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Magical Musing
Maeve has a choice to make, but her heart makes it easy...
When shadowy forces threaten Maeve’s newfound friends and the town’s magical balance, she must embrace her inner witch and stubborn bulldog, Frank, at her side.
But it’s not just shadowy forces that Maeve has to contend with—there’s also her family’s deeply buried secrets. Secrets that tie her to the Academy, a majestic magical institution that seems to want her as much as it resists her.
As she unravels the mystery of her father and the curse that divided Stonewick from its allies, Maeve discovers that her arrival in town was no coincidence.
An enemy from the past—charismatic, cunning, and terrifyingly powerful—has been waiting for her to step into the role she never knew she was destined for.
The stakes are high, and the danger is real, but Maeve isn’t tackling it alone. Between brewing magical teas, fending off magical creatures, and navigating the sparks of chemistry with a brooding warlock who’s as frustrating as he is handsome, Maeve starts to see that she’s more than capable of holding her own.
Will Maeve rise to the challenge, or will the shadows consume Stonewick for good? Join Maeve and her unlikely crew to find out in this spellbinding tale of second chances, magical mayhem, and the power of believing in yourself.
When shadowy forces threaten Maeve’s newfound friends and the town’s magical balance, she must embrace her inner witch and stubborn bulldog, Frank, at her side.
But it’s not just shadowy forces that Maeve has to contend with—there’s also her family’s deeply buried secrets. Secrets that tie her to the Academy, a majestic magical institution that seems to want her as much as it resists her.
As she unravels the mystery of her father and the curse that divided Stonewick from its allies, Maeve discovers that her arrival in town was no coincidence.
An enemy from the past—charismatic, cunning, and terrifyingly powerful—has been waiting for her to step into the role she never knew she was destined for.
The stakes are high, and the danger is real, but Maeve isn’t tackling it alone. Between brewing magical teas, fending off magical creatures, and navigating the sparks of chemistry with a brooding warlock who’s as frustrating as he is handsome, Maeve starts to see that she’s more than capable of holding her own.
Will Maeve rise to the challenge, or will the shadows consume Stonewick for good? Join Maeve and her unlikely crew to find out in this spellbinding tale of second chances, magical mayhem, and the power of believing in yourself.
- GenresMagic
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 30, 2025
If this woman doesn’t start using her brain, I don’t know what else there is. She’s been told things so many times and acts like she’s never heard any of it with every other sentence. “Keegan promised my dad he’d watch over me?” Yes, he told you that almost immediately in the first book. You had a whole discussion about it.
If we didn’t have repetition, this book would be 45 pages long. Enough already! These books are written like the author is trying to reach the word count for an essay assignment in high school.
What we know: she’s not smart, she’ll question everything on an infinite loop until she has asked the same questions for 5-10 pages, no one can give a straight answer ever, and she doesn’t have critical thinking capabilities (see point 1).
And if Keegan’s eyes “soften” one more time, I’m going to request another curse where his eyes stay “hardened and darkened” forever.
This woman is 45 years old and can’t figure out she likes Keegan? Why is she so confused by the way her heart aches when she looks at him?
Then sometimes she talks about things like she’s always known or has been in this world for years instead of a couple months.
And the whole thing about the fox was just odd. Why would she assume that fox hadn’t already been in the Academy. And why would she want to hide it from or lie about it to her grandma? It’s a fox. She didn’t even say what she saw, just “something”. Maybe Elira could’ve told her about it. Then later her grandma mentioned “the fox”. Except Maeve never said it was a fox.
And why does everyone treat her like her brain can’t handle much? She reads a paragraph in a magical book and then has to take a breath because her she can’t handle it anymore. No one gives her any answers because she might be too fragile. Yet, she is constantly saying how strong she is, and others tell her that she was given all this power because she’s stronger than she knows. But no one treats her like that, including herself. And she’s definitely not practicing any magic, which she absolutely needs to do.
“The academy wasn’t finished with me yet.”“Our story was far from over.”
What’s with these dumb clichéd sentences? Why would the Academy be finished with her when she has barely even begun? Why would her story be over when she’s still figuring out things for the first time? Stop using these generic sentences because they don’t mean anything.
The writing is just lazy at this point, which is upsetting given that this world building could’ve been really, really cool. Instead, nothing is happening. The main character seems weak, and the supporting characters seem like their hands are tied to do anything important or powerful.
If we didn’t have repetition, this book would be 45 pages long. Enough already! These books are written like the author is trying to reach the word count for an essay assignment in high school.
What we know: she’s not smart, she’ll question everything on an infinite loop until she has asked the same questions for 5-10 pages, no one can give a straight answer ever, and she doesn’t have critical thinking capabilities (see point 1).
And if Keegan’s eyes “soften” one more time, I’m going to request another curse where his eyes stay “hardened and darkened” forever.
This woman is 45 years old and can’t figure out she likes Keegan? Why is she so confused by the way her heart aches when she looks at him?
Then sometimes she talks about things like she’s always known or has been in this world for years instead of a couple months.
And the whole thing about the fox was just odd. Why would she assume that fox hadn’t already been in the Academy. And why would she want to hide it from or lie about it to her grandma? It’s a fox. She didn’t even say what she saw, just “something”. Maybe Elira could’ve told her about it. Then later her grandma mentioned “the fox”. Except Maeve never said it was a fox.
And why does everyone treat her like her brain can’t handle much? She reads a paragraph in a magical book and then has to take a breath because her she can’t handle it anymore. No one gives her any answers because she might be too fragile. Yet, she is constantly saying how strong she is, and others tell her that she was given all this power because she’s stronger than she knows. But no one treats her like that, including herself. And she’s definitely not practicing any magic, which she absolutely needs to do.
“The academy wasn’t finished with me yet.”“Our story was far from over.”
What’s with these dumb clichéd sentences? Why would the Academy be finished with her when she has barely even begun? Why would her story be over when she’s still figuring out things for the first time? Stop using these generic sentences because they don’t mean anything.
The writing is just lazy at this point, which is upsetting given that this world building could’ve been really, really cool. Instead, nothing is happening. The main character seems weak, and the supporting characters seem like their hands are tied to do anything important or powerful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2025
I really want this series to be good; wonderful setting, fun characters, decent plot line. But the writing!
Redundant. Rambling. Melodramatic.
Protagonist is an absolute whimp. Yes, I get she has trauma and probably PTSD as a result, but does she have to repeat herself every other page? She constantly questions everything ten times out loud. I wouldn’t pick her for headmaster of anything, bloodline or not.
Antagonist is just a nasty piece of work. All the innuendos are tiring and if he grins/leers one more time, I will scream. He reminds me of a playground bully.
Fight scenes went on and on and on…..
I really feel like this could have been a novella (first book felt the same way). Author needs to use description and narrative better rather than having the main character voice her self doubts repeatedly.
I am going to try to read the third book but if the writing style doesn’t improve, I doubt if I will ever see the ending….
Redundant. Rambling. Melodramatic.
Protagonist is an absolute whimp. Yes, I get she has trauma and probably PTSD as a result, but does she have to repeat herself every other page? She constantly questions everything ten times out loud. I wouldn’t pick her for headmaster of anything, bloodline or not.
Antagonist is just a nasty piece of work. All the innuendos are tiring and if he grins/leers one more time, I will scream. He reminds me of a playground bully.
Fight scenes went on and on and on…..
I really feel like this could have been a novella (first book felt the same way). Author needs to use description and narrative better rather than having the main character voice her self doubts repeatedly.
I am going to try to read the third book but if the writing style doesn’t improve, I doubt if I will ever see the ending….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
enchanting story
The story is marvelous. If it hadn’t been for repetitive wording and retelling of things , I would have rated it higher. But so many”first time in a long time” grated on me.
The story is marvelous. If it hadn’t been for repetitive wording and retelling of things , I would have rated it higher. But so many”first time in a long time” grated on me.
September 14, 2025
DNF - good grief, every single page is so repetitive, every sentence is like we’re ending the chapter. The main character can’t remember a single thing, and no one ever says anything except clichéd generic uplifting or mysterious phrases. It’s too bad, because I feel like the stories premise has such potential
June 21, 2025
Not as good as the first book. Hate that the main cast treat the FMC like she is an idiot or not worthy of knowing or learning things. I just found this annoying and I was skipping big chunks of text to try and move the story on. Don’t know if I will pick up book 3.
August 29, 2025
I’m going to try to see this series through until the end because I feel like there is so much potential to the story and the universe if it’s fleshed out properly. After reading the first two books, I’m afraid it won’t be.
As others have said, there is a lot of repetition and pages of the LFC rethinking through things she thought through ten pages ago. And it goes on and on and does absolutely nothing to move the story forward. There’s so much doubt and unfinished thoughts and sentences, and does anyone in this town have any other facial expression than smirking?!
Anyway, the lead keeps asking the same questions over and over and never asking things like “what am I supposed to tell my best friend and my daughter?!” Because she disappears for weeks at a time and never speaks to them. Her best friend, who we learned in the first book is pregnant with twins, while mothering another set of young twins, has vanished from this woman’s life. If I was Skye, I would be pissed! At least the author made an attempt to explain away the daughter’s absence.
Hoping for better in book 3.
Edited to add: I’ve started the third book, I’m not very far in yet. I’ve come to realize I can’t truly fault the author; whoever edited these books should find new work, because this is the problem! We shouldn’t have to read pages of Maeve’s thoughts repeated again and again before the story moves. The writing itself is interesting, but these books need some heavy editing.
As others have said, there is a lot of repetition and pages of the LFC rethinking through things she thought through ten pages ago. And it goes on and on and does absolutely nothing to move the story forward. There’s so much doubt and unfinished thoughts and sentences, and does anyone in this town have any other facial expression than smirking?!
Anyway, the lead keeps asking the same questions over and over and never asking things like “what am I supposed to tell my best friend and my daughter?!” Because she disappears for weeks at a time and never speaks to them. Her best friend, who we learned in the first book is pregnant with twins, while mothering another set of young twins, has vanished from this woman’s life. If I was Skye, I would be pissed! At least the author made an attempt to explain away the daughter’s absence.
Hoping for better in book 3.
Edited to add: I’ve started the third book, I’m not very far in yet. I’ve come to realize I can’t truly fault the author; whoever edited these books should find new work, because this is the problem! We shouldn’t have to read pages of Maeve’s thoughts repeated again and again before the story moves. The writing itself is interesting, but these books need some heavy editing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2026
Good
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This is a 4/5 on my trauma scale, with some unfinished business and unresolved chaos.
Maeve is slowly moving towards an understanding of life in Stonewick, what the academy is, and what her role there is to be.
This book reveals her family history, and some of the stories that the local residents have been rather reluctant to share with her as yet.
The pacing in these books is of the cosy kind, which seems slightly frustrating as the story isn’t exactly a cosy one! It means that time passes quickly (we get all the way up to Christmas in this one) but little gets accomplished (partly due to the nature of time around the academy). That in itself is frustrating because Maeve is mostly acting from a blind position, she knows very little, has zero confidence in herself, and is faced with some very scary big bads- it doesn’t help that people keep hiding things from her!
The story is still engrossing though, and the reader quickly finds themselves invested in the outcome of it all.
Will Maeve open the Academy? Can she stop the curse? Will anyone manage to fix Gideon for good? Will it ever be safe enough for her daughter to visit?
In the end, we make only a little headway in the overarching story, and hopefully, we will see some of these issues (plus the ones I didn’t mention because *spoilers*) get dealt with in the next few books!
If you enjoy a midlife magical glow up, then this is an enjoyable series for PWF lovers.
WARNING! Cliffhanger! This is a 4/5 on my trauma scale, with some unfinished business and unresolved chaos.
Maeve is slowly moving towards an understanding of life in Stonewick, what the academy is, and what her role there is to be.
This book reveals her family history, and some of the stories that the local residents have been rather reluctant to share with her as yet.
The pacing in these books is of the cosy kind, which seems slightly frustrating as the story isn’t exactly a cosy one! It means that time passes quickly (we get all the way up to Christmas in this one) but little gets accomplished (partly due to the nature of time around the academy). That in itself is frustrating because Maeve is mostly acting from a blind position, she knows very little, has zero confidence in herself, and is faced with some very scary big bads- it doesn’t help that people keep hiding things from her!
The story is still engrossing though, and the reader quickly finds themselves invested in the outcome of it all.
Will Maeve open the Academy? Can she stop the curse? Will anyone manage to fix Gideon for good? Will it ever be safe enough for her daughter to visit?
In the end, we make only a little headway in the overarching story, and hopefully, we will see some of these issues (plus the ones I didn’t mention because *spoilers*) get dealt with in the next few books!
If you enjoy a midlife magical glow up, then this is an enjoyable series for PWF lovers.
May 8, 2026
Good grief, the repetition and bad editing are just too much. Every thing is repeated multiple times until you just start skimming to keep your sanity. And, probably missing stuff that is relative. Situations discussed in book 1 are brought up like they are surprises in book 2. "My dad asked Keegan to look after me?" - yes, discussed multiple times in book 1. "Keegan's parents left him here" - wow, discussed at least 3 if not 4 times in 1 chapter. And she is shocked again about the same thing in a later chapter. They Left. There are many more examples throughout the book.
Pieces are missing in discussions. Maeve has her tarot read by Nova. 3 cards are drawn (no Fool) but Maeve thinks about the first reading and suddenly the Fool card is there and they discuss it for a while. She goes to see Celeste - and that whole lead up is repeated a bunch. Is warned it's a bad idea and Gideon might do something. When he shows up there is all this shock and fear. Why was she even partly surprised? It was discussed and even I knew he'd show up sometime/somehow.
There is just so much that's missing or repeated. And Maeve acts so clueless and surprised when warned, multiple times. There is also a ton of smirking and stomach knotting/twisting/churning/ fluttering. Again, repetition.
It does get a bit better as the book progresses, but not tremendously. For me, I think I can stop here. It was a good premise but it's just not working for me.
Pieces are missing in discussions. Maeve has her tarot read by Nova. 3 cards are drawn (no Fool) but Maeve thinks about the first reading and suddenly the Fool card is there and they discuss it for a while. She goes to see Celeste - and that whole lead up is repeated a bunch. Is warned it's a bad idea and Gideon might do something. When he shows up there is all this shock and fear. Why was she even partly surprised? It was discussed and even I knew he'd show up sometime/somehow.
There is just so much that's missing or repeated. And Maeve acts so clueless and surprised when warned, multiple times. There is also a ton of smirking and stomach knotting/twisting/churning/ fluttering. Again, repetition.
It does get a bit better as the book progresses, but not tremendously. For me, I think I can stop here. It was a good premise but it's just not working for me.
July 22, 2025
Whew! There was a big battle at the end with lots of creatures and wands swirling around! This was a great book. I've already downloaded the next book in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
When shadowy forces threaten Maeve’s newfound friends and the town’s magical balance, she must embrace her inner witch and stubborn bulldog, Frank, at her side.
But it’s not just shadowy forces that Maeve has to contend with—there’s also her family’s deeply buried secrets. Secrets that tie her to the Academy, a majestic magical institution that seems to want her as much as it resists her.
As she unravels the mystery of her father and the curse that divided Stonewick from its allies, Maeve discovers that her arrival in town was no coincidence.
An enemy from the past—charismatic, cunning, and terrifyingly powerful—has been waiting for her to step into the role she never knew she was destined for.
The stakes are high, and the danger is real, but Maeve isn’t tackling it alone. Between brewing magical teas, fending off magical creatures, and navigating the sparks of chemistry with a brooding warlock who’s as frustrating as he is handsome, Maeve starts to see that she’s more than capable of holding her own.
Amazon synopsis:
When shadowy forces threaten Maeve’s newfound friends and the town’s magical balance, she must embrace her inner witch and stubborn bulldog, Frank, at her side.
But it’s not just shadowy forces that Maeve has to contend with—there’s also her family’s deeply buried secrets. Secrets that tie her to the Academy, a majestic magical institution that seems to want her as much as it resists her.
As she unravels the mystery of her father and the curse that divided Stonewick from its allies, Maeve discovers that her arrival in town was no coincidence.
An enemy from the past—charismatic, cunning, and terrifyingly powerful—has been waiting for her to step into the role she never knew she was destined for.
The stakes are high, and the danger is real, but Maeve isn’t tackling it alone. Between brewing magical teas, fending off magical creatures, and navigating the sparks of chemistry with a brooding warlock who’s as frustrating as he is handsome, Maeve starts to see that she’s more than capable of holding her own.
February 24, 2026
I read the second book in the series hoping that the FMC would be treated more like an adult with a pivotal role to play in this enchanting town full of lively and fun characters. However, such was not the case. She was still purposely kept from the relevant information she needed to make informed decisions under the guise of her friends doing what is best for her. She is a 45-year-old woman, not some child that needs parental protections. Just give her the information so she can make informed decisions rather than watch her twist in the wind and make her beg for snippets of the truth.
Because of the way the FMC is treated, the story drags as the reader waits for the next snippet of knowledge to finally be released so the story can move forward. There are even parts when a piece of big information is finally dropped but rather than then following up on that and discussing it to understand the meaning or get some context, the characters go to their individual corners to ruminate and speculate on it for several pages--when someone knows the truth and won't just spit it out already.
This all makes for frustrating reading. Maybe this changes in the later books for this series but I am afraid to read the third book only to find the same pattern again.
Because of the way the FMC is treated, the story drags as the reader waits for the next snippet of knowledge to finally be released so the story can move forward. There are even parts when a piece of big information is finally dropped but rather than then following up on that and discussing it to understand the meaning or get some context, the characters go to their individual corners to ruminate and speculate on it for several pages--when someone knows the truth and won't just spit it out already.
This all makes for frustrating reading. Maybe this changes in the later books for this series but I am afraid to read the third book only to find the same pattern again.
April 14, 2026
I love the story and the characters. Maeve seems more of a young adult than a midlife woman, and she is treated like one. She is supposed to be 45 years old! The repeated phrase "you're not alone" did get on my nerves a little. It was like you could anticipate what was going to be said. Overall, I did read it in a day, and I liked the storyline and the characters. I have started Book 3, Im hoping to hold on and the story gets better.
March 30, 2026
Better Than the First Book
This book focused more on The Academy than the people, and Maeve’s search for answers. There is a gigantic fight scene that lasts FOREVER and never reveals what the gargoyles are capable of doing. It’s potential is almost wasted, and left me feeling disillusioned.
This book focused more on The Academy than the people, and Maeve’s search for answers. There is a gigantic fight scene that lasts FOREVER and never reveals what the gargoyles are capable of doing. It’s potential is almost wasted, and left me feeling disillusioned.
May 29, 2026
Pride, insecurity, and Ignorance
I often get tired of the know-it-all woman who is shown to be the leader. All women are not that stupid. The lack of patience and putting friends in danger is getting old. Not keeping one's word is not a joke
Overall, I like the majority of the characters.
The fast pace keeps it interesting.
I often get tired of the know-it-all woman who is shown to be the leader. All women are not that stupid. The lack of patience and putting friends in danger is getting old. Not keeping one's word is not a joke
Overall, I like the majority of the characters.
The fast pace keeps it interesting.
March 3, 2025
Stonewick
This is by far the best book that this author has written for a long time. Slow to get into book one but accelerates like a fire in this second book about a town called Stonewick and the magic it encompasses with characters second to none.
This is by far the best book that this author has written for a long time. Slow to get into book one but accelerates like a fire in this second book about a town called Stonewick and the magic it encompasses with characters second to none.
March 24, 2026
Page Turning Contiued
Oh the story line for this left another cliff hanger….the laughter, friendship, and bonds in this book are amazing. Reminding us about the simplest joys….cant wait to read fye next book
Oh the story line for this left another cliff hanger….the laughter, friendship, and bonds in this book are amazing. Reminding us about the simplest joys….cant wait to read fye next book
April 24, 2026
interesting story
As always start with first book of series. We always want to have magic and to see dragons but I wouldn’t want all the trouble. About to download the next book and see what happens. Give it a try.
As always start with first book of series. We always want to have magic and to see dragons but I wouldn’t want all the trouble. About to download the next book and see what happens. Give it a try.
May 21, 2025
wow
I read through the book like popcorn one after the other . I can’t stop so far the best series that I’ve read . I can’t wait to get to the next book.
I read through the book like popcorn one after the other . I can’t stop so far the best series that I’ve read . I can’t wait to get to the next book.
May 23, 2025
Captivating!!!
I could not put this book down! There is never a dull moment. I binge read the whole thing in less than 1 day!
I could not put this book down! There is never a dull moment. I binge read the whole thing in less than 1 day!
December 4, 2025
excellent second book
I love this series. This was an excellent second book. Entertaining and leaves you wanting to read the next book.
I love this series. This was an excellent second book. Entertaining and leaves you wanting to read the next book.
December 25, 2025
I'm so hooked!
So good! I love the characters and how each chapter delves deeper into the characters stories, I hope Keegan and Maeve get together 🩷
So good! I love the characters and how each chapter delves deeper into the characters stories, I hope Keegan and Maeve get together 🩷
April 15, 2026
Gripping
Fabulous characters and vivid storytelling!
And may I PLEASE have my invitation to the Academy?
Can’t wait to read the next book!
Fabulous characters and vivid storytelling!
And may I PLEASE have my invitation to the Academy?
Can’t wait to read the next book!
April 19, 2026
I just finished this book and I'm ready for book 3, Magical Mishief. Very exciting!
May 15, 2026
DRAGONS!!
I lived the 1st book in this series but this one introduced Dragons!! And a FOX!!
Always be the MAGIC!!
I lived the 1st book in this series but this one introduced Dragons!! And a FOX!!
Always be the MAGIC!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews