Picture a New Jersey storyteller who conjured a seaside town where witches and mermen fall in love—meet Celestine Martin! This rising star in paranormal romance has enchanted readers with her whimsical, heartwarming tales that blend everyday magic with relatable human experiences. Her debut novel, Witchful Thinking, introduces a world where supernatural beings live openly, offering a fresh, cozy take on the genre that’s perfect for curling up with a cup of herbal tea.
Born and raised in Asbury Park, Martin’s love for romance novels and the Jersey Shore’s vibrant energy shapes her storytelling. Her Elemental Love series, centered on a family of Black witches in the fictional Freya Grove, has captivated fans with its blend of magic, slow-burn romance, and small-town charm. Let’s dive into the spellbinding world of Celestine Martin!
The Making of Celestine Martin
Growing up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Celestine Martin was a romance novel enthusiast, snapping up books in bulk from local secondhand bookstores. Her childhood was steeped in fantasy, with favorites like Labyrinth sparking her imagination. A graduate of Douglass College at Rutgers University, Martin honed her craft through years of writing, eventually finding her niche in light paranormal romance. Her move to New York with her husband and daughter didn’t dim her Jersey roots, which shine through in her vivid settings and heartfelt characters.
Martin’s writing journey took off with National Novel Writing Month, where she drafted stories that would later become her published works. Her persistence paid off with awards from Rutgers University and City College of New York, and a dream-come-true moment: writing in the Library of Congress’s Reading Room. This blend of discipline and whimsy defines her path to becoming a beloved author.
Celestine Martin’s Unforgettable Stories
Martin’s Elemental Love series is the heart of her bibliography, starting with Witchful Thinking (2022), a second-chance romance between witch Lucinda Caraway and merman Alex Dwyer. Set in Freya Grove, a magical Jersey Shore town inspired by Asbury Park and Ocean Grove, the novel’s cozy, slow-burn vibe earned praise from Publishers Weekly as a “sparkling outing.” Readers adore its blend of Black Girl Magic and small-town charm, with supernatural beings like gnomes and witches living openly.
Kiss and Spell (2023) follows Ursula Caraway, Lucy’s bossy cousin, in a romantic comedy where a lovelorn witch helps a cursed prince. Fans love its swoony, Masterpiece Theatre-esque pining, set against Freya Grove’s enchanted backdrop. Deja Brew (2024), the third installment, weaves a time-loop romance with ex-celebrity chef Sirena Caraway, cementing Martin’s knack for fresh, magical narratives. Her style—whimsical, flirty, and grounded in Black and interracial relationships—celebrates love and community without heavy power struggles.
Martin’s world-building, while light on intricate magical systems, focuses on emotional depth and relatable characters. Her stories resonate with readers who crave cozy, inclusive romances that feel like a warm hug, drawing comparisons to Charmed and Practical Magic. Her ability to craft happy-for-now endings keeps fans eagerly awaiting her next book.
Why Celestine Martin Matters
Celestine Martin’s impact lies in her ability to make paranormal romance accessible and inclusive. By centering Black witches and diverse relationships, she brings fresh voices to a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. Her Freya Grove feels like a real place, blending Jersey Shore history with spiritualism-inspired magic, making it a haven for readers seeking escapist yet grounded stories. Critics, including Adriana Herrera, praise her “literal Black Girl Magic,” marking her as an author to watch.
Beyond her books, Martin’s engagement with readers—through events at bookstores like Books Are Magic and social media (@jellybeanrae)—builds a loyal community. Her stories remind us that love, magic, and second chances are universal, leaving a lasting mark on paranormal romance. As she continues her series, Martin’s star is only rising.
- Key Works: Witchful Thinking (2022), Kiss and Spell (2023), Deja Brew (2024)
- Hometown: Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Favorite Pastime: Organizing her massive sticker collection with her husband
About Celestine Martin
Ready to fall under Celestine Martin’s spell? Snag Witchful Thinking and dive into her cozy, magical world of love and everyday enchantment!