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Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #7
A Solstice Celebration
It’s the summer of 2005, and Marnie Winchester is in charge. That’s right, her sister Winnie is out of town for a week and Marnie is officially the boss. It’s everything she’s always wanted.
Kind of.
If her teenaged daughter and her two cousins weren’t getting into the wine … and if her sister wasn’t belting out show tunes at the drop of a hat … and if her aunt Tillie wasn’t threatening curses at every turn … things would be perfect.
That’s a lot of “ifs,” isn’t it?
Marnie is planning the Winchester family’s annual solstice celebration – and it’s a lot of work – but the real work comes when niece Bay sees a ghost and Aunt Tillie declares war on her meddlesome great-nieces.
Marnie has to find a way to keep the solstice celebration on track – and no one is up to the task of helping. The curses are flying fast and furious, and Marnie is running out of time to help a forgetful ghost move on, find her missing magic supplies and prove she should’ve been the boss all along.
Note: This is a 27,000-word short set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world.
Kind of.
If her teenaged daughter and her two cousins weren’t getting into the wine … and if her sister wasn’t belting out show tunes at the drop of a hat … and if her aunt Tillie wasn’t threatening curses at every turn … things would be perfect.
That’s a lot of “ifs,” isn’t it?
Marnie is planning the Winchester family’s annual solstice celebration – and it’s a lot of work – but the real work comes when niece Bay sees a ghost and Aunt Tillie declares war on her meddlesome great-nieces.
Marnie has to find a way to keep the solstice celebration on track – and no one is up to the task of helping. The curses are flying fast and furious, and Marnie is running out of time to help a forgetful ghost move on, find her missing magic supplies and prove she should’ve been the boss all along.
Note: This is a 27,000-word short set in the Wicked Witches of the Midwest world.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
404 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
312 books2,914 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 6, 2016
Least favorite of series
This is probably my least favorite of this series. I think its because the current books in the series tells enough of the past and the few short stories have filled in what little is left unmentioned. Now, the short stories seem to be just a reason to write instead of passing on needed or interesting information. I have finally become bored with this series. That could account for why this story just came across as flat. All good stories should come to an end rather than drag on and on and leave the reader with a memory of being bored. Don't you think?
This is probably my least favorite of this series. I think its because the current books in the series tells enough of the past and the few short stories have filled in what little is left unmentioned. Now, the short stories seem to be just a reason to write instead of passing on needed or interesting information. I have finally become bored with this series. That could account for why this story just came across as flat. All good stories should come to an end rather than drag on and on and leave the reader with a memory of being bored. Don't you think?
September 29, 2019
This one takes place a little in the past when the town was still known as Walkerville. Marnie and the other aunts have not yet made their place into an inn but they are definitely planning to. There's a report of a missing woman and Bay ends up seeing her ghost.
That's one theme. The other is centered on the girls growing up and doing 'teenage' type things including stealing Aunt Tillie's wine and getting drunk. This is where I have a bit of a problem with this story since Aunt Tillie causes two of the girls to go blind for a while.
I feel that is more than a little much and it's the harshest punishment she's given them in any of the books in the series and I've read almost all of them. It's very traumatic for the two girls (the third was off elsewhere working on something important and was not made blind.) I think the punishment she gave them was disproportionate to the 'crime' that they committed.
'With great power comes great responsibility' applies here. Aunt Tillie has great power but in this case I feel she abused it badly.
That's one theme. The other is centered on the girls growing up and doing 'teenage' type things including stealing Aunt Tillie's wine and getting drunk. This is where I have a bit of a problem with this story since Aunt Tillie causes two of the girls to go blind for a while.
I feel that is more than a little much and it's the harshest punishment she's given them in any of the books in the series and I've read almost all of them. It's very traumatic for the two girls (the third was off elsewhere working on something important and was not made blind.) I think the punishment she gave them was disproportionate to the 'crime' that they committed.
'With great power comes great responsibility' applies here. Aunt Tillie has great power but in this case I feel she abused it badly.
April 13, 2020
Curses, foiled again!
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble; this could be the definition of Marnie's turn to be in charge. Winnie needs to go to a convention to drum up business for their soon to be Bed and Breakfast venture, so as the only responsible adult left, Marnie is saddled with preparing for the solstice celebration, coralling three teenage girls, cleaning, baking, dealing with a confused ghost...
Then there's Aunt Tilly!
Poor Marnie! Can she handle it all without a meltdown of epic proportions?
No problem. It's all under control. Right?
Read it and weep; I mean, read it and see.
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble; this could be the definition of Marnie's turn to be in charge. Winnie needs to go to a convention to drum up business for their soon to be Bed and Breakfast venture, so as the only responsible adult left, Marnie is saddled with preparing for the solstice celebration, coralling three teenage girls, cleaning, baking, dealing with a confused ghost...
Then there's Aunt Tilly!
Poor Marnie! Can she handle it all without a meltdown of epic proportions?
No problem. It's all under control. Right?
Read it and weep; I mean, read it and see.
December 14, 2018
Good Read
The Winchester Women are absolutely the best! The chaos, the cursing Tilley does, The sisters always competing & always in the who’s in charge of family life, the cousins/sisters seem to find trouble every day. And then they band together and prove they are unbreakable no matter what the situation that confronts them. I’m with Marnie bath & bed the headache are real 5 of them..... I Love this series
The Winchester Women are absolutely the best! The chaos, the cursing Tilley does, The sisters always competing & always in the who’s in charge of family life, the cousins/sisters seem to find trouble every day. And then they band together and prove they are unbreakable no matter what the situation that confronts them. I’m with Marnie bath & bed the headache are real 5 of them..... I Love this series
May 5, 2019
Marnie is left in charge
Winnie is out of town, Marnie is left in charge, Great Aunt Tillie finds her great nieces, have stolen her wine. Things go downhill from there. Bay sees a ghost, Great Aunt Tillie steals the solstice supplies, Marnie has Clove, her daughter and Thistle steal back the solstice supplies. Honestly read it for yourself, I don't want to spoil it for you.
Winnie is out of town, Marnie is left in charge, Great Aunt Tillie finds her great nieces, have stolen her wine. Things go downhill from there. Bay sees a ghost, Great Aunt Tillie steals the solstice supplies, Marnie has Clove, her daughter and Thistle steal back the solstice supplies. Honestly read it for yourself, I don't want to spoil it for you.
February 23, 2024
Do boobs really fly in different directions?
Marnie is in charge for a week while Minnie is away. That leaves Aunt Tillie swiping the Solstice supplies, cursing the girls for stealing her wine and stealing the supplies back. So how badly were they cursed, what were the curses, and why were Thistle and Chief Terry in horror over Aunt Tillie's boobs?
Marnie is in charge for a week while Minnie is away. That leaves Aunt Tillie swiping the Solstice supplies, cursing the girls for stealing her wine and stealing the supplies back. So how badly were they cursed, what were the curses, and why were Thistle and Chief Terry in horror over Aunt Tillie's boobs?
December 12, 2017
Love the Winchester Witches
Leaving Marnie in control makes for a stressful adventure. Aunt Tillie. Is up to no good, there's a ghost, and the young witches are causing trouble. I loved this book.
Leaving Marnie in control makes for a stressful adventure. Aunt Tillie. Is up to no good, there's a ghost, and the young witches are causing trouble. I loved this book.
March 16, 2020
Nice extra information about the other family members
I enjoyed this extra insight into the middle sister and I hope to see something about the youngest and oldest. Next up the three guys in the cousins lives.
I enjoyed this extra insight into the middle sister and I hope to see something about the youngest and oldest. Next up the three guys in the cousins lives.
January 8, 2021
Funny.
This is told from Marnie's perspective. She is finally in charge and chaos ensues. I really enjoyed this book. I laughed so hard, there were tears. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. This book is definitely worth reading.
This is told from Marnie's perspective. She is finally in charge and chaos ensues. I really enjoyed this book. I laughed so hard, there were tears. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. This book is definitely worth reading.
April 7, 2021
Love reading about the Shenanigan that Aunt Tillie, and the stories involving Bay & Landon, Thistle & Marcus, and Clove & Sam and how they all make me laugh and cry through the books. Don't care how the narrator keeps changing.
November 10, 2021
Prep for summer solstice
Marnie's POV, when the girls were teens. More Winchester antics. Winnie is away for a conference, so the others have to take over - curses, pranks and a ghost.
Marnie's POV, when the girls were teens. More Winchester antics. Winnie is away for a conference, so the others have to take over - curses, pranks and a ghost.
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December 27, 2021Fun reading
Interesting insights into the girls, through the eyes of Marnie, Clove's mom. What's a celebration without a large serving of Murphy's Law? In spite of everything, she handles it with grace and style.
Interesting insights into the girls, through the eyes of Marnie, Clove's mom. What's a celebration without a large serving of Murphy's Law? In spite of everything, she handles it with grace and style.
May 15, 2023
Good read
This short story finds Marnie in charge. Chaos abounds, there is loads of humor, a ghost, a missing person, no murder, but mystery, and Aunt Tillie is in rare form. Short but sweetly funny and highly recommended.
This short story finds Marnie in charge. Chaos abounds, there is loads of humor, a ghost, a missing person, no murder, but mystery, and Aunt Tillie is in rare form. Short but sweetly funny and highly recommended.
July 18, 2017
Yawns. It was okay.
July 23, 2017
Marnie in control
Loved seeing how Marnie's mind works. Such wonderful story telling. Off to the next Winchester adventure now and can't wait to see what mischief rises.
Loved seeing how Marnie's mind works. Such wonderful story telling. Off to the next Winchester adventure now and can't wait to see what mischief rises.
September 6, 2017
Aunt Tillie!!!!!
That women is evil but she does come through when it's needed. 😄. I would recommend this Author to any one who wants something fun to read.
That women is evil but she does come through when it's needed. 😄. I would recommend this Author to any one who wants something fun to read.
January 20, 2019
CHANCE TO SHINE
Marnie gets responsibility heaped on her and many fires. It let you know that although family can be your worst nightmare, they always have your back.
Marnie gets responsibility heaped on her and many fires. It let you know that although family can be your worst nightmare, they always have your back.
October 1, 2019
Cute
Just a cute story from When Bay, Thistle and Clove we’re kids. No big mystery, but we had a ghost, some curses from ,Aunt Tillie, and dancing in the nude.
Just a cute story from When Bay, Thistle and Clove we’re kids. No big mystery, but we had a ghost, some curses from ,Aunt Tillie, and dancing in the nude.
March 31, 2020
Great read
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
I love this series, it is very well written and the story line is great. I can't stop reading and look forward to more stories about the Winchester Witches
August 14, 2020
Good but not as good as some of the others.
January 7, 2021
Alot
Of these stories are based and focused on Bay. Which is fine but the first few books were a little more equal. I think a bit more depth to clove and thistle would suit.
Of these stories are based and focused on Bay. Which is fine but the first few books were a little more equal. I think a bit more depth to clove and thistle would suit.
February 7, 2021
Laughed out loud
I have read all of these books I can find. This one was the funniest of all. I laughed out loud. It was great.
I have read all of these books I can find. This one was the funniest of all. I laughed out loud. It was great.
August 4, 2021
Fun Witches
Amanda Lee writes about Witches with great interest. Love all of them, especia?I
Great story,, love Aunt Tillie and Bay!
Amanda Lee writes about Witches with great interest. Love all of them, especia?I
Great story,, love Aunt Tillie and Bay!
September 21, 2021
poor Marnie! i love getting a belly laugh from these books!
Read
July 5, 2022Back and forth
I wish.the books.were in the order.of.ages. one is when the girls are adults and the next is when they are young. Hard to keep track. Still good reads and stories.
I wish.the books.were in the order.of.ages. one is when the girls are adults and the next is when they are young. Hard to keep track. Still good reads and stories.
August 6, 2022
Pretty Good
Much better than the last one. It had the twists, turns, & snark at the right places. I’d read it again.
Much better than the last one. It had the twists, turns, & snark at the right places. I’d read it again.
December 3, 2023
Marnie
Marnie narrated this story. It’s a few days where she is in charge. Everything goes crazy, but works out in the end. The girls are pretty young in this story.
Marnie narrated this story. It’s a few days where she is in charge. Everything goes crazy, but works out in the end. The girls are pretty young in this story.
April 6, 2024
There are so many laugh out loud moments in this book! It's hysterical and I loved it!
May 24, 2024
fun
A good supplemental ok in the wicked witches series with plenty of magic, humor, drama, mystery, and suspense. Eager for next book.
A good supplemental ok in the wicked witches series with plenty of magic, humor, drama, mystery, and suspense. Eager for next book.
June 17, 2024
Fun quick read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews