Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Fate Found In Clues

Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26
Rate this book

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 24, 2026

87 people want to read

About the author

Kelli Cooke

3 books76 followers
Corporate Girl turned Author, Kelli Cooke writes vibrant, funny, and authentic love stories. As a hopeless romantic, Kelli strives to bring a creative twist on what love looks like in real life infused with the kind of comedy that will keep you laughing long after finishing her books. While comedy is the star she also focuses on threading in raw emotion and hopes to impact hearts for years to come.

When she’s not writing, she can be found chasing around her two kids or binge watching a show with her husband. Kelli never expected to become an author but has embraced harnessing her creative ability and adores sharing her vibrant tales with her readers.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
26 (60%)
4 stars
16 (37%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa Chandler.
235 reviews5 followers
March 18, 2026
✨ARC Review✨
This was a fun, heartwarming- friends to lovers romance with witchy vibes from witchy sisters playing match makers! It was fun solving each puzzle along the way that lead them to love 🫶

Thank you Kelli for including me as an ARC reader!

Favorite quote:
Happiness, true fulfillment in life, is only found when we embrace the things that are uniquely designed for us.
Profile Image for Emma Gold.
125 reviews25 followers
March 16, 2026
This was such a satisfying read. The way Max and Sadie find each other and connect throughout the book is charming and whimsical! A perfect low-stakes read. I love the magical elements and the way you sometimes have to just let go of control and go with the flow of the universe. The spice was balanced and fit perfectly within their story arc. Really great book and I recommend this series to anyone who likes small town, magical, rom coms.

One thing that was mildly annoying to read was, what I felt to be, an overuse of the word “coos” to describe a character speaking dialogue.

Full review to come when I’m not on my sickbed.
Profile Image for Mallory.
47 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2026
Very minor spoilers ahead:




I think this book pulled me out of the 4 month long book slump I’ve been in. It was THE PERFECT sweet, silly and sexy romance I needed to get me back into reading.

This is my second time receiving an ARC for this author and series and both times I loved the books. But this one is my absolute favorite. Sadie and Max were so perfect and the way they instantly had a connection and how easily they fell into love reminded me a lot of my husband and i’s story. It was different obviously but the ease of it, and how it just made sense for both of them is what reminds me of my relationship.

I loved the writing, this was such an easy and captivating book, the flow was perfect. It had so many sweet moments between all the characters, so many funny moments and it was seriously just the perfect romance.

I am so excited to see what else we get from this series!
Profile Image for Sam.
158 reviews19 followers
March 18, 2026
This story had me hooked from the very first page. A witch’s curse and a touch of magic bring Sophie and Max together, but it’s their undeniable chemistry that truly makes the story shine. Set in a beautifully crafted magical town, the author creates a world filled with characters who feel so real they linger long after the final page. Charming, heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
Profile Image for DaniReads12.
122 reviews3 followers
Read
March 11, 2026
📚A Fate Found In Clues📚 by the one and only Kelli Cooke.
@kelcookesbooks

This is the second book in the Mage Hollow series.
This fun summer rom com is a must read.

Kelli adds her magical touch to every story leaving feeling like there's true magic in the world. Kelli created Mage Hollow as a place you'd want to pack your bags and move to.

This story Sadie and Max is one of mysteries and fate.
Moments of laughter, moments you're at the tip of your chair. Kelli, my dearest indie author friend, keep making your magic. I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants to move to Mage Hollow.
Profile Image for Melissa Richardson.
35 reviews
March 22, 2026
This is a sweet story of 2 people who come together after having known each other in high school but not dating. Sadie is a workaholic that needs to have some fun and find her work-life balance. Max is a great guy that hasn’t found his dreams just yet. A book of clues left for Sadie leads her to her fate while she and Max are hanging out for a few weeks in their home town. There’s a touch of spice too. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to read a small town, sweet and spicy love story.
Profile Image for Jessica Grable.
3 reviews
March 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely read book 1 of the series first. It gives you a better background of the characters and I find it more enjoyable knowing more about the other characters in the story. I cannot wait for the next one. This author stories are exactly what I’m looking for something light and easy to read. They keep my attention and I want to find out what happens. I will be reading anything Kelli publishes.
Profile Image for Kalexreads.
1,285 reviews7 followers
March 20, 2026
Sweet and funny. Sadie and Max reconnect when she heads back to her hometown while taking a leave of absence from her job. Her pseudo aunt sends her on a quest that involves solving some crossword puzzles. Along the way, she and Max discover the magical nature of the quest and work together to have some fun while solving the puzzles. They both know their relationship has an end time, but that doesn’t stop them from falling for each other. Is the timing right for them? A slow burn romance with a little bit of spice. Super fun read!
Profile Image for Bree.
33 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2026
A Fate Found in Clues by Kelli Cooke is the kind of soft, cozy romance that just wraps you up like your favorite blanket ☕📖✨ Following Sadie and Max as they unravel little clues about their future, it’s full of sweet moments, playful tension, and that “meant to be” magic that makes your heart happy. The whole time I was literally kicking my feet and giggling because it’s just so cute 🥹💖 such a perfect feel good read if you love small town vibes and a love story that slowly clicks into place.
83 reviews
March 18, 2026
ARC REVIEW - this was an easy, cute read. I enjoyed the magical vibes it had and the puzzles throughout the book too. Thank you for the ARC for this book - enjoyable read ☺️
Profile Image for Bree.
221 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

5🌟

2🌶


Thank you to Kelli Cooke and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this sweet story. 


If you loved Serendipity, the Notebook, or Practical Magic give this series a try!


This book was the literary equivalent of a peach bellini sitting on the beach with a cloudless sky! If you're looking for the perfect summer read, look no farther! If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. Come take a trip to Mage Hollow and meet the O'Reilly clan, you'll never know what magic awaits!


Olive builds walls to guard her heart from feeling the pain of disappointing others, but she is lonely. Sam wears the facade of a grumpy bachelor, but deep down he wants to find the kind of magic only love can create. Will a witch's curse bring these two together, or will their fears set their dreams a flame? 


Cooke writes these characters (side characters included) in such a way that the reader feels each emotion as if it's our own. From page 1, Sadie buried herself in my heart.  I've felt her trepidation more often than I'd like to admit in my life. As a recovering perfectionist, I feel so seen. Then along comes Max. He's still the jokester we know and love from book 1, but now we see his own doubts. The two of them bring out the best in each other. Max helps Sadie accept that some things are out of her control and it's ok to not be perfect. Sadie helps Max realize her full potential. Cooke did a beautiful job weaving magic and mystery into this summer love story. The unlady-like snorts I made while reading this are things no other human should hear! Please take a chance on this fun and lighthearted love story!


Tropes:

⛵️Friends to Lovers

🪻Opposites Attract

⛵️Golden Retriever x Black Cat

🪻Fated Mates

⛵️Summer Fling

🪻Gilmore Girls/Practical Magic vibes

⛵️Animal Companion

🪻Magical Realism

⛵️Damsel in Distress


Favorite Quotes:

"Promise me you won’t lose balance. That you’ll remember you deserve happiness outside of work, and that you need multiple legs on your stool.”


"Sometimes instead of doing what your brain tells you, maybe you need to listen to your heart.”


“Nah. Sade, I wouldn’t have known what to do with you back then. I would’ve messed it up.”


“I’m pulled to her in a way that’s illogical, like a moth to a flame, not afraid even though I know I’m going to be burned.”


“Remember when we promised not to fall in love?" Max says, with a goofy yet sated grin on his face. "You’re making it really hard for me to keep that promise, Sade.”


“It’s our story, Max." "Nah, Sade. It’s our fate found in clues.”


I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Destin Harris.
19 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure of BETA reading A Fate Found in Clues, book two in the Mage Hollow series written by the incredibly talented Kelli Cooke, and while it’s an interconnected standalone, it feels like coming home in the best way. This story takes you on such an incredible, magical journey, whisking us back to our beloved Mage Hollow. We follow Sadie, our fiercely driven FMC, who is deeply passionate about her career and unwavering in her meticulously planned life. Every detail is accounted for except for a social life, fun, or love. Control is her comfort zone. Enter Max: wildly attractive, former hockey player, total golden retriever energy MMC. The contrast between these two? Absolutely chef’s kiss. When Sadie is forced into a mandatory leave of absence from work, she returns home to Mage Hollow to regroup with her family. After a visit from her lifelong friend, she’s gifted a mysterious leather-bound book infused with magic… a book said to contain all the clues she needs to discover her true path in life. The only problem? Sadie is perfectly content with the path she’s already chosen. Watching this fierce corporate queen wrestle with destiny, balance, and the possibility of letting go is both heartwarming and hilarious. Will she learn that life isn’t meant to be lived in spreadsheets and schedules alone? You’ll have to read A Fate Found in Clues to find out.

This was a solid five star read for me. It’s fun, lighthearted, playful, and downright hilarious at times, with just enough spice sprinkled in to keep you wanting more. I absolutely adore the magical elements that entwine the Mage Hollow characters together into such a beautiful found family adventure. But most of all, I love the message behind the magic: it’s okay to have fun. It’s okay to loosen your grip. It’s okay to give yourself grace and embrace being carefree every once in a while, especially in the world we live in today. Some stories entertain you, while others remind you who you are beneath the noise and corporate chaos. That life isn’t a checklist, it’s meant to be lived! A Fate Found in Clues does both, wrapping its magic around your heart and refusing to let go.
Profile Image for Jules Cohen.
Author 3 books16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 15, 2026
Kelli nailed it, yet again. A Fate Found in Clues is a heartwarming, gentle romance featuring two characters that learn to love and grow together with the help of a magical puzzle book. Sadie Wells is a relatable character who puts everyone besides herself first. Sadie has the perfect metaphor for those that are workaholics: having a one-legged stool that will fall if its one leg crumbles. After that one leg ends up crumbling from underneath her, Max shows her that life is better when you can spend it with people who make you happy—who give you an extra leg to add to your stool. Max O’Reilly is a swoony heartthrob—think Ryan gosling in the Notebook, with a Titanic Leonardo DiCaprio grin, and the swagger of 10 Things I Hate About You’s Heath Ledger. The town’s “Golden Boy” struggles with finding his true match—the person that wants him for more than a good time. He yearns for someone to see him for who he truly is, and that person is Sadie. Watching Sadie and Max fall in love with each other was exhilarating, and at some moments made me want to shake them and scream for them to JUST KISS ALEADY! Max and Sadie’s chemistry is sizzling, their friendship is inspiring, and the constant cockblocking by the Town is hilarious.

Kelli’s A Fate Found in Clues is the perfect inspirational romantic comedy mixed with magic. I’ll always love taking a trip to Mage Hollow, and I can’t wait until I can go back.
Profile Image for Katie Thayer.
382 reviews54 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 11, 2026

✨ARC Review✨
A Fate Found In Clues
By Kellie Cooke

“For the rest of the time you’re in town, try focusing on two things—solving the puzzle book like it’s your job, and having fun—with me."

Spending time around her is like spotting a unicorn in real life—it just doesn’t come along every day—or ever.

"Hate to break it to ya, big guy. You don’t have to work so hard to get me to like you. This backwards hat, and these big brawny arms do it for you."

Are you looking for love? Then you need to take a trip to Mage Hallow! These witchy sisters are busy playing match makers! And their next step project is Sadie and Max. Their story is so freaking cute, and takes place during the summer. Sadie is burnt out and comes home for a vacation from work. And while home keeps having chance encounters with Max. And together these two work together to solve clues, that ultimately like the title suggests, they are lead to each other and find love. Their story is like warm sunshine on a summer day, it is cozy and envelopes the readier in comfort.

Thank you so much Kelli and Luna Literary for the chance to arc read this fun, cozy story!


Tropes:
Friends to Lovers
Opposites Attract
Golden Retriever x Black Cat
Fated Mates
Summer Fling
Gilmore Girls/Practical Magic Vibes
Animal Companion
Magic Realism
Dasmel In Distress

Spice Starts at: 58%

Spice: 2/4
Stars: 4.5/5

Available March 24th
221 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
March 14, 2026
“A Fate Found in Chaos” by Kelli Cooke is the second book in the interconnected stories within the Mage Hollow series, and it was the perfect cozy read for a day of getting lost in a story.
This isn’t your typical romcom romance. It carries a soft witchy atmosphere that quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. The story has such comforting, magical vibes that make you want to linger in its world just a little longer.

At the heart of the book is a unique and charming premise: the characters work together to solve a crossword puzzle book where each page has only one puzzle left unsolved. Watching them unravel the clues,and each other, creates such a fun and heartfelt journey.

The FMC is a workaholic, driven and focused, while the MMC has the sweetest golden retriever energy that balances her perfectly. Their dynamic is warm, engaging, and incredibly easy to root for.

What makes this story shine is how relatable the characters feel. Their personalities, struggles, and growing connection make it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.

This was such an enjoyable read filled with heart, charm, and just the right touch of magic. I loved spending time with these characters and can’t wait to see what comes next in the Mage Hollow series. ✨📚
Profile Image for Ashley Connors.
112 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy
March 15, 2026
This book had me smiling like an idiot for most of it.

Sadie is a workaholic who finally burns out and gets sent home to figure out her life and Max is a former hockey hopeful trying to adjust to a future that looks nothing like he planned. Throw in a mystery involving crossword clues and suddenly these two are working together and slowly catching feelings along the way.

Max is honestly such a sweetheart and I loved how supportive he was of Sadie while she tried to piece together her future (literally through crossword clues which was such a fun idea). Their dynamic felt so natural and wholesome.

This was one of those cozy romances that just makes you feel good while reading it. Two people a little lost in life helping each other find their way and falling in love in the process.

The crossword clue storyline was such a creative twist, and I loved watching Sadie slowly piece things together while Max was right there beside her. I was rooting for them the whole time.

Kelli Cooke does it again another cozy, heartfelt story that completely pulled me in. I already can’t wait to see what happens next in Mage Hollow.
Profile Image for Kat.
27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 20, 2026
Arc Review

This is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Practical Magic! There were several times I could hear that aunts saying “clean up your own mess”! I LOVED the first one and this one is dare I say even better! We’ve got even more twists, magic, and the tiniest bit of hockey! It’s double the trouble this time on the meddling mom front which I loved!

Max and Sadie have known each other since high school but when she moves back home unexpectedly and is cursed, they reconnect! Can her and Max solve the clues to unlock their fate? I sure hope so because Max stole my heart with not only his adorable puppy but his own golden retriever tendencies.

Sadie is a girl after my own heart. She’s stubborn and doesn’t want to ask anyone for help. She’s determined to do it all her self. She will not be swayed from her goals. Until she’s forced too.

I loved how everything came together in the end and we got even more about the history of Mage Hollow! I can’t wait for the next book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.4/5
🌶️🌶️/5

Thank you Kelli for the e-arc! I was so ready to travel back to Mage Hallow!

Also how exactly does one travel to Mage Hollow? Asking for a friend?
Profile Image for Anisha Choudhury |  A Literary Autopsy.
142 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
I’ll be honest: straight romances and fantasy aren't usually my go-to, but A Fate Found in Clues grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Kelli Cooke does a fantastic job of building the world of Mage Hollow; the setting is absolutely dreamy and the descriptions are so vivid I could almost see the mystical mist myself.

The standout for me was the characterization. Sadie is everything I admire—snarky, smart, and fiercely independent. And then there’s Max. It’s true what they say: men written by women are just a superior species.

His chemistry with Sadie is electric, and their relationship feels natural and unforced. The spice is in that perfect sweet spot—it balances beautifully with the plot.

I’m left wanting to know so much more about the mysterious sisters in town and the magic they navigate, which only makes me more excited for the next installment. With adorable supporting characters and a refreshing lack of unnecessary drama, this was a beautiful, breathing story. A great read even if you aren't a typical fantasy fan!
Profile Image for KindleandCauldrons.
33 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 21, 2026
I am officially in my small town romance era and I am absolutely eating these up.
There’s just something about a cozy town, lovable characters, and that found-family feeling that makes me want to jump into the story and be friends with everyone…and this one delivered all of that plus a little touch of witchy magic, which made it even more fun.
The characters were so easy to connect with. They felt real, a little messy, and completely lovable in a way that makes you root for them from the start.
And the romance?
Such a good balance of sweet, emotional, and just enough spice to keep things interesting.
I loved how the story blended cozy small-town vibes with a hint of magic, giving it that extra charm without taking away from the emotional depth.
It really had a little bit of everything…heart, humor, growth, romance, spice, and a sprinkle of magic that made it feel just a little more special.
If you’re in your small town romance + witchy vibe era, this is definitely one to add to your list. 📚✨
Profile Image for Kelly Powell.
271 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 15, 2026
This was such an easy, enjoyable read and the perfect lazy Sunday romance. I absolutely loved the magical elements woven through the story; it added such a whimsical charm that made the whole book feel cozy and fun.

Even though I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, I still thoroughly enjoyed this one and had no trouble jumping into the world. Safe to say I’ll definitely be going back to read book one!

This is one of those low-angst romances that lets you just relax and enjoy the ride. The trope lineup also had some of my absolute favourites: friends to lovers, opposites attract, golden retriever x black cat energy, and fated mates.

There were also a few genuinely hilarious moments that had me laughing while reading, which made it the perfect Sunday arvo escape.

If you’re looking for something light, magical, and full of charm, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Thanks to the author and Luna Literary for an eARC. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rusti.
151 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 20, 2026
Cute and cozy with fabulous banter, a little spice, plenty of laughs, a few tears (all the emotions!!) and a magical mystery to solve. Max is a solid green-flag man (we LOVE a supportive man!) who just wants to help out a friend. Sadie seems to be cursed, and isn't big on asking for help... until she realizes that she actually CANNOT do it alone... Max is part of solving the mystery and breaking the curse. Together they go from kinda friends, to actually friends, to maybe more than friends?? Sometimes what you need most is the last thing you think you want... but you want it anyway. Max and Sadie are so sweet (and funny!) together - and their families are pretty awesome too. Definitely a book I would enjoy reading again!! HEA guaranteed!!

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley (andtheniwasbookish).
426 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
Cure, cute, cute! This book is exactly what you want when you just want to enjoy something that makes you giggle without making you stress. This is the kind of book you bring with you to the beach with a cute cocktail on hand.

This is an incredibly low stakes, here for a good time, cute lil love story type of read.

Max is adorable. I don't remember him being so stinkin perfect in A Heart on A Sleeve (book 1 in the Mage Hollow series) but he's absolutely perfect. And Sadie....just a sweet lil workaholic who needed some perspective in life.

I would have read these two forever and ever, and I really hope we get to see more of them in future books like we got to see Sam and Olive.

If you're looking for a great beach read....this is it!

overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
Profile Image for Tanya.
91 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
Friends-to-lovers? ✅
Opposites attract? ✅
Witchy magic, matchmaking sisters, and a town that feels like home? ✅✅
Sophie and Max’s romance is full of charm, chemistry, and heart. A witch’s curse and a sprinkle of magic bring them together, but it’s their undeniable connection that makes you swoon. Each clue and puzzle along the way kept me hooked from page one — I was obsessed!
Golden retriever x black cat energy, fated mates, summer fling vibes, and a touch of Gilmore Girls meets Practical Magic charm make this story feel cozy, magical, and impossible to put down. The characters feel real, the town is enchanting, and the romance warms your heart.
If you love magical realism, friends-to-lovers, and feel-good, charming romance, this is a must-read 🫶
Profile Image for Nicole.
21 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 20, 2026
Sadie a workaholic career focused perfectionist that has a anxiety attack at work and is told by her boss to take time off from her job to rediscover a more fufilling life. She visits family and finds Max.

Max is a attractive former hockey player with golden retriever energy. He offers to help Sadie solve some puzzle clues in a book gifted to her. In Exchange for his help Sadie must spend time with him allowing them to go on adventures and fall slowly in love.

This is a slowburn of a journey. If your looking for a lighthearted read with playful, magical charm then this is the book for you.

✨Friends to Lovers
✨Opposites Attract
✨Summer Fling
✨Black Cat FMC
✨Golden Retriever MMC
Profile Image for Katnips and Novels.
76 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 21, 2026
ARC Review

I’m so glad I got to visit Mage Hollow again! I am OBSESSED with this series! I loved book 1, A Heart on a Sleeve, and book 2, A Fate Found In Clues, is equally fantastic. I live for New England summer vibes, and that also lit up my soul, but Sadie and Max were utter perfection - Sadie, as the overstimulated workaholic, and Max as the lovable goof. It had a really great balance of plot and spice. This was such a fantastic, lighthearted, slice-of-life romance. I cannot wait to see what is next for Mage Hollow!

Thank you Kelli Cooke and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity and for sharing Sadie and Max’s story!

Overall: 5/5
Spice: 4/5
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 12, 2026
I could not put this book down, and I CANNOT rave enough about Sadie and Max. Their chemistry is off the charts and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I wish I would’ve recorded how many times I laughed out loud at the witty banter. Kelli Cooke is a beautiful goddess that has brought the perfect balance between Gilmore girls and Practical Magic vibes. She has created this world that you will want to live in. Definitely a must read.
206 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 16, 2026
5⭐2🌶️
A Fate Found in Clues is a fun, captivating, heartwarming friends to lovers romance with witchy vibes! I love Sadie and Max's story! It's so sweet and beautifully written! I love their sense of humor! This story had me hooked from beginning to end! It was fun solving each puzzle and going on their adventures! I love this story!
Thank you Kelli and Luna Literary for including me as an ARC reader!
Profile Image for Katie.
69 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2026
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Overall: Ms. Kelli did it again. She writes such cute, cozy romances with the perfect amount of heat. I love the witchy vibes mixed with a friends to lovers. It was very predictable but some times it’s exactly what you need. The low stakes make it just a happy ride. Max and Sadie don’t have expectations for long term but they can’t help their feelings with more time they spend together solving clues. I am truly so excited for Howe and Arielle! I really hope it has a good slow burn because their whole relationship has been slow. This little town is so cute and I can’t wait to revisit in the next book.
Profile Image for Teddy Williams.
20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 19, 2026
I was lucky to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of such a phenomenal book. We have Sadie who is just wanting to return to work while Max is trying to find a job in the NHL but both are stuck in their “home town”. Sadie is ‘gifted’ something that only Max can help with. the character development is amazing! I will definitely be pulling this series out during Halloween! It feels like the perfect mix of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls which happen to be a comfort watch.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.