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Northwest Magic #1
Alexandra's Riddle
Cass is a drifter. When she inherits an old Queen Anne Victorian in rural Oregon from her great-aunt Alexandra, the only thing she wants is to quickly offload the house and move on to bigger and better things. But the residents of the small town have other plans in mind. Her neighbors are anxious for her to help them thwart the plans of a land developer eager to raze Alexandra’s property for a high-end housing development. A mysterious girl in the woods needs Cass’s help understanding her own confusing—and possibly supernatural—abilities. And the handsome fourth-grade teacher at the local elementary school has been stirring feelings in Cass’s heart that she thought she’d buried long ago.
And it’s not just the human residents that have caught Cass in their web—because the woods of Riddle aren’t like other places she’s been. There’s magic in the trees. Cass’s presence has caught the attention of the fae that dwell in the woods on Alexandra’s property. They know she has the Sight, and they don’t want to let her go.
Cass isn’t ready to put down roots yet, but Riddle seems to have other plans. She may just find that what she’d been looking for all along was a place to call home.
And it’s not just the human residents that have caught Cass in their web—because the woods of Riddle aren’t like other places she’s been. There’s magic in the trees. Cass’s presence has caught the attention of the fae that dwell in the woods on Alexandra’s property. They know she has the Sight, and they don’t want to let her go.
Cass isn’t ready to put down roots yet, but Riddle seems to have other plans. She may just find that what she’d been looking for all along was a place to call home.
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About the author
Elisa Keyston
5 books147 followersElisa Keyston is an author of sweet romance with hints of magic, intrigue, and suspense. She was the series lead for the first season of The Pioneer Brides of Rattlesnake Ridge, a shared-world historical romance series from Sweet Promise Press, and she's also the author of the Northwest Magic series from Crimson Fox Publishing, a sweet contemporary romance series with a touch of magic and mystery set in her home state of Oregon. She's a graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in history, which inspired her love of historical fiction and modern stories set in historic places. When she's not writing, Elisa spends most of her time gardening, collecting gnomes and fairies for her backyard, and fawning over her furbabies.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 28, 2020
What could be better than a book laced with mystery, romance, and magic? I can’t think of a thing so I eagerly slipped into Elise Keyston’s Northwest Magic world and enjoyed this first in series.
Cass arrives in Riddle to settle her great-aunt Alexandra’s final affairs. The old Victorian house full of character holds good memories for Cass, but she has no intention of staying in place and keeping it. Or so she thinks, but a lonely little girl, a handsome man and his dog, and the rest of the quirky residents of Riddle have her wondering what it would be like to stay and maybe accept her magical gift of The Sight and the fae that comes with it.
The whimsical tone of the story pulled me right in. I loved the description of Alexandra’s home, her cat, and the fae and I was curious right away as the story introduced characters and situations. Cass was not an easy character for me to like at first the way she denied her gift and always had a foot out the door with the town and relationships. She plans to sell that gorgeous house to the developers. Thankfully, she encountered Matthew and Lily who were easily loveable and I could be patient for her to figure some things out.
I was expecting a more traditional cozy mystery with paranormal elements though that was me and not how the book was described. This leaned more toward a fantasy with romance because the gist of the story is that Cass has a magical gift and there is something extremely important that she has forgotten about her gift. She needs to embrace her gift and fulfill a promise before it is too late and not just for her. I really enjoyed where the story took me.
Blair Seibert was a first time narrator for me. Her storytelling and character voices enhanced to the story and I could see it well in my mind’s eye. I thought her distinction for the fae was exceptional. I would definitely listen to more of her work. The production was good quality.
All in all, this story was a great start to a series, but stands well on its own. The narration work was superb. I can heartily recommend this book to those who enjoy light fantasy romance.
I rec’d this book from Audiobookworm Promotions to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
Cass arrives in Riddle to settle her great-aunt Alexandra’s final affairs. The old Victorian house full of character holds good memories for Cass, but she has no intention of staying in place and keeping it. Or so she thinks, but a lonely little girl, a handsome man and his dog, and the rest of the quirky residents of Riddle have her wondering what it would be like to stay and maybe accept her magical gift of The Sight and the fae that comes with it.
The whimsical tone of the story pulled me right in. I loved the description of Alexandra’s home, her cat, and the fae and I was curious right away as the story introduced characters and situations. Cass was not an easy character for me to like at first the way she denied her gift and always had a foot out the door with the town and relationships. She plans to sell that gorgeous house to the developers. Thankfully, she encountered Matthew and Lily who were easily loveable and I could be patient for her to figure some things out.
I was expecting a more traditional cozy mystery with paranormal elements though that was me and not how the book was described. This leaned more toward a fantasy with romance because the gist of the story is that Cass has a magical gift and there is something extremely important that she has forgotten about her gift. She needs to embrace her gift and fulfill a promise before it is too late and not just for her. I really enjoyed where the story took me.
Blair Seibert was a first time narrator for me. Her storytelling and character voices enhanced to the story and I could see it well in my mind’s eye. I thought her distinction for the fae was exceptional. I would definitely listen to more of her work. The production was good quality.
All in all, this story was a great start to a series, but stands well on its own. The narration work was superb. I can heartily recommend this book to those who enjoy light fantasy romance.
I rec’d this book from Audiobookworm Promotions to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2022
This is a fantastic magical small town read. It’s a wonderful, mystical and exciting story as we meet Cass who drifts along and doesn’t settle until now! Inheriting an old Queen Anne Victorian house in Oregon is not what Cass expected but what turns out to be what she needed. There’s romance, there’s mystery and then there’s the magical fae folk who live in the forest. It’s a great read.
September 7, 2020
Audiobook Review
Cass’ great-aunt Alexandra has recently passed away and left Cass her house in the small town of Riddle. A place Cass hasn’t been for years. When she arrives she plans on sorting Alexandra’s stuff, selling the house as quickly as possible and then getting back to her normal life. But the residents of Riddle have other plans….
Her neighbours don’t want her to sell, and neither does the little girl she encounters in the woods. And when tarot cards start randomly appearing to her, she knows there’s something strange going on. And despite clearing her new home of Fae, one is resilient and determined to take her back to her past. But will Cass’ sight help her realise what she needs to do? And will the handsome teacher Matthew McCarthy persuade her to stay?
This was a lovely and charming tale that I thoroughly lost myself in. A little town with more going on that many are aware, Cass has some things to face up to. I really enjoyed the storyline, and definitely didn’t see some of the twists coming!
In terms of the characters, I did like Cass but she grated on me every now and then. I wish she’d just embrace the gift she was given and open her mind a little more! Lily is a wonderful little girl, with an open, beautiful and enquiring mind. I felt so sorry for her that the other kids were mean and just wanted her to have a little friend of her own. And her parents aren’t the most attentive parents – poor little love, I just wanted to give her a cuddle! Matthew was a brilliant character and I absolutely loved his dog! You can’t help but will Matthew and Cass to get together…… And although Alexandra wasn’t in it much as an actual person (more of a memory), I adored her! She sounds like a fascinating woman.
The setting is fantastic. The descriptions and narration made it really easy for me to imagine the woods, house and surrounding areas and leaves the appearances of the fae open to your own imagination.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this, and would love to return to Cass and Matthew to see what other magic and trouble they come across! If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted, sweet romance with magic and fairies and some lovely characters, then definitely check this out. Recommended by me.
Cass’ great-aunt Alexandra has recently passed away and left Cass her house in the small town of Riddle. A place Cass hasn’t been for years. When she arrives she plans on sorting Alexandra’s stuff, selling the house as quickly as possible and then getting back to her normal life. But the residents of Riddle have other plans….
Her neighbours don’t want her to sell, and neither does the little girl she encounters in the woods. And when tarot cards start randomly appearing to her, she knows there’s something strange going on. And despite clearing her new home of Fae, one is resilient and determined to take her back to her past. But will Cass’ sight help her realise what she needs to do? And will the handsome teacher Matthew McCarthy persuade her to stay?
This was a lovely and charming tale that I thoroughly lost myself in. A little town with more going on that many are aware, Cass has some things to face up to. I really enjoyed the storyline, and definitely didn’t see some of the twists coming!
In terms of the characters, I did like Cass but she grated on me every now and then. I wish she’d just embrace the gift she was given and open her mind a little more! Lily is a wonderful little girl, with an open, beautiful and enquiring mind. I felt so sorry for her that the other kids were mean and just wanted her to have a little friend of her own. And her parents aren’t the most attentive parents – poor little love, I just wanted to give her a cuddle! Matthew was a brilliant character and I absolutely loved his dog! You can’t help but will Matthew and Cass to get together…… And although Alexandra wasn’t in it much as an actual person (more of a memory), I adored her! She sounds like a fascinating woman.
The setting is fantastic. The descriptions and narration made it really easy for me to imagine the woods, house and surrounding areas and leaves the appearances of the fae open to your own imagination.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this, and would love to return to Cass and Matthew to see what other magic and trouble they come across! If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted, sweet romance with magic and fairies and some lovely characters, then definitely check this out. Recommended by me.
December 20, 2020
Cass has lived on the outskirts pretty much her entire life. As someone with a few extra gifts she always tended to keep herself disconnected from the people around her to avoid getting to attached and inevitably hurt. When her great aunt (who shared her gifts) passes on and leaves her this spectacularly old mansion Cass isn’t really sure what to do with herself and it. Further thrust on her are responsibilities that she aren’t sure that she is ready for or really wants.
Cass is one of those FMC’s that I love to hate. She *luckily* shows a lot of self growth through the story but in the beginning of the book she seriously annoyed me. I get self preservation. I get not wanting to get hurt again – but when all the signs are pointing you in a certain direction and you still chose to bugger off into the opposite just because you cant let go of old ways you seriously deserve to bump your head.
Matthew on the other hand is just a little bit too perfect. But then what book boyfriend doesn’t lean towards the perfect side right? Seriously handsome, kind, considerate – plus he doesn’t think Cass belongs in the loony bin.
Add in the bonus of Lily – this really cute, remarkably self aware little girl. She kind of just worms her way into your heart as she does the same to Cass.
Great story line. It kept you intrigued from beginning till end and the detail brought in with the different fae characters was a nice boon. I loved learning more about brownies and being fae led and pixies and so much more.
Great listen.
On that note – the narration was really well done. Ms Seibert had this way of weaving the tale in such a manor that at times I didn’t feel like I was listening to a book – but rather having my mom read me a bed time story. I honestly feel like I could listen to her for hours.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Elisa Keyston. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Cass is one of those FMC’s that I love to hate. She *luckily* shows a lot of self growth through the story but in the beginning of the book she seriously annoyed me. I get self preservation. I get not wanting to get hurt again – but when all the signs are pointing you in a certain direction and you still chose to bugger off into the opposite just because you cant let go of old ways you seriously deserve to bump your head.
Matthew on the other hand is just a little bit too perfect. But then what book boyfriend doesn’t lean towards the perfect side right? Seriously handsome, kind, considerate – plus he doesn’t think Cass belongs in the loony bin.
Add in the bonus of Lily – this really cute, remarkably self aware little girl. She kind of just worms her way into your heart as she does the same to Cass.
Great story line. It kept you intrigued from beginning till end and the detail brought in with the different fae characters was a nice boon. I loved learning more about brownies and being fae led and pixies and so much more.
Great listen.
On that note – the narration was really well done. Ms Seibert had this way of weaving the tale in such a manor that at times I didn’t feel like I was listening to a book – but rather having my mom read me a bed time story. I honestly feel like I could listen to her for hours.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Elisa Keyston. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
September 6, 2020
Sweet romance with a hint of magical-realism.
Elisa Keyston’s writing is whimsical, heartwarming, and overall very pleasant. And Blair Seibert reads the story with reverence to those aspects. I love Cass’ character and how she sees the supernatural realm. Down to the species of Fae living in the woods around Aunt Alexandra’s house. I also love that the story is set in Oregon. I’ve never been there, I felt like I was there. Not to mention Matt. Sweet, handsome Matt.
The audio itself was clean. No microphone feedback. No choppy cuts. It was smooth sailing. I actually listened to most of the audio with my eyes closed. I was transported into the story and could imagine each scene with vivid imagination. It was almost like watching a movie. Blair Seibert is a new narrator to me; before this book, I actually hadn’t known about her. I like finding new narrators to add to my list of voices.
Alexandra’s Riddle is a very pleasant read/listen, had me asking all the right questions, and I was rewarded with the answers. I definitely recommend this book. Don’t miss out!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Elisa Keyston. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Elisa Keyston’s writing is whimsical, heartwarming, and overall very pleasant. And Blair Seibert reads the story with reverence to those aspects. I love Cass’ character and how she sees the supernatural realm. Down to the species of Fae living in the woods around Aunt Alexandra’s house. I also love that the story is set in Oregon. I’ve never been there, I felt like I was there. Not to mention Matt. Sweet, handsome Matt.
The audio itself was clean. No microphone feedback. No choppy cuts. It was smooth sailing. I actually listened to most of the audio with my eyes closed. I was transported into the story and could imagine each scene with vivid imagination. It was almost like watching a movie. Blair Seibert is a new narrator to me; before this book, I actually hadn’t known about her. I like finding new narrators to add to my list of voices.
Alexandra’s Riddle is a very pleasant read/listen, had me asking all the right questions, and I was rewarded with the answers. I definitely recommend this book. Don’t miss out!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Elisa Keyston. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
September 19, 2019
This book was fascinating. Cass's Aunt Alexandra had passed on and left the big Victorian house to her. It was in a small town named Riddle. All she planned to do was go through her aunt's estate, sell it and move back to the city. What she got was far from that. Cass had the gift of Sight which meant she could see fae, faerie, ect. But telling people that made them think she was crazy. Her aunt Alexandra was teaching her how to handle these sights and vision, but she grew up and didn't want any part of it. Green, on the faes she used to play with when younger, tried to help her remember the promise she made years ago. Then she meets little Lily who has the sight, too. Lily love to play with the faeries, ect., but Cass was determined to sell the place to a developer who would tear it all down to build new apartment building. 500 to be exact. That would destroy the warren Cass was to protect, as her aunt and the owner before her had. Cass meet Michael whose sister's had the sight. He tried to help Cass find the warren. Because of someting that happen in her past to her fiance, after telling him about her gift, and terrible things he said to her, she was afraid of getting hurt again, so she wouldn't let Michael close to her. Then when Lily went missing, things changed. This is a great clean fantasy book and I can't wait to read to next book. If you want to find out what happens. Read the book. You won't regret it.
September 24, 2019
I live in Oregon, so I am always drawn to any fictional books that take place in my state. I love that the author actually chose a real town, Riddle, though it has been somewhat fictionalized for the story. I live just a couple counties away, so I loved hearing some somewhat local references in the book. This novel has a lot going for it: romance, mystery, and the paranormal (including the fae and brownies) as well as themes about responsibilities to self vs. others and keeping small-town life as it should be. The author actually did an excellent job of making the paranormal aspect seem just as much a part of the fabric of life in the area as the “real” human aspect. That's not easy to do, I think. I liked the main character as well as the quirky people who made up the community. A thoroughly enjoyable book. If you like paranormal stories with a touch of romance in a fair amount of mystery, you may very well enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
September 3, 2020
Alexandra's Riddle was a pleasant surprise. It is the first book in the Northwest magic series. the story involves Cass who inherits a large house. Cass doesn't want the house and intends to sell it as soon as possible. However, someone or something else may have other ideas. As I said, this one was a pleasant surprise.
I thought it was a really cute paranormal romance. I enjoyed the setting of the town as well as the surrounding woods. Cass can see fairies, brownies, and other creatures. Mr. Green was my favorite. She meets a little girl from the town who has the sight as well. Matthew won my heart over from the beginning. His and Cass's romance was really sweet. I loved his philosophy of blessings. There is a little magical mystery that Cass has to solve because only she has the key. She just needs to remember. I listened to the audio-book and enjoyed the experience. I definitely recommend this one.
I thought it was a really cute paranormal romance. I enjoyed the setting of the town as well as the surrounding woods. Cass can see fairies, brownies, and other creatures. Mr. Green was my favorite. She meets a little girl from the town who has the sight as well. Matthew won my heart over from the beginning. His and Cass's romance was really sweet. I loved his philosophy of blessings. There is a little magical mystery that Cass has to solve because only she has the key. She just needs to remember. I listened to the audio-book and enjoyed the experience. I definitely recommend this one.
September 4, 2019
Think of romance, throw in some mystery and suspense, sprinkle it with the magic of the fae and voila, you have a modern day fairy tale. Cass inherits a mansion and the surrounding 100 acres from her aunt. The land is home to whimsical creatures that Cass believes only she can see. It borders the property of a land developer who is the father of 4th grader Lily, also gifted with Sight like Cass. Cass takes Lily under her wing to help her learn to control her abilities. She must also figure out a way to save the magical woods from destruction. Elisa Keyston works her writing "magic" to create an intriguing story that will keep you guessing until the end.
I received this copy free from the publisher and am under no obligation to leave a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my view of this story.
I received this copy free from the publisher and am under no obligation to leave a review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am freely sharing my view of this story.
September 28, 2019
Solid 4.5 star
I totally got Cass not knowing what she was going to do and being torn between her childhood memories, what her Aunt Alexandra might want from her and the feelings she is trying to ignore. You never know quiet what is going to happen next which draws you into the story even more and whether you should put your trust in anyone especially Mr Green and the others he hangs out with. I can't wait to read more in the series and hope we get to know Matthews sisters more as well as see Lily more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I totally got Cass not knowing what she was going to do and being torn between her childhood memories, what her Aunt Alexandra might want from her and the feelings she is trying to ignore. You never know quiet what is going to happen next which draws you into the story even more and whether you should put your trust in anyone especially Mr Green and the others he hangs out with. I can't wait to read more in the series and hope we get to know Matthews sisters more as well as see Lily more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2019
She sees whimsical creatures.
Left with old and big Victorian house Cass is in the small town of Riddle going through her aunt’s estate. Now here is where have we have a bit of the paranormal because Cass has the gift of Sight. The story now becomes one of mystery and suspense, plus a sweet romance. This was a great clean fantasy that I will not problem letting one of my grandchildren read. I enjoyed the book it was very well done. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Left with old and big Victorian house Cass is in the small town of Riddle going through her aunt’s estate. Now here is where have we have a bit of the paranormal because Cass has the gift of Sight. The story now becomes one of mystery and suspense, plus a sweet romance. This was a great clean fantasy that I will not problem letting one of my grandchildren read. I enjoyed the book it was very well done. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 29, 2019
Loved it and can't wait for the next one!
Alexandra's Riddle is the first book in the Northwest Magic series and I am looking forward to more in this series. The characters in this story are well developed, interesting, quirky, and some have magical powers. The storyline is well written and flows nicely, engaging the reader with vivid descriptions and the mixture of mystery, fantasy, suspense, and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alexandra's Riddle is the first book in the Northwest Magic series and I am looking forward to more in this series. The characters in this story are well developed, interesting, quirky, and some have magical powers. The storyline is well written and flows nicely, engaging the reader with vivid descriptions and the mixture of mystery, fantasy, suspense, and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2019
Cass has just arrived to Riddle to sort out her aunt Alexandra’s house that Cass just inherited after her death. She is set to sell the house and go n with her moving life. But stranger things starts to happen and she discover she isn’t the only one with the Sight, tha capacity to see fae, and gnomes. Can she save all the creatures and face their fear for once accepting who she really is in order to find happiness and love? A magical story.
September 23, 2019
This is a well written fantasy romance with a clean story line. The author does a great job developing the story and filling it with twists and turns and keeps you reading to the end with her descriptive and vividly painted scenes.It's an entertaining story,moves quickly and smoothly and I would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 8, 2019
Fae, Brownies and humans mixing it up on Cass' Aunt's property. Not only is she dealing with trying to keep them out of the house she just inherited but figure out who or what is leaving Tarot cards around. Are they trying to scare her into selling the property or get her to stay? A magical journey that needs reading to figure it out!! Loved it!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 6, 2020
She has inherited a house and all she wants is to sell it and do what she wants but the residents want her to.stay. Someone wants to knock the house down which they do not want. Then she meets a young girl who needs help. Will it make her realise she wants to stay? What will she find out? Follow her journey
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2019
The book is a good sweet small town paranormal romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2019
Fun new series with fae, a little mystery, a little romance. Great relatable characters in a lovely small town. Cannot wait to read more by this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2022
This is a sweet fantasy/cozy mystery.. I liked it a lot! It is is intriguing and unique, with adventure and wonderful characters... I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2020
Very enjoyable read. I wasn't bored in the least. Simple but packed with interesting characters. I will read more by this author.
April 2, 2025
This book was absolutely adorable.
October 9, 2019
Elisa Keyston's lush descriptions of Riddle made me wish I lived there. Combining a delightful small town, endearing characters, a heartwarming romance, and mischievous magical creatures, Alexandra's Riddle is certain to enchant you.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews