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Midlife Recorder #6
Market Forces in Gretna Green
OK, I admit it. I didn’t think it through when I kidnapped the king. But it seemed like a good idea at the time—even Rollo agreed.
Cut me some slack? The idiotic Galician emperor’s latest act of cowardice coming at the same time as the life changes my best mate was juggling—so badly—had thrown me off balance.
Aysha’s always been my rock. But now I can’t be hers because she doesn’t need a rock—other than to the head. She needs encouragement to make her own changes. Admittedly, Ad’Rian’s “teensy little spell” encouraged her more forcefully than I would ever have had the nerve to.
Because I've been busy myself. The Recorders' Office has had a problem for 400 years and I'm determined to fix it.
Before next weekend would be good.
That isn't as easy as it sounds because for the first time, I realised most of my confidence in my new role came from Dola. Now she’s not available for a few days, so I have to stand on my own feet and, much more worryingly, make my own coffee.
And coos are causing bedlam. Welcome to my world. Grab a drink—you’re going to need it.
This ongoing series should be read in order. It begins with book one, Midlife in Gretna Green.
Cut me some slack? The idiotic Galician emperor’s latest act of cowardice coming at the same time as the life changes my best mate was juggling—so badly—had thrown me off balance.
Aysha’s always been my rock. But now I can’t be hers because she doesn’t need a rock—other than to the head. She needs encouragement to make her own changes. Admittedly, Ad’Rian’s “teensy little spell” encouraged her more forcefully than I would ever have had the nerve to.
Because I've been busy myself. The Recorders' Office has had a problem for 400 years and I'm determined to fix it.
Before next weekend would be good.
That isn't as easy as it sounds because for the first time, I realised most of my confidence in my new role came from Dola. Now she’s not available for a few days, so I have to stand on my own feet and, much more worryingly, make my own coffee.
And coos are causing bedlam. Welcome to my world. Grab a drink—you’re going to need it.
This ongoing series should be read in order. It begins with book one, Midlife in Gretna Green.
770 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
590 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 504 reviews
November 18, 2024
Another warm, wonderful comfort read in a series that offers the very best of it all!
Yes, at 770 pages of nothing more than following Niki as she works out problems, deals with intractable royals and headstrong friends, one would think to be horrendously bored. In fact, the synopsis of the book could easily just read, “A month in the life of the Recorder”. That would have summed the entire book up in a nutshell. Because, quite honestly, there really isn’t anything huge or exciting throughout the entire tome.
I guess it is just the magic of the author’s ability to wind the reader around her finger and cozy them up with all the yummy, unique and creative minutia that allows us to enjoy every silly problem and crazy person so much that it feels like coming home to friends. And true friends are never too dull to adore!
Yes, at 770 pages of nothing more than following Niki as she works out problems, deals with intractable royals and headstrong friends, one would think to be horrendously bored. In fact, the synopsis of the book could easily just read, “A month in the life of the Recorder”. That would have summed the entire book up in a nutshell. Because, quite honestly, there really isn’t anything huge or exciting throughout the entire tome.
I guess it is just the magic of the author’s ability to wind the reader around her finger and cozy them up with all the yummy, unique and creative minutia that allows us to enjoy every silly problem and crazy person so much that it feels like coming home to friends. And true friends are never too dull to adore!
November 7, 2024
I really adore this series, and this new book was no exception. It is a fabulous cast of characters and overall gives me the warm fuzzies.
Some big revelations in this book, too, that were fascinating. And some misunderstandings cleared up.
That said, this book felt like a bridge book. Niki hammered out a couple of the major problems that have been on her list for the last couple books (the coos, my goodness!) and gave the realms a push to modernize their trade practices, and so it felt like tying up some loose ends so we can move forward into the next stage of her life as the Recorder - possibly sorting out the prophecy, what happened to Indigo, etc.
Really looking forward to the next!
Some big revelations in this book, too, that were fascinating. And some misunderstandings cleared up.
That said, this book felt like a bridge book. Niki hammered out a couple of the major problems that have been on her list for the last couple books (the coos, my goodness!) and gave the realms a push to modernize their trade practices, and so it felt like tying up some loose ends so we can move forward into the next stage of her life as the Recorder - possibly sorting out the prophecy, what happened to Indigo, etc.
Really looking forward to the next!
November 2, 2024
Fantastic
Ok, I've done nothing but read since I realised the book was finally available. (Sadly, 😜 a side effect of being retired is sometimes you're not aware which day or date it actually is unless you've set an electronic reminder.😉) Now I'm going to reread to enjoy all those nuances I so love in Linzi's books, which get lost in the rush to know what happens. It is a great story that met all my expectations. Loved the twists, turns and surpises in the story, and all those Northern snippets which make it such a joy for a Lancashire lass long removed from those environs. While it sometimes makes me long for those things, I love my life here but revel in the nostalgia the book engenders. A great read for anyone, which has made my life fuller and given me insights I hadn't realised I was lacking. Might reread the series from the beginning again, to really immerse myself in Gretna Green. No matter though, a great read which warms the heart and gives hope for the basic humanity of folk/beings.
Ok, I've done nothing but read since I realised the book was finally available. (Sadly, 😜 a side effect of being retired is sometimes you're not aware which day or date it actually is unless you've set an electronic reminder.😉) Now I'm going to reread to enjoy all those nuances I so love in Linzi's books, which get lost in the rush to know what happens. It is a great story that met all my expectations. Loved the twists, turns and surpises in the story, and all those Northern snippets which make it such a joy for a Lancashire lass long removed from those environs. While it sometimes makes me long for those things, I love my life here but revel in the nostalgia the book engenders. A great read for anyone, which has made my life fuller and given me insights I hadn't realised I was lacking. Might reread the series from the beginning again, to really immerse myself in Gretna Green. No matter though, a great read which warms the heart and gives hope for the basic humanity of folk/beings.
February 3, 2025
Another absolutely delightful read in this series. It’s always wonderful returning to the lives of these characters.
January 4, 2025
I really love a modern world/fantasy book where magic, dragons, fae, cell phones, and technology coexist.
I'm sad there are no more books to read yet. I've enjoyed each one and look forward to the 3 more that are planned.
I almost quit reading the first book. The character and new world building are always the hardest for me. I'm so glad I stuck it out. Each book has been better than the last!
I'm sad there are no more books to read yet. I've enjoyed each one and look forward to the 3 more that are planned.
I almost quit reading the first book. The character and new world building are always the hardest for me. I'm so glad I stuck it out. Each book has been better than the last!
December 12, 2024
This was another excellent book. I love Niki and her adventures. And I love her bond with Rollo. So much was answered. Yet so much remains to be explored. I really want a diagram of the Gateway.
February 9, 2025
XXXX????XXXX that is me screaming!! I finished what I thought was the last book in the series, and throught I was going to rip mhy vocal cords!!!!!
Then, at the end, I see there is another book coming in the series. Phew!!! I feel like I have been reading straight through the past 3 days. 2 nights I read until 5:30 a.m before myd brain crashed.
Ding ding ding ding!!!d
This series is beyond awesome, it is spectacular. Niki/Recorder goes from total ignorance and a Boss from Hades, into someone who has transforms both herself and the entire Realm. I lurve [a.k.a. ultimate love] Dola, which is the House. Between the two of them, they grow together to become Xena and Excaliber.
I laughed. I cried. I laughed again. I made strange laughing sounds, I took my E-reader whenever I had to leave the house and *swear to God* read which in the drive through to pick up my meds, more than once thought I would need to start using Depends because I could not put the book down.
This book is actually #7!!!
I would turn off the light, pull up my covers, say my prayers, and then I was going back over what I had been reading, turned the light back on and read until I hit the end of the book. Then I would download the next in the series and make myself turn the light off, pull up the covers and often I'd say my prayers again, because I'd forgotten I'd already said them. [Yeah, I know, nutz, but that's what happend.]
THEN the next morning, coffee in hand, I would start the nest book. I had to set an alarm to make me put the book down, fill/empty the dish washer, make sure there was nothing my daughter could gripe about when she got home, and then went back to my book. Rinse and Repeat.
Ok, I now see that this review is all about me and my personal relationship with this series - yes, I meant to say that. But this is up there with Herbert's DUNE & CJ Cherrhy's Faded Sun. I realize I can read faster than Linzi Day can wright the next book, but please, God, I love these people, this premis, the Realms, the Royals, the Fae --- all of it. And I swear on The Anvil you will love it too.
Ok, now I am going to cheat and put this whole review on Book #1. Read it, and I bet you can't read just one.
Then, at the end, I see there is another book coming in the series. Phew!!! I feel like I have been reading straight through the past 3 days. 2 nights I read until 5:30 a.m before myd brain crashed.
Ding ding ding ding!!!d
This series is beyond awesome, it is spectacular. Niki/Recorder goes from total ignorance and a Boss from Hades, into someone who has transforms both herself and the entire Realm. I lurve [a.k.a. ultimate love] Dola, which is the House. Between the two of them, they grow together to become Xena and Excaliber.
I laughed. I cried. I laughed again. I made strange laughing sounds, I took my E-reader whenever I had to leave the house and *swear to God* read which in the drive through to pick up my meds, more than once thought I would need to start using Depends because I could not put the book down.
This book is actually #7!!!
I would turn off the light, pull up my covers, say my prayers, and then I was going back over what I had been reading, turned the light back on and read until I hit the end of the book. Then I would download the next in the series and make myself turn the light off, pull up the covers and often I'd say my prayers again, because I'd forgotten I'd already said them. [Yeah, I know, nutz, but that's what happend.]
THEN the next morning, coffee in hand, I would start the nest book. I had to set an alarm to make me put the book down, fill/empty the dish washer, make sure there was nothing my daughter could gripe about when she got home, and then went back to my book. Rinse and Repeat.
Ok, I now see that this review is all about me and my personal relationship with this series - yes, I meant to say that. But this is up there with Herbert's DUNE & CJ Cherrhy's Faded Sun. I realize I can read faster than Linzi Day can wright the next book, but please, God, I love these people, this premis, the Realms, the Royals, the Fae --- all of it. And I swear on The Anvil you will love it too.
Ok, now I am going to cheat and put this whole review on Book #1. Read it, and I bet you can't read just one.
November 2, 2024
Good
This book continues Nikki’s adventures as the newly minted recorder.
This time she’s trying to fulfill her goal of fixing the trade issues of the realms, and it’s not an easy job considering the hidebound attitudes of the rulers of those realms.
In addition to that, her best friend Shay is acting up, Autumn has some issues, and one or two of her new friends seem to have their own share of problems.
It’s a thoroughly entertaining read, and it answers a number of questions that fans of the series have, with a few very interesting revelations!
An enjoyable fantasy series, this is a fun read for those paranormal women’s fiction fans that like their heroines to be a little more mature, and love their fantasy to be a cosy slice of life.
This book continues Nikki’s adventures as the newly minted recorder.
This time she’s trying to fulfill her goal of fixing the trade issues of the realms, and it’s not an easy job considering the hidebound attitudes of the rulers of those realms.
In addition to that, her best friend Shay is acting up, Autumn has some issues, and one or two of her new friends seem to have their own share of problems.
It’s a thoroughly entertaining read, and it answers a number of questions that fans of the series have, with a few very interesting revelations!
An enjoyable fantasy series, this is a fun read for those paranormal women’s fiction fans that like their heroines to be a little more mature, and love their fantasy to be a cosy slice of life.
December 26, 2024
Another hit!
This series is complex and multi-layered, tons of fun and even the bad days only lat so long. The main character has an overall sunny disposition that isn't Pollyanna-ish, the main love interest is an actual person rather than the one dimensional facade I've seen in other series (which is fine, sometimes that works), and the side characters are all engaging. The author makes the realms live, and I highly recommend the entire series.
This series is complex and multi-layered, tons of fun and even the bad days only lat so long. The main character has an overall sunny disposition that isn't Pollyanna-ish, the main love interest is an actual person rather than the one dimensional facade I've seen in other series (which is fine, sometimes that works), and the side characters are all engaging. The author makes the realms live, and I highly recommend the entire series.
November 3, 2024
Just keep getting better
The subtle imagery that growing up isn't just for children is one of my favourite parts of these books. Every one has been fabulous and fun, and they just keep getting better.
The subtle imagery that growing up isn't just for children is one of my favourite parts of these books. Every one has been fabulous and fun, and they just keep getting better.
December 26, 2024
Was worth the wait. Although HUGE at 751 pages, you don't notice it's that long and Ms. Day always leaves you ready for the next book! Can't wait for #7.....
Only quibble I had was with the print - some of the pages in the version I got via Amazon had white streaks down the middle, erasing one letter per line. I could figure out most of them, but Amazon, PLEASE do better.
Only quibble I had was with the print - some of the pages in the version I got via Amazon had white streaks down the middle, erasing one letter per line. I could figure out most of them, but Amazon, PLEASE do better.
December 18, 2024
Honestly this is currently the series I go to when I can't find anything else to read, and that's ok.
December 3, 2024
2.5 stars
That book felt like a nice interlude, a frame story of sorts, pleasant, low key, and fragmented. There is no main plot at all, although there are several disconnected subplots. Mabon and the dragonets. Aysha and Autumn. Dola and her development. Each one of them could be removed from the book and serve as a novella in its own right. We spent a few quiet weeks with Niki, meet many of her old friends, but nothing of any import happens on the book's 700 pages. Overall: somewhat a disappointment.
That book felt like a nice interlude, a frame story of sorts, pleasant, low key, and fragmented. There is no main plot at all, although there are several disconnected subplots. Mabon and the dragonets. Aysha and Autumn. Dola and her development. Each one of them could be removed from the book and serve as a novella in its own right. We spent a few quiet weeks with Niki, meet many of her old friends, but nothing of any import happens on the book's 700 pages. Overall: somewhat a disappointment.
November 14, 2025
Absolutely delightful crack! I'm sad I've come to the end of published books… but I guess I'll just have to start again from the beginning and savor the experience. Love love love!
January 7, 2025
I have loved this series up until this book. And it breaks my heart to say this, but I just don't like Niki anymore. She really thinks she's the bees knees now and has lost any humility she used to have. I don't mean she has to go back to a sniveling mess who allows herself to be walked on. But she's arrogant in this book, and it really turns me off. Any of the other characters who disagree with her are described in her inner dialog as an idiot, or stupid, or some other negative adjective. Her internal dialogue when Fi was crying really turned me off.
I'm not sure what it is with this genre of books, but quite often, when the new-to-magic-forty/fifty-woman finds her magic, she is no longer an agreeable person. She becomes a tyrant. Everyone is stupid. Her ideas are the only smart or right ones. It's just annoying.
And for eff sake, spare me the psychological corporate America crap about doing something at work to push someone out of their comfort zone "for someone's good." Enough with the mind games already.
Griping aside, I will try to read the next book, but only because I am in awe of the universe that Ms. Day has created. The characters are so real, her descriptions are so clear I can practically see the characters or places or events in front of me.
I just want Niki to get off her high horse and be likeable again. Women can be powerful and still be kind. I've worked for many women like that and admire them greatly.
I'm not sure what it is with this genre of books, but quite often, when the new-to-magic-forty/fifty-woman finds her magic, she is no longer an agreeable person. She becomes a tyrant. Everyone is stupid. Her ideas are the only smart or right ones. It's just annoying.
And for eff sake, spare me the psychological corporate America crap about doing something at work to push someone out of their comfort zone "for someone's good." Enough with the mind games already.
Griping aside, I will try to read the next book, but only because I am in awe of the universe that Ms. Day has created. The characters are so real, her descriptions are so clear I can practically see the characters or places or events in front of me.
I just want Niki to get off her high horse and be likeable again. Women can be powerful and still be kind. I've worked for many women like that and admire them greatly.
November 10, 2024
Market Forces by Linzi Day
Another terrific book by Day. I love this series! It’s book 8 though and these really need to be read in order, so start with Midlife in Gretna Green.
Here’s a part of my review of the first book in the series.
When widowed Niki McKnight learns that her Gran has passed away and left her the house, she heads to Gretna Green in Scotland to tidy things up and put the house on the market. When she gets there though, she not only finds that there’s a clause in the will requiring her to live in the house for a year and a day before she can sell it, but also that her grandmother was a Recorder tasked with managing the Gateway and that she had magic which Niki has also inherited along with the house, the job, and a collection of not all that helpful assistants.
This is a really fun a cozy urban fantasy with a talking cat, a sentient house (Yay - my favorite!), mysterious sudden magic, and portals to other realms.
Not all of the books in the series are as cozy as the first, but this one is. All the books feature competent, caring people trying to solve problems with magic and smart solutions. There is romance and it was one of my favorite parts of this book - seeing a settled, healthy relationship. It was an extremely comforting read this week.
Another terrific book by Day. I love this series! It’s book 8 though and these really need to be read in order, so start with Midlife in Gretna Green.
Here’s a part of my review of the first book in the series.
When widowed Niki McKnight learns that her Gran has passed away and left her the house, she heads to Gretna Green in Scotland to tidy things up and put the house on the market. When she gets there though, she not only finds that there’s a clause in the will requiring her to live in the house for a year and a day before she can sell it, but also that her grandmother was a Recorder tasked with managing the Gateway and that she had magic which Niki has also inherited along with the house, the job, and a collection of not all that helpful assistants.
This is a really fun a cozy urban fantasy with a talking cat, a sentient house (Yay - my favorite!), mysterious sudden magic, and portals to other realms.
Not all of the books in the series are as cozy as the first, but this one is. All the books feature competent, caring people trying to solve problems with magic and smart solutions. There is romance and it was one of my favorite parts of this book - seeing a settled, healthy relationship. It was an extremely comforting read this week.
July 18, 2025
4.25⭐️
I fought myself hard not to read this book. Mostly because it seems like we will not be getting the next installment in this series by the end of the year. And also because I thought the topic of trade might not keep my interest. Well I was wrong wasn't I. While this book did have an underlying plot of the Recorder and Niki trying to make it better for the realms in terms of trade, I think this book was mostly about change and how that is the one constant. About making new friends and keeping old ones even when they are being difficult as everything is changing around them. After a glut of Rollo and Niki content in the last book and a half, I missed seeing them together for most of the book. But they still made time for one another and I can be happy with that.
We are also slowly getting to know some things that are adding to the overarching prophecy that is teased every book and also some things about a few characters origins (albeit vaguely). Here's to hoping we get the rest of the 4 books (in the planned 10 part series) soon, especially the next one as I am now anxious to see Alphonse put in his place for his rudeness and to learn about the religion in Galicia and have an answer to some questions placed in front of us in this book.
I fought myself hard not to read this book. Mostly because it seems like we will not be getting the next installment in this series by the end of the year. And also because I thought the topic of trade might not keep my interest. Well I was wrong wasn't I. While this book did have an underlying plot of the Recorder and Niki trying to make it better for the realms in terms of trade, I think this book was mostly about change and how that is the one constant. About making new friends and keeping old ones even when they are being difficult as everything is changing around them. After a glut of Rollo and Niki content in the last book and a half, I missed seeing them together for most of the book. But they still made time for one another and I can be happy with that.
We are also slowly getting to know some things that are adding to the overarching prophecy that is teased every book and also some things about a few characters origins (albeit vaguely). Here's to hoping we get the rest of the 4 books (in the planned 10 part series) soon, especially the next one as I am now anxious to see Alphonse put in his place for his rudeness and to learn about the religion in Galicia and have an answer to some questions placed in front of us in this book.
November 9, 2024
Forward progress buried in bureaucracy
While I do love all the Midlife in Gretna Green books, this one kind of reads as the series's version of paperwork - necessary but slow and no one is really happy about it. There is a bunch of forward progress as Niki and her team continue to drag the people of the Gateway into the future by the back of their cloak collars (unwillingly with lots of whining), but as the title implies, this book involves a lot of nitty gritty bureaucracy and planning, and not a lot of action. There's everything else - banter, humor, found family, romance (but happily not much mushiness), exploring, coos, dragons, surprises, explosions - but if you are looking for non-stop action and highstake trials... you might be disappointed.
I personally didn't mind though because we often don't get to see all the countless nitty gritty bits that make for Actual Change, though it did make me a little morose at the complete lack of Forward Progress going on in the real world. -sigh- It was even kind of a relaxing breather from my typical literary diet of twisty mysteries and action packed urban fantasies.
While I do love all the Midlife in Gretna Green books, this one kind of reads as the series's version of paperwork - necessary but slow and no one is really happy about it. There is a bunch of forward progress as Niki and her team continue to drag the people of the Gateway into the future by the back of their cloak collars (unwillingly with lots of whining), but as the title implies, this book involves a lot of nitty gritty bureaucracy and planning, and not a lot of action. There's everything else - banter, humor, found family, romance (but happily not much mushiness), exploring, coos, dragons, surprises, explosions - but if you are looking for non-stop action and highstake trials... you might be disappointed.
I personally didn't mind though because we often don't get to see all the countless nitty gritty bits that make for Actual Change, though it did make me a little morose at the complete lack of Forward Progress going on in the real world. -sigh- It was even kind of a relaxing breather from my typical literary diet of twisty mysteries and action packed urban fantasies.
December 5, 2024
Well, that was disappointing!
Now it is not Nikki who is constantly missing something, but me.
The story is full of conversations that are oh so important, but are not finished, in the middle of which people walk away, do other things or pay attention to nonsense. But there are so many things going on that are not finished. Apparently all sorts of people have important information, but they don't get together and talk about it properly so that it becomes clear to everyone involved.
This makes it an incredibly irritating story, where you feel you have to keep an eye on what's going on and what's missing and not getting the whole picture at any time.
That was the case in the previous books, but then it was always Nikkie: 'I'm missing something'.
That was irritating, but understandable.
Now it's just irritating.
A very messy story, with people behaving unlikely, strange conversations and a lot of pedantry.
The second half is better, more story. But not really very interesting, except for that it is comfortable to be in that world and easy to read. I like the series, but I wouldn't recommend them based on this book - the first ones are better.
After 6 books I must say I'm glad I do not know Nikki irl. We would not be friends.
And why she insists on calling Rhiannon 'Rhi-rhi' when Rhiannon doesn't like that is beyond me. I don't think Rhiannon is a real life sort of character, but that could maybe be because she is a dragon.
Now it is not Nikki who is constantly missing something, but me.
The story is full of conversations that are oh so important, but are not finished, in the middle of which people walk away, do other things or pay attention to nonsense. But there are so many things going on that are not finished. Apparently all sorts of people have important information, but they don't get together and talk about it properly so that it becomes clear to everyone involved.
This makes it an incredibly irritating story, where you feel you have to keep an eye on what's going on and what's missing and not getting the whole picture at any time.
That was the case in the previous books, but then it was always Nikkie: 'I'm missing something'.
That was irritating, but understandable.
Now it's just irritating.
A very messy story, with people behaving unlikely, strange conversations and a lot of pedantry.
The second half is better, more story. But not really very interesting, except for that it is comfortable to be in that world and easy to read. I like the series, but I wouldn't recommend them based on this book - the first ones are better.
After 6 books I must say I'm glad I do not know Nikki irl. We would not be friends.
And why she insists on calling Rhiannon 'Rhi-rhi' when Rhiannon doesn't like that is beyond me. I don't think Rhiannon is a real life sort of character, but that could maybe be because she is a dragon.
December 11, 2024
Wow that was a super fun read!!! I love ❤ the Gretna Green series and the characters who populate the small town. Let's start with Dola the 1400 year old sentient magical house, whose really just now beginning to understand what it is to be alive! There's HRH, Her Royal Highness, a Cat Goddess and her magic! And then there's Niki, The Lady, and Recorder with her own special magic... But by no means is that where it stops! There's also the magic the Kings and Queens possess over their own Realms.
You need to grab the book to find out why trade good are so important to all the Realms. So yeah, grab onto the fun!
There were so many great quotes not necessarily amusing, but they were brilliant:
"Her reading choices were as varied as my own. From old much-loved fantasy like Anne McCaffrey and Lois McMasters Bujold to the newer Anne Bishop tales. A personal favourite, a full set of the Discworld novels moved through to classic science fiction and space opera—goodness, she even had Nathan Lowell’s books. The woman really had excellent taste.
You need to grab the book to find out why trade good are so important to all the Realms. So yeah, grab onto the fun!
There were so many great quotes not necessarily amusing, but they were brilliant:
"Her reading choices were as varied as my own. From old much-loved fantasy like Anne McCaffrey and Lois McMasters Bujold to the newer Anne Bishop tales. A personal favourite, a full set of the Discworld novels moved through to classic science fiction and space opera—goodness, she even had Nathan Lowell’s books. The woman really had excellent taste.
December 13, 2024
Ms Day is incredibly creative. This is not the first series I've read involving a midlife "Coming of age" scenario in which a mature person discovers their relationship to magic, underlying forces that impact our world, and their relationships to other people-ish beings. It IS, however heart-warmingly hugable and crazily creative. This creative flavor is evident throughout, but as an example, Dola's family development was a creative stretch that I could never have imagined. The challenges faced by the central character are those faced by every one of us that have been thrust into an unexpected leadership role or immersion into a totally unanticipated cultural shift. The heroine is definitely aided by some magical ability, but it is not the ultimate answer - rather it is her growing leadership skills and personal courage that are paramount. The first person narrative allows for some very amusing asides and conveys fears and hopes nicely. I recommend the entire series to anyone that enjoys a good hug or a good puzzle.
February 4, 2025
Niki’s story continues to make me laugh and think as I learn more about Gretna Green. The series has been fun because it is full of medieval storylines and magic, but it is wonderfully connected to modern life and technology! This book brings the latest connections as the Realms update to modern marketing. This fantasy series continues to surprise me and usually by book 4 in a series I’ve grown bored with the characters and the storylines. When the sentient house demonstrates her growth in this book I was truly surprised!! I’m making a mess of this review because it is not linear nor does it describe the story. Sorry, here’s what I recommend…
Read this series if you love fantasy and worlds juxtaposed interestingly. Read this series if you would enjoy a departure from the young, coming of age main characters. Read this if you enjoy seeing how different cultures get along and certainly read this if you enjoy humor and wit. This series has all of this and more to keep you entertained and that is one reason why I love reading.
Read this series if you love fantasy and worlds juxtaposed interestingly. Read this series if you would enjoy a departure from the young, coming of age main characters. Read this if you enjoy seeing how different cultures get along and certainly read this if you enjoy humor and wit. This series has all of this and more to keep you entertained and that is one reason why I love reading.
November 3, 2024
Once again, a marvelous entry in this series!
So thrilled to have read (Midlife Recorder Book7) Market Forces in Gretna Green. It absolutely did not disappoint in any way. Of course, I devoured it in a day, which means I will definitely have to reread it slower to savoir all the lovely nuances.
With new members of the Recorder's staff, new characters, and more character development of continuing characters, it is so much fun to go back to the previous novels to compare what we thought would happen to what actually does happen.
Huge kudos to Ms Day for writing both characters and story that compel us to keep reading. Niki's personal growth and magical growth feels both real and organic. And the interpersonal relationships between the characters continues to grow despite the constant addition of characters. I feel nothing in the growth of the plot has been overlooked. And I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series already.
So thrilled to have read (Midlife Recorder Book7) Market Forces in Gretna Green. It absolutely did not disappoint in any way. Of course, I devoured it in a day, which means I will definitely have to reread it slower to savoir all the lovely nuances.
With new members of the Recorder's staff, new characters, and more character development of continuing characters, it is so much fun to go back to the previous novels to compare what we thought would happen to what actually does happen.
Huge kudos to Ms Day for writing both characters and story that compel us to keep reading. Niki's personal growth and magical growth feels both real and organic. And the interpersonal relationships between the characters continues to grow despite the constant addition of characters. I feel nothing in the growth of the plot has been overlooked. And I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series already.
November 4, 2024
A wonderful read of growth, understanding, magic, mysteries and laughter
This series of books is such an utter joy to read. A main female character in midlife, who has only just begun to truly live and oh boy, is she making up for lost time. Niki has to drag The Realms into the present, rather than the distant past. Trade, dragons, best friend dramas, a team growing in size and in personal growth, a very special arrival, magic and so much more…not forgetting those darn coos!
There is so much character development, not only from Niki, but from those around her too. We learn more about The Gateway, The Realms and those who inhabit them. There are so many magical moments and plenty of laughter.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. It is no wonder that Linzi has such devoted fans, with books so well written, so many intricately woven threads and characters that you cannot help but be invested in.
This series of books is such an utter joy to read. A main female character in midlife, who has only just begun to truly live and oh boy, is she making up for lost time. Niki has to drag The Realms into the present, rather than the distant past. Trade, dragons, best friend dramas, a team growing in size and in personal growth, a very special arrival, magic and so much more…not forgetting those darn coos!
There is so much character development, not only from Niki, but from those around her too. We learn more about The Gateway, The Realms and those who inhabit them. There are so many magical moments and plenty of laughter.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. It is no wonder that Linzi has such devoted fans, with books so well written, so many intricately woven threads and characters that you cannot help but be invested in.
November 10, 2024
Another great instalment 💖
This is a long book, but it didn’t feel it was as I was so caught up in all the ins and outs of, well, everything! It’s not just Rollo bonded with Niki, I think I have too and am riding along in her head 😆 feeling all the things with her, the happiness, sadness, confusion, frustration and annoyance (yes, I’m looking at you there Aysha!). There’s some unexpected events (Cassie!), some forward movement towards the realms joining the 21st century, some personal growth for a few characters and a hint towards us knowing more about indigo and HRH 🤔 plus an intriguing ending! All in all there was a lot going on and, happily for me and all the other readers invested in this series, a lot more to come 😁
Highly recommend these books, but you will need to start from the first one 📚
This is a long book, but it didn’t feel it was as I was so caught up in all the ins and outs of, well, everything! It’s not just Rollo bonded with Niki, I think I have too and am riding along in her head 😆 feeling all the things with her, the happiness, sadness, confusion, frustration and annoyance (yes, I’m looking at you there Aysha!). There’s some unexpected events (Cassie!), some forward movement towards the realms joining the 21st century, some personal growth for a few characters and a hint towards us knowing more about indigo and HRH 🤔 plus an intriguing ending! All in all there was a lot going on and, happily for me and all the other readers invested in this series, a lot more to come 😁
Highly recommend these books, but you will need to start from the first one 📚
November 26, 2024
Such a GEM
Very few authors keep as enthralled as Linzi does. I read ALL of these in a week because I could NOT put them down. I have no words for how well written these books are. I would kill to become a beta reader. They have so mch depth to the characters and while the storyline is a whirlwind from the start, (which grabs you by the imagination and won’t let go) the attention to details, character development, are all just… breathtaking. There are some small minor editing details, but that is me being picky… Honestly, I am so in love with these books I am struggling to even find the right words to convey how deeply they affected me. Finding an author like this, on par with Robin Hobb or KF Breene is a miracle. Buy them. And do not forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can read the in between stories. They are adorable too!
Very few authors keep as enthralled as Linzi does. I read ALL of these in a week because I could NOT put them down. I have no words for how well written these books are. I would kill to become a beta reader. They have so mch depth to the characters and while the storyline is a whirlwind from the start, (which grabs you by the imagination and won’t let go) the attention to details, character development, are all just… breathtaking. There are some small minor editing details, but that is me being picky… Honestly, I am so in love with these books I am struggling to even find the right words to convey how deeply they affected me. Finding an author like this, on par with Robin Hobb or KF Breene is a miracle. Buy them. And do not forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can read the in between stories. They are adorable too!
December 10, 2024
Linzi Day resolves, creates, and continues several different plot lines in this latest contribution to the Midlife in Gretna Green series. Day continues to develop the series characters, and they continue to amuse. I like that there’s an internal sort of logic to the magic in the realms. I have to say I am more than impatient waiting for the next book. This is one of those series that make you look forward to the next book, but regret that it’s coming because you know that the series is limited, and that we are nearing the end (0 books in the series.)
I will continue to take little mental vacations in the Realms by rereading all of the books in the series published so far. I highly recommend the series to anyone who likes characters who question themselves, find answers, work it out, rinse, and repeat with a new question.
I will continue to take little mental vacations in the Realms by rereading all of the books in the series published so far. I highly recommend the series to anyone who likes characters who question themselves, find answers, work it out, rinse, and repeat with a new question.
February 3, 2025
There's so much going on that it can be hard to keep track of plot threads and characters. I still don't understand the artifact on the anvil or Caitlin's box. Shouldn't there be some kind of restriction for using the timey wimey power? That said, I love the characters and premise so am looking forward to what happens next.
April 30, 2025
BIrgit Wright Reads a lot.
When you can’t change for the sake of tradition, there is no way forward, that is what the Gateway is dealing with now, all the Realms need to up their game with trade, everyone everywhere needs to earn their keep, but when ok’d ways stop paying. New ideas need to be hammered down and expectations turned on their heads. Niki has been growing her team of forward thinking associates and they are going to Rock the Realm’s World. Not one to believe she can do it all herself, she shows how many minds can make the world turn. Really waiting now for the Story of Orange, I’ve got ideas, I’m sure they will be rendered moot, but too am willing to learn. While I wait for Linzi Day to release her next Volume, I’ll have to keep busy reading all the new authors I have learned of through the scintilating dialogue.
When you can’t change for the sake of tradition, there is no way forward, that is what the Gateway is dealing with now, all the Realms need to up their game with trade, everyone everywhere needs to earn their keep, but when ok’d ways stop paying. New ideas need to be hammered down and expectations turned on their heads. Niki has been growing her team of forward thinking associates and they are going to Rock the Realm’s World. Not one to believe she can do it all herself, she shows how many minds can make the world turn. Really waiting now for the Story of Orange, I’ve got ideas, I’m sure they will be rendered moot, but too am willing to learn. While I wait for Linzi Day to release her next Volume, I’ll have to keep busy reading all the new authors I have learned of through the scintilating dialogue.
November 16, 2024
This book is fantastic! This whole series is amazing and each book gets better. I couldn't put it down for two days and I hated to finish it! Linzi Day has created an amazing world with phenomenal characters and great stories. As with all the previous books in the series, Market Forces is well-written, funny, and full of magic and mayhem! The plots are complex and the characters and kingdoms are fascinating. I enjoy watching the main characters develop and grow. I enthusiastically recommend this series as one of the best I've ever read!
Amazon synopsis:
OK, I admit it. I didn’t think it through when I kidnapped the king. But it seemed like a good idea at the time—even Rollo agreed.
Cut me some slack? The idiotic Galician emperor’s latest act of cowardice coming at the same time as the life changes my best mate was juggling—so badly—had thrown me off balance.
Aysha’s always been my rock. But now I can’t be hers because she doesn’t need a rock—other than to the head. She needs encouragement to make her own changes. Admittedly, Ad’Rian’s “teensy little spell” encouraged her more forcefully than I would ever have had the nerve to.
Because I've been busy myself. The Recorders' Office has had a problem for 400 years and I'm determined to fix it.
Before next weekend would be good.
That isn't as easy as it sounds because for the first time, I realised most of my confidence in my new role came from Dola. Now she’s not available for a few days, so I have to stand on my own feet and, much more worryingly, make my own coffee.
And the coos are causing bedlam. Welcome to my world. Grab a drink—you’re going to need it.
Amazon synopsis:
OK, I admit it. I didn’t think it through when I kidnapped the king. But it seemed like a good idea at the time—even Rollo agreed.
Cut me some slack? The idiotic Galician emperor’s latest act of cowardice coming at the same time as the life changes my best mate was juggling—so badly—had thrown me off balance.
Aysha’s always been my rock. But now I can’t be hers because she doesn’t need a rock—other than to the head. She needs encouragement to make her own changes. Admittedly, Ad’Rian’s “teensy little spell” encouraged her more forcefully than I would ever have had the nerve to.
Because I've been busy myself. The Recorders' Office has had a problem for 400 years and I'm determined to fix it.
Before next weekend would be good.
That isn't as easy as it sounds because for the first time, I realised most of my confidence in my new role came from Dola. Now she’s not available for a few days, so I have to stand on my own feet and, much more worryingly, make my own coffee.
And the coos are causing bedlam. Welcome to my world. Grab a drink—you’re going to need it.
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