The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four

by Kathryn Rose

Serena Vandenbusch arrives in Paris with a black cat on her shoulder and an urn in her arms. On the hunt for a secret mausoleum, she must be careful not to reveal her identity as a witch and finds refuge in a flower shop called Le Dahlia Noir, run by an older woman named Marie who also practices the craft. The era of jazz, cocktails, and the debauchery she knew from New York has followed her to Paris, and in early 1923, Serena is desperate to forget what happened on New Year’s Eve and the tragedy that brought her to the City of Lights.

But the past has not escaped Serena yet. Through the spellwork, potions, and tarot readings of Marie and her coven, Serena learns her past is on its way to find her, and though she has been able to lie low in Paris by selling charmed cakes that promise love, luck, and happiness, the time to find a secret mausoleum for the urn’s final resting place is running out, and the only one who can help might very well be Alexandre, Serena’s handsome customer with a secret of his very own.

A cozy yet dark tale for fans of Practical Magic, The Great Gatsby, and Chocolat, The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four is the perfect book for a wintery night full of love, magic, and desserts.

Genres: Fantasy

372 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Kathryn Rose was born in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Southern Ontario. After graduating with honours from York University, where she studied literature and philosophy, she relocated to Los Angeles, California. She lives on the west coast with her partner and their two cats.

Kathryn is the author of the METAL & LACE series, a YA Arthurian legend retelling with a steampunk twist, from Flux Books, and CITY OF LIGHTS AND SKULLS, a YA historical fantasy with dark academia vibes set during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. In 2024, she founded Château Boho Books, an imprint for her fantasy novels.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four by Kathryn Rose, one tragic night changes Serena’s life forever, including where she thought it would lead her. Will she be able to find what she is looking for before others find out what she is?

It is 1923 when Serena arrives in Paris on a mission to fulfill a promise that she hopes will help alleviate the pain of her past. Carrying a black cat, an urn, and her belongings, she searches for a safe place to stay in the city. Being a witch, she has to be careful of where she is and whom she trusts because a group called the Holy Crosses is attempting to purge the city of all magic users.

Through Serena’s memories, we learn about the magical bakery she ran and what she had to leave behind in New York City. As the story unfolds, we eventually discover whose ashes are contained in the urn and what really happened on New Year’s Eve.

The author uses wonderful descriptions of both Paris and New York City and blends the atmosphere of the 1920s into the story very well. Her descriptions of magic are uniquely subdued, not flashy but still powerful, and her relationships with other witches are portrayed as fraternal and nurturing. The story starts a little slowly, but eventually picks up the pace, drawing you in and leading to a very climactic ending.

The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four is an enjoyable historical fantasy with a touch of mystery, magic, and found family. I especially enjoyed the unique way magic is woven into the story and the beautiful atmosphere created by the settings. If you enjoy stories about witches, historical settings, and uncovering secrets from the past, this may be a book worth adding to your reading list.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Many thanks to the publisher, Château Boho Books, LLC, the author, Kathryn Rose, and Book Sirens for allowing me to review this book.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four - Kathryn Rose

Books in this genre is like crack to me. I eat cozy witchy books for breakfast. I love how the duel timelines are set up in the book with Serena and Astrid in New York in the past and Serena, Alexandre, and Marie in Paris in the present. I also love how the rivalry and enemies The Holy Crosses were written. I thought them and characters like Frankie were well written. The topics and themes of grief and the organized violence was also written well and was done with respect for the subject manner. I grew to love the coven members like Marie and Olivia from Paris and Dolores from New York. I know the next book in this series focus on Olivia, but I need books on each of these witches. The chemistry and dynamics between the characters are just incredible. Sphinx was also hilarious and I thought he was so cute. Serena and Alexander were such a great couple. I love how cute these two are and I loved getting to know them and following along with Serena on her journey in Paris.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️

# of Pages 🌙 372 Pages

Reading Dates ✨ 8/1/26 - 8/6/26

Release Date 🌟 8/25/26

Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy

Series 🌙 The Witches, #1

Genre/Tropes ✨ Paris Setting, New York setting, historical Romantasy, set in the 1920s, urban fantasy

Triggers ⭐️ On-page death; conversations and thoughts about grief; profanity; violence; organized violence against communities; weapons; alcohol and cigarette consumption.

Representation 🌙 bisexual MC

Favorite Character ☀️ Serena

Favorite Line 🌟 ‘The world continues to turn. Regardless of whether you’re here or not.’

Vibes 💫 Great Gatsby, Practical Magic, Chocolat, Cozy

Moods ⭐️ emotional, heart warming

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a long arduous, dangerous journey for Serena and Alex and the other witches to take Astrid to her mother. I found it gratifying how many people felt the need to assist Serena on her mission. There were many intense moments with the white cross soldiers and with Frankie the evil husband to Astrid. Many lost lives for the white cross soldiers , but Alex and Serena rose above. See where it all ends or starts!!

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Veronique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enchanted! The story is cleverly written, alternating between the past and the present, with the past gradually catching up to the present for a grand finale. It's a beautiful story about grief and the strength of friendship.

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had me immersed from the first chapter. The roaring 20s, magic, friendship, and love. I went through so many emotions while reading; I swear, the longer I read, the longer the book seemed to be. Like a never ending story, that was being played out as I read. Thank you Booksirens for the opportunity to read this spellbinding travel through time.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two girls meet and become great friends. One thing they have in common is being witches. This is the reason that Serena has traveled to Paris, France in 1923.

This is actually two stories in one and I enjoyed how the past was revealed as the present was unfolding.

[Kathryn Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a joy to write! I hope others enjoy it too!

[Leland Karn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute delight! If you like witchy and cozy, I highly recommend this one.