What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts #14
I Dream of Twila
Twila Winchester isn’t used to being in charge but that’s exactly where she finds herself when her sisters leave town for a business convention.
Twila thinks everything is going to be fun and games even though she has one daughter, two nieces and one mischievous aunt to contend with. She’s focused on cooking and having a good time … until a roving troupe of renaissance performers make camp on the Winchester property and trouble starts brewing.
When the head of the group starts making predictions – and unfortunately gets left behind – Twila has her hands full. It seems Aunt Tillie doesn’t trust the new guest and she’s determined to turn the three younger Winchesters into investigative dynamos
Twila is working on a limited timetable. She must solve a mystery involving some missing items, open her home to a stranger and crack down on Aunt Tillie’s “lying” classes as her aunt attempts to teach Bay, Clove and Thistle how to manipulate everyone in their paths.
Oh, and she has to do it all before Marnie and Winnie return to town.
No pressure, though.
Twila thinks everything is going to be fun and games even though she has one daughter, two nieces and one mischievous aunt to contend with. She’s focused on cooking and having a good time … until a roving troupe of renaissance performers make camp on the Winchester property and trouble starts brewing.
When the head of the group starts making predictions – and unfortunately gets left behind – Twila has her hands full. It seems Aunt Tillie doesn’t trust the new guest and she’s determined to turn the three younger Winchesters into investigative dynamos
Twila is working on a limited timetable. She must solve a mystery involving some missing items, open her home to a stranger and crack down on Aunt Tillie’s “lying” classes as her aunt attempts to teach Bay, Clove and Thistle how to manipulate everyone in their paths.
Oh, and she has to do it all before Marnie and Winnie return to town.
No pressure, though.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2017
354 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
304 books2,899 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 7, 2017
As a result of this book, I really do not like Twila anymore. She should never be left alone with the children again. Never. I found myself actually getting angry with her too many times.
October 16, 2017
Not my favorite
I want to preface this review with I absolutely love this author and this series.
This short story did not do it for me. There are some witty comebacks from the characters as normal , and in-family arguing. I love this family's antics. That being said, Twila's handling of the entire situation is bordering on child endangerment. She is too stupid for words in this short story. The phrase "What was I thinking/saying again" being used more than a handful of times in 100+pages was extremely annoying.
You have three young girls living with you and you allow someone who was peeking in the windows to stay on the property? Not Likley. A stranger terrifies your young niece and you play it off like a joke? Also not likely . Then the next morning, someone broke in and locked the dog in the shed and you think the dog did it all by itself? You then let that person in your home while Bay is telling you she doesn't want them there, the same morning of a break in ? This just frustrated me to no end.
Twila didn't make a single good choice in this book.
I'm pretty sure I have never given a book in the series under a 5 star rating. I love the plots, characters , and all of their antics. The three stars in this book came from the girls, Aunt Tilly, and Chief Terry.
I want to preface this review with I absolutely love this author and this series.
This short story did not do it for me. There are some witty comebacks from the characters as normal , and in-family arguing. I love this family's antics. That being said, Twila's handling of the entire situation is bordering on child endangerment. She is too stupid for words in this short story. The phrase "What was I thinking/saying again" being used more than a handful of times in 100+pages was extremely annoying.
You have three young girls living with you and you allow someone who was peeking in the windows to stay on the property? Not Likley. A stranger terrifies your young niece and you play it off like a joke? Also not likely . Then the next morning, someone broke in and locked the dog in the shed and you think the dog did it all by itself? You then let that person in your home while Bay is telling you she doesn't want them there, the same morning of a break in ? This just frustrated me to no end.
Twila didn't make a single good choice in this book.
I'm pretty sure I have never given a book in the series under a 5 star rating. I love the plots, characters , and all of their antics. The three stars in this book came from the girls, Aunt Tilly, and Chief Terry.
January 2, 2018
Clearly not the best
I totally live this book series, but not this book. it lacked humour and all the other potent stuff I have to expect and love. Disappointed!
I totally live this book series, but not this book. it lacked humour and all the other potent stuff I have to expect and love. Disappointed!
December 16, 2017
I’m so glad this was a short book. I usually love the adventures of Bay, aunt Tillie and all the others but this was pretty bor8ng. I could not get into this book at all.
November 22, 2017
Twila the Twit should have been the title... I can't even... it's not even the fact that she messed up, but that she was too stupid or too stubborn to own up to it.
October 19, 2017
Wicked Witches of the Midwest is a series on my must read As Soon as the books are Out!!! Amanda M. Lee never fails to entertain in any of her books/series. I Dream of Twila may be a short but it's full of humor, out loud laughter and Aunt Tillie unpredictable action and suspense!!! Twila is one of the three sisters-mothers in this sardonic and Zany house. Usually over shadowed, in the back ground of the household antics. Her sisters leave her 'in charge' for the weekend. Typically she is the easy going peace maker of the household. Things are about to change. Who is the group camping on their property? Who is peeking in windows? Who left the locked backdoor open? The missing dog? Make some time. Put your feet up. Enjoy this good time must read book!!! I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
June 17, 2019
This story takes place around 15 years before the regular series stories. Bay, Thistle and Clover are all teenagers. Bay is an intern at the paper, showing how she was interested in doing that early in her life (she ended up owning the paper in the regular series.) Thistle is already showing her nasty side and Clover has already learned her cry-on-demand approach.
Trouble starts when there seems to be someone looking in their window. Later they find a caravan with people claiming they attend the Renaissance fairs but it turns out one of them is not at all who she appears to be. Worse yet Twila makes some very bad decisions and this leads to trouble. Aunt Tillie shows her command style and Officer Terry ends up becoming involved.
It's an interesting look into the past of the characters.
Trouble starts when there seems to be someone looking in their window. Later they find a caravan with people claiming they attend the Renaissance fairs but it turns out one of them is not at all who she appears to be. Worse yet Twila makes some very bad decisions and this leads to trouble. Aunt Tillie shows her command style and Officer Terry ends up becoming involved.
It's an interesting look into the past of the characters.
April 15, 2020
Good Wicked Witches/Gifted; or Not
Twila is in charge; top dog, chief babysitter, and bottle washer. Piece of cake. Right? Riiiiight!
Renaissance folk are camping on their property, (Aunt Tilly loudly objecting), a "gifted psychic" pronouncing a dire future choice for Bay, that has her scared and sleepless...
Then Twila decides to let the psychic stay the night, when she tells her a sad story about being abandoned by her troope.
Aunt Tilly is one unhappy witch.
When Aunt Tilly ain't happy; nobody is happy. She'll make darn sure of it!
This may be Twila's one and only shot at being in charge. Considering the way the weekend is going so far, she might be perfectly fine with that!
Twila is in charge; top dog, chief babysitter, and bottle washer. Piece of cake. Right? Riiiiight!
Renaissance folk are camping on their property, (Aunt Tilly loudly objecting), a "gifted psychic" pronouncing a dire future choice for Bay, that has her scared and sleepless...
Then Twila decides to let the psychic stay the night, when she tells her a sad story about being abandoned by her troope.
Aunt Tilly is one unhappy witch.
When Aunt Tilly ain't happy; nobody is happy. She'll make darn sure of it!
This may be Twila's one and only shot at being in charge. Considering the way the weekend is going so far, she might be perfectly fine with that!
October 10, 2017
Good short
I am an Amanda Lee fan, no doubt about it. I've read every word of hers that's currently in print, and the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series is my favorite, so I'm hardly a critical reader. But I will say I really enjoyed this look inside Twila's head. Even though it was set during the teen years of the cousins, it was definitely critical backstory on Twila, and seeing the girls and Aunt Tillie through her eyes was lots of fun. The critical elements of the cousins' personalities are on display here as well as Aunt Tillie's child reading techniques,( atrocious but hilarious.) If you love the series, don't miss this one!
I am an Amanda Lee fan, no doubt about it. I've read every word of hers that's currently in print, and the Wicked Witches of the Midwest series is my favorite, so I'm hardly a critical reader. But I will say I really enjoyed this look inside Twila's head. Even though it was set during the teen years of the cousins, it was definitely critical backstory on Twila, and seeing the girls and Aunt Tillie through her eyes was lots of fun. The critical elements of the cousins' personalities are on display here as well as Aunt Tillie's child reading techniques,( atrocious but hilarious.) If you love the series, don't miss this one!
April 21, 2020
Definitely worth a few hours
I love this series like an old friend. I appreciate the character development and the willingness to show how not all people will be on their A game when interacting with their family. All of the others shorts have been equally fun, with tidy plots that feel invigorating to finish. I have to say though, the character of Twila was so we'll depicted that I found myself rolling my eyes at her while reading. I'm closer to a type A personality, so someone as flighty as her grates on me. Nonetheless, the action was great and painted the picture to trust your instincts.
I love this series like an old friend. I appreciate the character development and the willingness to show how not all people will be on their A game when interacting with their family. All of the others shorts have been equally fun, with tidy plots that feel invigorating to finish. I have to say though, the character of Twila was so we'll depicted that I found myself rolling my eyes at her while reading. I'm closer to a type A personality, so someone as flighty as her grates on me. Nonetheless, the action was great and painted the picture to trust your instincts.
October 10, 2017
Twila in charge for the weekend what could go wrong?.
Strange characters in the woods and Tillie giving the girls lessons in lying, what could go wrong. In trying to do the right thing and show the girls a good example Twila only succeeds in making a mess of thing forcing Tillie and the girls to take action. Twila soon learns that being in charge is not easy and just wants to get through the weekend with everyone safe and sound. Always enjoy these Wicked Witch of the Midwest short stories they are fascinating little snippets into the girls childhood and always a fun read.
Strange characters in the woods and Tillie giving the girls lessons in lying, what could go wrong. In trying to do the right thing and show the girls a good example Twila only succeeds in making a mess of thing forcing Tillie and the girls to take action. Twila soon learns that being in charge is not easy and just wants to get through the weekend with everyone safe and sound. Always enjoy these Wicked Witch of the Midwest short stories they are fascinating little snippets into the girls childhood and always a fun read.
October 24, 2017
Another short by Amanda M. Lee
I enjoyed this book mostly because it had a lot of Aunt Tillie in it. I'm going to be honest here and say in other books Aunt Tillie comes across as mean and mental. But this book makes her out as a really good caring great Aunt. Twila on the other hand. Well aggravating comes to mind. I missed Clove saying how they are going to make her eyes leak lol. Thistle was on Mark and so was Bay. I love Sheriff Terry and wish he was in the books more. I enjoy Amanda M. Lee's books and recommend all of them.
I enjoyed this book mostly because it had a lot of Aunt Tillie in it. I'm going to be honest here and say in other books Aunt Tillie comes across as mean and mental. But this book makes her out as a really good caring great Aunt. Twila on the other hand. Well aggravating comes to mind. I missed Clove saying how they are going to make her eyes leak lol. Thistle was on Mark and so was Bay. I love Sheriff Terry and wish he was in the books more. I enjoy Amanda M. Lee's books and recommend all of them.
October 23, 2017
I love the Winchesters
Any story with the Winchesters, I'm going to pick it up and read it, because I know it will be a fun story. I also know it will be a riot if Aunt Tillie has a big part to play. She is my absolute favorite character and is a laugh a minute. If you're wanting a fun read with a lot of snark and family bonding, this is definitely a series you want to read. You'll also be thankful your family isn't as nuts as theirs.
Any story with the Winchesters, I'm going to pick it up and read it, because I know it will be a fun story. I also know it will be a riot if Aunt Tillie has a big part to play. She is my absolute favorite character and is a laugh a minute. If you're wanting a fun read with a lot of snark and family bonding, this is definitely a series you want to read. You'll also be thankful your family isn't as nuts as theirs.
October 28, 2017
Well, three out of five stars isn't bad. It was cute and short as usual left my eager for the next book in this series. Amanda Lee is one of my favorite authors but I thought she could have fleshed out the characters in the woods a little better. There could have been a few more twists and turns to keep it more interesting.
Having said all that I can say that I'm glad I read it but probably won't remember it.
Having said all that I can say that I'm glad I read it but probably won't remember it.
December 30, 2021
Twilight strikes again!
Twilight and the girls (and Aunt Tillie) are home without the other sisters, and a band of Renaissance Fair workers camps on their property. It's OK... Twila's in charge! Right?
We get to see the girls in their teens, Twila and Aunt Tillie as their usual selves, and a person who may or may not also have powers. Another glimpse into the past that explains so much without belaboring the point. Fun to read.
Twilight and the girls (and Aunt Tillie) are home without the other sisters, and a band of Renaissance Fair workers camps on their property. It's OK... Twila's in charge! Right?
We get to see the girls in their teens, Twila and Aunt Tillie as their usual selves, and a person who may or may not also have powers. Another glimpse into the past that explains so much without belaboring the point. Fun to read.
October 12, 2017
Great book!
Anything written by Amanda M. Lee is five star. Her sense of humor keeps you laughing and entertained. Her wit and style of writing is what keeps you coming back to her books. Just love all her books. I have my sister addicted to her books as well. Hard to wait for the next book in one of her series. Thank you Ms. Lee for many hours of joy.
Anything written by Amanda M. Lee is five star. Her sense of humor keeps you laughing and entertained. Her wit and style of writing is what keeps you coming back to her books. Just love all her books. I have my sister addicted to her books as well. Hard to wait for the next book in one of her series. Thank you Ms. Lee for many hours of joy.
October 17, 2017
Twila is left in charge of Aunt Tillie and the three girls for a weekend - but it quickly goes sideways when Twila invites a phony psychic to stay overnight.
I like how each character has gotten their own story at some point - it really adds depth to the series. And I do like these shorts - fun, light, quick and easy reads that fit perfectly into a busy schedule!
I like how each character has gotten their own story at some point - it really adds depth to the series. And I do like these shorts - fun, light, quick and easy reads that fit perfectly into a busy schedule!
October 17, 2017
Just love Twila!
I really love this family. They love and take care of each other, are all quirky with some magic thrown in and disagree like all families do, except usually about different topics than most families. I have read everything in this series. Just hope it never ends.
I really love this family. They love and take care of each other, are all quirky with some magic thrown in and disagree like all families do, except usually about different topics than most families. I have read everything in this series. Just hope it never ends.
January 26, 2021
So good.
This story is told from Twila's perspective. She's in charge and the girls are in their early teens. Trouble arrives immediately. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging as always. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
This story is told from Twila's perspective. She's in charge and the girls are in their early teens. Trouble arrives immediately. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging as always. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
May 22, 2023
Good read
OMG! Twila is left in charge for the weekend! There is loads of humor, angst, and a little mystery. Twila's attention span is limited to say the least, but she has a good heart. Too good in this instance. Aunt Tillie tries to talk sense into her, but she's hopeless. It's just a good thing she lives with her sisters. Highly recommend.
OMG! Twila is left in charge for the weekend! There is loads of humor, angst, and a little mystery. Twila's attention span is limited to say the least, but she has a good heart. Too good in this instance. Aunt Tillie tries to talk sense into her, but she's hopeless. It's just a good thing she lives with her sisters. Highly recommend.
January 31, 2024
Why Twila is not in charge
This is a short story from the past, from Twila's point of view. This isn't a mystery. It's Twila getting the family in trouble by being nice to the wrong people for no reason. There isn't even a cute guy.
Luckily, Aunt Tilly and Terry are there to make sure everyone stays safe.
This is a short story from the past, from Twila's point of view. This isn't a mystery. It's Twila getting the family in trouble by being nice to the wrong people for no reason. There isn't even a cute guy.
Luckily, Aunt Tilly and Terry are there to make sure everyone stays safe.
October 12, 2017
Always top notch!
I have read all of this series and each one is better than the last. Ms. Lee's sense of humor never fails to get me to laugh out loud! I have snarky on my resume too!
I have read all of this series and each one is better than the last. Ms. Lee's sense of humor never fails to get me to laugh out loud! I have snarky on my resume too!
October 13, 2017
A wicked witches of Midwest short
This is another winner. I so love this author. She writes wonderful storylines and great characters. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who love cozy mysteries and funny loveable witches. Diana Romano
This is another winner. I so love this author. She writes wonderful storylines and great characters. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who love cozy mysteries and funny loveable witches. Diana Romano
October 14, 2017
Pretty Good... But...
Not stellar, adequate. Always nice to read about the Winchesters. But honestly, this one felt phoned in. Disjointed and too lightly seasoned. My least favorite of the shorts so far.
Not stellar, adequate. Always nice to read about the Winchesters. But honestly, this one felt phoned in. Disjointed and too lightly seasoned. My least favorite of the shorts so far.
October 14, 2017
Cute fast read
I love the Winchester witches they are sweet together . I love the antics and how aunty Tilly loves the girls. Chief Terry is the voice of reason. Defiantly good read for the young at heart.
I love the Winchester witches they are sweet together . I love the antics and how aunty Tilly loves the girls. Chief Terry is the voice of reason. Defiantly good read for the young at heart.
November 5, 2017
Another enjoyable short! I do like that these are from different characters' points of view, and it was nice to see things through Twila's eyes. The mystery was engaging as always. I loved Chief Terry at the end!
December 21, 2017
Good Read
Oh this family has me laughing so often I wake hubby. Twila truly is naïve and scattered. The relationships of the family when threatened is protection & loyalty and antics that make you laugh so much in the chaos they create.
Oh this family has me laughing so often I wake hubby. Twila truly is naïve and scattered. The relationships of the family when threatened is protection & loyalty and antics that make you laugh so much in the chaos they create.
March 2, 2020
Interesting
Interesting story. I feel bad for Twila everybody is kind of mean to her. I couldn’t decide what was going on in this one. I usually love the shorts. I hope the next one is better.
Interesting story. I feel bad for Twila everybody is kind of mean to her. I couldn’t decide what was going on in this one. I usually love the shorts. I hope the next one is better.
December 22, 2020
Trusting gone wrong
Twila is left in charge for the weekend and allows mayhem in the front door. Cherry is a fake psychic that lies her way into the house, scares Bay and steals the family silver.
Twila is left in charge for the weekend and allows mayhem in the front door. Cherry is a fake psychic that lies her way into the house, scares Bay and steals the family silver.
December 29, 2023
Twila’s story
It is hard when there’s another narrator besides from Bay because I always think it’s Bay talking and have to remind myself that it’s a different main character. This wasn’t interesting story but then it just kind of fizzled out into nothing.
It is hard when there’s another narrator besides from Bay because I always think it’s Bay talking and have to remind myself that it’s a different main character. This wasn’t interesting story but then it just kind of fizzled out into nothing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews