Mind Over Magical Matters

Midlife Witchery #2

by Brenda Trim

Being the Guardian isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. My new life is weird, and hard. Think magic comes easy to those who wield it? Think again! I’m more likely to blow something up than shield it.

As dark Fae make their way through the portal and my best friend’s children are kidnapped, it’s time for me to learn how to cast a location spell. Problem is, before I can start I’m pulled through the portal and left stranded in the Fae realm. I have no choice but to pull up my granny panties and figure this out. Everyone I love needs me.

Now I'm desperate for help. Lost in the Fae realm, I’m forced to seek it in a place where my enemies rule with an iron fist. My new trainer is powerful, patient and very unexpected. The exact opposite of Sebastian. And even if they’re both extremely good looking, I don’t have time for an alpha male showdown over the rights to my affections. An evil entity is stalking supernaturals in Cottlehill Wilds, and I need to get back through the portal to help Violet find her kids.

Turns out, learning my magic is the least of my problems.

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Witches, Romance

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2021

About the author

Brenda's Paranormal Women's Fiction

Mystical Midlife in Maine Series
1. Magical Makeover
2. Laugh Lines & Lost Things
3. Hellmouth & Hot Flashes
4. Holidays With Hades
5. Saggy But Witty in Crescent City
6. Nasty Curses & Big Purses
7. Fae Forged Axes & Chin Waxes
8. Demonic Stones & Creaky Bones
9. Underworld Frights & Sleepless Nights
10. Pixie Dust & Brain Rust
11. Magical Hands & Silver Strands
12. Deadly Quips & Furry Lips
13. Enchanted Tattoos & Lost Fools
14. Shady Secrets & Sun Spots

Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Series
1. Packing Serious Magical Mojo
2. Cadaver On Canal Street
3. Seances & Second Line Parades
4. French Quarter Fae
5. King's Day Magical Mischief
6. Etou-Fae The Hard Way
7. Hurricanes, Heros & Hail Marys
8. Royal Street Romp
9. Levees, Lost Crowns & Loa
10. Mud Bugs & Cherished Hugs
11. Creole Dishes & Deadly Wishes

Brenda's Paranormal Romance Books
DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE SERIES
1. Dream Warrior
2. Mystik Warrior
3. Pemas Storm
4. Isis Betrayal
5. Deviant Warrior
6. Suvi's Revenge
7. Scarred Warrior
8. Hellbound Warrior
9. Isobel
10. Rogue Warrior
11. Shattered Warrior

Reviews

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of the h's inner monologue was repetitive and was slowly but surely grinding on my nerves:

1. Drooling over Sebastian. How she wants to jump him ...... but she's actually not ready to show him her "old" body yet. And how she's not ready to be with somebody else, yet, since she was with Tim for so long.
2. Her hurting back and knees.
3. She retreats after being scolded by Grandma.

and so on and on and on.......
The battles weren't that excitingly described. I really wish it was more captivating.....
All in all, it was ok, I guess..... but I don't think I'll continue this series.

[Colleen James · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would be a four star if not for lack of editing

The first book had mild editing problems I could overlook. This book is horrible. This is not said lightly. I am a heavy reader and this is the first time I've felt I've needed to speak up about this issue.
There is no way an editor ever laid eyes on this book. There are periods in the middle of sentences. There are incomplete sentences. Two character's names change from one paragraph to the next. The grammar would be so bad in places I would have to re-read sentences 2-3 times to figure out what the author meant to say.
The story itself is good but the editing errors are horribly distracting.

[Sian Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are bits of this book that are now beginning to irritate. If a book is going to be based in the UK, the author really needs to do some research, or get a UK based editor. The language used throughout both books is not what we would use over here; we live by the sea not by the ocean, we go to the shop not to the store, we say d*ck or kn*b not asshole, it's arse not ass, you don't get small towns that are 10 miles long - that would be a city. We don't bring tacos to each other's house; tacos aren't really a big thing over here. Think spaghetti bolognese, lasagne or cake. And if you're based in the North of England the nearest city is not London. Just saying.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great

This book was so great. I love watching Fiona become stronger and more sure of herself. Her coven and the fae are all amazing characters to learn about. I can't wait for the next one.

I received an arc for my opinion.

[Leah Dynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent addition to the series, with all the fun characters back in action, and even more twists and turns. I’d recommend this book.

[randa d · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice story but...

Still WAY TOO MANY errors in grammar, punctuation and even found a few conflicting plot details between 1st & 2nd. I want to continue with the story but not sure I can handle more edit/proofreading errors...

[Sue-Dee Numb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few months since the events of book 1 and Fiona is settling in well, though she is struggling with her magic. A look again at the now retrieved family grimoire reveals a surprise, and not just for Fiona!
The action kicks off from there! A revelation, and an interaction with a Fae at the Fairtygate Fiona is guarding goes horribly wrong! (Managing to keep her head (only just!) Fiona learns more about Faery than she ever thought (hint it is nothing like Disney made it out to be!)

This is a page turner of a book and shows that the action is not just for the youth! In fact as the saying goes I would say it is wasted on the youth.

There is so much going on, but at the heart of it lies three ladies who show the magic world that the Backside of Forty is nothing to be sniffed at, when your seasoned you have so much more to fight for because you potentially have so much more to lose.

I love the subtle romance, that does not feel like it is shoved in for the hell of it, Bas and Fiona feel like a natural match, the romance is not in your face but it is always there bubbling in the background.The storyline moves forward with surprising and interesting twists, nothing feels forced or silly, as I said this is not Tinkerbells idea of Fairy. Very well written and I am on a knife edge now for book 3!

I highly recommend reading this as a series, as you will enjoy the story arc that much more.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, hatred, bad guys, new experiences,friendship, and an unexpected trip into Eidothea .... it's all in this story! Fiona is a badass for an over 40 woman! She's determined and persistent! I love the friendship and closeness between the gals of Backside of 40 coven... they can rumble with the best and they are like a trio of lionesses... ruthless and deadly when provoked! Poor Violet's kids get caught in the middle and we still don't know why but they handled themselves beautifully! Luckily they were found and rescued by the group. Sebastian and Fiona, sort of, finally connect but not the way they want both are still holding back. I understand Fiona's reasons... just lost a husband, wants to get back on her feet, and wants some time to relearn herself. Not sure of Sebastian's reluctance other than maybe he feels her need for more self-confidence?? But it's working for all. Am loving that maybe Aislinn and Argiess might be the next couple. Another book that grabs hold of ya and doesn't let go.... waiting for the next book!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona is an over 40 witch who has her two best friends Violet and Aislinn who are also witches and they mesh so well together and it hasn't been that long since she found out when her Grams died that she was a witch and she has been learning how to handle her powers with the town witch Camille is the most highly regarded witch. But Fiona's Grams is brought back by Fiona to help teach her what she needs to know to stop the queen and help the fae that has willingly run away to earth rather than die by the hand of their king and Queen. She is checking out a disturbance at the gate and she realizes that someone is trying to come through and she knows that this is an evil presence in the man especially when he tries to take her out she finally pushes him back through and unfortunate for her she was pulled through too and now she is about to get a very interesting adventure into another magical realm. When she does return she is in for another adventure. A great storyline and the characters are very entertaining. Lots of adventure, drama, suspense, and romance. I purchased a copy of this book. I volunteered an honest review.

[Amy Reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona is a middle-aged widowed empty nester with three grown children. When her grandmother died and left her a cottage in England, she left everything she knew in America to start life over. It's been quite a ride. She is a very powerful witch, and she had no idea. Fiona is learning on the fly, with the help of her friends and coven mates, and her grandmother's spirit. She must learn to control and use her magic.
Fiona has attracted the attention of the Fae queen and king, both of whom are after her for her power, and want her dead. Other creatures are after her as well. All she wants to do is relax, but there is no time for that. She has enough power to make her a target.
Brenda Trim's heroine is so relatable, as a middle-aged woman with all the aches, pains, and insecurities that go with it. There is romance afoot, and it is a slow burn. Fiona has her hands full with saving the world. The story is well- written and unique. While it can function as a standalone, it is best when read as a series in order. It does end on a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are taking me longer than normal to read. I believe that is because there is so much going on. So much magic and so many spells and learning how to use them.

Fiona fought to keep an evil fae at her portal to keep him out of her realm and that ended her up in the land being the realm (Eidothea). So Fiona had to spend a day and night in the new land and she found some friends and also discovered she is someone special and unlike any other half-breed (party fae and part witch). Apparently she is the chosen one who will help the fae and other mystical creatures overturn the king. However, she had to get back to her own land first to overcome evil there.

Oh! Grams returned in this book, so she is now helping Fi with her powers. Fiona came out of the portal to her side with pointy ears! She is gaining more power every day. And Sebastian…hot stuff going on with him and Fiona! It needs to get hotter though and I hope that will happen in Book 3.

Fiona killed the Fae Queen and now she must focus on killing the King so peace can be had soon.

Next is the 3rd of a 10 book series: “Magical Twist”

[Renee Angela Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on Book 2 of Midlife Witchery, I understand how the author is trying to align the Guardian with the title of her book, however, I do not feel the author need to keep referring to the Guardian's age in every single chapter. In reality many women in that age range tend to workout and really don't talk about their knees and back hurting so much. In reality the 40 somethings are the new 30 somethings. In Book 1, the Guardian was on her way to turning 40.

Honestly I have to agree with some of the other readers' comments from Book 1, the constant reference to how bad the Guardian feels and her age takes away from the story. I'm trying to hang in there as I'm almost finish reading Book 2. I truly hope all this age reference is not constantly mentioned in all the rest of the books.

As an aside, I normally like this author and she is a fantastic writer but the age thing is about to drive me crazy. With that said I have to give this book a rating of 3.

[Pam]

very dark and weird. stopped at 22%

Amazon synopsis:
As dark Fae make their way through the portal and my best friend’s children are kidnapped, it’s time for me to learn how to cast a location spell.

Problem is, before I can start I’m pulled through the portal and left stranded in the Fae realm. I have no choice but to pull up my granny panties and figure this out. Everyone I love needs me.

Now I'm desperate for help. Lost in the Fae realm, I’m forced to seek it in a place where my enemies rule with an iron fist. My new trainer is powerful, patient, and very unexpected. The exact opposite of Sebastian.

And even if they’re both extremely good looking, I don’t have time for an alpha male showdown over the rights to my affections. An evil entity is stalking supernaturals in Cottlehill Wilds, and I need to get back through the portal to help Violet find her kids. Turns out, learning my magic is the least of my problems.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This book is book two in a series. As such, it begins where book one left off, and ends with a number of hanging threads, so you’ll want to line up the next book in the series.

Fiona is still coming to terms with the knowledge that she is not only the Fae portal guardian, but a fae-witch hybrid with a great deal of power.
It brings a lot of danger to her side, but now that danger has spread to her friends and village, and it’s up to Fiona to stop it before people are hurt.

Another entertaining midlife magic story. With all the issues an older heroine deals with front and center, fans of paranormal women’s fiction are sure to not only have fun reading it, but relate to the heroine herself.
Enjoy this trip into the action packed life of a midlife, magical woman! Recommended for fans of paranormal women’s fiction and urban fantasy.

[Gillian Paulus · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the first book I thought it could be a little better, such as not leaning so heavily on Harry Potter references. With this book it felt a bit like it hadn't had an editor. Maybe it was partly me, because I was a little sick while listening to this as an audiobook, but I found parts of it confusing. There were a couple of continuity issues that bothered and distracted me. Also, there was often no hint that the scene had changed so I'd be listening to something happening in a particular time and place and several sentences later I'd realize that we were in another time and/or place. As an avid reader I found this to be unusual. I like the overall plot but it feels more like this had the potential to be a great book (or at least a pretty good one) but it didn't quite get there. I really liked the concept of this series and I'm disappointed that the writing isn't more polished.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know the old saying h3ll hath no fury like a woman scorned? This is what that scorn results in.

Violet's children have been kidnapped, the Backside of Forty Coven all felt it as soon as the protection on Violet's house was breached. They are desperate to find they and are praying they will not be too late. Unfortunately, Fiona gets sucked through the portal into the Fae realm before they could even attempt to find Bailey and Ben. Now how will she survive let alone help find the children?
This was an excellent second book, you again a lot of knowledge about the characters and their back stories in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! Can't wait to read the next in series!!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Fiona's second book. She has lots of trouble in this one. Her friend's children are kidnapped, her grandmother's ghost is living with her, Fae are being killed all over town, and all of that before she is sucked through the portal. Then there are her growing feelings for Sebastian and his for her.

Join Fiona, Aislinn, Violet, Bas, and newcomers Argiess and Finarr as they search for a killer and for answers as to who is targeting Fiona now. Guest appearance by the Queen. Snicker.

I can't wait to see what the Backside of Forty coven gets into next time. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[john j lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait!!!

I have absolutely loved the first two books! So much so that now I am all upset that I have to wait two more months for the third one! I have a feeling it will be just as good. I hope the story keeps going after the third...maybe going into the lives of Fiona's coven mates or someone else close to her. I'm babbling because I am excited. The book made me smile a lot because I am a few years younger than Fiona but we have a lot in common and I love the way it describes the insecurities us middle aged (and all women actually..) go through when meeting and dealing with life. Great job!

[Ann Gillaspie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great plot twists

This series has some great plot twists that kept me reading. However, the author really needs to hire an editor for all the grammatical errors and redundant telling of certain themes. The heroine, Fiona, is constantly complaining about her menopausal body and second guessing her attractiveness to her main man. While I understand her feelings and insecurities, I feel it’s more than overdone throughout the story to the point it seems like just a filler to make the book long enough. An editor would certainly help the author come up with more plot and less filler as well as cleaning up poor grammar.

[Tara Heilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second addition in the series is filled with action. Fiona's grams is back (in ghost form), we visit the Fae realm and we meet a Dragon. All while trying to rescue Violet's kids and find a killer. So many things are changing for Fiona. How well she handles it is yet to be seen. With so much on her plate, she's lucky to have Bas on her side. An amazing read you will not be able to put down. The Backside of Forty Coven are definitely in for some wild adventures. What could possibly come next is anyone's guess. Absolutely loved it!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline and fast pace...

Brenda Trim has given us another piece of the life of the Covent The north side of Forty. Trim has continued Fiona and Sebastian out of reach love with an interesting event. Alslinn might be falling for a new addition to the crew. And Violet and her children go through a ruff time. Fiona is getting the hang of her magic but just by chance. She did get to see another realm. Trim put a lot of information on this storyline so you will be ready for the next book.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona is struggling with her newfound magical powers. Camille is teaching her to concoct potions but it is not going well. Fae keep trying to kill Fiona but she gets away each time. Fiona is falling for Sebastian but does not want to get too close yet. Something is loose in Cottlehill Wilds killing both Fae and humans. Fiona, being the Guardian of the gate between the Fae and the human realms, has to figure out what is doing the killing. With help from her friends. This is a truly magical story. Highly recommended

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hits just keep on coming. The Backside of Forty Coven is getting stronger every day, the main three characters are stronger together than they are individually, and the Fae from the other realm just keep on attacking them. The children are kidnapped, and the Queen is out for their blood as well as their essence. The plot is straightforward and easily followed, the premise is finding out why Fae are being killed in their town and where Violet's children have been taken. I definitely recommend this book.

[Frances Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

putting aside the negative.

That’s what I’m doing with that silly little negative of Fi being physically older than she should be for her age. Because, despite all that she’s a really good mc. She is the one who needs to put aside her negativity but I somehow don’t think that the tight group around her is going to allow that to last. We got to see the other side of the portal and meet a lot of new characters. Now of course I can’t wait to get to the next book. Thank goodness I don’t have to wait!

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 was as good as book 1. Starting where book 1 ended, book 2 takes us deep into the adventures of the Backside of the 40s Coven and their friends. It's amazing how circumstances and grit can make a strong person even stronger. Even with the odds stacked against this group of paranormals, the only way is forward.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Headrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magically Dangerous

Our heroine is an over 40 aged witch who has just come into her powers and the author never let's us forget it. Honestly i could do without the constant reminders of her age-ed problems. The story is interesting and I want to know what happens next. In this installment we deal with some pretty dark themes. The Backside of Forty coven really comes into their own.

[Pamela Lunder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow book two is pretty intense. Falling through the portal, fighting for her life, helping Violet to save her kids. Fighting and more fighting. This is what has become of Fiona's life. Plus she still has to help overthrown the king. I am really into this series. But I really want Fiona and Bas to finally get together. He is so protective over her. They need to make it official. I am really looking forward to book three!

[Penn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not agree with how she always thought about her body in negative terms. Also I did not like how her boyfriend wanted to hold her hand or kiss her, not because he wanted to, he was jealous of another guy giving her attention. She is always internalizing and acting like a 20 year old about sexuality, what is that about? Older women realize that men don't think that hard about what a woman's body looks like unless they are shallow assholes.

[Sheila Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice adult fantasy!

It’s nice to have a fantasy book that I like the context of without having it be at all about kids. It’s much more satisfying for the characters to be adults and have there thoughts be more a long adult thinking. I really like the relationship between Bas and the main character. There could be a little more interaction between the adults and the kids. The main character never even talks to her kids.

[Margaret Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased to of been given the opportunity to listen to to and review this wonderful book, and have grown to love the characters and story, the authors imagination is amazing, I was gripped by the story line and can not wait for the next one to be released and see what happens next. Sadly I felt the narration was just ok and could of been better, and although I loved the story I kept dozing off.