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Midlife Potions #2
Witchy Hot Spells
Trouble is brewing in Good Fortune.
Accepting she's a witch isn't enough for Jess's snarky cat familiar. Not only does she have to keep the potion shop running while learning to make said potions, deal with an over-enthusiastic assistant, and her ghostly mother, she has to solve another mysterious death.
Jess smells something isn't right about the crime scene and Officer Fine is getting suspicious about her talents to find clues. And what about her baking skills? Will she have to bury them along with her old life?
What's a witch to do?
Midlife Potions
Book 1 Witchy Awakening
Book 2 Witchy Hot Spells
Book 3 Witchy Flash Back - coming soon!
C. 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.
Accepting she's a witch isn't enough for Jess's snarky cat familiar. Not only does she have to keep the potion shop running while learning to make said potions, deal with an over-enthusiastic assistant, and her ghostly mother, she has to solve another mysterious death.
Jess smells something isn't right about the crime scene and Officer Fine is getting suspicious about her talents to find clues. And what about her baking skills? Will she have to bury them along with her old life?
What's a witch to do?
Midlife Potions
Book 1 Witchy Awakening
Book 2 Witchy Hot Spells
Book 3 Witchy Flash Back - coming soon!
C. 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.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
276 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
About the author
C.A. Phipps
50 books892 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 49 reviews
May 4, 2023
Witchy Hot Spells is Book 2 in the Midlife Potions Series by C.A. Phipps.
I absolutely LOVED the first book, Witchy Awakening: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
and was so excited to continue the adventure.
Jess and her familiar Maestro are getting used to each other. There is another murder to be solved and Jess is getting used to being back in her hometown of Good Fortune.
The characters are so well written, and I love the blooming relationship between Jess and Officer Fine.
Jenny has some secrets and we are starting to get some answers. I love the way the author reveals certain gems through fantastic twists and turns!
This is a well written mystery and series that I love.
I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next with Jess.
I absolutely LOVED the first book, Witchy Awakening: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
and was so excited to continue the adventure.
Jess and her familiar Maestro are getting used to each other. There is another murder to be solved and Jess is getting used to being back in her hometown of Good Fortune.
The characters are so well written, and I love the blooming relationship between Jess and Officer Fine.
Jenny has some secrets and we are starting to get some answers. I love the way the author reveals certain gems through fantastic twists and turns!
This is a well written mystery and series that I love.
I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next with Jess.
May 7, 2023
Jess is adapting to her new witchy reality, but she isn’t sure about some of the new people in her life. She is also sure her ghostly mother and familiar are keeping secrets from her. When something doesn’t smell right at a murder scene Office Fine wonders if if there is something more to Jess that meets the eye.
The characters are interesting and relatable. I love Jess’s cat familiar he is full of a snarky personality. The mystery is full of surprises. The secondary story of Jess’s mom is as entertaining and as full of surprises as the murder mystery.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
The characters are interesting and relatable. I love Jess’s cat familiar he is full of a snarky personality. The mystery is full of surprises. The secondary story of Jess’s mom is as entertaining and as full of surprises as the murder mystery.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
October 23, 2025
There were some typos in the book but other than that, I think this is a cute series.
May 8, 2023
Witchy Hot Spells is an entertaining, twisty mystery. I am enjoying this world as Jess learns about her powers and other secrets. Jess' cat, Maestro, is one snarky familiar! In this well written book, Jess has to unravel the clues to the murderer but also clues to things that are being withheld by Maestro and Jess' mother. It is also interesting to see the romance brewing between Jess and Officer Fine. I was well entertained by this mystery and could not put the book down!
May 8, 2023
Jess is still learning how to be a witch and solving crimes. I love the blossoming relationship between her and a certain officer of the law. Secrets are still being revealed and I have a feeling that there are still more. Following the clues with Jess was fun.
May 16, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed the second instalment of the Midlife Potions Cozy Mysteries. Jess is getting used to being a witch and things are becoming easier for her, her familiar Mastero is sneaky at times but keeps Jess' interests at heart.
Her mother's appearance in her ghostly form is sweet too.
The three work together to enhance Jess's witchy skills, which in turn helps solve mysteries and perhaps aids in Jess and Brodie getting closer.
There are more secrets to come to light so the next instalment is much awaited.
Her mother's appearance in her ghostly form is sweet too.
The three work together to enhance Jess's witchy skills, which in turn helps solve mysteries and perhaps aids in Jess and Brodie getting closer.
There are more secrets to come to light so the next instalment is much awaited.
May 10, 2023
Entertaining😊
A good story here and an easy read, though I thought it was more geared toward the heroine Jessica's development into her full powers as a witch and brewer of potions than focused on the mysterious death of a property developer.
Still, she's an adept multi tasker, working on her witch education and investigating a murder at the same time, plus trying to understand why her deceased mom was so insistent that young Jenny Winter remain integrally involved in running the store Jess inherited.
Plenty going on, snarky cat familiar to supply some good banter, and a local policeman who's seeming awfully interested in Jess😉. Yes, an entertaining, light cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
A good story here and an easy read, though I thought it was more geared toward the heroine Jessica's development into her full powers as a witch and brewer of potions than focused on the mysterious death of a property developer.
Still, she's an adept multi tasker, working on her witch education and investigating a murder at the same time, plus trying to understand why her deceased mom was so insistent that young Jenny Winter remain integrally involved in running the store Jess inherited.
Plenty going on, snarky cat familiar to supply some good banter, and a local policeman who's seeming awfully interested in Jess😉. Yes, an entertaining, light cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 22, 2023
This book is a delightful, quick, and cosy read, even though it's not the first in the series. At just 148 pages, it stands well as a standalone story. The characters, especially Jess and her chatty cat, are endearing. The plot and writing are enjoyable, making it an easy one-sitting read. While the mystery isn't particularly challenging to solve, it leaves room for curiosity about what will happen in the next instalment. Perfect for a rainy day, and I'll definitely grab the next book if it's on sale! A solid 4/5. 📚🔮😺
Find the full review here https://abookbythefire.wordpress.com/...
Find the full review here https://abookbythefire.wordpress.com/...
February 2, 2024
charm with a touch of sass
Jess is full of charm with plenty of sass and she’s not afraid to use it!
Jess is full of surprising talents, a baking savant who is learning to wield her latent witchy skills, run her now deceased moms potion shop, gently handle bubbly Jenny (the very eager the ah, overly enthusiastic assistant that came with the shop) put together clues and help police officer Fine solve a murder!
Add in talking with her deceased momma and Jess has an overflowing plate of to-do’s! Very well written and entertaining cozy mystery and an absolutely worthwhile read
Jess is full of charm with plenty of sass and she’s not afraid to use it!
Jess is full of surprising talents, a baking savant who is learning to wield her latent witchy skills, run her now deceased moms potion shop, gently handle bubbly Jenny (the very eager the ah, overly enthusiastic assistant that came with the shop) put together clues and help police officer Fine solve a murder!
Add in talking with her deceased momma and Jess has an overflowing plate of to-do’s! Very well written and entertaining cozy mystery and an absolutely worthwhile read
May 8, 2023
We're learning along with Jess more about the ins and outs of the magic and what she can do with it. A few more secrets are revealed. Although Jess doesn't like how secretive Maestro and Lissa can be about things that "she doesn't need to know yet," it tantalizes the reader into continuing. The mystery is straightforward and gives opportunities to show off more of Jess's developing skills. We get to learn more about Daphne and Jenny. Maestro is still my favorite character, though. The chicken and mushroom pie recipe at the end sounds wonderful.
May 13, 2023
This is a great second book to this series of books. Life continues on for Jess as she learns more about her powers, getting to understand and learn a bit more about her Mother and life in a small town. Maestro her cat familiar is still helping or annoying her depending on how you look at it and yet another murder which seems to draw her in. I have really enjoyed this book it was full of surprises and spell binding to read excuse the pun. I have always enjoyed the mystery around witches and the excitement of solving a murder and you get both with this book enjoy.
September 8, 2025
The New Jess
I liked the characters, they were so well created that they were able to come alive in my mind. It was probably a good thing that Jess constantly reminded the readers of her age because she certainly did not come across as being middle aged. Jenny was a bit off putting at times but became a bit more bearable and Maestro was typically "cat".
The storyline was engaging with a good balance of ordinary and witchy and, hence, held my interest until the end. Go ahead and read it for yourself!
I liked the characters, they were so well created that they were able to come alive in my mind. It was probably a good thing that Jess constantly reminded the readers of her age because she certainly did not come across as being middle aged. Jenny was a bit off putting at times but became a bit more bearable and Maestro was typically "cat".
The storyline was engaging with a good balance of ordinary and witchy and, hence, held my interest until the end. Go ahead and read it for yourself!
May 2, 2023
While the heading shows this as book 1 in the Midlife Potions series, it is, in fact, book 2 and just as entertaining as the first. Jess continues to come into her own witchy self as she faces yet another murder. Officer Fine, who would like to be more than just Officer Fine, is noticing her talents but doesn't seem to know what to make of them. Plenty of drama as our favorite characters, including her familiar Maestro, work to uncover the truth. Looking forward to book 3 in this series.
May 8, 2023
Witchy Hot Spells is an entertaining, twisty mystery. I am enjoying this world as Jess learns about her powers and other secrets. Jess' cat, Maestro, is one snarky familiar! In this well written book, Jess has to unravel the clues to the murderer but also clues to things that are being withheld by Maestro and Jess' mother. It is also interesting to see the romance brewing between Jess and Officer Fine. I was well entertained by this mystery and could not put the book down!
October 28, 2023
Fun Reading
This is a delightful, easygoing, and thoroughly entertaining book. Maestro and his unique charm make this story a must-read for cat enthusiasts, and it's an ideal choice for those seeking a light-hearted escape from the everyday. Be prepared to lose track of time as you dive into this charming world, and be equally prepared to eagerly await the next book in the series.
This is a delightful, easygoing, and thoroughly entertaining book. Maestro and his unique charm make this story a must-read for cat enthusiasts, and it's an ideal choice for those seeking a light-hearted escape from the everyday. Be prepared to lose track of time as you dive into this charming world, and be equally prepared to eagerly await the next book in the series.
November 22, 2024
Better than first in series
The characters are more rounded in the second book. I really believe both books should be one book. It is still light and fluffy to me, and I am not sure I will read the next in the series. I am not impelled to know more. The story itself kept my interest to the end, which was somewhat abrupt. I really didn't get enough information to believe the murderer did it.
The characters are more rounded in the second book. I really believe both books should be one book. It is still light and fluffy to me, and I am not sure I will read the next in the series. I am not impelled to know more. The story itself kept my interest to the end, which was somewhat abrupt. I really didn't get enough information to believe the murderer did it.
August 14, 2025
Not much of a story
Way too many secrets and you aren’t ready to know the answers yet. While secrets can keep the story interesting, it’s as if the MC is being deliberately left out with no good reason as to why. Yet things seem to be dependent on knowing the secrets. the frustration of not being good enough to know what is really happening gets very tiresome. It just seems like the author cannot provide a more fulfilling explanation and keep the series going.
Way too many secrets and you aren’t ready to know the answers yet. While secrets can keep the story interesting, it’s as if the MC is being deliberately left out with no good reason as to why. Yet things seem to be dependent on knowing the secrets. the frustration of not being good enough to know what is really happening gets very tiresome. It just seems like the author cannot provide a more fulfilling explanation and keep the series going.
May 20, 2024
This was a fun and enjoyable story. The main character is getting more used to being a witch and growing into her powers and the circumstances with her mother's friends are helping her to become a better investigator. The plot is straightforward, and the premise is finding out who killed the pushy developer and why. I definitely recommend this book.
June 20, 2024
Entertaining
Enticing read. Took awhile to get through as the pace is a little slow. The magic is nothing showy which would have added some zing to the script. Also, if the author reds this, please refrain from giving characters similar names. Jess and Jenny made it hard to keep them straight.
Enticing read. Took awhile to get through as the pace is a little slow. The magic is nothing showy which would have added some zing to the script. Also, if the author reds this, please refrain from giving characters similar names. Jess and Jenny made it hard to keep them straight.
July 12, 2023
Hot Flashes
This was a good read. I give the book 2thumbs up. The story line of the book keeps you wanting to keep turning the pages of the book to find out more about the story being told.
This was a good read. I give the book 2thumbs up. The story line of the book keeps you wanting to keep turning the pages of the book to find out more about the story being told.
July 14, 2023
Smell trouble
I am enjoying this witch series. It began with one witch and a familiar and grew to two witches in book 1. Of course, the new witch is just that. She is only now becoming aware of her abilities and how she can use them for the good of all.
I am enjoying this witch series. It began with one witch and a familiar and grew to two witches in book 1. Of course, the new witch is just that. She is only now becoming aware of her abilities and how she can use them for the good of all.
October 31, 2023
This was a very lame paranormal cozy. It had decent character with a typical grumpy familiar. What made this a little different was both her ghost of a mother and her familiar lied to her multiple times. The worst of it was it happened to be a multiple cliffhanger.
December 6, 2023
Digna secuela del primero. Y ya. Tiene las mismas bondades y los mismos problemas que el primero. Es lectura de biblioteca: para una vez y au, si eso. Leí este y el anterior porque me salieron gratis, pero no creo que pague por los siguientes. No me cunden.
March 8, 2024
A light whodunnit murder mystery solved by a new witch, her familiar and her ghost mother.
Enjoyable but slight. This is the second in the series. Not sure if I'll seek out others. It's fine, very undemanding which is sometimes just what is needed.
Enjoyable but slight. This is the second in the series. Not sure if I'll seek out others. It's fine, very undemanding which is sometimes just what is needed.
April 7, 2024
Did I enjoy this book... yes. Is it a masterpiece... no. I just find these books extremely quirky and comforting. I will definitely read the next one when I need something light and full of humor with a bit of mystery.
June 13, 2024
Witch Hot Spells book 2
Another excellent book in this series of stories. The characters are growing more interesting and more involved with each other. The magic is growing but not overwhelming. Looking forward to the next book.
Another excellent book in this series of stories. The characters are growing more interesting and more involved with each other. The magic is growing but not overwhelming. Looking forward to the next book.
December 3, 2024
Fun Series
Running her mother's potions store is not what this new witch wants to do with her life. But she is stuck. Her dead mother is a ghost, and they are finally working out their issues. Her mother insists on her daughter keeping the shop assistant who her mother hired. And there is another murder that needs to be solved. There is a lot happening in this book, which is just the way I like it.
Running her mother's potions store is not what this new witch wants to do with her life. But she is stuck. Her dead mother is a ghost, and they are finally working out their issues. Her mother insists on her daughter keeping the shop assistant who her mother hired. And there is another murder that needs to be solved. There is a lot happening in this book, which is just the way I like it.
August 14, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Witchy 'Hot' Spells as in hot flushes from menopause, not some interlaced smut storyline which I wasn't mad at 😂
It was an easy read, didn't have to think too hard, however I was expecting ALOT more witchy paranormal elements.
Witchy 'Hot' Spells as in hot flushes from menopause, not some interlaced smut storyline which I wasn't mad at 😂
It was an easy read, didn't have to think too hard, however I was expecting ALOT more witchy paranormal elements.
July 19, 2023
Quick read. Easy read. Perfect for the summer.
October 4, 2023
We never know!
Great story ! Great characters and loved the cat!! Getting the next book read!! Thank you for this great nystery!!
Great story ! Great characters and loved the cat!! Getting the next book read!! Thank you for this great nystery!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews