Secrets of Saltcliff

Forty, Fired, & Fighting Demons #1

by Brenda Trim

Turns out, when a realtor says 'location, location, location!', they aren't going to mention the property is directly above a portal to Hell...

I'm Eliza Grey, and my charming fixer-upper came with an unexpected a gateway to the infernal realms in the basement.

So much for open-concept living.

Now, instead of choosing tile patterns, I'm deciphering ancient runes. My real estate agent? Secretly a magical mentor. The grumpy handyman? A half-demon hunter with a penchant for brooding. And my new house? Let's just say it has opinions on my renovation choices.

I've got to master my newfound magical abilities, navigate the bureaucratic nightmare that is Hell's Seven Boroughs, and find a mystical artifact before a demon lord uses my property as his personal welcome mat to world domination.

Home improvement shows never prepared me for this. If I can survive magical training, outsmart Hell's henchmen, and keep my sanity (and my house) intact, I might just save the world.

Although there's no telling what this will do for the resale value.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go sage my cutlery. In this house, you can never be too careful.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2025

About the author

Brenda's Paranormal Women's Fiction

Mystical Midlife in Maine Series
1. Magical Makeover
2. Laugh Lines & Lost Things
3. Hellmouth & Hot Flashes
4. Holidays With Hades
5. Saggy But Witty in Crescent City
6. Nasty Curses & Big Purses
7. Fae Forged Axes & Chin Waxes
8. Demonic Stones & Creaky Bones
9. Underworld Frights & Sleepless Nights
10. Pixie Dust & Brain Rust
11. Magical Hands & Silver Strands
12. Deadly Quips & Furry Lips
13. Enchanted Tattoos & Lost Fools
14. Shady Secrets & Sun Spots

Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Series
1. Packing Serious Magical Mojo
2. Cadaver On Canal Street
3. Seances & Second Line Parades
4. French Quarter Fae
5. King's Day Magical Mischief
6. Etou-Fae The Hard Way
7. Hurricanes, Heros & Hail Marys
8. Royal Street Romp
9. Levees, Lost Crowns & Loa
10. Mud Bugs & Cherished Hugs
11. Creole Dishes & Deadly Wishes

Brenda's Paranormal Romance Books
DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE SERIES
1. Dream Warrior
2. Mystik Warrior
3. Pemas Storm
4. Isis Betrayal
5. Deviant Warrior
6. Suvi's Revenge
7. Scarred Warrior
8. Hellbound Warrior
9. Isobel
10. Rogue Warrior
11. Shattered Warrior

Reviews

[Deborah Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this story and was prepared to enjoy a sentient house. But I could barely get into it because someone forgot to edit it! There were too many repeated phrases. Even snarky comments were repeated! I was maybe 20% into this and had to quit. Good premise but the authors just need to go back for a rework.

[Elvia Delagarza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too repetitive

I could not get through the first chapter. Either the author likes using the same phrases over and over or bad editing. Just couldn't get past the first few pages to give a better review.

[Jill Bechdel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is fun

Since this is the first book in the series it always makes the introduction of the characters and their stories. I liked it. It was funny and zany. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Nix Kharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read 45% DNF. This book needs to be edited! It's had the exact same sentences, the exact same jokes, the exact same phrases too many times. Give me a break! The idea of ​​the story is really cool, I also like that the female main character is not a teenager, and there were a few really funny jokes in the book. BUT it's not funny anymore when you read the same lines and jokes umphteenth times. It got boring. And the plot: not that interesting so far. I mean the idea is super cool, but so far there haven't been enough interesting actual events in the story. The main character's background is also too vague. It is told that she's had a career, it's also been mentioned that she has a mother and sister who are witches. Nothing else. Friends? Hobbies? Relationships? Why hasn't she called her family? Are there any reasons why friends/lovers/hobbies has not mentioned? She's forty! She must have had something else in her life besides work. Even if he had nothing else, it would have been necessary to tell why, how and what kind of life he had. Nothing is really told about his background, nothing really happens, except that he jokes all the time and the jokes get worn out with too much repetition. So no, I won't use any more my time with this story. Sorry for the author, but this time it would have been better to concentrate to write the story with no rush, give it to someone for editing and refine the outcome before published.

[Kathy Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start, with issues

I hate being negative, and I do think this is a good start to the characters and the series, but clearly whomever was supposed to edit the content didn't actually read it. Very frustrating. I really hope that the issue is resolved before the next book is published. Very unusual for this author.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Forty, Fired, & Fighting Demons series and the main character is Eliza Grey, who suddenly decided she had had enough of her highly demand tech world job and sold up to move to a home in Saltcliff that she had only seen online! She is in reality a supernatural, a witch, who turned her back on her family and on a magical life and tried to live a fully human life for the last twenty years! She has just enough money left over to hopefully fix up this old Victorian house, so long as it doesn’t need a complete rebuild! As she takes her first look around inside, she can already imagine she has a ghost or two, as a rocking chair seems to be moving of its own accord, and she can sense the magic practically dripping off the walls. The old house wasn’t just magical, it was on a nexus, a local focal point of power and she can certainly feel it with her long unused witch senses! When her online realtor, Astra Lennox, turns up, she tells Eliza that the house chose her out of all those who looked at its listing, and that she has a very important magical role to perform. The ghost Eliza thought was in the attic, is n reality in the basement and it isn’t exactly a ghost or two. Nope, it is an actual hellmouth, and she needs to stop the coming awakening, where the island’s magic will attract all sorts of demons and dark beings to the town. The portal in her basement is the thinnest spot in town and it is her job to try and stop them breaking through and close the portal for good! Shame she has no real magical know how and hasn’t tried using magic in over twenty years. She is like a complete novice, not the expert they obviously need.

Astra is willing to teach her magical spells and use of her magic, while her friend and the town’s electrician, Zane, will help her with wards and securing the house and basement in particular. Her house is like a beacon for supernatural forces, and she needs to buckle down and start listening to his instructions, before she ends up with demons frolicking in her living room. She uses sarcasm as a defensive mechanism, which Zane doesn’t appreciate so much, calling her Princess, to her calling him Sunshine, since he never cracks a smile. She has named her house CC, which it seems to like, giving a rumble of the house in replies. Zane tries to tell her she has the potential to do what needs to be done to turn away the demons and to close the portal. Her mindset from years in the corporate world, works somewhat differently than a normal witch’s’, and her reawakened magic is the same. She has to admit defeat and call in the reinforcements of her mum and gran, Mimi, and tell them she is finally a believer in magic and needs their help with her dire situation. They seem to enjoy the situation immensely and it is clear where she gets her sarcastic wit from. As they try to figure out the ritual to close the portal in her basement, they also have to find the Key of Solomon, to temporarily close the portal as the demon lord gets ever more persistent in his efforts to cross over. The wards are having to be rewritten and strengthened at every hour through the night and day, leaving Eliza exhausted.

On top of that, she has to try and get all her boxes unpacked and start fixing up the house, starting with the kitchen and flat packed units she previously thought would be a wise choice! But it is not just her house that is being affected, as reports come in of supernatural activity all over the town, some more serious than others. Eliza has been promoted in town as the new fixer of all these strange events and will be able to make herself a living sorting them all out, but only if she can shut the portal down permanently first! The hunt for the magical key is fraught with danger and will test their true intentions and their strength of will, with three parts to be collected from different hard to reach mythical places. No one said any of it would be easy and with a witch who has ignored her powers for two decades, the learning curve will be steep. Lots of adventures, but the best bits are the quips traded between Eliza and Zane as attraction blossoms, whilst they fight to stop evil rending her house apart. Long forgotten magic gets a modern twist as Eliza comes up with her own additions and changes to an ancient and failed ritual, hoping she might survive to experience her new home and friends. An intriguing and catching start to a series, I can’t wait to read more of.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a quirky, fast-paced fantasy that blends magic, humor, and a lot of chaos, then Secrets of Saltcliff by Brenda Trim is the book you need! I absolutely adored this fresh, entertaining, and wildly imaginative start to the Forty, Fired, & Fighting Demons series.

Meet Eliza Grey, a woman who thought she was simply buying a charming fixer-upper—but instead, she stumbles upon a house with a portal to Hell in the basement. Yeah, talk about a major renovation challenge! Eliza’s got her hands full not only with home improvement projects but also with deciphering ancient runes, dodging demons, and trying to navigate the strange magical world she’s suddenly part of.

The humor in this book is spot-on. Eliza’s sarcastic wit and practical attitude toward her newfound magical reality had me laughing out loud more than once. I could totally relate to her frustration with the whole “open-concept living” idea when it turns into a battle against demons and dark magic. Her quick thinking and determination are so relatable—she’s just a regular person trying to make the best of a truly out-of-this-world situation.

The magical world-building is top-notch. From the quirky magical mentor who doubles as a real estate agent to the grumpy handyman (a half-demon hunter, no less), the characters are wonderfully dynamic and keep the plot moving at an exciting pace. But the real fun begins when Eliza is tasked with outsmarting Hell’s henchmen while mastering her magical abilities and tracking down a mystical artifact before things spiral completely out of control.

The house itself is also a character—literally and figuratively. Its bizarre reactions to Eliza’s renovation choices add an unexpected layer of charm and danger. The plot is an enjoyable rollercoaster with twists, turns, and just the right amount of tension. I especially loved the witty nods to home improvement shows, which are hilariously upended in this new magical context.

I couldn’t put the book down and found myself eagerly flipping through the pages to see how Eliza would handle each new challenge. Her struggle to balance her magical training with her determination to protect her home (and the world) is both entertaining and inspiring. The blend of lighthearted humor and high stakes kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can’t wait to see where Eliza’s adventures take her next.

For fans of cozy mysteries with a magical twist, quirky heroines, and fast-paced action, Secrets of Saltcliff is a must-read. Brenda Trim has crafted a fun, action-packed, and witty debut that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good laugh mixed with a healthy dose of supernatural intrigue. Eliza’s journey is only just beginning, and I’m already hooked on what’s next in the Forty, Fired, & Fighting Demons series!.

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

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza is a 40 year old woman who bought a dilapidated Victorian. She's finally made it there and is looking it over. She hears a sound upstairs and goes up. At the first room she comes to she opens the door to a rocking chair. Yup she knows what this is! It's a part of her that she's kept under lock and key for 20 years or so. But now she opens that lock box and sends out her magic and lo and behold..the house is totally magic. This isn't just a house...it's a nexus. Her realtor shows up and using her power she discovers that her realtor is a real honest to gosh witch. Eliza has been chosen by the house. Then she learns that there is a convergence that will occur. This will affect the island's magic but it will also bring demons.She finds that she and the realtor are to be partners in the coming awakening and convergence.Astra will help train her. Midlife crisis much?
Zane is sent by Astra to help Eliza secure the house from demonic forces. He doesn't want to be there.
A sort of allegiance is made between the three. Zane and Astra will be training Eliza in the craft. The power within her is what is needed. She needs to learn how to utiize it. Interspersed with the training is battles with demons. Eliza uses sarcasm and witty remarks to work out the scares and the weight of what is required of her. She learns about the archives and she and Astra go over
the books. They come across a ritual that would seal the openings in her house for a longer time while they shore up all the openings occuring.
Now they are on the search for the Seal of Solomon that is suppose to be somewhere on the island.
Demons, a living house, a demon hunter and a witch plus a island full of other mystical beings as well as mundanes and Eliza's life is one long adventure that she's willing to give over.
Will she finally be able to handle her magic and the open gareways? Or is the world doomed?
An amazing mid life crisis sort of story that has it's moments of humour and lots of danger.

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

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series is freaking awesome! OMG. I spent most of the book with the AC on because I was freaking out. You are either laughing at the sassy come backs of Eliza. She buys a new house and thinks it will be a fixer-upper. It is. However, the town of Saltcliffe has a really huge set of secrets that pretty much had me muttering OMG or no way constantly. Astra sells the house to her. We find out that a lot of supernatural stuff happens. That the house is so much more than it seems. I giggled, squeed, cursed out loud, lolled, muttered and chewed on my nails. So much is going on. I found myself having to put my kindle down a lot because I had to figure out the ramifications of what I’d just read. My stomach and heart rate were freaking out too from all of the worry for the characters. Then there is witchcraft involved and Eliza has been ignoring her magic for the last 20 years much to her mother & grandmother’s chagrin. Eliza gets a crash course in dealing with demons that boggles the mind and makes you go uh oh with more cursing involved. lol. Zane is one grumpy guy and there is so much more to him that his hotness. The zingers and sparks that flow off the interactions between Zane & Eliza is delightful and hilarious. Eliza and how Astra & Zane handle everything that is thrown at them in this book is mind boggling to me. I’d be curled up in a ball afterwards freaking out after each incident. I’m surprised Eliza doesn’t need Xanax or the potion equivalent of it after everything. OR PTSD. The book can be scary at times and my nails will never be the same. lol. I am both terrified and impatient to see what the next book will bring.

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

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite the interesting start to a new series. Honestly, at times, I couldn't help drawing parallels to Buffy except this time our heroine is not high school age and the hell mouth is much closer. Eliza is clearly made of strong stuff. Again, I will fall back on my comparison to Buffy. It is easier to shape a younger mind and I am sure it is easier on a younger body to fight evil but neither of those things stop Eliza from standing her "haunted" ground.
The world of Saltcliff, built around this hellish house, is full of mystery and more adventures than one book can contain. The author did a nice job of building this world and adding quirky characters who will no doubt play roles in future stories. I like how the realtor who did not fully disclose the challenges with the house tied more closely to the story moving from realtor to magic mentor. The grumpy and sexy handyman was also an excellent start. He provided both help and some sweaty moments even when Eliza was fighting to wrap her mind around a literal portal and a sentient house.
This was a good start to a new series with good characters.

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

[Challis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Exciting story! I liked the setup: woman buys fixer-upper house, totally unaware of the great big adventure she’s getting herself into. You know who the MC, Eliza, reminded me of every time she spoke?? One of my fav series characters, Charley Davidson from Darynda Jones’ world of writing. Eliza has that same kind of spitfire sarcasm and humorous attitude that she brings into every situation and it made for a really great MC.

I thought this was a decent start to a series, Forty, Fired, & Fighting Demons, and I can see how many more books can come out of this series. Saltcliff itself feels like a very wonderful place to have be home based for a whole bunch of paranormal events and mysterious happenings.

I think what I needed more of from this was just more interaction between the characters, because what we got was really fun and I liked how the trio of Eliza, Zane, and Astra fell into a pretty quick friendship yet it still felt authentic. I just wanted more of that in along with the demon hunting and Hell-scape navigating.

I would happily read whatever is next up in this world!


I received a copy of this book via Booksprout. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[LaVonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really been looking forward to reading this first book in a new series by Brenda Trim. And I eagerly dove into it with all kinds of excitement and anticipation. The first book of a new series is a true treasure chest.

Eliza, our main character, is newly divorced and she drawn to buying a 'fixer upper' home situated on an island. Once Eliza arrives on the island, she discovers that nothing is what she expected - from her new home to Astra, the 'realtor' and Zane, a handsome 'Jack of all trades'. It is going to take all three of them working together to deal with the problem hiding in the basement of Eliza's magical home.

As eager as I was to read this story, I found it difficult to connect to Eliza's character. She speaks with a great deal of snark and sarcasm and for me, I found her dialogue to be distracting. This habit of speech for Eliza is explained and the other characters seem to be more amused than annoyed by it so obviously, the problem is with me and not our talented author.

In any case, I am now looking forward to reading the second installment of the
"Forty, Fired & Fighting Demons" series by Brenda Trim.

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

[Maralina DG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snarky Humor - Magic Muscles and Surprises Around Every Corner

Well this is a fun start to a possible new series! We are introduced to Eliza whom decided to cash in retirement and saving to purchase, sight unseen, a house that seemed to call to her from afar with the help of her, um, "realtor extraordinaire", Astra Lennox whom turns out to have Stevie Nicks vibes and witchy energy. How Eliza describes Astra is positively hilarious and completely provides the mind's eye visual perfectly using current knowledge.

Needless to say, this new house turns out to be more than just a property, it's pretty rundown at the beginning and when Eliza start to exercise her long unused magic muscles, she realizes the house comes with more than just walls and a roof. Astra confirms this and lets Eliza know, this property was meant to be in hands.

This is a fun way to provide some history for all aspects of this story along with heavy humor, snarky quips and lots of sarcasm. Eliza is tasked with taking on responsibility of the surprise in the basement that could be problematic for all.

Fun characters, fun read and well worth starting this story to find out what happens.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Saltcliff is the first book in the new Forty, Fired & Fighting Demons series. This book features Eliza Grey, a 40-year old woman who, after being let go from her job, decides to start anew in Saltcliff. She pools her available funds, purchases a fixer upper (which she had only seen online), and moves in. It is only then that she learns that the house is not only magical but it also sits on a nexus which acts as a portal for demons. Not exactly what she had in mind.

For years Eliza has ignored her witchy roots, but she cannot ignore them any longer. With the help of her realtor, Astra Lennox, the sexy, broody electrician, Zane, and of course CC, Chateau Chaos (her magical house), Eliza needs to close the portals and banish the demons.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. I love this quirky group of characters who need to band together to save the world. I hope Trim has plans to further develop this series as I look forward to more of Eliza's witchy adventures, and possibly a romantic relationship between Eliza and Zane. If you're looking for a quick and easy fantasy which will surely have you smiling, then I recommend checking out this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fixer upper!
Being let go and starting over is in itself a harsh thing to deal with, add in demons and a breach in the veil, not to mention your now a witch! Fixer upper, flip n turn are an understatement here! The house is sentient, the fix it man is hunky and the real estate agent is your new best witch friend. From the first day upon arrival everything happens at once and man is it a crazy ride! Meeting the people of Saltcliff along with its demons and magical entities, it's enough to make most people turn tail! Eliza is crazy enough to stay and fight back with a running dialog of snarky come backs and brushing the rust off her magic! Looking forward to more insane adventures with this threesome!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brittney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't make it through the first chapter. The below is literally a passage from the book and within the first 11 pages, it isn't even the only passage that is repeated word for word.

All flowing black clothes, jangling silver jewelry, and an aura of mystery that was probably fifty percent mystical and fifty percent really good skincare. The grainy video calls had not done her justice. "Eliza Grey," she said, her voice even smoother and more cultured in person. "It's wonderful to finally meet you face to face." "Astra?" I managed, my eyes wide. "Wow, you look... different. Did you run through an Instagram filter on your way here?" She was wearing flowing black clothes and jangling silver jewelry. She also had an aura of mystery that was probably fifty percent genetic makeup and fifty percent really good skincare.

[Cathy Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book one in the Forty, Fired and Fighting Demons series, and we have witches, Demons, a portal to hell, a sentient house, magical artefacts, oh and a quest to save the town of salt cliff and the world. We follow our sassy, sarcastic witch Eliza, her realtor and fellow witch, Astra, and the grumpy Demon Hunter, Zane, as they navigate the unusual occurrences happening in Saltcliff.

I really enjoyed this book, I love the dynamics between these three strangers, who quickly become firm friends whilst trying to save the world. There is so much sass and sarcasm, mainly from Eliza, and the story is so full of humour. The writing style is great, as is the plot, pace and the character development, all in all makes for a fab witchy read. This was a great four star read for me and I would definitely recommend.

[Carinkla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reluctant Sarcastic heroine's magical adventures

This book took me some getting used to but turned out to be a very good read.

The story itself was intriguing and its pace fast, but never too fast to follow. The characters are diverse, quirky and believable. The trouble I had with the book was it’s main character. Which took some getting used to. She was sarcastic all the time and I found her very annoying and unlikeable. But even though she remained sarcastic through the whole book, she grew on me after she had stated that it was a coping mechanism. It was either sarcasm or breaking down and start crying and not being able to stop.

Once I understood that I could enjoy the book more fully.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman in her Midlife finds herself making another fresh start.

After leaving her mediocre magical skills behind to work in technology, she's now leaving her mid-level management position behind.

the island town she relocates to comes complete with her very own fixer upper, and the first borough of He$$ through a nearby breach.

rediscovering her magical roots, connecting with family, and settling in with a bevy of creative creatures and other supernatural entities, along with some mundanes - island life seems likely to be more banishing than beach bumming.

intense friends and family circle, a hor handyman, and a great deal of chaos promise lots of dramatic and colorful reading ahead.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Grey buys a fixer upper house on the island of Saltcliff. Little did she know that the houses basement would contain a gateway to hell. Now it's on Eliza's shoulders to try and close the portal for good. First she has to accept she's a witch, then with the help of her new friend and real estate agent, Astra, and Zane, her electrician, they try to maintain the wards. It soon becomes too much and she has to call in her mother and grandmother to help. Between trying to renovate the house and going on dangerous quests to try and get the artifacts she needs to work the spell, she's beginning to think she bit off more than she can chew.

[Kristy Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Annoying Lead Character

The story idea is great and the supporting characters have promise, but the lead character is annoying. So much dialogue is wasted on her sarcasm and supposed wit. Most of her quips are repeated over and over. They lose any sense of originality or humor. Her sense of worry over her worthiness is not developed well. Literal paragraphs are repeated almost verbatim in places. It was poorly edited. A little back story as to why she stopped magic would have been nice. Honestly, it was a bit of a struggle to finish the book, although I'm glad I did, because the quests at the end helped save it a little.

[Sharon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first loook into Saltcliff. I found the chartacters interesting and the story was great. The tension between the characters was fun, can't wait to see what transpires. I am looking forward to the next in this series and the problems tackled by the characters. living in Saltcliff and the sentient house CC offers a great amount of issues that I look forward to see how the Eliza and Zane and the others resolve. I recommend this series and book.

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

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of an adult (not straight out of their teen years) was what had me hopefully from the start. The book hits the ground running! I haven't laughed so much while reading in quite awhile. The characters are relatable as a person nearing their 40s, who uses humor (whether dark or sarcasm) as a coping mechanism. The vibes of the book to me were a mix of Gilmore girls and charmed(....shows I grew up watching and loving!)
I can't wait to read more from this author!!!.

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

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nexus Restoration

Eliza has just purchased a house, but what awaits her is a magical nexus needing to be repaired. Definitely, not the restorations or remodeling she expected. Help from Zane, the handyman, the realtor, and a few people she thought forgotten were the best parts of this story. The humor and action were well balanced as the world building for this new series was established. I can't wait till the next one.

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

[Andrea Latham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eliza Grey is a midlife woman who moves into a supposed charming fixer-upper but this turns out to be falling apart because there is a portal in the basement that might open the gates of Hell. Eliza calls Zane, an electrician who she finds out is half demon and Eliza starts getting her powers that she didn't know she had. With the help from Zane, Astra, her mother & grandmother Eliza does what she has to do including snarky remarks to everyone to get the job of closing the portal without dying.

[Kirsten]

Dnf. Whiny MC who self-admittedly uses sarcasm as a defense. It was too much. and I speak sarcasm as a second language. But this character never actually had any real dialogue. Just more one liners. I could not stand this person and I was in chapter 4 had no real grip on who the main character was or what their motivation was. The first four chapters were full of holes. And I had more questions than I was getting answers. It wasn't worth continuing. I hope that the main character ended up having growth, but by this point, I didn't actually want to give it any more time to figure it out.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great first book for a new series. Eliza thinks she bought a fixer-upper in a small town and would spend her time renovating it. Unfortunately, her realtor failed to disclose that there was a portal to hell in the basement and demons kept trying to come through it. Or that she was the only one that could stop them.

Excellent world-building. Can't wait to see where this series goes. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenda Trim has done it again!! Secrets of Saltcliff is the first book in a brand-new series Forty. Fired and Fighting Demons is an excellent start, I love the premise of trying to bring a property back to life but instead you find a portal to Hell! I can't wait to see where this series goes, I'm so excited!.

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

[Jodie Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story!!! I was hooked into this story right from the start of the book and I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the storyline. Book 1 of the series jumps right into Demons and Witches and Haunted Houses. I loved it and can't wait to read more.
I love reading stories from this author, they are always AWESOME!

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

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eliza Grey has a new home with unexpected features, gate way to infernal realms, magical mentor and unusual handyman. This is the makings of a fantastic new series with surprises, magic, supernatural and entertaining characters. I love the sentient house with attitude, absolutely fascinating story. I can’t wait for more books.🥰💕.

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