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Witching After Forty #6
A Grave Midlife
Ava Harper is ready to settle into her new life of witchcraft, necromancy, and being a bonded mate. All she wants to do is help her best friend learn about her powers and write her next bestselling book.
Unfortunately, new events conspire to keep her on her toes. Wasn’t almost dying bad enough?
In addition to dealing with the chaos in her personal life, now a group of necromancers want to make sure Ava doesn’t abuse her changing power.
As she focuses on calming down that drama, a new and separate threat appears out of nowhere to make things more difficult.
And all this while trying to plan a wedding. Really, it’s all getting deadly depressing. Ava will have to rely on her strength, her family, and her friends to make sure everyone comes out of this alive.
Unfortunately, new events conspire to keep her on her toes. Wasn’t almost dying bad enough?
In addition to dealing with the chaos in her personal life, now a group of necromancers want to make sure Ava doesn’t abuse her changing power.
As she focuses on calming down that drama, a new and separate threat appears out of nowhere to make things more difficult.
And all this while trying to plan a wedding. Really, it’s all getting deadly depressing. Ava will have to rely on her strength, her family, and her friends to make sure everyone comes out of this alive.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2022
469 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Lia Davis
290 books1,567 followersIn 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.
While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.
Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.
While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.
Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 4, 2022
One thing’s for certain, I know that any book in this series is going to keep me laughing and keep me guessing what’s going to come next. Nothing’s simple in Ava Harper’s life. That’s merely a fact of all her newly discovered and awakened abilities, but I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have it any other way. Especially since she wouldn’t have most of the friends and family she does otherwise. The sudden stop of the cliff-hanger ending was a bit frustrating to me, but it means that I’m already queuing up to see where else this ride is going to take us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
April 2, 2022
I found this read interesting it flowed easily page to page. The characters are engaging and entertaining throughout.
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.
September 28, 2024
Cute, interesting, and fun
April 7, 2022
I enjoyed the story. Felt like the ending was very abrupt. I'll continue the series because I like the characters and storyline
April 24, 2024
A Grave Midlife Has Ava discovering a Ancient Viking Sword and also Alfred's back story. We also find out what happened to Carter and Olivia and Luci and Phira get closer. Also Ava and Drew start wedding plans yay.
April 7, 2022
This is book eleven of the Witching After Forty series and the main character is Ava Harper, who is settling into her role as the head witch of the local coven, but has so many other issues to deal with other than witchcraft. She is also part necromancer and being hunted by the vampire council, who have hired assassins to kill her, as she is so powerful. She managed to get her father rescued from the vampires, but found they are holding a lot more necromancers and this has been added to her to do list. She is hoping to marry her bonded mate in a couple of months and her BF Olivia is helping to organise that, but has her own issues with a missing ex-husband, who her ex-in laws have finally noticed is missing and blame her, as well as two college age kids wanting to see him, even after he disowned them once he found out they had magic! Add to all this, is the strange Nordic or Viking sword they found in one of the other caves near her house, which has some weird magic attached to it. They are trying to figure out more about it, but it is ancient and records don’t seem to cover that far back. A group of necromancers have come to town wanting the sword for themselves, but she isn’t willing to hand it over when she knows so little about it. She has a feeling it will be important in her upcoming battle against the vampire council, and isn’t willing to have it taken away, until she knows more!
There are lots of characters in this book, which if you have read the rest of the series, you will know. If not, don’t worry, as most are just passing through as they go about their life and using portals Olivia’s birth father Loki, aka Lucifer, made for them. Some strong magic is blocking anyone from tracking Olivia’s ex-husband Chet’s location and when they do eventually manage to find him, what he is doing could lead to the deaths of his own children. Something he clearly hasn’t thought through at all! The untold mystery of Alfred’s past finally comes to light and shows that anyone can redeem themselves, so long as they want to. Ava’s mother and aunt are still trying to find permanent bodies to occupy, but can’t do it with anyone too close to home, and Wade could do with some more vamp training. Ava calls up Hailey, who lives in her former house and is bonded with the vampire boss for the area, Jax, to see if they can help. That solves one problem, but she also soon gets word of shifters being recruited to kill her, by the vampires, so we know there is so much more to come in this series and it will be an epic battle. We get to find out about both sides of Ava’s ancestry and why she is so powerful and able to wield such rare magic. Hunters tries to wipe out witches with her ancestry, but she is the sole female survivor of her line and this makes her so much more powerful than anyone else, even the vampire council! With friends and family around like Olivia, Loki and others, they are a group to be feared and now they have a Viking sword and a Shaman as well. I can’t wait to read the next book and see if they manage to defeat the Vampire Council and be able to start their married life in peace. This is an addictive series that once you get started, you won’t want to put down! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
There are lots of characters in this book, which if you have read the rest of the series, you will know. If not, don’t worry, as most are just passing through as they go about their life and using portals Olivia’s birth father Loki, aka Lucifer, made for them. Some strong magic is blocking anyone from tracking Olivia’s ex-husband Chet’s location and when they do eventually manage to find him, what he is doing could lead to the deaths of his own children. Something he clearly hasn’t thought through at all! The untold mystery of Alfred’s past finally comes to light and shows that anyone can redeem themselves, so long as they want to. Ava’s mother and aunt are still trying to find permanent bodies to occupy, but can’t do it with anyone too close to home, and Wade could do with some more vamp training. Ava calls up Hailey, who lives in her former house and is bonded with the vampire boss for the area, Jax, to see if they can help. That solves one problem, but she also soon gets word of shifters being recruited to kill her, by the vampires, so we know there is so much more to come in this series and it will be an epic battle. We get to find out about both sides of Ava’s ancestry and why she is so powerful and able to wield such rare magic. Hunters tries to wipe out witches with her ancestry, but she is the sole female survivor of her line and this makes her so much more powerful than anyone else, even the vampire council! With friends and family around like Olivia, Loki and others, they are a group to be feared and now they have a Viking sword and a Shaman as well. I can’t wait to read the next book and see if they manage to defeat the Vampire Council and be able to start their married life in peace. This is an addictive series that once you get started, you won’t want to put down! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 16, 2022
4.5.
PN cozy mystery w slow burn romance.
Concepts of busting social bias & pre- Conceived notions, love of family, redemption, realistic paranormal, forgiveness and karma are explored. (4.5 Because nobody is perfect.)
This story doesn't take itself too seriously which keeps the mood light even though there are dangerous situations. The ending reminds me of the end of Corpse Bride while leaving the possibility of a return for the villian. The main character comes home and is embraced by the town and home she left behind. Her teen enemy becomes a friend as circum-stances are now changed as they truely give each other a chance to see the other as a person. Some dark humor, grey humor and compassion take place and friends are made by the realization people need people and small town community is really more like extended family. There aren't many places like that left with farms becomming appartment buildings of urban sprawl changing small town into something unrecognizable. It's nice to, if even for the space of a few pages, go back to the simpler time when neighbours were friends and relatives.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
PN cozy mystery w slow burn romance.
Concepts of busting social bias & pre- Conceived notions, love of family, redemption, realistic paranormal, forgiveness and karma are explored. (4.5 Because nobody is perfect.)
This story doesn't take itself too seriously which keeps the mood light even though there are dangerous situations. The ending reminds me of the end of Corpse Bride while leaving the possibility of a return for the villian. The main character comes home and is embraced by the town and home she left behind. Her teen enemy becomes a friend as circum-stances are now changed as they truely give each other a chance to see the other as a person. Some dark humor, grey humor and compassion take place and friends are made by the realization people need people and small town community is really more like extended family. There aren't many places like that left with farms becomming appartment buildings of urban sprawl changing small town into something unrecognizable. It's nice to, if even for the space of a few pages, go back to the simpler time when neighbours were friends and relatives.
Looking forward to the rest of this series.
March 29, 2022
Whoa!!!
I swear David and Boruff have this evil need to give all their readers anxiety issues with cliffhangers from hell. I think maybe one of his ur illustrious authors might just be channelling ol' Luck himself!
I love this world our authors have created and the characters draw you in even further. Our heroic team does seem to be expanding, and I'm wondering if there will be a combination book with both series' characters working together. That would be such a wild read, and it would definitely be on my Favorite Series list, forever.
Great series, incredible plot twists, and definitely a dark and wicked sense if humor. O have found my hubby looking at me as if I was crazy, finding out that I had been laughing out loud and talking to the characters. I do know that I only do that with the really great stories, so I had better just warn him before I read the next book.
I swear David and Boruff have this evil need to give all their readers anxiety issues with cliffhangers from hell. I think maybe one of his ur illustrious authors might just be channelling ol' Luck himself!
I love this world our authors have created and the characters draw you in even further. Our heroic team does seem to be expanding, and I'm wondering if there will be a combination book with both series' characters working together. That would be such a wild read, and it would definitely be on my Favorite Series list, forever.
Great series, incredible plot twists, and definitely a dark and wicked sense if humor. O have found my hubby looking at me as if I was crazy, finding out that I had been laughing out loud and talking to the characters. I do know that I only do that with the really great stories, so I had better just warn him before I read the next book.
April 6, 2022
Things are a still a little bit crazy for our heroine, but then that is life. Of course, that simple phrase has an entirely different meaning to it when our heroine is a necromancer.
This is book eleven of the series, but, it works pretty well as a standalone. While you will be missing some of the details, the essentials are covered early on.
This is a cozy witch mystery with lots of different paranormal elements thrown in. I am rather fond of this genre, so I have been enjoying this series. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. The story itself moves at a good pace and includes plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this latest addition and 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 eleven of the series, but, it works pretty well as a standalone. While you will be missing some of the details, the essentials are covered early on.
This is a cozy witch mystery with lots of different paranormal elements thrown in. I am rather fond of this genre, so I have been enjoying this series. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. The story itself moves at a good pace and includes plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this latest addition and look forward to seeing what comes next.
Highly recommended.
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
April 8, 2022
Olivia and Ava are both once again facing some family related issues.
Carter, annoying ex husband to Olivia, is the father to her two eldest children. After storming off once he discovered his children were part witch and fae, he failed to return.
Is Carter the jerk still sulking ? Captive somewhere? Dead? A pawn in his own game or for someone else? What is the man really capable of?
Ava helps her mom Aunt to follow their own pursuits, deals with some coven issues, and some unexpected family history.
The hunting vampires are not forgotten as a once and future threat. Is it time to take action in Milan?
Even great skills have a price and limitations. Ava and Olivia have a difficult journey ahead- if they can survive .
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carter, annoying ex husband to Olivia, is the father to her two eldest children. After storming off once he discovered his children were part witch and fae, he failed to return.
Is Carter the jerk still sulking ? Captive somewhere? Dead? A pawn in his own game or for someone else? What is the man really capable of?
Ava helps her mom Aunt to follow their own pursuits, deals with some coven issues, and some unexpected family history.
The hunting vampires are not forgotten as a once and future threat. Is it time to take action in Milan?
Even great skills have a price and limitations. Ava and Olivia have a difficult journey ahead- if they can survive .
.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2022
Good
This book is a dual POV featuring both Ava and Olivia.
Ava has a new, mysterious sword to research, which leads to some mor family revelations.
Meanwhile, Olivia’s dirtbag ex-husband has disappeared now he knows both she and their adult children have Fae and demigod heritage. When her kids ask her to help find him, Olivia has to set aside her grievances to help.
Another fun book in series, this one is laying the groundwork for the big fight we all know is going to come.
Some interesting tidbits are learned in this book though, and it makes for an enjoyable, and quick read.
This series is fun for those who enjoy quick reads and women’s paranormal fiction- perfect for cosy evenings by the fire or beach reads in the summer!
This book is a dual POV featuring both Ava and Olivia.
Ava has a new, mysterious sword to research, which leads to some mor family revelations.
Meanwhile, Olivia’s dirtbag ex-husband has disappeared now he knows both she and their adult children have Fae and demigod heritage. When her kids ask her to help find him, Olivia has to set aside her grievances to help.
Another fun book in series, this one is laying the groundwork for the big fight we all know is going to come.
Some interesting tidbits are learned in this book though, and it makes for an enjoyable, and quick read.
This series is fun for those who enjoy quick reads and women’s paranormal fiction- perfect for cosy evenings by the fire or beach reads in the summer!
March 28, 2022
Great Series
Interesting and fast-paced addition to the Witching After Forty PWF series. This book continues a few things from the previous book and sets up for the next one. Ava is discovering new abilities that she'll need in the future. And Olivia is slowly learning about her new Fae powers, dealing with discovering her birth parents, and now her ex has disappeared. There's never a dull moment with Ava and her crew!
I received a copy of this book via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
Also read in Kindle Unlimited.
Interesting and fast-paced addition to the Witching After Forty PWF series. This book continues a few things from the previous book and sets up for the next one. Ava is discovering new abilities that she'll need in the future. And Olivia is slowly learning about her new Fae powers, dealing with discovering her birth parents, and now her ex has disappeared. There's never a dull moment with Ava and her crew!
I received a copy of this book via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
Also read in Kindle Unlimited.
July 27, 2025
Way too short
My 2 star rating doesn't indicate the quality of the story but rather the quantity. 165 pages isn't a book. It's a short story or maybe a novels, but if it can be read in a couple of hours, it cannot be called a novel.
I do understand why authors do this; I wish they'd stop. It's false advertisement. I've read 10 books in this series so far, and they could have been 2 novels and 2 very short stories, rather than 10 separate downloads.
I'm enjoying the characters and their stories and will continue to read them, but man, is it ever frustrating to finish a brand new book before I'm even ready for a cup of tea.
My 2 star rating doesn't indicate the quality of the story but rather the quantity. 165 pages isn't a book. It's a short story or maybe a novels, but if it can be read in a couple of hours, it cannot be called a novel.
I do understand why authors do this; I wish they'd stop. It's false advertisement. I've read 10 books in this series so far, and they could have been 2 novels and 2 very short stories, rather than 10 separate downloads.
I'm enjoying the characters and their stories and will continue to read them, but man, is it ever frustrating to finish a brand new book before I'm even ready for a cup of tea.
April 6, 2022
Another fantastic addition to this series and this is book 11 in the Witching After Forty I believe that you need to read the other books in this series to understand the characters and what’s going on. Ava and her friends have been thrown into another adventure and while Ava’s trying to plan her wedding which is enough of a headache she now has to deal with Necromancer’s and everything else that happens so will Ava be able to keep herself together and not lose her sanity?. I loved this story it’s a fantastic read and I highly recommend this book/ series.
April 7, 2022
Loved this entertaining eleventh adventure with Ava, her family, and friends. Sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, my only complaint about these books is that they are too short, more novellas than full novels. (This one ends abruptly on something of a cliffhanger, too.) Still, the characters are unique, and I love the authors' creativity. There is always trouble, shenanigans, twists and turns. You ever quite know what's going to happen next. I look forward to more.
I received a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
April 24, 2022
This was another fast paced great addition to the series. Olivia is learning about her new Fae powers, and now her ex has disappeared. The plot has some humor with interesting plot twists. One downfall is, it does kind of suddenly stop. That leaves you wanting to know more. The book has a lot of craziness to deal with, but as usual Ava pushes forward. I personally loved learning more about Olivia, but enjoyed all of the other amazingly well developed characters as well. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2022
Ava Harper is a necromancer, she can control the dead. Like vampires, ghosts, ghouls etc.
On this next chapter, Ava is trying to figure out what todo with an ancient Viking sword that has bad magic connected to it.
Also, her best friend has started to learn her magic and is hunting for her horrible ex only because the kids want to see him.
Meanwhile a group of necromancers want the sword that Ava has found.
She has also brought back the Viking shaman that had been using it and not for good either. Its always something exciting!
Very creative and fun series!
On this next chapter, Ava is trying to figure out what todo with an ancient Viking sword that has bad magic connected to it.
Also, her best friend has started to learn her magic and is hunting for her horrible ex only because the kids want to see him.
Meanwhile a group of necromancers want the sword that Ava has found.
She has also brought back the Viking shaman that had been using it and not for good either. Its always something exciting!
Very creative and fun series!
May 31, 2023
Never a Dull Moment !! . . .
Ava Harper is embracing her exciting new life of witchcraft, necromancy, and trying to plan a wedding. Carter, Olivia’s bothersome ex-husband, has disappeared after he found that his children were part witch and part Fae. Did something happen to him, or is he just sulking somewhere? This is an enjoyable reading experience that will keep the reader interested all the way through to the end. The story flows well, is full of action and likable characters, and we never know what’s going to happen next!
Ava Harper is embracing her exciting new life of witchcraft, necromancy, and trying to plan a wedding. Carter, Olivia’s bothersome ex-husband, has disappeared after he found that his children were part witch and part Fae. Did something happen to him, or is he just sulking somewhere? This is an enjoyable reading experience that will keep the reader interested all the way through to the end. The story flows well, is full of action and likable characters, and we never know what’s going to happen next!
March 27, 2022
This is part of a series. If you haven’t read the earlier books this probably won’t make much sense to you. To those of us who have indulged in this terrific series this book will take you further down the manic rabbit hole that is Ava’s life. This time there is drama coming from all corners. Olivia’s ex is missing, we find out more about Alfie’s past life and Ava and Drew have their first fight. Sit down, strap in and enjoy the ride.
March 31, 2022
Interesting and fast paced read. Its seem that trouble is always brewing with Ava and company. Still doesn't stop me from laughing out loud and being completely entertained. Overall a great read. If you haven't checked out the others books in this series I totally recommend that you do trusted me you won't regret it. As always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are completely my own.
April 3, 2022
The continuing saga of Ava and her crew.
After freeing her father from the vampire council, Ava was hoping to plan her wedding to Drew. Now as they try to find out information a sword that made itself know to her. Olivia is, also, still dealing with finding her birth parents and now her ex-husband is missing. Her kids with him want her to find him.
such a great winding story! Can't wait to see what happens next!
After freeing her father from the vampire council, Ava was hoping to plan her wedding to Drew. Now as they try to find out information a sword that made itself know to her. Olivia is, also, still dealing with finding her birth parents and now her ex-husband is missing. Her kids with him want her to find him.
such a great winding story! Can't wait to see what happens next!
April 6, 2022
Really love Ava and crew!
This book made me laugh, cry and swear a little with how good it was!! I loved the twist with who Alfred really ended up being and the origin of the Sword.
This book and series are absolutely perfect and they keep me fully entertained from start to finish. I wholeheartedly recommend starting from the beginning and reading!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
This book made me laugh, cry and swear a little with how good it was!! I loved the twist with who Alfred really ended up being and the origin of the Sword.
This book and series are absolutely perfect and they keep me fully entertained from start to finish. I wholeheartedly recommend starting from the beginning and reading!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
March 7, 2023
Ava just keeps getting more bad azz
I am so enjoying Ava growing powers and upcoming wedding to Drew. With vampires after her and the necromancers coming for the sword Ava also has to help her BFF figure out what happened to her ex husband for her children who are adjusting to being part Fae as well as Ava’s son has adapted and is accepting. The cats and ghouls are as endearing as usual.
I am so enjoying Ava growing powers and upcoming wedding to Drew. With vampires after her and the necromancers coming for the sword Ava also has to help her BFF figure out what happened to her ex husband for her children who are adjusting to being part Fae as well as Ava’s son has adapted and is accepting. The cats and ghouls are as endearing as usual.
December 31, 2024
A sword of power, a necromancer who gets stronger almost daily, and a misbegotten father joining the hunters? Good Grief, what next? The characters have one thing after another thrown at them and they just keep going. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out more about the sword that was given to the main character and stopping the vampires insane ideas to kill her. I most definitely recommend this story.
March 23, 2022
I have read all 5 previous books and this book is as consistently good as those others read.
I really enjoyed this and always get surprised when I finish the book thinking that went quick as read in one sitting.
Ends at a point where you are like argggh just a bit more. Not so much a cliff hangar as come on what's next.
Looking forward to book 7
I really enjoyed this and always get surprised when I finish the book thinking that went quick as read in one sitting.
Ends at a point where you are like argggh just a bit more. Not so much a cliff hangar as come on what's next.
Looking forward to book 7
March 25, 2022
This book picks up a little after the last book in this series, so you really need to read the previous book to keep up. The characters are great and the storyline is filled with action and adventure. I can't wait to read the next book. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
March 26, 2022
Ava and the rest of her friends and house mates are back for more fun. Trouble is brewing as always and the story just made me laugh and sign and shake my head. Add in answers about a sword, secrets, necromancers and whatever else is going on with the rest of the gang and got a fun story. Just a light hearted easy read as always that was entertaining and a bit over the top as usual..
March 29, 2022
I love Ava and her gang. Just when you think things can't get any crazier, they do and it is aways hilarious. Fae politics, long lost Viking ancestors, ghouls, necromancer problems, dealing with a coven and a wedding..... the list goes on much to my delight. Impossible to read without laughing, I loved it.
April 6, 2022
A Grave Midlife is book eleven in the Witching After Forty series. Ava and the gang go through a lot in this action packed story and just like the rest of this series the storyline is packed with plot twists, interesting characters, magic, danger, humor, and so much more. The writing is well done and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
April 14, 2022
ok no words for how much this book rocked
I meant damn do much happening and changing and just WOW sorry can’t say any more or will do give spoilers away and don’t want to do that to you do you’ve just gotta read it and hopefully enjoy it as much as I have woo hoo need next book like within the next couple of hours or less no pressure lol
I meant damn do much happening and changing and just WOW sorry can’t say any more or will do give spoilers away and don’t want to do that to you do you’ve just gotta read it and hopefully enjoy it as much as I have woo hoo need next book like within the next couple of hours or less no pressure lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews