Witchful Linking

Midlife at the Magnolia #2

by Jen B. Lassalle

Trust deeply. Link wisely. Love fiercely. Or just wing it.Simone's new life has started out with a bang. Literally.

She claimed her rights at the Magnolia. But a midnight explosion, threatening graffiti, and a series of seemingly small disturbances warn her she hasn't been embraced just yet.

The vandalism means her head of security, who happens to be the insanely hot ex she can't get out of her head, is on property and in her space. And the "just friends" lawyer she almost kissed always seems to be around to lend a helpful extra hand.

Simone isn't ready to be plopped into the center of a love triangle. After all, the ink on her divorce papers isn't even dry. Oh, and it keeps disappearing.

But that's the least of her worries. Agatha's looming last words still ring in her ears, House is having issues connecting to her, and her son is giving her a second chance at the worst possible time.

When the popular mean girl, who happens to be Simone's distant cousin, steps forward to threaten her new position, Simone will have to rely on her new found family to keep her coven intact. She just has to get them to trust her. But how can she convince them when she barely believes in herself?

Midlife magic isn't supposed to feel like high school drama. Again.

Witchful Linking is the second book in the Midlife at the Magnolia paranormal women's fiction series. In this emotional session with the supernatural, Jen Lassalle explores the world of motherhood, the importance of protecting boundaries, and learning to trust others ... and ourselves.

Genres: Fantasy

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

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

[KayCeeReads]

I finished it and the storyline was good. However Simone's internal dialogue about not being 'good enough ' was on full blast in this book. I found that to be somewhat irritating in the first book and I had to skim a lot of it in this one. I realize that is what the author is going for, but it was too much for me. It's hard to believe a 48 year old with this level of angst. But again, that's my frustration. Perhaps others will not be bothered.
I still enjoyed it enough to want to read the next one.

[Pam]

This was just as fabulous as the first book in the series. I couldn't put it down and hated to see it end. The next one in the series doesn't come out until December! I highly recommend this book!

Amazon synopsis:
She claimed her rights at the Magnolia. But a midnight explosion, threatening graffiti, and a series of seemingly small disturbances warn her she hasn't been embraced just yet.

The vandalism means her head of security, who happens to be the insanely hot ex she can't get out of her head, is on property and in her space. And the "just friends" lawyer she almost kissed always seems to be around to lend a helpful extra hand.

Simone isn't ready to be plopped into the center of a love triangle. After all, the ink on her divorce papers isn't even dry. Oh, and it keeps disappearing.

But that's the least of her worries. Agatha's looming last words still ring in her ears, House is having issues connecting to her, and her son is giving her a second chance at the worst possible time.

When the popular mean girl, who happens to be Simone's distant cousin, steps forward to threaten her new position, Simone will have to rely on her new found family to keep her coven intact. She just has to get them to trust her. But how can she convince them when she barely believes in herself?

[Amber]

Simone goes through 3 trials to prove herself as the Supreme. We learn that you have to accept your flaws. You deserve as much grace as you're willing to give to others. Some humor, no romance in this one, just a tiny bit of tension. that's coming in the next book I'm sure. This is a cute little read, and I'm on to the 3rd book!

[Sarah]

Sentient magic house
Found Family
Middle-aged FMC and main characters
Quirky ways of looking at magic
Cosy easy reading
Overcoming self-doubt
Romantic interest - no spice

"Midlife magic isn't supposed to feel like high school drama. Again."

Our FMC is Simone, a middle-aged newfound witch, a mum, and a recent divorcee…. If the signature will stick!? She is flawed, strong, determined, and a little bit like a horny teenager again.

This book is really just a bi
g, quirky, cosy journey of self-discovery for our FMC Simone. She has to come to terms with her past, her traumas, her doubts, and overcome the nasty popular girl from school (her cousin) who has come to take her new life from her.

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

Witchful Linking is the second book in the Midlife at the Magnolia, which is a paranormal women's fiction series. I didn't read the first book, so I felt like I was missing a few things sometimes, but it didn't affect the main story.

[Georgen Charnes]

I found the FMC really irritating. She's lived in this magical house, with ownership of several magical businesses, for 8 weeks, and she mentions that SHE'S NEVER BEEN INTO THE SALON. She's never looked through the building! She's talking to her old boyfriend and FALLS ASLEEP WHILE TALKING TO HIM! She needs to be creating, building, reaching out, learning, but just keeps saying how tired she is.

Long passages of her emotional growth. I suppose she will, if it doesn't take much effort on her part.

[Tina Higginbotham]

I can haz? Love Gumbo ❤️

Soooo good! Loved it ❤️Written by a Southern girl now read by a Southern girl. This continuation of the first book is just amazing 👏 I'm so glad I bought all 3 & could just roll into part two no waiting. Jen you are a brilliant writer. I stayed engrossed from part one into part two. It was so unputdownable. I knew when I should've gone to sleep is when I kept dropping the book & I would drop it on my bed 🛌 just to do the same all over again. I finally had to give in & go to sleep 😴 All the characters are smart, strong & funny women. Each personality is their own. The super natural ones especially. From another realm so not human naturally. How you could keep so many characters engaged with each other is mind boggling. But I loved it! The more detail oriented the more I liked it. I'm impatiently writing this review so I can hurry up & get to part three! To anyone out trying to decide to read this set just DO IT! Then you too can find out who Gumbo is lol! My favorite character! 😍

[Starr Perry]

Charming and entertaining

Simone has some midlife surprises come her way. Her cheating husband was one of them but the fact that she was a witch was wayyyyy bigger, and the fact that she inherited a magical family business named the Magnolia was another.

So when her cousin shows up and informs her she is the rightful heir, a whole new unexpected magical battle for rights is set in motion with results that are completely unexpected and surprising for everyone involved.

Well written, with a fun cast of colorful cast of characters and a satisfying ending, the novel is enjoyable and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Paula Pugh]

I was fortunate to be able to read the first book of the Midlife at the Magnolia series (Witchful Shrinking), although it is not necessary to enjoy this novel. It is so creative and magical as the temporary Supreme, Simone, is challenged for her position by her mean cousin. The cousin seems to have turned Simone’s Magnolia friends against her. She appears intent to win at all costs, causing many problems for Simone.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Goss]

Although Simone claimed her place at the Magnolia, it is now challenged. I am not normally a fan of a love triangle but it seems helpful for Simone. She was married a long time and her ex-husband took her for granted so, it is good that she is beginning to see her worth. I was saddened for a bit when things were looking bleak but Simone it was heartening to see her fight for what is rightfully her place.

[Frankie Stoffer]

Excellent series entry

I liked this book even better than the first one. The main character is a therapist, among other things, and she had to go through several trials to claim her rights, and these involved looking deep inside herself and facing all her issues. I found it very gripping. The themes of self-awareness, recovering from the past, making real friends, and dealing with enjoy and betrayal were very well covered. I'll be going on to book #3 immediately.

[janece collins]

This series is a treasure

This book is a beautiful heroine's journey back into herself. It made me laugh and cry. The author is brilliant and deeply insightful into the soul of what it is to be a woman, reclaiming her matriarchal nature. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to dive into the next one!

[Lady Galaxy]

This was well written and moved the story along. It involved a challenge to ownership of the Magnolia as well as the title. There was a lot of suspense, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first book. I hated the betrayals and mean girl stuff. It was way too middle school. It will be interesting to see how they all move beyond that.

[Linda Traynor]

Throughly enjoyable

Simone may have gotten off to a shaky start, but she got her act together in time. I love house but I think she needs a name. Facing her past and her mistakes was painful but necessary. Love the way Jen writes.

[Linda K Pearson]

A refreshing storyline.

This series is refreshing and different from some of the other paranormal cozies I have read. I live rhe characters and the storyline. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Leslie]

Simone is challenged for her position as Supreme by a distant family member. Well written, engaging characters, believable dilemmas, and a bit of humor are all part of what makes this book a nice reading experience.

[Bobbie Williams]

3 stars

I had to skip most of the book. As soon as Brianne turned her back and was a traitor, I couldnt. I skeppied to the end and read the last 3 chapters. I am going to read the next book, but honestly, I hope Bri quits and moves or something.

[Sandra Porter]

Very enjoyable

I don't really remember the first book. I probably should have re-read it. But I picked up on the story quickly. I loved Simone. She's someone I'd like to be friends with. I was very invested in the story. Going to get the next now.

[Linda Ray]

Witchful Linking excellent

I feel psychologically analyzed
As CC reviewed her life I reviewed mine with all the mistakes and successes I’ve had to be able to accept myself
Thank you

[Jacquelin R Gainer]

Light hearted whimsy with a bit of wisdom

This book was just what I needed. Life lessons threaded with humor. The interpersonal issues were relatable to any one who reads the book. I love how the main character is not perfect. Keep writing.

[Lynn Johnston]

A Nice read

It was a easy read and the characters are interesting and relatable. I did think the main character dragged out her lack of self-esteem too long but it worked out in the end

[Stephanie Albright]

Weird in the best ways!

I can wait for the next book. The author has built a lovely magical community, with so many interesting and loveable characters. Well done!

[Heather Ann Elder]

Love this series!!

I couldn't put it down!! Onto the next!
I really enjoy all of the characters and how the storyline keeps you on your toes.

[Tricia]

Fun, can't wait for the third book to come out.

[Sylvia Hall]

A book with magic and heart

A great read with all the best action , characters and with heart! I couldn’t put it down and was glad I didn’t.

[marie faraone]

So far a great read.

I really like the way the story moves. It keeps your attention but also has a relaxing flow. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

[Jacque]

Probably 3.5

[Marlene Sanders]

So good!!

As I think I have said previously, this is not really my book genre....but gosh this series is amazing! Just read it all. I promise you will love it!

[Carole S.]

Really insightful

Midlife at the Magnolia was a very insightful and inspiring book. So many of the challenges faced by the characters ring true and will be helpful to readers.

[Linda]

Love this series.

I love the characters and how they have been developing. They are fun and show us that life for a women ends at 30.

[Krista]

Interesting to have a question in book 2. Look forward to future adventures