How to Read Celestine Martin's Books
Celestine Martin has quickly made a name for herself in the paranormal romance genre with her whimsical, inclusive stories. Her core body of work is the Elemental Love series, which is set in the fictional, magic-filled Jersey Shore town of Freya Grove. Reading the books in order of publication is highly recommended to appreciate the evolving family dynamics and character crossovers, as each book centers on a different member of the close-knit Caraway family of Black witches.
The Elemental Love Series in Publication Order
- Witchful Thinking (2022)
- Kiss and Spell (2023)
- Deja Brew (2024)
A Closer Look at the Elemental Love Trilogy
1. Witchful Thinking (2022)
The series kicks off with Witchful Thinking, introducing readers to Lucinda "Lucy" Caraway, a high school teacher and tea-leaf reader who feels stuck in a mundane routine. Seeking to bring excitement back into her life, Lucy and her family cast a collective wish spell that goes hilariously awry. The result? Lucy finds herself physically unable to say "no" to any challenge, thrusting her into a 10K race, karaoke nights, and a baking contest.
Things become even more chaotic when her childhood crush, Alexander "Alex" Dwyer, returns to Freya Grove. Alex is a Black merman and globetrotting photographer recovering from a broken engagement. When he moves in directly across the street, Lucy helps him prepare the house for sale. Forced into close proximity, their old chemistry reignites, leading to a cozy, second-chance summer romance where both characters must decide if they are ready to put down permanent roots.
2. Kiss and Spell (2023)
The second installment, Kiss and Spell, shifts the spotlight to Lucy’s cousin, Ursula Caraway. Previously portrayed as a bit of an antagonist in the first book, Ursula is struggling to rebuild her confidence and magic after being publicly left at the altar. She is currently working as a medium and selling crystals at a local psychic shop.
Enter Prince Xavier Alder, a socially awkward fae prince who has been cursed by the Faerie Queen for making cynical remarks about love. To break the spell and prevent exile, Xavier must find "the perfect kiss" before Midsummer. Ursula agrees to help him navigate his search, but their fast friendship quickly turns into a deep, mutual attraction. This romantic comedy balances heavy pining with personal healing as Ursula learns to believe in herself and magic once again.
3. Deja Brew (2024)
The third book, Deja Brew, introduces a time-loop element. Sirena Caraway is a talented kitchen witch and ex-celebrity chef suffering from severe professional burnout and a crisis of confidence. After a disastrous October ends with a ruined phone, a failed job interview, and public embarrassment at a Halloween party, Sirena makes a desperate midnight wish for a do-over.
She wakes up on October 1st, caught in a time loop that forces her to relive the month. Determined to fix her life and restore her culinary magic, she pairs up with Gus Dearworth, an archivist and spell breaker for the Freya Grove Historical Society. Gus is also a former reality TV star and stage magician trying to escape the spotlight after a difficult divorce. In exchange for Gus helping her restore her magic, Sirena helps him translate a mysterious, enchanted cookbook. Their partnership quickly turns romantic, leaving them to decide if their connection can survive when time resets.
What to Know Before You Start
Celestine Martin’s paranormal romance style stands out for its warm, cozy atmosphere, drawing comparisons to beloved series like Charmed and Practical Magic. The magic system in her novels is soft and character-driven rather than rule-heavy, focusing on how supernatural elements enhance everyday human emotions and relationships.
The setting of Freya Grove is inspired by Martin's own roots in Asbury Park and Ocean Grove, New Jersey. It is a whimsical seaside town where witches, mermen, and gnomes live openly alongside humans. Martin prioritizes positive representation, centering Black witches, diverse couples, and strong family and community bonds, while keeping the conflicts low-stress and highly comforting.