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Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife #1
Awakening the Witch
A paranormal women's fiction novel with Gen X attitude and a heart of gold.
Welcome to Hollywood Lakes, where the water is warm, the coffee is hot, and magic begins at midlife.
Shay Atwater is a talent manager in Hollywood with a knack for making dreams come true. But somehow, she's never quite found her own. At 44, she fears she's running out of time—especially in Hollywood where women of a certain age become invisible.
She needs a reset, and settling her grandmother’s estate is the perfect opportunity for a getaway to Hollywood Lakes, the idyllic town where she spent summers in childhood. But when her BFF, Avery, shows up begging to use her grandmother’s inn as a movie location, what’s meant to be a vacation turns into anything but.
Exploding lights and ghostly sounds ruin takes until the director threatens to shut down the shoot. Shay must find out what—or who—is wreaking havoc, and she’s betting the ancient spell book in the attic will help. If only she can figure out how to open it, she might just find the calling she's been seeking and awaken the witch within.
Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife is a coming-of-middle-age series filled with witchy adventures, ride-or-die friends, and slow-burn romance. (And wine. Lots of wine.)
Welcome to Hollywood Lakes, where the water is warm, the coffee is hot, and magic begins at midlife.
Shay Atwater is a talent manager in Hollywood with a knack for making dreams come true. But somehow, she's never quite found her own. At 44, she fears she's running out of time—especially in Hollywood where women of a certain age become invisible.
She needs a reset, and settling her grandmother’s estate is the perfect opportunity for a getaway to Hollywood Lakes, the idyllic town where she spent summers in childhood. But when her BFF, Avery, shows up begging to use her grandmother’s inn as a movie location, what’s meant to be a vacation turns into anything but.
Exploding lights and ghostly sounds ruin takes until the director threatens to shut down the shoot. Shay must find out what—or who—is wreaking havoc, and she’s betting the ancient spell book in the attic will help. If only she can figure out how to open it, she might just find the calling she's been seeking and awaken the witch within.
Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife is a coming-of-middle-age series filled with witchy adventures, ride-or-die friends, and slow-burn romance. (And wine. Lots of wine.)
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2023
480 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Christina Garner
22 books139 followersChristina Garner writes page-turning YA urban fantasy, witchy romance, and paranormal women’s fiction with women owning their power.
When she’s not dreaming up new characters and the worlds they inhabit, you’ll find her traveling, enjoying good food with great friends, and hiking the Hollywood Hills.
When she’s not dreaming up new characters and the worlds they inhabit, you’ll find her traveling, enjoying good food with great friends, and hiking the Hollywood Hills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 13, 2023
Great first story
Meeting Shay and friends, women closer to my age and experiencing an adventure, was great. They knew nothing of magic, nor that her family was an integral part of the magic at Hollywood Lakes. Until her childhood friends told her, she just knew some odd things were happening and her grandmother had a secret room in her inn.
Glad there wasn't a murder to solve but a disappearance that was Shay's big foray into magic and the deciding factor of her future. Sell the inn or keep it and be the new witch in town.
The story was fitting. Not sure how to explain it but one I could see myself reading again, and the rest of the books in the series.
Meeting Shay and friends, women closer to my age and experiencing an adventure, was great. They knew nothing of magic, nor that her family was an integral part of the magic at Hollywood Lakes. Until her childhood friends told her, she just knew some odd things were happening and her grandmother had a secret room in her inn.
Glad there wasn't a murder to solve but a disappearance that was Shay's big foray into magic and the deciding factor of her future. Sell the inn or keep it and be the new witch in town.
The story was fitting. Not sure how to explain it but one I could see myself reading again, and the rest of the books in the series.
August 26, 2024
Middle age is just the beginning
I enjoyed this small town women’s fiction novel with a side of magic and embracing middle age. It had a wonderful mix of sweet, real life issues, mysteries, and supernatural elements. Shay is a 45 year old Hollywood talent manager. She comes to Hollywood Lakes planning to pack up the mementos from her grandmother’s inn and get it ready to sell. What she does not realize is that she comes from a long line of word witches and she’s at the perfect age for her powers to awaken. Which they do once she’s back in town. But staying in the small town and running an inn is not part of her life plan. When her best friend shows up with a set-less film crew, she agrees to the use of the inn for filming causing chaos and a mystery that will require her to use her newly discovered powers. Now she just needs to figure out how to add working as a word witch in Hollywood Lakes into her life plan. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
I enjoyed this small town women’s fiction novel with a side of magic and embracing middle age. It had a wonderful mix of sweet, real life issues, mysteries, and supernatural elements. Shay is a 45 year old Hollywood talent manager. She comes to Hollywood Lakes planning to pack up the mementos from her grandmother’s inn and get it ready to sell. What she does not realize is that she comes from a long line of word witches and she’s at the perfect age for her powers to awaken. Which they do once she’s back in town. But staying in the small town and running an inn is not part of her life plan. When her best friend shows up with a set-less film crew, she agrees to the use of the inn for filming causing chaos and a mystery that will require her to use her newly discovered powers. Now she just needs to figure out how to add working as a word witch in Hollywood Lakes into her life plan. The story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
November 11, 2024
This was very entertaining with a very puzzling mystery. The characters were well done. I enjoyed the book and immediately ordered the seond book.
Amazon synopsis:
Shay Atwater is a talent manager in Hollywood with a knack for making dreams come true. But somehow, she's never quite found her own. At 44, she fears she's running out of time—especially in Hollywood where women of a certain age become invisible.
She needs a reset, and settling her grandmother's estate is the perfect opportunity for a getaway to Hollywood Lakes, the idyllic town where she spent summers in childhood. But when her BFF, Avery, shows up begging to use her grandmother's inn as a movie location, what's meant to be a vacation turns into anything but.
Exploding lights and ghostly sounds ruin takes until the director threatens to shut down the shoot. Shay must find out what—or who—is wreaking havoc, and she's betting the ancient spell book in the attic will help. If only she can figure out how to open it, she might just find the calling she's been seeking and awaken the witch within.
Amazon synopsis:
Shay Atwater is a talent manager in Hollywood with a knack for making dreams come true. But somehow, she's never quite found her own. At 44, she fears she's running out of time—especially in Hollywood where women of a certain age become invisible.
She needs a reset, and settling her grandmother's estate is the perfect opportunity for a getaway to Hollywood Lakes, the idyllic town where she spent summers in childhood. But when her BFF, Avery, shows up begging to use her grandmother's inn as a movie location, what's meant to be a vacation turns into anything but.
Exploding lights and ghostly sounds ruin takes until the director threatens to shut down the shoot. Shay must find out what—or who—is wreaking havoc, and she's betting the ancient spell book in the attic will help. If only she can figure out how to open it, she might just find the calling she's been seeking and awaken the witch within.
August 31, 2025
Awakening the Witch (Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife Book 1)
Awakening the Witch (Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife Book 1) ~ Christina Garner does a fantastic job introducing us to the magical midlife of Evie, who thought she was just another woman settling into her forties… until her world gets flipped upside down. I loved how Evie’s powers didn’t just appear overnight but instead built through little hints and surprising moments, making the reveal even more rewarding. The side characters—especially her quirky circle of friends and the mentor figure who nudges her into accepting her gifts—add so much humor and warmth. There’s danger, discovery, and a touch of romance brewing that kept me glued to the page. By the time the book ended, I couldn’t wait to see what color of magic Evie would uncover next. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I definitely recommend this book and series!
Awakening the Witch (Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife Book 1) ~ Christina Garner does a fantastic job introducing us to the magical midlife of Evie, who thought she was just another woman settling into her forties… until her world gets flipped upside down. I loved how Evie’s powers didn’t just appear overnight but instead built through little hints and surprising moments, making the reveal even more rewarding. The side characters—especially her quirky circle of friends and the mentor figure who nudges her into accepting her gifts—add so much humor and warmth. There’s danger, discovery, and a touch of romance brewing that kept me glued to the page. By the time the book ended, I couldn’t wait to see what color of magic Evie would uncover next. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I definitely recommend this book and series!
July 8, 2023
Slow start but, turned out to be a really good read.
For me, this book started slow and seemed to drag on initially. About midway it seemed to get better. The story got more interesting and seemed to envelope me. I really enjoyed Shay and the other characters immensely. Claire was fun as well! 5 out of 5 stars, it starts slow but, stick with it. It definitely gets better. I highly recommend this book.
For me, this book started slow and seemed to drag on initially. About midway it seemed to get better. The story got more interesting and seemed to envelope me. I really enjoyed Shay and the other characters immensely. Claire was fun as well! 5 out of 5 stars, it starts slow but, stick with it. It definitely gets better. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2024
I guess this is going to be a series about one witch. For some reason I thought it was going to be one of those three or so book series where each features a different witch. No matter. It was fine and I enjoyed it. It was fluffy. But if you are looking for romance, it's really not in this book. I guess it will come in the next book? This book is more about the witch business and magic and the female friendships, I guess.
November 6, 2023
Loved this book
This is all about the paranormal and magic world that surrounds us if only we would open our eyes to see and feel it. Populated with wonderful likeable characters awesome worldbuilding and a storyline that for once doesn't rely on a murder mystery to keep you turning pages more please, Baz.
This is all about the paranormal and magic world that surrounds us if only we would open our eyes to see and feel it. Populated with wonderful likeable characters awesome worldbuilding and a storyline that for once doesn't rely on a murder mystery to keep you turning pages more please, Baz.
November 9, 2023
Interesting PWF
I love this genre, being a mature widowed woman. I read a lot of cozy mysteries. There was no murder in this book, but it did have a very clever plotline. I loved the main characters and the blending of old with with the heroine's current best friend. I am going to start reading book 2 immediately.
I love this genre, being a mature widowed woman. I read a lot of cozy mysteries. There was no murder in this book, but it did have a very clever plotline. I loved the main characters and the blending of old with with the heroine's current best friend. I am going to start reading book 2 immediately.
June 18, 2024
When Shay returns to her grandmother's estate to settle things after her passing, she discovers new things about her grandmother and herself. Her old friends help her on her journey of self awakening to a family legacy of witchery. It is always entertaining when women of a certain age are featured and shown to be full of life and adventure.
September 10, 2024
Delightful
This was a delightful book about a midlife woman finding out there is more to who she is than she ever could have believed. It is about friendship that survived distance and time. It is about connections to those who have passed on.
What it is not is a romance story. Unlike the previous book, there was none, just a hint of what could be.
This was a delightful book about a midlife woman finding out there is more to who she is than she ever could have believed. It is about friendship that survived distance and time. It is about connections to those who have passed on.
What it is not is a romance story. Unlike the previous book, there was none, just a hint of what could be.
November 27, 2024
Solid cozy mid life with a dash of mystery
The first couple of chapters are a slow go, mostly due to references of past events with her childhood friends that make it seem like there is another book somewhere. But alas not that I could find. It then picked up, and was quite enjoyable as a midlife witch awakening cozy mystery. I expect a slow burn romance through the series.
The first couple of chapters are a slow go, mostly due to references of past events with her childhood friends that make it seem like there is another book somewhere. But alas not that I could find. It then picked up, and was quite enjoyable as a midlife witch awakening cozy mystery. I expect a slow burn romance through the series.
July 2, 2023
Excellent
I read this in one evening. I could not put the book down. I loved the characters and their relationships. The town of Hollywood Lakes and Shay's adventure of returning to the town and how that affects her. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I read this in one evening. I could not put the book down. I loved the characters and their relationships. The town of Hollywood Lakes and Shay's adventure of returning to the town and how that affects her. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
August 17, 2023
I had so much fun reading this book - could have easily gone for another 200 pages, at least. I hated to leave Shay and her friends (not to mention Hollywood Lakes) behind. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
September 18, 2023
a heartfelt read
This is a book about the possibility’s of magic and how it lives among us a story of common by into her own power as a word witch and all the intrigue with her friends and ghosts lots of laughs and some romance makes this a lovely easy read now for book 2 x
This is a book about the possibility’s of magic and how it lives among us a story of common by into her own power as a word witch and all the intrigue with her friends and ghosts lots of laughs and some romance makes this a lovely easy read now for book 2 x
October 29, 2023
Witch Perfection!
I loved this short witchy story. You can feel the love of nature in all its glory and it makes midlife an adventure and a joy. The epilogue was the best of wishes for all of us.
I loved this short witchy story. You can feel the love of nature in all its glory and it makes midlife an adventure and a joy. The epilogue was the best of wishes for all of us.
November 3, 2023
OMG Great Book
Such a well written book!!!! Delivered in an unique way concerning witches. The book demonstrates how all women are Empowered...witches or not. About time we all know it.
Such a well written book!!!! Delivered in an unique way concerning witches. The book demonstrates how all women are Empowered...witches or not. About time we all know it.
November 4, 2023
Fascinating story
While the basics of this book are similar to other PWF books, the actual story is unique and kept me fully engaged. Love series focused on “ride-or-die” friends. Looking forward to the next book.
While the basics of this book are similar to other PWF books, the actual story is unique and kept me fully engaged. Love series focused on “ride-or-die” friends. Looking forward to the next book.
November 5, 2023
Fun!
I enjoyed Awakening the Witch so much. It was mostly predictable but that's not a negative. I love the town and all the people and festivities as well as the characters. I recommend this to "witchy" readers
I enjoyed Awakening the Witch so much. It was mostly predictable but that's not a negative. I love the town and all the people and festivities as well as the characters. I recommend this to "witchy" readers
November 6, 2023
Awakening midlife
I really enjoyed this book ,it took the first two chapters to get going but it is worth it great characters world building and plot , I'm an now going to five into the next one can't wait ,a 5 stars for this book I recommend it
I really enjoyed this book ,it took the first two chapters to get going but it is worth it great characters world building and plot , I'm an now going to five into the next one can't wait ,a 5 stars for this book I recommend it
September 17, 2024
Fun and Easy
Christina Garner has solid win in this book. Fun characters join together in a story of friendship and change allowing this book to flow quickly . I'm looking forward to reading the next one .
Christina Garner has solid win in this book. Fun characters join together in a story of friendship and change allowing this book to flow quickly . I'm looking forward to reading the next one .
November 19, 2024
Fun Witchy Adventure
The characters were likeable and the story line left me wanting more. A bit of romance mixed in was the right bit of seasoning. A fun lightweight read. I liked it.
The characters were likeable and the story line left me wanting more. A bit of romance mixed in was the right bit of seasoning. A fun lightweight read. I liked it.
June 23, 2025
Slow start
and then ended strong. I liked it very much. I generally don’t like stories set in Hollywood and particularly in the movie industry but this one worked for me. I will keep reading
and then ended strong. I liked it very much. I generally don’t like stories set in Hollywood and particularly in the movie industry but this one worked for me. I will keep reading
July 12, 2023
Good story
It was a good story. I feel like I have read something similar before. And with that I wanted more. I wanted excitement and angst.
It was a good story. I feel like I have read something similar before. And with that I wanted more. I wanted excitement and angst.
July 14, 2023
Cozy Witch
Very Sweet, cozy read. It gives a Charmed/Good Witch feel that's very nostalgic in a way. Can't wait to read the next novel!
Very Sweet, cozy read. It gives a Charmed/Good Witch feel that's very nostalgic in a way. Can't wait to read the next novel!
July 18, 2023
Happy Feelings
I so enjoyed this story! Welcoming magic into your life, coming into your own power just awesome. Great people, lovely town I so want to visit. Highly recommend.
I so enjoyed this story! Welcoming magic into your life, coming into your own power just awesome. Great people, lovely town I so want to visit. Highly recommend.
July 19, 2023
Brilliant
I really enjoyed this fast paced paranormal tale. The characters are likable and the world building is excellent. I can't wait to see how the series shapes up
I really enjoyed this fast paced paranormal tale. The characters are likable and the world building is excellent. I can't wait to see how the series shapes up
July 25, 2023
Awesome book
Fast passed reading the story line flows it keeps your attention I enjoyed reading can't wait for the next book in this series
Fast passed reading the story line flows it keeps your attention I enjoyed reading can't wait for the next book in this series
September 14, 2023
Cute book.. really enjoyed reading it. Characters are funny and engaging. Looking forward to more of the shenanigans.
October 14, 2023
Midlife Magic
Loved this book! I can’t wait to read the next one! I only wish my midlife magic was as good!
Loved this book! I can’t wait to read the next one! I only wish my midlife magic was as good!
November 5, 2023
Awakening the Witch book 1
Well another great author that I have stumbled upon. This was a great story and I can't wait to see how the series of books grow in adventures.
Well another great author that I have stumbled upon. This was a great story and I can't wait to see how the series of books grow in adventures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews