Witchful Shrinking

Midlife at the Magnolia

by Jen B. Lassalle

It's never too late to find your voice. Especially when magic gets involved. 48-year-old Simone Bardot's life is a junk drawer of a mess. Her husband is having an affair. Her son barely talks to her. And her therapy clinic is failing.

But a mysterious inheritance is about to change everything. As long as she's willing to return to the hometown she's avoided for thirty years to claim it.

Once there, Simone discovers she's inherited more than a building. Inside this sentient house she now calls home is a thriving wellness center that caters to a very exclusive the supernatural. She’s a dormant witch, there's a makeover-obsessed talking cat who wanders the grounds, and her high school heartbreaker is the head of security.

Succeeding in this strange new world means finding her voice even though she’s feeling small, which doesn't exactly make her the best therapist. And when the other division heads challenge her ability to run a business she didn't know existed, she'll have to dig deep to heal from the wounds that sent her packing in the first place.

Can a middle-aged woman rediscover her sense of self in the world she left behind?

Welcome to book one of the paranormal women’s fiction series Midlife at the Magnolia. With light humor and keen insight, Witchful Shrinking delivers a refreshing and magical look at middle-aged self-esteem and learning to believe in yourself.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Magical Realism, Fiction, Witches

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2024

About the author

Jen Lassalle is a writer of paranormal women's fiction and midlife fantasy fiction under the pen name JB Lassalle. She likes strong females who are more than just a bit awkward, dimensional males who roll with the punches, and found family friendships that triumph over nuanced bad guys you love to hate.

Jen is a New Orleans resident. The city, and the surrounding areas, serve as a rich backdrop for a world where magic exists and mystical creatures are not only real, but live among us.

When Jen isn’t writing, she’s hanging with her family and friends at a local park or coffee shop. She likes working out, which is kind of weird, loves yoga, and plays video games. Of course, she reads.

Jen and her husband have two kids. One is an avid competitive swimmer (which sucks up all their weekend time). The other is a daydreamer like Jen who plays the Mega Man theme on his guitar and binge watches Stranger Things.

Reviews

[Heidi Zuva]

Cozy fantasy (or cozies in general) aren't my usual genre, but I've been wanting to branch out into more fantasy so I was excited to try this out!

Premise - 48yo Simone Bardot inherits a sentient wellness center for the supernatural right when she needs it most. 

Simone is in a bigtime midlife slump: her husband is having an affair, her career is flagging, and her son barely talks to her. Now, stepping into a strange new world as a witch, she has the chance to reinvent her life and herself, if she can heal the wounds that made her turn away in the first place.

Based on the cover and description I was hoping for whimsy, charm -- basically to be swept away in something with the magic of a fairytale or the topsy-turvy joy of a Pippi Longstock, Which Witch, etc. but for adults. This wasn't quite that for me.

Simone is a therapist, but she deeply requires therapy. She's a downer, pretty whiny, and while her angst was warranted (divorce sucks! financial struggles are real! career burnout is painful!) I didn't enjoy spending time in her head as she worked through it. 

She also seemed very ill-equipped to work through her issues, especially given her advanced age (it's a midlife novel) and the fact she's a therapist. I expected this background to give her some good coping mechanisms, but instead she negative self-talks, has frequent panic attacks, and vomits from stress (on page, quite a bit, which wasn't so cozy for me ).

Okay, we get it, I'm not a Simone fan. That doesn't mean I'm not a Jen Lassalle fan! I'd read her works again, she wrote well -- I just need Simone to never darken my page/screen/earbuds again. 

I wanted moments of humor or joy to break up the slog and I didn't get those. The coziness of this story came primarily through its slow pace, small stakes, and attention to inconsequential details (on page descriptions of quotidien meals, conversations that very slowly develop relationships in a way that parallels real life, etc.). Those things absolutely can be cozy, but for me they didn't outweigh the un-coziness of all the puking, panicking, self-loathing. 

I think I was so stuck so deep in my ick for Simone that I couldn't get sucked into the world.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jeannie Sheneman. I'm not a frequent fantasy reader, but I've recently really enjoyed It Came From Neverland by Cynthia Pelayo (horror/fantasy) and Katabasis by RF Kuang (fantasy/dark academia), so I've been wanting to give fantasy more of a shot. I loved the genre as a child and I want that wonder for magic back!

Anyway, that's a longwinded way of saying I was excited to listen to this one as an audiobook because I hoped it'd have the magic of a fairytale or a childhood bedtime story. I hoped Sheneman would be able to wrap Lassalle's words around me like a hexed blanket, and spirit me away.

Sheneman created a voice for Simone that matched what was written into the text... which unfortunately was more whiny and downer than charming and whimsical (but it wouldn't have been right for a voice actor to inject something into a narrative that isn't already seeded, so I don't blame Sheneman for this).

Overall, the book didn't land for me, as much as I wish it would have. I would read something else from this author again, as there's definitely skill here, I just wouldn't read this protagonist/series again.

I'm sure some cozy fans will enjoy this slowburn story of midlife's difficult realities, and I hope this book finds its way to them! There are people out there who'll feel seen by Simone's story, who may find this a cathartic read.

Thanks, NetGalley and Tantor Media, for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[megzlibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully tragic story of regaining self-esteem, self-respect, and self confidence.

Following the life of a middle-aged FMC is the highlight of Witchful Shrinking. It really puts into perspective how life will always be unpredictable and uncertain. But, the true test is how you react to those uncertainties.

After discovering her husband’s affair, Simone Bardot must grapple with this new, and unexpected, chapter in her seemingly boring life. Where does one go after such a betrayal?

Well….back to the childhood town of course!

Unbeknownst to Simone, she is the recipient of a mysterious inheritance. A new home? a new job? a new beau? Oh my!

The character development of Simone is what caught my attention the most. It’s so refreshing to see a woman continue to grow as a person and to learn to love oneself, even if it feels impossible.

At the end of the day, we are still human, who need love and compassion from others, but most importantly ourselves.

I am so excited to read the rest of the books in Midlife at the Magnolia series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[BookishKB]

🧙‍♀️🏡 Witchful Shrinking 🏡🧙‍♀️

📖 Bookish Thoughts

Full ARC Review to come!

🧡 What to Expect
• Midlife Fantasy
• Cozy Fantasy
• Hidden Magic
• Talking Cat
• Sentient House
• Second Chance Romance
• Supernatural Small Town
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: June 23, 2026
Thank you to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.

[Katharina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witchful Shrinking is the first book in the Midlife at the Magnolia series by J. B. Lassalle. It's about the 48 year old Simone, whose life turned upside down after she inherits a wellness clinic in her hometown she swore to never visit again. She discovers a strange new world in which she has magic and has to treat supernatural beings. But she only has 30 days to prove herself worthy of taking over the wellness clinic. Will she succeed?

Witchful Shrinking is a cute story about finding your true self and healing from past wounds. I absolutely loved that Simone is a middle ages women, not a young women as usually in fantasy novels. Her character and those around are super interesting and I loved following their story. I really liked that Simone (and we) learn more and more about her past during the book and I am excited for her future! Can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Georgen Charnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Older woman (48) inherits a business and supernatural position. (So many books start out this way, when is it going to happen to me?) She's just found out her husband's cheating on her, so it's a good time for a change.

The story is about her emotional growth, and she reclaims her memories and power during this first book in a series. While there are lots of interesting things going on in the book, the story is a little cumbersome and she's a wee bit weepy and inactive for me. Too many days of "and then I fell into bed exhausted" with very little reported about what she's doing. She didn't look around the building, the town, talk to many people, nothing.

The writing is also a bit odd. There are frequent references to something called "I Can Haz voice," which after I googled it, I found was an internet meme popular about 20 years ago that featured photos of cats with captions. No audio as far as I can tell. Just strange.

[Joseandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC!

If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy with a little magic, found family vibes, and a journey of self-discovery, this is definitely worth picking up. Witchful Shrinking follows 48-year-old Simone, whose life is falling apart until an unexpected inheritance brings her back to the hometown she left behind. Instead of just inheriting a building, she discovers a magical wellness center for supernatural beings, a talking cat, hidden powers of her own, and a whole new path she never saw coming.

I had a really good time with this one. It has all the cozy fantasy elements I love—quirky characters, charming magic, humor, and a comforting atmosphere that made it easy to settle into the story. Simone was easy to root for, and I enjoyed watching her slowly rediscover herself while navigating this completely unexpected magical world.

The audiobook narration was also really enjoyable and fit the lighthearted, cozy tone of the story well. It made for an easy and relaxing listen.

Overall, this was a fun, heartwarming read with just the right amount of magic and mystery. If you enjoy cozy fantasy with a midlife heroine finding her strength and a lovable cast of characters, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.

[Brittney E’Lise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to review this audiobook. Unfortunately I was not a fan of this one. The characters didn’t feel fleshed out enough for me. The FMC(Simone) felt particularly weak willed. I could not believe that she was a therapist in any fashion for human nor the supernatural clients she had. Her personal issues seemed to trump any professional ones she had yet she always seemed flabbergasted when it happened. The magical aspects were never fully explained to not just the readers but I even believe to Simone with how much issues she had involving them. I think this book suffered trying to do too much for the first book of the series but not have the skills to pull it off

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ALC was provided by the author via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

At 48, Simone sees her life turned upside down. She caught her husband cheating on her and recently inherited a house in the town she grew up in. But she hasn’t come back there in 30 years.

We see her redinkle relationships, moving on about the past. The book is entirely focused on her, which was nice and a change for once. Her age was also what drew me to this book. She is older than most FMCs, but it made the story even more interesting. She has more experience in life and yet, she still has a lot to learn. About herself. About others.

There’s a talking cat, and the narrator is phenomenal !

[Amina Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A NetGalley ALC

3.75
What a delight. I'm not a fan of "healing fiction," but this short story packed a charming punch. It addressed several forms of trauma without being too on-the-nose with its message. Some healing fiction feels like a church hug with awkward posturing and pats on the shoulder. This feels like the warmth of a reunion with a friend. Speaking of which, the found family of paranormal patrons is chef's kick. I'm going to binge the series now.

[Bookworm From Finland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice start to a cozy paranormal series. As the book sucked me in, I enjoyed exploring the supernatural world together with our FMC Simone. The mystery of her forgotten past and learning to trust yourself and learning magic was a good theme.

The audiobook was well done and I would love to continue Simone's new life story in audiobook form.

Thanks to Tantor Media and NetGalley for advanced audiobook reader copy!

[InMyNestaEra89 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just fell short for me. I had really high hopes for it, based on the premise, but it just seemed liked there was a lot of missed opportunities to expand on the story and the history of the town/characters that weren’t taken. But beyond that, the overall plot was vague and sometimes hard to follow, or you were left to “assume” certain things.. I don’t know. It just didn’t hit for me.

[Leah M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

As I get older, I’ve started enjoying books with older main characters. This book centers Simone, a woman who is 48 and follows her journey to rediscover herself when she goes through a messy divorce and her whole life basically feels messy. But I can’t resist a cozy fantasy novel, especially when reading books featuring heavier topics like the one I was reading concurrently with this one.

To start with, we meet Simone just after her life has basically unraveled. When she discovers that her husband is having an affair, she winds up sleeping in her therapy office. Which is failing. It takes more time to uncover why her son won’t talk to her in the wake of her discovery of the affair, but in that time she also finds out that an enigmatic client who came to her office has left her a surprise inheritance. The only catch is that she has to return to her hometown that she hasn’t been to since leaving thirty years ago.

As someone with nothing to lose—no marriage to save, no friendships, a business that is slowly going under, and a strained relationship with her only child—the timing is perfect for her to pick up and restart her life in the town where she grew up, left, and hasn’t looked back at since. While the cheating husband and surprise inheritance are common tropes in cozy fantasy, I enjoyed seeing how Simon basically reinvented her life. I especially loved seeing a middle-aged protagonist facing life challenges that you don’t usually find in YA or NA stories.

Once Simone arrives at the Magnolia, she quickly becomes aware that there are some things that don’t make sense about the Magnolia. The way the building itself seems to be sentient, the talking cat that lives there, the fact that she’s a dormant witch, and the unusual clientele—they’re supernatural creatures that Simone didn’t even realize existed in real life. And while she’s at it, she’s doubting her abilities as a therapist. The way things were done previously involved long periods of talk therapy where clients revisited their trauma or problems in detail, weekly. Think Freud, not modern therapy, which is focused on treating the issue through more updated techniques, a focus on developing coping skills, and a shorter period of therapy that is more effective and designed to move recovery along faster.

She discovers that the therapeutic techniques she relies on can still work on a range of supernatural creatures, but she also discovers her own latent power as a word witch, and both require a lot of work and tweaking. Something that really stood out about this book compared to this with other books about therapists is that it rang true. It actually felt like Simone had a background in psychology, and I loved seeing one of the topics that was often repeated in my own mental health counseling education—the magic question. This asks if you woke up one morning and a miracle had occurred, how would you know? What would you do? And it made me feel like Simone’s profession was realistic. I was able to identify with her about getting distracted during sessions, celebrating the big and small achievements, making that initial connection between therapist and client, and that frustrating feeling where you know a client can be helped, but they just aren’t ready or willing, or you just haven’t found the right technique that works for them.

I also loved the focus on self-discovery and reinvention, showing that life doesn’t stop after your 20s or 30s. The same things come up over and over again, and Simone knows that she needs to work on herself to make a positive change in her life. She’s feeling very down about her skills, and is thrust into a managerial position, overseeing all the different aspects of the Magnolia, especially with some employees that have doubts about her that echo her own doubts.

This story reminded me of the Greta Helsing series by Vivian Shaw, except dealing with supernatural mental health and wellness rather than the focus on medical care. I liked getting to know Simone and the Magnolia, both the building and the people who inhabit and work in it. It moves a little slowly in the beginning to detail the mess that her life has devolved to, and puts her in a position where there is nowhere to go but forward. There are humorous sections in the story, and I found myself chuckling plenty of times while reading. It made the slower paced beginning feel more comfortable, allowing us to get in touch with Simone and the rest of the cast of characters without feeling rushed.

Overall, I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. It’s paced a little more slowly than something like a cozy mystery, but it really felt like a journey through a friend going through a tough time and then slowly awakening to the immense possibilities in front of them. The older main character made it so relatable for me, along with the fantastic representation of what therapy should be—it was beautiful to watch Simone wake up to the fact that she’s a good therapist and start her life over again at 48, something no one thinks they will have to do. There’s a strong sense of found family between the characters; and since Simone grew up here, there are plenty of people who know her and she knows, despite having some kind of block on her memories of the town she left so long ago. I loved watching the found family dynamic develop, as different characters go from strangers or distantly remembered to found family, and it is one of my favorite tropes. There wasn’t a lot of high-stakes action, so it didn’t take a lot of mental investment, and this became one of the most enjoyable books that I’ve read this month. I’ll definitely be looking for future books in the series.

Bottom line: A fantastic start to a series featuring a magical therapy and wellness practice, a sentient house, a talking cat, and a woman forced to reinvent herself in midlife, this is a story not to miss!

[Jenny From The Bog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

There were sections of the book that really dragged for me, and the plot in general feels predictable and familiar, but there's also a lot to like about the book. House is oddly charming and I loved whenever it responded happily. Three female friendships were very nice to see, as was the general sense of community and support from the town.
I'm hesitant to read further into the series, because it felt like dramatic romance plots were on the horizon and I'm not here for it. Specifically, that she and Ethan look like they might start hooking up, despite his multiple failed marriages, and the fact that somewhere he has a fated mate he hasn't met yet.

[Michele Reise · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5
I hated this book so much.
I rage finished it, which is rare for me.

The MC's inner voice drove me nuts. It felt like the author wanted to include everything she'd ever read in a self-help book. The over the top self doubt, self hate, and no confidence were just as exhausting as the over the top positivity that came almost immediately to counter it.

For me, paranormal women's fiction should be fun and quirky with a little mystery or romance. They are, for me, frivolous and fun.
This wasn't any of that.

I gave it 1.5 because the idea was good in spite of the execution. Otherwise, this book was a 0 for me.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A paranormal book whose characters aren’t teenagers or early 20 somethings? Yes please! Not that I don’t enjoy those stories as well but it’s lovely to be able to relate a little more to the characters involved. And what mid-forty-ish person doesn’t secretly wish they had magic they weren’t aware of? (Raises hand) Great world building, I cannot wait until the release of the next book in this series. Thanks to booksirens for the e-arc to read for free. The review is given freely and is my own.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC in return for an honest review 🥰

Wow what can I say? I was honestly hooked from the beginning. All characters were relatable and likable, even the twins who were probably the most unlike able characters in this story. Of course this ended on a cliffhanger and I’d love to see where CC takes Magnolia!

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witchful Shrinking by J. B. Lassalle was such a refreshing and uplifting read. ✨🧙‍♀️ While it delivers plenty of magic, mystery, and supernatural charm, what truly captured my heart was Simone's personal journey. Beneath the whimsical fantasy elements lies a powerful story about starting over, rediscovering yourself, and finding strength when life doesn't go according to plan.

At 48 years old, Simone Bardot finds herself facing a future she never expected. After her life is turned upside down by betrayal and disappointment, she's suddenly pulled back to the hometown she never intended to revisit. What begins as an unwelcome return quickly becomes something much bigger when she inherits a wellness clinic and discovers that both the town and her own identity hold far more secrets than she ever imagined. 🌙✨

One of the strongest aspects of this book is undoubtedly Simone herself. It was so wonderful to read about a middle-aged heroine rather than the typical young protagonist often found in fantasy stories. Her struggles, insecurities, and personal growth felt genuine and relatable. Simone isn't searching for who she wants to become—she's learning who she already is beneath years of hurt, self-doubt, and expectations placed upon her by others. ❤️

As the story unfolds, Simone learns that she's connected to a hidden magical world filled with supernatural beings, unexpected responsibilities, and abilities she never knew she possessed. With only a limited amount of time to prove she's capable of running the clinic, the pressure is on. Watching her navigate this unfamiliar world while simultaneously rebuilding her confidence made her journey incredibly rewarding to follow. 🪄🌿

I especially loved how the author gradually revealed pieces of Simone's past. Each new discovery added another layer to her character and helped explain many of the emotional wounds she carried. It made her growth feel earned rather than instantaneous, which only made me root for her even more. 🥹

The supporting cast was equally enjoyable. Every character brought something unique to the story, whether it was humor, wisdom, mystery, or emotional support. Together, they created a world that felt welcoming while still holding plenty of surprises.

What resonated with me most was the book's message about resilience. Life rarely follows the path we expect, and Simone's story beautifully illustrates that growth can happen at any age. Even when everything feels uncertain, there is still room for new beginnings, second chances, and self-discovery. 🌸

The magical elements were fun and engaging, but they never overshadowed the emotional heart of the story. Instead, they complemented Simone's personal transformation, creating a balance between fantasy adventure and meaningful character development.

By the end, I found myself completely invested in Simone's future and eager to see where her path leads next. Witchful Shrinking is warm, magical, heartfelt, and full of hope. If you enjoy stories featuring mature heroines, hidden magic, personal growth, found purpose, and a touch of supernatural intrigue, this is definitely a series worth picking up. 📚✨💜

I can't wait to return to the world of Magnolia and see what adventures await Simone next.

[My Fairytale Days · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who love witchy stories, magical discoveries, personal growth, found family, second chances, and fantasy adventures with heroines who have already lived a little life.

Sometimes you open a book expecting witchy magic and instead find yourself moving into a world of magical problems, questionable past choices, unexpected friendships, and a house you would absolutely visit if given the chance.

Witchful Shrinking gave me magic, chaos, humour, and a heroine with a past that actually mattered.

And I loved that.

The magic in this world was exactly the kind I enjoy. Not just pretty sparkles thrown around to fix every problem, but something with weight. Something that has consequences. Because sometimes magic creates the mess, and the real story is about what happens afterwards.

Give me magic, but also give me accountability.

Because honestly? A magical disaster caused by people making very human mistakes is so much more interesting to me than a spell that simply waves everything better.

One of my favourite things was following a heroine who has already lived a little. She has memories, regrets, relationships, and experiences shaping who she is. I love seeing stories where adventure and new beginnings can happen at any stage of life, and the therapist perspective added so much to that. The way she looks at people, their choices, their fears, and the reasons hiding underneath them made the magic feel grounded. The magic might pull you in, but the healing, growth, and characters are what make you stay.

Add in Magnolia House, a community I wanted to visit, and a magical cat? I was doomed. Give me a magical animal companion and apparently all logic leaves the building. I accept this about myself.

This had more chaos than I expected from something cosy, but in the best way. Less quiet cottage afternoon, more glass of red wine with friends while everyone’s stories come spilling out. A little messy, a little emotional, but exactly why you are still sitting there hours later.

I finished happy with where it ended, but also immediately had that “wait... but I was not done here?” feeling. Which is probably why I’m already looking into getting book trophies for my shelf. Apparently Magnolia House handed me a key and I accepted.

✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• A heroine proving that adventure, magic, and new beginnings can happen at any stage of life
• Magic that felt real and tangible, with consequences instead of just sparkles
• Magnolia House and the community around it, with the feeling of a place filled with life and a workplace that becomes family

🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• Some insecurities could feel repetitive, even while being understandable
• I wanted even more time exploring some characters and relationships
• Waiting for the next book because I am not done with Magnolia House yet

⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5

A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was able to listen to the audio version of this story courtesy of Netgalley and Tantor Media. Because I did listen and didn't see the text, I may have misspelled names.

The book was narrated by Jeannie Sheneman. She did an excellent job and earned one of the stars in my rating. There was only a section of the conversation between Simone and Lauren in the booth in the pizza parlor that was a little difficult to understand who said what. Otherwise, it was quite clear who was speaking.

I really loved the concept of this story. We have a magical house that can redecorate based on people's thoughts. There's a talking cat, Gumbo, who's wise, knowledgeable, talks, and likes laps. Gumbo is my favorite character. There's a town where magical folk gravitate toward, as magic is accepted there as normal. Simone inherits the Magnolia Wellness Center and House from Agnes, who had been like a grandmother to her, with a provision that Simone has a 30-day trial period. We learn that Simone was expected to return 20 years earlier, but for some reason hadn't. If she fails, the business collapses and everyone who works there will be impacted negatively. Plus, their clients would also lose out.

It could've been a really fun story, but the pacing is off. For 80% of the book, Simone has only hazy memories from her days in the town growing up. It isn't until the very end that she fully regains her memories. That was way too late in the story. She doesn't even get that the town and people are magical until a third of the way in. Again, that took too long. She's constantly putting herself down. It's depressing. I'm also annoyed with how little the people at Magnolia House try to help her. They give her little to no information, and sometimes she has to require they help her. Also, why didn't Agatha go looking for Simone 20 years earlier? There are A LOT of detailed descriptions about furniture and Simone's inner monologues, but not a lot of fun with the magic.

I suspect the purpose of the story is to help middle-aged women to realize that our internal critics need to be told to shut up and to value ourselves for all we are. Still, I think that could have been done better.

I'm sad for Simone and the life she led. I'm sad that no one went looking for her to bring her home. I'm sad she didn't receive the training and love that she could've had. I'm sad about how down she was on herself. I'm disappointed that Ethan, Lauren, and Ray didn't work harder at trying to help her regain her memories. I love Gumbo and House.

While I see that there are 3 more books in the series already written, and I'd like to see how things get on, such as if she's Ray's fated mate or Ethan's, I just don't have it in me to get through the books. Again, I like the concept for this story, and it has so much potential, but the pacing is just too slow for me.

Story gets 2 stars, narration gets 5 - overall 3 stars.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy of the audiobook.

I felt that the narration in this book was top notch. The story is set in Louisiana, and the narrator honors each character’s accent while still ensuring that every word spoken is crisp and clear. There’s a audible distinction between each character. The narrator does the voices of the male characters well, and I especially liked her different takes on Gumbo’s voice. In general, I thought the tonal quality of her voice was lovely and soothing, and she was a good fit for the story. If I was simply rating the narration, I would give this a 5.

I think the narration of the book flowed reasonably well, most of the time. A few times, I was tempted to set it on 1.5 speed to see if it would improve my experience, but I think that was really a story aspect as opposed to a narration issue.

I really enjoyed the elements of a sentient house, a talking cat, and lots of various supernatural characters. To me, this felt like a calmer take on The Southern Vampire Mysteries/True Blood – like if everyone in Bon Temps went to therapy. I liked the element of forgiving ourselves and others, in general, and especially for how we acted in our youth. I liked the elements of second chances and found family. If you enjoy book series where supernatural beings live together in small town settings, this might be a book for you.

I ultimately gave this book three stars because while I liked the characters and the setting, I struggled with the pacing of the story. There was a lot of internal monologuing that became tedious, with the main character constantly beating herself up. Many of the plot beats typical to a cozy fantasy were left unresolved. The unresolved plot beats may be due to there being additional books in the series that will further explore these aspects.

I was uncomfortable with the premise that the main character, a woman, has to be careful with what she says in highly emotional moments, as women are often already so conditioned to censor ourselves and to be “nice” even when there’s no one around to hear us being “not nice”. Here, when the character vents and isn’t “nice”, even when there’s no one to really hear her, it turns out that her vents have real consequences and those consequences could affect her. There are also times when she openly says harsh things, and those things do hurt her. That did not bother me – it was her learning the things that she said as purely venting to herself could also have consequences that bothered me.

I wouldn’t necessarily call this cozy – there was a lot of tension and discomfort to sit with. I think there were interesting therapeutic messages, and I liked the general theme of forgiving ourselves and each other. I’m curious to find out where the story goes.

[Vanessa Konopacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished and I really want the next book now. I really enjoyed how even though this was a common book trope it felt different. As someone older , I tire of books being about teenagers and twenty year olds and their life issues. I’m not at that stage in my life.. I want the storied about someone in their 40’s, 50’s, heck even 60’s. I’m not dead yet. I still am having my adventure and want to read about that. Our FMC is flawed, exceptionally. She’s not all put together. She is still finding her way and who she is. As we all do on a daily basis, even if we are over 30. I enjoyed the inner mental dialogue as I do that myself far too much most likely. I enjoyed that this was about her journey for herself. Not a journey to find a man to fix things for her. While romance is fun to read, it’s not all I want to read, this was a nice change from the “butterfly and rainbows” of some types. I could see myself in the questions of being worthy of what is her new life and even aspects of her old one. Then add the fact she suddenly can make things she says off the cuff to actually happen. I mean who hasn’t absently wished that someone you disliked step on a Lego barefoot when walking around the house in the middle of the night… multiple times… forever… ? To find out in your 40’s you can make that happen? Then to realize you are missing memories of part of your life? Would be a lot to deal with and handle. Then add a sentient house and a talking mystical cat? And that’s just the beginning… it will take a beat or two, or three to get one’s bearings
I an eager to see where this story goes with future books. There ate many openings for where this story can go. It’s not feeling as cookie cutter as some do at the end of a first book in a series. This feels more like a fluid outline and I like that. I want to find those surprises and see what happens not only to this main character.. but what the future holds for many of our secondary characters and hope to learn more about them in the future books. It’s been far too long since I looked forward to a series read after a first book. Genuinely wanting more.
As far as the narration goes, I liked the narrator. To be honest though.. they do need to improve on the differences on individual characters voices if they will give them different voices as some where highly similar., but that is being nitpicky. Really liked the emotion she put into her reading of the FMC. Made her feel more real.
Arc read

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Witchful Shrinking by Jen Lassalle was such an interesting blend of women’s fiction, magical realism, and paranormal cozy vibes. I wouldn't call it a romance but there is a hint of a future romance. This is an interesting genre (and I can't believe it's a whole genre) middle age witches. In this book our FMC is a middle-aged therapist returning to the hometown she left behind, inheriting a magical wellness center, and being forced to confront her blooming magic and the fact that her self loathing manifests in reality. I always like to read a story centered on a 4oish-year-old heroine rather than the slew of books about 21 year olds.

Simone was easy to root for. Her struggles felt real and relatable, and I appreciated that her journey wasn’t just about romance or magic and it was about reclaiming her voice and sense of self after years of prioritizing what others needed from her. That emotional core gave the story weight beyond the whimsical supernatural setting.

The magical elements were fun, especially the sentient house and the talking cat, which added humor and charm. The world had a quirky, cozy feel that made me want to spend more time there. I also enjoyed the audiobook narration by Jeannie Sheneman, which brought warmth and personality to Simone’s story.

That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some parts moved quickly while others dragged, and I found myself wanting more development in certain relationships and side plots. It's the first in a series and I think this book spent a lot of time setting up the next books but it felt like there wasn't much that really happened in this book or any resolution.

Overall, Witchful Shrinking was a charming, heartfelt listen about second chances, healing old wounds, and finding yourself again, even when life has completely fallen apart. If you enjoy cozy paranormal stories with mature protagonists, this is a good choice. I also highly recommend the audio book. The performance is perfect and adds to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, inspiring story about a woman in her late 40’s who discovers her husband cheating on her.

At wits end, she doesn’t know where she is going or what she’s going to do. That’s when she receives word that she has inherited a building/home. In a town she swore she’d never return to! From someone who she never expected anything from!

Seemingly out of options, with only a failing clinic to her name, she heads to her old hometown.
Once there, she discovers that it’s not only a home, but an entire wellness center attached to it. Fully functioning!
But there’s something off…. A talking cat who lives there! A wonderful, sweet woman who runs the place. ?? Evil twins?? Her archenemy from HS. And the biggest crush of her life… and they are all somehow involved in the Wellness Center.

Did I mention there’s some magic and Fae involved as well?

This one starts out slow and sweet, and ends up being magically spun and whimsical… as well as incorporating the beauty of found friendship, loyalty, trust and so much more!

I loved the Fierce Friendships that were formed… and the bonds that Simone so desperately needed in her life!
I also loved how they stood up for her when the idiot husband appeared!

And I loved how after all else, she learned that she COULD and WOULD survive on her own… without him in her life!
And her son finally opened his eyes and heart to the possibility of them being a family… again. ❤️

Sweet, bright lovely story with a bit of unknown magical powers interspersed!
Book #1 in the series.

4 glowing, wonderful, magical stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#WishfulShrinking by @JenBLassalle and narrated beautifully by @JeannieSheneman.

This was just released, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @TantorMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a difficult one to rate as its like the book itself is the beginning of a book and ends before you have hit the middle, let alone the end. From what I understand this is a series that has several books already and this is its first audiobook. I enjoyed the book itself and the premise is brilliant, but I was just left wanting and not in the…. can’t wait for the next book way.

Rating – 2.5 rounded to 3 stars

We follow Simone, a 48 year old woman who has had her life turned on its head and is suddenly thrown into a life she only vaguely remembers. The story is set contemporary but with a magical twist with witches, shifters, fae etc. The characters are interesting, but we are mainly with Simone and her inner thoughts. She is riddled with self-doubt and left wondering how she got to this place in life.

We follow her on a path of self-discovery and empowerment as she finds her place with a new group of people who she could see becoming family.

All in all the book is a no stakes, no stress, quick read that fits firmly in the womens fiction section. I was hoping with the magical aspects and the nod in the description to some romance it would be a little more inline with a contemporary magical read with a side of romance. Instead there was no romance, at times it did not feel like Simone was 48, for example I am 41 and you would never hear me saying things like…..I hope you bite your silver tongue every time you talk, I hope your clothes stay dirty and on and on about someone who cheated on you after 20 years of marriage. Rather immature. So I found her hard to relate to.

The Magnolia (the wellness clinic) is fabulous though, the people who work there are so interesting and hint at being fun, even the towns people are interesting but we get very little of them and not much depth.

Would I try book two? Yes, but I think this book might just not be for me.
It was narrated by Jeannie Sheneman who did a good job with the narration.

Thank you to Netgalley and RBMedia for the ALC

[Lupe Farkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Audiobook Review from NetGalley

I listened to Witchful Shrinking today while doing chores, and it was probably the first time I did chores smiling instead of complaining. Sorry, I just realized that. And now that I think about it: I want that house to be my house!!! Because if it were mine, a Coke Zero would simply appear in front of me right now… 🤗😍

Okay, back to the book…

This book was a cuddle for the soul, but it also made me reflect a lot about the choices we make when we are young and how they follow us into adulthood. Not in a sad way, though, more in a hopeful way. Like maybe, no matter how messy life gets, some things can still fall into place.

I really enjoyed the passages about controlling what you say. Word witch or not, we should all control our words more carefully. Words hold power.

I also have deep respect for the author’s decision not to turn this into a cliché with a “new love interest.” I loved that choice so much.

I cried at the end when she reads the message… you know from who.

But I also laughed, because honestly, her husband deserved everything she said. 😂😂😂

And again, the same thing happened that always happens with books I love: I wanted more. It was so cozy and beautiful that I immediately wanted to know what happened next.

The audiobook itself was perfection. The narrator’s voice was warm and calm, and the pacing was magnificent. It made the story feel even more comforting, like someone was gently placing a blanket over my soul while I was pretending to be a responsible adult doing chores.

Jen Lassalle, thank you for writing such a cuddle for the soul. 🌺

You guys grab the audio!!! NOW!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook. All opinions are my own.

P.S I just found out book 2 and 3 are out already!!! I’m reading them NOW!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pleasant, returning-to-your-small-hometown self-discovery witchy cozy. I really enjoy cozy books, and I read them like other people watch TV shows. However, far too many cozies feature 20-something women protagonists who are constantly worried about their weight and dating. I think that the lack of these sentiments, and different self-discovery goals that I find more interesting/relatable in the burgeoning sub-genre of midlife cozies, is no small part of why I enjoyed this book. Though Simone mentions her appearance in her internal monologue a few times, it is mostly just to comment that she definitely looks older than she did the last time she was in town, which is fair, since it was 30 years ago. Even though she is slightly insecure about her appearance, especially as compared with literal fae, it's realistic and not excessive.

Simone does have a lot of self-minimizing internal dialog, which does start to get a little bit old, even if it is one of the central themes of the book. I like how the overarching story is that Simone must learn to discern and listen to her own internal desires, feel that she's worthy, and literally speak them into reality.

I liked all of the side characters who were introduced, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them, though I'm not looking forward to the love-triangle action that seems on the horizon. This first book promises the kind of small-town soapy drama and friendships that I enjoy in series.

P.S. I don't know much about professional counseling or psychology, but I suspect that if you do, that this book might be frustrating, haha

[KATIE MEYERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witchful Shrinking is a delightful blend of fantasy, humor, and personal growth that offers readers something truly refreshing. Jen B. Lassalle has created a story that is not only magical and entertaining but also deeply relatable and inspiring.

Simone Bardot is a wonderfully realistic protagonist whose struggles with confidence, relationships, and life's unexpected setbacks make her easy to connect with. Her journey from feeling stuck and defeated to rediscovering her voice and purpose forms the emotional heart of the novel. Readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way.

The magical setting is filled with creativity and charm. A sentient house, a supernatural wellness center, dormant witch abilities, and an unforgettable talking cat create a world that feels vibrant and unique. These whimsical elements add humor and excitement while never overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

What makes the novel especially memorable is its thoughtful exploration of self-worth, resilience, and reinvention. Simone's challenges are both magical and deeply personal, making her growth feel authentic and rewarding. The story beautifully demonstrates that it is never too late to embrace change, heal from the past, and step into a new chapter of life.

Filled with warmth, humor, and heart, Witchful Shrinking is an engaging start to the Midlife at the Magnolia series. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy paranormal women's fiction, uplifting fantasy, and stories that celebrate the power of believing in oneself.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

let me tell you about a fun new series, that will really resonate with women. Forty-eight-year-old Simone Bardot's life has just imploded. She walked in on her husband and his physical therapist, doing something that was NOT physical therapy and did NOT include clothes, she is estranged from her college-aged son, and her therapy practice is failing. Then she receives a mysterious inheritance that changes everything. - if she's willing to return to the hometown she's avoided for thirty years to claim it that is. Once there, Simone discovers she's inherited more than a building.. Inside this place she now calls home is a thriving wellness center that caters to a very exclusive clientele: the supernatural. Not only that, she finds out she's a dormant witch, there's a makeover-obsessed talking cat who wanders the grounds, and her high school heartbreaker is the head of security. When the other division heads challenge her ability to run a business she didn't know existed, she has to dig deep to heal from the wounds that sent her packing in the first place. This audiobook was absolutely delightful. The narrator had a soft, soothing southern voice, that sounded like something straight off of Netflix's Sweet Magnonlias. And I mean really, what is not to love about a witch who had no idea she was one, a talking cat, and a plethora of other magical beings. Oh, and the part where she accidentally cursed her ex was hilarious - I am so jealous. I am so excited to see where the series goes from here!

[Bri Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ALC Review✨ - 3 ⭐️

This one is a bit difficult to review for me. This is a really cool concept, and I was immediately intrigued by the premise. I also really appreciated that the main character wasn’t a teenager, or even in their twenties, like so many fantasy protagonists seem to be. It was refreshing to get the perspective of someone older who has actually lived some life.

Unfortunately, I think the book spent a little too much time on world-building and not enough on the actual story. There were long stretches where not much seemed to be happening, and as a result, I found myself getting pretty bored at times. For the amount of pages this book took up, I just needed more plot.

I also think more needed to happen to really hook readers into continuing the series. At this point, if I come across the second book and happen to be in the mood, I might pick it up, but I didn’t become invested enough to feel the need to immediately continue. I think the story either needed more major developments throughout the book or a much bigger cliffhanger at the end to really leave readers desperate for the next installment.

Overall, I think this series has a lot of potential and the concept is genuinely interesting, but this first book felt more like setup or a prequel than a complete story, and I needed a bit more to fully invest in what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for letting me listen to this one early.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an awesome book! The author has created a new "world" for this book, and it's fascinating! The characters are very interesting. The main character, Simone, is well portrayed and absolutely held my interest. I couldn't put the book down and immediately dove into the next one!

Amazon synopsis:
48-year-old Simone Bardot's life is a junk drawer of a mess. Her husband is having an affair. Her son barely talks to her. And her therapy clinic is failing.

But a mysterious inheritance is about to change everything. As long as she's willing to return to the hometown she's avoided for thirty years to claim it.

Once there, Simone discovers she's inherited more than a building. Inside this sentient house she now calls home is a thriving wellness center that caters to a very exclusive clientele: the supernatural. She’s a dormant witch, there's a makeover-obsessed talking cat who wanders the grounds, and her high school heartbreaker is the head of security.

Succeeding in this strange new world means finding her voice even though she’s feeling small, which doesn't exactly make her the best therapist. And when the other division heads challenge her ability to run a business she didn't know existed, she'll have to dig deep to heal from the wounds that sent her packing in the first place.