect holiday read, with a generous dash of magic.

Thank you Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Eve Tsak.
136 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 16, 2026
♡ “You felt like the sun peeking up over the horizon. You still do. My sun.”

I think what I loved most about A Curse for Christmas Past was how it managed to be exactly the book I needed without me realising that’s what I was looking for. After having my heart absolutely ripped out by The Good Parts, I wanted something that would scratch that Christmas itch that had been following me around for weeks, and this delivered. The snowy setting, the winter festival, the cozy meals, the decorations, the mistletoe, the small-town charm—it all felt like stepping straight into a Hallmark holiday movie, but with enough depth that it never felt superficial. I found myself smiling constantly while reading, which was exactly the kind of healing read I was hoping for.

Hayleigh and Stephen were such a lovely pair to follow. Their relationship doesn’t begin with instant sparks or effortless chemistry; instead, it’s built around misunderstandings, curses, stubbornness, and slowly learning to see one another clearly. Stephen completely won me over from the beginning. Maybe it was the pickup truck, maybe it was the animal rescue work, maybe it was the fact that he kept giving off major golden retriever energy, but every chapter made me love him more. The moment he gave Hayleigh his coat because he couldn’t find her the bathrobe she wanted? I was done for. And don’t even get me started on the mistletoe. There is just something about mistletoe that immediately transports me back to every cozy 2000s Christmas movie I’ve ever loved.

What surprised me most was how much heart this story had underneath all the festive magic. Beyond the romance, there are conversations about self-worth, family expectations, grief, environmental responsibility, and what it means to build a life that actually reflects who you are. Hayleigh is trying to untangle the curse she believes is hanging over her life, but she’s also confronting years of disappointment, insecurity, and the pressure to meet other people’s expectations. Meanwhile Stephen carries his own struggles, constantly questioning whether who he is and what he cares about is enough. I loved that neither character was “fixed” by the other; instead, they helped each other recognise their own value.

♡ “What we need and want aren’t always the same thing.”

The magical elements were also so much fun. The witchy atmosphere, the family history, the folklore, and the Ukrainian influences woven throughout the story made everything feel unique and grounded. I didn’t understand every reference, but I appreciated how specific and personal those details felt. It made the world feel lived in rather than simply decorated for the holidays. And honestly, a witch whose passion is protecting endangered species and communicating with animals? I was completely invested.

♡ “Her grandfather had once said that the Lord made dogs by way of apology for the inevitability of death, and in that moment, nothing seemed truer.”

There were also so many unexpectedly tender moments scattered throughout the story. The scenes involving Hayleigh’s horse absolutely got me. What could have been a simple magical subplot became one of the most emotional parts of the entire book. The way this story explores love—not just romantic love, but love for family, animals, traditions, and the places that shape us—gave it a warmth that lingered long after I finished.

♡ “But God, I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to stop apologizing for making you feel like you weren’t enough.”

This was cozy, festive, magical, romantic, and surprisingly thoughtful all at once. If you’re someone who loves Hallmark Christmas movies, witchy romances, snowy small towns, found family, and characters learning that their worth isn’t tied to what they can provide for other people, I would absolutely recommend picking this one up. It gave me exactly the comfort read I was hoping for and reminded me why I love Christmas romances so much in the first place.

♡ Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the eARC. ♡
Profile Image for Lu's Bookshelf.
83 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 29, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC!

Near Christmas, Hayleigh’s life starts to fall apart at the seams and everything seems to go wrong, she has no doubt that she’s been cursed by a witch she wronged (unknowingly) and after finding a lump in her horse’s neck, she will take a trip to find that witch and make her undo it. That is, until she runs into that witch’s brother, who helps her discover that the cursed wasn’t done by the person she thought. He promises to help her and gives her kindness without asking for anything in return, something Hayleigh isn’t used to. Together, they will need to find out who cursed her, and they might find even more than just that.

This is the perfect holiday romance. It feels like the perfect mix of a Hallmark movie (with the detail of the small town from here Steph is and how they act like a big family) and Practical Magic (the magic aspect, of course, but also, how important accepting ourselves and going back to our roots is for us to be able to be happy). It has happiness, emotional scenes, love, friendship, forgiveness and a family reuniting, what more could one ask for?

The characters were so adorable. Steph was as if a golden retriever had become a man, a green flag who wants to be there for everyone and make people happy, even though most times, he has no one to do those things for him. Hayleigh was so brave and strong through all her misfortunes (except from her horse, all the rest are hilarious, even though they made her life a nightmare). Besides her mistakes, most of them unknowingly done, her heart and intentions are pure and the fact that she could be such a good person having her parents (mostly her father) as a terrible example, talks greatly of how good she is.

The romance was fantastic. The chemistry was there from the beginning, this tug and pull between a man who knows what he wants and would do anything to make her happy and a woman who is uncertain of how someone so good could actually exist after only encountering people who wanted to use her for their benefit. The sweet scenes and the spicy ones were so well done, I fell in love with the stunning couple that Hayleigh and Steph make.

The magic aspect intrigued me since requesting this ARC and it didn’t disappoint. The detail of how everyone’s magic is different and feels completely different to those who have it, it’s really interesting. The fact that Steph uses his charms to be able to communicate with animals won me over, it was so cool!

I can simply say that I adored this book and I hope many readers can find it a comfort when the holiday season comes around.
Profile Image for hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖.
692 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s! | Did it feel a little weird reading a Christmas book in June? Yeah, maybe, but it’s also 100 degrees outside, and I’m trying to manifest winter. A Curse for Christmas Past was a sweet, cozy holiday romance that delivered plenty of Christmas magic, witchy charm, and small-town wonder. If you’re looking for a festive read filled with snowy settings, magical mishaps, and a wholesome romance, this was super entertaining! Combining two of my favorite things (witches and winter), this was like the best of both worlds.

The atmosphere was easily my favorite part of the book. Between the winter festival, holiday traditions, cozy inns, witchcraft, and touches of folklore, it captured the warmth of a Hallmark Christmas movie while adding a fun paranormal twist. I also loved that the magic wasn’t just there for decoration, it played an important role in uncovering family history and helping Hayleigh reevaluate the path her life had taken.

Hayleigh and Stephan made for a likable couple, and I appreciated that their relationship developed gradually rather than relying on instant chemistry. Stephan was especially easy to root for with his caring nature and genuine desire to help. That said, I never felt completely invested in the romance, and I wanted a little more emotional tension between them before they fully fell for each other. But a tall, calming, gentle lumberjack witch? Not at all what I expected, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself (and him).

The biggest thing that held this back for me was that parts of the worldbuilding and Hayleigh’s connection to the curse felt a little confusing early on. While the explanations eventually came together, I spent a good portion of the book trying to understand the magical rules and some of the existing relationships. I also think readers who haven’t picked up the first book may need a little patience before everything clicks.

Even so, I appreciated the themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and choosing the life that truly makes you happy instead of the one others expect from you. Those quieter emotional moments gave the story more depth than I initially expected. This was a charming, magical Christmas romance that balanced cozy holiday vibes with a thoughtful character journey. While I wished for stronger romantic chemistry and a smoother introduction to the world, it’s still a fun seasonal read for anyone who enjoys witches, snowy small towns, magical curses, and heartwarming holiday stories that feel like a Hallmark movie.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for this eARC!
Profile Image for The Lit .
364 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 14, 2026
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving A Curse for Christmas Past by Morgan Lockhart a wonderfully cozy 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​If you have ever wished your favorite Hallmark holiday movie had a healthy dose of magic and spellcasting, this book brings the ultimate festive, witchy vibes straight to your Kindle screen!
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to NetGalley and Morgan Lockhart for providing an early digital review copy (eARC)! All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​A Curse for Christmas Past is a delightful, whimsical contemporary fantasy romance that perfectly marries the cozy warmth of a small-town winter holiday with supernatural intrigue. Returning to this world reveals a bit of a different vibe compared to book one, leaning more heavily into seasonal enchantment and lighthearted magical dynamics, but the transition is handled with wonderful charm. Morgan Lockhart constructs a vibrant, snow-covered setting where family histories, curses, and destiny interweave. The narrative moves at a delightfully brisk pace, ensuring the magical stakes and the evolving romance stay balanced and engaging from start to finish.
​The Good
​This book is an absolute treat for fans of Hallmark holiday movies who also happen to love witchy vibes! The atmospheric setting is incredibly cozy, making it the perfect read to snuggle up with.
​The main characters really make the story shine. Stephan is a fantastic MMC—he is incredibly sweet, supportive, and grounded, making him the perfect anchor for the story. Hayleigh is a really good FMC as well; her personality is relatable, and her growth throughout the magical chaos is wonderful to watch. Even with the shift in tone from the first book, the charm of their connection and the magical holiday spirit kept me completely enchanted.
​The Not So Good
​The slight shift in vibe from book one might catch some readers off guard if they are expecting an exact replication of the first installment's tone. While both styles are highly enjoyable, the transition to a more lighthearted, festive-centered focus means some of the deeper paranormal lore takes a back seat to the holiday antics
Profile Image for The Lit .
364 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 14, 2026
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
​I am giving A Curse for Christmas Past by Morgan Lockhart a wonderfully cozy 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​If you have ever wished your favorite Hallmark holiday movie had a healthy dose of magic and spellcasting, this book brings the ultimate festive, witchy vibes straight to your Kindle screen!
​ARC Disclosure: Thank you so much to NetGalley and Morgan Lockhart for providing an early digital review copy (eARC)! All thoughts and reflections shared here are entirely my own.
​The Review
​A Curse for Christmas Past is a delightful, whimsical contemporary fantasy romance that perfectly marries the cozy warmth of a small-town winter holiday with supernatural intrigue. Returning to this world reveals a bit of a different vibe compared to book one, leaning more heavily into seasonal enchantment and lighthearted magical dynamics, but the transition is handled with wonderful charm. Morgan Lockhart constructs a vibrant, snow-covered setting where family histories, curses, and destiny interweave. The narrative moves at a delightfully brisk pace, ensuring the magical stakes and the evolving romance stay balanced and engaging from start to finish.
​The Good
​This book is an absolute treat for fans of Hallmark holiday movies who also happen to love witchy vibes! The atmospheric setting is incredibly cozy, making it the perfect read to snuggle up with.
​The main characters really make the story shine. Stephan is a fantastic MMC—he is incredibly sweet, supportive, and grounded, making him the perfect anchor for the story. Hayleigh is a really good FMC as well; her personality is relatable, and her growth throughout the magical chaos is wonderful to watch. Even with the shift in tone from the first book, the charm of their connection and the magical holiday spirit kept me completely enchanted.
​The Not So Good
​The slight shift in vibe from book one might catch some readers off guard if they are expecting an exact replication of the first installment's tone. While both styles are highly enjoyable, the transition to a more lighthearted, festive-centered focus means some of the deeper paranormal lore takes a back seat to the holiday antics
584 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 28, 2026
This book gave me the heartwarming vibes that I love from Hallmark holiday movies. Hayleigh immediately gives off the vibes of Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap. However, her love for her beloved horse shows the first crack in her armour.

I will say that the problem that I had with this book is that I did not read the first one in the series, A Spell for Midwinter's Heart. While this book does stand alone, it was a bit difficult to follow how Hayleigh became cursed before the onset of the book. I was also a little confused about how exactly the magic structure worked. I think it was a little confusing because it is not obvious how Hayleigh is linked to magic throughout the story. However, letting the story cook a little not only makes things far clearer, but it is also quite interesting. The way that ancestral inheritance plays a role was one of the more intriguing parts of the story.

The romance between Stephan and Hayleigh was also cute and wholesome. I really appreciated how Stephan was protective of Hayleigh, but also allowed her to have space enough to make her own decisions. I did feel that, because I didn't have the backstory, Hayleigh's interactions with Stephan's family were a bit difficult to understand.

Overall, Lockhart was able to write an intriguing story. Mixing magic, romance, and Christmas vibes, A Curse for Christmas Past is a cute and entertaining read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Profile Image for Sarah.
174 reviews19 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 2, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨

I really liked this book!

When Hayleigh discovers that she’s cursed and begins experiencing one misfortune after another, I completely understood why she needed to figure out what was going on.

I felt like her character showed a lot of growth throughout the story, and I loved that she had to work to fix the issues she caused. She was lucky to meet Stephan… he was so genuine and selfless. The slow burn romance was also a lot of fun. I was living for the longing stares and close proximity.

I enjoyed the magical elements and the Yule time creatures. I especially loved reading about Baba Yaga. She’s always fascinated me, but I’ve never read a Christmas book that included her.

I really liked the ending. It delivered all the fun Yule and Christmas vibes, with just a little bit of spice.

The book referenced events from book one several times. Since I hadn’t read the first book, I didn’t fully understand the significance of those events to the main character. That being said, I felt the story did a good job explaining the current conflict and what needed to be done to fix it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Publishing for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Katie Lavoie.
358 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 1, 2026
Exactly what you want in a holiday romcom that straddles the line between sweet magical realism and cozy paranormal romance.

First and foremost, I liked the Ukrainian traditions and folklore that were interwoven with the plot. I also enjoyed the themes around forgiveness, learning to not just own and learn from your mistakes but also to try and rectify, and the portrayal of what familial abuse can look like (please note: it’s still done within the premise of a holiday romance). Of course you also get that you would expect from a holiday romance - it’s lighthearted, sweet, and a too good to be true main male character.

While technically the second book in a standalone, interconnected series, I do think it would be better having read book one (A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart). Without having read it, the reader will be able to piece together a lot o the backstory, but will miss the details as well as the world building for the cute town and witch coven.

Thanks to Morgan Lockhart, Dutton, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for vlm.
473 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 3, 2026
A Curse for Christmas Past is a charming and magical holiday romance that completely swept me away. Morgan Lockhart blends festive magic, mystery, and heartwarming romance into a story that's as cozy as a snow-covered Christmas village.

Hayleigh is an easy character to root for as she struggles with a seemingly endless streak of bad luck and searches for a way to break the curse hanging over her life. I loved watching her grow throughout the story and open herself to new possibilities. Stephan Midwinter was the perfect romantic lead—kind, supportive, and impossible not to fall for.

The magical elements, holiday atmosphere, and delightful setting made this a joy to read. Beneath the romance and Christmas charm is a lovely message about embracing change and finding happiness on your own terms.

If you're looking for a cozy paranormal holiday romance filled with magic, heart, and a swoon-worthy hero, I highly recommend A Curse for Christmas Past.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Marian Sherry.
256 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 6, 2026
A Curse for Christmas Past is a charming holiday romance with magical elements and plenty of witchy shenanigans.

Haleigh Gray is cursed. After losing everything, it’s the discovery of a lump on her beloved horse’s neck that sets her on a journey to break the curse. As she heads to Elk Ridge, Washington, a town full of witches, Haleigh crosses paths with Stephan Midwinter, a witch with a mile long reputation, and magic she wants nothing to do with. Stephan is insistent that his coven wasn’t involved in the curse and offers to help Hayleigh find the culprit and break the curse before Christmas day.

This is a cozy story filled with winter vibes, magical elements and small town charm. It’s quirky and fun with a swoon worthy hero and themes of learning from past mistakes and setting things right. Charming setting, layered characters and plenty of twists that kept me hooked. A wonderful follow up to A Spell for Midwinter’s Heart!

Thank you Netgalley, Dutton and Morgan Lockhart for the eARC I received. All opinions expressed are my own.
11 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2026
A cosy Christmas read with a hint of magic!
Review of advance copy from NetGalley


A Curse for Christmas Past was a fun and easy read, perfect for settling into during the festive season. Beneath the light and magical surface, there are some more thoughtful elements woven in—particularly around how the main character is treated at work. The story touches on the frustrations of being overlooked and undervalued, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways her contributions are dismissed. This added an extra layer of relatability and gave more weight to her personal journey.
I also really enjoyed the insight into Ukrainian traditions, which brought a unique and refreshing cultural element to the story. At times, I did find myself a little confused—especially with references to past events—but things became clearer as the story unfolded.
The romance and magical elements were both fun and engaging, adding to the cosy charm of the book.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Carolyn Schaeperkoetter.
262 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 27, 2026
A very sweet Christmas-in-July read with a spooky witchy vibe and a slice of romance (okay, a very big slice).
Hayleigh is cursed ever since her involvement with Elkridge Lodge, the kind of cursed where nothing goes right. Cards declined, stuff stolen, getting suddenly rained on in the middle of a sunny day kind of cursed. But when her beloved horse is discovered to have a lump that could possibly be cancer, she decides she must do something about it, which means going back to the source of possible curse. Enter Stephen, who out of the goodness of his heart (among other things) decides to help. Along the way, sparks fly, but Hayleigh also begins to find out things about herself that she thought had been hidden all this time.
Great romantic story with a dash spooky fun, discovering who you are and what you want in life, and of course, the good guys win in the end.
Perfect cup of holiday cheer in a book, even in the middle of summer.
Profile Image for Kelsey Hughes.
411 reviews27 followers
July 28, 2026
A magical christmas book filled with fairytale magic, witches, unfortunate mishaps and a little bit of spice ✨

My Thoughts: Hayleigh had some serious unfortunate events happening to her in the beginning of this book. I felt incredibly bad for her. Seeing her growth throughout the book was nice, she turned from selfish to selfless and I thought that was very positive. Stephen was a doll and had a truly genuine heart. He did anything and everything he could to help others, and was so nice to Hayleigh. The magical parts of this book were fun to read, and even though I don’t know much about the stories or Baba Yaga I enjoyed them nonetheless.

This book did reference the first book, Spell For Midwinters Heart, a lot so make sure you read that book first so you aren’t confused.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced e-copy of this book.

Tags
-Christmas Romance
-Magic
-Slow Burn
-Single POV
Profile Image for Lra.
80 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 10, 2026
Hayleigh Gray siempre creyó que podía controlar su vida con planes perfectos, trabajo duro y decisiones calculadas. Pero después de que un encuentro con un grupo de brujas destruyera su carrera, todo comenzó a derrumbarse. Su dinero desaparece, su futuro se desmorona y ahora el único ser que realmente le importa podría estar muriendo por culpa de una maldición.

Desesperada por respuestas, viaja hasta Elk Ridge, un pueblo envuelto en luces navideñas, secretos y magia que se niega a desaparecer. Ahí conoce a Stephan Midwinter, un escultor de madera tan irritante como imposible de ignorar. Él pertenece a la misma familia que ella culpa por arruinarle la vida, pero mientras más tiempo pasa a su lado, más difícil se vuelve decidir si Stephan es parte del problema o la única persona capaz de ayudarla antes de que lo pierda todo.
Profile Image for Jacquie.
165 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 3, 2026
I started my Christmas in July adventure this week with A Curse for Christmas Past by Morgan Lockhart. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced e book copy. I want to preface this by saying that fantasy books are not normally my cup of tea. I am a realistic fiction girly. So this was a bit out of my comfort zone to read. I liked the love story of this book and I liked the setting and all of the Christmas details. Christmas movie references are always a fun nod. But the magical creatures here did not do it for me. Our leading lady was trying to break a curse of bad luck and how to meet up with magical creatures to show her the correct way. Although I loved Stephan Midwinter, he was charming and dreamy, the witches and Baba Yaga were a bit too much for me. But for those that enjoy a good fantasy story, this book would be right up your alley for the Christmas season.
Profile Image for BookishKB.
1,549 reviews390 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 7, 2026
✨🎄🪄 A Curse for Christmas Past 🪄🎄✨

Aw, this was super cute! And the spice was 🔥🥵

Stephan?? Mountain daddy lumberjack, I didn’t know I needed. And the fact that he loves animals just made him hotter ☺️

Kayleigh is really going through it in this book. I can see why some people might read her as entitled or a little bratty, but I honestly just felt bad for her. Her situation, especially with her family, was rough. I wanted to punch her dad the entire time, and her mom did absolutely nothing to help, which made it even more frustrating.

The ending was perfect and wrapped up nicely! Overall this was such a fun, mostly lighthearted read.

💖 What to Expect
• Small town
• Witch x non believer
• Curse breaking
• Holiday festival
• Snowed in proximity
• Animal loving MMC
• Redemption
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: September 22, 2026
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Julia Carter.
178 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 1, 2026
A Curse for Christmas Past is a cozy, feel-good romance that gives that small town charming feeling with a little magic thrown in. Our FMC, Hayleigh Gray's life, is a train wreck. She lost her job, her relationship, and on top of that, there's the curse. Feeling lost and not knowing what to do, she goes to Elk Ridge, where she meets Stephen. Their relationship is tense, but as they learn to work together, a connection starts to build. The setting is festive, with snow and holiday fun, which add to the story to make it feel magical. This is a holiday rom-com, so it is a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it. Im going to rate this 3 stars. I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my opinion.
Profile Image for Kheyra Santos.
160 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 17, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of A Curse for Christmas Past by Morgan Lockhart in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the cozy yet mysterious atmosphere of *A Curse for Christmas Past*. This story was such a fun blend of holiday charm, magic, and secrets, creating a unique seasonal read with a darker twist. I enjoyed the enchanting setting, the magical elements, and the way the story balanced warmth with a sense of mystery. The characters brought heart to the story, and I liked discovering the hidden layers as the plot unfolded. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys holiday romances with a touch of witchy magic, cozy vibes, and a little bit of mystery.
Profile Image for Bailey.
64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
July 14, 2026
• Witchy Hallmark Christmas movie vibes..thats all, and if that doesn't have you intrigued, then I don't know what will.. maybe the snowed in one bed trope? (Which i love) or the yearning and charming snowy town .. all of my favorites, so yes.. i did enjoy this book and even though i would probably keep it for a Christmas read, i do recommend if you do Christmas in July ..or to add to your tbr for the holiday season because it's a good one!

I will tell you my only con because of course I will, I'll keep it honest always, .. I wasn't a huge fan of the FMC Hayleigh, I liked her but didn't love, Stephan on the other hand..well he made up for that 😜
Profile Image for Rebecca.
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 29, 2026
I really enjoyed the slightly cheesy hallmarky feel to this book. Stephen seems like a guy I'd want around, his dad jokes tickled me more than they should have, and it seems like he's a genuinely decent guy.
Hayleigh annoyed me a lot, but I think that was the point of her character, she has all these flaws/things in her mind that she thinks are okay until cinnamon roll Stephen shows up.

There were a few confusing parts, whether due to editing or because this is an interconnected standalone, which I wasn't aware of till I started reading.

This would be a great book if you're a fan of Hallmark movies and cheesy, mostly predictable Christmas stories.
Profile Image for Cory ⛤.
485 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 28, 2026
thank you so much once again netgalley for this amazing opportunity to read this book as an e-arc

can you tell that now im in a mood for christmas read for some reason?
this was such a cute, cozy holiday read with just the right amount of magic.
i really loved the festive small-town atmosphere and all the magical elements. it had that cozy christmas charm while still touching on some important themes, and i could really relate to the fmc.

p.s.: i also really liked the little glimpses into ukrainian traditions
Profile Image for Ashley Tate.
Author 5 books15 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 25, 2026
Cozy, Christmas time read with magic and a hot, witchy lumberjack? Sold.

I love when a Christmas book or movie starts of with the main characters life falling apart... it shows the magic of Christmastime and that hope of turning things around.

Hayleigh has been down on her luck but is forced to venture out and enlist the help of a lumberjack witch in order to save her horse.

Definitely loved the melding of festivity and paranormal in this book and loved the chemistry between Hayleigh and Stephan.

It remind me a little of Good Spirits.
Profile Image for Jess Bowser.
21 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 26, 2026
This was such a cute, festive, and cozy read. I love how the magic and lore was woven into the story. And hello lumberjack daddy! I feel like this was a fresh take on second chance to set things right holiday story. Im so happy that the FMC found her family in the end.
Profile Image for Paula.
51 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 27, 2026
Thank you netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this.

This was just a sweet and spicy wintery romance with a beautiful hint of magic and was truly cozy, will definitely be re reading this in the future.
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