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Forty is Fabulous #1
Making Midlife Magic
A new Paranormal Women’s Fiction adventure for those who believe that finding your true self late in life is a blessing, not a curse—even if it turns out you may actually be cursed.
After finding my soon-to-be ex-husband together with my soon-to-be ex-assistant, I realize his “for better or for worse” didn’t include my forties.
An extended vacation on a remote Italian island sounds like the perfect antidote to a midlife crisis—until I arrive. I’m expecting Chianti and pasta. What I get is a run-down bed and breakfast with the oldest Nonna in existence.
There’s something about this island. Something odd. Like how everyone keeps calling me Mamma or how I’m the first tourist in decades.
And that’s before I wake up to a talking chipmunk holding a glass of wine. He says I have something ancient in me, and for once, it’s not my creaking joints.
When I finally discover the island’s deepest secrets, I know my forties are about to be fabulous, if only I can survive long enough to enjoy them.
Fans of K.F. Breene, Robyn Peterman, and Shannon Mayer will love this new twist on paranormal women’s fiction. For those who enjoy their characters a little gritty and seasoned, like a fine Italian wine, book a trip to Aradia now and experience a whole new, magical world!
After finding my soon-to-be ex-husband together with my soon-to-be ex-assistant, I realize his “for better or for worse” didn’t include my forties.
An extended vacation on a remote Italian island sounds like the perfect antidote to a midlife crisis—until I arrive. I’m expecting Chianti and pasta. What I get is a run-down bed and breakfast with the oldest Nonna in existence.
There’s something about this island. Something odd. Like how everyone keeps calling me Mamma or how I’m the first tourist in decades.
And that’s before I wake up to a talking chipmunk holding a glass of wine. He says I have something ancient in me, and for once, it’s not my creaking joints.
When I finally discover the island’s deepest secrets, I know my forties are about to be fabulous, if only I can survive long enough to enjoy them.
Fans of K.F. Breene, Robyn Peterman, and Shannon Mayer will love this new twist on paranormal women’s fiction. For those who enjoy their characters a little gritty and seasoned, like a fine Italian wine, book a trip to Aradia now and experience a whole new, magical world!
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
1487 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Heloise Hull
20 books88 followersUnlike her namesake of medieval infamy, Heloise doesn’t intend to have her midlife crisis in a nunnery. She’d rather drink 🍸 and chant in 🧚🏼♀️ rings. Born with Mississippi mud in her veins, grown "Via Chicago." Written before coffee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
February 22, 2021
This was such an unexpected read that I ended up having a lot of fun with! I'm so glad I took a chance on it and tried it. Book two will absolutely be in my future!
September 29, 2021
Not bad, not great either
This one was easy to rate; it's a pretty balanced book, in a way.
Let me explain:
- the characters are fun, but not too fun
- the plot is interesting, but nothing too special
- the world is good, as a concept, but it's not written very well and so you can't really enjoy it fully
- the writing style is not the best, but it's not awful either
- the chemistry between characters is pretty bad, but it's not inexistent
- the development of the characters is not really there but again, not inexistent
- I don't love the MC, but she's not awful either (she's annoying at times, but eh)
... see what I mean by balanced?
Anyway!
It's a decent read, all in all, but pretty forgettable. I'll go on with the series, maybe it gets better.
This one was easy to rate; it's a pretty balanced book, in a way.
Let me explain:
- the characters are fun, but not too fun
- the plot is interesting, but nothing too special
- the world is good, as a concept, but it's not written very well and so you can't really enjoy it fully
- the writing style is not the best, but it's not awful either
- the chemistry between characters is pretty bad, but it's not inexistent
- the development of the characters is not really there but again, not inexistent
- I don't love the MC, but she's not awful either (she's annoying at times, but eh)
... see what I mean by balanced?
Anyway!
It's a decent read, all in all, but pretty forgettable. I'll go on with the series, maybe it gets better.
August 7, 2024
I totally sped through this book, which was easy to do as it was entertaining and funny. It was a combination of fantasy, paranormal, mystery and a sprinkle of romance. I feel like this book had a bit of everything.
January 18, 2021
Ava Falcetti is moving on from her old life. Divorcing her husband, who is caught with his pants down, leaving her boring job with h is insurance company.
What does she do now?
Decides to take a fabulous Italian vacation.
However, she ends up on an island in the middle of nowhere where there are magical and supernatural creatures of every type.
But that can't be right? Surely Ava is not magical? Hmm, she will find out what is going on.
Meanwhile there is a crazy cast of ghosts, a siren, a harpy, a witch and many others.
Oddly Ava starts to feel at home with her island friends and works at the local bakery.
Just when she seems to start to settle in, magical events start to happen and something bad is coming.
Ava starts to unravel the islands' secrets, but can she survive it long enough to enjoy her new life?
Funny, weird and a good surprise!
What does she do now?
Decides to take a fabulous Italian vacation.
However, she ends up on an island in the middle of nowhere where there are magical and supernatural creatures of every type.
But that can't be right? Surely Ava is not magical? Hmm, she will find out what is going on.
Meanwhile there is a crazy cast of ghosts, a siren, a harpy, a witch and many others.
Oddly Ava starts to feel at home with her island friends and works at the local bakery.
Just when she seems to start to settle in, magical events start to happen and something bad is coming.
Ava starts to unravel the islands' secrets, but can she survive it long enough to enjoy her new life?
Funny, weird and a good surprise!
June 27, 2024
I hope you enjoyed your first trip to Aradia, because all four books in the series are complete and ready to binge! It's a mini-Italian getaway without the hassle of lost baggage or delayed flights. Drink the wine, eat the pasta, join the adventure. Magic beckons at midlife!
And hey, if I didn’t believe Ava and the Siren Squad deserve five stars, why would you?
And hey, if I didn’t believe Ava and the Siren Squad deserve five stars, why would you?
March 4, 2021
Making Midlife Magic #1 - 3.5 stars
Basics:
--PWF subgenre
--Book 1 of 4
--well-written (style and grammar)
--first person POV
--fun cast of characters
--interesting world building
--recommended read
Limited criticisms:
--pacing can be confusing
--MC’s family connections felt awkward
--cliffhanger(ish)
Overall, I did enjoy this one and would rate it a solid 3.5 (yes, do rate harshly and I’ll have to blog about that sometime).
We jump into the fun pretty quickly, the first chapter bedroom scene felt strange in comparison to the rest of the book. If it throws you off, keep reading. It may have been intentional to separate the MC's life into before magic and after, but I’m not sure.
The plot does move quickly, but the pacing was confusing at times. We get reminders of how much time passes and that’s jarring as it didn’t match the timeline in my head. I’m an impatient reader, but I didn’t skip many parts – the book kept my attention.
The side characters were fun which is always a plus to me especially when we have a first person POV. I will say I found it odd how little interaction the MC had with her sons at the beginning. I would’ve thought the family/ mother angle would be important in this subgenre. Again, I don’t wish to spoil, but it does get more attention in the later half.
I liked the author’s style/ world and will read more from her.
Basics:
--PWF subgenre
--Book 1 of 4
--well-written (style and grammar)
--first person POV
--fun cast of characters
--interesting world building
--recommended read
Limited criticisms:
--pacing can be confusing
--MC’s family connections felt awkward
--cliffhanger(ish)
Overall, I did enjoy this one and would rate it a solid 3.5 (yes, do rate harshly and I’ll have to blog about that sometime).
We jump into the fun pretty quickly, the first chapter bedroom scene felt strange in comparison to the rest of the book. If it throws you off, keep reading. It may have been intentional to separate the MC's life into before magic and after, but I’m not sure.
The plot does move quickly, but the pacing was confusing at times. We get reminders of how much time passes and that’s jarring as it didn’t match the timeline in my head. I’m an impatient reader, but I didn’t skip many parts – the book kept my attention.
The side characters were fun which is always a plus to me especially when we have a first person POV. I will say I found it odd how little interaction the MC had with her sons at the beginning. I would’ve thought the family/ mother angle would be important in this subgenre. Again, I don’t wish to spoil, but it does get more attention in the later half.
I liked the author’s style/ world and will read more from her.
November 30, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So....this book is not a romance in the standard sense. It is a story of a woman learning and falling in love with herself.
Ava arrives to Aradia looking to enjoy a much needed break from her life before she has to deal with the messiness of divorce and job hunting. The people she encounters lead her to making discoveries about herself. The discoveries in turn are the start of her adventures.
I did enjoy how the author mixed different mythologies to build this world. Witches, mummies, harpies, and sirens are some of the beings that play a part in this tale. The mix of characters and the relationships in the community of Aradia are fun to dip into as the story unfolds.
This is a great start to the series, and read like the beginning of a miniseries.
Come, and take the journey to Aradia with Ava to discover why turning 40 is truly fabulous.
So....this book is not a romance in the standard sense. It is a story of a woman learning and falling in love with herself.
Ava arrives to Aradia looking to enjoy a much needed break from her life before she has to deal with the messiness of divorce and job hunting. The people she encounters lead her to making discoveries about herself. The discoveries in turn are the start of her adventures.
I did enjoy how the author mixed different mythologies to build this world. Witches, mummies, harpies, and sirens are some of the beings that play a part in this tale. The mix of characters and the relationships in the community of Aradia are fun to dip into as the story unfolds.
This is a great start to the series, and read like the beginning of a miniseries.
Come, and take the journey to Aradia with Ava to discover why turning 40 is truly fabulous.
October 8, 2021
I’m a WHAT now?
For some this occurrences in this wonderful book might be the very thing their nightmares are made of, for me, it would be finding my bliss! Yes, I love this book and I was so excited to read a new take on midlife discovery. Don’t let the first couple of chapters fool you, this is not your every day predictable read, nor is it all about that cheating ex. This book is definitely one of rediscovery and learning to enjoy as well as trust in yourself as well as allowing others in. Yes, this is centered on a woman that is approaching her midlife from a new angle but it is not exclusive to only that. While the genre listing has only been available for a year or so and yes it was needed this book is family friendly and has done an excellent job of setting the tone for further books as the characters are strong and full bodied and I look forward to seeing more from them.
For some this occurrences in this wonderful book might be the very thing their nightmares are made of, for me, it would be finding my bliss! Yes, I love this book and I was so excited to read a new take on midlife discovery. Don’t let the first couple of chapters fool you, this is not your every day predictable read, nor is it all about that cheating ex. This book is definitely one of rediscovery and learning to enjoy as well as trust in yourself as well as allowing others in. Yes, this is centered on a woman that is approaching her midlife from a new angle but it is not exclusive to only that. While the genre listing has only been available for a year or so and yes it was needed this book is family friendly and has done an excellent job of setting the tone for further books as the characters are strong and full bodied and I look forward to seeing more from them.
May 29, 2021
Frustrating and pitiful
A jumble of incomplete thoughts. I read the entire thing wishing that I was doing anything else! I should've given up because as the book went on, the author's ability to hold together even the simplest thing like a timeline completely fell apart!
A jumble of incomplete thoughts. I read the entire thing wishing that I was doing anything else! I should've given up because as the book went on, the author's ability to hold together even the simplest thing like a timeline completely fell apart!
December 3, 2020
Great start!
Woman takes off to Italy and finds herself on a magical island? Yes, please! I loved this new addition to the #pwf genre and cannot wait for book 2.
Woman takes off to Italy and finds herself on a magical island? Yes, please! I loved this new addition to the #pwf genre and cannot wait for book 2.
December 19, 2020
Different
I read every midlife title that I see but this story has a little extra something to it... The X factor! Try it and see!
I read every midlife title that I see but this story has a little extra something to it... The X factor! Try it and see!
May 2, 2023
This book can hop in the nope cannon and blast itself through the stratosphere into the furthest corners of the universe to nope-finity.
Nope. I repeat. NOPE.
Nope. I repeat. NOPE.
April 15, 2022
This book was a breath of fresh air (even though it’s about ancient magic :).
I love the setting of a magical Mediterranean island and that the magical beings were interesting (as was the mythology & history in the world).
Ava & the other characters are great & I don’t want to say any more because I don’t want to give anything away!!
But, I’ll add that I loved the author note at the end of the book which explains the research behind the book.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading book 2!
I love the setting of a magical Mediterranean island and that the magical beings were interesting (as was the mythology & history in the world).
Ava & the other characters are great & I don’t want to say any more because I don’t want to give anything away!!
But, I’ll add that I loved the author note at the end of the book which explains the research behind the book.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading book 2!
August 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure about it at first but I stepped away and came back and finished it in one sitting. I like the positive message it gives for starting over in life when hit with disappointment and betrayal. I loved how the women encouraged and built each other up. I won’t lie in saying that when you find out what is truly going on it was a huge surprise but it worked.
Read
September 15, 2021This was a super cute, short and sweet story. I listened to it over a couple days and enjoyed the light, fun mood. Will probably pick up the next book in the series soon, which I rarely do. Narrator was great too. Recommend!
May 8, 2025
This is a cozy and feel-good fantasy read. It is about a woman who ditches her cheating husband and starts fresh on a mysterious and magical island. The island is full of secrets, magical residents, and a talking chipmunk who might be my favorite character. Such a fun read ♥️
September 8, 2024
This is one quirky book! I really enjoyed the twists and turns and supernatural aspects of the story. It has elements of empowering oneself and many amusing moments as well.
January 9, 2025
Took forever to get going. By chapter seven I was so bored I gave up. This could have just been me. I listened at 1.5 speed. Was not invested in any of the characters. Not even the talking chipmunk.
January 20, 2021
OMG!
This book has it all. A woman wronged, a new beginning, friendship, magic, and mayhem. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
This book has it all. A woman wronged, a new beginning, friendship, magic, and mayhem. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
January 14, 2021
Well this was a fun little ride!
Ava walks in on her jack-hole soon to be ex-husband and her assistant, she leaves for Italy, ends up on a pretty little island full of supernaturals, and finds out she one herself.
Ava walks in on her jack-hole soon to be ex-husband and her assistant, she leaves for Italy, ends up on a pretty little island full of supernaturals, and finds out she one herself.
October 25, 2021
Great Story 👍
The story line kept me intrigued and I really enjoyed the characters. I can't wait to read the next book!
The story line kept me intrigued and I really enjoyed the characters. I can't wait to read the next book!
December 18, 2020
Really Enjoyed This Book
This story went straight to the action. And the characters are interesting. I liked the mythological background. And the emotions ring true for me.
This story went straight to the action. And the characters are interesting. I liked the mythological background. And the emotions ring true for me.
January 4, 2021
Eeep!
Well, that is one way to end a book. For those of you who want to know...cliffhanger! I was getting bogged down in details, but I do hope those details pay off in the next book because "I got to know!"
Well, that is one way to end a book. For those of you who want to know...cliffhanger! I was getting bogged down in details, but I do hope those details pay off in the next book because "I got to know!"
December 31, 2020
Extraordinarily excellent read!
I highly recommend this fantastic book that merges paranormal fiction with history and mythology to create a thrilling and entertaining read. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this fantastic book that merges paranormal fiction with history and mythology to create a thrilling and entertaining read. Enjoy!
December 25, 2020
Italian heritage
I had my DNA done and I am 98% Italian so for once the paranormal element is Italian
Now I can't wait to read more
I had my DNA done and I am 98% Italian so for once the paranormal element is Italian
Now I can't wait to read more
December 21, 2020
Unique, fun read!
I really enjoyed this paranormal / supernatural story! It was very different from others I’ve read and wonderful in its uniqueness. The hero is a tough mother in every sense of the word.
I really enjoyed this paranormal / supernatural story! It was very different from others I’ve read and wonderful in its uniqueness. The hero is a tough mother in every sense of the word.
December 18, 2020
Loved it!
This book was hard to stop reading! The characters are well written, and the author is a great story teller. A touch of romance, some paranormal action and a fiesty forty heroine make for a great read!
This book was hard to stop reading! The characters are well written, and the author is a great story teller. A touch of romance, some paranormal action and a fiesty forty heroine make for a great read!
July 7, 2021
A little torn on this one. I really liked the story. I loved the premise of the small Italian island with no internet as a haven for supes. Loved the descriptions of the village and Ava getting her life back. However there were several inconsistencies in the plot. For example:
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see?
S
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see?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2020
Making Midlife Magic is the first book in the Forty Is Fabulous series and is a great start to this series.
I really enjoyed this paranormal fiction novel and found the characters to be relatable and interesting. The storyline is well written and involves an older soon-to-be divorcee, paranormal entities, food, humour, and a surprise ending. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really enjoyed this paranormal fiction novel and found the characters to be relatable and interesting. The storyline is well written and involves an older soon-to-be divorcee, paranormal entities, food, humour, and a surprise ending. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
January 18, 2022
Nope! Couldn't finish it. The description sounded like a fun, quirky story about a forty-something woman in the midst of a mid-life crisis brought on by infidelity of her husband with her airheaded business assistant. Running away to an obscure, rundown Italian island seemed somewhat plausible - and I'm all for a good paranormal story - but an old women who thinks she's dead when she's not and thinks she's alive when she's isn't (all in the same paragraph), started to make this story go south for me. When the talking squirrel appeared, I was done. One star because the character's first-person, stream of consciousness voice did make the story interesting, but the talking fauna not so much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews