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The Magic of Meatloaf
Belonging has never been so tasty or magical.
After fifteen years of caring for her mother through a mysterious wasting illness, Melly is suddenly adrift—unsure who she is now that she’s nobody’s caregiver. The only thing certain in her life is the peculiar package she discovered while cleaning out her mother's closet.
The quaint beach town of Portney was meant to be just another stop on her journey to finding herself. But something about the local diner—perhaps the mouthwatering meatloaf or the owner's unexpected kindness—feels so much like home that, when she's offered both a job and a place to stay, Melly surprises herself by accepting.
Just as she’s getting settled, a freak accident awakens something dormant inside her—an intrusive supernatural ability that floods her mind with the thoughts of everyone around her. As if navigating this unwanted "gift" weren't challenging enough, two mysterious government agents arrive in town asking questions that hit dangerously close to home.
There's more to the people of Portney than meets the eye, but even her new friend’s magical ability to reunite lost objects with their owners might not be enough to help Melly unravel the mysteries of her past—or protect her future.
Join Melly as she discovers her true identity, steps into her power, and finds what she's been missing all a home, a chosen family, and a world more magical than she ever dared imagine.
The Magic of Meatloaf is the first book in a new series set in the same world as Jessica Rosenberg's two popular series, Baking Up a Magical Midlife and Wyrd Words & Witchcraft.
After fifteen years of caring for her mother through a mysterious wasting illness, Melly is suddenly adrift—unsure who she is now that she’s nobody’s caregiver. The only thing certain in her life is the peculiar package she discovered while cleaning out her mother's closet.
The quaint beach town of Portney was meant to be just another stop on her journey to finding herself. But something about the local diner—perhaps the mouthwatering meatloaf or the owner's unexpected kindness—feels so much like home that, when she's offered both a job and a place to stay, Melly surprises herself by accepting.
Just as she’s getting settled, a freak accident awakens something dormant inside her—an intrusive supernatural ability that floods her mind with the thoughts of everyone around her. As if navigating this unwanted "gift" weren't challenging enough, two mysterious government agents arrive in town asking questions that hit dangerously close to home.
There's more to the people of Portney than meets the eye, but even her new friend’s magical ability to reunite lost objects with their owners might not be enough to help Melly unravel the mysteries of her past—or protect her future.
Join Melly as she discovers her true identity, steps into her power, and finds what she's been missing all a home, a chosen family, and a world more magical than she ever dared imagine.
The Magic of Meatloaf is the first book in a new series set in the same world as Jessica Rosenberg's two popular series, Baking Up a Magical Midlife and Wyrd Words & Witchcraft.
401 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
189 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Rosenberg
12 books285 followersJessica Rosenberg is the queen of cozy witchy #FriendshipCore fiction that makes readers feel like they're having coffee with their best friends. She lives on the foggy Central Coast of California with her two wonderful teens, two playful dogs, and a mischievous orange cat named Persimmon for obvious reasons.
When she's not weaving magical tales or getting lost in a good book, Jessica can probably be found strolling along the beach, searching for sea glass treasures even though she should probably be tidying her office.
Sign up for email updates at blueoctopuspress.com. (free treat for anyone who signs up!)
When she's not weaving magical tales or getting lost in a good book, Jessica can probably be found strolling along the beach, searching for sea glass treasures even though she should probably be tidying her office.
Sign up for email updates at blueoctopuspress.com. (free treat for anyone who signs up!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 4, 2025
Love Portney! This new series is cute, not quite as good as her others. Waiting on the next!
May 30, 2025
The Portney crew is back with a new resident!
Author, Jessica Rosenberg, has such fun stories to tell about her magical characters and now we have a new one to read about. I really appreciate the thought and care Jessica puts into all her characters and their personalities. And getting to “watch” the other already established characters through the bakery and bookshop series interact with this newest addition makes you feel like you’re part of the community.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely devoured it, much like the residents of Portney devour Momo’s meatloaf. Our new witch, Melly, has an ability that is both awesome and terrifying at the same time. I’m looking forward to reading more of her story to see how she learns to use the gift creatively and for the greater good.
Thank you, Jessica, for another delicious edition!
Author, Jessica Rosenberg, has such fun stories to tell about her magical characters and now we have a new one to read about. I really appreciate the thought and care Jessica puts into all her characters and their personalities. And getting to “watch” the other already established characters through the bakery and bookshop series interact with this newest addition makes you feel like you’re part of the community.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I absolutely devoured it, much like the residents of Portney devour Momo’s meatloaf. Our new witch, Melly, has an ability that is both awesome and terrifying at the same time. I’m looking forward to reading more of her story to see how she learns to use the gift creatively and for the greater good.
Thank you, Jessica, for another delicious edition!
May 27, 2025
I love the characters from Portney. I read this book as a advanced reader copy and could not put it down. I love the new characters and how they are evolving, as well as some familiar characters were also brought in. I read this book sitting at my desk on my laptop and could not stop reading.
August 2, 2025
Love this book, too. Melly is an interesting add to the city of Portney. Will have to see where this goes next...
June 5, 2025
I am so excited I get to be back in Portney again! I have been in love with this town since I read the first book written there, Butter Sugar Magic. It has everything you want in a small town, quirky folks, cozy vibes, friendly neighbors and of course, witches!!!
We got to see a lot of our favorite characters again, most namely the infamous Brewhahas but we also got to meet some new characters. We got to meet Melly as she recently moved to Portney, we also met Momo her colleague and his brother Remi. Remi seems like an absolute sweetheart and Jessica did a great job at portraying what I presume to be neurodivergence in his character.
Melly is pretty insecure, especially at the beginning of the book but she certainly comes into her own and what I especially love is that she seems like she could be a kindred spirit to Juliet and I love that so much.
Now with those characters out the way I have to give a special mention to my favorite character from this book….. Demi the daemon. I don’t want to say too much about them as I don’t want to spoil the book in any way but let’s just say I really want and probably need my own Demi lol. I also love how Jessica didn’t give them a gender and simply referred to them as them!
I can’t wait to see what Jessica has in store for us with her next book!
We got to see a lot of our favorite characters again, most namely the infamous Brewhahas but we also got to meet some new characters. We got to meet Melly as she recently moved to Portney, we also met Momo her colleague and his brother Remi. Remi seems like an absolute sweetheart and Jessica did a great job at portraying what I presume to be neurodivergence in his character.
Melly is pretty insecure, especially at the beginning of the book but she certainly comes into her own and what I especially love is that she seems like she could be a kindred spirit to Juliet and I love that so much.
Now with those characters out the way I have to give a special mention to my favorite character from this book….. Demi the daemon. I don’t want to say too much about them as I don’t want to spoil the book in any way but let’s just say I really want and probably need my own Demi lol. I also love how Jessica didn’t give them a gender and simply referred to them as them!
I can’t wait to see what Jessica has in store for us with her next book!
June 4, 2025
The Magic of Meatloaf: A Cozy Paranormal Women's Fiction Story is book #1 in the Midlife Magic on the Menu series by Jessica Rosenberg.
Melly dropped out of college and spent the last 15 years taking care of her ill mother. Six months ago she passed away and Millie found herself in the town of Portney working as a waitress. There’s an unexpected event that dramatically changes Melly’s life. It causes her to think about a hidden package she found after her mother’s passing. I really enjoyed this book. It was nice being back in Portney and getting to see Julia and Cassie and the other Brewhahas. The mystery about the package that she found in her mother‘s closet was really interesting and I was quite happy with way it all wrapped up. The best part was the relationships between Melly and Momo and Remi, as well as the friendships with Julie and Cassie and Crystal. The way they stepped in to help her when she needed was just really great to see. At one point, I had tears streaming down my face just like Melly did. Even though she has no more biological family she definitely has a found family in Portney. I cannot wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Melly dropped out of college and spent the last 15 years taking care of her ill mother. Six months ago she passed away and Millie found herself in the town of Portney working as a waitress. There’s an unexpected event that dramatically changes Melly’s life. It causes her to think about a hidden package she found after her mother’s passing. I really enjoyed this book. It was nice being back in Portney and getting to see Julia and Cassie and the other Brewhahas. The mystery about the package that she found in her mother‘s closet was really interesting and I was quite happy with way it all wrapped up. The best part was the relationships between Melly and Momo and Remi, as well as the friendships with Julie and Cassie and Crystal. The way they stepped in to help her when she needed was just really great to see. At one point, I had tears streaming down my face just like Melly did. Even though she has no more biological family she definitely has a found family in Portney. I cannot wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 1, 2025
I really enjoy Ms. Rosenberg’s cozy mysteries. These stories endear readers to her characters. We have a new girl in town. Melody recently moved to Portney. Melly worked as waitress Maggie’s Magic. She came to Portney after her mother had passed away. The diner’s owner saw something in Melly, and gave her a chance to start over. Melly enjoyed the town. Weird things started to happen after Aggie, the diner’s owner, drove into the diner. She was forced by her daughter to sell the diner. Melly refused to let the diner that had become her home get away.
Melly and the longtime cook, Momo, became partners in the venture. Melly also developed a power to hear people’s thoughts after being knocked out in the crash. Yep, we got another witch coming to the surface. The Brewhahas quickly explain to Melly that magic is real. It takes a little convincing, but Melly can’t deny that something is going on. Melly also has a very powerful amulet in her possession. Melly doesn’t understand its power, but quickly realizes that it is valuable. Especially when two agents show up looking for the amulet that no one knew Melly had. This book takes readers on a wild ride.
Melly and the longtime cook, Momo, became partners in the venture. Melly also developed a power to hear people’s thoughts after being knocked out in the crash. Yep, we got another witch coming to the surface. The Brewhahas quickly explain to Melly that magic is real. It takes a little convincing, but Melly can’t deny that something is going on. Melly also has a very powerful amulet in her possession. Melly doesn’t understand its power, but quickly realizes that it is valuable. Especially when two agents show up looking for the amulet that no one knew Melly had. This book takes readers on a wild ride.
December 8, 2025
Delicious Mysteries in Portney
Devouring these delicious series to continue any connection with the gang in . I'm so glad I was able to start with the bakery mysteries, Butter, Sugar, Magic staring Cassie one of my most relatable characters who gets dumped by her husband but inherits her dream bakery and discovers her magic while she's welcomed in by the community except one who is trying to take her down. Literally my favourite series of all time in this genre. They will make you hungry while laughing until wet and tingling with mystery. These are such feel good series. Each one reminds us that family is what is created in addition to blood good or deadly bad for some. It's never too late in life to change everything up, discover your hidden trueness, make friends, move, survive devastations, develop a new career, laugh, laugh and laugh some more! Author Jessica Rosenberg is the midlife J.K. Rowling. Do not miss out on any of her delightful series! I beg of her to write more Portney mystery books pretty please.
Devouring these delicious series to continue any connection with the gang in . I'm so glad I was able to start with the bakery mysteries, Butter, Sugar, Magic staring Cassie one of my most relatable characters who gets dumped by her husband but inherits her dream bakery and discovers her magic while she's welcomed in by the community except one who is trying to take her down. Literally my favourite series of all time in this genre. They will make you hungry while laughing until wet and tingling with mystery. These are such feel good series. Each one reminds us that family is what is created in addition to blood good or deadly bad for some. It's never too late in life to change everything up, discover your hidden trueness, make friends, move, survive devastations, develop a new career, laugh, laugh and laugh some more! Author Jessica Rosenberg is the midlife J.K. Rowling. Do not miss out on any of her delightful series! I beg of her to write more Portney mystery books pretty please.
August 12, 2025
After years of caring for her ailing mother—who passed away from a possible cancer diagnosis—Molly arrives in a small town feeling drained and directionless. Among the few things she brings with her is a mysterious amulet her mother insisted must never be touched and should have been buried with her. When those wishes aren’t followed, Molly unwittingly becomes its keeper.
She quickly lands a job and a place to stay thanks to the elderly owner of the local diner. But when an unusual accident sends the woman’s car crashing through the front window, the shock unlocks Molly’s ability to read minds. From there, the story unfolds into a mix of small-town charm, magical mystery, and slow-building connections. The amulet’s history, the town’s hidden magical talents, and the friendships Molly forges all give the story warmth.
A pleasant, low-stakes magical read with a cozy “found family” vibe and just enough intrigue to keep you curious.
She quickly lands a job and a place to stay thanks to the elderly owner of the local diner. But when an unusual accident sends the woman’s car crashing through the front window, the shock unlocks Molly’s ability to read minds. From there, the story unfolds into a mix of small-town charm, magical mystery, and slow-building connections. The amulet’s history, the town’s hidden magical talents, and the friendships Molly forges all give the story warmth.
A pleasant, low-stakes magical read with a cozy “found family” vibe and just enough intrigue to keep you curious.
June 4, 2025
I love love love this book and have been so impatient for it to be released. Jessica is one of my favourite author's and having loved her last 2 series Baking up a Magical Midlife and Wyrd Words and Witchcraft I was really really keen to read her new book Midlife Magic on the Menu and it was well worth the wait.
This follows the theme of midlife magic but with brand new characters, an exciting story and some old faces and the new ones to get to know and love. No spoilers but Melly has a secret and doesn't know what to do about it, it scares her, a lot, and it takes a lot of courage to do what she does and some good friends to help her getting through it. It was so unputdownable I had to speed read it to find out what happened in the book then I went back and read it a little more leisurely to savour every moment.
This follows the theme of midlife magic but with brand new characters, an exciting story and some old faces and the new ones to get to know and love. No spoilers but Melly has a secret and doesn't know what to do about it, it scares her, a lot, and it takes a lot of courage to do what she does and some good friends to help her getting through it. It was so unputdownable I had to speed read it to find out what happened in the book then I went back and read it a little more leisurely to savour every moment.
June 23, 2025
Another great book byessica Rosenberg! Melly moved to Portnoy after her mother died by chance. She was offered a job working in Aggie's Cafe. She had lost touch with all her friends during her mother's long illness and didn't feel like she had much to offer to new friends. She had built a loose friendship with Aggie and Momo, the cook for the cafe. The Brouhahas were around but Melly was still keeping her distance. This all changes when an accident leads to Aggie planning on selling the cafe. This accident also starts Melly's witch power - telepathy. It is a fun trip through the next few weeks as she learns about being a witch, how to use it, and the Brouhahas get involved helping her solve a mystery about her mother.
July 4, 2025
This cozy story is the first in a sequel series to Butter, Sugar, Magic set in the same small beach town with overlapping characters. This trilogy focuses on Melly at the local diner. After a series of events, Melly learns that she can read others thoughts. She’s drawn into a mystery surrounding a pendant her mother asked her to hide and she gets help from the local witches.
I’ve really enjoyed all the stories with the witches of Portney. This one was just as cute and cozy (although no sentient buildings or animal familiars) and I enjoyed seeing characters from previous stories. Melly is a fun character, but Momo, the grumpy cook with a soft heart is my favorite character. While there’s a mystery to solve, the story is mostly about recovering from loss and finding a place to belong.
I’ve really enjoyed all the stories with the witches of Portney. This one was just as cute and cozy (although no sentient buildings or animal familiars) and I enjoyed seeing characters from previous stories. Melly is a fun character, but Momo, the grumpy cook with a soft heart is my favorite character. While there’s a mystery to solve, the story is mostly about recovering from loss and finding a place to belong.
June 28, 2025
This is the first book in a series, but not the first time we've been in Portney.
Melly, our main witchy character, has been through it! This is a story of friendship, courage, and a meatloaf! I won't spoil too much, but let's just say you will love this story if you like cozy witchy books!
I received this book as an advance copy, and these are my opinions.
I love Jessica Rosenberg--her writing style, characters, and plot! This is no exception, and I highly recommend this one. So good!!
Melly, our main witchy character, has been through it! This is a story of friendship, courage, and a meatloaf! I won't spoil too much, but let's just say you will love this story if you like cozy witchy books!
I received this book as an advance copy, and these are my opinions.
I love Jessica Rosenberg--her writing style, characters, and plot! This is no exception, and I highly recommend this one. So good!!
June 4, 2025
Did someone say “Meatloaf?��
Absolutely adored this magical small town and cast of colorfully painted characters. Have you ever read a book and thought “I want to be her friend - let me in!”
Melly is a well rounded, searching character trying to find her MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY with a little help from new friends and skills. How could it go wrong?
Magic, growing friendships, a secret government agency, a mysterious object, and food.
ARC reader.
Absolutely adored this magical small town and cast of colorfully painted characters. Have you ever read a book and thought “I want to be her friend - let me in!”
Melly is a well rounded, searching character trying to find her MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY with a little help from new friends and skills. How could it go wrong?
Magic, growing friendships, a secret government agency, a mysterious object, and food.
ARC reader.
August 2, 2025
First I love that this was interconnected with the Baking up Magical Midlife and Wryd words and Witchcraft series! The title was slightly misleading but I love JR books because they are the perfect pallet cleanser. They are light and fluffy reads, but with magic, books and food! I mean come on, what more could you want?? Loved the new characters, but sometimes Melly drove me crazy not trusting the people of Portney, I mean doesn’t she know they are the greatest people!? If you liked the previously mentioned series you will definitely love this one!
August 7, 2025
It was good to see my favorite characters from the Magical Midlife and Wyrd Words series. I found myself identifying with the main character in this one because I, too, never left home because my dad died when I was 19, and she needed me. I'm not sure I fully understood why the secret agents never picked up any hint of the presence of the amulet while her mother was wearing it. I look forward to the next book where maybe we'll find out more details.
November 5, 2025
little drummer magic man
This is such a feel good story of friendship in need. I mean we all need companionship whether it be that special someone or a group of friends. Melody arrives as a stranger and she has been through many things and now she doesn’t know what to think with everyone else’s thoughts. Now she has friends to lean on and headaches to deal with literally with a little man in her head who is funny and charismatic.
This is such a feel good story of friendship in need. I mean we all need companionship whether it be that special someone or a group of friends. Melody arrives as a stranger and she has been through many things and now she doesn’t know what to think with everyone else’s thoughts. Now she has friends to lean on and headaches to deal with literally with a little man in her head who is funny and charismatic.
May 29, 2025
Fantastic!
This book brings a new character to Portney, and I love her as much as I do all the other inhabitants of this little, quirky town. I really love how the people rally around her when she needs it most. I want to live here too!
Next best thing...being able to read these books.
Try it...you'll like it.
This book brings a new character to Portney, and I love her as much as I do all the other inhabitants of this little, quirky town. I really love how the people rally around her when she needs it most. I want to live here too!
Next best thing...being able to read these books.
Try it...you'll like it.
May 30, 2025
This is a brilliant spin off you have all the people you know popping in to help out a new friend , it has twists you don’t expect and turns that catch you out I am really looking forwards to the next book I recommend this book as it could be a stand alone if you haven’t read Jessica’s other books a very well deserved 5 stars
May 30, 2025
Another witchy win for Jessica Rosenberg! I so love her light-hearted way with witchy stories. There are so many things brewing in this book that you don't know which way to look. Her characters are exceptional and diverse. I am curious to know if something could be brewing for Mel and Agent Thorne? They could serve pie at their wedding!
June 3, 2025
This was such a fun story set in the fantastical town of Portney, which you are likely familiar with if you've read any of this author's other series. I loved seeing characters from the other series, and also loved the new ones in this! An absolutely delightful read! I already can't wait for the next book!
June 5, 2025
I have never heard of the series before and went into it solely based on the description given and it's exactly as advertised- a cosy magical read.
My rating for this book is a solid 3.75/5 mostly because I found the main character very whiny and the world-building limited( kinda non-existent) but besides that a great vibe and a fun read nonetheless.
My rating for this book is a solid 3.75/5 mostly because I found the main character very whiny and the world-building limited( kinda non-existent) but besides that a great vibe and a fun read nonetheless.
June 17, 2025
This was a very good book with unusual plot twists ans intriguing characters.
Amazon synopsis:
Melly didn’t believe in magic—until it crashed into her.
After fifteen years of caring for her mother through a mysterious illness, Melly is adrift. She’s closer to 40 than 30, has lost her purpose, and no longer knows what to do with her life. Accepting a job at the retro diner in the small town of Portney seems like a great temporary solution. After all, the meatloaf is as legendary as the boss is sweet.
But her future grows even more uncertain when a freak accident shatters her understanding of the world and leaves her with the magical ability to hear people’s thoughts (fears, joys, secret kidnapping plans…), and mysterious government agents show up asking probing questions about an unsettling pendant left behind by her mother.
Thanks to the local witches who take her under their wing, Melly discovers that reading minds isn’t the curse she thinks it is, and true friendship comes in surprising shapes.
Melly may not have come to Portney looking for magic, a found family, or a place to call home, but sometimes you find where you belong when you least expect it.
Amazon synopsis:
Melly didn’t believe in magic—until it crashed into her.
After fifteen years of caring for her mother through a mysterious illness, Melly is adrift. She’s closer to 40 than 30, has lost her purpose, and no longer knows what to do with her life. Accepting a job at the retro diner in the small town of Portney seems like a great temporary solution. After all, the meatloaf is as legendary as the boss is sweet.
But her future grows even more uncertain when a freak accident shatters her understanding of the world and leaves her with the magical ability to hear people’s thoughts (fears, joys, secret kidnapping plans…), and mysterious government agents show up asking probing questions about an unsettling pendant left behind by her mother.
Thanks to the local witches who take her under their wing, Melly discovers that reading minds isn’t the curse she thinks it is, and true friendship comes in surprising shapes.
Melly may not have come to Portney looking for magic, a found family, or a place to call home, but sometimes you find where you belong when you least expect it.
June 13, 2025
I received this book as an ARC for affair and honest review. I have never related to a character more than I have with Melly. I really enjoyed the story. It made me laugh and even teary-eyed at some point. Seeing how Melly learns and grows with each curveball thrown her way, and seeing how much the people in this town welcome her in is one of their own I couldn’t put it down.
May 30, 2025
I throughly enjoyed the latest character to join Portney. Melly's transition is definitely a heartfelt one. I think Juliette might just have found her soul sister too.
I'm looking forward to the next book on Melly.
I'm looking forward to the next book on Melly.
June 1, 2025
I loved meeting Melly, Momo and Remi! Love the characters! I especially loved that characters from other books by this author made their way into this new series! So fun! I’m ready to read more! These are my opinions after reading an early copy of the book.
June 8, 2025
I Loved being back in Portney
These characters are so wonderful. Its like being back with old friends. I fell in love with Mel and Mono. I look forward to meeting them again. Can't wait for the next book!!
These characters are so wonderful. Its like being back with old friends. I fell in love with Mel and Mono. I look forward to meeting them again. Can't wait for the next book!!
June 12, 2025
As this is the start of a new series by Jessica Rosenberg, I hoped it was set in Portney and it is. Yay!
It has many of the characters we have come to love in her other series's.
A very good read. I will be waiting for more books in this new series.
It has many of the characters we have come to love in her other series's.
A very good read. I will be waiting for more books in this new series.
June 13, 2025
Absolutely wonderful! Yet another book that brings magic and friendship together so beautifully. I felt like I was spending time good friends. So well written! I can’t wait for my next visit to Portney💙
June 16, 2025
Great story. Wonderful characters, flawed yet warm and supportive. So far, I have given every one of Jessica Rosenberg's Midlife Magic books five stars. I wish I could give more. Now I'm eagerly awaiting the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews