🎧 Listened in audio | 📢 Narrated by Karen Cass and James Meunier
⏱ Duration: 10 hours | 📅 ARC by NetGalley, releases October 20, 2026
Genre: Romance | 🏷️ Publisher name: HarperAudio Adult and Avon Books
Book Blurb:
Silas Birchwood joins Emberwind Academy as its first non-magical teacher and knows he has found his calling, even if his wand-wielding pupils struggle with the scientific method. In the neighboring village of Hex Hollow, Margaret Nettle runs The Toasty Owl, the pub she inherited from her mother and grandmother, though living beside the school that rejected her still stings. When a rival bar opens across the street, Silas sets out to help her save the business. Then the secret to her enchanted drinks is stolen, and Margaret fears she has destroyed her family’s legacy.
Let’s talk about the book:
Enchanted Village is a traditional romance about two misfits in a world where everyone else has magic. Silas Birchwood is the first non-magical teacher at Emberwind Academy. Margaret Nettle runs The Toasty Owl, a cozy pub she inherited from her mother and grandmother, right next door to the school that turned her away. Each feels like an outsider in a village full of spells, and that shared sense of not belonging anchors the story.
The insecurity both characters carry, on their own and as a couple, is very relatable. Even sincere comments from the people who love them land like small jabs. The book captures how a well-meant remark can still sting when you already feel you don’t measure up.
From there, the plot follows the classic romance formula: a misunderstanding, some heartache, then a happily ever after. A rival bar opening across the street and a threat to Margaret’s family legacy supply enough activity to keep things moving, though seasoned romance readers will spot each beat well in advance. That predictability cost the book a star. It also provides much of the comfort, and it suits a low-stakes, feel-good read.
The spice level stays low, which I appreciated, since the focus is on emotional connection rather than steam. The world-building was a highlight for me, especially the dragons, which were a fun touch. A village beside a school, plus a pub glowing with firelight, gives it the atmosphere of a holiday read, ideal for fall or winter.
On audio, the dual narration worked beautifully. Karen Cass and James Meunier each gave their characters real personality, which made the dialogue easy to follow and gave the story a fuller, more immersive quality. For a tale this driven by its leads, that made a significant difference.
Full disclosure: romance isn’t my usual genre, so I’m not the ideal audience for these tropes. Even so, I found it an easygoing, enjoyable listen. If you love sweet, enchanting romances with a comforting payoff, this one is worth picking up.
Would I recommend it?
Enchanted Village is a low-spice romance about a non-magical teacher and a pub owner a magic school turned away, set in a village with dragons, a crackling fireplace and a happy ending you can see from far off. That familiar shape cost it a star, but it also makes this a soothing listen, and the dual narration by Karen Cass and James Meunier adds real charm. Romance isn’t my usual genre and I still had a good time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Books to Read While You’re Waiting for Enchanted Village
1. The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
Your blurb name-checks the Dream Harbor series, and this is where it begins, with a small town, a warm café and a gentle, feel-good romance.
Indiebookstores.ca | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | Booktrovert | OpenLibrary | Litsy
2. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Another outsider building a cozy refuge, this time a retired orc opening a coffee shop in a fantasy world, with plenty of gentle charm and a touch of romance.
Indiebookstores.ca | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | Booktrovert | OpenLibrary | Litsy
3. Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
If the witchy village setting was your favorite part, this romance in a town of spellcasters delivers more magic, more secrets and a love story to match.
Indiebookstores.ca | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | Booktrovert | OpenLibrary | Litsy
4. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
A witch, a small town and a hex gone wrong make this a lighthearted, magical pick for readers who want more spell-filled romance with a happy ending.
Indiebookstores.ca | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | Booktrovert | OpenLibrary | Litsy
5. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Another tale of misfits finding where they belong, wrapped in a warm found-family story with a slow, tender romance.
Indiebookstores.ca | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | Booktrovert | OpenLibrary | Litsy
Pull Up a Chair at The Toasty Owl
If you could walk into any fictional pub for a warm drink and a fireplace seat, which one would you pick? And do you enjoy a romance where you can see every beat coming, or do you need a few surprises? Tell me in the comments.
Book Links
Want to purchase this or any of your favorite books while supporting a local bookstore? Consider purchasing using the sites below. These sites work with independent local bookstore owners to fulfill your book orders. #SupportLocal
Indiebookstores.ca | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Pagebound | Fable | Hardcover | Booktrovert
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