The Bewitching Bookshop by Tracy Corbett
Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Series: Whisper Haven #1
Release Date: November 11, 2026
Remy Starling has not had an easy life and lately it has gotten worse. For her entire life her mother has used her and her magic to support them, drifting from town to town and never putting down roots. But now her mother has disappeared and Remy is lost. She has no money, no family and no prospects, not to mention her magic is out of control, and she has no one to help her understand how to manage it. She has hit rock bottom when she is given the opportunity of a lifetime, thanks to her late grandmother. Her grandmother left Remy her bookshop on the island of Whisper Haven, but there are stipulations to the inheritance, she can’t sell the shop until she has lived on the island and run the store for two years. She agrees to the terms but has no idea how she is going to get the shop in order without money and without causing a magical disaster. And it all that isn’t enough, she has learned that her grandmother owed money to another shop owner, Hudson Knightley and he is demanding payment in full in two weeks or he will take legal action against her. The only bright spot is Hudson’s son Sebastian who after a rocky start becomes her friend and helps her with her magic. Things start to look up, but when Remy unknowingly breaks the rules of the island, she might lose everything including her heart.
Sebastian “Seb” Knightley has lived on Whisper Haven for his entire life, it is a small community of five magical shop owners who are the only residents of the island. Seb’s family owns an antique shop that he manages, though his dream is to design and sell his jewelry and he is the only member of his family who is magical. He recognizes Remy’s magic immediately, but it takes him some time to understand that she has no idea how to control it, unfortunately the inhabitants of the island have rules about their magic, they are not allowed to use magic in public, practice dark magic or even discuss their magic, which makes it hard for him to help her, since breaking the rules could mean banishment. He helps her the best he can without confessing his own powers and once he finally gains her trust, begins falling for her. But when his dad makes it impossible for her to stay, Seb will have to decide, side with his father or lose the woman he has fallen in love with.
This story was not what I was expecting, but I really liked it. The story is filled with emotion, found family, amazing secondary characters, a sweet dog, lots of magic, hope, a bit of heartache and very sweet ending. My heart broke for Remy, but the author did an amazing job of giving the reader the sad details of her life without making the book too dark. My only complaint was about the island rules; it seemed like something that should have been explained to a new resident, especially once it became clear that she didn’t understand her power. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I am really looking forward to the next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC/ALC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
