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Magical Melee
When life falls apart, sometimes the best way forward is through a looking glass to the future, especially if it leads to a town where magic is real, secrets are hidden in plain sight, and the local guide is a good-looking crush from years ago.
Once Maeve finds out her husband has a mistress and her life has pretty much been a lie except for the beautiful daughter she created from nineteen years of marriage, she takes her friend up on an invite to Stonewick Village. The town is a quirky tourist trap, famous for its enchanted setting and mysterious beginnings.
Maeve feels an unexpected sense of belonging when she steps foot in the tiny Midwest village. For the first time in years, she’s ready to reclaim her life, even if she’s unsure where to start.
But Stonewick Village isn’t just a picturesque getaway. As Maeve settles in, a centuries-old secret unveils itself, and she’s pulled into a whirlwind of magic and mystery. Maeve must rediscover her strength, not just for herself, but for the village slowly revealing its true nature.
After all, it’s been over 100 years since the Stonewick Academy came to life, and it just might be Maeve who awakens the magic.
Maeve knows she’s about to embark on the time of her life, and she can’t wait to prove to everyone that being over forty doesn’t mean the adventures stop.
In fact, it’s merely the beginning.
If you love whimsical worlds, mystery, slow-burn romance, and a dash of humor, grab your wand and your tea and step into Stonewick today in this midlife cozy fantasy. A wonderful cozy fantasy for those who love paranormal women's fiction and midlife magic!
Once Maeve finds out her husband has a mistress and her life has pretty much been a lie except for the beautiful daughter she created from nineteen years of marriage, she takes her friend up on an invite to Stonewick Village. The town is a quirky tourist trap, famous for its enchanted setting and mysterious beginnings.
Maeve feels an unexpected sense of belonging when she steps foot in the tiny Midwest village. For the first time in years, she’s ready to reclaim her life, even if she’s unsure where to start.
But Stonewick Village isn’t just a picturesque getaway. As Maeve settles in, a centuries-old secret unveils itself, and she’s pulled into a whirlwind of magic and mystery. Maeve must rediscover her strength, not just for herself, but for the village slowly revealing its true nature.
After all, it’s been over 100 years since the Stonewick Academy came to life, and it just might be Maeve who awakens the magic.
Maeve knows she’s about to embark on the time of her life, and she can’t wait to prove to everyone that being over forty doesn’t mean the adventures stop.
In fact, it’s merely the beginning.
If you love whimsical worlds, mystery, slow-burn romance, and a dash of humor, grab your wand and your tea and step into Stonewick today in this midlife cozy fantasy. A wonderful cozy fantasy for those who love paranormal women's fiction and midlife magic!
- GenresFantasyMagicParanormal
453 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2025
564 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2025
This was a bit of a slog for me. Maeve reads more 20 something than 45. She is annoyingly repetitive in asking for more info and continuous reassurances. There were several times when I just put down the book because it wasn’t moving and Maeve needed more info, always. She was told multiple times that the info would come when she was ready for it.
The author had some areas where the narrative jumped without a transition. At one point Maeve was at work, then with Keegan, then they walk into the garden and suddenly her jacket opens to show her birthmark on her hip? Give me a break, how is she dressing for work? Is she having a wardrobe malfunction? Oh, and just then it begins to snow - the hip is still out there while winter is arriving. Almost every chapter ends with a “you are not alone” and “we can do this together” so much millennial reassurance just makes the story drag on and lack momentum.
The author had some areas where the narrative jumped without a transition. At one point Maeve was at work, then with Keegan, then they walk into the garden and suddenly her jacket opens to show her birthmark on her hip? Give me a break, how is she dressing for work? Is she having a wardrobe malfunction? Oh, and just then it begins to snow - the hip is still out there while winter is arriving. Almost every chapter ends with a “you are not alone” and “we can do this together” so much millennial reassurance just makes the story drag on and lack momentum.
July 22, 2025
This was an excellent book - first in the series. The author did a masterful job of building the world of the books and it was a fascinating world - layered and complex with lots of magic and mystery. I recommend this book. I have already downloaded the second book in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
When Maeve finds out her husband is sleeping with everyone but her, she decides she needs a little magic in her life. At forty-five, Maeve takes her best friend up on an offer to visit Stonewick Village—a quaint, quirky tourist haven famous for its whimsical charm and mysterious roots.
From the moment Maeve sets foot in the cobblestone streets of Stonewick, she feels an unexpected pull to the town’s enchanted setting. Between tea shops brimming with cozy vibes, eccentric locals, and magical oddities hiding in plain sight, Stonewick feels like the perfect place for a fresh start, or so she thinks.
But beneath its charming exterior, Stonewick holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. As Maeve settles in, she’s drawn into the mysteries of the long-dormant Stonewick Academy, a legendary magical institution that seems to stir back to life in her presence. With a mix of humor, heart, and just a little chaos, Maeve must embrace her inner magic to help the town and herself find a new beginning.
Because at forty-five, Maeve knows one thing for sure: life’s adventures don’t stop. In fact, they’re just getting started.
Amazon synopsis:
When Maeve finds out her husband is sleeping with everyone but her, she decides she needs a little magic in her life. At forty-five, Maeve takes her best friend up on an offer to visit Stonewick Village—a quaint, quirky tourist haven famous for its whimsical charm and mysterious roots.
From the moment Maeve sets foot in the cobblestone streets of Stonewick, she feels an unexpected pull to the town’s enchanted setting. Between tea shops brimming with cozy vibes, eccentric locals, and magical oddities hiding in plain sight, Stonewick feels like the perfect place for a fresh start, or so she thinks.
But beneath its charming exterior, Stonewick holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. As Maeve settles in, she’s drawn into the mysteries of the long-dormant Stonewick Academy, a legendary magical institution that seems to stir back to life in her presence. With a mix of humor, heart, and just a little chaos, Maeve must embrace her inner magic to help the town and herself find a new beginning.
Because at forty-five, Maeve knows one thing for sure: life’s adventures don’t stop. In fact, they’re just getting started.
February 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this story! Being at the same age as our main character, it was easy to picture myself there with Maeve, experiencing all that she did.
Moving to a familiar yet foreign small town, Maeve navigates her new-found single mom life with her daughter at college and her ex leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Maeve is a strong woman who leads with her heart and it shows. With Frank the pug, and Stella the quirky tea shoppe owner by her side, Maeve discovers a hidden past and the important role she holds in Stonewick.
Magical Melee has the right amount of humor that made me laugh and the right amount of flirting that makes me question if something will happen between Keegan and Maeve. Maybe there's a spell for this sort of thing???
Moving to a familiar yet foreign small town, Maeve navigates her new-found single mom life with her daughter at college and her ex leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. Maeve is a strong woman who leads with her heart and it shows. With Frank the pug, and Stella the quirky tea shoppe owner by her side, Maeve discovers a hidden past and the important role she holds in Stonewick.
Magical Melee has the right amount of humor that made me laugh and the right amount of flirting that makes me question if something will happen between Keegan and Maeve. Maybe there's a spell for this sort of thing???
March 2, 2025
Magical Melee is the first book in The Stonewick Magical Midlife Witch Academy series by DK Bolton.
Mauve is finally visiting a small town of Stonewick with her friend Skye. It’s a town that both her mother and her ex-husband felt was too touristy. Recently divorced and her daughter leaving for college, Mauve is finally experiencing and falling in love with this small town. Stonewick offers a variety of attractions that Mauve finds magical. Needing a place to live, she finds a unique cabin to rent.
Magical Melee is filled with many magical mysteries. It is fast paced reading. The book is intense with a sense of urgency and danger to find.
Not necessarily my preferred genre, I never put the book down. I needed to know the answers Mauve is searching to understand. I am a fan of B. k. (Karice) Bolton’s writing and I find my reading interests expanding.
Mauve is finally visiting a small town of Stonewick with her friend Skye. It’s a town that both her mother and her ex-husband felt was too touristy. Recently divorced and her daughter leaving for college, Mauve is finally experiencing and falling in love with this small town. Stonewick offers a variety of attractions that Mauve finds magical. Needing a place to live, she finds a unique cabin to rent.
Magical Melee is filled with many magical mysteries. It is fast paced reading. The book is intense with a sense of urgency and danger to find.
Not necessarily my preferred genre, I never put the book down. I needed to know the answers Mauve is searching to understand. I am a fan of B. k. (Karice) Bolton’s writing and I find my reading interests expanding.
October 15, 2025
Magical Mayhem with a spot of tea
I’ve just finished binge reading from book 1 through 7. This series has been so much fun to absorb I just can’t hardly wait for Magical Mojo to be released. Kudos to DK Bolton on weaving threads of magic into my life interspersed with pots of tea. I’ve become very invested in Maeve, Keegan, Twobble and crew. There are gems of wisdom, quotes, that have spoken to me about some of life’s truths. As a midlifer myself, I wish I could attend The Academy for real.
I’ve just finished binge reading from book 1 through 7. This series has been so much fun to absorb I just can’t hardly wait for Magical Mojo to be released. Kudos to DK Bolton on weaving threads of magic into my life interspersed with pots of tea. I’ve become very invested in Maeve, Keegan, Twobble and crew. There are gems of wisdom, quotes, that have spoken to me about some of life’s truths. As a midlifer myself, I wish I could attend The Academy for real.
February 1, 2025
Magical Melee
I really liked this book, but it did start out rather slow. I'm glad that I stuck with it, because now I'm eagerly waiting for book two! I can't wait to find out what happens to all the characters from Maeve, Keegan, Stella, and cute little Frank, and Twobble! So far I've had fun with this book and even had me laughing.
I really liked this book, but it did start out rather slow. I'm glad that I stuck with it, because now I'm eagerly waiting for book two! I can't wait to find out what happens to all the characters from Maeve, Keegan, Stella, and cute little Frank, and Twobble! So far I've had fun with this book and even had me laughing.
April 23, 2025
Excellent beginning
I thought this book was a slow start but I found myself compelled to keep reading and now I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series. The characters are original and the story line is really interesting. It was my first book by this author and I’m hooked!
I thought this book was a slow start but I found myself compelled to keep reading and now I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series. The characters are original and the story line is really interesting. It was my first book by this author and I’m hooked!
November 6, 2025
Such a magnificent magical journey
In a world of my own isolation this book filled my heart with warmth, dreams and possibilities. Happiness bound my heart as I read the middle age witch coming into her own and a 70+ old w/barely a wrinkle or pain filled with glitter and joy radiating positivity thru pain. It's everything I needed and then some. Thank you.
In a world of my own isolation this book filled my heart with warmth, dreams and possibilities. Happiness bound my heart as I read the middle age witch coming into her own and a 70+ old w/barely a wrinkle or pain filled with glitter and joy radiating positivity thru pain. It's everything I needed and then some. Thank you.
December 31, 2025
Enjoyed
This was a slow start of a book. Hard to stay connected to the main character. But, then it started to come together, the characters more real. By the time I finished, I was way more invested in the story and the people who inhabited Stonewick. I’m looking forward to the next book, and hope the momentum continues.
This was a slow start of a book. Hard to stay connected to the main character. But, then it started to come together, the characters more real. By the time I finished, I was way more invested in the story and the people who inhabited Stonewick. I’m looking forward to the next book, and hope the momentum continues.
February 7, 2025
Welcome to Stonewick
Stonewick is not a tourist destination. It is magical. So many different residents. Even Gargoyles to protect the town. Magical yarn. Magical tea. My favorite is character, Frank, the little bull dog.
Stonewick is not a tourist destination. It is magical. So many different residents. Even Gargoyles to protect the town. Magical yarn. Magical tea. My favorite is character, Frank, the little bull dog.
March 16, 2025
Awesome read!
I love this story! The characters are amazing—except for Gideon and the ex!—and I love the village of Stonewick! Just wondering if the Stone cottage is taking reservations? Bwahaha
I love this story! The characters are amazing—except for Gideon and the ex!—and I love the village of Stonewick! Just wondering if the Stone cottage is taking reservations? Bwahaha
March 19, 2025
Good book
I enjoyed reading this book. Maeve 's life goes through a bad patch with a divorce and the upheaval of starting her life over. Then she visits a magical town. Things really start happening. It's a good book!
I enjoyed reading this book. Maeve 's life goes through a bad patch with a divorce and the upheaval of starting her life over. Then she visits a magical town. Things really start happening. It's a good book!
October 18, 2025
This was the absolute PERFECT cozy fall read!! It was the perfect amount of plot and intrigue with laugh out loud moments and adventure. I can’t stop gushing about it to anyone who will listen. 🥰 I can’t wait to continue the series!
November 29, 2025
Must read!!
I absolutely loved this book! From the characters and creatures, to the well described town, I couldn't put it down!!
I'm hooked! Starting the 2nd book in tge series now!
Happy reading,
Heather 🩷
I absolutely loved this book! From the characters and creatures, to the well described town, I couldn't put it down!!
I'm hooked! Starting the 2nd book in tge series now!
Happy reading,
Heather 🩷
May 17, 2025
Excellent inductory book
I loved the pace of this book. It leads you along in understanding as it's beauty unfolds. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the fantasy world.
I loved the pace of this book. It leads you along in understanding as it's beauty unfolds. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the fantasy world.
May 20, 2025
Wonderful
It’s a wonderful book full of great writing I was totally enthralled I didn’t want to stop reading can’t wait to read the other ones
It’s a wonderful book full of great writing I was totally enthralled I didn’t want to stop reading can’t wait to read the other ones
May 24, 2025
This book was such a fun read. Small town full of magic and mystery. Loved the banter between the characters. Would recommend.
June 21, 2025
This was a decent book. I kind of hated the mmc but the FMC is decent. I’m hoping she ditches him and picks a gargoyle or griffin or a shifter instead. However decent story. Will read book 2.
July 16, 2025
Great book about unique witch
The flow of the book the plot the who writing style is so fun and entertaining I truly enjoyed this book
The flow of the book the plot the who writing style is so fun and entertaining I truly enjoyed this book
July 16, 2025
It started out as intriguing but I started to get bored, too slow and long drawn out so called explanations which gave you nothing - I gave up
August 6, 2025
great read.
Loved this book. The characters and the story flowed beautifully. I can’t wait to read the next book. Thank you for a great read.
Loved this book. The characters and the story flowed beautifully. I can’t wait to read the next book. Thank you for a great read.
August 9, 2025
enchanting
I was hooked from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read more. The characters are so vividly described you feel like you know them.
I was hooked from the very beginning and I can’t wait to read more. The characters are so vividly described you feel like you know them.
August 17, 2025
needs editing
Can’t finish it. Love the idea but writes like a teen not a 40 something woman. And needs a proofreader and editor big time.
Can’t finish it. Love the idea but writes like a teen not a 40 something woman. And needs a proofreader and editor big time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews