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Crestwood Falls
Grieving the loss of her parents and blaming their deaths on their magical obligations to their coven, Freya Lockchild packs up her life and leaves her home, vowing that she will never again use her own magical abilities.
Following her intuition, Freya makes a new home for herself in the small town of Crestwood Falls – a sanctuary of coffee shops, cakes, and a vibrant community, all surrounded by forests and overlooked by the mountains that tower above the town.
But what is Freya’s connection to Crestwood Falls? And could its mysterious inhabitants hold the key to mending her broken heart?
Following her intuition, Freya makes a new home for herself in the small town of Crestwood Falls – a sanctuary of coffee shops, cakes, and a vibrant community, all surrounded by forests and overlooked by the mountains that tower above the town.
But what is Freya’s connection to Crestwood Falls? And could its mysterious inhabitants hold the key to mending her broken heart?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
4 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 1, 2025
I received this book as an ARC from the author in return for an honest review. I would also like to set out firmly that this isn't precisely my genre - I have nothing against cozy supernatural of course, but it isn't my all time favorite and that will underpin this.
So with all that out of the way.
This is very much a supernatural cozy written by a debut author. As such, it has some bumps in the form of some very uneven pacing in places and some formatting errors here and there. (missing italics when people are thinking, a case of missing quote marks. But no spelling or grammar errors really!) On the other hand, it is very sweet, atmospheric, and warm.
The worldbuilding is small but intriguing. I wish, personally, it had leaned a bit more into the mystery end or barring that, even more into the festivals and events that make Crestwood different. There are so many great hints of things and I wish more of that had been explored. But that is *very* much personal preference.
I really liked Valorian! I kinda wish though that there was some sort of jerk character to balance out the sweetness 😆. Everyone is too nice haha..
If you are looking for a gentle supernatural cozy with romance, I 💯 reccomend this book though. It was a bit too slow for me, but I think many people would like it a lot. And in a time of Dreary uncertainty, a sweet cozy may be just what you need.
So with all that out of the way.
This is very much a supernatural cozy written by a debut author. As such, it has some bumps in the form of some very uneven pacing in places and some formatting errors here and there. (missing italics when people are thinking, a case of missing quote marks. But no spelling or grammar errors really!) On the other hand, it is very sweet, atmospheric, and warm.
The worldbuilding is small but intriguing. I wish, personally, it had leaned a bit more into the mystery end or barring that, even more into the festivals and events that make Crestwood different. There are so many great hints of things and I wish more of that had been explored. But that is *very* much personal preference.
I really liked Valorian! I kinda wish though that there was some sort of jerk character to balance out the sweetness 😆. Everyone is too nice haha..
If you are looking for a gentle supernatural cozy with romance, I 💯 reccomend this book though. It was a bit too slow for me, but I think many people would like it a lot. And in a time of Dreary uncertainty, a sweet cozy may be just what you need.
February 15, 2025
A quaint, cosy, supernatural tale of loss and romance. The characters are so sweet, and you feel like Crestwood Falls would be a wonderful place to visit. I'm hoping for a sequel soon as there is clearly a mystery still to be solved!
January 29, 2025
What a lovely start for a debut author.
I was given this as an advanced reader copy and am pleased that I was. This book is well written with lovely descriptive and visually imaginative detail. There are some short sentences initially, which seemed to inhibit the flow and made it feel a little disjointed, however, this is only initially, and the rest of the story flows really well. (I will say that the version I had did have some formatting issues, so this may not be so in the published version).
Freya, FMC, is a young witch who is hit with a sudden tragedy from the outset. Moving and starting again, Freya discovers friendships and an unexpected relationship. The more Freya settles, the more she discovers about her ancestral origins and her 'family'. Battling against containing her magic has its consequences, which impact significantly on young Freya, but which lead to her becoming suspicious of darker things being hidden from her, especially in relation to her family tragedy.
