What do you think?
Rate this book
A Season of Storm and Ash: The Magical Midlife Series Book 2
Starting over in my forties was supposed to mean rebuilding. Opening my bookstore, reclaiming my independence, maybe even falling in love again. It wasn’t supposed to mean discovering my entire life had been a carefully constructed lie. Or that I’m descended from one of the most powerful witch families in Appalachia.
Just when my shop is thriving, and I’ve finally found a man who truly sees me, a University of Tennessee student walks in claiming to be researching local folklore, and sets every instinct in me on edge.
With the unexpected help of a visitor from Iceland and a circle of new allies, I’m forced to step fully into my power and confront the truth of what I am, and why someone might want it.
Just when my shop is thriving, and I’ve finally found a man who truly sees me, a University of Tennessee student walks in claiming to be researching local folklore, and sets every instinct in me on edge.
With the unexpected help of a visitor from Iceland and a circle of new allies, I’m forced to step fully into my power and confront the truth of what I am, and why someone might want it.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Madalyn Rae
32 books64 followersMadalyn Rae is the pen name for someone who can’t show the people in her life that she writes about werewolves, vampires, penises (I still don’t know the correct plural for that word) and heaven forbid—sex.
In her everyday life, she is a teacher of tiny humans and an avid music lover. She is the mother of two adult children and one adult husband. (That wasn’t a typo)
She lives in the best climate in America and enjoys the Gulf Coast whenever she’s not too lazy to fight with the tourists for a seat on the sand.
Madalyn’s stories stem from her overactive imagination and dreams. She writes what her characters tell her to write, and she hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them!
In her everyday life, she is a teacher of tiny humans and an avid music lover. She is the mother of two adult children and one adult husband. (That wasn’t a typo)
She lives in the best climate in America and enjoys the Gulf Coast whenever she’s not too lazy to fight with the tourists for a seat on the sand.
Madalyn’s stories stem from her overactive imagination and dreams. She writes what her characters tell her to write, and she hopes you enjoy reading them as much as she enjoys writing them!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 17, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC! In this book you get to read about magic, mystery and love. These feel like a comfort read and I’m excited to see how Charlie and her families story continue to unfold! This book did feel a little rushed and there were some aspects that just left me with questions. Sometimes things felt just surface level and I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I wish. Overall recommend! Fun story!
June 1, 2026
Everything about this reading experience was new to me - new author and new series (jumping in at book 2) but Ms Rae's writing and storytelling made it an entertaining and immersive experience.
I appreciated her clever way of sneaking a recap in at the beginning of this book. It was succinct and nothing at all like an information dump. I felt like I'd hit the ground running and quickly formed connections with Charlie and Duncan.
I really like the PWF genre for it's strong, adaptable FMC's and Charlie was a great example of that. One of her self-descriptions made me laugh and really open my heart to her - "I’m not great at meeting new people. I come across one of two ways…bitchy or brainless.".
The magic evolved throughout the story and the author used it to introduce interesting characters. One thing I found intriguing in these introductions was how each new male character was quickly established as happily married. I breathed a sigh of relief at the forewarning of a lack of romantic entanglements.
There was a lovely build to the climax. Great pacing and reveals kept things moving along nicely and held me focused on what was happening on each page. And that ending! Great hook.
My one issue was that there was some repetition in conversations across different pages but that was only a minor thing.
This was a good read with appealing characters and a picturesque mountain setting. The blurb drew me in and the author absolutely delivered on that promise. This was several hours of my life delightfully spent and I look forward to more in Ms Rae's Magical Midlife series.
I appreciated her clever way of sneaking a recap in at the beginning of this book. It was succinct and nothing at all like an information dump. I felt like I'd hit the ground running and quickly formed connections with Charlie and Duncan.
I really like the PWF genre for it's strong, adaptable FMC's and Charlie was a great example of that. One of her self-descriptions made me laugh and really open my heart to her - "I’m not great at meeting new people. I come across one of two ways…bitchy or brainless.".
The magic evolved throughout the story and the author used it to introduce interesting characters. One thing I found intriguing in these introductions was how each new male character was quickly established as happily married. I breathed a sigh of relief at the forewarning of a lack of romantic entanglements.
There was a lovely build to the climax. Great pacing and reveals kept things moving along nicely and held me focused on what was happening on each page. And that ending! Great hook.
My one issue was that there was some repetition in conversations across different pages but that was only a minor thing.
This was a good read with appealing characters and a picturesque mountain setting. The blurb drew me in and the author absolutely delivered on that promise. This was several hours of my life delightfully spent and I look forward to more in Ms Rae's Magical Midlife series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charlie recently divorced, early 40s, planned for a fresh start only to discover she's a witch. She wished to spend her days selling books however it's mostly spent untangling mysteries she could only have ever imagined. A researcher comes to the small town & Charlie has a feeling she's hiding something... well that something is connected to Charlie & the Appalachin mountains.
The 2nd book in the midlife magic series continues to be atmospheric, thr authors writing creates vivid imagery of the mountains, the small town & thr magical elements.
I felt there was a lot more character building in this one. With the character led storytelling it continues to feel more about personal growth rather than just jumping from plot to plot. I felt as mysteries were uncovered we were learning more each time about not just Charlie but the other characters too. This definitely makes it quite a cosy magical read.
Another significant focus in this story is the romance, it's more prominent now with lots of tension & moments of yearning. Actually in general the relationships of all the characters are quite a focal point & I think this will appeal to readers who enjoy found family.
I'm intrigued to know if there will be a 3rd book however we will just have to wait & see.
Read if you enjoy -
✨️ Magical elements
✨️ Cryptids & the supernatural
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Atmospheric world-building
✨️ Fantasy Romance.
The 2nd book in the midlife magic series continues to be atmospheric, thr authors writing creates vivid imagery of the mountains, the small town & thr magical elements.
I felt there was a lot more character building in this one. With the character led storytelling it continues to feel more about personal growth rather than just jumping from plot to plot. I felt as mysteries were uncovered we were learning more each time about not just Charlie but the other characters too. This definitely makes it quite a cosy magical read.
Another significant focus in this story is the romance, it's more prominent now with lots of tension & moments of yearning. Actually in general the relationships of all the characters are quite a focal point & I think this will appeal to readers who enjoy found family.
I'm intrigued to know if there will be a 3rd book however we will just have to wait & see.
Read if you enjoy -
✨️ Magical elements
✨️ Cryptids & the supernatural
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Atmospheric world-building
✨️ Fantasy Romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Charlie is getting used to her new life, a witch, bookstore owner and being in love with Duncan, a Lycan.
When a university student arrives at the store for some research, all of a sudden it is discovered that Tabby also has runes.
And that’s just the beginning.
Charlie discovers that her mother had a one-night stand and her biological father lives just outside of town.
Because of the strangeness of the appearing runes, Charlie contacts Winnie, the witch she met in the previous book for help. Winnie arrives with an elemental hybrid and the fun begins. To make it more interesting, Charlie’s daughter arrives and discovers a rune on her arm as well.
This book has mystery, great characters, interesting story, surprises, suspense, humour and romance.
It is a fairly quick, easy read and I will be looking for more in this series when they come out. I will also be reading more by this author.
When a university student arrives at the store for some research, all of a sudden it is discovered that Tabby also has runes.
And that’s just the beginning.
Charlie discovers that her mother had a one-night stand and her biological father lives just outside of town.
Because of the strangeness of the appearing runes, Charlie contacts Winnie, the witch she met in the previous book for help. Winnie arrives with an elemental hybrid and the fun begins. To make it more interesting, Charlie’s daughter arrives and discovers a rune on her arm as well.
This book has mystery, great characters, interesting story, surprises, suspense, humour and romance.
It is a fairly quick, easy read and I will be looking for more in this series when they come out. I will also be reading more by this author.
June 1, 2026
Season of Storm and Ash is book two in Madalyn Raes' series about Charlie, a (now) 43 year old who discovers she is descended from the powerful Ashcroft family.
In the first few chapters we are introduced to Tabby; who claims to be working on her thesis and wants to know more about Charlie & her bookstore. However, it soon becomes apparent that Tabby is hiding a huge secret.
A visit from her daughter proves to Charlie that the bloodline she is descended from is one filled with elemental power & that there are some bonds in our life that go beyond what we see.
As the books ends, we see a familiar face return, leaving us on the perfect cliffhanger for book three.
This cozy, paranormal, witchy book feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Filled with the same lighthearted jokes, sarcasm, and magic that we came to love in the first book. It has the perfect amount of spice, action, romance, and found family!
In the first few chapters we are introduced to Tabby; who claims to be working on her thesis and wants to know more about Charlie & her bookstore. However, it soon becomes apparent that Tabby is hiding a huge secret.
A visit from her daughter proves to Charlie that the bloodline she is descended from is one filled with elemental power & that there are some bonds in our life that go beyond what we see.
As the books ends, we see a familiar face return, leaving us on the perfect cliffhanger for book three.
This cozy, paranormal, witchy book feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Filled with the same lighthearted jokes, sarcasm, and magic that we came to love in the first book. It has the perfect amount of spice, action, romance, and found family!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to The author for this ARC opportunity!
This is the second book in the series and picks up shortly after book 1 leaves off. Charlie and Duncan's relationship is going well and the bookstore is slow going but open for shopping.
Charlie gets a message from her daughter, Zoe, telling her she is going to be visiting for Christmas break for a month. Charlie is ecstatic for Zoe to visit but worried about explaining her relationship.
Zoe arrives and very quickly things start to go wrong. The altar room that was boarded up and hasnt been accessed since the battle with The Morrigan is now open and Zoe has been there in the night just like Charlie.
Without any spoilers, there are a lot of new characters and more exploration to the magical world. More balance must be found in new ways when a new threat emerges!
This is the second book in the series and picks up shortly after book 1 leaves off. Charlie and Duncan's relationship is going well and the bookstore is slow going but open for shopping.
Charlie gets a message from her daughter, Zoe, telling her she is going to be visiting for Christmas break for a month. Charlie is ecstatic for Zoe to visit but worried about explaining her relationship.
Zoe arrives and very quickly things start to go wrong. The altar room that was boarded up and hasnt been accessed since the battle with The Morrigan is now open and Zoe has been there in the night just like Charlie.
Without any spoilers, there are a lot of new characters and more exploration to the magical world. More balance must be found in new ways when a new threat emerges!
May 24, 2026
I would like to thank the author for gifting me this ARC copy of the book. This was the continuation of Season of Bone & Blood. Charlie, our FMC is still learning about becoming a witch herself when her daughter visits from college. Before she has a chance to fill her in on her new life, secrets from her family's past threaten all those she loves.
This book is easily read in a couple of days. Charlie and Duncan's sweet romance gets a touch of spice in the second half of the book. They are very protective of each other and those close to them. We need new characters and learn how balance comes when we work together for the common good of our world.
This book is easily read in a couple of days. Charlie and Duncan's sweet romance gets a touch of spice in the second half of the book. They are very protective of each other and those close to them. We need new characters and learn how balance comes when we work together for the common good of our world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely fantastic! Charlie is such an amazing FMC, her whole vibe is perfect, she is 42, new to her magic, owns a bookstore, has a hot boyfriend and is living her best life!
This book is the second in the Midlife Magic series, I loved book 1, and this one had me hooked from start to end just like the first!
The information that has went into this book is unbelievable, the supernatural, the runes, the location, the backstories and the characters, I was in awe the entire time.
Madalyn your books are my obsession, I adore them.
This book is the second in the Midlife Magic series, I loved book 1, and this one had me hooked from start to end just like the first!
The information that has went into this book is unbelievable, the supernatural, the runes, the location, the backstories and the characters, I was in awe the entire time.
Madalyn your books are my obsession, I adore them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this.
I had not read the first book but I could pick up some of what happened from bits and pieces in this book. I will go and read the first one though after reading this and can't wait for the 3rd book.
I was at 36% this afternoon and couldn't put it down haha I needed to know what was going to happen. I loved the characters, what I liked the most was the main character wasn't young, she's 42!
Lots of things happening that kept me engaged and wanting to continue reading.
I had not read the first book but I could pick up some of what happened from bits and pieces in this book. I will go and read the first one though after reading this and can't wait for the 3rd book.
I was at 36% this afternoon and couldn't put it down haha I needed to know what was going to happen. I loved the characters, what I liked the most was the main character wasn't young, she's 42!
Lots of things happening that kept me engaged and wanting to continue reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC copy from the author.
I really enjoyed this! I received this ACR copy before I had read the first book so I read book one and two back to back. I really enjoyed seeing the growth in the characters relationships. The connections between the elements and the information on witches, lycanthropes, druids and elementals and how they are connected are intriguing. I do feel like the “final battles” could be a little more exciting. In both books I felt like the buildup was good but then the finale was a little anticlimactic. Overall though very good and I would recommend!
I really enjoyed this! I received this ACR copy before I had read the first book so I read book one and two back to back. I really enjoyed seeing the growth in the characters relationships. The connections between the elements and the information on witches, lycanthropes, druids and elementals and how they are connected are intriguing. I do feel like the “final battles” could be a little more exciting. In both books I felt like the buildup was good but then the finale was a little anticlimactic. Overall though very good and I would recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A story full of magic, mystery and discovery. This book had me gripped until the very end, as the author slowly unravelled pieces of the puzzle.
I absolutely loved the theme of elemental magic and the power of connection. I felt like I was learning all about the magic and runes at the same time as the characters.
This book had me completely absorbed in the world building especially the mountains, finding the characters to be smart, unique and relatable. Especially as the didn't know the answers or have control of their powers from the start. I couldn't predict the plot line and enjoyed being taken along for the ride.
The theme of second chances/ self discovery were really uplifting and I really appreciated the older FMC. A badass without her ducks in a row. Someone I see myself and my friends in. The book ended on a cliffhanger and I need to know what happens next! Roll on book 3.
I absolutely loved the theme of elemental magic and the power of connection. I felt like I was learning all about the magic and runes at the same time as the characters.
This book had me completely absorbed in the world building especially the mountains, finding the characters to be smart, unique and relatable. Especially as the didn't know the answers or have control of their powers from the start. I couldn't predict the plot line and enjoyed being taken along for the ride.
The theme of second chances/ self discovery were really uplifting and I really appreciated the older FMC. A badass without her ducks in a row. Someone I see myself and my friends in. The book ended on a cliffhanger and I need to know what happens next! Roll on book 3.
Review of advance copy
I loved it, maybe even more than book 1. It had been months since I read the first book but the way it's written pulled me right back into the storyline immediately! I couldn't put it down. I love all of the characters and the Appalachian setting. I love the lore and magic system. I highly recommend it for fans of urban fantasy. So so good!
Thank you to the author for the early copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for the early copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
June 4, 2026
Rebuilding your life at 42 and discovering who you are is exactly what happens to Charlie in book 2 of Madalyn Rae. She discovers she is a witch a decedent from one oldest and most powerful witch families in the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by ancient magic she is leaving to control and master, and secrets someone would kill to keep buried all while finding a second chance at live with Duncan.
Great read and I'm looking forward to reading more of Madalyns work.
Great read and I'm looking forward to reading more of Madalyns work.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
im beginning to think madalyn rae did like bonbon lol the she wolf got what she deserved and im glad she was the only 1 who did this time there were a few times I thought they were going to be double crossed by visiting friends I loved the fight scenes they reminded me of twighlight. Wolfie needs to get on board with his new mama
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
Loved it! It's refreshing to read about someone who is mid-life, real life and their relationships. Perfect balance of life, magic, and romance. The banter between characters is relatable and actually had me laughing. I'm excited for the story to continue. I would recommend reading the first book first, I started this one then paused to read the first one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the perfect sequel to Bone & Blood. A little more spice than the first book, which I loved. Also... a lot more plots twists... I love! Such a great witchy RomCom series and I can't wait to read more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really hope this series isn’t over yet! I feel more to the story is coming our way. I love seeing older characters return and adding in some quirky new ones. I did almost cry at one point, because I thought the unspeakable was about to happen.
June 1, 2026
Even though I did not read the first book (which I most certainly will now) I loved this read!
I love it when the main character is nog some young or new adult, but someone who's actually lived life.
I am always in for magical stories, and if you are as well, this is certainly the read for you!
I love it when the main character is nog some young or new adult, but someone who's actually lived life.
I am always in for magical stories, and if you are as well, this is certainly the read for you!
June 1, 2026
To be recently divorced can be a very difficult time i your life. While rebuilding her life Charlie discovers so much more about herself. Discovering she is a witch, finding a second chance love ❤️ with Duncan... Life is no longer dull and predictable !!! Thank you for this Advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this book. The way she mixes the different magics is really cool. Very excited for the 3rd in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received this book as an ARC for honest review.
WOW WOW WOW 42 year old divorced mum that has had her life turned upside down, finds out she is a witch and has an insanly hot lycan boyfriend, Charlie you have my heart.
Let me start by saying I had not read the first book (that is being rectified as I type), but there were enough hints that I could get the jist of what happened. In this book the student becomes the teacher with Charlie helping Tabby with what is happening to her with her runes and what that means.
They have some help along the way by some hot fire and water elementals thanks to Winnie.
This book has a little spice, a great story line with a few laughs, great characters that you will fall in love with and some awesome paranormal features.
Get ready to cosy up with a bevy, snacks of choice, blanket and drift to the magical mountains where there is "not a tear of sadness, but a tear of peace for a life I never imagined".
Im off to read all Madalyn's books!
WOW WOW WOW 42 year old divorced mum that has had her life turned upside down, finds out she is a witch and has an insanly hot lycan boyfriend, Charlie you have my heart.
Let me start by saying I had not read the first book (that is being rectified as I type), but there were enough hints that I could get the jist of what happened. In this book the student becomes the teacher with Charlie helping Tabby with what is happening to her with her runes and what that means.
They have some help along the way by some hot fire and water elementals thanks to Winnie.
This book has a little spice, a great story line with a few laughs, great characters that you will fall in love with and some awesome paranormal features.
Get ready to cosy up with a bevy, snacks of choice, blanket and drift to the magical mountains where there is "not a tear of sadness, but a tear of peace for a life I never imagined".
Im off to read all Madalyn's books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured this second book. Less than a day. There was definitely a lot more world building here and lineage history, but again it was easy to follow and I’m so glad that Zoe was brought in! I had an idea it would be her!
I’m honestly a bit bummed about Bonnie though - I liked her in the first one, but I’ll be eager to learn more about her by the sounds of it in book 3!
I have also discovered the Elementals Series too and eager to read more about those!
I’m honestly a bit bummed about Bonnie though - I liked her in the first one, but I’ll be eager to learn more about her by the sounds of it in book 3!
I have also discovered the Elementals Series too and eager to read more about those!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews