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Midlife Mysteries & Magic #49
Fruit of Magical Freedom
When Fiona, Violet, and Aislinn are sent on a globetrotting adventure to track down the elusive Garden of Eden, it quickly becomes clear that no one has done more than the Backside of Forty Coven to redefine midlife magic and style.
Chaos threatens to erupt if the coven can't find the sacred garden and its forbidden fruit, but these wise witches are up to the task of locating the legendary produce. Armed with spells, sarcasm, and a few extra pounds, the trio embarks on a quest that spans continents, facing off against rivals and guardians. From ancient ruins to modern metropolises, they chase clues, battle foes, and even find time for a spa day, because saving the world doesn't always require giving up self-care.
But beware! These bewitching babes aren't the only ones hunting for the ultimate prize. As they traverse exotic locales and explore archaic mysteries, they encounter adversaries who will stop at nothing to claim the forbidden fruit first.
Can the Backside of Forty coven beat the competition and secure the secrets of Eden, or will they discover that some fruits are best left forbidden? Grab your broomsticks and join these sassy sorceresses for a hilarious and hair-raising escapade where magic meets midlife and the quest for immortality takes an unexpected twist!
Chaos threatens to erupt if the coven can't find the sacred garden and its forbidden fruit, but these wise witches are up to the task of locating the legendary produce. Armed with spells, sarcasm, and a few extra pounds, the trio embarks on a quest that spans continents, facing off against rivals and guardians. From ancient ruins to modern metropolises, they chase clues, battle foes, and even find time for a spa day, because saving the world doesn't always require giving up self-care.
But beware! These bewitching babes aren't the only ones hunting for the ultimate prize. As they traverse exotic locales and explore archaic mysteries, they encounter adversaries who will stop at nothing to claim the forbidden fruit first.
Can the Backside of Forty coven beat the competition and secure the secrets of Eden, or will they discover that some fruits are best left forbidden? Grab your broomsticks and join these sassy sorceresses for a hilarious and hair-raising escapade where magic meets midlife and the quest for immortality takes an unexpected twist!
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
187 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Trim
356 books766 followersBrenda's Paranormal Women's Fiction
Mystical Midlife in Maine Series
1. Magical Makeover
2. Laugh Lines & Lost Things
3. Hellmouth & Hot Flashes
4. Holidays With Hades
5. Saggy But Witty in Crescent City
6. Nasty Curses & Big Purses
7. Fae Forged Axes & Chin Waxes
8. Demonic Stones & Creaky Bones
9. Underworld Frights & Sleepless Nights
10. Pixie Dust & Brain Rust
11. Magical Hands & Silver Strands
12. Deadly Quips & Furry Lips
13. Enchanted Tattoos & Lost Fools
14. Shady Secrets & Sun Spots
Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Series
1. Packing Serious Magical Mojo
2. Cadaver On Canal Street
3. Seances & Second Line Parades
4. French Quarter Fae
5. King's Day Magical Mischief
6. Etou-Fae The Hard Way
7. Hurricanes, Heros & Hail Marys
8. Royal Street Romp
9. Levees, Lost Crowns & Loa
10. Mud Bugs & Cherished Hugs
11. Creole Dishes & Deadly Wishes
Brenda's Paranormal Romance Books
DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE SERIES
1. Dream Warrior
2. Mystik Warrior
3. Pemas Storm
4. Isis Betrayal
5. Deviant Warrior
6. Suvi's Revenge
7. Scarred Warrior
8. Hellbound Warrior
9. Isobel
10. Rogue Warrior
11. Shattered Warrior
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 13, 2025
This is book nineteen of the Midlife Witchery series and the Backside of Forty coven, aka Fiona, Aislinn, and Violet, are called into help when some children start to have unnatural surges of magic. Their investigations soon lead them to a shadowy seller in the magical market, who has been giving apples to children, and they find these have come from the very tree in the Garden of Eden that tempted Adam and Eve. Whilst the fruit may give immense power to the person who eats it, it also carries with it a horrible curse that can overload the user, causing their death. Someone is experimenting with innocent children, but to what purpose, is unknown. The trio must track down the seller and see if he can lead them to the location of the Garden of Eden, which had been magically hidden away eons ago, to avoid such temptation. Their second trip to the market sees them accosted by a group of warlocks, easily recognised as such due to their long dark cloaks. It won’t be the last time they come across this group, as it seems they are tracking the trio’s every move. Their spouses are not happy to see them off on yet another dangerous mission into the unknown, but this is the life they now have, and someone has to stop the bad guys from taking over the world!
The trial leads the through a long-abandoned gate to the market, to an ancient crypt with a magical Guardian who questions the truth of their words and actions, before allowing them to continue. They are told they must locate the garden itself, if they are to have any chance of stopping the children being corrupted by the fruit and destroyed by the power it gave them. They must ask the knowlharvesters in the Omniscientica (the Library of All Knowledge) for help and access to their library of extensive books and scrolls but may not be welcome after their last visit! Their research leads them to Egypt and the tombs of the pharaohs, as well as a trip to somewhere in South America, probably in the Amazon. A vital key will help to unlock the garden and allow them to enter without the curse being activated upon them Their shadowy foes are following them and hard to get rid of, as they seek to keep magic from the mundanes all around them. Another tomb brings them a map and leads them to a location in the Amazon Basin, where a Fae friend of Bas’, is waiting to help lead them to the location on the map. They have been warned that the path is treacherous and there will be dangerous tests and perils along the way, but they use their usual humour to cover up any worries and fatigue.
More spirit guardians are on the path to the garden, seeking to check the trio’s reason for travelling to the garden and as they near it, their guide, Cael, must be left behind. Fiona’s gruff and sarcastic tone don’t go down quite as well with the next guardians, a griffin, a dragon and a sphinx, who warn them that many may have entered the garden they seek, but none have left it as they arrived, with many never leaving it without being sent mad! When they reach the garden, they use the key they uncovered to open the gate and hopefully stop the curse from taking them out. Somehow, the warlocks are right behind them and manage to gain access through the same opening and start to throw about dark energy and magic to stop them gaining power. The warlocks even tell the trio to pick the fruit from the tree and give it to them, to avoid the curse upon themselves. Not that the Backside of Forty will do as they request. Another battle commences and some fancy spellwork helps them to ensure the Garden of Eden is not destroyed by the warlocks dark magic, but also allows them to move it. The head warlock is really powerful and manages to grab its essence from Fiona and they have to now track the warlocks through the jungle and try to find out what their evil plans and where they will be carrying them out. Time to call in reinforcements as they find themselves outnumbered in the warlocks evil lair and battling to ensure the warlocks do not succeed in gaining unstoppable power, which would enable them to take over the world, if they manage to complete their ritual. The trio and their mates must put a stop to the ritual and ensure these warlocks can no longer be a danger to anyone else every again. Only they can ensure the Garden of Eden is placed in a safe location with the relic keeper and its fruits no longer posing a threat to the children of local witches. This case takes the trio to far flung parts of the world and sees them facing off against a group of dark warlocks, tested by Guardians to ensure they are seeking the garden for the right purpose, and tested to the extremes of their magic and stamina against every obstacle in their path. Loads of action along the way in this never ending journey to save some children from evil and the dangerous corruption of the tempting fruit and its powers.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The trial leads the through a long-abandoned gate to the market, to an ancient crypt with a magical Guardian who questions the truth of their words and actions, before allowing them to continue. They are told they must locate the garden itself, if they are to have any chance of stopping the children being corrupted by the fruit and destroyed by the power it gave them. They must ask the knowlharvesters in the Omniscientica (the Library of All Knowledge) for help and access to their library of extensive books and scrolls but may not be welcome after their last visit! Their research leads them to Egypt and the tombs of the pharaohs, as well as a trip to somewhere in South America, probably in the Amazon. A vital key will help to unlock the garden and allow them to enter without the curse being activated upon them Their shadowy foes are following them and hard to get rid of, as they seek to keep magic from the mundanes all around them. Another tomb brings them a map and leads them to a location in the Amazon Basin, where a Fae friend of Bas’, is waiting to help lead them to the location on the map. They have been warned that the path is treacherous and there will be dangerous tests and perils along the way, but they use their usual humour to cover up any worries and fatigue.
More spirit guardians are on the path to the garden, seeking to check the trio’s reason for travelling to the garden and as they near it, their guide, Cael, must be left behind. Fiona’s gruff and sarcastic tone don’t go down quite as well with the next guardians, a griffin, a dragon and a sphinx, who warn them that many may have entered the garden they seek, but none have left it as they arrived, with many never leaving it without being sent mad! When they reach the garden, they use the key they uncovered to open the gate and hopefully stop the curse from taking them out. Somehow, the warlocks are right behind them and manage to gain access through the same opening and start to throw about dark energy and magic to stop them gaining power. The warlocks even tell the trio to pick the fruit from the tree and give it to them, to avoid the curse upon themselves. Not that the Backside of Forty will do as they request. Another battle commences and some fancy spellwork helps them to ensure the Garden of Eden is not destroyed by the warlocks dark magic, but also allows them to move it. The head warlock is really powerful and manages to grab its essence from Fiona and they have to now track the warlocks through the jungle and try to find out what their evil plans and where they will be carrying them out. Time to call in reinforcements as they find themselves outnumbered in the warlocks evil lair and battling to ensure the warlocks do not succeed in gaining unstoppable power, which would enable them to take over the world, if they manage to complete their ritual. The trio and their mates must put a stop to the ritual and ensure these warlocks can no longer be a danger to anyone else every again. Only they can ensure the Garden of Eden is placed in a safe location with the relic keeper and its fruits no longer posing a threat to the children of local witches. This case takes the trio to far flung parts of the world and sees them facing off against a group of dark warlocks, tested by Guardians to ensure they are seeking the garden for the right purpose, and tested to the extremes of their magic and stamina against every obstacle in their path. Loads of action along the way in this never ending journey to save some children from evil and the dangerous corruption of the tempting fruit and its powers.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 12, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Brenda Trim’s Fruit of Magical Freedom is a delightful mix of midlife wisdom, magical hijinks, and globe-trotting adventure. This 50th installment in the Midlife Mysteries & Magic series showcases everything readers love about Fiona, Violet, and Aislinn, with a fresh twist that takes their antics to an epic new level.
The hunt for the legendary Garden of Eden and its forbidden fruit is the perfect setup for this sassy coven. From the very first page, the witty banter, clever spells, and vibrant personalities of the trio leap off the page. Trim doesn’t just write about magic; she weaves it into the fabric of these dynamic, relatable characters. Their insecurities and strengths—along with their unapologetic love for a good spa day—make them feel like old friends you’d want to join for coffee and a cauldron chat.
The plot is a rollercoaster of intrigue, with the perfect balance of humor and high stakes. Whether they're deciphering ancient clues, fending off adversaries, or casting spells with flair, every twist in their quest adds a layer of excitement. The settings are richly described, whisking readers from mystical ruins to bustling cities, each location bursting with magical ambiance.
What truly makes this book shine is its celebration of midlife. These witches embrace their experiences, their curves, and their unapologetically fabulous selves, redefining what it means to wield power—both magical and personal—at any age.
If you’re a fan of stories with smart, fearless heroines, laugh-out-loud humor, and a hearty dose of enchantment, Fruit of Magical Freedom is a must-read. Whether you’ve been following the series or are jumping in for the first time, this hilarious and heartwarming tale will leave you spellbound. The Backside of Forty Coven proves that the best adventures—and the juiciest fruits—are worth chasing, no matter where life takes you.
Brenda Trim’s Fruit of Magical Freedom is a delightful mix of midlife wisdom, magical hijinks, and globe-trotting adventure. This 50th installment in the Midlife Mysteries & Magic series showcases everything readers love about Fiona, Violet, and Aislinn, with a fresh twist that takes their antics to an epic new level.
The hunt for the legendary Garden of Eden and its forbidden fruit is the perfect setup for this sassy coven. From the very first page, the witty banter, clever spells, and vibrant personalities of the trio leap off the page. Trim doesn’t just write about magic; she weaves it into the fabric of these dynamic, relatable characters. Their insecurities and strengths—along with their unapologetic love for a good spa day—make them feel like old friends you’d want to join for coffee and a cauldron chat.
The plot is a rollercoaster of intrigue, with the perfect balance of humor and high stakes. Whether they're deciphering ancient clues, fending off adversaries, or casting spells with flair, every twist in their quest adds a layer of excitement. The settings are richly described, whisking readers from mystical ruins to bustling cities, each location bursting with magical ambiance.
What truly makes this book shine is its celebration of midlife. These witches embrace their experiences, their curves, and their unapologetically fabulous selves, redefining what it means to wield power—both magical and personal—at any age.
If you’re a fan of stories with smart, fearless heroines, laugh-out-loud humor, and a hearty dose of enchantment, Fruit of Magical Freedom is a must-read. Whether you’ve been following the series or are jumping in for the first time, this hilarious and heartwarming tale will leave you spellbound. The Backside of Forty Coven proves that the best adventures—and the juiciest fruits—are worth chasing, no matter where life takes you.
January 5, 2025
Fiona, Violet and Aislinn are back and they have work to do that is absolutely amazing and freaky to say the least! This time around they are dealing with apples… from where? You’ll see! The Backside of Forty are on the case and having to deal with a multitude of mischief and mayhem in this book. A ridiculous amount. Seriously! I needed my AC on and I began chewing on my nails almost immediately. Children with powers going haywire. That is terribly scary. As they follow the clues, I got more and more upset as I learned the ramifications for failure. Failure was not an option for BoF. No way. They never give up. They may fail in the short term, but they always fight back until they get the job done. So much happens in the book. I felt a lot like their mates- Bas, Thanos and Argies = worried and upset and didn’t want to be left behind. I love those couples and don’t get me started on Kallie. However, she and Grams aren’t in the book much to my chagrin- not like they usually are.
The magic battles in this book are mind boggling and awesome. I literally became a bit nauseated in a few parts from worry. BoF are so snarky and hilarious when they have their one liners. I love them and I can’t wait to see what they get into next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The magic battles in this book are mind boggling and awesome. I literally became a bit nauseated in a few parts from worry. BoF are so snarky and hilarious when they have their one liners. I love them and I can’t wait to see what they get into next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2024
Snakes in the Garden with Magical Sights
Violet, Aisling and Fiona are tasked with finding the cause of magic gone awry especially with some of the children. Turns out, a mysterious individual is handing out delicious looking fruit which is enchanted.
In uncovering the individual and the enchanted fruit, it appears the fruit is from the Garden of Eden and can corrupt the magic of the person eating it.
The team, along with Cael and Bas, take on dark magic warlocks, the search for the Garden of Eden and, when they cast a protection spell, the Garden is taken on another adventure that tests their skills.
Somewhat interesting story although it kind of loses it's excitement pretty quickly. Needless to say, it's a fun read.
Violet, Aisling and Fiona are tasked with finding the cause of magic gone awry especially with some of the children. Turns out, a mysterious individual is handing out delicious looking fruit which is enchanted.
In uncovering the individual and the enchanted fruit, it appears the fruit is from the Garden of Eden and can corrupt the magic of the person eating it.
The team, along with Cael and Bas, take on dark magic warlocks, the search for the Garden of Eden and, when they cast a protection spell, the Garden is taken on another adventure that tests their skills.
Somewhat interesting story although it kind of loses it's excitement pretty quickly. Needless to say, it's a fun read.
January 3, 2025
A trek across the world to find apples and Eden
The beginning was very peaceful and I kept waiting on edge for something to go askew in the beginning! Glad they got a peaceful spa day for once! After that was like diving off a cliff in the deep sea, feet first into their next adventure and it is a high speed chase the whole time! Twists and turns abound and mystery after mystery, trial after trial and then skulking after the bad guys. Each battle is huge, requiring lots of energy and tons of smarts and wit! Good thing the Back Side of 40 is best at things when running out of options and in tight spots! They win another battle, outwit the bad guys and live to see another day!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The beginning was very peaceful and I kept waiting on edge for something to go askew in the beginning! Glad they got a peaceful spa day for once! After that was like diving off a cliff in the deep sea, feet first into their next adventure and it is a high speed chase the whole time! Twists and turns abound and mystery after mystery, trial after trial and then skulking after the bad guys. Each battle is huge, requiring lots of energy and tons of smarts and wit! Good thing the Back Side of 40 is best at things when running out of options and in tight spots! They win another battle, outwit the bad guys and live to see another day!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2024
The BoF go on the hunt for the Garden of Eden. Someone is targeting children with apples from the garden. Unfortunately, a group of warlocks is also trying to find the Garden in order to steal its power. The search will take them on an arduous journey from desert to jungle to ocean.
I must admit, the sea voyage almost did me in. It just felt like it went on forever, and that was after the long jungle trek. I don't know about the BoF, but I was exhausted! It was nice to be back with Fiona, Aislinn, and Violet. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I must admit, the sea voyage almost did me in. It just felt like it went on forever, and that was after the long jungle trek. I don't know about the BoF, but I was exhausted! It was nice to be back with Fiona, Aislinn, and Violet. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 2, 2025
These gals have a lot on their plates, and every time they turn around another enemy is in pursuit! Time to save the paranormal world again... I was intrigued by the fruit's origins and the result of the spell on it. I was extremely glad that the Mates came to help out, I enjoy their involvement. This si an amazing series and this book was on par. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I have read all previous books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I have read all previous books in this series.
January 6, 2025
Garden of Eden Mystery
Tight spots, low on options, and a magical mystery bring the Backside of Forty coven into the Garden of Eden. This was an intriguing read with great moments and unique characters navigating through a tense and exciting adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tight spots, low on options, and a magical mystery bring the Backside of Forty coven into the Garden of Eden. This was an intriguing read with great moments and unique characters navigating through a tense and exciting adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2025
Fruit of Magical Freedom: Midlife Witchery Book 50 in the Midlife Mysteries & Magic series by Brenda Trim is a fantastic story! The ladies are back and better than ever!! An abundance of snarky sarcasm, witty banter and sisterhood, you will absolutely love this story!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2025
I have been provided with a review copy of Fruit of Magical Freedom from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving an impartial review. This story was just so compelling. I was just immediately in the mix with these characters. I just had a fantastic time reading this story and I really enjoyed getting to see these characters' journey. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.
December 12, 2024
It was alright but I had trouble getting into it. To much fighting. I just couldn't get into it. Just Took me to long to read didn't draw my attention.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2025
Brilliant Series
Fruit of Magical Freedom: Midlife Witchery (Midlife Mysteries & Magic Book 49) by Brenda Trim. A threat to The Garden Of Eden has Fiona, Violet and Aislinn racing round the world to stop it.
Fruit of Magical Freedom: Midlife Witchery (Midlife Mysteries & Magic Book 49) by Brenda Trim. A threat to The Garden Of Eden has Fiona, Violet and Aislinn racing round the world to stop it.
July 17, 2025
Write faster
That is a joke. Can you ma inybe put in a recap of the previous book. They are usually far enough apart that I need a reminder of what the girls accomplish. THANK you
That is a joke. Can you ma inybe put in a recap of the previous book. They are usually far enough apart that I need a reminder of what the girls accomplish. THANK you
December 31, 2024
I love this series
I cannot wait for more midlife witchery books to come out I love reading about the backside of forty adventures
I cannot wait for more midlife witchery books to come out I love reading about the backside of forty adventures
January 6, 2025
Great story
Loved it, the ladies are back again better than ever. I highly recommend this series and book. Luv the sarcasm, dry wit and togetherness. Of The backside of forty
Loved it, the ladies are back again better than ever. I highly recommend this series and book. Luv the sarcasm, dry wit and togetherness. Of The backside of forty
October 17, 2025
Another good story!!
This was a really good story and I can't wait for the next one in the series!! Filled with witches and magic, warlocs and evil, friendship and love.
This was a really good story and I can't wait for the next one in the series!! Filled with witches and magic, warlocs and evil, friendship and love.
January 11, 2025
Absolutely loved this story.
Excellent storyline for Fiona, Violet, and Aislinn. They have to track down the Garden of Eden and keep it out of the hands of the evil ones. This one is a rollercoaster of a ride. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of this book. Full of magic, epic battles, proving themselves they are worthy to the guardians, just an overall excellent story.
The author outdid herself with this book. So much adventure and it kept my interest where I didn't want to put the book down.
Highly recommend.
Excellent storyline for Fiona, Violet, and Aislinn. They have to track down the Garden of Eden and keep it out of the hands of the evil ones. This one is a rollercoaster of a ride. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of this book. Full of magic, epic battles, proving themselves they are worthy to the guardians, just an overall excellent story.
The author outdid herself with this book. So much adventure and it kept my interest where I didn't want to put the book down.
Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews