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Magic at Midnight #1
Midlife Magic & Magnolias: Paranormal Women's Fiction
A house with “personality.” One ridiculously tall leprechaun. Two nachtmares. And three geriatric defenders straight out of the retirement village.
These are my ducks, and they are not in a row.
It wasn’t until I lost everything—my home, my marriage, even my career—that I started to wonder if our “family curse” might be more than an unfortunate turn of phrase. Now turning forty-five, the age at which every woman in my family dies, I need answers not only for myself but for my two daughters. And I’ll see every specialist in the country if that’s what it takes.
But when a lifelong friend discovers a link between my strange family history and an abandoned estate, I can't pass up the opportunity to learn what happened before the death certificates started piling up.
What I find may mean it’s too late to change my fate, but that doesn’t mean I won’t die trying. If there’s a curse on our family, I’m coming for it with everything I’ve got.
Might as well make use of these raging hormones and decades of suppressed emotions while I still can…
The time for surviving is over. It’s time to start living.
If sarcasm is your love language, this new humorous Paranormal Women's Fiction series is for you! Perfect for fans of Shannon Mayer, K.F. Breene, and Robyn Peterman.
These are my ducks, and they are not in a row.
It wasn’t until I lost everything—my home, my marriage, even my career—that I started to wonder if our “family curse” might be more than an unfortunate turn of phrase. Now turning forty-five, the age at which every woman in my family dies, I need answers not only for myself but for my two daughters. And I’ll see every specialist in the country if that’s what it takes.
But when a lifelong friend discovers a link between my strange family history and an abandoned estate, I can't pass up the opportunity to learn what happened before the death certificates started piling up.
What I find may mean it’s too late to change my fate, but that doesn’t mean I won’t die trying. If there’s a curse on our family, I’m coming for it with everything I’ve got.
Might as well make use of these raging hormones and decades of suppressed emotions while I still can…
The time for surviving is over. It’s time to start living.
If sarcasm is your love language, this new humorous Paranormal Women's Fiction series is for you! Perfect for fans of Shannon Mayer, K.F. Breene, and Robyn Peterman.
12 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 7, 2023
259 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
August 4, 2022
My first impression was that I really liked the title. This southern gal appreciates the noble beauty of magnolias. I never anticipated that they would actually play an active role in the story. I expected a cutesy, paranormal cozy. A few common elements are present in the story baseline of a woman inheriting an old house. After that, forget cozy and take a wild car ride and a boat trip into fantasy. Magical activity and magical beings abound. Wait, is that a tall, sexy leprechaun? There were lots of surprises to come.
There was a lot of danger, and all sorts of difficulties for forty-four year old Alex to deal with as she faced a death curse. All the women in her family die at age 45. Her cheating husband couldn't wait and divorced her. Alex didn't need him though, she had a wonderful stepmother, a bestie, and more support than she ever imagined. The bonds of family love and good friendships shone strongly through both action and shenanigans. I really appreciated the warm fuzzies that spilled out in both amusing and dangerous moments.
Meredith Carlisle has done a great job of setting up a really interesting powerplay scenario and assembling an unusual and fascinating group of characters. Midlife Magic & Magnolias is the first of a series and I can't wait to see the characters develop and continue into the next book, Midlife Magic and Medusa.
There was a lot of danger, and all sorts of difficulties for forty-four year old Alex to deal with as she faced a death curse. All the women in her family die at age 45. Her cheating husband couldn't wait and divorced her. Alex didn't need him though, she had a wonderful stepmother, a bestie, and more support than she ever imagined. The bonds of family love and good friendships shone strongly through both action and shenanigans. I really appreciated the warm fuzzies that spilled out in both amusing and dangerous moments.
Meredith Carlisle has done a great job of setting up a really interesting powerplay scenario and assembling an unusual and fascinating group of characters. Midlife Magic & Magnolias is the first of a series and I can't wait to see the characters develop and continue into the next book, Midlife Magic and Medusa.
December 29, 2022
2022 bk 393. a new midlife women's paranormal series. It starts out a little like scattershot, making it difficult to figure out major characters (who pop in and out of the story) and then takes a darker turn. I need to learn more about the Nachtmares of Germany.
February 6, 2024
Overview: Alex is freshly off the divorce boat and finds herself the heiress of a mysterious manor house – and magically inclined to boot! This romp through the magical world of Magnolia Manor is nothing short of hilarious.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Tags and Trigger Warnings: Death, Demons, Divorce, Gun Violence, Gun Use, Magic, Mythical Creatures, Off-Screen Infidelity, Paranormal Happenings, Supernatural Creatures, Violence, Women’s Fiction.
Body Count: a few, but nothing on-screen.
Thoughts:
What I liked: I loved the female relationships, the quick pacing, and the bevy of sarcasm.
What I didn’t like: I wasn’t fond of the POV at first, but it was still readable. I’m hoping more of the series gets released soon.
Was it engaging?
Yes
Favorite Character:
Alex, with Eleanor a close second.
Least Favorite Character:
Mike, without hesitation.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Tags and Trigger Warnings: Death, Demons, Divorce, Gun Violence, Gun Use, Magic, Mythical Creatures, Off-Screen Infidelity, Paranormal Happenings, Supernatural Creatures, Violence, Women’s Fiction.
Body Count: a few, but nothing on-screen.
Thoughts:
What I liked: I loved the female relationships, the quick pacing, and the bevy of sarcasm.
What I didn’t like: I wasn’t fond of the POV at first, but it was still readable. I’m hoping more of the series gets released soon.
Was it engaging?
Yes
Favorite Character:
Alex, with Eleanor a close second.
Least Favorite Character:
Mike, without hesitation.
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February 15, 2024DNF. I got to 15% by skimming that last chapter, but nah, I'm done. The protagonist is not a person I can deal with. Too much shame, too little spine. The prose is emotionally distancing. I hoped the supernatural elements might make this more interesting, but all that's done is leave me wondering who edited this.
June 21, 2022
Fun and suspenseful.
The author does a great job of setting up a magical world while giving you likeable - and some not so likeable - characters. Looking forward to book 2.
The author does a great job of setting up a magical world while giving you likeable - and some not so likeable - characters. Looking forward to book 2.
September 7, 2024
I didn't realise that the audiobook I had access to was only half of the book, which is a bummer because I was really enjoying it. I even went to buy/rent the whole audiobook only to find that it was 30-45 dollars :O
I guess I'll wait to see if it comes into my local library...
I guess I'll wait to see if it comes into my local library...
June 23, 2025
Fun fluff read.
June 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this. It kept my attention and I was intrigued by the characters. I am looking forward to next in series
February 22, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is all my own!
Alex is not having a great time at the moment - she's divorcing her slime bag husband, has lost her job, her home and now has moved across the country to live with her adopted aunt at her over 50s complex. To make matters worse, it's soon to be Alex 45th birthday, which is not a problem for most people, but for Alex it comes with a bad omen! Every woman in her family has died during her 45th year and this family curse is not something Alex knows how to deal with!
When she receives a package containing lots of information which may or may not help her cause, she finds herself in a strange town trying to find a house that no-one else has been able to find. Somehow Alex is drawn to this place and the place is drawn to her as well. What she finds in Magnolia House is nothing like she was expecting. Soon her whole life, her whole history and her future changes and she now has new problems and situations to deal with, but luckily for her she has friends and family, both new and old, to help her cope and deal with these changes!
I really liked Alex - she was definitely a fun character to read and very relatable too. She was very loyal, determined and surprising at times where her ex was concerned. She did more for him than I would have done - I definitely sided with Nikki on that one! Her magical friends were great characters as well, with a range of different species and powers, all of whom added their own brand of magic and power to the different situations!
Her human friends were just as fun, but Nellie was absolutely hilarious - how she got to the town was brilliant, yet no-one had time to ask why! And the House itself was amazing! I so want to live there too!
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series now, especially with the ending of yet another new species - this time, one who could cause a lot more problems!
Alex is not having a great time at the moment - she's divorcing her slime bag husband, has lost her job, her home and now has moved across the country to live with her adopted aunt at her over 50s complex. To make matters worse, it's soon to be Alex 45th birthday, which is not a problem for most people, but for Alex it comes with a bad omen! Every woman in her family has died during her 45th year and this family curse is not something Alex knows how to deal with!
When she receives a package containing lots of information which may or may not help her cause, she finds herself in a strange town trying to find a house that no-one else has been able to find. Somehow Alex is drawn to this place and the place is drawn to her as well. What she finds in Magnolia House is nothing like she was expecting. Soon her whole life, her whole history and her future changes and she now has new problems and situations to deal with, but luckily for her she has friends and family, both new and old, to help her cope and deal with these changes!
I really liked Alex - she was definitely a fun character to read and very relatable too. She was very loyal, determined and surprising at times where her ex was concerned. She did more for him than I would have done - I definitely sided with Nikki on that one! Her magical friends were great characters as well, with a range of different species and powers, all of whom added their own brand of magic and power to the different situations!
Her human friends were just as fun, but Nellie was absolutely hilarious - how she got to the town was brilliant, yet no-one had time to ask why! And the House itself was amazing! I so want to live there too!
I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series now, especially with the ending of yet another new species - this time, one who could cause a lot more problems!
August 21, 2022
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book.~
I’m a fan of an older protagonist. Our MC is at an all time low; a family cursed to die at a certain age, going through a divorce, and broke. She has some sass, but her feelings of being inadequate make her feel pretty relatable. She's likable and very human.
I feel like I’ve read a few of the: suddenly inherit a magical house/heritage lately. And they can be fun. It serves the same purpose Isekai does by giving us a protagonist learning about the world with us. If you enjoy that kind of setup then this book delivers it with humor and excitement.
I enjoyed the sense of humor. I loved the house and the variety of characters introduced. The variety of magical creatures and the mystery about what happened in the past and how that influences what is happening now. A third of the way through the book, I was already pretty sure I’d want to grab the next book (“Midlife Magic & Medusa”) when it comes out. I look forward to the magical world building to be more fleshed out.
Narration was enjoyable. Maria McCann does an excellent job giving the characters a sense of personality with her voice.
Some quotes:
“His weakness is not yours. His failures are not yours. The fact that he let you get away only shows what a complete fool he is, which also has nothing to do with you.” (Pg 6)
“Unicorns & Horns from Around the World
The Sphinx: Solving the Riddle of You
Valkyrie & Other Female Warrior Spirits
Dragons & Dungeons - Training the Trainer
Kelpies & Kids - Not a Good Mix
Gnomes, Trolls, and Ogres - Identifying Marks & Characteristics” (Pg 190)
“I am the proprietor of a bed and breakfast. In the South. Where everyone thinks they can hide their sins by driving approximately two hours away from their home zip code. I’ll pay you a thousand dollars, in cash, if you can make me blush…” (Pg 353)
I’m a fan of an older protagonist. Our MC is at an all time low; a family cursed to die at a certain age, going through a divorce, and broke. She has some sass, but her feelings of being inadequate make her feel pretty relatable. She's likable and very human.
I feel like I’ve read a few of the: suddenly inherit a magical house/heritage lately. And they can be fun. It serves the same purpose Isekai does by giving us a protagonist learning about the world with us. If you enjoy that kind of setup then this book delivers it with humor and excitement.
I enjoyed the sense of humor. I loved the house and the variety of characters introduced. The variety of magical creatures and the mystery about what happened in the past and how that influences what is happening now. A third of the way through the book, I was already pretty sure I’d want to grab the next book (“Midlife Magic & Medusa”) when it comes out. I look forward to the magical world building to be more fleshed out.
Narration was enjoyable. Maria McCann does an excellent job giving the characters a sense of personality with her voice.
Some quotes:
“His weakness is not yours. His failures are not yours. The fact that he let you get away only shows what a complete fool he is, which also has nothing to do with you.” (Pg 6)
“Unicorns & Horns from Around the World
The Sphinx: Solving the Riddle of You
Valkyrie & Other Female Warrior Spirits
Dragons & Dungeons - Training the Trainer
Kelpies & Kids - Not a Good Mix
Gnomes, Trolls, and Ogres - Identifying Marks & Characteristics” (Pg 190)
“I am the proprietor of a bed and breakfast. In the South. Where everyone thinks they can hide their sins by driving approximately two hours away from their home zip code. I’ll pay you a thousand dollars, in cash, if you can make me blush…” (Pg 353)
July 29, 2022
This is the the first book by this author that I have read or listened too but it certainly won't be my last, as I will definitely be getting the rest of the books in this series. I loved it. With so many cozy paranormal stories out there, this is one of the better ones and I don't know if it was because the author went with an older heroine but it also seems more grown up. The book is filled with humour and mystery but it is not until about half way through that it truly becomes magical. The author does a good job of creating like able characters and even turns some myths on there head. Although I must admit my favourite character wasn't one of the magical ones but Alex's feisty Aunt Eleanor, who with her gun and sharp wit was a hoot. The world the author creates is not only easy to picture but is also captivating, keeping the listener hooked until the very end. Can't wait for the next book.
At 45 all the woman in Alex's family die and with her fast approaching the dreaded birthday Alex steps up her game plan, if not to help herself then to at least try to help her daughters. Specialist doctors are at a lost to explain it and so she turns to genealogy and finds an unexpected surprise. It turns out she might not be as alone as she thought. With her husband divorcing her, no job and the loss of her house, life has her traveling to an abandon mansion with a strange history and even stranger rules. Can Alex discover the connection between the mansion and her history, in order to end the curse. And in doing so her world is opened up to a whole new world, one that she never thought was possible but at what cost?
I liked the narrator. She was able to bring the characters to life by giving them each there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
At 45 all the woman in Alex's family die and with her fast approaching the dreaded birthday Alex steps up her game plan, if not to help herself then to at least try to help her daughters. Specialist doctors are at a lost to explain it and so she turns to genealogy and finds an unexpected surprise. It turns out she might not be as alone as she thought. With her husband divorcing her, no job and the loss of her house, life has her traveling to an abandon mansion with a strange history and even stranger rules. Can Alex discover the connection between the mansion and her history, in order to end the curse. And in doing so her world is opened up to a whole new world, one that she never thought was possible but at what cost?
I liked the narrator. She was able to bring the characters to life by giving them each there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 6, 2023
I came across this on my library's website and gave it a try because they had the audio book version. I'm so glad I did because I REALLY enjoyed this and look forward to continuing with the series!
I love all aspects of paranormal fiction so this was a likely candidate for a good read for me. It has many things that make a book great for me: a creative interesting plot, well-written, likable characters with quirks doing exciting things, and strong world-building as a foundation for a solid series. This book had all those items.
What it also had, and which is always a winner for me, was plenty of cheeky humour throughout the story. I LOVE a book that makes me laugh, and when the humour is wrapped around a potentially life-altering or world-ending story line well that just ups the entertainment factor that much more.
Alex is a really great main character who is in the quintessential "fish out of water" situation, discovering she is the heiress to not only an amazing mansion, but to a magical bloodline as well. I won't say more to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say this first book sets up a world and a story that has plenty of room to grow.
I also like that this book has some unusual paranormal species as characters; species we don't regularly see in other paranormal stories and learning about them and their abilities here was a fun twist.
Overall, this was a good, solid start to what I hope will be a long-term favourite series that I will continue with for the several future books already released.
Format note: for those who like audio format, the narrator here (who is new to me) Maria McCann was excellent. She gave each character a unique voice and personality through her narration and added that extra layer of enjoyment a well-narrated audio book can deliver to a story. I plan to continue listening to these books on audio.
I love all aspects of paranormal fiction so this was a likely candidate for a good read for me. It has many things that make a book great for me: a creative interesting plot, well-written, likable characters with quirks doing exciting things, and strong world-building as a foundation for a solid series. This book had all those items.
What it also had, and which is always a winner for me, was plenty of cheeky humour throughout the story. I LOVE a book that makes me laugh, and when the humour is wrapped around a potentially life-altering or world-ending story line well that just ups the entertainment factor that much more.
Alex is a really great main character who is in the quintessential "fish out of water" situation, discovering she is the heiress to not only an amazing mansion, but to a magical bloodline as well. I won't say more to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say this first book sets up a world and a story that has plenty of room to grow.
I also like that this book has some unusual paranormal species as characters; species we don't regularly see in other paranormal stories and learning about them and their abilities here was a fun twist.
Overall, this was a good, solid start to what I hope will be a long-term favourite series that I will continue with for the several future books already released.
Format note: for those who like audio format, the narrator here (who is new to me) Maria McCann was excellent. She gave each character a unique voice and personality through her narration and added that extra layer of enjoyment a well-narrated audio book can deliver to a story. I plan to continue listening to these books on audio.
March 13, 2022
Midlife Magic and Magnolias, by Meredith Carlisle, is part witchy cozy mystery, part--well, not urban fantasy exactly, but maybe--suburban fantasy? Is that a thing? If not, it should be, and I lay claim to the naming of it. But no matter what you call it, I call it splendid. I was fortunate enough to be able to read an ARC of MM&M, and I found the characters absolutely engaging (Alex, the main character, has a particularly excellent vibe...), the world-building terrific, and the overall concept simply a hoot. Ms. Carlisle presents a lovely mix of arcana, science, and history, with a pack of ravening werewolves thrown in for good measure. Oh, yes, and a six-foot-four, extremely buff leprechaun... Great fun here. The pacing of the story is spot on, and had me turning "just one more page" and then another and then another, to see what happened next, even though I really needed to get to bed... Ms. Carlisle has a masterful touch when it comes to story-telling, and I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
June 25, 2022
COLOUR ME IMPRESSED!
It was a total pleasure to listen to this story, The narrator Maria managed 11 and a half hours in a lovely soft voice, changing from men, women, monsters and animals easily. I slowed the narration speed to .95 from 100% for my enjoyment. I really hope Maria remains the narrator for this series.
Good amount of snark from Aunt Eleanor but not overdone like some authors. Plenty of wit, humour and a damn good storyline.
I loved the details and description of everything, this is a fantastic book. I was right there for the ride, in fact I listened on repeat for days before reviewing. I am so looking forward to the rest of the series, if they are as good as this book I will be happy.
Magical house, hidden town, family and secrets that need uncovering are all covered in Alex's journey from marital problems to more than she could ever imagine. RECOMMENDED CLEAN MAGICAL WELL WRITTEN BOOK.
It was a total pleasure to listen to this story, The narrator Maria managed 11 and a half hours in a lovely soft voice, changing from men, women, monsters and animals easily. I slowed the narration speed to .95 from 100% for my enjoyment. I really hope Maria remains the narrator for this series.
Good amount of snark from Aunt Eleanor but not overdone like some authors. Plenty of wit, humour and a damn good storyline.
I loved the details and description of everything, this is a fantastic book. I was right there for the ride, in fact I listened on repeat for days before reviewing. I am so looking forward to the rest of the series, if they are as good as this book I will be happy.
Magical house, hidden town, family and secrets that need uncovering are all covered in Alex's journey from marital problems to more than she could ever imagine. RECOMMENDED CLEAN MAGICAL WELL WRITTEN BOOK.
August 20, 2022
Delightful Paranormal Mystery!
By: Meredith Carlisle
Narrated by: Maria McCann
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed: 08-20-22
Beautifully written featuring a delightful cast of characters, an Intriguing plot laced with humor and mystery and then narrated with plenty of snark and sass, Midlife Magic & Magnolias makes for a delightful listening experience! Add to that it’s truly laugh out loud funny! I think my favorite thing about this one was the characters. I LOVED the characters! They are extremely realistic and funny! Some might say characters like these can’t possibly exist! Oh but they do! I swear, these ladies could have lived in my mothers adult community! And yes, you COULD walk around in the evening and see them measuring the height of the grass! They do exist! I’m not going to go into plot details for fear of spoiling the fun for anyone. This one is fabulous good clean fun! I loved it. Five fantastic stars.
By: Meredith Carlisle
Narrated by: Maria McCann
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars Reviewed: 08-20-22
Beautifully written featuring a delightful cast of characters, an Intriguing plot laced with humor and mystery and then narrated with plenty of snark and sass, Midlife Magic & Magnolias makes for a delightful listening experience! Add to that it’s truly laugh out loud funny! I think my favorite thing about this one was the characters. I LOVED the characters! They are extremely realistic and funny! Some might say characters like these can’t possibly exist! Oh but they do! I swear, these ladies could have lived in my mothers adult community! And yes, you COULD walk around in the evening and see them measuring the height of the grass! They do exist! I’m not going to go into plot details for fear of spoiling the fun for anyone. This one is fabulous good clean fun! I loved it. Five fantastic stars.
November 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book.
What caught my eye was the beginning which the main character (Alex) stated that all the females in her family were cursed to die at age 45. She was 44 years old and her birthday was the next day. Unfortunately, Alex cannot find any information about the curse or why her family was cursed. Then her friend, Nikki, discovered a clue in a small southern town. It's there that Alex discovers that she has been willed a magical house. Alex doesn't know it's a magical house and the house she sees is a ruin. The house begins changing and improving as soon as Alex steps through the door. Alex also discovers a few strange "humanoids" such as a 6' tall leprechaun among others. :)
I had not read any books by this author before but I am going to read all I can find. The characters were well-written and fleshed out. The plot was quit interesting and filling in the areas of the plot was a very enjoyable ride.
What caught my eye was the beginning which the main character (Alex) stated that all the females in her family were cursed to die at age 45. She was 44 years old and her birthday was the next day. Unfortunately, Alex cannot find any information about the curse or why her family was cursed. Then her friend, Nikki, discovered a clue in a small southern town. It's there that Alex discovers that she has been willed a magical house. Alex doesn't know it's a magical house and the house she sees is a ruin. The house begins changing and improving as soon as Alex steps through the door. Alex also discovers a few strange "humanoids" such as a 6' tall leprechaun among others. :)
I had not read any books by this author before but I am going to read all I can find. The characters were well-written and fleshed out. The plot was quit interesting and filling in the areas of the plot was a very enjoyable ride.
March 28, 2024
Excited to read the next one!
I may not have been excited about getting to know Alex when I first met her. After all, I was seeing her just after she had her old life snatched away by her cruel and rotten jerk of a husband. She was not at her best. Then a package came for her (along with an unexpected package of sex toys from a company she had agreed to do ad copy for. But the less said about that package the better). The package that did not contain sex toys instead contained a portfolio which would change her life, her beliefs, her very being. From then on, Alex became a very interesting person to follow. Could it be true that Alex was a powerful witch? To accept that meant she had to acknowledge the existence of magic in the first place. Can she learn and accept all that her magical inheritance entails? Can she even survive it? From one life threatening challenge to the next, Alex travels at breakneck speed. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I may not have been excited about getting to know Alex when I first met her. After all, I was seeing her just after she had her old life snatched away by her cruel and rotten jerk of a husband. She was not at her best. Then a package came for her (along with an unexpected package of sex toys from a company she had agreed to do ad copy for. But the less said about that package the better). The package that did not contain sex toys instead contained a portfolio which would change her life, her beliefs, her very being. From then on, Alex became a very interesting person to follow. Could it be true that Alex was a powerful witch? To accept that meant she had to acknowledge the existence of magic in the first place. Can she learn and accept all that her magical inheritance entails? Can she even survive it? From one life threatening challenge to the next, Alex travels at breakneck speed. I can't wait to see what happens next.
March 27, 2022
Alex seems more than ready for a reboot. post divorce from her cheating ex, she lives in fear of the death most women in her family face before their 46th birthday- a date approaching soon for her.
she would very much like to find answers for herself and her two twenty something daughters
an unexpected inheritance of a mystery estate that cannot be held by any man proves puzzling- is she an heir or not? a magical Magnolia House leads her there
What does it mean that the house accepts her? will the town cease to be cared for?
what dark things lurk in those woods, or in the heart of the local sheriff?
Butt kicking women with doubts, sisterhood friends, and crazy challenges- loving it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
she would very much like to find answers for herself and her two twenty something daughters
an unexpected inheritance of a mystery estate that cannot be held by any man proves puzzling- is she an heir or not? a magical Magnolia House leads her there
What does it mean that the house accepts her? will the town cease to be cared for?
what dark things lurk in those woods, or in the heart of the local sheriff?
Butt kicking women with doubts, sisterhood friends, and crazy challenges- loving it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 12, 2022
MIDLIFE MAGIC & MAGNOLIAS is the first book in the Magic at Midnight series. This will be an ongoing storyline, so expect to read them all and in the order of release.
A wonderful witch cozy mystery with intriguing characters and a secret mansion. I loved the world that Meredith Carlisle created. It is fun, funny, and fresh.
This is a first book from this author, and she knocked it out of the ballpark! I’m looking forward to continuing this series with her.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Story Origin, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: MIDLIFE MAGIC & MAGNOLIAS
Series: Magic at Midnight #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance, Chick Lit
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Meredith Carlisle
A wonderful witch cozy mystery with intriguing characters and a secret mansion. I loved the world that Meredith Carlisle created. It is fun, funny, and fresh.
This is a first book from this author, and she knocked it out of the ballpark! I’m looking forward to continuing this series with her.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Story Origin, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: MIDLIFE MAGIC & MAGNOLIAS
Series: Magic at Midnight #1
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance, Chick Lit
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Meredith Carlisle
May 9, 2022
Better than a three, which I consider "okay" but to quite to what I would consider a favorite series (likely to read repeatedly). For the genre, it was pretty good. There's still the evil ex-husband (with the barely-legal new girlfriend) attempting to strip the MC of her inheritance. There are the surrounding hot supernaturals that have an inexplicable interest in a self-proclaimed dumpy middle-aged woman. Finally, there's the necessary cadre of quirky characters to make up her support cast. This story did have some fairly unique aspects. The writing was good; the pacing was good. All-in-all, I believe the series has potential. I think that I could come to be interested in the characters. Unfortunately, book 2 isn't released yet, so there is no guarantee I'll remember my intent to read the second book when it is finally out.
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May 8, 2022Alex is going through some major changes in her life, and learns that women in her family die at the age of 45, which is just around the corner for her. With help from a friend, she traces her family tree and comes across Magnolia House, which is mystical and totally responds to her. Who are these people she meets for the first time and how are they related to things going on. Loved the characters and am enchanted with this story so far. Midnight is fantastic and can not wait to hear about the dreamy cop helping her. The new witch friend is delightful and the fun of this series really hooks you into it. I think I just found a new favorite author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2022
Follows the plan
Husband files for divorce, check. Husband gets more than his share of assets for no reason, check. (Girls, we have got to start hiring better lawyers!) Woman over 40 discovers she inherited a magical house and must protect it with her own new magic, check. Hot guy shows up immediately to help, check.
Alessia has the added problem of a demonic curse limiting her life span to one year.
There is a big battle at the end and a little skirmish in the middle, but overall, I consider this low violence and low angst. The romance is very slow burn.
Just a light, escapist fantasy for us middle aged women who don't want to believe we've missed our chance for adventure.
Husband files for divorce, check. Husband gets more than his share of assets for no reason, check. (Girls, we have got to start hiring better lawyers!) Woman over 40 discovers she inherited a magical house and must protect it with her own new magic, check. Hot guy shows up immediately to help, check.
Alessia has the added problem of a demonic curse limiting her life span to one year.
There is a big battle at the end and a little skirmish in the middle, but overall, I consider this low violence and low angst. The romance is very slow burn.
Just a light, escapist fantasy for us middle aged women who don't want to believe we've missed our chance for adventure.
May 25, 2022
Meredith Carlisle is not an author I have read before and I am delighted to say that Midlife Magic and Magnolias is one of the best paranormal books I have read in a very long time.
Alex, Eleanor and Nikki are the three main female characters and each one is fabulous in their own way. Later we meet the magnificent house and the magicals who protect it… absolutely and uniquely brilliant.
This is an original story that hooked me from the very beginning. It is well written with mystery, surprises, danger and laugh out loud funny moments. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to all paranormal fans and to anyone who loves a sarcastic and feisty woman or a true belly laugh.
Alex, Eleanor and Nikki are the three main female characters and each one is fabulous in their own way. Later we meet the magnificent house and the magicals who protect it… absolutely and uniquely brilliant.
This is an original story that hooked me from the very beginning. It is well written with mystery, surprises, danger and laugh out loud funny moments. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to all paranormal fans and to anyone who loves a sarcastic and feisty woman or a true belly laugh.
July 28, 2022
Alex has had it bad… extremely bad of late and it’s coming down to the wire of her death day ; her 45th birthday, and she will do anything and everything to fix the “curse”the women in her family have. She has 2 daughters to make sure they have long healthy lives. Enter MAGIC in the form of a 6’4” leprechaun, make that a muscular 6’4” leprechaun who trips her sexual triggers. With him and a few more cohorts she’s “off to see the wizard”, or whoever is responsible for the curse. Watch out Robyn Peterman and Julia Mills, Author Meredith Carlisle writes great characters, builds worlds and writes snarky dialogue with the best of y’all. ( Love to ALL 3 of Y’all ). 4 ⭐️‘s for what I hope to be a new PNR/UF series.
June 24, 2022
Alex Raymond has a family curse. All the women of her family die during their 45 year.
Alex is almost there. But, there might be a chance to sort it out.
She just got divorced, moved out of her family home and tries every genetic specialist she can find before she dies.
However, a close friend who is a genealogist finds a link between her and a long lost estate. The family has a strange and very long history.
Turns out there is a history of magical powers as well.
Magnolia House is her family legacy, one she is just now hearing about. But she intends to turn it into
the refuge for magical creatures that it had been before.
Creative fresh new series!
Alex is almost there. But, there might be a chance to sort it out.
She just got divorced, moved out of her family home and tries every genetic specialist she can find before she dies.
However, a close friend who is a genealogist finds a link between her and a long lost estate. The family has a strange and very long history.
Turns out there is a history of magical powers as well.
Magnolia House is her family legacy, one she is just now hearing about. But she intends to turn it into
the refuge for magical creatures that it had been before.
Creative fresh new series!
September 22, 2022
This is an amazing book. Magic almost from the start. Alex has lost her job, her home & a lot of her money in the divorce from her deceiving ex who somehow managed to get most of her savings. She goes to live with Eleanor, who virtually brought her up after her mother died at 45. 45 is when the women in her family die. Trying to escape from this strange anomalies happen & Alex sets off to try & see if what she senses will be true. There is just so much in this book & I do not wish to give anything away. Yes, she does discover the “missing” Magnolia House and amazing things happen, both good & bad. Great read.
October 22, 2022
Hang on for a great ride with Alex
This is an awesome series starter that makes you laugh, wonder if you've dropped into someone's crazy world, and then very quickly- you just don't care.
It is a romp through midlife with Alex and her crew. Mike the ex, a whole cast of characters and one thing after another turn up in this cozy witchy- suburban mystery.
I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a new series that keeps you fully engaged, laughing, and focused on the craziness that happens at mid-life with a fascinating protagonist (Alex).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is an awesome series starter that makes you laugh, wonder if you've dropped into someone's crazy world, and then very quickly- you just don't care.
It is a romp through midlife with Alex and her crew. Mike the ex, a whole cast of characters and one thing after another turn up in this cozy witchy- suburban mystery.
I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a new series that keeps you fully engaged, laughing, and focused on the craziness that happens at mid-life with a fascinating protagonist (Alex).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2022
An interesting story where the main character finds out there truly is magic all around and she has access to it. The path to moving to and living in Magnolia House was not an easy one, There was a lot of danger, and frustrations along the way. The world created was amazing, I wanted to visit even with all the craziness along the way. I loved that the town was a place to protect supernatural species. The characters truly added to the story, and in their own way helped Alex. There was so much to learn, the plot kept you guessing. I highly recommend you read this book, it is a fun story about finding yourself again. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2023
Midlife crisis? Or not?
The first in what promises to be an excellent series
After her husband of 22 years demands a divorce Alex is left to ponder the what nows. At 44 years old and been a female in a long line of females who all died at 45 she is desperate to find a cure to the 'family curse'. Her best friend, Nikki, a genealogist discovers her family's past and with it finds out that Alex is an heiress to a mystical estate. Along with the help of Eleanor, her crazy 'Aunt' the story unfurls.
Funny, emotional, supernatural action and hints at future romance I'm looking forward to what will come.
The first in what promises to be an excellent series
After her husband of 22 years demands a divorce Alex is left to ponder the what nows. At 44 years old and been a female in a long line of females who all died at 45 she is desperate to find a cure to the 'family curse'. Her best friend, Nikki, a genealogist discovers her family's past and with it finds out that Alex is an heiress to a mystical estate. Along with the help of Eleanor, her crazy 'Aunt' the story unfurls.
Funny, emotional, supernatural action and hints at future romance I'm looking forward to what will come.
February 28, 2022
This is the best book I’ve read in a while! It’s half urban fantasy and half witch cozy mystery, blended perfectly. The writing is superb! I could picture everything like I was there. I loved reading about the ancestors and the mausoleum, and the fabulous estate, and the magnolia trees! Kien sounds amazing, and I love Midnight! There’s so much to love in this book, great characters, even a bit of genealogy. Such an interesting tale! I am so excited for the next book in this series! Fabulous and brilliant!
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