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Housekeeper #1
A House for Keeping
What would you give to add some magic to your life?Finn Foster is done with the dismal, dusty desert of the Southwest, and is determined to add a little excitement to her existence. Sure, she had to slalom her way cross-country, dodging a rogue stoner squirrel here and an overly amorous moose there, but Finn has made it to the East Coast and is about to achieve her lifelong dream of going to oceanography school.
But before she sets sail on her ship of dreams, Finn stops off at the Foster family reunion to meet her relatives for the first time. When Finn arrives, she’s captivated by the enchanting farmhouse where the reunion is being held. But she quickly realizes this reunion is weirder than she could have imagined. As one bizarre event leads to another, she finds herself ensnared in mysterious family traditions, and as her family’s true intentions are revealed, Finn comes to a startling
This family reunion could open up a magical new world for Finn…or get her killed.
If you like compelling characters, immersive worlds, and a side order of humor, then you’ll love Matteson Wynn’s brand new, page-turning urban fantasy.
Pick up A House for Keeping to discover this exciting new series today!
But before she sets sail on her ship of dreams, Finn stops off at the Foster family reunion to meet her relatives for the first time. When Finn arrives, she’s captivated by the enchanting farmhouse where the reunion is being held. But she quickly realizes this reunion is weirder than she could have imagined. As one bizarre event leads to another, she finds herself ensnared in mysterious family traditions, and as her family’s true intentions are revealed, Finn comes to a startling
This family reunion could open up a magical new world for Finn…or get her killed.
If you like compelling characters, immersive worlds, and a side order of humor, then you’ll love Matteson Wynn’s brand new, page-turning urban fantasy.
Pick up A House for Keeping to discover this exciting new series today!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2018
121 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 10, 2022
The premise of the book was excellent and the plot resonated with me. I didn’t enjoy the writing style or characterization - felt too much like a poor first draft. The main character Finn never expresses confusion or doubt about the existence of a magical sentient house? Far-fetched. The dialogue was almost worse - Finn constantly overuses “wow,” “cool”, and “no duh”. The general concept of the plot and the kitten-that’s-clearly-not are the excellent, but I’m not sure I’ll read the other books in the series.
October 30, 2019
An unusual family reunion that isn't.
A book buddy with very similar tastes recommended this one. I pondered, finally had some time free and started reading. Two books and four plus hours later I reluctantly returned to my reality. Read this in KU and then bought.
Love the heroine. Finn is optimistic, loyal, funny, smart and yet clueless. Someone you'd want as a friend. Young and old at the same time.
Babs, Fuzzy, Nor, and the house are wonderful sidekicks, helping, guiding and enlightening Finn. In the vague probably friend possibly foe but definitely their own agenda category are William and Ro. Then the villains. Not nice is putting it mildly.
Love the characters and their interactions. Enjoy seeing this secret world unfold and learning about it as Finn learns. No romance just survival and friendship.
Definitely a 5 out of 5 star read. Recommend this to anyone looking for characters having a great adventure while they figure out what and where home is and their future.
Think this may be the author's first story but I couldn't tell from my reads of the book. Everything was polished and professional. Discovered that book two is already out! Yay! off to read it. Author's newsletter signup has a link to a Finn prequel story - bits of the trip across the US from the desert to the atlantic.
cross posted goodreads, bookbub, amazon
A book buddy with very similar tastes recommended this one. I pondered, finally had some time free and started reading. Two books and four plus hours later I reluctantly returned to my reality. Read this in KU and then bought.
Love the heroine. Finn is optimistic, loyal, funny, smart and yet clueless. Someone you'd want as a friend. Young and old at the same time.
Babs, Fuzzy, Nor, and the house are wonderful sidekicks, helping, guiding and enlightening Finn. In the vague probably friend possibly foe but definitely their own agenda category are William and Ro. Then the villains. Not nice is putting it mildly.
Love the characters and their interactions. Enjoy seeing this secret world unfold and learning about it as Finn learns. No romance just survival and friendship.
Definitely a 5 out of 5 star read. Recommend this to anyone looking for characters having a great adventure while they figure out what and where home is and their future.
Think this may be the author's first story but I couldn't tell from my reads of the book. Everything was polished and professional. Discovered that book two is already out! Yay! off to read it. Author's newsletter signup has a link to a Finn prequel story - bits of the trip across the US from the desert to the atlantic.
cross posted goodreads, bookbub, amazon
August 4, 2021
This is a really fascinating book. The main character is Finn, a 22-year-old woman who is responding to an invitation to what is supposed to be a family reunion. She even has a map to follow.
One thing to deal with, though, is the hotel she is staying in where the room starts to vibrate and the floor comes alive, swallowing the bed she had been in.
Not the best start to her trip.
Then there's freak weather storms and other problems. Things don't improve when she gets where the reunion is supposed to take place. But a reunion with only a few people? A test she has to take? A house that might be alive? Family politics? A housekeeper position? It's a heck of a lot for her to deal with.
The story is unusual, it stays interesting throughout, the characters are believable (although some are rather warped to say the least) and I like the resolution. There are other books in the series and I've already gotten the next one. Definitely a really good read.
One thing to deal with, though, is the hotel she is staying in where the room starts to vibrate and the floor comes alive, swallowing the bed she had been in.
Not the best start to her trip.
Then there's freak weather storms and other problems. Things don't improve when she gets where the reunion is supposed to take place. But a reunion with only a few people? A test she has to take? A house that might be alive? Family politics? A housekeeper position? It's a heck of a lot for her to deal with.
The story is unusual, it stays interesting throughout, the characters are believable (although some are rather warped to say the least) and I like the resolution. There are other books in the series and I've already gotten the next one. Definitely a really good read.
January 29, 2019
Well what an utterly charming book this is!
I honestly loved it even more than I thought I was going to!
When I started I wasn't sure whether I was going to warm to the main character, Finn, or not. She came across so sassy and sarky, and she totally is! But in a really likeable, bumbling, relateable way that makes her really easy to like.
The writing sucked me right in from the start!
That very first chapter grabbed me and refused to let go and it was the same all the way through the book. I kept saying "just one more chapter" constantly as I just NEEDED to know what was going to happen!
There's no downtime or boring chapters here!
And I loved all of the characters in this!
From Fluffy the not-quite-so-normal cat, the very strong and smart Nor, and all the strange and confusing people of the little town, right through to the characters we're not sure if we're supposed to like or not, like Sarah, Meg, Lars, and The Real Girl (ha!)
Everyone was so fully fleshed out and real that I couldn't help but love all the "bad" characters too.
And the house!
THE HOUSE!!!
I so desperately want to live in this amazing, magical, enchanting house!
I can't wait for the next book so I get to learn more about it. I want to open every door, look around every corner, peep into hidden cupboards, and roam the beautiful, wild grounds!
This was so different from what I was expecting when I started reading it, but in such a nice way. It definitely surpassed my expectations and I shall be desperately awaiting the next book in the series.
Please write fast Matteson!
I honestly loved it even more than I thought I was going to!
When I started I wasn't sure whether I was going to warm to the main character, Finn, or not. She came across so sassy and sarky, and she totally is! But in a really likeable, bumbling, relateable way that makes her really easy to like.
The writing sucked me right in from the start!
That very first chapter grabbed me and refused to let go and it was the same all the way through the book. I kept saying "just one more chapter" constantly as I just NEEDED to know what was going to happen!
There's no downtime or boring chapters here!
And I loved all of the characters in this!
From Fluffy the not-quite-so-normal cat, the very strong and smart Nor, and all the strange and confusing people of the little town, right through to the characters we're not sure if we're supposed to like or not, like Sarah, Meg, Lars, and The Real Girl (ha!)
Everyone was so fully fleshed out and real that I couldn't help but love all the "bad" characters too.
And the house!
THE HOUSE!!!
I so desperately want to live in this amazing, magical, enchanting house!
I can't wait for the next book so I get to learn more about it. I want to open every door, look around every corner, peep into hidden cupboards, and roam the beautiful, wild grounds!
This was so different from what I was expecting when I started reading it, but in such a nice way. It definitely surpassed my expectations and I shall be desperately awaiting the next book in the series.
Please write fast Matteson!
May 17, 2021
Such a fun read! Light urban fantasy that sucked me in. Now onto book #2 in the series. Also free on Kindle Unlimited.
EDIT: This series deserves more readers! I was a bit skeptical since it has so few ratings, but the rating that are there are so high. But I get it now after reading the series...this is a set of indie books so not a lot of marketing dollars are thrown at it & the series is wonderfully fun. I'm going to share with others cause I think it deserves more readers.
EDIT: This series deserves more readers! I was a bit skeptical since it has so few ratings, but the rating that are there are so high. But I get it now after reading the series...this is a set of indie books so not a lot of marketing dollars are thrown at it & the series is wonderfully fun. I'm going to share with others cause I think it deserves more readers.
November 11, 2018
This was one of those books that sucks you in, so you read it too fast, and then never want it to end. IF you're a fan of magical realism and strong female characters, definitely give this one a go. I can't wait for the next in the series. (Full disclosure: the author is a friend of mine...but I got so lost in this book that I kind of forgot that when I was reading it!)
May 16, 2024
I really wanted to like this book. A sentient house, magic and a familiar sounds amazing. However the FMC is literally too stupid to live, the characters are flat and the author contradicts themselves (talks about a sleepover with her cousins then next chapter has never met any of this family). Not only was I not rooting for this character, I started to hope someone would bump her off for someone more interesting.
I would like to read this story, but better written with some consistency and character development. I suppose at least it wasn’t your usual “midlife” divorced woman.
I would like to read this story, but better written with some consistency and character development. I suppose at least it wasn’t your usual “midlife” divorced woman.
February 7, 2021
I TRULY ENJOYED THIS STORY!!
I heard via a reader on Facebook about this author and the type of book writing this author does. So I decided to buy the book, it held my interest so well I finished the entire book in less then 24hrs.
The Main character Finn is a very interesting person and personality. Her mother & father have passed away and she is all alone and planning on going to College to be a Oceanographer of so sort. But while packing up her parents belonging she discovers a invitation to a family reunion. Since she is heading that way for College and having no other family, she decided to go. All sorts of weird obstacles happen along the trip to the reunion including finding a stray starved kitten which she catches takes to a vet then agrees to foster for the weekend. Now the Story really get Started!!! I highly recommend this book.
I heard via a reader on Facebook about this author and the type of book writing this author does. So I decided to buy the book, it held my interest so well I finished the entire book in less then 24hrs.
The Main character Finn is a very interesting person and personality. Her mother & father have passed away and she is all alone and planning on going to College to be a Oceanographer of so sort. But while packing up her parents belonging she discovers a invitation to a family reunion. Since she is heading that way for College and having no other family, she decided to go. All sorts of weird obstacles happen along the trip to the reunion including finding a stray starved kitten which she catches takes to a vet then agrees to foster for the weekend. Now the Story really get Started!!! I highly recommend this book.
February 11, 2021
5 delighted stars
This review is for the entire series, which I devoured in one weekend. The stories follow a new Innkeeper as she learns the ropes of partnering with a sentient house, and navigating the political machinations of magical families.
I really like how the author wrote the MC (main character). She is intelligent, empathetic, loyal, confident, ethical, moral, and snarky. She doesn't spend time running around in her head overthinking things. Each book in the series furthers the overarching story and develops the MC and her relationship with the other side characters.
I eagerly await the next installment :-)
This review is for the entire series, which I devoured in one weekend. The stories follow a new Innkeeper as she learns the ropes of partnering with a sentient house, and navigating the political machinations of magical families.
I really like how the author wrote the MC (main character). She is intelligent, empathetic, loyal, confident, ethical, moral, and snarky. She doesn't spend time running around in her head overthinking things. Each book in the series furthers the overarching story and develops the MC and her relationship with the other side characters.
I eagerly await the next installment :-)
September 17, 2022
Loved it!
This book drew me in and didn't let go. The house, magic, new friends and allies all come together to give Finn a life she never knew she wanted. I can't wait for the next installment to see what that new life looks like.
This book drew me in and didn't let go. The house, magic, new friends and allies all come together to give Finn a life she never knew she wanted. I can't wait for the next installment to see what that new life looks like.
July 20, 2021
Very entertaining to read. Has humor, magic, action, emotions and a fantastic house I would love to live in. Character development is good. Would like more history about the house, but hopefully future books will provide it. So glad to find another good author who can really tell a story with a main character you can relate to, who is not perfect, but tries very hard to learn and grow thru problems and actions by other people. So happy to find this great author and hope he does not take to long to do the next book.
November 24, 2020
What an utter delight. Totally refreshingly in a well saturated genre, this story felt light but full of depth at the same time. Characters that were a joy to read, funny, warm, sincere and like I just wanted to have them as friends myself. Well some of them. Finn's adventures were at times full on, but had a lot of heart and she navigated a new world well, with believability. Making friends with houses and creatures came naturally to her and I can't wait for the next adventure.
March 3, 2021
What a delightful book!
The plot is well-paced, the main character has a great voice and interesting depths, the story is a joy, and the ending is satisfying. The writing is very good, but it is the characters -- not just the main character, but all the other characters as well, that make this book such an enjoyable read. I heartily look forward to the next one -- which I've just loaded on my Kindle.
The plot is well-paced, the main character has a great voice and interesting depths, the story is a joy, and the ending is satisfying. The writing is very good, but it is the characters -- not just the main character, but all the other characters as well, that make this book such an enjoyable read. I heartily look forward to the next one -- which I've just loaded on my Kindle.
August 16, 2021
Wow! A brilliant read!
An internet friend mentioned this book and it sounded my kind of story, so I got it. It is 1am and I read it all in one sitting! (I haven’t done that for a few years!) I immediately got the second and third book too! (Although I am going to sleep before starting book 2!). A brilliant read, wonderful writing, plot moves at a nice pace and a real feel good vibe throughout. I highly recommend this book to any fans of fantasy/magic fans.
An internet friend mentioned this book and it sounded my kind of story, so I got it. It is 1am and I read it all in one sitting! (I haven’t done that for a few years!) I immediately got the second and third book too! (Although I am going to sleep before starting book 2!). A brilliant read, wonderful writing, plot moves at a nice pace and a real feel good vibe throughout. I highly recommend this book to any fans of fantasy/magic fans.
February 27, 2021
So much more entertaining than I even expected
I really like Finn and Fuzzy, and all the good guys. I think Finn is the very definition of a "noblebright" character. I don't know if the magic system is at all unique, but it seems that way to me, and it kept me interested. Finn is endearingly quirky, and I look forward to reading more.
I really like Finn and Fuzzy, and all the good guys. I think Finn is the very definition of a "noblebright" character. I don't know if the magic system is at all unique, but it seems that way to me, and it kept me interested. Finn is endearingly quirky, and I look forward to reading more.
March 15, 2022
Wow, I have to agree, this book was really pulling. Finn Foster is an interesting young woman. Her past with her parents was rather undeveloped, but still good. Now, she comes to visit her relatives and unintentionally becomes an innkeeper. In overall, I liked the storyline, which was well written, full of mystery, comic and enjoyment. Good fantasy to read!!
June 12, 2022
Loved this book
I have to say this was a terrific read I'm in my late 60s going on teenager and Finn you are right up my street thank you Matheson for sharing her with me what a pleasure to explore her world and thanks for a great book , I'm now off to start the next 1 5 stars from me
I have to say this was a terrific read I'm in my late 60s going on teenager and Finn you are right up my street thank you Matheson for sharing her with me what a pleasure to explore her world and thanks for a great book , I'm now off to start the next 1 5 stars from me
July 4, 2022
An enigma wrapped in a mystery
Wow, I haven’t been hooked by a book like this in a long while. I absolutely loved it. I’m so glad it’s a series. I’m not commenting on the story… it’s best approached like I did,with no expectations. I hope that whoever you are reading this review, will love it as much as I did.
Wow, I haven’t been hooked by a book like this in a long while. I absolutely loved it. I’m so glad it’s a series. I’m not commenting on the story… it’s best approached like I did,with no expectations. I hope that whoever you are reading this review, will love it as much as I did.
January 31, 2021
A Book with Heart
A young woman looking to start an adventure finds much more than she expects. I basically read this in one evening. It is that good. I am definitely getting the next in the series.
A young woman looking to start an adventure finds much more than she expects. I basically read this in one evening. It is that good. I am definitely getting the next in the series.
February 2, 2021
A pleasant surprise.
Loved this book! It certainly brings to mind some others in the genre but, at the end of the day; is uniquely it’s own. Picking up the next installment in this very fun story.
Loved this book! It certainly brings to mind some others in the genre but, at the end of the day; is uniquely it’s own. Picking up the next installment in this very fun story.
March 28, 2021
Wow
Fantastic new series start. Well written plot line with not only intriguing people but a house that so quirky and interesting you'd wish you lived there. Can't wait for the next several books.
Fantastic new series start. Well written plot line with not only intriguing people but a house that so quirky and interesting you'd wish you lived there. Can't wait for the next several books.
August 3, 2021
I love this book I recommend it to anybody that loves magic and Fantasy
I love this book it was a real page turner my kind of story I just bought book # 2 Please keep writing I am a voracious reader!!
I love this book it was a real page turner my kind of story I just bought book # 2 Please keep writing I am a voracious reader!!
July 16, 2022
What a good find!
Matteson Wynn has created an interesting world. The dialogue she writes for her heroine Finn is hysterical! I really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend this book and author. Thank you!
Matteson Wynn has created an interesting world. The dialogue she writes for her heroine Finn is hysterical! I really enjoyed this book. I definitely recommend this book and author. Thank you!
July 24, 2022
Wonderful and Amazing
I haven't read a book I loved this much since I picked up the first Harry Potter book back in 1998. The story is intriguing and the humor makes it fun. Do yourself a good turn and read this one!
I haven't read a book I loved this much since I picked up the first Harry Potter book back in 1998. The story is intriguing and the humor makes it fun. Do yourself a good turn and read this one!
January 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. In fact I liked it so much that I went and bought the next 2 halfway through the first. Looking forward to more Finn and Fuzzy.
February 20, 2021
Highly enjoyable book and likeable characters 👍 good job Matteson Wynn!
June 6, 2021
Really good, almost a 5 star read!
March 13, 2022
Pulling story plot.
March 20, 2022
great storytelling
Good plot, full of interesting characters and plot twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Good plot, full of interesting characters and plot twists and turns. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
June 13, 2022
Simply Delightful
I liked Finn. from page one and stayed up all night to finish the book. There is so much happening to and around Finn that the pace entertained me completely.
I liked Finn. from page one and stayed up all night to finish the book. There is so much happening to and around Finn that the pace entertained me completely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews