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Witchful Shrinking
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.
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.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2024
569 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Jen B. Lassalle
25 books121 followersJen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 28, 2024
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.
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.
December 29, 2024
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.
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.
December 16, 2024
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.
December 28, 2024
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!
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!
August 16, 2025
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.
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.
November 24, 2025
There seems to be a trend in Midlife Fantasy books that has the heroine suddenly crash and burn then find out they're magical, but have zero or next-to-nothing in training or information. Somehow they manage to figure it out, but it's usually pretty messy. This book is like that.
Simone walks in on her husband having sex with his physical therapist and her world changes. She is about at rock bottom when she finds out she has inherited a business and a place to live; it's all magical, but she really didn't know that magic was real. She flails around a bit and learns, remembers, and even regrets hexing her ex, even though he deserved it. This is the first book in the series. It reads well, has interesting characters and interactions, and is set up to have some interesting sequels.
Simone walks in on her husband having sex with his physical therapist and her world changes. She is about at rock bottom when she finds out she has inherited a business and a place to live; it's all magical, but she really didn't know that magic was real. She flails around a bit and learns, remembers, and even regrets hexing her ex, even though he deserved it. This is the first book in the series. It reads well, has interesting characters and interactions, and is set up to have some interesting sequels.
March 14, 2025
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.
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.
January 1, 2025
May I say I really, really like Simone?
She is a remarkable character - straightforward and stronger than she realizes, probably a bit stronger than her comfort level allows, which is a good thing since her comfort level will change as she settles into her power.
Interestingly, I find her power as a human woman as compelling as her magical nature.
I am a bit forlorn that the next story’s release is months away….
She is a remarkable character - straightforward and stronger than she realizes, probably a bit stronger than her comfort level allows, which is a good thing since her comfort level will change as she settles into her power.
Interestingly, I find her power as a human woman as compelling as her magical nature.
I am a bit forlorn that the next story’s release is months away….
March 27, 2025
If you have a love for midlife paranormal here's your new series
I have a love for the midlife paranormal genre. This first book in the series has a great start to be an excellent addition to the genre. The main character must face herself to receive her dreams. I realize this is vague. I don't want to give too much away. I can tell you the is a magical house. This book, being the first is an introduction to characters I want to meet again and learn more about.
I have a love for the midlife paranormal genre. This first book in the series has a great start to be an excellent addition to the genre. The main character must face herself to receive her dreams. I realize this is vague. I don't want to give too much away. I can tell you the is a magical house. This book, being the first is an introduction to characters I want to meet again and learn more about.
May 15, 2025
When Simone takes over the therapy practice she inherited, it is more than she expected. Her marriage fell apart and she is estranged from her son. She must learn to use her counseling skills to treat paranormal clients which apparently requires a different approach. As a professional counselor, I was intrigued to see this addressed in such a way. I also enjoyed that Simone is 48 years old and still learning. Often in midlife books, the lead characters is younger.
July 3, 2025
Witchful Shrinking introduces Magnolia House and new temporary Supreme, Simone. Her inheritance of the house comes at a time when her psychologist business, her marriage, and her relationship with her son are all in trouble. The surprising inheritance brings tremendous changes to Simone's life as she learns of her magic and struggles to adapt to the house and to the other paranormal beings who work there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 31, 2025
Kept my interest the whole time!
I liked this book because the author didn't waste pages repeating the same information in different ways. So many of these types of books drag on and on until you are maybe into the third of the series when you realize nothing has happened since you started reading. The characters in this book are interesting and quirky. The back stories are brought out in a timely manner. I felt like I knew the people.
I liked this book because the author didn't waste pages repeating the same information in different ways. So many of these types of books drag on and on until you are maybe into the third of the series when you realize nothing has happened since you started reading. The characters in this book are interesting and quirky. The back stories are brought out in a timely manner. I felt like I knew the people.
December 2, 2024
Great new take for a midlife paranormal story. I'm kind of addicted now, and can't wait for the next in the series! If you want a little paranormal, a little midlife crisis, and little potential romance, you'll want to read this one!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2025
Learning to be a word witch
I enjoyed the book very much. Correcting bad decisions and learning to control the magic of words with CC was a pleasure. I am looking forward to the next book and other adventures as CC helps her patients cope with the trauma of life and, in turn, dealing with the trauma of her own life.
I enjoyed the book very much. Correcting bad decisions and learning to control the magic of words with CC was a pleasure. I am looking forward to the next book and other adventures as CC helps her patients cope with the trauma of life and, in turn, dealing with the trauma of her own life.
October 21, 2025
Must read for 40 and up! 🩷
This was such a good read, I couldn't put it down!!
I loved every aspect of the storyline, all the characters, especially Gumbo!
And Doug's story broke my heart.
I can't wait to see how Simone and Ethan's story evolves 🤞💕
I'm starting the next book now
Happy reading!!
Heather 🩷
PS...let know what you think and what your favorite part was!
This was such a good read, I couldn't put it down!!
I loved every aspect of the storyline, all the characters, especially Gumbo!
And Doug's story broke my heart.
I can't wait to see how Simone and Ethan's story evolves 🤞💕
I'm starting the next book now
Happy reading!!
Heather 🩷
PS...let know what you think and what your favorite part was!
January 8, 2025
Enjoyable
I read to relax and immerse myself in the stories and characters. This book was enjoyable and the characters were relatable in the issues they faced and were dealing with. Looking forward to book 2.
I read to relax and immerse myself in the stories and characters. This book was enjoyable and the characters were relatable in the issues they faced and were dealing with. Looking forward to book 2.
April 17, 2025
Perfect escape!
Read this lovely book in one day and cannot wait to start the second. Wonderful imperfect main character that was so relatable. I will be following this author and thank you!!!
Read this lovely book in one day and cannot wait to start the second. Wonderful imperfect main character that was so relatable. I will be following this author and thank you!!!
May 25, 2025
Watchful Shrinking
This is a fun and delightful story. The characters difference, and Interesting. It will be fun to watch them evolve in the story. Its a happy for now ending. No romance, yet. But its coming. Good read!
This is a fun and delightful story. The characters difference, and Interesting. It will be fun to watch them evolve in the story. Its a happy for now ending. No romance, yet. But its coming. Good read!
July 14, 2025
Self Doubt is disabling
This book reminded me that we all can be our own worst enemy.
Simone has a lot to learn and remember. But how much is it going to hurt? A very satisfying word travel.
This book reminded me that we all can be our own worst enemy.
Simone has a lot to learn and remember. But how much is it going to hurt? A very satisfying word travel.
August 4, 2025
Wonderful!
I enjoyed all the different magical characters and Simone's personal development. I'm really looking forward to learning more about the other businesses and characters in the town. I deducted a star for the less-than-perfect editing job, which always annoys me!
I enjoyed all the different magical characters and Simone's personal development. I'm really looking forward to learning more about the other businesses and characters in the town. I deducted a star for the less-than-perfect editing job, which always annoys me!
October 6, 2025
another good PWF
Oh my goodness she was rather pathetic for a good portion of the book, but I persisted as I knew she had to eventually pull herself together. And she did….
Looking forward to the next book
Oh my goodness she was rather pathetic for a good portion of the book, but I persisted as I knew she had to eventually pull herself together. And she did….
Looking forward to the next book
December 4, 2025
I greatly enjoyed this book - well developed story and characters, along with a few surprises you may or may not see coming. You'll find yourself rooting for the main character, who is definitely dealing with a *ton of crap.
December 21, 2025
Such a real treat!!
I have been struggling to find books that filled a need in me. At the end of a very messy 3+ year divorce and more anxiety that I could explain, this book kept my brain tornadoes away! Thank you . Read this people!!
I have been struggling to find books that filled a need in me. At the end of a very messy 3+ year divorce and more anxiety that I could explain, this book kept my brain tornadoes away! Thank you . Read this people!!
December 30, 2024
I absolutely love books about second chapters in life and found family. Add to that the whimsy of magical realism, and it’s the perfect trifecta!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
January 4, 2025
Awesome read!
What a great beginning to another mid-life paranormal cozy. Love the characters, the location, the magic and story. I can't wait for the next book.
What a great beginning to another mid-life paranormal cozy. Love the characters, the location, the magic and story. I can't wait for the next book.
January 10, 2025
great reading for all!
Great read! Keeps your attention from the 1st page.
Would recommend for readers of all ages. Loved the depth of the main character.
Great read! Keeps your attention from the 1st page.
Would recommend for readers of all ages. Loved the depth of the main character.
January 14, 2025
sweet read.
Such a sweet story. Being on the inside when someone comes back to their old hometown and discovers who she is. Looking forward to book 2.
Such a sweet story. Being on the inside when someone comes back to their old hometown and discovers who she is. Looking forward to book 2.
February 25, 2025
I loved this book, very intriguing story. Can't wait to read the next one.
April 8, 2025
Comfort
New reader here. I usually love fantasy books with women warriors. This one is like sherbet between bites. Very delicious.
New reader here. I usually love fantasy books with women warriors. This one is like sherbet between bites. Very delicious.
April 21, 2025
that little bit in all of us
True self discovery runs in all. Beautifully written with magic and paranormal involved. When she discovers herself she discovers more
True self discovery runs in all. Beautifully written with magic and paranormal involved. When she discovers herself she discovers more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews