Hello! If you’re new to my books, I write cosy historical fantasy romances set between the 1850s and 1940s in the magical community of Britain. This year, I published five books (and read on for how to get a free novella as a solstice treat!)

I’ve been delighted to share these romances full of optimism, solving problems in unusual ways, and more than a little magic. All my work is entirely human-made, no generative AI anywhere. I have a lot of stories I want to tell, and more to come in 2026!

I’m sharing this year’s books chronologically in order of when they take place. Click the links or the images for more about the book including content notes, or you can check out lists of books about particular experiences, romances, and other aspects for all my books.

Each page also has all the order links. If you buy direct from me via Payhip, use the code THANKYOU for 10% off these DRM free ePubs!

1854 : Claiming the Tower

Claiming the Tower displayed on a tablet resting on a table with a delicate porcelain tea cup and place settings, all cream lace and linen, along with a gold-tipped pen and pair of glasses. The cover has a vibrant orange-gold background. Two women in 1850s dresses are silhouetted in the centre, one handing the other a cup of drinking chocolate. Below them is the silhouette of a castle with towers and crenellations.

In Claiming the Tower, two women (armed with drinking chocolate) look at the world and think it could be run a great deal more sensibly. Hereswith has been working within Albion’s diplomatic service for years, but is limited in what she can do in mainstream Victorian society. Bess has been trapped in an unpleasant and increasingly cramped role as a lady’s companion. When they start talking, both of them are brave enough to take risks and make changes.

This F/F romance is the first in a trilogy following Hereswith (and Bess!) through Hereswith’s time on Albion’s Council and a great place to start with my books. The second book in the Council Mysteries series will be out in November 2026.

1927 : Weaving Hope

Weaving Hope displayed on a tablet in a bed of greenery and small pink-purple flowers. A man and woman in 1920s informal clothing are silhouetted on a bright pink background shading to purple. She is holding out a length of cloth to him, showing him something, with phlox flowers inset in the upper right corner.

Weaving Hope is one of the quietest and gentlest books I’ve written – perfect for the days when you need to be certain everything will turn out just fine. Eda is an acknowledged mistress of weaving, especially the finicky process of tapestry weaving and restoration. When Jeremy inherits a large country house with unusual tapestries, they uncover a mystery that gives everyone involved far more options.

This M/F romance with older protagonists mentions characters from other books, but Eda and Jeremy are entirely new to readers in this book. It’s a great place to start with my books, and it’s book 5 in the Mysterious Arts series, exploring various arts and crafts of Albion.

1928 : Harmonic Pleasure

Harmonic Pleasure resting on a teal painted background with blowsy red and pink peonies and leaves. On the cover a man and woman in 1920s dress silhouetted on a blue background. She holds an amulet in her hand as they speak to each other. A golden torc is inset in the top right corner.

Harmonic Pleasure is all about the mysteries and magic of London. Vega has been building a reputation as one of the best singers in London’s night clubs. When her family come to her for help locating an ancient magical artefact, she asks Farran, an apprentice at one of Albion’s magical auction houses, for assistance. Their adventures take them through and below London, with several odd experiences along the way.

This M/F romance includes Farran Michaels, who’s appeared as a secondary character in other books. It’s book 6 in the Mysterious Arts series, but it can be read in any order.

1947 : Grown Wise

Grown Wise displayed on a phone surrounded by the bounty of the early autumn harvest - apples, squash, and garden items.

In Grown Wise, Ursula has plots. So many plots. Now Heir to her uncle and the land magic of West Sussex, she’s busy with an apprenticeship, a fair amount of match-making, and trying to untangle a family mystery from 1890. When she meets Jim – they share a secret society – he’s not sure what she makes of him. He’s from simple farming stock, after all. Together, there’s an excellent chance of something new growing from damaged ground.

Grown Wise is the first in a series of post-war romances all about rebuilding after World War 2, the land and land magic. This M/F romance references the events of the Mysterious Fields trilogy, but picks up with what people know two generations later. It’s an excellent place to start with my books, the Fortier family, and the land magic.

1947 – 1948 : Apt to be Suspicious

Apt to be Suspicious resting on a wood desk, with a pocket watch, small notebook, and miscellaneous brass gears. Apt to be Suspicious is a deep red-wine purple. A silhouetted man poling a punt and a woman, her back to the viewer, watching him, are framed by ivy and swirling magical stars.

Apt to be Suspicious is full of the demands of being a student at Oxford in the 1947 school year. But because matters are never simple, Edmund is dealing with two challenging magical apprenticeships on top of reading Greats. Pen would love to focus on cryptography, but she can’t figure out how to make that happen. When they both notice a series of odd events, neither of them can decide if their experiences in the Second World War have made them a little too suspicious.

Second in the Liminal Mysteries series of post-war romances, this M/F romance is meant for lovers of books set at universities. (Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with Oxford’s quirks: there’s a narrative explanation at the back to help.) Edmund is the son and Heir of the Carillon family, but this is the first time we’ve seen much of him as an adult. And if you want books focused on research and education, I’ve got more of those!

A Solstice Treat

I love the tradition that’s developed of sharing an extra with my readers for winter solstice. Folks on my newsletter, Patreon, and Discord get it first, but I’ll share it here (with the other extras) a little after it comes out. Sign up one of those places if you want a little delightful free reading over the holidays on December 19th.

The solstice extra is always a surprise! This year it’s a novella-length romance (29k). What I’m sharing in advance are these three things:

It takes place in the summer and autumn of 1948.
Croissants are involved.
It ends with a wedding (though not of the main characters).

2025 from Celia Lake