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Midlife in Raven #1
Raven's Influence
Years ago, I turned my back on the small town of Raven, Georgia. But as a 43-year-old divorcee with an empty nest staring me in the face, I can hardly say no when my mama finally breaks down and does the impossible. She asks for help.
I expect to lend a hand with running the family business.
Instead, I end up inheriting witch powers and a magical family legacy.
My mama's been hiding a secret for my whole life. The merciless gods and goddesses from Ancient Rome are trapped in my hometown... Unfortunately for me, I'm the only thing standing between them and all hell breaking loose…
With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, I’ve only got three weeks to solve the mystery of why my Earth witch powers don't work.
Saving the world won’t be easy. Of course, neither is being a middle-aged woman.
I might be midlife, but sugar, I’m just getting started!
Dive into this paranormal women's fiction story about midlife women, mythical gods, and the magic that happens when life forces you to change.
I expect to lend a hand with running the family business.
Instead, I end up inheriting witch powers and a magical family legacy.
My mama's been hiding a secret for my whole life. The merciless gods and goddesses from Ancient Rome are trapped in my hometown... Unfortunately for me, I'm the only thing standing between them and all hell breaking loose…
With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, I’ve only got three weeks to solve the mystery of why my Earth witch powers don't work.
Saving the world won’t be easy. Of course, neither is being a middle-aged woman.
I might be midlife, but sugar, I’m just getting started!
Dive into this paranormal women's fiction story about midlife women, mythical gods, and the magic that happens when life forces you to change.
260 pages, ebook
First published May 30, 2021
176 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Morrison
80 books233 followersLynn Morrison lives in Oxford, England along with her husband, two daughters and two cats. Originally from the US, she has also lived in Italy, France and the Netherlands. It’s no surprise then that she loves to travel, with a never-ending wishlist of destinations to visit. She is as passionate about reading as she is writing, and can almost always be found with a book in hand. You can find out more about her on her website LynnMorrisonWriter.com.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
You can chat with her directly in her Facebook group - Lynn Morrison’s Not a Book Club - where she talks about books, life and anything else that crosses her mind.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 29, 2022
Southern charm, Southern sass, and... Roman mythology??? Read it!
May 30, 2021
WOW, I started this and i was compelled to keep going! I couldn't put it down, it was a great read.
Cleo has to return to her small hometown of Raven when her mother the epitome of the high society southern lady admits to her she needs help as she requires a hip replacement. Cleo dreads her return, she left Raven as soon as she could, fearing the constraints of the small town. But now her mother needs her and ultimately so does the town. When her mother flatlines in surgery secrets are revealed to Cleo and decisions have to be made that could effect her and her 21 year old daughters future. Being older gives Cleo a unique outlook and where others underestimate her those closest to her see that age is not a detriment in fact when having to choose between a rock and a hard place, Cleo finds the comfy spot in the middle!
I love the character of Cleo her introspection is great, Each of her mentors bring something to the game, the author has made it so each mentor has a distinct voice and place in Cleo's decisions and training, I love that each one has a different thought on her capabilities and those closest to her worry about her abilities the most, whereas the strangers in her new life have the most belief in them.
If I have one complaint it is to fast. This one book could have been split into 2 longer books with more time spent on Cleo's training, and then the challenges she faces.
I look forward to the next book to see what shenanigans will ensue, and how Cleo's will use her position and powers to change the town of Raven. And Marcus, I look foreword to more Marcus
Cleo has to return to her small hometown of Raven when her mother the epitome of the high society southern lady admits to her she needs help as she requires a hip replacement. Cleo dreads her return, she left Raven as soon as she could, fearing the constraints of the small town. But now her mother needs her and ultimately so does the town. When her mother flatlines in surgery secrets are revealed to Cleo and decisions have to be made that could effect her and her 21 year old daughters future. Being older gives Cleo a unique outlook and where others underestimate her those closest to her see that age is not a detriment in fact when having to choose between a rock and a hard place, Cleo finds the comfy spot in the middle!
I love the character of Cleo her introspection is great, Each of her mentors bring something to the game, the author has made it so each mentor has a distinct voice and place in Cleo's decisions and training, I love that each one has a different thought on her capabilities and those closest to her worry about her abilities the most, whereas the strangers in her new life have the most belief in them.
If I have one complaint it is to fast. This one book could have been split into 2 longer books with more time spent on Cleo's training, and then the challenges she faces.
I look forward to the next book to see what shenanigans will ensue, and how Cleo's will use her position and powers to change the town of Raven. And Marcus, I look foreword to more Marcus
May 31, 2021
Great Start to a New Series !! . . .
Our middle-aged heroine Cleo is a strong, independent woman who has her own business and has proven herself a success. Cleo’s mom is going to need her help after her surgical procedure, so Cleo goes back to the small town she grew up in. Aside from regular mention of “Marcus”, not explaining who he is or where he was, Cleo still hadn’t met him. Was this her mom’s boyfriend? Finally a car drove up and her mom called out the window to ask Marcus to bring in Cleo’s bags. By the time they got to the door, a tall handsome man stood there, effortlessly holding the heavy suitcases. Her mom finally mentioned that Marcus was renting the apartment over the carriage house out back. Then her mom hustled her out of the house before she could ask any more questions.
Unfortunately, although the surgery went perfectly well, her mom ends up in a coma they thought resulted from a stroke as she was moved to post-op. Shortly after that, Cleo also learns about magic when all she thought she knew is turned upside-down. Now what will she do?
This book gives us an enjoyable story line filled with magic, mystery, mayhem, and romance revolving around Cleo and an interesting assortment of secondary characters. Grab your copy and meet the neighbors!
Our middle-aged heroine Cleo is a strong, independent woman who has her own business and has proven herself a success. Cleo’s mom is going to need her help after her surgical procedure, so Cleo goes back to the small town she grew up in. Aside from regular mention of “Marcus”, not explaining who he is or where he was, Cleo still hadn’t met him. Was this her mom’s boyfriend? Finally a car drove up and her mom called out the window to ask Marcus to bring in Cleo’s bags. By the time they got to the door, a tall handsome man stood there, effortlessly holding the heavy suitcases. Her mom finally mentioned that Marcus was renting the apartment over the carriage house out back. Then her mom hustled her out of the house before she could ask any more questions.
Unfortunately, although the surgery went perfectly well, her mom ends up in a coma they thought resulted from a stroke as she was moved to post-op. Shortly after that, Cleo also learns about magic when all she thought she knew is turned upside-down. Now what will she do?
This book gives us an enjoyable story line filled with magic, mystery, mayhem, and romance revolving around Cleo and an interesting assortment of secondary characters. Grab your copy and meet the neighbors!
August 4, 2021
Love it
No spoilers. This book is a gem in the pwf genre. From the get go I was drawn into Cleo’s life and story. As the book progressed I loved seeing her grow and accept her role on her new path. Some I’ve read in this genre have been written as pretty much juvenile characters with dialogue/banter more representative of high school kids, so much so that when there’s been mention of a chin hair, or aching knees, I’ve gone, wait, what? As it’s taken me a second to realise they’re supposed to be middle aged characters. Not so with Cleo. Still with issues and fears to overcome, but there’s depth and maturity to her character and - what I feel anyways - def represents a woman in her 40’s. Reminded me of the way 2 of my fave authors (K. F. Breene and Shannon Mayer) write their midlife female mc’s. Love Cleo and was rooting for her all the way. Great story, a nicely different take on the midlife magic theme, with fab side characters too. Looking forward to seeing how Cleo’s next chapter of life unfolds - and hopefully her love life too?
All in all I loved this start to the series - it’s rare for me to give 5 stars for the first book in a series, but this, imho, deserves it. Very happy I’ve found this author 😄
No spoilers. This book is a gem in the pwf genre. From the get go I was drawn into Cleo’s life and story. As the book progressed I loved seeing her grow and accept her role on her new path. Some I’ve read in this genre have been written as pretty much juvenile characters with dialogue/banter more representative of high school kids, so much so that when there’s been mention of a chin hair, or aching knees, I’ve gone, wait, what? As it’s taken me a second to realise they’re supposed to be middle aged characters. Not so with Cleo. Still with issues and fears to overcome, but there’s depth and maturity to her character and - what I feel anyways - def represents a woman in her 40’s. Reminded me of the way 2 of my fave authors (K. F. Breene and Shannon Mayer) write their midlife female mc’s. Love Cleo and was rooting for her all the way. Great story, a nicely different take on the midlife magic theme, with fab side characters too. Looking forward to seeing how Cleo’s next chapter of life unfolds - and hopefully her love life too?
All in all I loved this start to the series - it’s rare for me to give 5 stars for the first book in a series, but this, imho, deserves it. Very happy I’ve found this author 😄
May 23, 2021
I’m always up for a paranormal womens fiction midlife read because I can relate to the aches and pains and struggles solely for this stage in life. Over all I enjoyed this read. The main character Cleo loves her momma but wants nothing to do with the small town she grew up in. When her mom has to have hip replacement she comes home. She gets a little, oh who am I kidding a lot more then she bargained after she arrives. The story is filled with personal growth, breaking down barriers and empowering ones self not matter what life throws at you. There is some slower areas but the storyline is unique and fun to follow. I am really sad though it’s lacking the PWF humor on midlife struggles. It mentions a sore knee here or there but no moments where I bust out giggling became the struggle is real. I am invested and will be reading the next book when it comes out but just know that element isn’t there. There is some tension but no heat. I know a lot of you ladies out there like to skim over the heat but I am hoping book two brings at least a good simmer! Because a chariot riding Spartan with an Adonis body deserve some lol
July 8, 2021
Nuances
As a child, I was never as into the Roman gods as I was Greek mythology. Consequently, I found this book to be a bit dull in the discussion of the paranormal influences.
For all the the “paranormal women’s fiction” that has come out over the past few years, I did, however, appreciate that Cleo, the female protagonist, was not a raging alcoholic dancing on table tops with a cartoonishly evil, mustache-twirling ex-husband. It was a refreshing change of pace. I particularly appreciated not having to read about menopause symptoms in a 40yo woman. Even without the paranormal aspect, the foundation of the story - returning to one’s hometown to care for an elderly parent - is solid. I particularly liked that the author didn’t shy away from discussing the complexity of parent/child relationships and that children of any age cannot possibly know everything about their parents.
As a child, I was never as into the Roman gods as I was Greek mythology. Consequently, I found this book to be a bit dull in the discussion of the paranormal influences.
For all the the “paranormal women’s fiction” that has come out over the past few years, I did, however, appreciate that Cleo, the female protagonist, was not a raging alcoholic dancing on table tops with a cartoonishly evil, mustache-twirling ex-husband. It was a refreshing change of pace. I particularly appreciated not having to read about menopause symptoms in a 40yo woman. Even without the paranormal aspect, the foundation of the story - returning to one’s hometown to care for an elderly parent - is solid. I particularly liked that the author didn’t shy away from discussing the complexity of parent/child relationships and that children of any age cannot possibly know everything about their parents.
June 6, 2021
Lynn Morrison nails it out of the park again, with a new series that combines history, humor, our world, and the unexpected. The idea is fascinating, with a connection between a small southern US town and Roman-period history and mythology. As always, her characters are varied and realistic.
Her writing is always a pleasure to read, with the main problem being the question of deciding between burning through the book in one sitting or dividing it up over several days to savor it. I aimed for the latter, but ended up not being able to put it down. Now I can't wait for book 2! Highly recommended!
Her writing is always a pleasure to read, with the main problem being the question of deciding between burning through the book in one sitting or dividing it up over several days to savor it. I aimed for the latter, but ended up not being able to put it down. Now I can't wait for book 2! Highly recommended!
May 30, 2021
Absolutely thrilling.
This is normally not my type of book, however, I have been following this author since I read her first series which was awesome. This book, while pure fantasy, is thrilling to the point I didn't want to stop reading. I devoured the book in 2 days. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
As usual with this author I am so devoted even though I
Receive advance copies of her books I still buy a copy when they go on sale to support her. That's how much I love her books!
This is normally not my type of book, however, I have been following this author since I read her first series which was awesome. This book, while pure fantasy, is thrilling to the point I didn't want to stop reading. I devoured the book in 2 days. I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
As usual with this author I am so devoted even though I
Receive advance copies of her books I still buy a copy when they go on sale to support her. That's how much I love her books!
June 3, 2021
Awesome new midlife magic debut
Lynn Morrison has managed to upend all the old-new tropes of women discovering their powers either in their early years or at midlife. Cleo is a fantastic if reluctant heroine, using the wisdom painfully gained through her life experience (plus some excellent training) to try to both assume her mother's mantle and save her life--and her hometown, Raven, in the bargain. Filled with unique characters, this tale leaves the reader eager for more of Cleo's adventures in achieving balance while safeguarding Raven.
Lynn Morrison has managed to upend all the old-new tropes of women discovering their powers either in their early years or at midlife. Cleo is a fantastic if reluctant heroine, using the wisdom painfully gained through her life experience (plus some excellent training) to try to both assume her mother's mantle and save her life--and her hometown, Raven, in the bargain. Filled with unique characters, this tale leaves the reader eager for more of Cleo's adventures in achieving balance while safeguarding Raven.
June 27, 2021
Mythology twist
Roman gods have been trapped in a small Georgia town for centuries, policed only by an Earth witch. Growing up in small town was the reason Cleo always wanted to leave but coming back to what she believed would be routine surgery for her mother opened her eyes to so much more. And it leaves you with a happy giddy feeling to see it all unfold and looking forward to the next adventure.
Roman gods have been trapped in a small Georgia town for centuries, policed only by an Earth witch. Growing up in small town was the reason Cleo always wanted to leave but coming back to what she believed would be routine surgery for her mother opened her eyes to so much more. And it leaves you with a happy giddy feeling to see it all unfold and looking forward to the next adventure.
July 25, 2021
Tired of watching teenagers save the world? Think a middle-aged "been there, done that" witch is better up to the challenge? Can't get enough of Roman history and Greek mythology? Raven's Influence is for you. Packed with all the magical world-building and hilarity you've come to expect from Lynn Morrison, Raven's Influence is a creative paranormal woman's fiction novel that will keep you reading.
August 6, 2021
I found this book through the #pwf genre and it’s an excellent beginning to a promising new series. I enjoyed the intersection between mythic gods, witchery, celtic heroes and a middle aged woman. I was worried it was starting a little slowly but I stuck with it and I’m glad I did. Lynn Morrison’s take on finding your magic late in life was unique. She set up the series to grow without horrible cliffhangers too. Can you say grateful? I’m looking forward to seeing what she does in the next book.
May 20, 2021
Cleo left her hometown and never looked back, her mother was having hip surgery so she went back home. Her mother went into a coma, Cleo had to accept her duty as a protector to the town to keep some Gods from escaping the town. She went through training and got there with the help of Mother Earth and 2 others. Took me awhile to get into the book finally got it.
June 3, 2021
A W itchy Romance
I really enjoyed this story of a witch learning how to use her powers
and the teacher she’s falling in love with. It was exciting steamy
and an emotional adventure. I’m happy to recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this story of a witch learning how to use her powers
and the teacher she’s falling in love with. It was exciting steamy
and an emotional adventure. I’m happy to recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2021
Marc Anthony? The Marc Anthony is the love interest of the h, whose name is Cleo.....
And of course the guy has a lot of baggage and is still hung up on Cleopatra? Man...... *SIGH*
The story is intriguing enough to want to know what's coming next. I hope she gets/finds a more suitable partner in the coming books.....
And of course the guy has a lot of baggage and is still hung up on Cleopatra? Man...... *SIGH*
The story is intriguing enough to want to know what's coming next. I hope she gets/finds a more suitable partner in the coming books.....
February 20, 2022
Unique story line
The main characters of Helen and Cleo are very believable as people. The fantasy characters of Amani, Boudicca and Marcus are unique, interesting and well written. Love the story line. It is unique and has various directions it can go in. I’m looking forward to the next book.
The main characters of Helen and Cleo are very believable as people. The fantasy characters of Amani, Boudicca and Marcus are unique, interesting and well written. Love the story line. It is unique and has various directions it can go in. I’m looking forward to the next book.
March 13, 2022
What a great start to a new series. It's great seeing the main character that isn't a younger person. The storyline is well written and entertaining, the interaction between the characters is wonderful. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a FREE copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
May 1, 2022
A nice read
It makes a nice change to find a heroine who is middle aged and has all of life’s baggage in her head. Cleo is a very likeable heroine, with genuine worry’s and concerns. The other characters are extremely likeable and I look forward to reading the next book and learning more about them all. I highly recommend this book.
It makes a nice change to find a heroine who is middle aged and has all of life’s baggage in her head. Cleo is a very likeable heroine, with genuine worry’s and concerns. The other characters are extremely likeable and I look forward to reading the next book and learning more about them all. I highly recommend this book.
May 20, 2021
This genre is a fun one! I enjoyed the first book in this series. Cleo is strong, independent, but facing a vulnerable chapter in her life. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her struggle and overcome as she grew during this book. Can't wait for the second!
June 2, 2021
This was a great start to a new series. It's always nice to see a main character that isn't a younger person. The character work and story line were well written and entertaining.
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 5, 2021
What a concept!
This is a paranormal cozy with quite a twist. I really enjoyed this story mixing gods with modern life. Very well written with a lot of history and background for the characters who are more than they appear to be.
This is a paranormal cozy with quite a twist. I really enjoyed this story mixing gods with modern life. Very well written with a lot of history and background for the characters who are more than they appear to be.
June 9, 2021
Earth Magic & Roman Gods!
Cleo is an amazing character. She's accomplished a lot in her 43 years. Mother Wife, Ex-Wife, and Business Owner. Now she gets to learn Earth Magic and save the town of Raven, GA from the Roman Gods & Goddesses!
Cleo is an amazing character. She's accomplished a lot in her 43 years. Mother Wife, Ex-Wife, and Business Owner. Now she gets to learn Earth Magic and save the town of Raven, GA from the Roman Gods & Goddesses!
June 12, 2021
Fabulous!
This book is full of amazing characters. The explanation of the magic is wondrous. Other words that come to mind after reading this include loyalty, courage, faith, power, determination and family.
This book is full of amazing characters. The explanation of the magic is wondrous. Other words that come to mind after reading this include loyalty, courage, faith, power, determination and family.
August 4, 2021
Good story
I enjoyed this book. I really liked how Cleo was unsure of herself, like a real person. And being over 40 makes it even cooler. The gods were a unique twist and made the story different from others.
I enjoyed this book. I really liked how Cleo was unsure of herself, like a real person. And being over 40 makes it even cooler. The gods were a unique twist and made the story different from others.
January 10, 2022
witches and Gods of old
Was ok little slow reading to me.. slow to get started. Still will read next book. Enjoyed Cleo and Markus (might be spelled wrong).. after got going wasn’t bad.
Was ok little slow reading to me.. slow to get started. Still will read next book. Enjoyed Cleo and Markus (might be spelled wrong).. after got going wasn’t bad.
July 24, 2022
Gods and Witches
This was an intersting read. It took me a little bit to get into, and decide if I was going to actually like the story. I am glad I stuck with it! This is a good introduction to the series and characters. I am looking forward to book 2.
This was an intersting read. It took me a little bit to get into, and decide if I was going to actually like the story. I am glad I stuck with it! This is a good introduction to the series and characters. I am looking forward to book 2.
September 9, 2022
Honestly, it's more like 3 ½ stars for me, and I can't round up to 4. The characters are likable, and the pace was pretty even (it was a little slow in the beginning) but it was boring when it came to the P part of PWF.
June 5, 2021
Great read
The characters and the plot drew me in and I had to keep reading. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended it to a friend. Congratulations to the author.
The characters and the plot drew me in and I had to keep reading. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended it to a friend. Congratulations to the author.
September 6, 2021
Interesting story with lots of potential for future developments in the interactions among the MC, her friends and the unruly supernatural beings who are connected to her hometown.
January 22, 2022
A great paranormal woman's fiction book.
Midlife and getting things done without a man
and with the help of family and friends. Looking
forward to book 2.
Midlife and getting things done without a man
and with the help of family and friends. Looking
forward to book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews