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Forty is Fabulous #2
Making Midlife Madness
It took Ava forty years to discover her identity. It took the Council ten minutes to decide she was a threat.
I’ve survived my forties long enough to discover I’m cursed. Figuring out how to break the curse is a whole other problem.
My arrival in Aradia set off a series of unexplainable events—the veil breaking down, ghosts arriving by the shipload, and Kristoff becoming…beautiful? Now, the dying god has finally started dying, and everyone fears his re-birth.
Fortunately, I have my new found powers and my Siren Squad to help me. Only, I have no idea how to actually use my powers, and the Council arrested me on sight.
At least, I don’t have time to think about my ex or to wallow in my misery. In fact, getting divorced at the age of forty doesn’t seem so hard anymore.
There’s nothing like an angry archon hell-bent on global destruction to give me a little perspective.
I’ve survived my forties long enough to discover I’m cursed. Figuring out how to break the curse is a whole other problem.
My arrival in Aradia set off a series of unexplainable events—the veil breaking down, ghosts arriving by the shipload, and Kristoff becoming…beautiful? Now, the dying god has finally started dying, and everyone fears his re-birth.
Fortunately, I have my new found powers and my Siren Squad to help me. Only, I have no idea how to actually use my powers, and the Council arrested me on sight.
At least, I don’t have time to think about my ex or to wallow in my misery. In fact, getting divorced at the age of forty doesn’t seem so hard anymore.
There’s nothing like an angry archon hell-bent on global destruction to give me a little perspective.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2021
765 people are currently reading
149 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 65 reviews
October 14, 2021
Ok, the annoying balance continues...
In my review for the first book, I explained how this book is very in-between, not too good, but not bad enough to actually be bad. Sounds confusing, I know, but if you've read the first book, you probably know what I mean.
I'm still not 100% sure I like this series, but I'm still curious enough to go on to the 3rd book. Will I like it? Who knows, but it's worth a try (plus, I'm on a holiday and this is the only series I have, what other option do I have?).
In my review for the first book, I explained how this book is very in-between, not too good, but not bad enough to actually be bad. Sounds confusing, I know, but if you've read the first book, you probably know what I mean.
I'm still not 100% sure I like this series, but I'm still curious enough to go on to the 3rd book. Will I like it? Who knows, but it's worth a try (plus, I'm on a holiday and this is the only series I have, what other option do I have?).
February 7, 2021
Where the modern world meets mythology
This series just sucks you in with snippets of mythology as Ava remembers her many past lives. The supernatural becomes the norm on this magical and uncharted island. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next.
This series just sucks you in with snippets of mythology as Ava remembers her many past lives. The supernatural becomes the norm on this magical and uncharted island. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next.
February 7, 2021
Great Book
I just love Arcadia! Ava is a fun and sure gets into a lot of trouble.
Can’t wait for the next adventure.
I just love Arcadia! Ava is a fun and sure gets into a lot of trouble.
Can’t wait for the next adventure.
July 24, 2024
Doing a little research 👀 and it’s always a good thing when you’re still breathless to read what you wrote 3 years ago! One of my favorite books I’ve done of all time.
February 2, 2021
Loved it! Can't Wait for the Next One!
I liked the first book but this one is even better! Ava's adventure continues to keep me wanting to know what's next. I'm not a big big fan of cliffhangers, but booka had enough resolution at the end to feel satisfying to me, yet keep me wanting to find out what's next. Some great funny parts as well, I especially liked the scenes involving ex husband and girlfriend. Author included a lot of true historical facts and did an excellent job weaving these stories into the book.
I liked the first book but this one is even better! Ava's adventure continues to keep me wanting to know what's next. I'm not a big big fan of cliffhangers, but booka had enough resolution at the end to feel satisfying to me, yet keep me wanting to find out what's next. Some great funny parts as well, I especially liked the scenes involving ex husband and girlfriend. Author included a lot of true historical facts and did an excellent job weaving these stories into the book.
February 1, 2021
Love this series!!
I absolutely love this series!! I love the island the characters
!! I cannot wait for the next book to come out!!
I absolutely love this series!! I love the island the characters
!! I cannot wait for the next book to come out!!
April 25, 2021
We all need a helpful chipmunk!
This seriously is by far and away one of my favorite PWF series so far. We all have our favorite island (if you don't, then you need to travel more)We all have a family to fight for (even if it's just in books) We all need a chipmunk to knock us on the head to keep our thoughts straight. That, and so much more makes this book 100% worth reading. I absolutely can not wait till the next book!
This seriously is by far and away one of my favorite PWF series so far. We all have our favorite island (if you don't, then you need to travel more)We all have a family to fight for (even if it's just in books) We all need a chipmunk to knock us on the head to keep our thoughts straight. That, and so much more makes this book 100% worth reading. I absolutely can not wait till the next book!
May 23, 2021
The beginning made me have cramps from laughing
Now she is a bad girl and must be taken before the council. What a method of transportation. Aurick is yummy to look at but can Ava trust him? With every magical friend looking at for her twins she must not let them come to Aradia and spark the beginning of the end. Checklist, learn about my powers, keep my boys safe, stop the gods from....what?
Now she is a bad girl and must be taken before the council. What a method of transportation. Aurick is yummy to look at but can Ava trust him? With every magical friend looking at for her twins she must not let them come to Aradia and spark the beginning of the end. Checklist, learn about my powers, keep my boys safe, stop the gods from....what?
April 27, 2021
Not a great follow up
I’m a little torn. Two stars is really harsh, so I gave it 3 as a fair warning.
This was not a good sequel, in my opinion. The first novel had themes of second chances and starting a new, realizing that everyone is scrappy and deserves the opportunity to make their own path in life, especially as women.
This story here, not lacking in the girl power themes especially under the context that a woman’s body isn’t her own to do with as she sees fit, was just too all over the place. I still wasn’t certain what it was about at it’s core. At first it was how will Ava survive being brought before the Council. Then it became how will Ava survive being thrust back into her old life now that she’s gained new insight about herself. Then we kinda left that unresolved and was on a mission to find out more about her powers and the mystery of her supernatural side. And so on and so forth. There was way too many things happening here that I wish the author just picked one thread and nurtured it a bit more. What was the point of introducing Mak if only as a plot device of a second love interest (didn’t we go through that with Luca in the first book) or we need another healer to “save” someone else?
Also, the twins are 17 and college freshmen. Why is their mother talking about designated twin duty and bribing them with beer money? They’re not of legal age yet! Also... transformer sheets? So she never upgraded their rooms in the past decade? Also... Transformers was very much an 80s early 90s things the movies made in the late 2000s didnt spawn a cultural takeover with children and young adults alike. It would’ve been more fitting if she said they were Marvel sheets or something.
Either way I am very unimpressed. I’m hoping the third book is gonna be better. Otherwise, I’ll have to dump this once promising series.
I’m a little torn. Two stars is really harsh, so I gave it 3 as a fair warning.
This was not a good sequel, in my opinion. The first novel had themes of second chances and starting a new, realizing that everyone is scrappy and deserves the opportunity to make their own path in life, especially as women.
This story here, not lacking in the girl power themes especially under the context that a woman’s body isn’t her own to do with as she sees fit, was just too all over the place. I still wasn’t certain what it was about at it’s core. At first it was how will Ava survive being brought before the Council. Then it became how will Ava survive being thrust back into her old life now that she’s gained new insight about herself. Then we kinda left that unresolved and was on a mission to find out more about her powers and the mystery of her supernatural side. And so on and so forth. There was way too many things happening here that I wish the author just picked one thread and nurtured it a bit more. What was the point of introducing Mak if only as a plot device of a second love interest (didn’t we go through that with Luca in the first book) or we need another healer to “save” someone else?
Also, the twins are 17 and college freshmen. Why is their mother talking about designated twin duty and bribing them with beer money? They’re not of legal age yet! Also... transformer sheets? So she never upgraded their rooms in the past decade? Also... Transformers was very much an 80s early 90s things the movies made in the late 2000s didnt spawn a cultural takeover with children and young adults alike. It would’ve been more fitting if she said they were Marvel sheets or something.
Either way I am very unimpressed. I’m hoping the third book is gonna be better. Otherwise, I’ll have to dump this once promising series.
December 9, 2024
Already, I started out irritated at the story. Not laughing like the first book. Not even hopeful because Ava is cursed and has been for centuries, living some sort of repeat life as a mother of twins destined to fight with each other and die. She was cursed to watch all of her children die. Not the fun read I was hoping it would be. She even tried, during one life to circumvent the awful curse but failed and ended up hanging herself. This was more a paranormal mythological retelling than adult paranormal romance with spice like KF Breene writes. Ava kept having memories of her previous lives, which all ended in hopeless and violent tragedy. She was even Cleopatra in one life, Catherine D’ Medici in another, and Elvis Presley’s mother in another. Why this book series marketed as “Forty is Fabulous” is a mystery. It should read “Forty Cursed Lifetimes.” I don’t relate to Ava in any way. I don’t even want to. Her lives in her words are: “Loveless marriages, heartbreak, twins, betrayal, death. And here I’d gone and repeated the mistakes of my past all over again. The only constant was my love for my twins.” As for spice “Our kiss last night was the hottest thing to ever happen to me.” It was also the hottest thing to happen in the book. That’s it. I was depressed or angry almost the entire time reading. I admit that I learned a bit more of Greek mythology than I knew before, and I’d studied it as a teen. But I wasn’t looking to learn about Greek mythology. I was looking for a fun, spicy, paranormal romance. This was not.
December 20, 2021
While it seems silly to some. Books that are in a series like this I tend to wait until the end to review them. I want to give the story in it's entirety it's justice and the attention it deserves.
This series is amazing, I really can't say it enough. I came upon it by chance, and reading the synopsis made look at it and go hrmmm really. As I began reading the protagonist even though she and I are different sexes I felt a kinship toward. Hitting midlife myself and experiencing some of the same things she was going through in life made me become even more attached. Showing up on the shores of Aradia I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought perhaps nonna was a tad batty. However I felt the old world charm that the main character felt through the authors writing.
I refuse to give spoilers to this series, as I will take this review back and copy it over the other books. I will say the author paints a vivid picture not only of character interaction, but also scenery. She does an amazing job of world building that blends with the current world we know that makes the tale seamless. The only, and I do mean only critique I have for this series is it's classification as Women's fiction. While there is a strong female lead character, which I was very happy to read about. I think the classification would turn away potential readers who would otherwise find this series as amazing as I did.
This series is amazing, I really can't say it enough. I came upon it by chance, and reading the synopsis made look at it and go hrmmm really. As I began reading the protagonist even though she and I are different sexes I felt a kinship toward. Hitting midlife myself and experiencing some of the same things she was going through in life made me become even more attached. Showing up on the shores of Aradia I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought perhaps nonna was a tad batty. However I felt the old world charm that the main character felt through the authors writing.
I refuse to give spoilers to this series, as I will take this review back and copy it over the other books. I will say the author paints a vivid picture not only of character interaction, but also scenery. She does an amazing job of world building that blends with the current world we know that makes the tale seamless. The only, and I do mean only critique I have for this series is it's classification as Women's fiction. While there is a strong female lead character, which I was very happy to read about. I think the classification would turn away potential readers who would otherwise find this series as amazing as I did.
March 11, 2021
A twisting, tantalizing series, twined with history and mythology!
Love all the history in this series, both human and mythological. And there are quite a few links at the back of the book to lead you down fascinating rabbit holes.
But, as for our heroine, Ava... Manu takes ahold of her after her semi disastrous meeting with The Council, and deposits her, not back on that lovely Greek Isle, but instead, stuck in the very last place she would want to be again, and with her least favorite people.
But Ava has strength and chutzpah, not to mention friends and a love who will not forget her.
(I can hardly wait for the next book. These are the kind of detailed tapestries you want to reread to see more of the details and the pattern. With nice character growth for our heroine, and the protective mother piece that is more and more integral to Ava and to Ava’s history.
Love all the history in this series, both human and mythological. And there are quite a few links at the back of the book to lead you down fascinating rabbit holes.
But, as for our heroine, Ava... Manu takes ahold of her after her semi disastrous meeting with The Council, and deposits her, not back on that lovely Greek Isle, but instead, stuck in the very last place she would want to be again, and with her least favorite people.
But Ava has strength and chutzpah, not to mention friends and a love who will not forget her.
(I can hardly wait for the next book. These are the kind of detailed tapestries you want to reread to see more of the details and the pattern. With nice character growth for our heroine, and the protective mother piece that is more and more integral to Ava and to Ava’s history.
September 18, 2024
entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series
Entertaining paranormal women’s station series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A 40-year-old one divorced just sent her kids off to college find her husband in bed with her assistant and her world classes. She plans on getting divorced and splitting your assets but the husband and his company is in hook up to his ears. She has a small amount of savings which she takes to head off to Italy just for a few days to destress and figure out where her life is going. A lot of weird and magical things to begin to happen. As this is booked to you will know what some of them are because you’ve read book one. So enjoy book 2 and find where the adventure leads.
Entertaining paranormal women’s station series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. A 40-year-old one divorced just sent her kids off to college find her husband in bed with her assistant and her world classes. She plans on getting divorced and splitting your assets but the husband and his company is in hook up to his ears. She has a small amount of savings which she takes to head off to Italy just for a few days to destress and figure out where her life is going. A lot of weird and magical things to begin to happen. As this is booked to you will know what some of them are because you’ve read book one. So enjoy book 2 and find where the adventure leads.
April 8, 2023
This is the second installment of Ava and her adventures in Aradia.
Ava discovers more of her powers as her and her gang try to figure out who is trying to harm her twin boys. The first adventure was her house arrest with her ex and his new girlfriend which was Ava's assistant at one time. I like how Ava is not at all envious and glad to be away from Jim. Like why would she care? She has magic and a super sexy mummy named Aurick.
The author tied Ava and her past lives to historical figures. That was pretty neat. They also visited The Library of Alexandria, of course it exists in another realm.
Fabulous world building, excellent characters and creatures-- Love it.
Ava discovers more of her powers as her and her gang try to figure out who is trying to harm her twin boys. The first adventure was her house arrest with her ex and his new girlfriend which was Ava's assistant at one time. I like how Ava is not at all envious and glad to be away from Jim. Like why would she care? She has magic and a super sexy mummy named Aurick.
The author tied Ava and her past lives to historical figures. That was pretty neat. They also visited The Library of Alexandria, of course it exists in another realm.
Fabulous world building, excellent characters and creatures-- Love it.
February 7, 2021
Shocking secrets the Council holds
Imagine that? Of course, they do they protect the world from the rise of the gods or other supernaturals. I can't believe she went on a date with someone besides Aurick. I especially loved their trip to the Alexandria Library. To me that would be heaven! Not the trip there but, the amount of never ending books to read would make it worth it. Hopefully, they would let you check out or copy books. That would make life as a supernatural worth it.
Imagine that? Of course, they do they protect the world from the rise of the gods or other supernaturals. I can't believe she went on a date with someone besides Aurick. I especially loved their trip to the Alexandria Library. To me that would be heaven! Not the trip there but, the amount of never ending books to read would make it worth it. Hopefully, they would let you check out or copy books. That would make life as a supernatural worth it.
August 20, 2025
Ava and her Aradia friends face fierce challenges as they attempt to discover and remove her curse and protect her twins. The St. Louis Arch has never seemed so mystical and ancient powers seem to become corrupted over time. After her capture, Ava is placed in a unique prison, which adds some comedy to the storyline. Ava still doesn't understand her powers, but her abilities are improving and her love of her sons and Aradia family continues to grow. This was a fairly action-packed continuation of the series, which is fast-reading and fun.
February 18, 2021
The series is great!!!
I started out reading the first book in the series and then went to book two then book 3. Each book I read and the different situations Ava has along the way while she keeps learning more and more of/about her magic....each book is getting more exciting as I , a fan, read them and can’t wait for the next EXCITING/AMAZING adventure of Ava and her friends and now family too!! LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
I started out reading the first book in the series and then went to book two then book 3. Each book I read and the different situations Ava has along the way while she keeps learning more and more of/about her magic....each book is getting more exciting as I , a fan, read them and can’t wait for the next EXCITING/AMAZING adventure of Ava and her friends and now family too!! LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
October 11, 2023
This is book number 2 in the Forty is Fabulous series. It's the continued story of Ava's journey to learn about her powers. While I think the author does a nice job and developing the various characters, it's probably too much fantasy for me. If this series was a trilogy, I might make the effort to read a 3rd book but apparently there are (at least) 7 of them and that's too much for me. I doubt I'll read anymore in this series.
February 2, 2021
This book was just as good as the first one, if not better. I was highly entertained by the characters and the story line, both of which were well written and had just the right amount of comedy to keep me laughing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2021
Welcome back to Aradia! The second book in the Making Midlife Madness series. I do love this series. Ava is on a mission. Same as every Mother's mission. To keep her children safe. And if she can stop the end of the world that'd be great too!
The book was fantastic! I still want to live on Aradia and be part of the Siren Squad!
I can't wait for the next installment!
The book was fantastic! I still want to live on Aradia and be part of the Siren Squad!
I can't wait for the next installment!
February 11, 2021
I loved the first book and this second book didn't disappoint me, I loved it. Ava is a great character and the adventures she has in Arcadia are awesome...it makes it hard to believe that it is just an island. If you like spells, hexes, curses and all kinds of paranormal mixed with romance...you will love this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2021
Making Midlife Madness is the second book in the Forty is Fabulous series and is an enjoyable read.
I really liked this book and the combination of mythology and the supernatural. The characters are interesting and the story has humour, hexes, adventure, and magic.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I really liked this book and the combination of mythology and the supernatural. The characters are interesting and the story has humour, hexes, adventure, and magic.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
May 16, 2021
Excellent Read
Ava's power is growing, but she still doesn't know how to control it. She must protect her twin sons and her friends. Problems ensure as others try to use her and her sons for their own purposes. I like the action, humor, romance, and historical references. I look forward to the next book.
Ava's power is growing, but she still doesn't know how to control it. She must protect her twin sons and her friends. Problems ensure as others try to use her and her sons for their own purposes. I like the action, humor, romance, and historical references. I look forward to the next book.
May 25, 2021
Loved it
Heloise Hull has a great series each book so far I have loved...
Her writing is one that keeps you reading and doesn't want you to stop
You can read the synopsis to find out what the books are about
I for one will tell you that if you like paranormal books I highly recommend this series
Heloise Hull has a great series each book so far I have loved...
Her writing is one that keeps you reading and doesn't want you to stop
You can read the synopsis to find out what the books are about
I for one will tell you that if you like paranormal books I highly recommend this series
July 21, 2021
Much more well written than the last one. No real confusing contradictory statements. The story moved along well, although I'm not really feeling the Aurick love connection. The author writes as if there is an established visceral, passionate thing between these two yet there is very little to back it up. They barely spent any time together in the last book, and even that wasn't romantic, but we're supposed to believe they have some kind of relationship now?
September 26, 2021
Making Midlife Madness was such a fun book to read. Ava and her new "family" are such a fun unit of characters. This story is how Ava is being held up back in her and her ex's house which is punishment enough. But just when Ava thinks things can't get any worse they do. I love the depth of characters and each unique in their own right.
October 11, 2021
Phenomenal follow thru!
If you even remotely liked book one, Making Midlife Magic you will be over the moon with book two. Everyone stays in character and the plot thickens and the character stories get even more detailed. This is such a good read and the research itself deserves eight stars!
If you even remotely liked book one, Making Midlife Magic you will be over the moon with book two. Everyone stays in character and the plot thickens and the character stories get even more detailed. This is such a good read and the research itself deserves eight stars!
August 12, 2024
MC Ava’s power continues to outpace her understanding of her abilities. Fortunately, her “siren squad” (love that!) bolsters her self confidence with the faith that she will make the best choices even in the worst situations.
Ava’s struggle to honor the strength of her maternal instincts is balanced by her need also to resist the machinations of others - especially those who value raw power above all else.
Recommended.
Ava’s struggle to honor the strength of her maternal instincts is balanced by her need also to resist the machinations of others - especially those who value raw power above all else.
Recommended.
July 19, 2025
I'm so glad I read making midlife memories because it answered a lot of questions and prepared me for this book. This author provides so much backstory of history it's amazing and so interesting. I got all wrapped up in the story and what was happening I wasn't prepared for the book to be over. Great stuff!
February 9, 2021
Making midlife madness
I’ve got to say that I had a lot of trouble reading this particular book I started and stopped it five or six times it wasn’t going as easy as the first book did not sure I would read another
I’ve got to say that I had a lot of trouble reading this particular book I started and stopped it five or six times it wasn’t going as easy as the first book did not sure I would read another
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews