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Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #1.5
Grimoires and Gingerbread
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?
**Grimoires and Gingerbread is a holiday-themed novella in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries series by Danielle Garrett. This festive novella falls after the events in the first book, but could also be enjoyed as a standalone.**
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?
**Grimoires and Gingerbread is a holiday-themed novella in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries series by Danielle Garrett. This festive novella falls after the events in the first book, but could also be enjoyed as a standalone.**
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2020
708 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews
December 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this short Christmas mystery! The characters were funny, and charming.
I really loved that animals were included within the storyline.
I picked this up on a whim and I am so glad. I really enjoyed the banter between all of the characters, the fun they had and the adventure!
I can't wait to read more in this series!!
I really loved that animals were included within the storyline.
I picked this up on a whim and I am so glad. I really enjoyed the banter between all of the characters, the fun they had and the adventure!
I can't wait to read more in this series!!
April 12, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Grimoires and Gingerbread by Danielle Garrett hit all the right spots. I was looking for a short and fun story and it delivered.
This was my first experience with the author, and I plan to repeat it. When I picked this one up, I assumed it was the first book in the Sugar Shack Witch Mystery series. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I discovered it was the second book. -+ Fortunately, the details provided made it easy to follow the story.
I enjoyed meeting the characters. Rosella aka Ella proved a force to reckon with. Smart, independent, strong and brave.
Orion sounds like a player, but I could be wrong. Despite this, I liked the role he played in the story. He seems genuinely interested in Ella. One will have to watch and see what will come of their association. He and Ella worked well together in saving Christmas and protecting Santa’s secrets.
This story rekindled memories of the Christmas movies, featuring Santa and his elves, I would binge watch on Lifetime and Hallmark.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi narrated. It was my first time listening to her and what a delightful experience. Her tone pulled me into the story and had me visualising every scene. She brought the characters and the story to life and made it easy to distinguish between each of their voices.
I had a wonderful time with this story and would definitely recommend to fans of paranormal cozy mysteries. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
This was my first experience with the author, and I plan to repeat it. When I picked this one up, I assumed it was the first book in the Sugar Shack Witch Mystery series. However, as I delved deeper into the story, I discovered it was the second book. -+ Fortunately, the details provided made it easy to follow the story.
I enjoyed meeting the characters. Rosella aka Ella proved a force to reckon with. Smart, independent, strong and brave.
Orion sounds like a player, but I could be wrong. Despite this, I liked the role he played in the story. He seems genuinely interested in Ella. One will have to watch and see what will come of their association. He and Ella worked well together in saving Christmas and protecting Santa’s secrets.
This story rekindled memories of the Christmas movies, featuring Santa and his elves, I would binge watch on Lifetime and Hallmark.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi narrated. It was my first time listening to her and what a delightful experience. Her tone pulled me into the story and had me visualising every scene. She brought the characters and the story to life and made it easy to distinguish between each of their voices.
I had a wonderful time with this story and would definitely recommend to fans of paranormal cozy mysteries. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
May 2, 2021
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 O’Ryan. Ella continues to live at home while working at her parents’ bakery. O’Ryan 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 O’Ryan.
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+
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
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 O’Ryan.
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+
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
December 6, 2020
Ella and Orion solve another mystery when Santa's grimoire is stolen. Add in a couple of elves and Ella's family and this is a fun, seasonal short story from the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries.
May 23, 2025
2.75 stars (Audible). The "in-between" stories. Enlightening, but not always timely...you may not need this info for another 5 books!
December 9, 2023
This was just pure adorable holiday magic! I've never read any of the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries and I figured with Christmas approaching it was the perfect time to dip my toes in and check it out.
I was not disappointed! Two elves straight from the North Pole come looking for help to save Christmas, what is more Christmasy than that? Seriously!
Amanda Ronconi brought all these characters to life, and I was not even upset about the solo narration.
Sometime in the new year I think I need to give this series a read because sometimes all you need is a cozy mystery to curl up with at night.
I was not disappointed! Two elves straight from the North Pole come looking for help to save Christmas, what is more Christmasy than that? Seriously!
Amanda Ronconi brought all these characters to life, and I was not even upset about the solo narration.
Sometime in the new year I think I need to give this series a read because sometimes all you need is a cozy mystery to curl up with at night.
November 16, 2023
3.5 stars. Cute but short. I would like to see more of these characters.
August 29, 2025
absolutely ADORABLE😭🥹
i loved this lil Christmas novella (yes i know it’s August, leave me alone)😍… following Ella and Orion on their mysterious adventures is just too fun🎅🏻🎄
Orion shows up to town with a task he needs Ellas help completing, and so we get to follow them on a trip that includes Christmas elves, a squirrel, Santa, a grimoire, and sprinkles in questionable places🤣🐿️
to top it off… Ella FINALLY agreed to go on a date with Orion😛🤩 i have been PATIENTLY waiting for them to stop flirting and just try to date so this is exciting🥰
also… grandma Rose thirsting after Orion is a mood😮💨
READ THIS😭🫵🏼
~
✨✨✨✨✨/ 5 stars
/ 0 spicy peps
i loved this lil Christmas novella (yes i know it’s August, leave me alone)😍… following Ella and Orion on their mysterious adventures is just too fun🎅🏻🎄
Orion shows up to town with a task he needs Ellas help completing, and so we get to follow them on a trip that includes Christmas elves, a squirrel, Santa, a grimoire, and sprinkles in questionable places🤣🐿️
to top it off… Ella FINALLY agreed to go on a date with Orion😛🤩 i have been PATIENTLY waiting for them to stop flirting and just try to date so this is exciting🥰
also… grandma Rose thirsting after Orion is a mood😮💨
READ THIS😭🫵🏼
~
✨✨✨✨✨/ 5 stars
/ 0 spicy peps
December 25, 2024
Cute novella, but very much a fantasy story! Santa doesn't belong with witchcraft, so a couple of stars were lost for me!
May 2, 2021
Gingerbread decorating and the holiday activities get interrupted by a icy situation straight out of the North Pole. Loved returning to this new series featuring a witch with a sketchy magic related to animals, a certain sexy secret magical investigator, and a Christmas-themed mystery to solve.
Grimoires and Gingerbread is #1.5 in the series and a 'tweeny' novella that can standalone if necessary.
It has been six months since Rosella's return to her home town, the magical Winterfalls, and her loving quirky family broke and needing to start over. The people of the town mostly treat her like a pariah for her type of magic, but her family and friends have always been supportive and she is slowly starting to get past the attitude against her and see herself as a worthy witch.
At the moment, her family's bakery, Sugar Shack needs all hands on board to meet the sweets rush for the Christmas holidays. She loves being busy and forgetting that a certain magical mystery man who she shared some attraction with is ghosting her. Then, he's there on a new case and needs her help. The only witness in a magical heist is a squirrel and Rosella can communicate with animals. With a Santa's elf investigation team in tow, off they go to save Christmas.
In the first book, I was a little iffy about Rosella. She was hurt by the way some people treated her so she ran away to live among the non-magic people world and cut off her family and friends when she did it. But, in this one, she is settling back in among her family and making an effort to help and enjoy things. Orion Croft is part of that because he is an outsider and a man of mystery who proved to her that it didn't matter what a few small towners thought. He saw her magic as a strong gift and she was able to team up on a case and see it for herself. Now, there is a new case and she is eager to help him on it even as she tries to pretend that she is unaffected that he dropped their texting and ignored her for a few months. She fools nobody about her interest.
It was a cute and light Christmas mystery that was solved, but also shows that there were darker forces behind the issue and those will be ongoing in the series. Those who love paranormal cozy mysteries should definitely check out the series.
Grimoires and Gingerbread is #1.5 in the series and a 'tweeny' novella that can standalone if necessary.
It has been six months since Rosella's return to her home town, the magical Winterfalls, and her loving quirky family broke and needing to start over. The people of the town mostly treat her like a pariah for her type of magic, but her family and friends have always been supportive and she is slowly starting to get past the attitude against her and see herself as a worthy witch.
At the moment, her family's bakery, Sugar Shack needs all hands on board to meet the sweets rush for the Christmas holidays. She loves being busy and forgetting that a certain magical mystery man who she shared some attraction with is ghosting her. Then, he's there on a new case and needs her help. The only witness in a magical heist is a squirrel and Rosella can communicate with animals. With a Santa's elf investigation team in tow, off they go to save Christmas.
In the first book, I was a little iffy about Rosella. She was hurt by the way some people treated her so she ran away to live among the non-magic people world and cut off her family and friends when she did it. But, in this one, she is settling back in among her family and making an effort to help and enjoy things. Orion Croft is part of that because he is an outsider and a man of mystery who proved to her that it didn't matter what a few small towners thought. He saw her magic as a strong gift and she was able to team up on a case and see it for herself. Now, there is a new case and she is eager to help him on it even as she tries to pretend that she is unaffected that he dropped their texting and ignored her for a few months. She fools nobody about her interest.
It was a cute and light Christmas mystery that was solved, but also shows that there were darker forces behind the issue and those will be ongoing in the series. Those who love paranormal cozy mysteries should definitely check out the series.
January 13, 2025
What a cute little novella! I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable Christmas caper. It need way too soon for me, but I loved it. Joy and Chipper were exactly the Christmas elves I needed in this story. Looking forward to reading more or this series.
December 26, 2024
3.25
Oh, Grimoires and Gingerbread, where do I even begin? Danielle Garrett serves up a sleigh-full of holiday shenanigans in this novella, but don’t be fooled by the sugar-dusted gingerbread façade—it’s a chaotic sleigh ride through Winterspell with a sprinkle of murder, a dash of mystery, and just enough sass to keep things interesting.
Let’s start with the plot: Santa’s in trouble, and the fate of Christmas rests on recovering a magical grimoire. No pressure, right? Enter our Ella, who’s just trying to enjoy her cocoa and holiday vibes before two frantic elves burst onto the scene like they’ve mainlined eggnog. The pacing is brisk, but hey, it’s a novella, so buckle up and keep your hot cocoa close.
The worldbuilding in Winterspell is as charming as ever, but I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the sheer nerve of Santa losing something so important. Like, sir, you run a global operation and still can’t keep track of one book? Maybe Mrs. Claus needs to take over logistics.
As for the grimoire itself, it’s a delightfully ridiculous McGuffin. A book with “the power of Christmas itself”? Sure, why not. I’ll suspend my disbelief as long as there’s some holiday magic to go along with the snarky dialogue—and Garrett delivers both in spades.
While this novella claims to stand alone, I’d argue you’ll get more mileage out of it if you’ve read the first book. Some of the backstory might feel like unwrapping a gift labeled “Assembly Required” without the instructions. But if you’re here for festive fluff with a side of intrigue, you won’t care too much.
Bottom line: Grimoires and Gingerbread is the perfect cozy read if you want Christmas spirit with a side of magical chaos. Just don’t blame me if you start side-eyeing your own gingerbread house, wondering if it’s harboring ancient secrets.
Oh, Grimoires and Gingerbread, where do I even begin? Danielle Garrett serves up a sleigh-full of holiday shenanigans in this novella, but don’t be fooled by the sugar-dusted gingerbread façade—it’s a chaotic sleigh ride through Winterspell with a sprinkle of murder, a dash of mystery, and just enough sass to keep things interesting.
Let’s start with the plot: Santa’s in trouble, and the fate of Christmas rests on recovering a magical grimoire. No pressure, right? Enter our Ella, who’s just trying to enjoy her cocoa and holiday vibes before two frantic elves burst onto the scene like they’ve mainlined eggnog. The pacing is brisk, but hey, it’s a novella, so buckle up and keep your hot cocoa close.
The worldbuilding in Winterspell is as charming as ever, but I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the sheer nerve of Santa losing something so important. Like, sir, you run a global operation and still can’t keep track of one book? Maybe Mrs. Claus needs to take over logistics.
As for the grimoire itself, it’s a delightfully ridiculous McGuffin. A book with “the power of Christmas itself”? Sure, why not. I’ll suspend my disbelief as long as there’s some holiday magic to go along with the snarky dialogue—and Garrett delivers both in spades.
While this novella claims to stand alone, I’d argue you’ll get more mileage out of it if you’ve read the first book. Some of the backstory might feel like unwrapping a gift labeled “Assembly Required” without the instructions. But if you’re here for festive fluff with a side of intrigue, you won’t care too much.
Bottom line: Grimoires and Gingerbread is the perfect cozy read if you want Christmas spirit with a side of magical chaos. Just don’t blame me if you start side-eyeing your own gingerbread house, wondering if it’s harboring ancient secrets.
June 15, 2021
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this quite a bit and the story advanced a decent amount considering that it's a short story. And if you're looking for a dose of magical, slightly silly Christmas fun, it delivered that as well.
I enjoyed the family interactions - especially the sister's working in the family's Sugar Shack decorating Christmas Cookies - as well as the repeat appearance of Orian. I'm hoping to see a real romance develop eventually with him and Ella. The mystery - surrounding Santa's missing grimoire - brings in some hilarity with North Pole Elves, not to mention Santa himself.
It's short but worth the time, especially with Amanda Ronconi narrating. Now if the next book could just be available soon!
I enjoyed this quite a bit and the story advanced a decent amount considering that it's a short story. And if you're looking for a dose of magical, slightly silly Christmas fun, it delivered that as well.
I enjoyed the family interactions - especially the sister's working in the family's Sugar Shack decorating Christmas Cookies - as well as the repeat appearance of Orian. I'm hoping to see a real romance develop eventually with him and Ella. The mystery - surrounding Santa's missing grimoire - brings in some hilarity with North Pole Elves, not to mention Santa himself.
It's short but worth the time, especially with Amanda Ronconi narrating. Now if the next book could just be available soon!
March 20, 2023
A quick novella occurring about a month after the events in the first book. Rosella is working and saving money because she still may leave town, she has a mild phone flirtation with Orien who is out of town monster hunting but communication has dried up in the last two weeks when he suddenly appears in town right at Christmas time needing her help. The Grimoire that keeps Santa immortal has been stolen and Orien needs Rosella’s help to speak with a squirrel who may have seen the culprit. With two bumbling elf siblings along, they rush to recover the priceless book in order to save Santa and Christmas. This is a tongue in cheek, quick, fun novella. Rosella is settling back into life in town and with her family, if only she can find a job.
May 2, 2024
Grimoires and Gingerbread by Danielle Garrett is a cute Sugar Shack Witch Mystery
It’s Christmas time in Winterspell, meaning it’s time for all of the fun winter and Christmas traditions, including making gingerbread cookies and addressing Christmas Cards. But when Santa needs help finding his missing Grimoire, that holds the secrets to his immortality, Orin from the magical guilde, enlists the help of Rosella Midnight and her particular style of magic to track down the book thief. The book is super quick but a fun read.
The narrator Amanda Roncini was engaging.
It’s Christmas time in Winterspell, meaning it’s time for all of the fun winter and Christmas traditions, including making gingerbread cookies and addressing Christmas Cards. But when Santa needs help finding his missing Grimoire, that holds the secrets to his immortality, Orin from the magical guilde, enlists the help of Rosella Midnight and her particular style of magic to track down the book thief. The book is super quick but a fun read.
The narrator Amanda Roncini was engaging.
October 25, 2024
Meh.
I would’ve loved this series as a teenager, but this feels too juvenile for me. Extremely predictable and kinda cringey for someone in their late 20s.
Other than that, I love Winter Spell and the world building and the powers. I absolutely love how animals are given a voice, but this doesn’t feel like good enough of a reason to keep going. May be going back for the rest of the series, but I doubt it.
Would recommend for any teenager who whishes to escape in another world, though!
I would’ve loved this series as a teenager, but this feels too juvenile for me. Extremely predictable and kinda cringey for someone in their late 20s.
Other than that, I love Winter Spell and the world building and the powers. I absolutely love how animals are given a voice, but this doesn’t feel like good enough of a reason to keep going. May be going back for the rest of the series, but I doubt it.
Would recommend for any teenager who whishes to escape in another world, though!
December 12, 2024
I am just realizing that what I read wasn't a cute random short story but a kinda bonus story in a series... No wonder why I wanted more informations about the characters haha! Nonetheless, without even having any back story, it was really understandable and fun in it's way although just nothing to really fuss about.
September 5, 2025
This is a novella/short story that picks up six weeks after the first book ended. Ella is still in Winterspell working at the Sugar Shack (her family's bakery). The action in this book centers around the stolen grimoire of Santa Claus. It's a cute premise, but the story just seemed to need more for me.
January 8, 2023
What a fun Christmas novella!
December 18, 2023
Novellas are hard to rate due to being so short but this one was fun and holiday themed. I am intrigued in reading more of the series!
Picked up from Intentionally Bookish YT
Picked up from Intentionally Bookish YT
November 3, 2024
A nice festive edition to the series - with a cameo from santa
November 7, 2024
I just went to the next book on my Kindle. hahaha 70 pages is an easy read! Cute little Christmas novella.
November 16, 2024
SO CUTE SO CHRISTMAS. THE LITTLE ELVES. LOVE. almost wish this novella was a full book tho
December 3, 2024
This might have been a novella, but I would have inhaled an entire novel. 🎄🎅🏻
December 4, 2024
Cozy, witchy, Christmas story complete with rogue elves, catching villains with ribbons, and a talking squirrel. Perfect for my current mood.
December 10, 2024
while this book is not poorly written, the storyline just feels a bit immature and not for me.
December 11, 2024
A quick Christmas novella!
December 11, 2024
Cute, quick novella. Elf’s talking animals magic and stealing Santa’s magic. Sure to be a good time!!
December 12, 2024
Such a fun Christmas tale! Santa's elves, sugar cookies, Scrappy the squirrel. All sorts of magic and mayhem.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 350 reviews