Book Review: Could It Be Magic? By Fay Keenan

I’m excited to be welcoming Fay Keenan back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Could It Be Magic?

Thea Ashcombe, a fiercely independent single mum, is about to face her toughest challenge yet: Christmas on a shoestring. As the festive season looms, Thea’s feeling a little like their old family Christmas tree – tired and lacking in sparkle!

Nick Saint, the quiet and devoted farm shop manager in the idyllic village of Lower Brambleton, has secretly liked Thea for years. Trapped in the friend zone since high school, he’s given up hope of Thea seeing him as anything more than reliable ‘Saint’ Nick…

But when Thea steps into Nick’s world to help at the bustling farm shop, something unexpected happens. Suddenly, her sensible head is spinning with a schoolgirl crush she never saw coming! Is it just the enchanting glow of Christmas, the twinkling lights playing tricks on her mind?

As they work side-by-side preparing for the magical Christmas market, and as Nick’s thoughtful gestures – like a perfectly fresh Christmas tree appearing at her door – begin to melt her defences, Thea starts to wonder – maybe all she really needs for Christmas… is Nick!

*****

Thea loves her children. As a single mother, money is tight and the Christmas season is approaching. When she accepts an offer from a childhood friend to work in the local farm shop, Thea sees it as a lifeline. Could love be closer to home than she thinks?

I can never get enough of Christmas themed novels so I couldn’t wait to get started on the latest book by author, Fay Keenan and was delighted to be invited onto the blog tour for Could it be Magic, book two in the Brambleton series.

Although this isn’t the first novel I’ve read by this author, it was my introduction to this series. It can be read as a standalone and I felt I wasn’t missing any information regarding the characters. If you have read book one, you’ll be familiar with Tristan and Charlotte. This latest book focuses on Tristan’s sister, Thea.

I really did feel for Thea. I was raised by a single mother so I empathised fully with her life. As I’ve gotten older, my appreciation for my Mum has only grown and characters like Thea strengthen that even further. Thea is fierce when it comes to her children and her independence and I loved her.

Nick Saint is someone Thea has known for years and I found him to be a lovely, grounded character. He works hard, loves his family and is just a solid, reliable person – exactly who Thea needs. Whether she realises this in time is something I’m going to let you find out for yourself.

The supporting cast were all wonderful. There’s a lot of love between them.

The setting of Lower Brambleton in Somerset is somewhere I’d like to be when it’s looking festive and has snow. In my head, it looked a bit like the small village where Iris lives in The Holiday.

The plot moves well and envelops you with festive feelings, like a big hug and a mug of hot chocolate. It does explore some strong themes such as gambling and loss but does so with care.

Could it be Magic was a beautiful story. It’s laced with community, humour and love. It reminds us that we don’t always have to look far for what we need, we just have to be willing and open. I know we’ve only just got into September but if you’re looking to conjure up all the December feels early, then this book is perfect.

About Fay Keenan –

Fay Keenan is the author of the bestselling Little Somerby and Willowbury series of novels.

She has led writing workshops with Bristol University and has been a visiting speaker in schools. She is a full-time teacher and lives in Somerset.

Say hello to Fay on Facebook, X, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Could It Be Magic? was released by Boldwood Books on 7th September 2025. Click to buy on Amazon, Kobo and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.