In The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four by Kathryn Rose, one tragic night changes Serena’s life forever, including where she thought it would lead her. Will she be able to find what she is looking for before others find out what she is?

It is 1923 when Serena arrives in Paris on a mission to fulfill a promise that she hopes will help alleviate the pain of her past. Carrying a black cat, an urn, and her belongings, she searches for a safe place to stay in the city. Being a witch, she has to be careful of where she is and whom she trusts because a group called the Holy Crosses is attempting to purge the city of all magic users.

Through Serena’s memories, we learn about the magical bakery she ran and what she had to leave behind in New York City. As the story unfolds, we eventually discover whose ashes are contained in the urn and what really happened on New Year’s Eve.

The author uses wonderful descriptions of both Paris and New York City and blends the atmosphere of the 1920s into the story very well. Her descriptions of magic are uniquely subdued, not flashy but still powerful, and her relationships with other witches are portrayed as fraternal and nurturing. The story starts a little slowly, but eventually picks up the pace, drawing you in and leading to a very climactic ending.

The Dazzling Magic of a Petit Four is an enjoyable historical fantasy with a touch of mystery, magic, and found family. I especially enjoyed the unique way magic is woven into the story and the beautiful atmosphere created by the settings. If you enjoy stories about witches, historical settings, and uncovering secrets from the past, this may be a book worth adding to your reading list.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Many thanks to the publisher, Château Boho Books, LLC, the author, Kathryn Rose, and Book Sirens for allowing me to review this book.