Audiobook review: Grimoires and Gingerbread by Danielle Garrett
Taking place roughly six weeks after the conclusion of the first book, Grimoires and Gingerbread is a short, holiday-themed novella featuring more of Ella and Orion. Ella continues to live at home while working at her parents’ bakery. Orion shows up after a few weeks of radio-silence, asking her to dinner and help on a time-sensitive case: someone robbed Santa!
The story is quick and easy, but lots of fun. I wish I’d listen to it closer to the winter holidays as I think I would have been more festive. But it’s still fun. The case is standalone, and one can jump in without having read the first book. It does imply a larger, sinister mystery taking place, and I look forward to finding out more with the release of the second full-length tale. I also enjoy the potential romance budding between Ella and Orion.
Narration: Heroine Ella is in a much better place than the start of the previous book, and Ms. Ronconi’s voice suits the mood of the character. She’s perky and upbeat, pulling in the lightness of this short holiday novella. Her male characters are generally deeper and masculine. I really enjoyed her portrayal of the two elves – they are higher-pitched but not childish.
My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B+
Jen
About the Book:
Christmas in Winterspell means ice skating, hot cocoa by the barrel, and frosted gingerbread houses.
I was almost looking forward to it.
The merriment screeches to a halt when two elves show up, claiming to have been sent by Santa himself, on a mission to track down an ancient grimoire.
A grimoire with the power of Christmas itself woven through the pages. Without it, Christmas isn’t happening, and Santa himself is in grave danger.
Could Winterspell hold the key to saving Christmas?
Author: Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1.5
Genre: Paranormal Mystery; Urban Fantasy; novella
Audiobook Release Date: March 9, 2021
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 1 hrs; 39 mins
Source: Tantor Audio
Audio Speed: 1.25x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Sprinkles and Sea Serpents by Danielle Garrett (Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1) – Audiobook Review