Bridge Over Shallow Water

Murky Midlife Waters #1

by Jen B. Lassalle

Misty Ledoux forgot to live for herself. After giving up everything for her sickly husband only to catch him cheating, the forty-something future divorcée is more than willing to hide away at her dotty aunt's secluded B&B. But as she reconnects with the inhabitants of the strange island, a devil of a hangover reveals the magical truths she'd buried in the bayou.

With the help of a goddess bff and a marshmallow-obsessed talking alligator, Misty uncovers the powerful siren's call to her mermaid heart. But her tail isn't exactly cooperating, and a shady troll has his sights set on her family home.

Will a lifelong sense of abandonment deprive Misty of the inner do-over she desires, or can she bridge the gap between magic and the mundane?

Bridge Over Shallow Water is the enchanting first short in the Murky Midlife Waters paranormal women’s fiction series. If you like relatable middle-aged snark, tales of starting from scratch, and mystically magical thrills, then you’ll love JB Lassalle’s dive into mermaid mayhem.

Buy Bridge Over Shallow Water to plunge into empowerment today!

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 2, 2023

About the author

Jen Lassalle is a writer of paranormal women's fiction and midlife fantasy fiction under the pen name JB Lassalle. She likes strong females who are more than just a bit awkward, dimensional males who roll with the punches, and found family friendships that triumph over nuanced bad guys you love to hate.

Jen is a New Orleans resident. The city, and the surrounding areas, serve as a rich backdrop for a world where magic exists and mystical creatures are not only real, but live among us.

When Jen isn’t writing, she’s hanging with her family and friends at a local park or coffee shop. She likes working out, which is kind of weird, loves yoga, and plays video games. Of course, she reads.

Jen and her husband have two kids. One is an avid competitive swimmer (which sucks up all their weekend time). The other is a daydreamer like Jen who plays the Mega Man theme on his guitar and binge watches Stranger Things.

Reviews

[Kelsey Cornelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this looking forward to the rest of the series

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridge Over Shallow Water is the first short story in the Murky Midlife Waters series. Misty Ledoux grew up in Treater’s Way only to leave when she was twelve, after her mother left Misty and her father. She finally returns to Treater’s Way but only after finding her husband in a compromising position with another woman. Formerly closed-off memories of her childhood continue to resurface in her mind the longer she stays with her aunt at the long-closed B&B. When her long-suppressed magical legacy bubbles to the surface, she has a choice to make – one that a shady troll may have a hand in helping her make.

Bridge Over Shallow Water is a fantastic paranormal novella. I loved the characters and the setting. As someone in her late-forties, I enjoyed this middle-aged paranormal women’s fiction story. While my married life did not, and does not currently, parallel Misty’s, thank goodness, I can relate to her character a bit about sacrificing needs and wants to take care of others. My first marriage was similar. I lost who I was to make sure someone else got everything they needed and wanted.

I really enjoyed the author's writing style, the pacing of the novella, and the way the story is being developed. I’m intrigued by Misty’s new life, her friends, the townsfolk, and her aunt and the B&B. I can’t wait to see where the author takes Misty. Welcome to Treater’s Way, where nothing is what it seems.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridge over Shallow Water was a quick read. Perfect for a day of traveling. While I enjoyed the story it read more like an intro or teaser rather than a full book. I’m not sure why the author decided to section them like so, but! I’m definitely interested in the next part of the story. :)

The only other gripe for me was the transgender bit at the beginning caught me off guard since the book description didn’t mention the genre. At first read it was quickly rushed over and in a way that was confusing, I had to re-read pages to make sure I was understanding what the author was hinting at. I was enjoying the story though so I kept going and later there is more of an explanation to the character which helped explain things further.

Otherwise I would recommend this for anyone into fantastical worlds hidden alongside the mundane, mystery, and a quick read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first short story in the murky Midlife Waters series. It is a short, fun read.

Misty finds herself starting over in her mid-life after her catching her husband with another woman. She moves back to where she lived as a child, to live with her aunt. Once back she starts to remember things she has suppressed, and her magical history starts to surface.

I loved the characters and world of this novella. It was fun to read about an older character (Misty is "mid" life) for a change, and it really influenced the story in a positive way. I am not quite "mid" aged, but still greatly appreciated a character with a different perspective and motivations than most fantasy/paranormal stories.

I loved the pacing, setting, and writing style. I can't wait to keep reading these to find out the rest of what happens!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick pick-me-up when feeling down
Our long-forgotten childhoods still hold many memories; they’re just locked away as if in a treasure chest for later discovery and exploration. When we neglect ourselves, our lives apart falling apart in various ways. Then we’re shocked to find out that we ourselves are the ones in need of repairs.

Some sage advice from the author:
Listen to Mighty Oak.
Don’t cut yourself off from the island.


Next in series are ‘Bridge Over Stormy Water’ then the upcoming ‘Bridge Over Shifting Water’ (expected 30 August), ‘Bridge Over Spooky Water’ (October), and ‘Bridge Over Seasoned Water’ (November).

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Intro

This is a great introduction into a unique island paranormal community that has me fully intrigued. The bridge is indeed a key, so the title is fitting.

Misty has the option of two lifestyles. My question is this: why not be both?

Thanks to Kindle Unlimited, books 2 and 3 await me. See you later!

Happy reading!

[Susan L Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appears to be a good story if not for the abrupt ending

The story is worthy but 86 pages simply cannot qualify as a book. At best a novella. As a series it should have been split into two parts at most. Just as it is starting to flow bam hard stop which is rather annoying.

[Lori Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting start.

Enjoyed this interesting start to a new series. Starting over. Mysteries to solve. Magic starts reappearing in Misty’s life. Oily bad guys in the background. Who to trust? What to do? Looking forward to seeing what’s next.

[Virginia Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

hopeful

Sweet, wholesome, hopeful. All the things that we desire in this middle age life. AND it IS ok to be a little bitter , it doesn’t stop us powerful women from rebuilding anew

[Michelle Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad series of novellas. A bit different which was nice. I liked the alligator familiar. I think if these were not novellas and had the opportunity to be full length novels, they would be outstanding. I struggle with the lack of depth, I need more story, but still a quite entertaining read.

[Suzy Ostapower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridge Over Shallow Water

I really enjoyed this novella. The author has a different approach from the regular run of the mill paranormal book. I’m looking forward to seeing how Misty navigates all of the changes in her life, including the two brothers.

[Bonnie Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

well It’s A Novela


This is a cute little book I like where it’s going. Of course it’s a novella so you don’t get the whole story, but it bring true to me for some fantastical reason. At the end of the book she offers to send you another free book which I signed up for

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting fantasy story with humour- I found it to be an okay read.

[Deborah Svensson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What great short story and start to a fun series!

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

I enjoyed this story and will be reading more. Great characters, magical location and more to find out. Highly recommend.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just didn't capture me. It is very short and it has potential but I just couldn't get into it.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seemed like a cute premise, but the book was pretty bad TBH. Don’t bother.

[Sarah Ballinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

[JACQUI CHATHAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridge over shallow water

Awesome Read…. I’d recommend it highly to anyone who loves a little magic in their reading with a lot of funny mishaps thrown in…..

[Ramona Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

bridge over shallow water

Good story but I hate being left hanging. Now I have o find book 2. Great storyline and characters. Fun story and I like the alligator.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting series of 5 books. There are essentially novellas at 85 to about 100 pages. (could be combined into 2 or 3 books. Some fun characters and situations. I enjoyed these books

[Jenni Bearden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was much too short for all what they tried to cram in there. Which made it incredibly unbelievable. Since it’s the first in a series, I feel like the author could’ve gone much more slowly, and taken the world building one step at a time. It just wasn’t remotely believable the way that it was handled, which is a shame because I think I otherwise would’ve enjoyed it. And it didn’t help that it ended on a major cliffhanger. Two stars.