The House Witch and The Enchanting of the Hearth by Emilie Nikota

The prompt for this #Romanceopoly challenge was ‘read a cosy fantasy book or a fairytale retelling’ and The House Witch fit the prompt perfectly!

This was such a joy to read, it felt like it was very low stakes even though looking back the stakes really aren’t that low. We have war on the horizon and poor Queen Ainsley having a very tough time with her current pregnancy while dealing with the trauma of past losses. Thankfully, Finlay and his unique brand of magic show up and a very stressed court starts to slowly become more and more homey and happy. Well, it’s that way when idiots from Troivack aren’t staying in the castle!

Finlay is a wonderful character, grumpy and lovable, he is dealing with spending his whole life being told he has little power and that inadequacy comes out a lot in his day to day actions, especially with Lady Annika, but the only one who thinks he is not powerful is Finlay himself, even those who don’t know he can practice magic, can tell he is powerful. Being with Finlay on the journey to discovering that he is more than what he thinks he is was enchanting.

“I am weak , though. I can only do things to promote peace.”

“You think that is weakness?! Kingdoms go to war not because they are strong, but because they are weak! Peace is strength, Finlay. You are far stronger than you know. I feel it. I feel it in my chest, and in my belly.”

The development of Finlay and Annika’s relationship is slow and to be honest, not terribly exciting and sometimes a little frustrating, but it is cute and I really can’t wait to see what happens with them next, I know it’s unlikely to be plain sailing but I hope it’s not too stormy.

“I don’t have anything to offer other than the fact that I am capable of changing for the better, and I am trying every day. I want to someday be good enough to be your home. If you still think that you’d like to take a risk on me, I will do everything I can to make sure you never regret it for a single day.”

I really like all the characters that are in castle, those in the kitchen in particular. The Knights character growth working under Finlay was very satisfying. Hannah becoming a strong and independent woman when not being tormented by the Knights and Peter becoming a stable friend to everyone, Hannah in particular.

Prince Eric was delightful and I enjoyed him and Finlay becoming friends, I even enjoyed Ruby the tyrant housekeeper.

The best character of all though was Kraken the Cat! The fact that it was Annika who brought Finlay his familiar is proof enough that they belong together. The chapter from Kraken’s POV was also a favourite. A lot going on in the cat world!

“Animals understand more than you think. Especially cats, they just don’t want to be bothered with people — save for a few they like.”

I had planned to read this series over time but I had to get the next book, The House Witch and the Charming of Austice, right away. I hope it’s as cute as this book!

Synopsis:

A heartwarming blend of cosy fantasy and romance in this tale of a wayward house witch and the magical adventures in and out of the royal kitchen . . .

When Finlay Ashowan joins the kitchen of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. Which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly scrumptious meals.But Fin has secret, one that may not stay hidden for long . . .As his past begins to catch up with him, Fin must negotiate court politics and stay out of trouble, together with his familiar, Kraken his fluffy black kitten.But things become even more complicated when he catches the eye of a certain lady who just so happens to be part of the royal court.Can Fin successfully hide his secret and protect his heart? Or will the chaos of the castle and its good hearted people get the best of him?

Filled with fascinating characters, courtly intrigue, political machinations, delicious cuisines, cuddly companions, magical hijinks, and will-they-won’t-they romance, The House Witch is the first in a captivating new series.