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"Midlife Muse" is a paranormal women’s fiction novel and a new action and adventure tale from USA Today Bestselling Author, Donna McDonald.

I may look like a 40-year-old woman, but inside I'm a goddess.

My name is Goddess Atlanta. Haven't you heard of me? No? Bet you've heard of my twin sister, Athena, the Goddess of War. Sure. Everyone’s heard of her.

Shunned by my birth family, I grew up with the Muses as sisters and friends. Being a Muse sucked, though, and I failed at inspiring others.


What can I say? Being a warrior is the song that sings in my blood. Just hand me a sword and move back while I call down lightning. Be careful though because my aim’s not what it used to be. Becoming a 40-year-old and mostly mortal woman has taken a toll, especially on my knees.

Because of my father, my entire pantheon is also mortal and dying. I have to find a worthy champion to help me save us all. Failure is not an option no matter how old or mortal I get.

My name is Atlanta, Goddess of the Doomsday Prophecy . . . And this is my "Mortal Midlife" Story.

Author Note: This new story is both paranormal (think Trolls, Pegasi, and Dragons) and women’s fiction (think about growing older). Some fantasy and romantic elements are also included.
This is the first book in my new series, Nine Heirs and A Spare, which has its roots in Greek mythology.
You can count on the good guys winning some of their battles, but that’s the only promise I can make. As with all my writing, there will also be lots of laughs along the way.

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2021

190 people are currently reading
242 people want to read

About the author

Donna McDonald

152 books602 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author

I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.

I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.

I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.


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5 stars
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62 (26%)
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28 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Juju  ♡ ~('▽^人).
530 reviews28 followers
October 31, 2024
[34/77]
⤷ this is book 34 of 77 books i have downloaded for free on amazon kindle, so it may be time to finally go through them all. oh god, wish me luck.

i thought the idea is interesting, but i hate how the main character kept complaining about being old while at the same time flaunting how crazy sexy her body is.

not a fan of this book.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2021
I want to like it but...

Its cliched i get PWF is to empower us oldies show that we aren't over ,life is for the midlifers and its for living. I am the same age as Goddess Atlanta, the unknown second daughter of Zeus. I don't need reading glasses, my body is not falling apart with aches and pains all the time. And i don't bemoan my lot in life a much as she. I could not bring myself to like her, she moans constantly about her lot in life. About everything and I mean everything, her father her sister her adopted sister's ( who it seems she pays in wrinkle cream!? ) Her lost great love (If he loved her that much and she brought him all the glories she says then him leaving for another woman... How the hell it's that empowering or enlightened it's self sacrificing bull especially when you hear her so called reasoning. There is a prophecy that only Atlanta can fulfil, guess what she moans about it too, happy to allow her hate for her father let everyone else die even God's she does not know. (the author could have put The full fated prophecy at the start of the book for us to read and know it may not have meant much but it's better than hearing about the thing and so far we only know 2 stanzas but everybody else knows it)
The spelling errors littering throughout don't help. I really do not care enough about the people in the story to go back for book 2
A nice idea but fails in the delivery
Profile Image for Eden.
2,225 reviews
April 7, 2021
2021. bk 66. If you can hang on long enough, the book will pull you into it. But - you have almost have the book to go of a whinny goddess and being filled in with the mythology of the Greeks, Romans, and Celts (Irish). Like all good fantasies/mythologies, a quest is involved along with the anger of the gods, a dragon or two or four, magic accessories, and a winged horse. I will probably read book 2 just to see what else can happen.
Profile Image for Rozanne Cadotte.
168 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2021
Interesting story

I've always loved mythology and this is a different twist on it. Looking at the list of books from this author, I'm a bit appalled at the lack of editing in this book. Missing words, extra words, bad grammar and wrong tense, wrong words like wreck instead of wreak. All make for a less than smooth reading experience. That being said, I'm still looking forward to the next installment, because I enjoyed her take on the relationship between the daughter and father! The author needs to read her book before she sends it out tho. A bit too much introspection and not enough action would help as well. Just my two cents.
Profile Image for Carinkla.
151 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2024
The book is written in the form of a I - Narrator.  Not extremely descriptive about persons and surroundings but the main character is interesting enough on itself to draw you in. The approach of the story is original and entertaining. 


Atlanta, is a unwanted and unknown twin of the greek godess athena  But to be honest I am of two minds about the main character.  She is a goddess who has become mortal and now has to deal with mortality and midlife. I like that she is kick-ass, a former warrior and that she looks upon getting older and midlife the same way us mortal midlife women do. Because she is new to it, she reacts a little bit out of proportion but that makes it funny and makes me smile from time to time. But on the other hand sh sometimes behaves like a spoiled brat, and refuses to accept certain responsibilities just out of spite. That part of her makes her sometimes kind of unsympathetic for me personally. But maybe her unsympathetic trades are because she has goddess temperament? It seems that all other gods and demigods who have become mortal are not really human in their behavior and temperament also.  But I simply had some trouble taking that into account sometimes. Fortunately Atlanta  comes across several creatures and situations that ground her a little more and make her aware that her entitlement issues are kind of unfounded.


 I must say that after that starts happening Atlanta really starts to grow on you after she accepts her fate and goes on fulfilling the prophecy with her accidentally chosen champion.


Although she is a kick- ass warrior and has some goddess powers left she makes some funny mistakes. That makes the book light and entertaining to read. But it also has a solid and unpredictable story so it never starts to bore and keeps you intrigued. It looks like Atlanta is definitely going to create her own myth this way.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,167 reviews
May 4, 2022
I somehow managed to miss this first book in the series. I would advise starting with this one if you are going to read the Nine Heirs and a Spare Series. It is not mandatory, but it would make understanding what is going on in subsequent books much easier.

This book packs a great deal of information in it. Goddess Atlanta and shed Champion Cale share great chemistry. Atlanta spends a lot of the book bemoaning her 40 yo mortal body, but I guess I couldn't really blame her after being an immortal, yet unknown, ignored Goddess.

I will be honest, this book is not one to read in one sitting. At least not for me. It was a little difficult at the beginning because there was so much info to lay a foundation. I would givebthis 3.5 stars. I can say the subsequent books were easier for me to read and got better with each one.

Atlanta has a LOT of mortal issues that come into play. While her unwanted romance with Cale developed, I was able to enough their witty banter, and the heavy dose of sarcasm in this book.

If you are not a fan of Greek mythology, Roman History, or fantasy, i.e. sprites, leprechauns, and trolls, I would say take a pass. But, if you are looking for something different and entertaining, definitely give this a try.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Booksprout.
61 reviews
February 25, 2021
Well written, funny as could be and interesting. It is Atlantas story. She is Athenas twin sister taken at birth and given to the mother of the nine muses by her father Zeus the King of the Greek pantheon. She is the Goddess of the doomsday prophecy. As such she must choose a champion to help her complete nine tasks or watch all the Greek gods age and die as humans do.
By the end of the book we see romance brewing between Atlanta who has aged to appear to be in her forties with knee pain, and facial wrinkles which she uses facial cream for and her champion Cale Drakon a human about ten years younger or is he something else?
Atlanta completes her first two tasks as we laugh and get excited for her to win. She meets other Greek gods and we learn more about her and her relations and other magical creatures like Night, and Whisper and a Sprite There are more but I do not remember them all, you should read it because it is a funny story and even more so if you are forty and over and enjoy paranormal romances for people as mature and grounded as we are.Oh, don't laugh too hard unless you wear depends..
199 reviews
April 11, 2021
Great storyline.

This book was really great. Atlanta, twin sister of Athena, daughters of Zeus, was never treated fairly (from birth). She was sent to live with the Goddess of Memory and her nine half-sisters, the Muses, after Zues killed her mother right after she gave birth to her. Being the second daughter brought her into some sort of prophecy (according to the Fates) that Atlanta has been trying to ignore her entire life until one day she just can't ignore it any longer and she accidentally names her best client as her champion. Now she has no choice but to figure out the prophecy and complete the tasks or she dooms all of her Greek pantheon to die as mortals including her beloved sisters, her champion and herself.
This book was well-written, funny, interesting and engrossing. The characters are engaging and intriguing and the storyline is fun. I highly recommend this book and will be reading the next in series.
218 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2021
Entertaining look at an unusual Heroine

A Heroine who is an aging Goddess. She has (along with the other Gods and Goddesses) been expelled from her home. They are all becoming Mortal. But their biggest problem seems to be.....wrinkles. Yep.

Now you younger people may disagree with me, but I don't consider 40 to be old. I wasn't worried about wrinkles and sagging body parts at 40. In fact, I'd truly LOVE to be 40 again. So many comments frequently made in this story made me roll my eyes. Chauvinism at its finest.

However, this first book of the series was a nice length, which enabled decent character development. The book does need further editing, because some sentences simply didn't make sense even when re-read. I did like the beginning of a romance between the Heroine and her (of course!) younger Champion.

I found this to be a good read if you enjoy Mythology and supernatural species. 3-3/4 Stars for me.

474 reviews3 followers
February 23, 2022
Surprises, character development, humor, and interesting plot

This story is a fun, creative use of the Greek and other European mythical creatures. It's a completely fresh perspective from the middle-aged Goddess Atlanta.

She is forced to take on a quest and a mortal champion, Cale, she'd never choose. The evolution of their relationship is fun to watch, believable, and gives the story enough depth that I began to care for her and perceive her and the other characters as real.

The first impossible tasks set by Atlanta's quest require her knowledge and skills, especially her personal interaction skills, and the assistance of Cale and other characters. Interacting with the others reveals facts that challenge her assumptions and theirs as they work out unexpected ways of relating to each other. As they come to know each other, the story comes alive.

The end brought me a happy laugh, and I couldn't resist buying book 2.
Profile Image for Frances Law.
1,123 reviews14 followers
April 11, 2021
A Goddess scorned.

Atlanta was a goddess scorned but when all the gods and goddesses of the Greek Pantheon were kicked out of the Immortal Realm to live as mortals it turned out that she was the only one who could save them. The problem was that she wasn’t sure that she wanted to save them and get them back to their immortal home.
This book should appeal to any older woman and/or anyone with knowledge of Greek Mythology. Mind you, as an older (much older) woman, I can’t say that I had any of the problems at forty that Atlanta does until about 60! Oh well, it is a story and quite a humorous story at times.
It certainly shows the old gods and goddesses up and makes you wonder why any thinking person would have revered them!
Looking forward to seeing how well Atlanta does next.
Profile Image for Valerie.
738 reviews10 followers
March 11, 2021
What an awesome start to a new series. This is going to be a grand adventure for us all. I was so engrossed in the story. The Goddess Atlanta, twin to Athena, was given away as a baby. She was lucky Zeus didn't end her so there is no love lose. In fact she hates him. So when he comes to remind her that she is The Doomsday Goddess and suppose to save their Pantheon she wanted to end him. But she has a adopted mother and her sisters The Muses to consider.
The Prophecy has riddles and task to complete and she has to choose a champion to help her. She accidentally chooses Cale, who's a client of theirs. She scared him being human will get him killed but The Fates tell her its him she needs.
There are so many great and fun characters in this story. There is so many aspects to it also. Atlanta can be so intense as with the story at times. Its intriguing, action packed, intense, mystery and fun. It all makes a great story.
I can't wait for book two, cause this book had a rather surprising ending.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion..
6,028 reviews45 followers
October 7, 2024
Here's what I thought of Midlife Muse by Donna McDonald:

I gave it 5/5 stars.

finding meaning and connections

An off the wall alternative Greek myth dealing with the fall of the Greek Pantheon.

With Gaia serking balance, the forgotten child who was given away must find her destiny.

Using connections she has forged, and others she acoided oe has forgotten, nin tasks must be faced with an unexpected team if allies, who might not be all that loyal in the end.

For the love of the sisters she has nurtured so lng, and in the face of many unexpected challenges, nine formsl challenges must be faced, with many more surprises along the way.

Empowering midlife women adventures with possible complicated romances.
1,000 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2021
While the story was a bit confusing in the beginning, once I figured out what was going on I enjoyed the story. It’s a “different” genre than I usually read and the main character is a combination of maturing woman and goddess in one. Once the story picked up, I really got to like the characters. Atlanta is a 40 year old mortal goddess and she’s facing all the things a normal mortal woman faces with the addition of a doomsday prophecy. I liked the character development and enjoyed Atlanta immensely. She’s snarky, plagued with failing powers and increasing age and she’s also got a bit of vengeance in mind. I’m looking forward the to the next book.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,492 reviews20 followers
February 27, 2023
This is the story of Atlanta, the less famous sister of Athena. On top of that, Atlanta lives with nine half-sisters. This is a story based on Greek Mythology exploring Atlanta's prophecy. However, this is interfered when Atlanta is sent to live on Earth to lead the mortal life. Realising Atlanta is needed back among the Gods and Goddesses, the prophecy resumes. It helps to know Greek Mythology, though there are references spread out through the book.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,090 reviews16 followers
March 8, 2024
This story is about Atlanta who is a goddess and also the unknown twin sister of Athena. Because of something her father, Zeus has done all the Greek gods and goddesses are doomed to become mortals and she is prophesied to be the one to save them. Along with her champion, Cale, she starts off to complete the 9 tasks required. This book is full of humor and adventure. The main characters are fully fleshed out and the story just pulls you along. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series!
Profile Image for Anne-Marie .
970 reviews23 followers
March 25, 2021
It was good

A different spin on mythology that was interesting
I did enjoy the book but it was too narrative and confusing at times. Confusing? You ask...the author kept changing a characters name from Cale to Cade and it was hard to follow.
The concept was good the characters likable BUT I really had to push to finish it...and only then did the story get interesting in the last few chapters
Will I read the next one...not sure still on the fence
Profile Image for Brenda Rumsey.
122 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2021
Loved this book. The characters are courageous, smart, and for the most part tainted by their power...but hey, they are mostly offspring of Zeus. The book is filled with Greek Mythology and surprises around every corner. Dragons, Trolls, Leprechauns, Muses, and others are all involved and of course lots of magic. I stayed up way to late reading this book and found myself laughing through the whole thing.
348 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2021
Fun spin on Greek myth and midlife

I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading the next. I didn't give it 5 stars because there were too many errors that distracted or interrupted my reading. Beyond that, it was a lot of fun. The characters are well developed and fun, the mythology was tweaked only to bring a modern take to certain things, and the prophecy/quests are so much better than what I expected.
Profile Image for stardragon.
1,303 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2022
Atlanta is a goddess and twin to Athena goddess of war. She failed as a goddess her parents turned her out. She then lived with the muses and tried being a muse. She failed at being a muse. She is kind of a lost person at 40, trying to find her niche. She is mostly mortal and she needs a companion to help her save her home. This book is funny and based on Greek mythology with plenty of humorous adventures.
277 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2021
OMG How good is this book, I am waiting on tender hooks for the next in the series. Donna has outdone herself in this book in getting me invested in her characters. She keeps you interested and has plenty of surprises. Like with many of her series you cannot stop at book one.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Evelyn Ryan.
150 reviews7 followers
March 31, 2021
Fun story

I enjoyed this first book a good deal, however, it needs to be edited a little better. I think the male leads name is Cale, but every now and then, and sometimes in the same paragraph, he is called Cade. Threw me out of the story the first time I saw it.
On to the next book.
Profile Image for Traci Otte.
573 reviews8 followers
June 8, 2021
Interesting premise, but I didn't like the protagonist very much. She complained a lot but got somewhat better by the end. I was confused at the beginning - it took quite a while before it was explained how characters from Greek Mythology ended up stranded on Earth.

The book also needs more proofreading.
Profile Image for Mo.
350 reviews25 followers
June 30, 2021
Book 1

Goddess Atlanta is an interesting MC. She's badass but is also a 40-something mortal woman. I like the premise. She's the goddess of the doomed prophecy. Zeus is depicted as a god who is heinous. Cale has to be fleshed out more with their age difference not mattering. I am on to book 2, 3.25 stars. Happy reading!
323 reviews4 followers
December 25, 2021
Midlife Muse

It took me a little bit to introduce myself to what was going on but once I got into it, I was hooked. I loved the characters and the story line. I just bought book 2 and can't wait to read about the next challenges Atlanta and Cale set off to face and complete. I would highly recommend this series. Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Lori Potter.
323 reviews11 followers
December 9, 2023
prophecy begins

Interesting and enjoyable storyline about the unknown goddess Atlanta as she solves her challenges to bring about her prophecy and save her pantheon. Challenges and nasty characters, including siblings, fight against her. A champion by her side. Can she do it? I’m really enjoying the reading and watching Atlanta come into her own.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews24 followers
September 23, 2024
This is the story of Atlanta (and her nine half sisters) unknown Greek goddess, a muse and now a mortal human. Her prophecy is to save the other Gods and Goddesses from being mortals and (gasp) aging. Can she do it? Does she even want to? Slow build but it gets more engaging the further we progress. I will read Book 2 of Nine Heirs and a Spare.

119 reviews
March 7, 2021
Keeps you entertained from start to finish

Such a great and different storyline. Absolutely wonderful characters and so interesting with the Greek mythology so well written into the adventures. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,455 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2021
Loved it!

I think I found a new awesome author! I love it when it looks like the author knows their subject matter.
Research was done!
The writing is snicker worthy and easy to read. The plot is intricate and not easily guess-able.
507 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2021
Good new series

This is different as it's about a goddess attempting to save the gods by completing nine tasks. The plot and subplots move quickly, making it hard to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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