The Book Witch

The Chancellor Fairy Tales #5

by Melanie Karsak

A bookish witch struggling to tame her magic.A single father fighting to keep his business afloat.They say opposites attract, but there have never been two more opposite people than Stone Schneider and me. Stone, the brawny owner of the Chancellor Brewery and Biergarten, is my definition of nemesis. His noisy pub is a constant source of irritation. Where my bookshop brings beauty and stories to the world, Stone brings a Friday-night cover band.

Even though Stone has the most adorable, bookish child on the planet, that handsome tapster and I cannot find a way to get along. If Stone could stop being annoying for five seconds, I might ask him out. But when Stone breaks yet another business agreement between us—just in time for the holiday season—all bets are off.

Despite my coven’s warnings, it seems like just a little book magic would do the trick to bend things my way. But in Chancellor, magic has a mind of its own, and Lady Winter will have her way this Christmas season.

Meet Paige and Stone in The Book Witch, a delightful holiday-themed, sweet, clean romance set in the magical small town of Chancellor. The Book Witch is a stand-alone novel in a shared quirky, magical town.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Novella, Adult

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2022

About the author

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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Reviews

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was final book in this fairy tale series and I enjoyed it. These books all take place in the same magical town and each main character or significant other has some kind of magical power. Not menacing powers either which makes these books cozy romances. They are all novellas and are just enough. This time it was about a bookstore owner who is a witch. Down the lane from her is a man who owns a brewery pub and also has a little boy. Of course there’s a problem to get through. It takes place during the Christmas holidays. This one has an epilogue that only jumps a few hours or less into the future. Not sure why it’s even called an epilogue. I want an epilogue that tells me what happens with the couple a year or even two later. Still a good read. No spiciness here.

[Verelien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, cosy and magical short story. I want to read more about Paige, Stone and his son.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little holiday read. I enjoyed the magic and books, small town romance. Very cutesy! 🎄🖤

[Emily Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐
This was a short and cute festive book. I wish there was a bit more to the romance, it's a bit too slow burn with not enough pay off for me. Like I want to see what happens AFTER they get together, I want to see the happily ever after, especially with festive stories like this, that's just what these get me in the mood for. Something cute and wholesome, like a cute date or whatnot. Aside from that, I enjoyed this, and I liked seeing how their relationship evolved as they learned to work around their differences.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Audiobook Review*

The Book Witch is a cute Christmas story about two business owners at odds. This is the sixth book in The Chancellor Faiy Tales series. Rather than being a retelling it is a completely new fairy tale for the modern day. I loved reading about Paige the bookish witch who brings to life any words she reads.

Short, cozy, and full of holiday magic. This would make a perfect hallmark movie.

The Narrator was great to listen to and had a way with the voices, giving each character a unique voice and sound.

[Chelbie Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another wholesome holiday book! This one had the cutest magic system and was centralized around books, which I loved.

Paige had the cutest magic ability and bookstore. Stone had a brewery in a wine town. Stone’s son Oliver was the cutest little bookworm and loved Paige just as much as Stone.

Very cute novella 🎄♥️❄️

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, cozy read about witches in the fictional town of Chancellor. It's Christmas time and this time, a book store owner is in conflict with a brewery owner over their promotional holiday plans. Hijinks ensue with the cutest little book reading little boy.

I was given a free audio copy of this book for my honest review.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

another cozy couple

Enemies to lovers in a cozy town?! Yes please! This series is perfect for the “ber” months! I really enjoyed Paige and Stone but Oliver really stole the show!

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this felt like drinking a cup of hot chocolate and sitting all comfy cozy next to a fire. I loved it and wished it was a full length novel!

[Dasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 estrellas más bien

[Melinda Cater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this completely magical town of Chancellor! If I had to pick a fictitious place to live Chancellor would most certainly be at the top of my list. Where the conflicts can be solved with a little magic, maybe a cupcake or two, the local Fairy Godfather is there to help fix your love woes or just give you some amazing advice, spirits mingle, tales of mermaids still exist (as maybe does the mermaid), and true love is always just a first kiss away.

Paige loves her little bookshop and all it’s fun and magical events. But lately things haven’t been as magical as they should be…or maybe the problem is that they have been too magical... whichever… ever since she decided to end things with her ex Alex her magic has been all out of wack. Now she has just set it to snowing…inside her bookshop…not the best combination.

And Stone, he spent his inheritance on the local brewery and Biergarten and for a while things were running smoothly, in life and in business. But for the last year or so, since his divorce, life and business have taken a turn for the worst. Besides his ex being completely flaky and a terrible mother to their son Oliver the Brewery isn’t breaking even and he is doing everything he can to get into the black this holiday season.

But when Stone schedules a concert that is sure to rock the whole alleyway on the same day as Paige’s guest speaker things begin to spiral out of control.

Can Paige and Stone stop arguing long enough to see that they are perfect for one another? Christmas Magic and match making are in the air in Chancellor.

This is one Christmas tale you definitely want to add to your Holiday reading list! Karsak has done it again! With her signature style of story telling, her endearing and relatable characters, and ever wonderful magic she has once again created this ultimate bubble of cozy tranquility and between you and me, it’s absolutely AWESOME! I do love me some cozy fantasy and this story had the perfect combination of cozy and Christmas and it made for one relaxing and captivating read.

So if you love a sweet story, with lots of fun and whimsical magic, amazing characters with flaws and faults (which you love all the more for them) adorable bookish children, lots of scrumptious treats, sweet slow burn romance, and a magical holiday vibe woven throughout to tie it altogether then you Simply HAVE to READ the Book Witch!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie Karsak brings us The Book Witch, the fifth book in the Magic in Chancellor series. What a fun and magical read this book was.


Paige was a sweet bookstore owner/author (basically she was living my dream) but she was still a good businesswoman and when problems arose she handled things pretty well. Stone, the Brewery owner, and Paige have a little tension between them but Stone is a good guy he's just been struggling and making bad decisions. He also has the cutest little boy. Oliver was my favorite character, he was so adorable.


I love all things magic and I'm a Book addict so the Book Witch was perfect for me. Paige's magic was unique but something went a little wonky, which was very entertaining. What was more entertaining was the back-and-forth between Paige and Stone while they figured things out. It was a very sweet romance.


The Book Witch was a delightful Christmas read full of magic and a touch of romance.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing I can add to the book blurb to tell you about the story. So I will go straight to the I loved it! Paige and Stone are at odds in the business world. But in the attraction world, they are very compatible. Will they overcome their differences? Duh! This is a Happily Ever After story. The fun is in figuring out how they can come together.

Yes, seeing the cover, you might think it is a Christmas story. It does take place during the Christmas season, but is not specifically about the holiday. It is about the people.

This short novel (166 pages) is a standalone in Melanie Karsak’s Chancellor Fairy Tales about a magical small town. The Book Witch is full of enchantment and romance – plus a cat and one very sweet kid! For a couple hours of distraction, what more do you need?

[Mariahmmm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: Book witch Paige is thrilled when she finally persuades local folklorist Madame Redbone to come speak at her bookstore. That is, until she finds out her (handsome) neighbour Stone plans on holding a heavy metal concert at his brewery on the same night to help keep his sinking business afloat. With (magical) sparks flying as they clash, will Paige and Stone both make it through the holidays with their businesses, and hearts, in tact?

Review: This cosy low stakes winter story focused too much on the conflict and overlooked a lot of the romance. I wasn't really rooting for Paige and Stone to get together, as they felt a little "might as well since you're here" rather than anything romantic or passionate. Despite this being part of a series, this was easily readable as a standalone.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5

I wish I had known this was one Christmas themed, so I could’ve read it before the holiday! But, oh well, it’s only a week late, so it felt close enough. It was a festive and heartwarming story.

I’m glad to see that the cover shows a black woman as the female MC, because so far there has been no non-white characters in any of the books. Although, I am giving a little side eye that the only description given of her in the book was her dark eyes, which could really be open to a lot of interpretation if you hadn’t seen this specific cover featured on Goodreads (my cover, for example, just had cute illustrations). But there was also a Native American side character too, so I’ll try to give the author the benefit of the doubt.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hate, Love Story
They say opposites attract, but there have never been two more opposite people than Stone Schneider and me. Stone, the brawny owner of the Chancellor Brewery and Biergarten, is my definition of nemesis. His noisy pub is a constant source of irritation. Where my bookshop brings beauty and stories to the world, Stone brings a Friday-night cover band.
A wonky witch and a bar keep seem to hate each other. Paige's magic is going wonky. Stone is having financial problems. Together they are the perfect pair. I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

the 5th of a series of 5 novellas.
I think this one might be my favorite out of the 5.
The main character is very likeable and relatable. It's hard to say all the little aspects I enjoyed from this character without giving everything away.
She is a kind hearted, hard working, author, who owns a bookstore and can do magic. She uses this magic mostly to create wonderful window displays. Her magic is going awry due to a break up and some other underlying things.... Like the handsome bar owner who everyone in the town does not like... but of course he's misunderstood.

If you love bookstores, Christmas, and magic you will enjoy this story. HEA.

[Linda Constantine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful holiday magic

Melanie Karsak does it again. I was SO pleased to find a Christmas story I had no read, especially by her!
I love her little romances. a genre I'm not generally fond of, as so often it's just to pornographic for my tastes. Even when her characters engage in a little action ( thinking of the airship series), it's done so tastefully.
Such a gifted storyteller.

[Audrey Stars in Her Eye · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book Witch is a cute romantic tale set during Christmas. The Chancellor Fairy Tales are easy fun reads and this latest addition is no different. I enjoyed the characters and loved reading how neighbors took care of each other. The magical elements are not over down and are a perfect addition to the tale.
I enjoyed the narrator. Robin Leigh was peppy and drew you into the tale. She also did well giving each character their own voice.
I received an Audio ARC for review; all opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just didn't like Stone

I like the town, the side characters, especially Oliver, Paige was okay. But there was nothing really likable about Stone. He was a great guy who did great things, but they were off page. We do see him grow and maybe change for the better and I get that he had a lot on his plate, but to be such a jerk to someone who he was interested in and who his son loved was a big turn off for me.

[Sandra Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Chancellor world! Each book helps create such a great little town full of magic and great people.

The chemistry between the two main characters is wonderful and the ending is so romantic. Paige is wonderful and spunky. She is definitely someone a reader can enjoy.

Melanie Karsak writes great stories and the Chancellor tales should not be missed!

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book Witch is a wonderful story to get the reader in a certain mood, one of love and family, friends and heart. I loved this addition to the series. It is a shorter read but packed full of heartwarming and fuzzy feelings. The characters within these pages are real and strong and really lovely. I think the story had the perfect balance of witchiness, family, love and fantasy to satisfy many readers.

If you have read and loved this series then this will be a delightful additionn in your reading and if you are new, this book will get you addicted to these cozy stories and you will want to go back and read more. I cannot wait for more set in this magical world and this fun town. These stories really make me smile and feel a bit of joy every time I read them.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone & Paige (& Oliver)

I can’t say enough how much I love the magic that is Chancellor! Stone and Paige has a bit of a turbulent road to get to their happily ever after, but it was so good! I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye to Chancellor and all its magical residents, but I definitely plan to come back to visit!

[Georgia Tumbleweed McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute little lighthearted love story of a town called Chancellor where it is magical. With Christmas coming up, all the stores in the Alley are getting everything decorated and set up.
One of the newest residents, a man who stared a Brewery in a wine town, is booking loud bands, and this is causing a disruption. Narrator does a very nice job with the characters and entire storyline.

[Maritsa Daumer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and sweet

Quick read, I enjoyed it MC is struggling with her magic after a break up, she focuses on her book shop and begins to have feelings for the bar owner nearby after almost ruining his business with an accident that she couldn't avoid she focuses on trying to mend her mistakes by perfecting her brewing spell ♡

[Tabetha Slade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to be a witch and own a bookstore so bad!
This is another book I feel has a whole lot of build up for very little climax. I know it's a short story, but it seemed like so much more could have been done with it.
That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy it, I did, I just feel like it was missing something.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Book Witch is a cute small town, Christmas time, novella. Its well written and exactly what you would expect in the feels department for this type of novella. For me it just didn’t stand out against all of the other hallmark type holiday books. I would definitely recommend it for anyone that enjoys holiday reads, in general they are not my preferred reading.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love happy endings!

Paige and Stone have a fresh issues, but they are perfect for each other. So many others see it, now if they could just recognize it. With Oliver thrown in, the HEA is almost guaranteed. I loved this book and the entire series. It was definitely Magical!

[Ly Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

fav character: Oliver
fav quote: “Even if you are ‘bad’ at something, you can overcome your shortcomings through hard work, effort, and most especially, heart.”

3⭐️

short and sweet—really sweet. i enjoyed learning about the characters and that there was an actual plot for such a short book. very quick, lighthearted, and easy to read.

[Candice Waite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book witches rule

I love this series and this book, I enjoy the world of the town of chancellor and the magic that makes all things possible. I enjoyed this holiday themed story and the sweet romance.