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They say the course of true love never runs smooth. That's nothing a magical cupcake can't solve. Buttercream. Vanilla. Fondant. Dark chocolate. Strawberry creme. Brown sugar. Lemon curd. Molasses. Baking has always been my true love. But it wasn't until I unexpectedly inherited Serendipity Gardens that my bliss called me. Bittersweet. Everything's going to work out perfectly as long as the local land baron and his annoying but undeniably handsome son don't bulldoze my dream first. I'm going to need a little magic to win this battle, but in Chancellor, a pinch of enchantment is always in plenty. Devour The Cupcake Witch, Book 2 of The Chancellor Fairy Tales by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak. Journey to the quaint town of Chancellor where fairy tales live, dreams come true, and happily-ever-after always reigns supreme.

Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2018

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About the author

Melanie Karsak

90 books1,710 followers
New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
Profile Image for Crina | booktwist_.
610 reviews285 followers
February 12, 2016
Really how some books have just huge reviews and they are so meh? Why? Or I'm getting to picky?

Original post on Reading Addict

This review is going to be very short, because apparently the book is also very short and I wasn't expecting that, it's more of a novella type story, as I wasn't expecting to be a bit disappointed.

As you can see the cover is very pretty and the synopsis sounds girly and sweet and cute... and very yummy. But I think that this book was too childish for me or it is more for young younger readers, because that's how I felt and I saw the characters, even though the plot and their age don't give this impression; so I don't know if it's my wrong way of seeing them or.

The plot, the writing style, the characters and anything that it's in this story is easy, light, cute and you go straight through it like through cheese. And I don't know if it's a bad thing or a good thing. Because as I was reading, because it was so short and too easy I fel like I wasn't getting everything that I wanted. I don't want a story to feel like sands in my hands and slip through my fingers, I want to enjoy it and to know that I understood what happened.

I don't know if I would recommned this or to whom. I don't know if I'm wrong, because I didn't like it as much as other people, but you can try it, if you want. I don't think you'll lose more than an hour with it.
Profile Image for TL *Humaning the Best She Can*.
2,354 reviews170 followers
July 24, 2016
"The possibilities were limitless, but the one thing that needed to be there was me. My heart felt it with more certainty that anything I’d felt since Mom had died. I needed that neglected place as much as it needed me. What we would do together, I wasn’t sure quite yet, but that was nothing a pumpkin spice latte couldn’t remedy. Still cradling the antique recipe box, I snatched up the key and headed toward the door."

A cool wind swept across the garden, kicking up with it the sweet smell of flowers. I looked back into the cauldron again, and this time I was truly surprised. Reflected on the mirrored surface of the water wasn’t my face, but that of Mrs. Aster. “Welcome home,” she whispered in a thin voice, smiling softly at me. But then it seemed she touched the surface of the water, distorting the image.


4 stars for the food descriptions (I want to try some of those!) and the for the character of the Julie...

First half: 3 stars, 2nd half 2-2.5 stars

Still in love with the town of Chancellor and the people I have met there so far but in this one, aside from Julie and Viola... the ones who had my attention the most where the people in the background (Emma Jane's friends were wonderful and a hoot at times... so much history there I would love to read a book on them all).

Horatio was okay as a character in his own right but I didn't feel anything toward him and Julie as a couple. It was more telling 'they are in love' than having their love grow organically (right word?). From the the beginning and the blurb, you know the direction it is heading in but the Spark wasn't there for me to root for them.

The concept of the magic and
Profile Image for Sarika Patkotwar.
Author 5 books69 followers
February 23, 2016
Actual rating- 3.5

The Cupcake Witch sounded extremely intriguing because how could food- desserts, at that- and magic not make for a good combination? This book is actually the second in a series of novellas, but each of the stories can be read as a standalone. An extremely enjoyable read, The Cupcake Witch was a short, sweet and superb read.

Julie lost her mother to cancer and so did Horatio. While on the one hand, Julie's dad is extremely supportive of her wish to start her own dessert and tea shop with an array of organic products for sale; on the other hand, Horatio's dad is very controlling and demanding and wouldn't have no for an answer. Julie and Horatio meet in a rather bumpy way, but once everything is understood between the two, the relationship between sweet Julie and dashing Horatio was the cutest.

The Cupcake Witch is set in a small town where everyone knows everyone. These setups always give warmth to stories, and make them very welcoming. It was wonderful meeting the town folk and especially getting to know about the bazaars, festivals and entertainment there. Everything just seemed cosy and cute. The townspeople were so wonderful and seemed almost too good to be true.

The most interesting part of The Cupcake Witch was the way the whole aspect of wizardry was introduced. Just when I started questioning the "witch" in the book title, I got the answer I was looking for. The best part of the book, however, was the many delicious desserts and food items that were described in a sumptuous and mouth-watering manner by the author, whose writing was somehow very pretty and her storytelling, quite magical.

*Note: This book was provided by YA Bound in exchange for an honest review. We thank them for the book.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
Author 0 books59 followers
November 30, 2015
Oh, how I missed Chancellor! This adorable little town is getting right under my skin, in a good (not infectious disease) sort of way. Julie is exactly the kind of character I love. She's bold, independent and has an unconventional style. Horatio has to be pretty amazing to deserve a girl like her. ;)

I do have to say that this novella isn't near long enough for my liking. I feel like there's still so much story that could be told! (This is just me being greedy) I was glad for the very brief glimpse of Conner and Kate, but again, not enough to satiate my nagging curiosity. I've heard a rumor that the next story in this series will be Rayne's story, so I'm holding out hope that there will eventually be a fourth story tying all these amazing characters in together. Kinda like The Avengers...

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Tracy.
509 reviews
December 19, 2018
I am in-love with the town of Chancellor, what a magical place, I wish I could live there. This is the second book in the Chancellor Fairy Tales series and I loved it just as much as the first one. These books are very much a feel good series for me. I cannot wait to read book 3 and I hope there will be more!
Profile Image for Diane Ehlers.
Author 5 books39 followers
February 10, 2016
Originally posted on Paranormal Sisters: http://paranormalsisters.blogspot.com...

*Was given a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review*

This was cute and I've got to say the little baker in me was drooling over the pages! Everything Julie baked sounded so good, that I was craving to go into the kitchen to bake the goodies myself! I absolutely love stories that have bakers in them, it calls to my sweet tooth and it brings a joy to my heart! That aspect pulled me in and then add onto the fact she can cast spells with her baked goods, you won this girl over!

Though somethings were a little too fast for my liking, which was the romance. You guys have only known each other for like two days and you're already acting on the brink of love (cue eye rolling). Though I did think it was sweet sometimes, like how Julie (without even knowing it) helped Horatio finally stand up to his father.

Ignoring him, I added, "And Billy just explained that the mold needed to be recast. That takes time. What should I do, go blow on the mold to make it dry faster?"

That quote had me cracking up, laughing out loud to where I literally had to take a breath before being able to continue to read. I was able to connect to both of the characters, understanding the struggle of trying to appease a parent that no matter what you did you just ended up disappointing them. So, it was awesome to see Horatio stand up for himself to his father!

I enjoyed watching the characters develop more than anything else in this book. Well, not more than the baking aspect and the beautiful pictures of the world Mrs. Lawless created in my head. But watching them grow was definitely stronger than my like of how fast the romance was and the witchy part of the book. I was a bit disappointed that the witch element of the story wasn't stronger. The little tidbits we got were great but I was expecting more. Honestly, I feel like this story could be expanded and turned into a novel, I think that's what the story needs. That way the other aspects can grow and develop too, plus I'm greedy and just want more of the story! I feel like there's still so much that needs to be told!

Overall, I truly enjoyed this and I was sad when it ended! I can't wait to fall back into this world in the next book which will be behind their friend, Rayne's, point of view. So excited to see what's up his sleeves and the reasoning behind why his eyes sparkle so much! I also have the first Chancellor Fairy Tales book on my kindle and I'm thrilled to dive into the deep end with Mrs. Lawless's mermaid tale. So grateful they're all standalone novellas!
Profile Image for Laura  Hernandez.
802 reviews85 followers
February 11, 2016

description

From the moment I started reading this book I was transported into this beautiful and magickal tale. I felt such a closeness to Julie, like she was an actual friend; maybe even a sister. I loved how strong Julie'scharacter was and the author's story line was breath taking and full of vivid characters...all with their own strengths and weaknesses. I even found myself becoming attached to the characters. 

Poppy Lawless is an extremely gifted author as she knows how to truly weave a world building web that ensnares you and keeps you captivated from beginning to end and I know because once I picked this book up I simply couldn't bring myself to put it down. I will gladly continue to read her books and highly recommend you read this one like yesterday.








description
Profile Image for Annie.
938 reviews32 followers
October 20, 2016
** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

Julie finds her Aunts little lost shop and falls in love with it...after losing her mom, she decides she really does not want to go back to school....she wants to open her own bakery and tea shop...her Aunts place inspires her and she comes across a recipe box, a special box with not only recipes but incantations to go along with these sweet recipes....and all falls in to place!

GREAT STORY...I LOVED IT...HAD TO BUY BOOK 1 IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Profile Image for Serenity.
92 reviews
November 27, 2015
Sweet and heart warming.

A lovely little novel that allows you to see how two people find themselves again and that allows them to find each other. A pinch of magic and some twinkling stars and you have a short story to enjoy with your morning coffee and leave you smiling and in a happy place.

The romance between Julie and Horatio is simple and sweet and clean enough I can let my ten year old read this story with no qualms. I greatly enjoyed this short story.
Profile Image for Kim Pow.
820 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2022
Its nice...

A quick, sweet, kind romance mixed in with a bit of myth and magic. If you're looking for stories with depth and substance, something you can sink your teeth into? This is definitely not it.
Profile Image for Vicki.
2,722 reviews114 followers
January 16, 2018
I really liked this one. It was so cute, light, and fluffy.

Julie's mother passed away the previous summer, and Julie was going to

Horatio is a very wealthy man's son who happens to practically own the entire town. He decides he wants the building

An added fun aspect of this story is that it's paranormal, and

Recommendation: Definitely cute for a quick, light read.
Profile Image for Gina.
521 reviews33 followers
April 16, 2024
Omg this book is too cute, I loved it and am so sad it's over already. I am a huge fan of the "starting over and following my passion, which includes this dusty old bakery/bookshop/flower shop" trope and this book fits the bill in so many ways. I'd so love to live in one of these cute little towns where nearly everyone gets along and the local shopkeepers support each other and there's always some kind of festival bringing the town together.

Yes, I know ....not really reality "especially" in small towns but that's why they call them fairy tales! If you'll excuse me now, I'm off to find Book 3! Read this series when you need a pick me up, it has been perfect medicine for me during a pretty tough week.
Profile Image for Jessica Piro.
Author 8 books69 followers
July 25, 2025
This book series is a cute, quick fantasy and romance read, but everything happens TOO easily for the MC in this one. It looked to get interesting as a dangerous obstacle was building, but nothing became of it.
Profile Image for Cheryl .
261 reviews26 followers
February 9, 2017
Review originally posted on my blog: I Heart Fictional People

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved the title and the cover. It sounded and looked like a cute fantasy that I just had to read. And of course, reading the blurb and seeing that a guy was involved made me want to read it even more.

WHAT I LIKED

The message. Both Julie and Horatio have never really followed their own dreams because of their parents. Their parents wanted different things for them, so they have always chosen to please them instead of themselves. Finally, they realize that they need to follow their own dreams, no matter what their parents or anyone else thinks. And I think that is a great message. We all have dreams. And we all have to deal with people and their opinions about those dreams. But no matter what, we should go after our dreams and do what we are passionate about. Sorry to go all after-school special on you, but it’s true! And I like that this book addresses that.

The characters. I loved every single one of them, even Horatio’s hard-headed father. Julie is driven and not afraid to go after what she wants. Horatio is ambitious but also very sweet and caring. And I loved the other characters too, especially Tootie, Violet, and Betty. Those ladies reminded me of the aunts in Practical Magic. LOVE THEM.

The plot. Girl, who may or may not be a witch, wants to be a baker and inherits very cute building. Boy needs building to tear it down and make it into a parking lot for his father’s new restaurant. Boy meets girl. Things change. Love the idea of this. Cute and intriguing all at the same time.

The writing. I had never read anything by Poppy Lawless before, so I didn’t know what to expect. I just have to say that she is amazing. I love the writing style! I want more!

WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE

The pace. Okay, there were a few issues I had, like the lack of background info about the characters or not enough witch stuff, but it all comes down to the pace. It was way too quick for me. There wasn’t enough time for all that stuff. I know it’s a novella, but it all just happened way too fast for me to care about the characters or get really invested in the book. This really would have been the PERFECT book if it was a full-length novel.

Horatio’s name. I’m sorry, but I just don’t like it. I did, however, love the fact that Julie agreed with me: “Who in the world names their kid Horatio these days?” Lol.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I really, really liked this book, and I would have given it five very well-deserving hearts if it was longer. It had everything! Unforgettable characters, perfect plot, some awesome magic, a cute romance. But, it just felt rushed. That being said, I would definitely recommend reading this. I’m starting to think that I’m just not a novella-type reader. All in all, this book is really good, and I look forward to reading more by this amazing author.

*I received an eBook copy of this book via YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,357 reviews132 followers
September 3, 2022
The Cupcake Witch is the second book in the Chancellor Fairytales by Melanie Karsak, narrated by Hollie Jackson. This is a sweet romance with hints of magical realism, set in a small charming town that has a history of witches.


Mostly I read paranormal books but I'll take anything with magic so no surprise I like magical realism. It's more about magic blending in with everyday life, the possibility of magic having small influences is what draws me to the genre. Cupcake Witch finds a young woman opening a bakeshop/teahouse so it's combining magic and baking are two of my keywords. I love it when magic and food combine, the food descriptions were great and how the magic worked was interesting and seemed more memory based.


The simple but impactful magic was lovely, I liked that hits of all these magical people and situations pop up everywhere, everything hinting at something but not quite saying what's going on although it's obvious. There was a sweet budding romance, family drama, and a young baker discovering who she is. It truly felt like a modern fairytale.
Profile Image for books are love.
3,163 reviews23 followers
February 15, 2016
This was sweet. I love how Julie comes into town on a feeling that the house left to her was meant to be and be her future and helps a family heal from a death and a dad finally see what he is doing and get forgiveness from his children. I also love Horatio.

The book is not meant to have deep meaning but be a sweet fun flirty entertaining book and it gives us just that as we watch Julie and Horatio find each other and get her business up and running.

Julie at first seems a little airy but what is really there is a sweet, kind and honest girl. Watching her with her attraction to Horatio and how she stands up to Horatio’s dad is great. She gives Horatio the courage to stand up to his dad as well and that for Horatio is a turning point.

Horatio is a very sweet, tender guy who is trying to please his dad when he meets Julie. He messes up at first with her but does make up for that. His dad wants Julie’s property and she doesn’t want to sell so he pushes a little to hard all the while falling for her. She intrigues him and that is something new for him.

Watching these two come together is so fun. They are so cute as they flirt with each other and have their attraction grow over getting her business up and running.

All the characters are fun and adorable. Horatio’s dad is so sad that he lets one moment that is magical take over and make him obsessed with having what will make it happen again for others. He loses sight of what is important and becomes a mean person. His children don’t even like to be around him. Viola is the one who creates peace and Horatio stands up to him. what changes him? A cupcake from Julie. He sees what he has been doing and finally comes to terms with things. That and Julie offering a olive branch.

This is a fun, sweet, tender and adorably entertaining story of Julie and Horatio. How they come together, help each other and how Julie finds out about her family and what she is.
Profile Image for Becky Stephens.
270 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2015
After reading The Cupcake Witch, another magical novella by Poppy Lawless, I am ready to pack up everything and move to Chancellor. In this town lives a mermaid and now we meet a hearth witch, who is the sweetest, loveliest witch to grace the streets of Chancellor. We meet Rayne in this novella, but in 2016, we will learn more about him in The Bee Charmer, the third installment of The Chancellor Fairy Tales and why his eyes have that special sparkle. Gah, I can't wait!

Julie is brave, independent, and has style that is all her own. Horatio says she is gorgeous, as if "she'd stepped out of a Botticelli painting, stopped by Woodstock for a makeover, then landed before me to make me lose what little cool I had managed to acquire over the years." I couldn't describe her any better. And seeing how she affects him still makes me smirk.

I think I fell in love with these two characters--individually and as a couple--is because we get to see them through the other's eyes. Now, that's magic, and makes their sweet romance even more perfect.

The little Tudor cottage that Julie inherits is as much a character as Julie herself. Seeing it for the first time elicits awe. I felt the magic, even with all the dust, and fell in love with it just as fast as Julie did. Oh, to sit in the Victorian greenhouse sipping tea and admiring the shop would be peaceful and magical. I finished this story feeling content and happy.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
February 9, 2016
Julie and Horatio meet by chance (or fate?) when Julie arrives to inspect the cottage she's just inherited from a distant relative. Horatio's father wants the property to demolish it--and build a parking lot for his nearby restaurant.

It's a bad beginning, but things soon turn around. Is it because it's kismet, or because of the magic imbued in Julie's new cottage? She's a college junior, ready to strike out on her own and build the life she always dreamed of, as a baker, not the dental career her recently deceased mother had laid out for her. Her father seems to know this is Julie's calling and he steps away and lets her choose her own path.

On the flipside, Horatio's widowed father is a real nightmare. His overbearing ways are hampering his relationships and his business. Good thing Julie's culinary creations have an extra special mystery ingredient. Yep, you guessed it: magic.

What? Did you think I meant love?
The book's named The Cupcake WITCH, not The Cupcake LOVER!!

It's a sweet story that's part of a series and fully enjoyable on it's own. If you're looking for steam, keep on walking. The only heating up involves turning on the ovens--clean as whistle romance, but still fun and engaging. Julie and Horatio get over their early issues, and Horatio becomes Julie's biggest supporter and champion, of a sort. A fun dose of magic and a whole bunch of mischief is certainly on the menu here.
Profile Image for Gypsy Madden.
Author 2 books30 followers
March 30, 2017
Ultimately this is a contemporary romance with a slight dash of magic. Usually I avoid contemporary romances like the plague since I prefer my paranormals with plenty of magic the entire way through and as escapist as possible. But I still thought this was a charming story. The quaint, cozy town of Chancellor reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, as well as all of the people that resided there from the odd grannies to the wistful elderly men, to hippie-style bee keeper (everyone pitching in to help her felt very Gilmore Girls inspired, though felt rather unbelievable in the modern age). (As a big city girl, it makes me itch to visit a place like that that decorates the entire village for the holidays). Not to mention that I totally itched to visit her shop. I adore small tea shops! The romance was perfect, and I liked the switching between the two points of views (just I really wish people didn’t tag the chapters with the character names. It makes it look like the author thought the audience wouldn’t be able to figure out who was talking, which feels a bit insulting). And I loved the descriptions of all the things she baked, so much that I was totally fantasizing about what each and everything might taste like. It would have added so much to this charming story had there been recipes for her creations in the back of this story (who can tell I’m itching to try to create some of treats featured?)
Profile Image for Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews).
1,475 reviews142 followers
February 26, 2020
Melanie Karsak’s The Cupcake Witch is one of those stories you will fall in love with immediately. Told in first person from the dual point of views of Julie Dayton and Horatio Hunter, it is a sweet, magical, fairy-tale romance.

Julie and Horatio have recently lost their mothers. Their loss puts both of their lives in turmoil. Julie finally comes to the realization she isn’t happy with living her life for her mother. When she sees the house that was left to her family by a distant relative, she knows she has to move in and follow her baking passion. For Horatio, his mother kept the family together. She made life fun and always showed her kids the importance of giving back to the community. Horatio wants to follow his mother’s example, however, his controlling father wants Horatio to focus on the family business.

The Cupcake Witch is the second book in the Chancellor Fairy Tales series. This is a completely standalone book. I definitely plan on going back and reading the first book, The Glass Mermaid. And, I’m sooooo looking forward to reading the third book, The Fairy Godfather.

**Received a copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**
Profile Image for Selina.
Author 31 books59 followers
February 9, 2018
Ok. So, honestly, this was an awesome premise with an amazing cover. I was drawn in by that beautiful cover and hooked by the idea of a cupcake witch.

However, this story did not live up to my expectations or hopes. The writing was lacking for me, specifically in the very basic sentence structure, and I found it difficult to focus because it was so distracting. Besides the writing, the pacing was off. I know it's a shorter story (novella?), but it moved through things too fast, especially the romance. The romance was ridiculous... 2 days knowing each other, and she already has such intense feelings for him?

In fact, I found most of the behaviors of the characters in the book to be superficial and unbelievable. I couldn't enjoy it, and found myself skimming the last few chapters just to get through it.

I really, really wanted to love this book, but I just didn't. I do, however, give it points for its idea and design. It just needs more length, better writing, and more believable behavior.
Profile Image for Charity.
392 reviews29 followers
February 12, 2016
For full review please go to: 5girlsbookreviews.blogspot.com, Twitter @camartinez and Facebook "5 Girls Book Reviews"

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 13 years, 2 months

MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:

This books as wonderful! It was a great story about a woman who follows her dreams. She becomes a baker/witch who has many new friends.

My favorite part is the ending because Julie is going to try some match making with her boyfriend's sister and best friend.

I like how well the author portrays the characters.
Profile Image for Adriana.
986 reviews87 followers
February 7, 2016
The Cupcake Witch was such a feel good novella that even though the romance was fast it didn;t bother me. It was a rather sweet romance with good-natured characters and some wonderfully delicious dessert imagery. I loved the concept of a cupcake witch or really a hearth witch. I'd love to see what else Poppy Lawless has in store. The only thing was - there wasn't any recipes!

Full review to come...
Profile Image for Brittany.
381 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2016
I listened to the audiobook version
this is the second book in the chancellor series and I am in love!
poppy lawless makes you fall in love with the characters and never want to let them go.
the cupcake witch is no exception. another wonderful book by this author!

I will be sharing with my audiobook group!

starting book 3 now!

my favorite quote : "Nothing a magical cupcake couldn't solve "
Profile Image for Ren nerdychampagne.
214 reviews31 followers
February 22, 2016
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review

I NEED TO READ THE ENTIRE SERIES NOW.

Check out my full review on the blog
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