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Witching After Forty #3

A Haunting Midlife

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Ava Harper may be a raiser of the dead and a not-so-famous author, but she isn’t vampire hunter. Not even close.

With the decision made to stay in Shipton Harbor, she returns to the home she shared with her deceased husband in Pennsylvania to put it on the market. But saying goodbye to the memories of the home they raised their son in is a lot harder than it had sounded in her head.

In the months she’s been in Shipton, new neighbors moved in across the street from her Philly home. Now, Ava has nothing against vampires. But when people in the neighborhood start turning up dead, she can’t help but to check into the newbies in the hood.

Since she doesn’t know enough about law enforcement red tape, she calls her best friend to come and help. However, Sam is working a case with a neighboring town and Sheriff Drew takes it upon himself to show up at her door instead.

And now, as if dealing with how the sheriff makes her knees weak isn’t bad enough, her house is haunted.

Just another day in Ava’s life at this point.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2021

570 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

Lia Davis

290 books1,566 followers
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.

While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.

Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.

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5 stars
1,199 (61%)
4 stars
537 (27%)
3 stars
182 (9%)
2 stars
26 (1%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
July 22, 2021
This is probably my favorite book in the series. It’s just about all about the mysteries that surround Ava and her powers. However, there’s a lot of things going on in this story and it was maybe one or two more than really needed to be between a single set of covers. Just when we accomplished what I thought this story had set out to do, there was still almost a third of the book to go. The rest of that tale is completely fascinating, and the only real regret I have for following it to it’s conclusion is that we’re left with a fairly steep cliff-hanger ending.
Profile Image for Renay.
345 reviews
May 25, 2021
I loved this hilarious book on closure, love, vampires, and great chemistry.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Hoffman.
1,954 reviews34 followers
July 13, 2021
A HAUNTING MIDLIFE is the seventh book in the Witching After Forty series. It is best to read them all and in the order of release.

“Then I left the bedroom to go finish packing the last-minute items, leaving my old flame and my new flame hanging in a bedroom with my undead uncle. And Satan. Just a normal day, really.” I highlighted this just because it pretty much defined the craziness that is Ava’s life.

In a way, Ava is very lucky, she gets one last visit with her dead husband…. Errr… his ghost. She didn’t mean to trap him in the old house. Her love for him was just that strong. Packing up the old house in Philadelphia to make the move to Shipton Cove final and official is a big step for Ava and her gathered flock/family. Of course even this becomes an adventure.

This is a story of closure, love, and great connections to family and friends – new and old. The emotions are strong and I felt so many parallels to my own wishes (yes, I wish I could talk to my ex).

Just when you think it’s over – the house is all packed up – Lucifer delivers a “gift…” that leads to a cliffhanger…. worth it!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: A HAUNTING MIDLIFE
Series: Witching After Forty #3
Author: L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis
Publisher: L.A. Boruff
Publish Date: 05.25.2021
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused.
Received from: L.A. Boruff
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,053 reviews58 followers
July 16, 2021
“A Haunting Midlife” is another cheesy addition to the Witching After Forty’s series. When I describe this installment as cheesy I mean it in a good way. The storyline is crazy, comical and light hearted and there is a great cliffhanger ending.

Our story begins with Ava getting ready to go to Philly to pack up her house she recently sold. She, Willie and Zoey fly into town. Soon Ava realizes she feels the ghost of her late husband, Clay. Apparently Clay hasn’t moved on because Ava is holding him back. While she tries to figure out how to correct the dilemma, Clay’s Uncle Wade goes missing and new neighbors have moved in across the street. They are vampires.

As Ava shares her woes with Drew, he warns her against going anywhere near the vamps. Of course she doesn’t heed his warning. Drew, Sam and Olivia show up in Philly to help with the move but soon they are on the trail of the missing Uncle Wade.

You would think all of this would be enough going on but nooooooooo! Ava, Drew, Olivia and Sam are gifted a trip home on a luxury train when they are inadvertently sent into the ghost realm when Ava has a magical orgasm with Drew. Now, they have to get home, get out of the ghostly realm and deal with a giant magical mishap at home. Whew! What a mess.

I enjoyed this read. It was fun, short and cheesy but I feel as though the authors overdid it with too many subplots. There was just way too much going on and it was dealt with in a cursory way. Hopefully, the next book will put things back on track.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
281 reviews5 followers
Read
June 7, 2021
Wow so much is going on in Ava Harper's life.

I love how Ava is so real with her feelings about her dead husband and new boyfriend Drew. I feel more connected to her character. You can feel her pain, guilty and confusion about how she should feel about the two of them. Poor Ava found out she can be a medium and can control all the undead even vampires. Its a shock she did not even know vampires were real. According to Drew there aren't any Vampires but Ava knows what she saw. Her neighbors across the street from her home in Pennsylvania where her Wallis and Zoey are packing up because the house sold. Strange things are happening and Clays uncle Wade has been not texting or answering his phone. Soon Sam, Olivia and Drew all show up after Ava tells Drew about the vampires across the street. Things get crazier when she realizes that Clay's ghost is still in their old house. Not able to move on. Soon they will need more room in the Shipton Harbor house if Ava's family keeps growing. After all the emotional terminal and Wade coming back to Symptom Harbor. When Lucifer shows up to finish helping get everything packed up. The luxury train tickets might be just what the doctored ordered for her, Drew, Olivia and Sam. But with everything Lucifer does there has to be some strings attached. I can't wait until the next book I will be foaming at the mouth wait until the next book
336 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2021
Laugh out Loud Funny Cozy Paranormal Mystery At It's BEST!!!

Ava Harper and her son head to Philadelphia to close up her old house but strange things keep happening, the house turns out to be haunted, her new neighbors across the street are vampires, her uncle is missing, and people in the neighborhood start turning up with bite marks. What is going on ???

Before reading the book, I already love the cover, it's sooo cute, and reading the book - I love it; it's laugh out loud funny, full of mystery, paranormal, action, adventure, humor and some romance.

I really enjoy the good fast-paced storyline with delightful characters, very entertaining and hard to put down. The story is well put together and the plot keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery, the twists and turns are abundant in this adventurous paranormal cozy mystery. This book is a must read for paranormal cozy mystery fans. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2021
Ava has to go to Philadelphia to close up the house she shared with her deceased husband Clay, she is flying with her son Wallie and Zoey. The house has been sold, Clay's uncle Wade has helped with the sale but now she and Wally need to empty the house of belongings and memories., but are some memories as easy to get rid of? Not to mention the neighbours across the street who appear to sunbathe in the moonlight.

Yet again L.A Boruff and Lia Davis treats us to a story that is both sad but delivered with a great deal of laughter and love, there are parts of the story where I wept with Ava and then chuckled at the antics, Then just when you think the book is over Satan appears, and things heat up once more.

This is a fun series, just when you think you have an idea as to what is happening a curve ball is thrown and you end up with the cliff-hanger of all cliff-hanger's! I cannot wait for the next one!
6,029 reviews41 followers
June 5, 2021
Our heroine has decided to sell her old house, but runs into unexpected challenges. And then the fun begins.

This is book three of the series, but it works fine as a standalone.

This is a cozy witch mystery with all that entails. Fortunately, I am rather fond of the genre, so I am fine with it all. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. The story moves at a good pace and includes plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. We get introduced so some new elements this time which adds more depth to the setting, always a fun thing. Overall, I enjoyed our heroine's latest escapade and look forward to more in the future.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Profile Image for Storied Conversation.
617 reviews668 followers
May 25, 2021
4.5 STARS

This is the third book in the Witching After Forty series and I highly suggest that you read them in order. I laughed out loud so many times in this book. I mean what could possibly go wrong living across the street from vampires? Drew and Ava could not be more perfect together and I honestly can't wait for the next book. This is of course a novella so saying too much will give too much away. I will say if you need a book that will make you feel good then in the it.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This review was originally posted on Wickedly Romance
Profile Image for Stacy Van cise.
102 reviews
July 1, 2021
To end a chapter & start a new

A Haunted Midlife continues the story of Ava, the middle aged Necromancer.

Ava travels back to her home she shared with her husband and raised her son in. She had all her stuff to sort through and to meet the new owner, but a strange feeling is present in the house and an even stranger one in the neighborhood. Odd neighbors had moved in across the street and now her Uncle has gone missing. This is not even the best part. The trip home after this with her new man, best friend and oldest friend turns supernatural and they all end up in the in-between. Strangeness abounds even in a spirit world and Ava is just taking like one day at a time, oh but the crazy days she has.
Profile Image for Stan Hutchings.
1,361 reviews24 followers
January 7, 2022
This book continues the humorous misadventures of Ava and her extended family a few days after Lucy joined the family. Ava, Zoey, and Wallie are going to Philly to sell her previous house. Of course, it doesn’t go smoothly. First, Clay’s ghost appears to Ava, Wallie, and Zoey. Then Clay announces the neighbors across the street are vampires. And then Drew, Sam, and Olivia arrive, and they all meet. Ava is overwhelmed with conflicting emotions having both Clay and Drew together. After getting that sorted out and returning to Shipton, they have outlandish numerous adventures as they are derailed into another realm. The return is a shocker, as is Snoozerton’s attempts to unsew Alfred succeeds as the book ends in a cliffhanger.
421 reviews3 followers
June 3, 2021
Ava Harper is a 40 something necromancer and witch with a house full of ghouls and and others that look after her and she looks after. When she returns to her dead husbands hometown to pack up their house and see to the sell she does not expect to have problems with Vampires. With her uncle missing and people in the neighborhood with bite marks with the help of her boyfriend who is a hunter. They think they have worked everything out before heading home. This is a funny fun story with a little bit of everything in it. I look forward to reading the next book. Love this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,881 reviews20 followers
May 25, 2021
Good

**Warning! Cliffhanger!**
Continuing on shortly after the Mr. Snoozerton short, Ava, Zoe and Wally head back to her old house to pack it up after selling it.
Now there are vampires, across the street, and all kinds of shenanigans going on!

Another enjoyable addition to this series, there is a lot going on in this book. The cliffhanger ending is a shocker, and is sure to make you long for more… but it’s a good one!

If you’re a fan of paranormal women’s fiction and paranormal romance, then you’ll love this series.
10 reviews
May 26, 2021
Love this series!

I am hooked on this series. These are one one the books you fall into and become a part of so quickly. You become so wrapped up that you read "read sorry for the cliffhanger" and think.. "What.. Oh son of a beetle"... Thank y'all for that BTW... The characters are all very relatable and you can't help anticipating what's going to happen next. They become the couple next door or the crazy lady across the street and you become invested in their lives. I can't wait for the next adventure.
Profile Image for Lory.
3,273 reviews33 followers
May 28, 2021
I absolutely love this series!! Also I truly didn't see that plot twist coming at the end pure genius if you asked me. I'm not even mad that it ended on a cliffhanger I'm so excited to see what else is in store for this series. Overall a great read. If your looking for a spectacular read that will have you both laughing and crying from all the crazy antics of the characters. Then I totally recommend that you one click this series believe me you won't regret it. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,464 reviews49 followers
June 1, 2021
I’m loving this series but I believe that you do need to read from book 1 and the novellas to understand what’s going on trust me this series is worth it. Whoever thought that being in your mid forties you would be starting your life over well Ava didn’t and the characters in her life make it crazy happy but crazy, Ava wouldn’t change a thing apart from her deceased husband Clay but she’s moving on especially with the sexy sheriff. This is an entertaining, chuckle worthy story/ series I loved it and the characters and I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Malmquist.
773 reviews23 followers
September 15, 2021
Ava Harper is a necromancer and can raise the dead.
Ava goes to Pennslyvania to pack up and sell the old house. While there, she meets with the ghost of her dead husband. Which is difficult, but allows closure for her and her son.
Meanwhile, the neighbors next door are vampires and not the nicest people around. Her Uncle Walt goes missing and she suspects the vamps have something to do with it.
A new chapter in the weird life of Ava, vamps, necromancy, zombie cats, ghosts...
what could go wrong?
Fun book !
Profile Image for Amanda.
736 reviews9 followers
January 17, 2022
Wow, so much was going on in this book to keep you wanting more. It was about letting go and that it is okay to move on. However, this is Ava’s life, so it is not a straightforward path. To add to her stress, while dealing with packing her uncle goes missing and there are vampires across the street. The plot had a good mix of laughter, love, mystery, and amazing characters. I highly recommend you give this book a chance, it has something for everyone.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

277 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2021
This book is part of a series and I recomend reading them in order, including the novellas. This book will take you on a spectacular ride that has you both laughing and crying. The authors have done a fantastic job with this series and has left me wanting more and more from them. I cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Helena Mendes.
1,370 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2021
I love this stories, they are completely hilarious and so good...the series would make an excellent TV show, that I would definitely watch. Ava and Drew are great together so romantic and the chemistry is there. Loved to read what they got into in Philly and on the way back...the ending? Oh wow...can't wait for the next book...what a cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
597 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2021
This book had me alternately laughing and crying throughout the whole story! It was such a sweet way for Ava to say goodbye to the past and jump right in to her future adventures with her menagerie of friends! I think this has been my favorite book so far in the series! I was not expecting the twist in the cliffhanger at the end! I can’t wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann.
1,747 reviews8 followers
May 26, 2021
Excellent addition to this series. Ava's headed to Philadelphia to pack up her old house...the one she lived in with her husband before he died. She's prepared for the memories and the sadness, but not for the ghost. And the aren't-supposed-to-exist vampires that live across the street. It's never a dull moment for Ava and her crew.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
451 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2021
This is a gregarious read, yes, I’m snickering as I type this

The authors are killing me with this. I have laughed so hard I choked, stomped my feet till they hurt and seriously did some major eye rolling at some of the hijinks.
This has a bit of everything you could ask for paranormal wise minus the wolves, lol. I don’t give spoilers which is limiting me in comments a the moment but I do believe you will enjoy this series as much as I do.
980 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2021
Just when Ava thought things couldn't get weirder, she goes back to where she and her dead husband raised their son to clear it out for the new owner. When she gets there, she adds a variety of new weird things to her list of weird things.

Sometimes saying goodbye to something is hard and it is even harder when you have to let go of a loved one. I really enjoyed reading about Ava finding her new self as she lets go of the past once and for all.
20 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2021
Well that was unexpected

As an editor/proofer I read an awful lot of these, keyword: awful.I was concerned that the first time with Drew would be overwrought & unrealistic (for the unreal) but it was perfect. Sex is funny and overwhelming when done correctly. I'd love to see more of Luci, is my only faint objection.
This series has me enchanted, sorry for the pun, and the twist at the end? I truly did not see coming (no spoilers here).
Profile Image for Patti.
1,502 reviews13 followers
May 27, 2021
Another great addition to this series! This MC has ever evolving powers which gas made each an every book so far quite surprising and unique. Add in the ever growing collection of houseguests/roommates. I seriously got tears over the final goodbyes. There are just so many elements in this tale and that’s not even counting what awaits at the conclusion! Loved every page and can’t wait for the next! All my reviews are always voluntarily written .
1,514 reviews11 followers
May 30, 2021
Love it !

I absolutely love this series. The characters are hilarious, awkward, and quirky. Ava is a disheveled but strong mess. And as about as real as a character can get. This was the best in the series so far but I will admit that there was a part that had tears falling so hard I could no longer see the words. Crazy right? But it seemed so realistic you just can't help it. I'm so ready to dive into the next one.
Profile Image for Roseanna.
341 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2021
What no no no no, it can't end like that. I gave so many questions. So many. I need to know. Urg. This series has so many twists, I just never know what's going to happen next. And I live that, the unpredictiveness of it all. I was a bit bummed they didn't stay in the inbetween long, but my guess is it is saved for the next adventure. Love this series, truly can't get enough. Avas life is the perfect distraction to real life and all its happenings.
4,517 reviews21 followers
June 5, 2021
Ava and her crew are back for another hilarious adventure. This time it involved vampires and of course a ghost. I laughed and groaned and rolled my eyes a few times but I really enjoyed it. Loved seeing everyone again and just amazed at the situations Ava gets herself into when she just thought things would be fine doing normal things like returning to her old house. A great addition to the series.
575 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2021
As she packs up her former home, Ava gets to spend time with the ghost of her dead husband, Clay. She must figure out how to help him move on. There are also vampires and other ghosts to deal with along the way.
A story that will keep you entertained . I am truthfully looking forward to more of this series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

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