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Midlife Potions #1
Witchy Awakening
When Jessica Lavender's mother passes away, she's thrown into chaos.
Things get even more complicated when her cat starts talking to her and reveals that Jess is a witch and midlife is like some magical switch. Jess must navigate her new identity and unravel the mysteries surrounding the sudden deaths in her small town.
With a body in the garden and a town full of suspects, can Jess solve the crimes and uncover the truth? This paranormal cozy mystery will leave you spellbound until the very end.
Things get even more complicated when her cat starts talking to her and reveals that Jess is a witch and midlife is like some magical switch. Jess must navigate her new identity and unravel the mysteries surrounding the sudden deaths in her small town.
With a body in the garden and a town full of suspects, can Jess solve the crimes and uncover the truth? This paranormal cozy mystery will leave you spellbound until the very end.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2023
803 people are currently reading
2420 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Phipps
52 books894 followersC. A. Phipps is a USA Today best-selling author from beautiful New Zealand. Cheryl lives in a quiet suburb with her wonderful husband of more than four decades.
With a large family to keep her busy when she's not writing, there is just enough space for a crazy mixed breed dog who stole her heart!
She enjoys family times, baking, rambling walks, and her quest for the perfect latte.
You can find her at www.caphipps.com
C. A. Phipps also writes romance as Cheryl Phipps at www.cherylphipps.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
April 2, 2023
This is a fun start to a new series. The story is a short fast read which did a good job introducing us to the characters and Jess’s powers. This is good as it allow for more character development in future books. One of my favorite characters is Jess’s cat or familiar as it turns out. He is full of snark and personality. Though quick the mystery isn’t lacking for surprises nor suspects to keep you interested in the discovery of whodunit.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
July 5, 2023
4,5 Sterne
Es war so cozy und witchy und genau das, was ich gebraucht hatte.
Es fühlte sich sehr nach dem Switch Spiel Wylde Flowers an und diesen vibe mochte ich sehr!
Eine große Empfehlung, wenn du im Mood für ein Cozy Mystery mit einer sprechenden Katze in einer süßen Kleinstadt bist.
Es war so cozy und witchy und genau das, was ich gebraucht hatte.
Es fühlte sich sehr nach dem Switch Spiel Wylde Flowers an und diesen vibe mochte ich sehr!
Eine große Empfehlung, wenn du im Mood für ein Cozy Mystery mit einer sprechenden Katze in einer süßen Kleinstadt bist.
April 17, 2023
I received a copy of this book as a giveaway through Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This was a short, cozy mystery that had an older main character who is just learning that she is a witch. This was an interesting take on a witch coming into her powers later in life. It might have benefited from being a longer story where the characters could have been developed more. It could have done with some more editing as well because there were a time or two where the timeline didn't seem to flow correctly. I read the sneak peak of book 2 in the back and noticed that it didn't jive with the ending of this book so it makes me wonder about the editing.
This was a short, cozy mystery that had an older main character who is just learning that she is a witch. This was an interesting take on a witch coming into her powers later in life. It might have benefited from being a longer story where the characters could have been developed more. It could have done with some more editing as well because there were a time or two where the timeline didn't seem to flow correctly. I read the sneak peak of book 2 in the back and noticed that it didn't jive with the ending of this book so it makes me wonder about the editing.
November 3, 2023
2.75 (Kindle "stuff your Kindle" purchase). Abrupt start without much context. Characters need some flushing out. Good plot. Reading the next in the series to see how the writing develops.
July 5, 2023
Fun, cozy paranormal mystery.
Very easy to read and a satisfying story that introduces the readers to Jess' powers.
Bingeable! Finished in one sitting.
First book from my haul from the stuff your Kindle day!
Very easy to read and a satisfying story that introduces the readers to Jess' powers.
Bingeable! Finished in one sitting.
First book from my haul from the stuff your Kindle day!
July 6, 2023
Cozy mystery! Short story about Jess who inherits her mother's witchy powers! Maestro the talking cat made the story!
July 28, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up
August 26, 2023
Fun book
I really enjoyed reading this humorous paranormal mystery. The characters were engaging and full of surprises. The characters were well developed and the story moved at a brisk pace, a thoroughly enjoyable book.
I
I really enjoyed reading this humorous paranormal mystery. The characters were engaging and full of surprises. The characters were well developed and the story moved at a brisk pace, a thoroughly enjoyable book.
I
March 28, 2023
Witchy Awakening is the first book in the new Midlife Potions Cozy Mysteries series by C.A. Phipps.
We meet Jessica (Jess) who discovers her witchy powers after her mom has passed away. Finding that out in her 40's is a big surprise. Bigger surprise is that her cat Maestro is talking to her. Not only talking to her but discovering a body.
We have Officer Fine, who HA HA is very fine to Jess's eyes. I really enjoyed this book.
The mystery was fantastic, and the budding relationship is really nicely done.
Dealing with the loss of her mom, solving a mystery and trying to figure out her witchy powers all while avoiding the neighbors, Jess has her hands full.
This is really a fantastic introduction to a new series that I cannot wait to read more of.
We meet Jessica (Jess) who discovers her witchy powers after her mom has passed away. Finding that out in her 40's is a big surprise. Bigger surprise is that her cat Maestro is talking to her. Not only talking to her but discovering a body.
We have Officer Fine, who HA HA is very fine to Jess's eyes. I really enjoyed this book.
The mystery was fantastic, and the budding relationship is really nicely done.
Dealing with the loss of her mom, solving a mystery and trying to figure out her witchy powers all while avoiding the neighbors, Jess has her hands full.
This is really a fantastic introduction to a new series that I cannot wait to read more of.
July 12, 2023
3.7 and even if it's closer to 4 stars than just 3, I didn't feel like giving it 4.
It's a nice, light, and entertaining book. I found it to be quite short, so I think some elements were simply rushed. I would've loved to have more insights into the characters' personalities, the plot, and the murder.
I did like a lot the witchy part, the familiar, and how the writer reflects on guilt and relationships. Especially Jess' guilt, thoughts, and reflection around her mother's passing were really well done.
It's a nice, light, and entertaining book. I found it to be quite short, so I think some elements were simply rushed. I would've loved to have more insights into the characters' personalities, the plot, and the murder.
I did like a lot the witchy part, the familiar, and how the writer reflects on guilt and relationships. Especially Jess' guilt, thoughts, and reflection around her mother's passing were really well done.
July 6, 2023
A super fun, super quick read about a middle-aged woman who learns she's a witch when her cat begins to talk to her. (The cat is charmingly snarky, and I love it.) The mystery is engaging, and the town is quirky in all the right ways. A really fun first-in-series.
February 7, 2024
Fair
Needs editing to remove errors for one. It could also use some character fleshing out. The cat being her familiar should be supportive of his witch vs the snarky commandant that he is. The idea is good but the execution could be better.
Needs editing to remove errors for one. It could also use some character fleshing out. The cat being her familiar should be supportive of his witch vs the snarky commandant that he is. The idea is good but the execution could be better.
July 20, 2023
really weird pacing
July 23, 2023
Cute read
This cute, witchy, mystery is fun and holds your attention. I recommend this book for any women in their midlife who love a little magic.
This cute, witchy, mystery is fun and holds your attention. I recommend this book for any women in their midlife who love a little magic.
October 24, 2023
This was cute and cozy. Not really an amazing read but just right for October!
December 30, 2023
2.75 stars. Okay, but it needed to be better developed and fully fleshed out.
February 25, 2025
I wanted something chill to read, which this was. The plot was very predictable but I wanted something simple so it was good in that aspect.
April 3, 2023
Witchy Awakening is a fun, ,interesting mystery that introduces the reader to grumpy baker Jess, her very snarky cat familiar and Officer Fine. I am really looking forward to reading more books in this series. I love that Jess is older, a reluctant detective, and is only now discovering her powers. Was her mother as ell as the neighbor murdered? What is happening in this town? There is plenty to keep my interest in this well written book.
February 19, 2024
Reminiscent of a 1990 TV show such as Charmed. I'm here for it. It left me feeling relaxed and entertained. I will definitely be coming back to this series as a refresher after heavy books that take a lot out of me. Very... nestalgic for me.
September 1, 2024
This was a silly cozy mystery but also cute and easy to read for a little change of subject matter and pace. I enjoyed the talking cat 😸
April 16, 2023
Enjoyable read that keeps you hooked.
Jess' homecoming for her mother's funeral leads to a mystery and questions that her cat Mastero can answer, while also helping her with her transformation into a witch.
Waiting for the next installment.
Jess' homecoming for her mother's funeral leads to a mystery and questions that her cat Mastero can answer, while also helping her with her transformation into a witch.
Waiting for the next installment.
November 16, 2023
Cute little cozy story about a women who had been estranged from her mother. Mom died from a battle with cancer. As the women goes home to the town she was born in, she realizes how much the community loved her mother and she has now is coming to terms with not forming a closer bond to her. She also realizes that she is a witch, unbeknownst to her, with expertise in potions just like her mom who owns a quaint little herb shop. And of course with any witch story there has to be a talking cat who is more of the main character and drives the story. All in all it was a cute beginning to the story and I will have to read the next book to see if mom stays in the inner space between life and death
April 12, 2023
Fun read
I loved the curmudgeon cat. It was a very fun and relaxing book. It was a little short and went too fast at the end.
I loved the curmudgeon cat. It was a very fun and relaxing book. It was a little short and went too fast at the end.
February 5, 2024
This was so painful. The main character is frustratingly irritating. Not a single redeeming character.
April 2, 2023
Short, sweet, satisfying
Firstly, it's refreshing to have an older protagonist & have menopause being seen as a more positive thing, for this story's setting. It's a creative twist on the whole witch thing that I truly appreciate. The story was a quick read, but it was packed with such intrigue that makes you want to claw for the next in series. It's charming and amusing, I truly love Maestro. Such a good kitty, though I do wish he loved hugs as much as my kitties do. ;)
Firstly, it's refreshing to have an older protagonist & have menopause being seen as a more positive thing, for this story's setting. It's a creative twist on the whole witch thing that I truly appreciate. The story was a quick read, but it was packed with such intrigue that makes you want to claw for the next in series. It's charming and amusing, I truly love Maestro. Such a good kitty, though I do wish he loved hugs as much as my kitties do. ;)
April 2, 2023
I received Witchy Awakening by C. A. Phipps through a Goodreads Giveaway.The book was well written and quirky. When Jessica Lavender's mother passes away she returns to her hometown of Good Fortune. Things get very complicated when her cat starts talking to her and reveals that Jess is a witch. Jess must navigate her new identity and solve the possible murder of her Mother and grumpy old neighbor. A fun paranormal cozy mystery that I enjoyed very much!
March 27, 2023
I loved this book it was well written quirky Jess has to return to her home town after her mothers death she remembers why she left. Discovering a body at the end of the garden means Jess has to face certain facts like the fact she is a witch, her cat can suddenly talk to her and she has to solve the possible murder of her Mother and grumpy old neighbour. Great read full of lives moments when you realise you could have handled things differently.
April 17, 2023
Jess has had quite a day. She finds out she is a witch and has a cat that she can talk to. Things are bad enough with her mom dying but now she finds something unexpected in her mom's yard. While learning how to work her magic she is also trying to solve a murder(s)????
August 19, 2023
Witchy Awakening
This was a really great story. It held my Interest and the characters are believable. The little town is full of funny and quirky people.
This was a wonderful read. Highly recommend!
This was a really great story. It held my Interest and the characters are believable. The little town is full of funny and quirky people.
This was a wonderful read. Highly recommend!
March 24, 2024
Quirky and Entertaining
In this first book of Midlife Potions, we meet Jess, Lissa and Maestro the cat. Jess is Lissa’s daughter and they had a rocky relationship. Liss is a witch and owns a potion shop. When she dies suddenly, Jess returns to their small hometown with a guilty heart. She also knew that her Mom was a witch and Maestro was her familiar. Maestro attempts to guide Jess —- their conversations are a hoot! Jess begins to wonder if her mother was murdered —- and why is her neighbor buried in the backyard??? This book was fun to read and I’m looking forward to the next one.
In this first book of Midlife Potions, we meet Jess, Lissa and Maestro the cat. Jess is Lissa’s daughter and they had a rocky relationship. Liss is a witch and owns a potion shop. When she dies suddenly, Jess returns to their small hometown with a guilty heart. She also knew that her Mom was a witch and Maestro was her familiar. Maestro attempts to guide Jess —- their conversations are a hoot! Jess begins to wonder if her mother was murdered —- and why is her neighbor buried in the backyard??? This book was fun to read and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews