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Midlife Recorder #6.5
Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green: The Cozy Chaos Collection
Eight tales of magic, mayhem, and midlife empowerment from the world of the Recorder.
Welcome back to Gretna Green, where the tea is hot—even when it’s coffee—the dragons are hotter, and the cosy fantasy chaos never ends.
Join Niki McKnight and her irrepressible team at the Recorder’s Office as they uncover secrets, meet a dragonet, and commit the occasional righteous murder—with plenty of laughter, loyalty, and a splash of uisge beatha for courage.
From ancient graveyards to modern royal birthdays, Gretna Green has never been busier. In this sparkling collection, Niki puts the "tea" in team when the royals and the Gateway crew spill every last drop of magical mayhem, heartfelt humour, and Recorder-style justice.
Find out how Dola met our favourite Celtic king and became the sentient house we all know and love in Memories.
Follow Mabon and Niki’s investigations in Secrets of the Dead, where clues from the magical graveyard lead to even more confusion, drag old mysteries back into the light, and raise new questions—along with a few answers.
In St George’s Day, Niki finally opens that infamous blue letter from the kitchen drawer before joining forces with Rhiannon to unravel ancient prophecies.
Join Niki on a road trip south in Gretna Green Goes to Manchester.
Discover the birth of the Pictish realm in Somewhere Only Sheep Know (also known as The Winter Gate).
Celebrate Caitlin’s unforgettable twenty-fifth birthday in The Blade Queen, where tradition meets a surprise party—and unexpected husbands.
And finally, enjoy The Valkyries Are Flying—a novella so long many authors would call it a short book. A riotous tale of justice, joy, and long-overdue retribution. Having the Fae, the Celts, the Picts and the Hobs on your side can sway a decision nicely. And prove that sometimes murder really is a team sport.
Pour yourself a cuppa—or a wee dram—and escape once more to a happy place.
Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green includes, if not gossip, at least information that some evildoers would prefer stayed hidden throughout its six novellas and two short stories.
Please note this also includes “House Party” which was previously published as a single novella.
Welcome back to Gretna Green, where the tea is hot—even when it’s coffee—the dragons are hotter, and the cosy fantasy chaos never ends.
Join Niki McKnight and her irrepressible team at the Recorder’s Office as they uncover secrets, meet a dragonet, and commit the occasional righteous murder—with plenty of laughter, loyalty, and a splash of uisge beatha for courage.
From ancient graveyards to modern royal birthdays, Gretna Green has never been busier. In this sparkling collection, Niki puts the "tea" in team when the royals and the Gateway crew spill every last drop of magical mayhem, heartfelt humour, and Recorder-style justice.
Find out how Dola met our favourite Celtic king and became the sentient house we all know and love in Memories.
Follow Mabon and Niki’s investigations in Secrets of the Dead, where clues from the magical graveyard lead to even more confusion, drag old mysteries back into the light, and raise new questions—along with a few answers.
In St George’s Day, Niki finally opens that infamous blue letter from the kitchen drawer before joining forces with Rhiannon to unravel ancient prophecies.
Join Niki on a road trip south in Gretna Green Goes to Manchester.
Discover the birth of the Pictish realm in Somewhere Only Sheep Know (also known as The Winter Gate).
Celebrate Caitlin’s unforgettable twenty-fifth birthday in The Blade Queen, where tradition meets a surprise party—and unexpected husbands.
And finally, enjoy The Valkyries Are Flying—a novella so long many authors would call it a short book. A riotous tale of justice, joy, and long-overdue retribution. Having the Fae, the Celts, the Picts and the Hobs on your side can sway a decision nicely. And prove that sometimes murder really is a team sport.
Pour yourself a cuppa—or a wee dram—and escape once more to a happy place.
Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green includes, if not gossip, at least information that some evildoers would prefer stayed hidden throughout its six novellas and two short stories.
Please note this also includes “House Party” which was previously published as a single novella.
- GenresFantasyMagicAnthologies
730 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
522 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
January 2, 2026
3.5/5.0
I’ve never been a big fan of anthologies. They are like tiny appetizers without the main meal. This book is very much that, except it is one author writing a lot of little tidbit anecdotes instead of multiple authors. The problem here is all those little tidbits don’t end up going anywhere.
So… the upside with this approach in a book, is that we already know all the characters and there are numerous bits of information that help us better understand the overall world and people in it. For example, this format gives us better insight into the relationship between the Pictish queen, Breanna and her absent husband. Or, the prophecies of Agnes contained in the “book”. It also wraps up a few loose ends left here and there from books that have come before.
The downside is that there are also stories that have absolutely no purpose in the overall gist of things, they are just random side-thoughts of the author - like the “Shepherdess” story. Have NO idea why it’s there. Now, part of Ms. Day’s genius is the unique and quirky way her stories putter around and slowly wind into the overall plot, seasoned with absolutely delightful and humorous little morsels of fun. This works beautifully in a full length book, as we have time to enjoy those little quirks while traveling through an overall conflict to a final happy resolution. It doesn’t work as well when there is no real goal or ending, however. It just becomes wandering bits that have absolutely no cohesion to each other. This often ends up boring at best and annoying at worst.
That being said, the humor is still just as delightful (man, I wish I would have highlighted those while I was reading!) And, the last two short stories made all the random, unnecessary stuff that came before worth the read. Both of those stories actually did have an actual beginning, middle and end. And, they furthered the overall series in a delightful and interesting way. The first was the previously mentioned story of Breanna and her heretofore absent husband, a person we had never met on page and always wondered about. The last story involves Rollo dealing with the mess that is the Vikings and becoming the Dengr of that realm. It is Ms. Day at her very best! And, it successfully makes us remember why we love this series so much and look forward to the next full length story to come!
I’ve never been a big fan of anthologies. They are like tiny appetizers without the main meal. This book is very much that, except it is one author writing a lot of little tidbit anecdotes instead of multiple authors. The problem here is all those little tidbits don’t end up going anywhere.
So… the upside with this approach in a book, is that we already know all the characters and there are numerous bits of information that help us better understand the overall world and people in it. For example, this format gives us better insight into the relationship between the Pictish queen, Breanna and her absent husband. Or, the prophecies of Agnes contained in the “book”. It also wraps up a few loose ends left here and there from books that have come before.
The downside is that there are also stories that have absolutely no purpose in the overall gist of things, they are just random side-thoughts of the author - like the “Shepherdess” story. Have NO idea why it’s there. Now, part of Ms. Day’s genius is the unique and quirky way her stories putter around and slowly wind into the overall plot, seasoned with absolutely delightful and humorous little morsels of fun. This works beautifully in a full length book, as we have time to enjoy those little quirks while traveling through an overall conflict to a final happy resolution. It doesn’t work as well when there is no real goal or ending, however. It just becomes wandering bits that have absolutely no cohesion to each other. This often ends up boring at best and annoying at worst.
That being said, the humor is still just as delightful (man, I wish I would have highlighted those while I was reading!) And, the last two short stories made all the random, unnecessary stuff that came before worth the read. Both of those stories actually did have an actual beginning, middle and end. And, they furthered the overall series in a delightful and interesting way. The first was the previously mentioned story of Breanna and her heretofore absent husband, a person we had never met on page and always wondered about. The last story involves Rollo dealing with the mess that is the Vikings and becoming the Dengr of that realm. It is Ms. Day at her very best! And, it successfully makes us remember why we love this series so much and look forward to the next full length story to come!
December 24, 2025
Wonderful wonderful wonderful!!!
January 13, 2026
This book gets all the stars possible! I want to move into one of Linzi Day’s books and live there with the magic, and the wonderful characters. I want these people as my friends. And of course everyone needs a Dolina! What a joy to read!!
January 2, 2026
Stories included in this collection:
#1 House Party (novella, Dola's party)
#2 Memory (Mabon's POV - Dola's origins)
#3 Gretna Green Goes to Manchester (novella, Niki's visit to her friend Aisha)
#4 Secrets of the Dead (graveyard)
#5 St George's Day (novella, figuring out Agnes's prophesy with Rhiannon)
#6 Somewhere Only Sheep Know (short, a woman stumbled through the gate)
#7 The Blade Queen (novella, Caitlin's and her mother's story)
#8 The Valkyries are Flying (novella, Niki and Rollo - a cabin and a challenge)
I read #1 and #3 before. The others were new stories, but none of them inspired more than a lukewarm reaction from me. Besides, there were lots of interludes between stories: introductions about the origins of this or that story, quotes from imaginary books, and the ending of Market Forces in Gretna Green.
Why were all those appendages there? They didn't add anything to the stories, just confused my kindle's table of content. I guess, the author decided that this book shouldn't be a simple compendium of independent short stories and novellas from her world of Gretna Green novels, which I expected and wanted. Instead, it was a companion book for the readers who crave extra details and deleted scenes. Like in those old DVDs, remember? So all the stories are really snippets that didn't get included in the novels because they neither augmented the plots nor enhanced the characters. A pleasant time to spend with the characters I love, true, when I had a moment or two to spare, but nothing more.
#1 House Party (novella, Dola's party)
#2 Memory (Mabon's POV - Dola's origins)
#3 Gretna Green Goes to Manchester (novella, Niki's visit to her friend Aisha)
#4 Secrets of the Dead (graveyard)
#5 St George's Day (novella, figuring out Agnes's prophesy with Rhiannon)
#6 Somewhere Only Sheep Know (short, a woman stumbled through the gate)
#7 The Blade Queen (novella, Caitlin's and her mother's story)
#8 The Valkyries are Flying (novella, Niki and Rollo - a cabin and a challenge)
I read #1 and #3 before. The others were new stories, but none of them inspired more than a lukewarm reaction from me. Besides, there were lots of interludes between stories: introductions about the origins of this or that story, quotes from imaginary books, and the ending of Market Forces in Gretna Green.
Why were all those appendages there? They didn't add anything to the stories, just confused my kindle's table of content. I guess, the author decided that this book shouldn't be a simple compendium of independent short stories and novellas from her world of Gretna Green novels, which I expected and wanted. Instead, it was a companion book for the readers who crave extra details and deleted scenes. Like in those old DVDs, remember? So all the stories are really snippets that didn't get included in the novels because they neither augmented the plots nor enhanced the characters. A pleasant time to spend with the characters I love, true, when I had a moment or two to spare, but nothing more.
January 1, 2026
WONDERFUL
A great story to help escape everyday life! I would recommend this series to anyone.
Settle in the a tasty drink and enjoy.
A great story to help escape everyday life! I would recommend this series to anyone.
Settle in the a tasty drink and enjoy.
January 1, 2026
Wonderful additional tidbits to the Midlife Recorder series
As a longtime reader of the Midlife Recorder series, I have been impatiently awaiting this new book. It did not disappoint! Visits with many beloved characters, meeting at least one new (to Niki) character, and as always So. Much. Fun!
As a longtime reader of the Midlife Recorder series, I have been impatiently awaiting this new book. It did not disappoint! Visits with many beloved characters, meeting at least one new (to Niki) character, and as always So. Much. Fun!
January 3, 2026
Incredibly engaging as always!
I loved these short stories as much as I love the whole series so far. I would highly recommend this book and the Gretna Green series to anyone who loves a good fantasy but is tired of reading about teen and twenty something year old protagonists.
I loved these short stories as much as I love the whole series so far. I would highly recommend this book and the Gretna Green series to anyone who loves a good fantasy but is tired of reading about teen and twenty something year old protagonists.
January 3, 2026
Thank you @linziday (and your entire AMAZING team) for the most wonderful Christmas gift this year - Spilling the Tea in Gretna Green! #SpillingtheTeainGretnaGreen
Think of this book as a compilation of important in between stores that all support our favorite Recorder (Niki McKnight) and all the loveable supporting charters from all the Realms.
The book starts with what is House Party – which was previously released. I’m glad this book started with that. It was a great way to be reintroduced to everyone and set the stage for the rest of the total of 8 stories and novellas. I usually don’t like books that are so long but if I’m being honest, I didn’t even notice. I was so interested and invested in the stories and had a really hard time putting the book down.
If you have not read any of the Midlife Recorder series – STOP NOW. This book will not make any sense to you. Please do yourself a favor. Go back and start at Book 1 - Midlife in Gretna Green. I promise you will get lost in a world - well in a lot of worlds. You’ll experience every emotion under the sun while watching Niki learn to navigate her life, her job, and her new (old) world.
For anyone interested – here is a link to the reading order (with all the bonus content).
https://linziday.com/complete-reading...
What are you waiting for? Get busy reading! The next book, Half an Orange in Gretna Green, should be out sometime later this year. And honestly, I don't think any of us can wait!
#lynnhacic #lhacic #lhacic26
Think of this book as a compilation of important in between stores that all support our favorite Recorder (Niki McKnight) and all the loveable supporting charters from all the Realms.
The book starts with what is House Party – which was previously released. I’m glad this book started with that. It was a great way to be reintroduced to everyone and set the stage for the rest of the total of 8 stories and novellas. I usually don’t like books that are so long but if I’m being honest, I didn’t even notice. I was so interested and invested in the stories and had a really hard time putting the book down.
If you have not read any of the Midlife Recorder series – STOP NOW. This book will not make any sense to you. Please do yourself a favor. Go back and start at Book 1 - Midlife in Gretna Green. I promise you will get lost in a world - well in a lot of worlds. You’ll experience every emotion under the sun while watching Niki learn to navigate her life, her job, and her new (old) world.
For anyone interested – here is a link to the reading order (with all the bonus content).
https://linziday.com/complete-reading...
What are you waiting for? Get busy reading! The next book, Half an Orange in Gretna Green, should be out sometime later this year. And honestly, I don't think any of us can wait!
#lynnhacic #lhacic #lhacic26
January 11, 2026
Excellent as expected
What a pleasure to read this series again, finishing with this new collection. Linzi Day is a wonderful author, her characters are all complete with full personalities that continue to grow.
What a pleasure to read this series again, finishing with this new collection. Linzi Day is a wonderful author, her characters are all complete with full personalities that continue to grow.
December 28, 2025
Awesome!
This is a great entry to the series. I can't wait to read the next one when it comes out!
This is a great entry to the series. I can't wait to read the next one when it comes out!
January 2, 2026
This is a wonderful "interim" book in this series. It provides explanations of events in previous books and gives a great lead-in for the next book. I can't wait for the next one!
January 5, 2026
Add on book
Love this series, great characters, great plot, great world building. This collection of novellas was difficult for me, I had already read all the books at the time but remembering when each novella was set was challenging. I feel like Rollos ascension should have been an actual part of the series not an add on in a novella.
Love this series, great characters, great plot, great world building. This collection of novellas was difficult for me, I had already read all the books at the time but remembering when each novella was set was challenging. I feel like Rollos ascension should have been an actual part of the series not an add on in a novella.
January 2, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. The world of the Rainbow Gateway was introduced to me by my Mum in March 2024.
I must admit, I devoured every single book and extra I could get my hands on. It's delightfully well rounded and colourful.
Lots of funny moments as well as dark ones too. So in November, when I realised 'Spilling the Tea' was coming out in December, I started again.
2025 was a particularly difficult year for me, especially the second half of the year. I've been pretty down for most of it.
But picking up this series again has helped me immensely. And Spilling the Tea did not disappoint. Not in the slightest!
There's stories that we know already, stories that give context on the early days of Doller and the Gateway in Gretna.
Stories that add historical context and give us an idea of why things came about the way they did. And then the big stories.
The Stories that enhance our knowledge of Pict, of Viking and also show us just how much Niki and the realms have grown since book 1.
And i need more! More! More! More! (with a rebel yell, I cry more! More! More!). I am 42. I never thought a book about Midlife would grab me.
But it did. Niki, Doller, Tilly, HRH, Mabon, Ad'Rian, Breanna, Rhi Rhi, all of them! They are characters you love and care about.
As an actor who loves accents, I regularly speak Mabon and Ad'Rians lines allowed. Or Hugh when he appears, so I do.
They have been my comfort, my joy and they have given me hope, that positive change can happen. That we can grow past our perceived limits and flourish.
I look forward to 'Half an Orange' with barely contained excitement! Time to sort out that Religion of theirs and give Galician Women their full rights!
I must admit, I devoured every single book and extra I could get my hands on. It's delightfully well rounded and colourful.
Lots of funny moments as well as dark ones too. So in November, when I realised 'Spilling the Tea' was coming out in December, I started again.
2025 was a particularly difficult year for me, especially the second half of the year. I've been pretty down for most of it.
But picking up this series again has helped me immensely. And Spilling the Tea did not disappoint. Not in the slightest!
There's stories that we know already, stories that give context on the early days of Doller and the Gateway in Gretna.
Stories that add historical context and give us an idea of why things came about the way they did. And then the big stories.
The Stories that enhance our knowledge of Pict, of Viking and also show us just how much Niki and the realms have grown since book 1.
And i need more! More! More! More! (with a rebel yell, I cry more! More! More!). I am 42. I never thought a book about Midlife would grab me.
But it did. Niki, Doller, Tilly, HRH, Mabon, Ad'Rian, Breanna, Rhi Rhi, all of them! They are characters you love and care about.
As an actor who loves accents, I regularly speak Mabon and Ad'Rians lines allowed. Or Hugh when he appears, so I do.
They have been my comfort, my joy and they have given me hope, that positive change can happen. That we can grow past our perceived limits and flourish.
I look forward to 'Half an Orange' with barely contained excitement! Time to sort out that Religion of theirs and give Galician Women their full rights!
January 3, 2026
Brilliant read!
What an absolutely brilliant read right after the craziness of the holidays. The Gretna Green series has become my favorite series over the past year. Once I picked up the 1st book, I was transported to one of my now most favorite realms/worlds. While waiting for the next book in the series, I shall begin my reread of the series! When an author connects so effortlessly with her readers and pulls so many feelings and emotions from you that's how you know you've found the right author! Congrats to Linzi Day for another amazing book well done! Thank you for the lol moments, my husband didn't even question my ridiculously loud outbursts of laughter this time round, I told him straight away I'm reading a Gretna Green book and he replied got it lol! I can not wait to see what happens next for all of my favorite characters (new family members) These books have been a much needed respite from the insanity that's is the holidays and perimenopause!!
What an absolutely brilliant read right after the craziness of the holidays. The Gretna Green series has become my favorite series over the past year. Once I picked up the 1st book, I was transported to one of my now most favorite realms/worlds. While waiting for the next book in the series, I shall begin my reread of the series! When an author connects so effortlessly with her readers and pulls so many feelings and emotions from you that's how you know you've found the right author! Congrats to Linzi Day for another amazing book well done! Thank you for the lol moments, my husband didn't even question my ridiculously loud outbursts of laughter this time round, I told him straight away I'm reading a Gretna Green book and he replied got it lol! I can not wait to see what happens next for all of my favorite characters (new family members) These books have been a much needed respite from the insanity that's is the holidays and perimenopause!!
January 6, 2026
Thanks for the tea 😊
Really enjoyed this back ground look into more life from Nikki's Gretna Green. I have really enjoyed this series. It is wonderful to read and enjoy something so different. Fantastic characters, awesome story lines. I may have to start from book one and read them all again while waiting for the next installment in the series ❤.
Really enjoyed this back ground look into more life from Nikki's Gretna Green. I have really enjoyed this series. It is wonderful to read and enjoy something so different. Fantastic characters, awesome story lines. I may have to start from book one and read them all again while waiting for the next installment in the series ❤.
January 6, 2026
Absolutely loved this book!
I was hooked after reading the first book. I love the characters and am invested in their stories. I really li k ed this collection of shorts and novellas. I wondered what had happened to Leif and how things would turn out for Rollo in Viking. I was not disappointed.
I was hooked after reading the first book. I love the characters and am invested in their stories. I really li k ed this collection of shorts and novellas. I wondered what had happened to Leif and how things would turn out for Rollo in Viking. I was not disappointed.
December 31, 2025
Fantastic work from a favorite author.
Linzi did it again with her magical storytelling. Even though a couple of stories had been provided previously, reading them again was excellent. The main event was worth waiting for and flowed along perfectly with her other books.
Outstanding work, as usual.
Linzi did it again with her magical storytelling. Even though a couple of stories had been provided previously, reading them again was excellent. The main event was worth waiting for and flowed along perfectly with her other books.
Outstanding work, as usual.
December 30, 2025
Spilling the Tea
This is a great series!!!! I have loved it. ❤️. This book fills in a bunch of cracks. I now want to reread the series and insert the parts of this book in the correct spot in the time line. You really need to read the series or this book will not make sense. Love Gretna Green!!
This is a great series!!!! I have loved it. ❤️. This book fills in a bunch of cracks. I now want to reread the series and insert the parts of this book in the correct spot in the time line. You really need to read the series or this book will not make sense. Love Gretna Green!!
December 30, 2025
Brilliant, funny and entertaining
This book links a number of the main books in this series. As always Linzi Day has made this a witty and informative book full of short novellas that give an entertaining background to the characters . I highly recommend this book to all who like Niki's adventures in the Gretna Green series.
This book links a number of the main books in this series. As always Linzi Day has made this a witty and informative book full of short novellas that give an entertaining background to the characters . I highly recommend this book to all who like Niki's adventures in the Gretna Green series.
December 25, 2025
This book has something for everyone - fights to the death, dragon flights, sparkly unicorns, and much love.
And underneath, much deeper questions about relationship, belonging and power. When you come to these moments in your own life, what will you choose?
And underneath, much deeper questions about relationship, belonging and power. When you come to these moments in your own life, what will you choose?
December 29, 2025
This is an absolute must read for any reader of the Midlife Recorder series. (And if you have not yet discovered this amazing series, do yourself a favour and go pick up book one now! Available in KU).
This book is a collection of new stories and previous bonus scenes, gives origins, inspirations and lovely links between the last book and the next. Although it’s not a full book in the ongoing series, it IS a generous full length book. There are warnings for those who have not yet read all of the series that is currently available, so that you won’t accidentally read any spoilers. You can obviously read so far, stop, and then return, but I feel this is best read after all of the previous books, so that you can fully immerse yourself, because, as with all of Linzi Day’s books, once you’ve started reading you will not want to stop!
Can I pick a favourite? I’m not sure that I can. The Blade Queen is certainly right up there. It’s an immensely satisfying story of House Albidosi, and leaves you desperate to know how these developments will impact on the Blue Realm in the future. Equally, The Valkyries are Flying gives me all I wanted, all I didn’t know I wanted, and SO much more.
This book is a collection of new stories and previous bonus scenes, gives origins, inspirations and lovely links between the last book and the next. Although it’s not a full book in the ongoing series, it IS a generous full length book. There are warnings for those who have not yet read all of the series that is currently available, so that you won’t accidentally read any spoilers. You can obviously read so far, stop, and then return, but I feel this is best read after all of the previous books, so that you can fully immerse yourself, because, as with all of Linzi Day’s books, once you’ve started reading you will not want to stop!
Can I pick a favourite? I’m not sure that I can. The Blade Queen is certainly right up there. It’s an immensely satisfying story of House Albidosi, and leaves you desperate to know how these developments will impact on the Blue Realm in the future. Equally, The Valkyries are Flying gives me all I wanted, all I didn’t know I wanted, and SO much more.
December 30, 2025
A must-read for Midlife in Gretna Green Recorder series
This book contains a novella or two and a bunch of short stories related to the main series by Linzi Day. It was fun to learn about the Picts’ and Dola’s origins, but three of the new stories just pulled at my heartstrings: “St George’s Day”, “The Blade Queen”, and “The Valkyries are Flying”. I need to go back and savor them. We read about the characters deepening their relationships, and what it means to be a true friend.
“Spilling the Tea” ties up some loose threads from the end of the previous book, “Market Forces”, and more questions are unveiled. I have a better understanding of not only Niki and Rollo, but also of the Pict and Viking kingdoms, Rhiannon and Mabon. We also see and learn more about series favorites Ad’Rian, Glais’Nee, Caitlin, Brianna, Finn, Aysha, Autumn, and of course Tilly. Previously released “House Party” and “Gretna Green Goes to Manchester” are included in this book.
When I read Linzi’s stories, I feel like the people in them are old friends just around the corner waiting for me to enter the Gateway and join the action. We need all the friends we can get, and as we see in “Spilling the Tea”, they may need us too.
This book contains a novella or two and a bunch of short stories related to the main series by Linzi Day. It was fun to learn about the Picts’ and Dola’s origins, but three of the new stories just pulled at my heartstrings: “St George’s Day”, “The Blade Queen”, and “The Valkyries are Flying”. I need to go back and savor them. We read about the characters deepening their relationships, and what it means to be a true friend.
“Spilling the Tea” ties up some loose threads from the end of the previous book, “Market Forces”, and more questions are unveiled. I have a better understanding of not only Niki and Rollo, but also of the Pict and Viking kingdoms, Rhiannon and Mabon. We also see and learn more about series favorites Ad’Rian, Glais’Nee, Caitlin, Brianna, Finn, Aysha, Autumn, and of course Tilly. Previously released “House Party” and “Gretna Green Goes to Manchester” are included in this book.
When I read Linzi’s stories, I feel like the people in them are old friends just around the corner waiting for me to enter the Gateway and join the action. We need all the friends we can get, and as we see in “Spilling the Tea”, they may need us too.
January 10, 2026
Everything I was hoping for and now I just have to wait for the next book! Or maybe just re-read the series for the third time. This series has been a real find, with its humour, pathos, excitement, magic, mystery and strange echoes of my own life. My trip through Norway and the Fjords and Northern lights had already been booked when I started the series but was given a whole new meaning by the time I got there, as I had come to the books late and was able to read them all in one fell swoop. I could take the magic of the realms, and the romance of at least one of them with me. I began by feeling as if the author knew my every weakness and bump in my life's road, and have continued to find "laugh out loud" and "spit out my coffee" (or inhale it!) moments in every book.
If you haven't started the Midlife in Gretna Green series you have really missed out. Spilling the Tea is a bonus extra and the author is very generous with bonuses!! Do yourself a favour and read this series.
PS. I have to wrangle the Kindle from my husband to fight for the right to read each book!! I was silly enough to recommend them to him and now he is as hooked as I am.
If you haven't started the Midlife in Gretna Green series you have really missed out. Spilling the Tea is a bonus extra and the author is very generous with bonuses!! Do yourself a favour and read this series.
PS. I have to wrangle the Kindle from my husband to fight for the right to read each book!! I was silly enough to recommend them to him and now he is as hooked as I am.
January 13, 2026
Spilling the Tea is a collection of novellas and short stories in the Midlife Recorders world. It’s a great addition to the series with a lot of new back story. My favorites were House Party and The Valkyries Are Flying.
At 730 pages, there’s a lot here, but this is definitely a series that should be read in order. So start with book 1, Midlife in Gretna Green.
(Excerpted from my original review of book 1)
When widowed Niki McKnight learns that her Gran has passed away and left her the house, she heads to Gretna Green in Scotland to tidy things up and put the house on the market. When she gets there though, she not only finds that there’s a clause in the will requiring her to live in the house for a year and a day before she can sell it, but also that her grandmother was a Recorder tasked with managing the Gateway and that she had magic which Niki has also inherited along with the house, the job, and a collection of not all that helpful assistants.
This is a really fun a cozy adjacent urban fantasy with a talking cat, a sentient house (Yay - my favorite!), mysterious sudden magic, and portals to other realms.
At 730 pages, there’s a lot here, but this is definitely a series that should be read in order. So start with book 1, Midlife in Gretna Green.
(Excerpted from my original review of book 1)
When widowed Niki McKnight learns that her Gran has passed away and left her the house, she heads to Gretna Green in Scotland to tidy things up and put the house on the market. When she gets there though, she not only finds that there’s a clause in the will requiring her to live in the house for a year and a day before she can sell it, but also that her grandmother was a Recorder tasked with managing the Gateway and that she had magic which Niki has also inherited along with the house, the job, and a collection of not all that helpful assistants.
This is a really fun a cozy adjacent urban fantasy with a talking cat, a sentient house (Yay - my favorite!), mysterious sudden magic, and portals to other realms.
January 16, 2026
I'd give it six stars if I could.
I discovered the Midlife Recorder series on 1 January and I've read them all. They are brilliant and I can't wait for Half an Orange - October is such a long time away. I cycled through Gretna Green a couple of times in the 70s going between home in Manchester and Uni in St Andrews so I automatically felt a connection with the books but the stories are so well woven, the people so perfectly portrayed and it's written in English not American - what's not to love!
This one is a collection of novellas and short stories that give background to the novels but are great stories in their own right. I loved them! Some of the novellas are longer than other peoples' novels. They are brilliant with some funny bits too. My favourite line: No woman ever murdered her husband while he was vacuuming the carpets. It has nothing to do with the plot, it's just a stray thought the heroine has
You should read this book in parts, some of it after Seeing Red in Gretna Green and the rest after Market Forces in Gretna Green - or you could just read this on its own and ignore the rest of the series but I don't think you'd enjoy it as much.
I discovered the Midlife Recorder series on 1 January and I've read them all. They are brilliant and I can't wait for Half an Orange - October is such a long time away. I cycled through Gretna Green a couple of times in the 70s going between home in Manchester and Uni in St Andrews so I automatically felt a connection with the books but the stories are so well woven, the people so perfectly portrayed and it's written in English not American - what's not to love!
This one is a collection of novellas and short stories that give background to the novels but are great stories in their own right. I loved them! Some of the novellas are longer than other peoples' novels. They are brilliant with some funny bits too. My favourite line: No woman ever murdered her husband while he was vacuuming the carpets. It has nothing to do with the plot, it's just a stray thought the heroine has
You should read this book in parts, some of it after Seeing Red in Gretna Green and the rest after Market Forces in Gretna Green - or you could just read this on its own and ignore the rest of the series but I don't think you'd enjoy it as much.
January 3, 2026
Everything All Together!
MidlifeRecorder6.5; 5 ⭐️ (anthology)
Absolutely fabulous!
A needed collection of stories, short, and long novellas, that sate the appetite for more Niki McKnight.
Two previously available selections were included: House Party (MR4.5) and Gretna Green Goes To Manchester (MR5.5) which give perspective on the new additions, and grounding in the world.
I loved Niki’s encounter with Eleri (St George’s Day) and the deepening relationships that we have seen start in earlier books. But, be warned… there are still teasers🙃 and threads that are still working out in the arc of the series… we aren’t done yet😉
The glimpses and glimmers are still there, that mythic white stag leading us deeper into the hunt. I’ll have to reread the series to date from the beginning to prepare for Half Orange - such a hardship (not) - but, we aren’t done yet; rest assured it’s coming.
Thank you, Linzi! STTIGG is a hoot of a collection.
MidlifeRecorder6.5; 5 ⭐️ (anthology)
Absolutely fabulous!
A needed collection of stories, short, and long novellas, that sate the appetite for more Niki McKnight.
Two previously available selections were included: House Party (MR4.5) and Gretna Green Goes To Manchester (MR5.5) which give perspective on the new additions, and grounding in the world.
I loved Niki’s encounter with Eleri (St George’s Day) and the deepening relationships that we have seen start in earlier books. But, be warned… there are still teasers🙃 and threads that are still working out in the arc of the series… we aren’t done yet😉
The glimpses and glimmers are still there, that mythic white stag leading us deeper into the hunt. I’ll have to reread the series to date from the beginning to prepare for Half Orange - such a hardship (not) - but, we aren’t done yet; rest assured it’s coming.
Thank you, Linzi! STTIGG is a hoot of a collection.
January 2, 2026
A Royal Heptagram - Star Magic at its best
Confession time - at first I thought this book was a collection of Novellas and short stories. After Chapter one of the first story I realised that I did not care what it was. This was refreshing the memories of one of my favourite authors who write wonderful magical believable stories of life and how if you are a nasty person you will be penalised with love. It may be that you become a dragon snack! This kind of respect for another person is what the global Society is missing. What a way to escape into the New Year with little Tilly and Autumn. While waiting for October 2026 I will be rereading the whole series and laughing and crying at the same time. Thank you Linzi Day for your wonderful gift! Oh thank you Dad for teaching me the wonderful gift of reading.
Confession time - at first I thought this book was a collection of Novellas and short stories. After Chapter one of the first story I realised that I did not care what it was. This was refreshing the memories of one of my favourite authors who write wonderful magical believable stories of life and how if you are a nasty person you will be penalised with love. It may be that you become a dragon snack! This kind of respect for another person is what the global Society is missing. What a way to escape into the New Year with little Tilly and Autumn. While waiting for October 2026 I will be rereading the whole series and laughing and crying at the same time. Thank you Linzi Day for your wonderful gift! Oh thank you Dad for teaching me the wonderful gift of reading.
January 2, 2026
The tea may be spilt, but it’s so satisfying.
This collection of short stories, novellas, and notes provides more background and answers to questions I’ve had as this series has progressed. Linzi Day could have left out much of what is in this book and the series would have still been wonderful, but these additional back- and side-stories further develop and add to the characters and take us further into the intricate world building of the seven realms.
Spilling the Tea is a fun, and exciting, read. It is not standalone though. You definitely want to complete the preceding books before reading it.
I do a lot of academic reading for my work. I love that part of what I do, I love to read, but sometimes a girl just wants to have fun. I want to thank Linzi Day for giving me such an interesting place for my brain to go when it needs a day out.
This collection of short stories, novellas, and notes provides more background and answers to questions I’ve had as this series has progressed. Linzi Day could have left out much of what is in this book and the series would have still been wonderful, but these additional back- and side-stories further develop and add to the characters and take us further into the intricate world building of the seven realms.
Spilling the Tea is a fun, and exciting, read. It is not standalone though. You definitely want to complete the preceding books before reading it.
I do a lot of academic reading for my work. I love that part of what I do, I love to read, but sometimes a girl just wants to have fun. I want to thank Linzi Day for giving me such an interesting place for my brain to go when it needs a day out.
December 26, 2025
Linzi Never Disappoints
I can’t think how many times people have asked me who my favorite author is. Because I don’t do ‘one’s, I always answer two: Shakespeare and Linzi Day.
This series has charmed me from the very first book; I make it a habit to re-read the series often and love it to bits.
This latest addition doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. The answers to so many questions, the endings of so many plot arcs, the superb culmination of so many little hills climbed to see magnificent vistas ahead - this volume has it all. But don’t skit all the earlier good bits. Start at the very beginning, like we’ve all had to, so that you, too, can truly appreciate the wonderful worldbuilding and joyous populations of the gateway.
Go on. You know you want to… 😎👍
I can’t think how many times people have asked me who my favorite author is. Because I don’t do ‘one’s, I always answer two: Shakespeare and Linzi Day.
This series has charmed me from the very first book; I make it a habit to re-read the series often and love it to bits.
This latest addition doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. The answers to so many questions, the endings of so many plot arcs, the superb culmination of so many little hills climbed to see magnificent vistas ahead - this volume has it all. But don’t skit all the earlier good bits. Start at the very beginning, like we’ve all had to, so that you, too, can truly appreciate the wonderful worldbuilding and joyous populations of the gateway.
Go on. You know you want to… 😎👍
December 30, 2025
Good
Featuring the novellas we've read before (if you're a newsletter subscriber), plus several original novellas and short stories, all of which are excellent!
These tell some of the events in between books, and outside of regular Recorder based activities. They are absolutely NOT standalone stories, and you definitely need to have read the other books first (if you're new to the series I highly recommend checking out the author's reading order).
These are fantastic stories, so engrossing that I was actually surprised when the book ended (and maybe a little miffed because there were several things that I wanted to know!).
If you're a fan of the Gateway, sentient houses, and quirky contemporary fantasy, then this is an excellent book and series well worth reading.
Featuring the novellas we've read before (if you're a newsletter subscriber), plus several original novellas and short stories, all of which are excellent!
These tell some of the events in between books, and outside of regular Recorder based activities. They are absolutely NOT standalone stories, and you definitely need to have read the other books first (if you're new to the series I highly recommend checking out the author's reading order).
These are fantastic stories, so engrossing that I was actually surprised when the book ended (and maybe a little miffed because there were several things that I wanted to know!).
If you're a fan of the Gateway, sentient houses, and quirky contemporary fantasy, then this is an excellent book and series well worth reading.
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