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Forty is Fabulous #4
Making Midlife Marvels
The final installment in the Forty Is Fabulous adventure series!
Everything Ava ever learned about herself is a lie. Now, she must stop the ancient gods from rising again and protect her sons. But who can she trust if she can't even trust herself?
Everything Ava ever learned about herself is a lie. Now, she must stop the ancient gods from rising again and protect her sons. But who can she trust if she can't even trust herself?
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
396 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Heloise Hull
20 books87 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 53 reviews
November 24, 2021
A True Epic
This has been a wonderful saga with true knowledge and aforethought. A blazing story of love, avenging and righting wrongs. A totally enjoyable experience.
This has been a wonderful saga with true knowledge and aforethought. A blazing story of love, avenging and righting wrongs. A totally enjoyable experience.
January 6, 2022
Wow. Okay. So, I have loved this series, from the seemingly ridiculous start of a newly single woman in her 40s going on trip to a magical island in Italy, through the growth and understanding she gains, to this sweeping climax. I love the mix of characters, the very real and relatable fears, guilt, and love they hold on to, and the way they work together. Brava, Heloise! Can't wait to see what she writes in the future!
December 20, 2021
Epic ride on Aradia!
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.
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.
October 13, 2023
This is the fourth and final installment of Ava's story. We find out exactly what she is, and what she needs to do.
No spoiler here, we know that Ava has lived other lives-- she finally finds out her soul's origin and what Thoth has to do with everything.
I like that Ava is middle aged (this incarnation of her) and she talks about aches and pains that come with mid-life. She's also not bitter against her ex-husband who is a real piece of work. Eh. What's twenty years of your life when you're an immortal being?
I enjoyed this series. Even though the mythology was odd, but at the end of the book the author explains that she didn't make it up, it was from historical text.
These books were fast, entertaining reads. I was a little confused at times, but that could have been me missing something. I loved the descriptions of Aradia, and the food. Although, this last book was more battling Thoth than description of food.
Due to these books, one day, I will go to Italy. I hope to find Aradia.
No spoiler here, we know that Ava has lived other lives-- she finally finds out her soul's origin and what Thoth has to do with everything.
I like that Ava is middle aged (this incarnation of her) and she talks about aches and pains that come with mid-life. She's also not bitter against her ex-husband who is a real piece of work. Eh. What's twenty years of your life when you're an immortal being?
I enjoyed this series. Even though the mythology was odd, but at the end of the book the author explains that she didn't make it up, it was from historical text.
These books were fast, entertaining reads. I was a little confused at times, but that could have been me missing something. I loved the descriptions of Aradia, and the food. Although, this last book was more battling Thoth than description of food.
Due to these books, one day, I will go to Italy. I hope to find Aradia.
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October 11, 2021Satisfying, if not dull
This honestly deserved 3 stars, but in honor of Hull’s dear departed Loki, I’ve bumped it up to 4. Clearly she was going through the motions as she was writing this and the story didn’t have the same unique pull and draw that had me wondering about Ava and how she’ll escape Toth for good.
I just didn’t get why bringing up the Sirens’ curse if it couldn’t be broken. I get giving Thessaly a back story, but it just seemed a wasted effort if the people associated with her couldn’t have a complete happy ending too. Even demented Luca got just what he wanted in the end too.
This story just dragged and dragged and I struggled to complete it. Granted I felt bad once I read what Hull was dealing with while she was writing this series, but it doesn’t take away from this just being a mere “meh” satisfying conclusion.
This honestly deserved 3 stars, but in honor of Hull’s dear departed Loki, I’ve bumped it up to 4. Clearly she was going through the motions as she was writing this and the story didn’t have the same unique pull and draw that had me wondering about Ava and how she’ll escape Toth for good.
I just didn’t get why bringing up the Sirens’ curse if it couldn’t be broken. I get giving Thessaly a back story, but it just seemed a wasted effort if the people associated with her couldn’t have a complete happy ending too. Even demented Luca got just what he wanted in the end too.
This story just dragged and dragged and I struggled to complete it. Granted I felt bad once I read what Hull was dealing with while she was writing this series, but it doesn’t take away from this just being a mere “meh” satisfying conclusion.
November 14, 2022
Wow!
This series is different and delicious. I loved Ava's journey. It is such a wild ride as she uncovers her "magic" past. Ms. Hull crafts a complex story that has you guessing and intrigued as the layers of Ava's life are exposed. I usually like series that continues on but, this was done so well, that the end was satisfying. I have little doubt this will become a favorite re-read. I thoroughly and enthusiastically recommend this series. You will not be disappointed, though you may lose some sleep since each book is so hard to put down.
I am looking forward to reading Heloise Hull's other books. I am adding her to my list of favorite authors.
This series is different and delicious. I loved Ava's journey. It is such a wild ride as she uncovers her "magic" past. Ms. Hull crafts a complex story that has you guessing and intrigued as the layers of Ava's life are exposed. I usually like series that continues on but, this was done so well, that the end was satisfying. I have little doubt this will become a favorite re-read. I thoroughly and enthusiastically recommend this series. You will not be disappointed, though you may lose some sleep since each book is so hard to put down.
I am looking forward to reading Heloise Hull's other books. I am adding her to my list of favorite authors.
October 22, 2021
A mythical modern marvel
Heloise Hull wove a story of magic and myth that captured the fierceness of a mother's heart.
Ava Falcetti's character blossoms through the series from jilted Midlife housewife to empowered gifted goddess.
Ms. Hull did her research and I am so glad she shared her knowledge with us in this entertaining and uplifting story.
I am anxiously awaiting to read her take on Persephone.
Bonus points for having words in the books that I had to look up. 📚
Heloise Hull wove a story of magic and myth that captured the fierceness of a mother's heart.
Ava Falcetti's character blossoms through the series from jilted Midlife housewife to empowered gifted goddess.
Ms. Hull did her research and I am so glad she shared her knowledge with us in this entertaining and uplifting story.
I am anxiously awaiting to read her take on Persephone.
Bonus points for having words in the books that I had to look up. 📚
April 14, 2022
Cozy supernatural midlife gods and goddess
How much fun this series was. I read all four books in a week and enjoyed my time. My only complaint was there was not enough character building. There were some great characters with unique abilities and the author could have given us so much more and deepened the plot. I want more of the sirens, and how rosemary came to own a bakery, and Marco the bar? Maybe more stories based on this one with other characters as the focal point? Either way I loved the play on mythology mixing with supernatural... Next series downloaded!
How much fun this series was. I read all four books in a week and enjoyed my time. My only complaint was there was not enough character building. There were some great characters with unique abilities and the author could have given us so much more and deepened the plot. I want more of the sirens, and how rosemary came to own a bakery, and Marco the bar? Maybe more stories based on this one with other characters as the focal point? Either way I loved the play on mythology mixing with supernatural... Next series downloaded!
August 6, 2022
Extremely Entertaining Series
My first Heloise review! I just quickly finished book 4 because I had to find out how this very creative, magical, romance, midlife crisis, mythology tale ended! Who wouldn't want to be a goddess with powers, and a mother, and have hunky guys after them while in Italy! This is loads of fun with a lovely heroine who loves who she is while surviving personal trauma!
I know far too much now about Italian cooking, I think, and really obscure mythology..... but to a good cause. A fun and funny read.
My first Heloise review! I just quickly finished book 4 because I had to find out how this very creative, magical, romance, midlife crisis, mythology tale ended! Who wouldn't want to be a goddess with powers, and a mother, and have hunky guys after them while in Italy! This is loads of fun with a lovely heroine who loves who she is while surviving personal trauma!
I know far too much now about Italian cooking, I think, and really obscure mythology..... but to a good cause. A fun and funny read.
July 8, 2023
An exciting conclusion to the series. I liked all the various types of magic and the way the Tablets are almost alive. The twist on the Sirens was interesting.
The ending and all it entails was almost perfect as it tied up all the loose ends – and gave way to another adventure to start.
I liked that Ava was able to do all the things she should do the way a heroine does – with family.
A bit more blood and gore than in the previous books, though, more on par with the novella that came before.
The ending and all it entails was almost perfect as it tied up all the loose ends – and gave way to another adventure to start.
I liked that Ava was able to do all the things she should do the way a heroine does – with family.
A bit more blood and gore than in the previous books, though, more on par with the novella that came before.
August 20, 2024
Great read
As an older reader I love to read midlife stories. This one didn't disappoint. As usual when I read anything that's remotely mythological I found myself looking into some of the characters. We can never know the exact truth but there is enough researched 'fact' within this series to keep my appetite for knowledge happy. I would have rated it 5 stars however I still wanted more. Ava's past lives were informative (and I researched) I just wish we'd have had a little more character info on other characters.
Definitely worth a read, and possibly a reread eventually.
As an older reader I love to read midlife stories. This one didn't disappoint. As usual when I read anything that's remotely mythological I found myself looking into some of the characters. We can never know the exact truth but there is enough researched 'fact' within this series to keep my appetite for knowledge happy. I would have rated it 5 stars however I still wanted more. Ava's past lives were informative (and I researched) I just wish we'd have had a little more character info on other characters.
Definitely worth a read, and possibly a reread eventually.
September 4, 2021
Primer for men
I really enjoyed the ancient mythology of this series . Ava's character was a hoot. It was fun to watch her find her humanity and what was important to her in life .
this book could be a primer on how men should appreciate their women I hope young women today feel more secure as they age and don't let their men degrade them for lost youth Like men we just get better as we age
I really enjoyed the ancient mythology of this series . Ava's character was a hoot. It was fun to watch her find her humanity and what was important to her in life .
this book could be a primer on how men should appreciate their women I hope young women today feel more secure as they age and don't let their men degrade them for lost youth Like men we just get better as we age
September 22, 2021
Great Final Call
I think this last book in the series was a perfect ending. Honestly,I have enjoyed every book by Heloise Hull. All I can tell you
, because I don’t want to spoil the story, is that the the ending is magnificent in that wildly full-blown, quietly detailed, wonderfully loving way that every page of this series has been. And don’t skip the notes in the back. I love the extra research tidbits
I think this last book in the series was a perfect ending. Honestly,I have enjoyed every book by Heloise Hull. All I can tell you
, because I don’t want to spoil the story, is that the the ending is magnificent in that wildly full-blown, quietly detailed, wonderfully loving way that every page of this series has been. And don’t skip the notes in the back. I love the extra research tidbits
October 19, 2021
Aradia!
I want to go to Aradia! I loved this series....all of the interesting characters , supernatural and non-supernaturals! I also loved that Ava was older and wiser and such a good mom, friend and neighbor to everyone. The depiction of the beautiful Italian island of Aradia was so wonderful to read about! Also....the curse and all of her past lives of her Goddess was very interesting and sad too! Please dive in and read about Ava!
I want to go to Aradia! I loved this series....all of the interesting characters , supernatural and non-supernaturals! I also loved that Ava was older and wiser and such a good mom, friend and neighbor to everyone. The depiction of the beautiful Italian island of Aradia was so wonderful to read about! Also....the curse and all of her past lives of her Goddess was very interesting and sad too! Please dive in and read about Ava!
October 23, 2021
Great Tale full of Ancient History
Very good and well put together. Hard to remember all the deities sometimes. A lot of study went into your history. But all you who write about middle aged women, you need to make the women older, at forty all my friends were just starting their families. You describe aches that are in 65 year olds. I do Jazzersize daily and I'm in my 70s. Remember we are not like old men.
Very good and well put together. Hard to remember all the deities sometimes. A lot of study went into your history. But all you who write about middle aged women, you need to make the women older, at forty all my friends were just starting their families. You describe aches that are in 65 year olds. I do Jazzersize daily and I'm in my 70s. Remember we are not like old men.
June 11, 2023
So sorry to come to the end of this wonderful story!
Seriously an awesomely told tale! Midlife for women is to me a time of amazing awakening all on its own, but ad the marvels of paranormal and gods and goddesses with adventures and friends in high and low places and covering unimaginable timeframes and you have the set for a terrific tale. Hand a pen to scribe worthy of the tale and you have this amazing series!
Seriously an awesomely told tale! Midlife for women is to me a time of amazing awakening all on its own, but ad the marvels of paranormal and gods and goddesses with adventures and friends in high and low places and covering unimaginable timeframes and you have the set for a terrific tale. Hand a pen to scribe worthy of the tale and you have this amazing series!
September 2, 2021
Wonderfully descriptive blending of myths and new beginnings
I loved this series. I always loved the stories of the old Gods and their interactions with us poor mortals. This story brings love,action and wonder back full force. Ava is a wonderful heroine. This story of her trials in discovering who she truly is is a rollercoaster of delights
I loved this series. I always loved the stories of the old Gods and their interactions with us poor mortals. This story brings love,action and wonder back full force. Ava is a wonderful heroine. This story of her trials in discovering who she truly is is a rollercoaster of delights
September 7, 2021
Great Series
I enjoyed this series quite a bit. In fact, I binge read it. I really liked how the heroine discovered who she was and decided who she would be. I also appreciated that the series had an ending. The writing was well done, imaginative, captivating. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys adventure and magic and history - the story did center around old gods.
I enjoyed this series quite a bit. In fact, I binge read it. I really liked how the heroine discovered who she was and decided who she would be. I also appreciated that the series had an ending. The writing was well done, imaginative, captivating. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys adventure and magic and history - the story did center around old gods.
October 8, 2021
End game
I enjoyed this series as a whole and appreciated the real life references to history. Ava's former lives and her beginning as Tefnut are all remembered and now it's time deal with Thoth. The journey is hard and she learns that trusting her friends is important to achieving her goal.
I enjoyed this series as a whole and appreciated the real life references to history. Ava's former lives and her beginning as Tefnut are all remembered and now it's time deal with Thoth. The journey is hard and she learns that trusting her friends is important to achieving her goal.
November 18, 2021
A rare ending for the series
It isn't often that the last in a series is truly my favorite of the entire series but that is the case here. No spoilers will be divulged, although I can in good conscience say there is quite a bit to pique and hold your interests. This series finale definitely tied everything together and had a few surprises.
It isn't often that the last in a series is truly my favorite of the entire series but that is the case here. No spoilers will be divulged, although I can in good conscience say there is quite a bit to pique and hold your interests. This series finale definitely tied everything together and had a few surprises.
November 30, 2021
So So reading
Honestly if it wasn't for the other life's stories, I would not have finished reading this series. I just did not like Ava. I'm probably the only one but hey, isn't that why we have such a selection of authors and books?
As mentioned, the other life stories were well imagined and better written out, I'm happy that Tefnut remains.
Honestly if it wasn't for the other life's stories, I would not have finished reading this series. I just did not like Ava. I'm probably the only one but hey, isn't that why we have such a selection of authors and books?
As mentioned, the other life stories were well imagined and better written out, I'm happy that Tefnut remains.
September 4, 2024
5 stars!
It's been a long time since I've given all books in a series five stars, but these books have deserved them! Aradia sounds perfectly beautiful, the food makes me wish recipes were included, and the characters are 'people' I'd like to know-not Thoth, of course, though wasn't he sexy?
Loved every word!
It's been a long time since I've given all books in a series five stars, but these books have deserved them! Aradia sounds perfectly beautiful, the food makes me wish recipes were included, and the characters are 'people' I'd like to know-not Thoth, of course, though wasn't he sexy?
Loved every word!
September 7, 2021
Loved it
I hated to see this series end but the author did an excellent job!
Ava/ Tefnut is a wonderful midlife character. I really enjoyed her and all the characters in the stories
The authors writing is fabulous and kept me reading until the end
I hated to see this series end but the author did an excellent job!
Ava/ Tefnut is a wonderful midlife character. I really enjoyed her and all the characters in the stories
The authors writing is fabulous and kept me reading until the end
Read
September 18, 2021Fantastic
Exciting and thrilling and dangerous! There was still love and friendship and devotion and she made me imagine Italy's coast and ocean and beautiful flowers! Very entertaining!
Exciting and thrilling and dangerous! There was still love and friendship and devotion and she made me imagine Italy's coast and ocean and beautiful flowers! Very entertaining!
Read
October 29, 2021Anxious to the end!
How do you kill a mythological god? It’s not easy. Ava and her family of supernaturals embark on a quest to fight Thoth. Will it be the end for Ava as well? Will her family stand with her in battle?
One of the best series I’ve read! Great ending!
How do you kill a mythological god? It’s not easy. Ava and her family of supernaturals embark on a quest to fight Thoth. Will it be the end for Ava as well? Will her family stand with her in battle?
One of the best series I’ve read! Great ending!
September 8, 2022
Good ending
The gap between books made it more difficult to get into this book. I did not like so much prior life issues, but that was the style written. I liked how the final final battle went down.
The gap between books made it more difficult to get into this book. I did not like so much prior life issues, but that was the style written. I liked how the final final battle went down.
October 27, 2022
over, sad face
Ow what a wild ride with Ava and crew, Gods Goddesses Daemon’s and every mystical ancient characters you could dream of. Love lust death life so much to enjoy and cry a little now it’s over.. 😭😭 Adult only lol..
Ow what a wild ride with Ava and crew, Gods Goddesses Daemon’s and every mystical ancient characters you could dream of. Love lust death life so much to enjoy and cry a little now it’s over.. 😭😭 Adult only lol..
January 30, 2023
Fantastic series!
This is a truly unique adventure! I love the characters and the storyline. The weaving of historical figures and events was different. A difference that held my attention from the start. Ms. Hull has a new devoted fan. Thank you for an excellent adventure.
This is a truly unique adventure! I love the characters and the storyline. The weaving of historical figures and events was different. A difference that held my attention from the start. Ms. Hull has a new devoted fan. Thank you for an excellent adventure.
January 22, 2024
Must Read
I enjoyed these books thoroughly! They were so well written and full of action. I was completely hooked from the beginning of book 1. If you're looking for a great read, this Forty is Fabulous series is it.
I enjoyed these books thoroughly! They were so well written and full of action. I was completely hooked from the beginning of book 1. If you're looking for a great read, this Forty is Fabulous series is it.
September 7, 2021
Perfect ending to a great series
The worst part of reading good series is waiting for the next one to come. This one was worth the wait!
The worst part of reading good series is waiting for the next one to come. This one was worth the wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews