Poltergeists & Change of Life

Midlife Mysteries & Magic #51

by Brenda Trim

Is there ever a typical day in my life? Not with dark magic, ghostly invasions, and impending motherhood on the agenda...

Hi, I'm Phoebe, and my weekend plans just got hijacked by a rogue poltergeist and a supernatural flower-picking expedition. Here's the deal: Persephone has a plan that might just save me and my triplets, but it involves my spouse braving the Underworld to snag a Shadow Orchid -- because apparently our garden variety geraniums just won't cut it.

While my hubby plays hero, I'm stuck dealing with a spectral nightmare named Hattie who has decided my home is the perfect new haunt. And let me be clear that she is not the friendly ghost type. To top it off, my belly is growing faster than my fear of supernatural entities (and that's saying something), and my family's idea of emotional support involves throwing magic spells and herbal teas at every problem.

Just when we think we've got it all under control, Hattie turns my house into Poltergeist Central. Now, with Aidon and my in-laws locked out, it's up to me and my motley crew of magical misfits to fend off dark forces, save my skin, and brew up a storm.

Literally, not just metaphorically.

Grab your popcorn and your protective talismans (or both) and settle in for a tale of magic, mayhem, and maternity. This chapter in my life is proving to be an extra-bumpy ride!

Genres: Supernatural

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2025

About the author

Brenda'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

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book fifteen of the Mystical Midlife in Maine and continues the story of Pheobe and her triplets, who have been put in danger by the dark magic injury to her spleen in their fight against the dark witch Lyra. To counteract the injury and keep all of her triplets safe, her mother-in-law Persephone has plans to make a potion, but the ingredients are rare and hard to come by. Pheobe’s husband Aidon must travel to the Underworld for a rare flower and Phoebe must stay home, where wards have been increased to keep any dangers away. All of her friends, Stella, Tseki, Layla, Selene, Mythia and Murtagh are there as well as her daughter Nina, her mother and her Nana, to support her and help get the rest of the ingredients ready for Persephone. They need to prepare the sanctum to allow Persephone’s magic without it fighting against her, since the house has been used by Phoebe, the last Pleiades and Hattie, the previous one. Pixie Mythia will check there are no holes in the wards, along with the rest of her people, whilst her other friends would handle any calls to the hotline. A disturbance in the woods means something has gotten past the wards and when they go to investigate, they find the spectral image of Hattie Silva, and she isn’t happy to see them! It seems Hattie has come back as a poltergeist, a violent spirit, even though her grave was highly warded. Nana can smell the trickery of Lyra on this, and they are going to have to figure out how to stop Hattie, as she is now a path for Lyra to get on the grounds. Even Tarja, Hattie and now Phoebe’s familiar, doesn’t know how they can help Hattie, with so much dark magic twisting what she once was and making her so dangerous to them all, but especially to Phoebe and her triplets. The dark magic is corrupting Hattie, so she will be harder to bring back to herself as every minute goes by. Some ancient magic has been used, and it will take more than their previous poltergeist spell to undo this.

Soon they discover Hattie has been bound to her former home by Lyra, to cause chaos for them, using some sort of dark artifact. They need to find this artifact and break its hold on Hattie, before their home is destroyed by Hattie’s vengeful poltergeist. Hattie’s emotions from her early days are feeding the pain and anger of her poltergeist now. Lyra turns up to use Hattie to take the Pleiades power from Phoebe for herself, something she has wanted for years. She started to corrupt Hattie well before she was the Pleiades and that has made it easy for her to intrude past Phoebe’s wards, through Hattie. But finding the artifact won’t prove to be as easy as it sounds, with a poltergeist controlled by Lyra able to create chaos and turmoil in her house. The triplets help out at odd times with their magic, from inside Phoebe’s belly and after Aidon’s second trip back to the Underworld, he returns with his sister Melinoe to give them all a hand. They find evidence that Lyra is not working on her own and those behind her have even more drastic plans for their worlds, than they could ever have imagined. Nana is her usual sarcastic self when faced with any guardians trying to stop them gaining important information, using her sarcasm as a weapon! The group of friends and family members will have to travel to a few far-flung places, as they aim to find ways to stop Lyra and revert Hattie to her former undead and peaceful state, whilst also uncovering most ancient plots connected to Lyra’s plans. Nothing will be easy as Phoebe reaches her seventh month of pregnancy with her triplets, and she often finds herself locked into single battle as Lyra locks out her friends and family. Thankfully her triplets are starting to learn some very useful defensive skills and adding their magic to hers when she needs that extra oomph!

They will achieve part of their agenda in the battle to stop Lyra and her dark magic plans, but she has access to much more powerful and ancient knowledge, which Phoebe has gained some visions of, and she won’t be as easy to stop as they had hoped. The story will continue in the next book, as they face yet another magical problem, they need to solve no doubt, and I look forward to reading it. Each of the characters has their own strengths and they combine in different ways to ensure Phoebe can have her triplets safely and that her role as Pleiades is fulfilled. Always great fun to see what happens each time and how they manage to survive yet more danger. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe is the fated mate of Aiden, the son of Persephone and Hades. They didn't like that she was with their son but they are fated so when she was in the underworld they gave her a boost to become pregnant. Now here she is pregnant and with an injured spleen caused by dark magic. They came with a cure but it comes with risks.It has effects that are unpredictable. It could harm her or her triplets. Aidon is going to need to journey to the underworld to optain a shadow orchid which the potion needs. After saying their byes he leaves. Now everyone else needs to do what is necessary. Persephone needs the sanctum cleared. Phoebe is a Pleiades as was the witch before her so the Sanctum needs to be cleansed well. While they are doing that Hades will search to find as much as he can about the potion and it's risks. They also need to keep their guard up. With her down Lyra will try her best to cause havoc just to get to her and finish the job she started.They have a few days of just relaxing when one of the guards comes to tell them something is happening. They all go to find out what. They find Phoebe's mentor and friend carousing around but she looks maleviolent. Tarja her familiar tells her that whatever Lyra's using is old and dark and dangerous. It has taken the spirit of her mentor and bent it towards the dark side of magic. NOw they need to find what that could be to help their friend and stop Lyra.
Then Aiden returns with all the ingredients and the potion is made. It works but she stills to rest to let if fully heal her. But time is of the essence. They have to find a way to stop Lyra and save her mentor's goodness. Then they find that Lyra has bound her mentor to the house and to a pocket realm. Lyra's dark magic and her evil have gone beyond everything they could imagine. Her mentor is redecorating her whole house and not in the good way. They find a book and start to read it in between battles with her mentor's ghost. Aiden goes to get his mother hoping she'll be able to help.
Now they have to break two bindings...to the house and to the pocket realm. In the meantime the antics of the ghost keeps ramping up. Will they be able to stop the haunting and destruction in time before Phoebe's life becomes endangered?
A fast paced, heart racing story with the Pleiades sisters and their semi crazy family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe's life in Poltergeists & Change of Life is nothing short of chaotic—dark magic, ghosts, pregnancy, and a husband who’s suddenly playing hero in the Underworld. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Brenda Trim delivers another entertaining, magical installment in the Mystical Midlife in Maine series, and I couldn't put this one down.

Phoebe, the magical, kick-ass protagonist we've come to love, is dealing with her usual blend of humorous chaos, but this time it’s got an extra layer of supernatural stress. With triplets on the way, the last thing she needs is a rogue poltergeist—enter Hattie, a ghost with a knack for turning Phoebe’s home into a literal battlefield. But when Hattie’s not flinging objects, Phoebe’s in full-on hero mode herself, using her magical powers and sharp wit to hold things together.

What really makes this series shine is the dynamic between Phoebe and her magical family. AIdon, her devoted (if occasionally overwhelmed) husband, is off trying to save the day in the Underworld, making this an even wilder adventure for Phoebe. Their relationship adds a rich layer of humor and heart to the story, and I couldn’t get enough of their interactions. And, of course, there’s the ever-present mix of magic, mishaps, and the kind of family support that only comes with a spell or two thrown in for good measure.

What I adored most about Poltergeists & Change of Life was the perfect blend of humor, heart, and magical mayhem. The pacing was just right, keeping the plot lively and fun without ever feeling too rushed. The stakes were high—Pregnancy, a haunted house, and a trip to the Underworld are no small feat—but Phoebe faces everything with her signature charm and determination.

If you’ve been following Phoebe’s journey, this book is a delightful continuation of her story. And if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat! Poltergeists & Change of Life is a wild, magical ride with just the right amount of humor and heart to keep you hooked from start to finish.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A hilarious and magical adventure that proves motherhood and mischief go hand in hand.

[Maralina DG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, Mayhem and Majesty

Another addition to a wonderful series! Our family of magical heroes are first battling some leftover issues from the last book attempting to cure Phoebe of the dark magic infecting her organs and possibly her unborn triplets. It's up to Aiden and Persephone to gather the needed ingredients from the underworld then create the potion needed.

All of a sudden, Mythia reports something strange that has managed to get past the wards and with the ladies in tow, they are met with a very unusual entity that sounds and looks like Hattie. If you haven't read the beginning of this series, you'll miss how important she is and was to this whole series. However, Hattie appears now to have been turned into a not-so-kind poltergeist causing some, um, "redecorating" of the house and taunting poor Phoebe with some sensitive thoughts. Probably not the best timing with Phoebe's pregnancy. Turns out, the latest protagonist, Lyra, seems to have corrupted Hattie's kind soul and created this not-so-kind re-appearance of Hattie.

While the family is attempting to stay safe from the actions taken by Hattie inside the Sanctum, they come across a journal that may have been created by Lyra or found previously which might be helpful in creating a defense of sorts or curing Hattie of this strange affliction.

Needless to say, our family (be that everyone in the house, Aiden's parents, and Phoebe's best friends) are tasked with finding a way to make use of the journal, cure Hattie and remove Lyra from the many challenges they take on.

Such a fun, interesting and great series that started out perfect and keeps being perfect. The evolution is pretty amazing! Perhaps the only other suggestion is there are lots of humorous quips, anecdotes and analogies which may be a bit over the top. Read this series!

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this has to be one of the most hilarious books I’ve ever read. From dad jokes, to puns, to pregnancy brain and other snark that the main characters always do, the author takes it to the next level in this book. I think this is my new fave book by her. I laughed, giggled, snorted soda out my nose in shock while laughing. I had the AC on because I know that the fight scenes whether physical or magical gets my blood pumping and I mutter curses and vent while reading. I almost fell out of bed twice. The book was just outrageous in places and we get to see some new sides and depth of the characters. We get to see more of Aidon’s sister in this one and she is scary and hilarious at the same time. Phoebe is heavily pregnant in this book with triplets. Phoebe being one of the Pleiades is powerful. Her beloved, Aidon is a god of the Underworld and now her triplets aren’t even born yet and they are doing magic. Egads, if they can do what they do now, it boggles the mind on what they can do when they get older after birth! Nana is even more outrageous in this book as she gets to tag along on the adventure. We hear about Nana and Molly’s antics while they are home and Phoebe and the others are on adventures. Stella, Tseki, Murtagh, Layla, Selene, Mythia and the others all work together to protect Phoebe to the best of their ability from the Tainted Lyra, who does something to make Hattie (the Pleiades who gave Phoebe her powers, etc.) ghost for full on Poltergeist. That stuff is scary. That is what the book is about. How to free her and stop Lyra from attaining her goal. I swear I needed a few tums on top of everything else. I also found myself giggling and cackling in glee, much like Nana. lol. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly Kaplan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Many Metaphors

First, let me say that I absolutely love Brenda Trim and all of her series! However, this particular book was not her best work. The entire 1st half was written completely in metaphors. Metaphors are great when used sparingly. Unfortunately, almost every sentence throughout the 1st half of the book was a metaphor. If she took them out, the book would be half as long or less. She even repeated the same metaphors over and over again. She also repeated the same words in the same sentence. One sentence described something as ominously ominous, which caused me to slap my hand against my forehead and yell, "WTH!". Usually, Trim's writing is so much better. I was truly shocked by the writing in this book and several times thought that someone else must have written it. The book got better after the 1st half, but she still used a bit too many metaphors and repeated the same ones several times.

Poltergeist & Change of Life was still a great story, and it was action-packed! I felt my heart race in many of the scenes. The snarkiness and humor were very much present, which I loved. It wouldn't be a Brenda Trim book without it.

Despite the flaws of there being too many metaphors, too many repeated metaphors, and too many repeated words in the same sentence, I still enjoyed the book. I will continue reading this series and everything else Brenda Trim writes.

[Gina Marie ~books are my drug of choice~]

Found this book more annoying than anything else so I’m not rating it or really reviewing. I normally love this author but I felt like I was reading a first attempt ever by a teen who knows how to spell and punctuate. I think she was trying to show pregnant with triplets brain and mouth but instead it came out with every character seeming to need a slap upside the head. It took me three times as long to read it because I couldn’t follow the slow of words and instead kept being distracted with the fact her middle aged characters were suddenly a weird version of valley girls. Am going to wait and try again once the babies are born if it continues down this path I’ll skip the rest of this series and focus on Backside 40s series. I’m not sure what’s going on unless it is the fact she has either alone or with another author at least 5 or 6 series that interlink and are coming out almost monthly is impacting her writing.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyra has gone too far! - As if being pregnant with demigod triplets that use her "bladder as a trampoline" isn't bad enough, now Phoebe has to contend with the bane of her existence. Crazy a$$ Lyra is determined to claim Hattie's power for her own, this time using the former Pleiades witch's ghost to do so. No way will Phoebe allow her friend to be so used. With the help of her motley crew, she will beat Lyra and her army of mystical miscreants back to the depths from which they came. More witty banter and sarcasm await, with all the bada$$ magical action we have come to love. I think Nana's my favorite character in the entire series. She's a spunky old gal, but I wouldn't say that to her face lest I take a hit from her cane or magical bag of tricks. LOL funny at the oddest moments and so much fun to read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pregnant Phoebe is still battling and this time the evil, er, witch has gotten her claws into Hattie and turned her eternal rest into a poltergeist nightmare. Phoebe and company are on a quest to free Hattie's spirit and do away with Lyra once and for all. Fueled by sarcasm and her magical triplet fetuses, Phoebe can't believe she is waddling through catacombs in Prague looking for a magical library and sneaking into an old asylum looking for a witch's lair. Shouldn't she be sitting with her feet up eating bonbons? But the poltergeist currently remodeling her home has to go before she can get some rest.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Shannon Cockrum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Metaphor, simile and analogy overload.

I expect some witty banter and snarky comments in this series, in fact I've enjoyed it in previous books, but this one is just out of hand. I think every single paragraph had a ridiculously over the top metaphor or analogy, that coupled with the over used pregnancy references made this hard to get through. I ended up skimming over most of the book. The Lyra storyline is also becoming tedious in my opinion. spoiler: Lyra has another impossible trick up her sleve, but Phoebe ant team overcome at the last minute, but Lyra survives to try again. I'm still deciding whether or not to continue this series, because this book was such a disappointment.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game of clue - world saving edition
Holy moly!!! One evil witch, an evil club of world ending demons and tons of crazy evil beings and toss in a world trotting clue finding expedition! How Phoebe stays standing is mind boggling! Her little coven of witches, shifters and others are on the hunt for Lyra and it's like being stuck in a maze! It's amazing to see how far everyone has come, how they've grown, and the cohesiveness in how they work together! Looking forward to the next adventure and hopefully the downfall of Lyra!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe, hauntings and hormones - talk about Midlife horrors.

It was interesting to spend a bit more time with Persephone. She rocked the bada$$ attitudes -to paraphrase, along the lines of her I'm the Queen of the Underworld. I rewrite the rules - I don't cheat

You go girls.

Amusingly, her man Hades is wise enough to stay out of her way, unless asked for support or intervention.

One he$& of a ride, as cranky deadness and evil drop by.

Hormones, family and Frauen Power for the win !

Awesome fun reading action.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book catching from the get go! It's book 15 in the series....which i don't know how I missed at first, so it's the first in the series i read. Despite being so far into the series, I felt drawn in and captivated by the relationship and drama ensuing! It will definitely have me going back to the beginning to get the full picture.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkened Soul of the Dead

Phoebe and her crew are waiting patiently until Aidon returns from the Underworld when havoc rains down on them. Hattie has reuturned, but her soul has been corrupted, and she may be the only one who can set things right. It was fun and charming as the humor within the plot provided some lighthearted moments in the dark times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poltergeist Trouble . . .

Phoebe and those close to her are once again in the never-ending battle against evil. And being pregnant with triplets doesn’t make that job any easier. Dealing with the rogue poltergeist and the meddling witch also adds to the frustration. With magic, mayhem, and maternity to deal with, this may not be the best time to be visiting Phoebe!

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poltergeists & Change of Life Book 15 of Mystical Midlife in Maine Series by Brenda Trim is a fast-paced, creative and fantastic addition to this series!! I love the continuity, the family and the motley crew of friends that become like family all coming together to help good win over evil!! Loved it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marcya Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much snark

I love these stories but the snark has become too much. I almost don’t want to finish the series because I’m tired of it. Pheobe was not this obnoxious and it’s really starting to bother me. Not every sentence has to have a comment. I miss the general story lines. Now I’m anxious reading every page because I know what to expect.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Phoebe she just doesn’t seem to catch a break despite feeling the size of a barge. There’s tons going on in this latest instalment as the adventures continue and instead of resting Phoebe and the crew are out on the hunt. Witches, Poltergeist, magic, chaos and mayem, sass and snark, this had me in stitches in places and eager for the next book!

[Michelle Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

loving this series

Another instalment which I enjoyed, apart from all the sarcasm, quips and quite a bit of pointless filler, which I felt took away from Phoebe’s story rather than enhancing it. Looking forward to the next book which I will be reading. Thank you Brenda we appreciate you

[Donna Thibeault · Rating 1 out of 5]

This entire book is a metaphor soup. As “clever” as the metaphors were, I was tired of them by the third chapter! I just want the story! I normally love these books and the love between Phoebe and Aidon. But I ended up skimming most of it. Next book please leave the metaphors and similes to a minimum PLEASE!!!

[Patricia A Helmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

what’s with the metaphors?

I’ve really enjoyed this series but if I hadn’t been so invested, I might have quit with this book. The story line was good, but the incessant metaphors really diminished it. I don’t recall them in the other books. It almost seemed as though a different author penned it from notes left.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good book in this series. These characters have so much going on and somehow to still make it through and keep their families intact! I really enjoy the twists and turns these books take. I can’t wait to read the next in series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting tainted witches 6 months pregnant with triplets. Great story love how the triplets help protect mommy with their magic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheryl Miltenberger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Much Sass

Way too much snark this time. Love the characters but found myself flipping through the pages trying to find the real story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way too much sarcasm not enough meat for a good story. Have those babies already, she has been pregnant forever!

[Sharon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to journey through your multip pregnancy!! This group was put through the wringer physically and mentally in this one. These characters remind us that nothing is more powerful than a caring family and friends. I am looking forward to seeing what those bundle of joys turn out getting their parents and others into when its all said and done. A very action packed twisty story from the beginning. Can not wait for the next in this series.

[April Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a easy read series that I enjoy for a good palette cleanser

[anthony Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok!

So I like these stories. (I gotta go back to #1 now for sure)!
Its the least I can do. Especially if I want the whole experience. And I do!

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe & the gang has their hands full with a poltergeist and it's not playing nice.

Phoebe is pregnant with triplets and she is still trying to defend the world from dark witches. In walks Lyra, a dark witch, who is out to get Phoebe's powers. She uses the one person that means a lot to Phoebe to try and get them.

Will Lyra get Phoebe's powers? Will Phoebe win this one? Or will she lose her powers and possibly her babies?

Brenda Trim did an outstanding job with this one. I love the characters, and the story line kept my interest.

Highly recommend!.