This is a nice, easy read story that definitely has the potential to build and develop further. Personally, I felt that it lacked that little bit of umph, it was almost there, but it just didn't seem to get there for me. However, I think that this may well come with experience and perhaps the next instalment. Well done Emma-Louise, this is a great start to your writing journey.
I was given this as an advanced reader copy and am pleased that I was. This book is well written with lovely descriptive and visually imaginative detail. There are some short sentences initially, which seemed to inhibit the flow and made it feel a little disjointed, however, this is only initially, and the rest of the story flows really well. (I will say that the version I had did have some formatting issues, so this may not be so in the published version).
Freya, FMC, is a young witch who is hit with a sudden tragedy from the outset. Moving and starting again, Freya discovers friendships and an unexpected relationship. The more Freya settles, the more she discovers about her ancestral origins and her 'family'. Battling against containing her magic has its consequences, which impact significantly on young Freya, but which lead to her becoming suspicious of darker things being hidden from her, especially in relation to her family tragedy.
This is a nice, easy read story that definitely has the potential to build and develop further. Personally, I felt that it lacked that little bit of umph, it was almost there, but it just didn't seem to get there for me. However, I think that this may well come with experience and perhaps the next instalment. Well done Emma-Louise, this is a great start to your writing journey.
January 26, 2025
I love this book and honoured to receive an advanced copy. A new fictional witch joins the others I love and Crestwood Falls is on my fictional escape list. Emma-Louise Smith has captured the character on a mystical small town and it oozes cosiness, magic and community. With the addition of a bulky handsome vampire I kept turning the page to see how their relationship would develop.
July 16, 2025
This was such a lovely read with a cosy vibe and a sweet Romance. The story opens with Freya receiving the devastating blow that both of her parents have been killed. This immediately made me want to read on, hoping that she'd be able to find even a small amount of happiness after such a life changing event.
Arriving in Crestwood Falls seemed like pure coincidence to Freya, but she'd soon discover that there's no such thing as coincidence when you're a Witch and there's a very good reason why her intuition guided her to the small mountain town.
I'd absolutely love to live in Crestwood Falls, with it's beautiful mountains, lush forest and an abundance of cafe's serving cosy drinks and delicious cakes. The locals are incredibly welcoming and immediately accept Freya with open arms. Valorian in particular takes a very strong shine to her!
There's a very strong found family vibe in this book which I really loved as I feel that's something Freya desperately needed after the loss of her parents. She really feels like she belongs in Crestwood Falls as she's readily accepted by everybody in the town.
The world building was brilliant, I loved that it's a magical town but people still very much enjoy a good roast dinner with Yorkshire puddings! I liked the fact that there wasn't too much to keep track of compared to other fantasy books where you need a map and a list of characters to know where you are. It was just a relaxing read with a magical element and Supernatural beings and it felt like a warm hug in a book.
Overall this was a great debut novel and I'd be very interested to read more in the series and see where life takes Freya and her friends next.
Arriving in Crestwood Falls seemed like pure coincidence to Freya, but she'd soon discover that there's no such thing as coincidence when you're a Witch and there's a very good reason why her intuition guided her to the small mountain town.
I'd absolutely love to live in Crestwood Falls, with it's beautiful mountains, lush forest and an abundance of cafe's serving cosy drinks and delicious cakes. The locals are incredibly welcoming and immediately accept Freya with open arms. Valorian in particular takes a very strong shine to her!
There's a very strong found family vibe in this book which I really loved as I feel that's something Freya desperately needed after the loss of her parents. She really feels like she belongs in Crestwood Falls as she's readily accepted by everybody in the town.
The world building was brilliant, I loved that it's a magical town but people still very much enjoy a good roast dinner with Yorkshire puddings! I liked the fact that there wasn't too much to keep track of compared to other fantasy books where you need a map and a list of characters to know where you are. It was just a relaxing read with a magical element and Supernatural beings and it felt like a warm hug in a book.
Overall this was a great debut novel and I'd be very interested to read more in the series and see where life takes Freya and her friends next.
July 14, 2025
Opening with loss and magic, the story gripped me from the start.
I love all the mention of herbs, crystals, scents and rituals. It lent a richer magical quality to the air surrounding the community and its unique inhabitants.
With an eclectic cast of characters, coincidences and fate, suspense and romance, a coffee shop and a bookstore 😀, you might want to pack up and join Freya, IF the road lets you find your way to Crestwood Falls…
I love all the mention of herbs, crystals, scents and rituals. It lent a richer magical quality to the air surrounding the community and its unique inhabitants.
With an eclectic cast of characters, coincidences and fate, suspense and romance, a coffee shop and a bookstore 😀, you might want to pack up and join Freya, IF the road lets you find your way to Crestwood Falls…
July 20, 2025
What can I say about this book. I had the absolute honour of reading this in 2024 as a beta reader and oh god I'm glad I put my name forward and that Emma-Louise trusted me to read her baby.
I then saw that there was a book tour being organised and I jumped at the chance to jump back into this world for a reread. I feel like coming home to Crestwood Falls and all the love characters who I loved.
This is Emma-Louises' debut novel and she's absolutely smashed it out of the park.
The characters are relatable and there are so many mysteries to be uncovered about magical abilities and why Freya vowed to never use hers again. What happened to make her feel this way.
I love the cosy town vibe and community feel, it's so good to follow along with Freya's journey of discovery. She's discovering herself and her new town and certain other characters (not naming anyone) and how she uncovers so much more than she imagined she would.
Can't wait for others to read this brilliant debut novel by a fab author.
I then saw that there was a book tour being organised and I jumped at the chance to jump back into this world for a reread. I feel like coming home to Crestwood Falls and all the love characters who I loved.
This is Emma-Louises' debut novel and she's absolutely smashed it out of the park.
The characters are relatable and there are so many mysteries to be uncovered about magical abilities and why Freya vowed to never use hers again. What happened to make her feel this way.
I love the cosy town vibe and community feel, it's so good to follow along with Freya's journey of discovery. She's discovering herself and her new town and certain other characters (not naming anyone) and how she uncovers so much more than she imagined she would.
Can't wait for others to read this brilliant debut novel by a fab author.
July 13, 2025
Freya's loss is huge so her actions following this are understandable. I think Crestwood Falls sounds a fascinating place to be and the people Freya meets along the way are all so welcoming.
I cant imagine moving somewhere new and having everyone know my family history but Freya has managed to use that to piece together information she didn't have in the first place. She seems to have found her place in the world and Mael 🦋 is great. Familiars are unusually cats, frogs or owls so it's nice to see something different. 😊
Freya's adventure seems to be right at the very beginning and I'm invested in her story now. She's settled and has her new business venture but there's still a lot to unpick with her parents so that'd be good to see in her next adventure.
I cant imagine moving somewhere new and having everyone know my family history but Freya has managed to use that to piece together information she didn't have in the first place. She seems to have found her place in the world and Mael 🦋 is great. Familiars are unusually cats, frogs or owls so it's nice to see something different. 😊
Freya's adventure seems to be right at the very beginning and I'm invested in her story now. She's settled and has her new business venture but there's still a lot to unpick with her parents so that'd be good to see in her next adventure.
March 17, 2025
How I rate:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rare, Perfection
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommend.
⭐⭐⭐ It was okay.
⭐⭐ I didn't enjoy it.
⭐ DNF
This is a cosy paranormal fiction about Freya, a witch who has lost everything and moves to a small village she has never heard of and where no one knows her, so that she can decide what to do with her life.
The village of Crestwood Falls turns out to have been of great significance to her family and, far from remaining anonymous there, it turns out her family history is well known.
The setting is beautifully described, and the residents are the kind of people you want to surround yourself with. The element of found family has always been one of my favourite tropes and this found family of friends is like a giant hug.
I was very worried at one point as I was getting near the end that it was going to finish with a dreaded cliff-hanger, but although there is a mystery component to the story which is obviously going to be taken further in the next book, Crestwood Falls wraps up nicely as a standalone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rare, Perfection
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Recommend.
⭐⭐⭐ It was okay.
⭐⭐ I didn't enjoy it.
⭐ DNF
This is a cosy paranormal fiction about Freya, a witch who has lost everything and moves to a small village she has never heard of and where no one knows her, so that she can decide what to do with her life.
The village of Crestwood Falls turns out to have been of great significance to her family and, far from remaining anonymous there, it turns out her family history is well known.
The setting is beautifully described, and the residents are the kind of people you want to surround yourself with. The element of found family has always been one of my favourite tropes and this found family of friends is like a giant hug.
I was very worried at one point as I was getting near the end that it was going to finish with a dreaded cliff-hanger, but although there is a mystery component to the story which is obviously going to be taken further in the next book, Crestwood Falls wraps up nicely as a standalone.
March 9, 2025
A Hug in a Book
Don't be misled by my title, this book is the start of Freya's new life after the loss of her parents. In her grief she let's her intuition guide her as she sets off to get away from the city, sleeping in her car until she finds Crestwood Falls and knows that she's home. There are secrets in the town though, ones that Freya is determined to uncover. And as she does, she learns so much more about herself. The intrigue is fantastic and the other characters compliment Freya really well.
Until she causes an accident and runs. I can't wait for book two to find out what happens next!
Don't be misled by my title, this book is the start of Freya's new life after the loss of her parents. In her grief she let's her intuition guide her as she sets off to get away from the city, sleeping in her car until she finds Crestwood Falls and knows that she's home. There are secrets in the town though, ones that Freya is determined to uncover. And as she does, she learns so much more about herself. The intrigue is fantastic and the other characters compliment Freya really well.
Until she causes an accident and runs. I can't wait for book two to find out what happens next!
May 23, 2025
Having being recommended this personally from the Author I’m glad I saved it as I went on the buy it a week later and I’m so glad I did .
I Absolutely loved it, it kept me interested the whole time!
Great storyline and loved the community feeling in the town . Not too heavy at all which is what I’m finding I like in books with a witchy vibe …… I NEED MORE Emma .. Get writing 📖 .. I need a 2nd book after that ending …
I Absolutely loved it, it kept me interested the whole time!
Great storyline and loved the community feeling in the town . Not too heavy at all which is what I’m finding I like in books with a witchy vibe …… I NEED MORE Emma .. Get writing 📖 .. I need a 2nd book after that ending …
October 8, 2025
What a lovely, warming and cosy read this is!
This isn’t my typical genre to read but I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting Crestwood Falls and its residents.
Whilst reading this, it felt like I was in a cosy town with such likeable characters, that I just didn’t want to leave, and I’m hoping there’s going to be a follow up to find out what secrets have been hidden.
This isn’t my typical genre to read but I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting Crestwood Falls and its residents.
Whilst reading this, it felt like I was in a cosy town with such likeable characters, that I just didn’t want to leave, and I’m hoping there’s going to be a follow up to find out what secrets have been hidden.
August 13, 2025
When Freya’s parents are killed in the line of their magical duty, she vows never to use her magic again. Leaving her coven and her life behind, she finds herself in the quaint town of Crestwood Falls, where she might find the answers she has been looking for.
A cosy supernatural romance, Crestwood Falls is a very heartwarming and entertaining read: for a debut, the writing is impressive with a strong grasp of world building and elegant prose. Emma-Louise leans into the warmth and fantasy of the world she has created, and as you read the text it practically glows with comfort.
The characters are brought to life very well, although I wish there were more layers: they are all so nice! I wanted someone I could really hate! But that is in-keeping with the story, of Freya’s journey to finding who she is and finding a true sense of belonging. Yes the plot could be more action-packed or complex, but it works for what it is: an emotional journey.
Whimsical characters, supernatural beings, and human simplicity all combine to create a kinship that is unlike anything I’ve read before.
With a cliff-hanger ending, I look forward to returning to Crestwood Falls, as it feels a great mystery is just beginning.
A cosy supernatural romance, Crestwood Falls is a very heartwarming and entertaining read: for a debut, the writing is impressive with a strong grasp of world building and elegant prose. Emma-Louise leans into the warmth and fantasy of the world she has created, and as you read the text it practically glows with comfort.
The characters are brought to life very well, although I wish there were more layers: they are all so nice! I wanted someone I could really hate! But that is in-keeping with the story, of Freya’s journey to finding who she is and finding a true sense of belonging. Yes the plot could be more action-packed or complex, but it works for what it is: an emotional journey.
Whimsical characters, supernatural beings, and human simplicity all combine to create a kinship that is unlike anything I’ve read before.
With a cliff-hanger ending, I look forward to returning to Crestwood Falls, as it feels a great mystery is just beginning.
July 24, 2025
This is Book 1 in Emma-Louise's series, Crestwood and follows Freya as she takes a chance at a fresh start while she grieves.
She happens upon Crestwood Falls and starts to put together an interesting past for the town and its intriguing residents.
I loved Freya. She has been through so much and so it was lovely to see her developing as character throughout the story. It was great to see her finally know herself.
There are many different residents in the town and I honestly think each hold some weird and wonderful stories to tell if they could!
There are some truly intriguing characters here (I can't say much else here!)
The story itself is very warm and cosy, and definitely has more of an autumnal vibe for me - reading with a hot chocolate! While warm and cosy, the story does deal with grief and basically finding yourself which are both important things that Emma-Louise does so well.
As this is a duology, I can't wait to read Book 2 and see what happens next for Freya and the residents of Crestwood Falls!
She happens upon Crestwood Falls and starts to put together an interesting past for the town and its intriguing residents.
I loved Freya. She has been through so much and so it was lovely to see her developing as character throughout the story. It was great to see her finally know herself.
There are many different residents in the town and I honestly think each hold some weird and wonderful stories to tell if they could!
There are some truly intriguing characters here (I can't say much else here!)
The story itself is very warm and cosy, and definitely has more of an autumnal vibe for me - reading with a hot chocolate! While warm and cosy, the story does deal with grief and basically finding yourself which are both important things that Emma-Louise does so well.
As this is a duology, I can't wait to read Book 2 and see what happens next for Freya and the residents of Crestwood Falls!
February 1, 2025
If you enjoy cosy romantasy then then you’ll love this.
The whole story is charming and beautifully written. Freya is a witch who has chosen to suppress her magic and following the death of her parents, she relocates to a random peaceful town called Crestwood Falls to start afresh. Little did she know that it would be fate that lured her there. All seems strange at first, with most of the residents being more active at night , especially the mysterious bookshop owner, Valorian - the gorgeous vampire.
I adored the setting and all of the characters in this book. It’s truly magical. Will Freya find love, new friends and happiness or will the magic that haunts her risk everything? It’s a book to truly escape into!
The whole story is charming and beautifully written. Freya is a witch who has chosen to suppress her magic and following the death of her parents, she relocates to a random peaceful town called Crestwood Falls to start afresh. Little did she know that it would be fate that lured her there. All seems strange at first, with most of the residents being more active at night , especially the mysterious bookshop owner, Valorian - the gorgeous vampire.
I adored the setting and all of the characters in this book. It’s truly magical. Will Freya find love, new friends and happiness or will the magic that haunts her risk everything? It’s a book to truly escape into!
July 28, 2025
'You're part of this town now, Freya, and we protect our own.'
Crestwood Falls gave me massive Gilmore Girls vibes with a gorgeous magical twist!! I loved how everyone lived happily together, despite their ‘differences’. 😉 I’ve never read anything so unique before, where the magic is normal, useful and just surrounding everyday life. It was simply beautiful.
As soon as Freya found herself in Crestwood Falls, she knew she was where she belonged, as the residents picked her up and wrapped her in a great big welcome. She’d found her people, and they loved her.
I’ll be interested to see where the author takes Crestwood Falls next, with so many different characters, there is plenty of opportunity for many more books.
Thank you to BookWolfUK, Salpe Publishing and Emma-Louise Smith for the opportunity to read and review Crestwood Falls.
Crestwood Falls gave me massive Gilmore Girls vibes with a gorgeous magical twist!! I loved how everyone lived happily together, despite their ‘differences’. 😉 I’ve never read anything so unique before, where the magic is normal, useful and just surrounding everyday life. It was simply beautiful.
As soon as Freya found herself in Crestwood Falls, she knew she was where she belonged, as the residents picked her up and wrapped her in a great big welcome. She’d found her people, and they loved her.
I’ll be interested to see where the author takes Crestwood Falls next, with so many different characters, there is plenty of opportunity for many more books.
Thank you to BookWolfUK, Salpe Publishing and Emma-Louise Smith for the opportunity to read and review Crestwood Falls.
January 26, 2026
This book was hard for me to review as i was torn between sentimentality and my more critical outlook.
This book is a debut book from a local writer from my hometown, picked up from a carboot sale from the author directly, a signed copy! For that special experience of getting to meet the author, i gave it an extra star.
This is where my review becomes difficult. I tried not to be too harsh with it being the first book of a new author, publishing your first book is a massive achievement and a beautiful way of expression and dedication of time.
For my tastes, I just found the writing a little basic and stunted in parts, the story a little predictable and on the nose.
The story follows Freya who moves town after experiencing the unimaginable loss of both her parents as a result of magic that she now refuses to use or parttake in. She finds herself drawn to a small town, Crestwood falls, only to discover that the town lives and breathes magic, with witches, shifters, vampires and ancestral spirits galore.
In truth, it felt, again, a little cliche and predictable. Think... gilmore girls, but supernatural, without any action.
It felt like not a lot happened in the story and the 'plot twists' were very obvious.
Again, its by no means a bad first book. perhaps it is just not my taste.
It is a short, cosy romance, with fantasy elements, but it felt a little hollow, with not a lot of world building or story.
I would have loved a little more attention to detail, more fleshed out charectors and world building and a little less insta-love.
It was a 1.5☆ for me.
Bumped to 2.5☆ for sentinentality.
This book is a debut book from a local writer from my hometown, picked up from a carboot sale from the author directly, a signed copy! For that special experience of getting to meet the author, i gave it an extra star.
This is where my review becomes difficult. I tried not to be too harsh with it being the first book of a new author, publishing your first book is a massive achievement and a beautiful way of expression and dedication of time.
For my tastes, I just found the writing a little basic and stunted in parts, the story a little predictable and on the nose.
The story follows Freya who moves town after experiencing the unimaginable loss of both her parents as a result of magic that she now refuses to use or parttake in. She finds herself drawn to a small town, Crestwood falls, only to discover that the town lives and breathes magic, with witches, shifters, vampires and ancestral spirits galore.
In truth, it felt, again, a little cliche and predictable. Think... gilmore girls, but supernatural, without any action.
It felt like not a lot happened in the story and the 'plot twists' were very obvious.
Again, its by no means a bad first book. perhaps it is just not my taste.
It is a short, cosy romance, with fantasy elements, but it felt a little hollow, with not a lot of world building or story.
I would have loved a little more attention to detail, more fleshed out charectors and world building and a little less insta-love.
It was a 1.5☆ for me.
Bumped to 2.5☆ for sentinentality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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