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Mature Magic #1
What Devilry is This?
Psst! Can I tell you a secret? Midlife is a c-r-a-z-y ride. Not what I expected at all. But, I’m having a ton of fun in between the…you know…near death experiences and bladder-testing moments of complete terror.
Curse, curse, swear! How did midlife get so out of control? All I wanted was to make my own mark on the world. Start my own business and celebrate the end of an uninspiring marriage. Instead, I have a bat in my belfry. Not a metaphor…a REAL bat. The woods in my back yard is full of something dark from my nightmares. I’ve got a mysterious and sexy neighbor who seems to appear out of nowhere and knows more about my life than he should. And my best friends? Yeah, they’re witches.
What the..?
My life has become a carnival and I’m sitting at the OhMyGoddessNo! spot on the most heart-stopping roller coaster.
Things are getting hairier than my chin. And midlife is definitely not shaping up to be the calm and graceful phase I’d been expecting.
But, I’ve got a good grip on my granny panties and I’m taking the ride. What could possibly go wrong?
Curse, curse, swear! How did midlife get so out of control? All I wanted was to make my own mark on the world. Start my own business and celebrate the end of an uninspiring marriage. Instead, I have a bat in my belfry. Not a metaphor…a REAL bat. The woods in my back yard is full of something dark from my nightmares. I’ve got a mysterious and sexy neighbor who seems to appear out of nowhere and knows more about my life than he should. And my best friends? Yeah, they’re witches.
What the..?
My life has become a carnival and I’m sitting at the OhMyGoddessNo! spot on the most heart-stopping roller coaster.
Things are getting hairier than my chin. And midlife is definitely not shaping up to be the calm and graceful phase I’d been expecting.
But, I’ve got a good grip on my granny panties and I’m taking the ride. What could possibly go wrong?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2021
824 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
About the author
Sam Cheever
196 books1,078 followersUSA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 100+ books.
Website: www.samcheever.com
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Blog: https://samcheever.com/blog/
Website: www.samcheever.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sam-c...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Ch...
Blog: https://samcheever.com/blog/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 26, 2021
I am always amazed at the stories this author comes up with! This, for me, is a pretty unique and different story line and I loved it!
Aggy Lenore, 45 and recently divorced, decides to purchase an old church in the town of Rome, Indiana, which she will renovate for both living in and to set up a candle store business. She had no idea that she was heading into something very strange.
On her first night there, the church bell begins to toll thirteen times and Aggy's life will drastically change. Apparently she has been “chosen” as the Lares for the area of Rome, Indiana! “Lares” are guardian deities in the ancient Roman religion, making her the caregiver of a whole array of magical creatures. But being chosen is not the end of it. Now she must survive the “thirteen nights of challenges”. Will the creatures and beings she needs in order to survive these challenges come forward to help her? She will need witches, gnomes, shifters, and probably anything else that isn’t busy those nights! Because not just Aggy, but the entire town, depends on their success to survive!
Aggy Lenore, 45 and recently divorced, decides to purchase an old church in the town of Rome, Indiana, which she will renovate for both living in and to set up a candle store business. She had no idea that she was heading into something very strange.
On her first night there, the church bell begins to toll thirteen times and Aggy's life will drastically change. Apparently she has been “chosen” as the Lares for the area of Rome, Indiana! “Lares” are guardian deities in the ancient Roman religion, making her the caregiver of a whole array of magical creatures. But being chosen is not the end of it. Now she must survive the “thirteen nights of challenges”. Will the creatures and beings she needs in order to survive these challenges come forward to help her? She will need witches, gnomes, shifters, and probably anything else that isn’t busy those nights! Because not just Aggy, but the entire town, depends on their success to survive!
Currently reading
October 27, 2021This is the first book in my new paranormal women's fiction series. My mature magic series is based on a heroine who you'll appreciate if, like me, you're closer to your midlife than your teens. This book has a great mix of heart-stopping adventure, humor, character growth, and even a little romance that I look forward to exploring in future Mature Magic stories. Enjoy!
There are currently 3 books in this fun series:
What Devilry Is This? https://books2read.com/whatdevilry
What Voodoo Do You Do? https://books2read.com/whatvoodoo
Which Witchery Is That? https://books2read.com/whichwitchery
There are currently 3 books in this fun series:
What Devilry Is This? https://books2read.com/whatdevilry
What Voodoo Do You Do? https://books2read.com/whatvoodoo
Which Witchery Is That? https://books2read.com/whichwitchery
May 25, 2021
The imagination and creativity that the author has is amazing! There is so much to enjoy in this book. Aggy is excited about her midlife makeover after her divorce. She’s purchased an old church that she plans to renovate as her new home and to accommodate her candle shop. This new venture is only the beginning of what her new life will become. There is her discovery of magic, mythical creatures, danger and acceptance of her role as the Lares (guardian) of both her human and magical communities. This book is imaginative, the world building is creative, the characters are unique and there’s enough action and suspense to keep you reading and looking forward to the next adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
November 21, 2022
2022 bk 361 Set in Rome, Indiana. I'm not surprised that this started slow - it was intended as the first in the series and the author was so careful about providing and not providing background detail that I almost did not finish it. I did stick with it and found the final third of the book becoming more than just adequate. Intriguing use of the Lares factor and she is building and interesting council. Will try the next one.
May 24, 2021
Wow. Just wow. Who knew you could still have a coming-of-age story at forty-five? Aggy’s starting her life over and it’s nothing like she expected it to look when this non-believer is forced to face the world of magic in her own backyard. This book was a roller-coaster ride, in both the emotional and action/adventure senses. Aggy has to come to some very big acceptances in her life a one heck of a hurry. And she’s got to face a lot of challenges on her way there. I loved this story and I really didn’t want it to end. In fact, I can’t wait until we get the chance to come back to Rome and do it all over again.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
July 2, 2022
Not what I thought it was going to be. More fantasy then mystery but a great read with an interesting premise and very engaging characters. I look forward to reading the next in series.
December 25, 2023
A Good Read
I enjoyed the humor, the variety of fantasy beings, and the challenges Aggy faced. The ending with Aggey's father was just right.
I enjoyed the humor, the variety of fantasy beings, and the challenges Aggy faced. The ending with Aggey's father was just right.
May 25, 2021
Wonderful Fun Magical World of Rome with Excitement, Unpredictable, and Romance!!!
What Devilry is This? is a first book in the series: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel by Sam Cheever and it's a wonderful great start.
Aggy Lenore, a forty-five year olds divorcee has just bought a pretty old church in Rome, Indiana to make it her home and her "When in Rome Candle Shop". Beside her only companion Monty, a black and tan long-haired dachshund, she has love and support from Beverly, her best friend/sister (in a way) and Mavis, her surrogate mom/ex-mother-in-law, who has been there for Aggy since she was 15, Aggie is working hard to create her dream business.
On her first night at her new home (church) Aggy is struck by lightning. The next day, strange things start happening, a naked greenskeeper who called her "Madam Lares"; a handsome stranger who told her she is a Lares, a guardian of the town of Rome and she has power to send devils away; a bat in her belfry, a mysterious fog. Her life has transformed from boring and unsatisfactory to exciting and unpredictable and it will never be the same ever. She still has a lot to learn to muddle through this Lares thing while working on her candle shop.
This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery with delightful characters, full of humor and mystery and a fast-paced story line that flows well and keeps you entertained as you try to figure out what will happen next. Sam Cheever has never disappointed me in her witty and sharp dialogue that always made me laugh out loud ^-^
I really like this book, it's fun and light heart cozy mystery with magic and little bit of romance in the air, very entertaining and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What Devilry is This? is a first book in the series: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel by Sam Cheever and it's a wonderful great start.
Aggy Lenore, a forty-five year olds divorcee has just bought a pretty old church in Rome, Indiana to make it her home and her "When in Rome Candle Shop". Beside her only companion Monty, a black and tan long-haired dachshund, she has love and support from Beverly, her best friend/sister (in a way) and Mavis, her surrogate mom/ex-mother-in-law, who has been there for Aggy since she was 15, Aggie is working hard to create her dream business.
On her first night at her new home (church) Aggy is struck by lightning. The next day, strange things start happening, a naked greenskeeper who called her "Madam Lares"; a handsome stranger who told her she is a Lares, a guardian of the town of Rome and she has power to send devils away; a bat in her belfry, a mysterious fog. Her life has transformed from boring and unsatisfactory to exciting and unpredictable and it will never be the same ever. She still has a lot to learn to muddle through this Lares thing while working on her candle shop.
This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery with delightful characters, full of humor and mystery and a fast-paced story line that flows well and keeps you entertained as you try to figure out what will happen next. Sam Cheever has never disappointed me in her witty and sharp dialogue that always made me laugh out loud ^-^
I really like this book, it's fun and light heart cozy mystery with magic and little bit of romance in the air, very entertaining and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2021
You will be totally surprised and delighted with this new series. Sam Cheever has a way with vivid descriptions of people, places and the unexplainable. WHAT DEVILY IS THIS is another breakaway from her normal cozy mysteries. This is not just another cozy paranormal series. It is true paranormal fight between good and evil filled with some humor and terror.
Aggy Lenore, a forty-five-year-old divorcee has never really had her very own place. Aggy decides to start her new life by opening her own business, a candle shop. When she finds an old but pretty white church sitting at the main crossroads of a small town named Rome, she feels a strong urge that this is the place to open her candle shop and make a new home for herself and Monty, her dachshund.
It doesn't take her long to meet people, like the gardner who works naked and other strange and disturbing people. These people keep calling her The Lares. Perusing the web she finds that the Lares were guardian Deities in the ancient Roman religion. But she's no Diety, she's not even a Catholic, so what gives. Now she needs to find out what's going on and how she's involved.
Be prepared for an enjoyable, fun story filled with dead people that want to help and others filled with evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a
Aggy Lenore, a forty-five-year-old divorcee has never really had her very own place. Aggy decides to start her new life by opening her own business, a candle shop. When she finds an old but pretty white church sitting at the main crossroads of a small town named Rome, she feels a strong urge that this is the place to open her candle shop and make a new home for herself and Monty, her dachshund.
It doesn't take her long to meet people, like the gardner who works naked and other strange and disturbing people. These people keep calling her The Lares. Perusing the web she finds that the Lares were guardian Deities in the ancient Roman religion. But she's no Diety, she's not even a Catholic, so what gives. Now she needs to find out what's going on and how she's involved.
Be prepared for an enjoyable, fun story filled with dead people that want to help and others filled with evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a
May 26, 2021
A 45 year old woman, a midlife crisis and a dachshund...sounds like an interesting combination. Aggy's life wasn't turning out like she thought it might, but she was ready to move on to the next phase following her divorce. She bought a former church, which stood at a crossroad, as she felt it would be the perfect place to live and set up shop selling her candles. There was just something about this church that seemed to call to her and draw her in the first time she saw it.
That first night, however, when the fog gathered outside, quickly forming a near blanket around her feet, she should have had a clue! The steeple bells tolling that night at midnight on their own, striking not 12 but 13 times made her nervous, but the stranger standing in the small cemetery behind the church staring up at her in the bell tower, making eye contact with her made her flesh crawl...and that was just her first day!
Join Aggy as she discovers the mysteries of a magical world she did not know existed and soon learns that midlife isn't the beginning of the end...but the beginning of a new adventure...if she can survive!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
That first night, however, when the fog gathered outside, quickly forming a near blanket around her feet, she should have had a clue! The steeple bells tolling that night at midnight on their own, striking not 12 but 13 times made her nervous, but the stranger standing in the small cemetery behind the church staring up at her in the bell tower, making eye contact with her made her flesh crawl...and that was just her first day!
Join Aggy as she discovers the mysteries of a magical world she did not know existed and soon learns that midlife isn't the beginning of the end...but the beginning of a new adventure...if she can survive!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2021
I loved this story about a woman who starts her life over after a divorce in more ways than she planned to when she finds herself right in the middle of a supernatural kerfuffle.
Aggy Lenore is forty-five years old and finds herself divorced and the proud owner of an old country church which she plans to renovate as both a home and a business. She is joined by her long-haired dachshund Monty. For decorating tips she has her almost-sister Bev and for comfort food and advice her almost-mom Mavis. When the church bell tolls thirteen times on her first night in her new home, Aggy's life changes forever. She has been chosen as the Lares for the area of Rome, Indiana and now she has to survive the thirteen nights of challenges. Fortunately for her, she will gather the beings she needs to advise and assist her in her quest. From witches to gnomes to shifters, Aggy will need all the help she can get if she and the town are going to survive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Aggy Lenore is forty-five years old and finds herself divorced and the proud owner of an old country church which she plans to renovate as both a home and a business. She is joined by her long-haired dachshund Monty. For decorating tips she has her almost-sister Bev and for comfort food and advice her almost-mom Mavis. When the church bell tolls thirteen times on her first night in her new home, Aggy's life changes forever. She has been chosen as the Lares for the area of Rome, Indiana and now she has to survive the thirteen nights of challenges. Fortunately for her, she will gather the beings she needs to advise and assist her in her quest. From witches to gnomes to shifters, Aggy will need all the help she can get if she and the town are going to survive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2022
Good start to this series. What will happen next to Aggy now that she has accepted the role of Madam Lares and now has her area to protect.
June 3, 2021
What a romp! Sam Cheever brings us a break from reality that is more than welcomed in this odd and stressful spring. There is a little romance, a few strong, independent women, a lovable dachshund named Monty, and a few witches, werewolves, gnomes, and fairies to fill in the blanks.
Aggie Lemore is 45, newly divorced, and has just purchased the lovely old de-commissioned church at the crossroads outside Rome, Indiana, a place big enough to accommodate her household as well as a retail shop to sell her candles, etc. This is an interesting and absorbing read, and Sam Cheever is an author I follow. Her work is always a breath of fresh air when I have more than enough of 2020-2021. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family.
Author discount
publishing date May 25, 2021
REviewed on June 3, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Aggie Lemore is 45, newly divorced, and has just purchased the lovely old de-commissioned church at the crossroads outside Rome, Indiana, a place big enough to accommodate her household as well as a retail shop to sell her candles, etc. This is an interesting and absorbing read, and Sam Cheever is an author I follow. Her work is always a breath of fresh air when I have more than enough of 2020-2021. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family.
Author discount
publishing date May 25, 2021
REviewed on June 3, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
June 8, 2021
Our heroine has always heard the family stories, but never believed any of them. They were just stories, right? Tell that to the magical creatures that suddenly appear at her doorstep.
This is book one of the series, so a good place to start.
This is an urban fantasy/paranormal story, whichever you are most comfortable with. Like all the stories I have read by this author, it is well written and easy to read with a well developed cast and setting. What sets it apart from many of the other offerings from this author is that it is populated by magical beings and a bit of magic. What fun! The plot is well done with a fair dose of the "what have I gotten myself into now" type mystery to it. There is also a nice bit of humor sprinkled throughout. All together, it made for a very entertaining story and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book one of the series, so a good place to start.
This is an urban fantasy/paranormal story, whichever you are most comfortable with. Like all the stories I have read by this author, it is well written and easy to read with a well developed cast and setting. What sets it apart from many of the other offerings from this author is that it is populated by magical beings and a bit of magic. What fun! The plot is well done with a fair dose of the "what have I gotten myself into now" type mystery to it. There is also a nice bit of humor sprinkled throughout. All together, it made for a very entertaining story and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
June 6, 2021
A woman wants to get away from her former life and decides to buy a former church in a small town called Rome and make it her home. She is very down-to-earth and is shocked, when suddenly strange things happen and unusual creatures show up on her door mat, calling her Madam Lares.
Checking the term, she finds out that they believe her to be a guardian goddess, and that she will have to face several tests before she is either dead or the next Lares - Guardian of Rome.
A thrilling beginning to a new series with a rather sceptical heroine, a bunch of really interesting characters - paranormal and otherwise and lots of action, testing her character.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Checking the term, she finds out that they believe her to be a guardian goddess, and that she will have to face several tests before she is either dead or the next Lares - Guardian of Rome.
A thrilling beginning to a new series with a rather sceptical heroine, a bunch of really interesting characters - paranormal and otherwise and lots of action, testing her character.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2021
How many paranormals can one small town hold?
Agatha “Aggy” Lenore is looking forward to a new chapter in her life as the divorced, proud owner of an old church that she is renovating into a home and candle shop business. She and her dachshund, Monty, are enjoying the quiet and the natural beauty until the naked guy shows up and that is just the first of a series of strange and dangerous events.
Sam Cheever is one of my favorite authors. She has a delightful imagination that delivers unique paranormal books with plenty of action and magic. I received a free copy of the book but my opinions are honest and voluntary.
Agatha “Aggy” Lenore is looking forward to a new chapter in her life as the divorced, proud owner of an old church that she is renovating into a home and candle shop business. She and her dachshund, Monty, are enjoying the quiet and the natural beauty until the naked guy shows up and that is just the first of a series of strange and dangerous events.
Sam Cheever is one of my favorite authors. She has a delightful imagination that delivers unique paranormal books with plenty of action and magic. I received a free copy of the book but my opinions are honest and voluntary.
May 25, 2021
I think this is my favorite Sam Cheever novel, which is saying a lot! So much fun! I love the way Aggy cusses, the ring tones from her mom, the way she only freaks out for a minute when strangers show up in her home then just shrugs and accepts it. Her dog Monty is a love! And the church she's moved into sounds amazing. The action never stops. The characters are sexy, scary, funny, and heartwarming. A group of very odd strangers become a tribe that protects and supports Aggy and her mission. I don't think the blurb does the book justice. It's so much more than it seems! If you like odd, quirky characters, paranormals, fairy tale villains and adrenaline rushes, this is the book for you!
May 31, 2021
After her divorce, Aggie purchased an old church and its grounds about a 5-minute drive outside the town of Rome, Indiana. Aggie moved into the church on the 13th of the month and started unpacking the boxes the movers had stacked everywhere. Then strange things started happening at midnight and before she knows it she has all kinds of friends in the forms of a warrior pixie, a werewolf, a bat, 2 witches, and more. Even with all the frightening supernatural stuff going on, this story still had me laughing more often than I was scared, Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2021
Aggy is divorced and starting over. She buys an old church to make into a home and candle business. The first night gets really foggy and the bells of the church chime thirteen times... spooky. Within a day, she gets struck by lightning and starts to see paranormal beings and becomes a lares. Her life will never be the same again.
The characters are mostly fun and quirky. Fairies, bats, The storyline is so riveting as it moves fast and details a lot. Could not put the book down and can not wait to read more about this group. Love the ending and the directions this can go is astronomical.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are mostly fun and quirky. Fairies, bats, The storyline is so riveting as it moves fast and details a lot. Could not put the book down and can not wait to read more about this group. Love the ending and the directions this can go is astronomical.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2021
I loved this book. Not my first book by Ms. Cheever. I couldn’t put this book down.
Great characters, fun read, laugh out loud, and so much more.
The last thing Aggy expects after buying the Rome Lutheran Church which was now her home, and her new candle shop was a “gong” in the middle of the night. That’s just the beginning of things to come.
Oh Her faithful dachshund Monty stayed by her side that was for sure. He was a sweet pup. He never failed her. He liked a good adventure that was for sure.
A must read book. I’m so glad I bought this book. So different then any other book I have read. I loved the ending, and can not wait for more books to be released.
Great characters, fun read, laugh out loud, and so much more.
The last thing Aggy expects after buying the Rome Lutheran Church which was now her home, and her new candle shop was a “gong” in the middle of the night. That’s just the beginning of things to come.
Oh Her faithful dachshund Monty stayed by her side that was for sure. He was a sweet pup. He never failed her. He liked a good adventure that was for sure.
A must read book. I’m so glad I bought this book. So different then any other book I have read. I loved the ending, and can not wait for more books to be released.
May 1, 2022
3.75 stars rounded up…story lacks gravitas
While a corny plot is fine, the protagonist still needs to demonstrate insight, concern, and a desire to sort things out instead of willynilly going along with a momentous change in her life. The protagonist is just too blasé about the weird events that happen, the bizarre characters that show up in her house, and the life-threatening responsibilities placed upon her. Her lack of introspection makes her seem like a shallow twenty-something ditz. There’s potential for her to be grieving the loss of her mom, husband, and confusion over her dad abandoning her, but these issues are merely mentioned and don’t seem to deeply affect her behaviors or self-esteem.
The details about Monty the dog are wonderfully believable. All the other secondary characters, with the exception of the raven and Gren, lack three-dimensional descriptions. They have initial physical descriptions, but later they become mere names on the page without much visual detail, backstories, emotional depth, or needs. Why are they bothering to help out? What happens if they don’t or if they fail?
The scenes jump from one conflict to another with no down time between, so it feels like reading a video game plot.
The story has great potential, but it lacks depth for readers to immerse into a 3-D world with believable emotions, character relationship-building, and a compelling climax. Who cares if the protagonist fails? What emotional stakes are on the line that feel terribly important? There’s just a vague sense that she needs to do the right thing.
There are a few erroneous word choices and incomplete sentences, but the writing is generally solid in terms of conventions.
This story is like reading a Scooby Doo show/Buffy Vampire show plot for adults. It does not require deep thought but a suspension of disbelief.
While a corny plot is fine, the protagonist still needs to demonstrate insight, concern, and a desire to sort things out instead of willynilly going along with a momentous change in her life. The protagonist is just too blasé about the weird events that happen, the bizarre characters that show up in her house, and the life-threatening responsibilities placed upon her. Her lack of introspection makes her seem like a shallow twenty-something ditz. There’s potential for her to be grieving the loss of her mom, husband, and confusion over her dad abandoning her, but these issues are merely mentioned and don’t seem to deeply affect her behaviors or self-esteem.
The details about Monty the dog are wonderfully believable. All the other secondary characters, with the exception of the raven and Gren, lack three-dimensional descriptions. They have initial physical descriptions, but later they become mere names on the page without much visual detail, backstories, emotional depth, or needs. Why are they bothering to help out? What happens if they don’t or if they fail?
The scenes jump from one conflict to another with no down time between, so it feels like reading a video game plot.
The story has great potential, but it lacks depth for readers to immerse into a 3-D world with believable emotions, character relationship-building, and a compelling climax. Who cares if the protagonist fails? What emotional stakes are on the line that feel terribly important? There’s just a vague sense that she needs to do the right thing.
There are a few erroneous word choices and incomplete sentences, but the writing is generally solid in terms of conventions.
This story is like reading a Scooby Doo show/Buffy Vampire show plot for adults. It does not require deep thought but a suspension of disbelief.
October 29, 2024
Aggy and her husband Troy divorce - this is Aggy’s call to adventure, that Joseph Campbell the world mythologist talks about in The Hero’s Journey. Every Hero/heroine receives a call to adventure and it usually involves something difficult.( for Luke Skywalker in star wars it was the murder of his aunt and uncle that propelled him to learn the ways of the Jedi, and began the Starwars saga).
So Aggy follows her much more quiet call to adventure before she is thrust into the magical storm. While it’s rough for Aggy, being in her mid 40s, starting over so unexpectedly, she keeps her mom in law (the mom of her heart) and her sister in law (heart sis too) since the divorce is fairly amicable.
The shocker is when Aggy buys a beautiful church, and decides to make it her business place and her home, selling her handmade candles there.
So you can imagine the shock for Aggy and her adorable dachsund Monty when a pealing bell tolling above her at midnight blasts her out of a dead sleep!
Aggy and Monty run to the belfry, I swear I am so nottt making this up - this is part of the plot of the talented Sam Cheever,and it turns out that Aggy is from a magical family member and must pass a series of agical tests to be the next magical crossroads guardian of the town on the key lines where her home and magical property is, Rome, Indiana.
There are a series of tests with bizarre magical creatures battling her, for the next Lares (the name of the magical guardian), and thankfully Aggy has a Council of advisors (her mom and sister,and some new friends who show up in the book who are remarkable and of course magical).
It’a GREAT read, divinely delish and devilish story too - with a lot of hidden sweetness and complexity, and an absolutely worthwhile read
So Aggy follows her much more quiet call to adventure before she is thrust into the magical storm. While it’s rough for Aggy, being in her mid 40s, starting over so unexpectedly, she keeps her mom in law (the mom of her heart) and her sister in law (heart sis too) since the divorce is fairly amicable.
The shocker is when Aggy buys a beautiful church, and decides to make it her business place and her home, selling her handmade candles there.
So you can imagine the shock for Aggy and her adorable dachsund Monty when a pealing bell tolling above her at midnight blasts her out of a dead sleep!
Aggy and Monty run to the belfry, I swear I am so nottt making this up - this is part of the plot of the talented Sam Cheever,and it turns out that Aggy is from a magical family member and must pass a series of agical tests to be the next magical crossroads guardian of the town on the key lines where her home and magical property is, Rome, Indiana.
There are a series of tests with bizarre magical creatures battling her, for the next Lares (the name of the magical guardian), and thankfully Aggy has a Council of advisors (her mom and sister,and some new friends who show up in the book who are remarkable and of course magical).
It’a GREAT read, divinely delish and devilish story too - with a lot of hidden sweetness and complexity, and an absolutely worthwhile read
October 13, 2024
Overview: Aggy Lenore has finally decided to shoot for her dreams. Her husband has run off, leaving her with Monty, his mother, and his sister to try to help her with her dreams. She's already bought a beautiful church, and it'll be perfect for a home-based candle shop. There're just a few problems. The gardener is of the nudist variety, and there is an actual bat in her belfry. The worst thing though, is the fact that the bell seems to be broken. It tolls thirteen times every night. What is she to do?
Dislikes: This was a hard book to read. I wanted to like Aggy. Yet, she rarely took credit for the choices she made. She also seemed to lean towards a victim mentality, and that is something that can hurt a protagonist.
Her advocate, Ferral, needs a dictionary. He really doesn't support Aggy. Though, he did keep her within the rules of the sitting.
Likes: Bev and Mavis cared greatly about Aggy. They did their best to make her part of the family. Trish and Luke were fun to be around.
Gren was able to help where he could.
I guess we need to catch one of the later books to find out what Wanda's mother did to cause a teenager to be cursed.
Conclusion: This was a fun book at times. I'm just not a fan of victim culture. Perhaps, I've gotten too fast at spotting it. Enjoy the read, especially if you like easy to read urban fantasy.
Dislikes: This was a hard book to read. I wanted to like Aggy. Yet, she rarely took credit for the choices she made. She also seemed to lean towards a victim mentality, and that is something that can hurt a protagonist.
Her advocate, Ferral, needs a dictionary. He really doesn't support Aggy. Though, he did keep her within the rules of the sitting.
Likes: Bev and Mavis cared greatly about Aggy. They did their best to make her part of the family. Trish and Luke were fun to be around.
Gren was able to help where he could.
I guess we need to catch one of the later books to find out what Wanda's mother did to cause a teenager to be cursed.
Conclusion: This was a fun book at times. I'm just not a fan of victim culture. Perhaps, I've gotten too fast at spotting it. Enjoy the read, especially if you like easy to read urban fantasy.
July 10, 2023
Good
Aggie Lenore, recently divorced, has begun her new start by buying a church as her new home.
One strike of lightening, a graveyard full of ghosts, and a bat in her not-so-metaphorical belfry later, and Aggie is realizing that a) her family have all been keeping secrets from her and b) the new start involves a magical role she never saw coming!
Aggie’s midlife new beginning has definitely given her more than she bargained for, and she struggles with the new role she is being asked to play. Between suspending disbelief, fighting battles against evil minions, and learning that she has a town relying on her, in addition to her new plans to start her own business, she has a lot on her plate.
Fortunately she also gets to meet some new and interesting beings, who are not exactly human.
Star of the book award is split between bat and raven, though many of the characters are marvellously intriguing as we try to figure them out.
The story is fun, fast paced, and filled with a lot of magical action, and Aggie is firmly in her middle years: which makes this a great read for paranormal women’s fiction fans, and urban fantasy fans who enjoy an interesting story with a mature heroine.
Aggie Lenore, recently divorced, has begun her new start by buying a church as her new home.
One strike of lightening, a graveyard full of ghosts, and a bat in her not-so-metaphorical belfry later, and Aggie is realizing that a) her family have all been keeping secrets from her and b) the new start involves a magical role she never saw coming!
Aggie’s midlife new beginning has definitely given her more than she bargained for, and she struggles with the new role she is being asked to play. Between suspending disbelief, fighting battles against evil minions, and learning that she has a town relying on her, in addition to her new plans to start her own business, she has a lot on her plate.
Fortunately she also gets to meet some new and interesting beings, who are not exactly human.
Star of the book award is split between bat and raven, though many of the characters are marvellously intriguing as we try to figure them out.
The story is fun, fast paced, and filled with a lot of magical action, and Aggie is firmly in her middle years: which makes this a great read for paranormal women’s fiction fans, and urban fantasy fans who enjoy an interesting story with a mature heroine.
June 28, 2022
Newly divorced Aggy Lenore is delighted with the purchase of her new home, an old church in the town of Rome. But the gong ringing loudly in the belfry every night and the appearance of strange and formidable creatures is more than she can handle.
This is a fun urban fantasy that has both scary moments and plenty of humor. Aggy is a terrific, character, and her dog Monty adds to the charm. This is also a story about family secrets and rallying together in a time of crisis.
The pacing and building suspense are well done. The origins of some of the magical creatures aren’t really explained and I would have liked to have known more about them. Also, one subplot wasn’t tied up, but it’s possibly addressed in subsequent installments. Fans of magic, ghosts, gnomes, fairies, and other creatures will certainly enjoy this one.
This is a fun urban fantasy that has both scary moments and plenty of humor. Aggy is a terrific, character, and her dog Monty adds to the charm. This is also a story about family secrets and rallying together in a time of crisis.
The pacing and building suspense are well done. The origins of some of the magical creatures aren’t really explained and I would have liked to have known more about them. Also, one subplot wasn’t tied up, but it’s possibly addressed in subsequent installments. Fans of magic, ghosts, gnomes, fairies, and other creatures will certainly enjoy this one.
November 16, 2022
I read this despite thinking it was more of a female sort of book, sort of getting in touch with my feminine side probably and I quite appreciated it. Agnes Aggy Lenore bought the ex church with a view to opening her candle making and selling business and then found another position, custodian of the whole area of Rome, came with it and responsibility for all within it's boundaries. Luckily she comes into the powers as Lares and also inherits a coven and a crew of magical helpers along with Monty who is always there to help unless he is locked in the bedroom to stop him. Her adopted family and her magical new friends fight the evil that comes with the trials of the thirteenth stopping the evil that lurks in the woods behind her new home. Nice story and characters, fanciful writing and setting worth a read.
February 13, 2022
When you discover you're witch
Recently divorced and anxious to start a new life Aggie buys a church building that is no longer used. She intends to make it her home and open a candle shop. Her mother and sister have offered to help her get set up. Before she can get set up strange happenings begin. Witches ghosts demons and all kinds of magical creatures come into play.I don't remember encountering this many magical creatures in one book. They are all unique and entertaining.
I liked Aggie and her ' friends'. The story was well written and the action moved quickly. I found it entertaining and I'm glad I took a chance on this book. It is different from what I am accustomed to and I recommend it to anyone who likes this genre.
Recently divorced and anxious to start a new life Aggie buys a church building that is no longer used. She intends to make it her home and open a candle shop. Her mother and sister have offered to help her get set up. Before she can get set up strange happenings begin. Witches ghosts demons and all kinds of magical creatures come into play.I don't remember encountering this many magical creatures in one book. They are all unique and entertaining.
I liked Aggie and her ' friends'. The story was well written and the action moved quickly. I found it entertaining and I'm glad I took a chance on this book. It is different from what I am accustomed to and I recommend it to anyone who likes this genre.
May 14, 2022
Magical
I loved this book. The story is beautifully thought out, the characters are easy to like or hate (depending on which side they are on).
If you love magic and magical creatures you will love this book. Aggy our heroine comes into her powers as she faces battles with the “lost one’s” and as you would expect each battle becomes more challenging. Aggy has support from her council, whom she collects along the way.
Aggy never knew that she has a magical legacy and is thrown in the deep end. Aggy is being called Madam Lares of the little town of Rome. Will she learn to use her magic and inherit her legacy?
Star the series and find out…..I will definitely be continuing the journey with Aggy and her council of friends.
I loved this book. The story is beautifully thought out, the characters are easy to like or hate (depending on which side they are on).
If you love magic and magical creatures you will love this book. Aggy our heroine comes into her powers as she faces battles with the “lost one’s” and as you would expect each battle becomes more challenging. Aggy has support from her council, whom she collects along the way.
Aggy never knew that she has a magical legacy and is thrown in the deep end. Aggy is being called Madam Lares of the little town of Rome. Will she learn to use her magic and inherit her legacy?
Star the series and find out…..I will definitely be continuing the journey with Aggy and her council of friends.
May 25, 2021
Here, we meet Aggie Lenore who believes that she is just an ordinary forty-five year old divorcée who just happens to have bought an old church to live in and run her new candle making business. No way is she a Lares, a guardian deity with amazing powers. Only, it seems, she is! And off we go on a supernatural romp in the small town of Rome, Indiana. Along the way, she gathers herself a council to help her.
I was fortunate enough to get hold of an advanced review copy of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I found it to be a well crafted, intriguing tale and would encourage anyone who likes this genre to read it.
I was fortunate enough to get hold of an advanced review copy of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I found it to be a well crafted, intriguing tale and would encourage anyone who likes this genre to read it.
October 10, 2021
Not quite what I pictured
Aggy is 45, newly divorced and moving into her own place. An old church with a history she never dreamt could remotely be possible tied to a destiny she never believed in. At her age, learning that all of the things she always thought of as fairy tales exist, some in truly terrifying ways. Tasked with passing a series of test to determine if she is worthy of being the protector of the Rome territory, Aggy has to accept and embrace her magic and all of the magical beings who help and guide her during the tests. Some of these tests could get her killed.
Aggy is 45, newly divorced and moving into her own place. An old church with a history she never dreamt could remotely be possible tied to a destiny she never believed in. At her age, learning that all of the things she always thought of as fairy tales exist, some in truly terrifying ways. Tasked with passing a series of test to determine if she is worthy of being the protector of the Rome territory, Aggy has to accept and embrace her magic and all of the magical beings who help and guide her during the tests. Some of these tests could get her killed.
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