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Welcome to Hollywood Lakes, where the water is warm, the coffee is hot, and magic begins at midlife.Since moving to Hollywood Lakes, Shay's life has been full of surprises—like the mysterious crow gifts she keeps finding on her porch and her childhood summer camp turning into a getaway for adults.It's all cocktails and crafts until Color Wars begins, and Shay learns her former nemesis is captain of the opposing team—even meaner now than she was then. Shay's determined to win...until word witch duty calls.A famous actor—and Shay's former client—disappears, threatening to derail the camp's success. Who's taken him and what do they want? And does it have something to do with the mysterious circle of oak trees at the forest's edge?Shay's about to learn that being the word witch isn't only fun and games because sometimes, midlife comes with faery strife.Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife is a coming-of-middle-age series filled with witchy adventures, ride-or-die friends, and a slow-burn romance. It's paranormal women's fiction with Gen X attitude and a heart of gold.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2023

205 people are currently reading
48 people want to read

About the author

Christina Garner

22 books138 followers
Christina 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.

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5 stars
204 (58%)
4 stars
109 (31%)
3 stars
34 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Rhonda Lother.
261 reviews
June 17, 2024
I am loving this series. There is no murder, and the protagonists are all likeable.

I was not prepared for Heather to be Finn's wife! UGH!!! I could not stand her in this book. I get that the necklace amped up her bad vibes, but still...I can imagine that's exactly how she was as a teenager. And honestly, I thought we were headed toward her being a bad witch who had stolen the necklace with ill intent. So I guess she wasn't as evil as I had her pegged, but still. It seemed a little out of character for her to suddenly sign the divorce papers, especially after the "What are you doing with my husband" comment. I know, I know...the necklace.

I'm glad that Finn and Shay finally have a date on the books, and I'm glad she's keeping the inn. I'm also glad Aiden came back from the faery realm, although I was surprised a week passed before Shay told him he had to keep it all a secret.

I love how the four friends work as a team and there are no petty jealousies and such. It's really an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2,027 reviews
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was a hard-to-solve mystery with some great characters. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.


Amazon synopsis:
Since moving to Hollywood Lakes, Shay's life has been full of surprises—like the mysterious crow gifts she keeps finding on her porch and her childhood summer camp turning into a getaway for adults.

It's all cocktails and crafts until Color Wars begins, and Shay learns her former nemesis is captain of the opposing team—even meaner now than she was then. Shay's determined to win...until word witch duty calls.

A famous actor—and Shay's former client—disappears, threatening to derail the camp's success. Who's taken him and what do they want? And does it have something to do with the mysterious circle of oak trees at the forest's edge?

Shay's about to learn that being the word witch isn't only fun and games because sometimes, midlife comes with faery strife.
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,683 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2025
Colors of the Witch (Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife Book 2)

Colors of the Witch (Hollywood Lakes Magical Midlife Book 2) ~ The second book in Shay’s journey is even better than the first! This time, she dives deeper into her powers, and I loved how Garner used the idea of “colors” of magic to show different strengths and challenges. Shay’s character growth really shines here—she’s no longer running from who she is, but instead figuring out how to own it. The friendships grow stronger, the romance thread gets even more interesting, and the villainous forces pressing in make the stakes feel very real. A certain magical showdown near the end was one of my favorite parts—I was holding my breath! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Shay is such a relatable heroine, and this series keeps getting better.
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
November 10, 2023
Good series

The Word Witch has accepted her responsibilities and now must figure out what to do. She knows she must meet with the heads of other paranormal peoples who have natural magic to share, but she does not know how. Everyone's magic in Hollywood Lakes is backfiring, so a solution is a priority. But an old friend needs help too, and an old nemesis is causing trouble. Lots going on in this book. It made for a faster pace and more interesting second book in series.
Profile Image for Jd.
672 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2025
More Antics

Shay is still struggling with being the word witch, but she has her friends by her side to assist where they can.
In this installment, there are more spells, faeries and camaraderie. This is a series with subtle romance. It is more about the magic of this town and solving evolving conflicts.
I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Profile Image for Linnette Parris.
1,592 reviews11 followers
November 5, 2023
Magical

I love this book. So many interesting elements to the story. The people and their relationships were my favorite part. So real but also fantastical. I always enjoy a love interest and this one is going to be fun to watch.
470 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2023
Great 2nd book

Read both the first book and this one today and was glad to find I enjoyed the 2nd book as much as the first. Love the focus on the friend group vs romance - although it seems like the romance may heat up in book 3. Looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Lori Kern.
247 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2023
Colors of the Witch

I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I really enjoy books that situations occur that the reader wouldn't expect. This book had lots of those situations.
428 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2024
Witch Rescues Friend from the Fae

I enjoyed this book. The mean girl who was meaner than her teen version, the actor who refuses to leave the fairy realm, the camp competitios, all had me reading faster than normal. This book was fun!
1 review
July 8, 2024
Excellent second book of the Hollywood Lakes Witches.

Wonderful, quick read. Very enjoyable. I love the friendship and magical creatures. Christina Garner weaves personalities and relationships into entertaining stories.
1,900 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2024
I love this series. It is always refreshing to see women living their lives and finding joy and self discovery. A change to participate in friendly competition with teenage rivals can only be fun, right?
7 reviews
September 19, 2024
Another win !!

Christina Garner has done it again!!! Colors of the witch continues to follow Shay as her life changes due to magic. Follow along as she meets magical creatures and attempts to restore order to the area in which she lives. This book was easy and fast to read.
33 reviews
February 26, 2025
Colors of the Witch - Delightful!

I thoroughly enjoyed Colors of the Witch. Christina Garner has quite the imagination and a way with words. The characters were well delineated and charming. I'm ready to see more of where they lead.
19 reviews
November 5, 2023
Witchy Woman

A cozy, sweet book. Interesting characters. Wish the magical Hollywood Lakes was real. I need a place like that. Peaceful.
Profile Image for Sam.
624 reviews4 followers
November 10, 2023
Great story

A great second book. Lots of excitement and an unexpected twist or two with funny moments and liable characters. Great read
1 review
November 17, 2023
Fun book

Great story, fun characters, and easy read. I like the mix of witch magic with the fairy world Can't wait for book three!
Profile Image for Alina.
79 reviews
January 2, 2025
I love the strong friendships
I'm going to continue the series asap
Profile Image for Denise.
1,465 reviews8 followers
February 19, 2025
Loved it!

I lost a lot of sleep not wanting to put the book down. I can't wait to get to the next story and see what the word witch is up to.
15 reviews
April 30, 2025
Easy reading with relatable characters. Cute anecdotal events and a CAT!!! What could be better?
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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