A man who glows in the dark shouldn’t be easy to miss, but Aren has made a quiet art of disappearing. Ever since the stars stole his memories, he’s wandered from place to place, never staying long enough to be known. Until the Moonlight Market; mysterious, mischievous, and never where it ought to be, drops him in the middle of Moonhaven and leaves him tangled up in Old Rowan’s farm… and a candlemaker who looks at him like he’s a story waiting to be told.
Mirel has always believed that light is a kind of language. In her little shop of flickering flames and whispered memories, every candle carries a piece of someone’s heart. But Aren’s glow is something altogether different, and she can’t help but find herself drawn to Moonhaven’s newest resident. As the market’s magic drifts through the town and secrets begin to hum beneath the surface, Mirel and Aren may discover that some lights aren’t meant to be hidden… and some lost things have a way of finding their way home.
Perfect for fans of cozy magic, slow-burn romance, and small-town enchantment, Wicks & Whispers of the Moonlight Market will appeal to readers who loved The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, The Night Circus, and The Gilmore Girls.
The Master invites you to meet the candlemaker and the wandering traveler with no memories. Follow their story as candlemaker and resident of Moonhaven Mirel, meet the traveler brought into the Moonlight market by her adorable ginger floof Ember.
Aren who has no memories before 5 years ago, and he finds himself being pulled to a magical door that opens to reveal a cat. Due to his odd glow that comes out under the starlight, he has not had a happy journey until he finds himself in the Moonlight Market. He meets the kindly farmer Rowan and a new path is open before him.
I received an ARC e-book of Wicks & Whispers by the author and I just want to say thank you Michelle, this was such an amazingly lovely read.
I was transported into this fantasy world, and this story pulled at all my emotions. It was cozy and warm, I loved the friendships and small village feel that Michelle created. Her descriptions of Moonhaven gave me vivid images of what I hope comes close to how she envisioned it. The characters interactions made me feel fuzzy inside and though the story is short, I was invested in them. And boy did I have a good cry near the end, that is how well written and engrossed you become in this story.
Lovely read and I am so glad this is turning into an unplanned but really wanted series.
Wicks and Whispers of the Moonlight Market is a cozy fantasy with a happily ever after romance tangled into its magical pages. If you are looking for a gentle intro into fantasy, where magic is a reality, cats are guardians and guides, and candles can conjure memories, then this is the book for you. Reading this book gave me that same cozy comfort that a good Christmas movie gives me.
The only reason this isn't a five-star rating is that the book is written in 3rd person dual narration, which was a first for me, as I am usually a fan of first-person storytelling, so I did find it a bit slow in places and a bit too rushed in others; however, this could just be because I am not used to this writing style and pacing.
The story is warm and whimsical, but it also addresses things such as grief, heartbreak, community, friendship, and the underlying truth that everyone has a special kind of magic, and I think that is what leaves you with this feeling of joy once you close the book.
I am not one for fluffy, cozy romance, only because the few I have read always feel cheesy 2000's chick flick. But this, this story was different. It has all the things I love, fantasy, magic, early 1800's vibes. I loved it. The characters were layered for such a short story, the cat Ember was a nice touch. The magic was different but I enjoyed it a lot. Mirel and Aren so cute and after seeing the character art I wish there was more! Maybe one of the other characters have their own side quest(nudge nudge wink wink bakers bread and another hunk?) Jokes no I love this it really was so sweet. I didn't expect my heart strings to be tugged on with Rowan but you got me there. Welldone Michelle this story ticked off all the boxes, except more, I wish I could read more of this.
I never thought that I would be so in awe with a cozy romantasay, but I guess it depends on the author's pen!
OH MY GOODNESS!!! What an enchanting story!! The characters were so magical but yet so real. I felt the scene developed was top-notch, as I could see it clearly in my mind's eye. It was as if I could smell the candles from Mirel's shop and the bread from Lyra's bakery, lol. I longed for a fresh bread or a cinnamon bun every time. How I would've loved to just stumble upon the Moonlight Market by accident.
Lastly, I adored the cats used in the story, especially Ember; man, I just wanted to pick her up and cuddle with her.
Well done on one amazing book, Michelle!! I can't wait to read the rest.
I was fortunate enough to beta read this wonderful masterpiece and I had THE TIME OF MY LIFE with this book! 😍🫶🏻 I was giggling, swooning, kicking my feet and rooting for these characters all throughout this book. It has the perfect touch of romance, intrigue, suspense, heartfelt moments and magical touch to it. I loved the characters, I loved the magical cats and I loved the story that just pulls at your heartstrings 🐈🐈⬛️ Michelle is easily one of my favourite authors with her writing style and the many genres she can dip her toe into! Pick this up, you won't regret it ❤️
When it comes to fantasy, I haven't read a lot of cozy fantasy books. Can I just say that this one was beautifully written! I absolutely loved the story, which had me crying at the end. And the characters who were relatable and lovely. But mostly I loved the concept of the magic system and what it means for each person. I enjoyed every bit of this story. It was touching and inspiring. It definitely left me with a satisfying ending and a smile on my face.
A beautiful cozy book that just warms your soul. A gentle, feel-good read that you can curl up with and let the hours pass. I love that the cats are special within the book. Absolutely love the characters and the how she presents their fear in a environment that is safe and embracing
The world Michelle created is beautiful, gentle yet strong.