The Charmed Library

By Jennifer Moorman

A DELIGHTFUL MAGICAL REALISM STORY

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SUMMARY

All libraries are magic, and some libraries are more magical than others.  The public library in Blue Sky Valley, North Carolina, is in the latter category.  Stella Parker is an assistant librarian who is unaware of her library’s special magic, but she soon discovers strange characters in the library after hours. One of the characters is Jack Mathis, the main character from her favorite book. Stella finds that she, too, has the power to bring fictional characters to life when she inadvertently invites Captain Hook to the library, and chaos ensues.

Stella quickly learns the importance of protecting the library’s secret. As she gets to know and fall in love with the real Jack Mathis she has to face the reality that all stories must end. The characters who visit the library can only stay for fourteen days. Jack’s time is almost up, and Stella must face the reality of her loss.

If you could bring a fictional character from a book to life, who would it be?

REVIEW

THE CHARMED LIBRARY is a delightful, magical realism story.  It’s a lighthearted story about grief and growth and the role of books. The story is fun and imaginative, and it is a great read for lovers of books, stories, and libraries.

Author Jennifer Moorman’s writing flows nicely and is delightfully descriptive. Stella's character is well-developed and engaging; and her relationship with Jack is endearing.  I loved Stella's best friend, Ariel, who was always there for her and full of cheer.

My favorite part is surprisingly when Stella goes head-to-head in a battle for the library with Captain Cook. My least favorite part was the words that popped out everywhere and constantly surrounded Stella, even attacking her at times.

The narrator, Kathleen McInerney, has a warm voice that fits the book perfectly. She slides you into the story and does a fabulous performance, distinguishing character voices. She convincingly performs women and men, young and old, and good guys and bad ones. Her tone, pacing and delivery were enjoyable

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Libraries are Magic

Publisher    Harper Muse AudioBooks

Published   Jan 6, 2026

Narrated     Kathleen McInerney

Review       www.bluestockingreviews.com