What do you think?
Rate this book
Forty's The New Forever #1
Midlife So Magnificent
What do Selene Atwood and Hale Hall have in common?
Both need a makeover.
Forty-something Selene Atwood is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Divorced and with a very empty nest, she’s determined to restore the ancient estate and turn it into a trendy new B&B.
The only thing darker and more mysterious than the dilapidated old castle is the owner, Cullen Hale. A self-made man in his own right, millionaire Cullen has ferventlyguarded his privacy. Selene can’t help wonder why he’s chosen her of all people to manage his new business endeavor.
When the castle’s groundskeeper is found murdered in the giant hedge maze, Selene finds herself accused of the crime. She’s got to prove to Cullen—and the county Sheriff—that she’s innocent. Which means she must find the killer herself.
Luckily, she’s got Presto, a magic cat. The snarky ginger cat can lend a paw when he’s not sulking around like a spoiled prince.
Wait, magic cat? Yes. Magical cat. Because the secrets of Hale Hall run deep—and its ancient power reveals something about Selene’s own ancestry.
Selene might actually be a witch. A witch that the lonely, dilapidated castle has summoned for reasons beyond earthly renovation.
Hale Hall is a place where paranormal entities check in, but they don’t check out. Can Selene and Prestofind the killer in time, or will they end up as lost souls haunting the castle walls?
Both need a makeover.
Forty-something Selene Atwood is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Divorced and with a very empty nest, she’s determined to restore the ancient estate and turn it into a trendy new B&B.
The only thing darker and more mysterious than the dilapidated old castle is the owner, Cullen Hale. A self-made man in his own right, millionaire Cullen has ferventlyguarded his privacy. Selene can’t help wonder why he’s chosen her of all people to manage his new business endeavor.
When the castle’s groundskeeper is found murdered in the giant hedge maze, Selene finds herself accused of the crime. She’s got to prove to Cullen—and the county Sheriff—that she’s innocent. Which means she must find the killer herself.
Luckily, she’s got Presto, a magic cat. The snarky ginger cat can lend a paw when he’s not sulking around like a spoiled prince.
Wait, magic cat? Yes. Magical cat. Because the secrets of Hale Hall run deep—and its ancient power reveals something about Selene’s own ancestry.
Selene might actually be a witch. A witch that the lonely, dilapidated castle has summoned for reasons beyond earthly renovation.
Hale Hall is a place where paranormal entities check in, but they don’t check out. Can Selene and Prestofind the killer in time, or will they end up as lost souls haunting the castle walls?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2022
347 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
237 books345 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 7, 2023
I have previously enjoyed some of this author's books but not this one. I really tried to get into this book but finally gave up at 48%. The characters seemed one-dimensional and the action (or plot development) was nonexistent. Sorry!
Amazon synopsis:
What do Selene Atwood and Hale Hall have in common?
Both need a makeover.
Forty-something Selene Atwood is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Divorced and with a very empty nest, she’s determined to restore the ancient estate and turn it into a trendy new B&B.
The only thing darker and more mysterious than the dilapidated old castle is the owner, Cullen Hale. A self-made man in his own right, millionaire Cullen has fervently guarded his privacy. Selene can’t help wonder why he’s chosen her of all people to manage his new business endeavor.
When the castle’s groundskeeper is found murdered in the giant hedge maze, Selene finds herself accused of the crime. She’s got to prove to Cullen—and the county Sheriff—that she’s innocent. Which means she must find the killer herself.
Luckily, she’s got Presto, a magic cat. The snarky ginger cat can lend a paw when he’s not sulking around like a spoiled prince.
Wait, magic cat? Yes. Magical cat. Because the secrets of Hale Hall run deep—and its ancient power reveals something about Selene’s own ancestry.
Selene might actually be a witch. A witch that the lonely, dilapidated castle has summoned for reasons beyond earthly renovation.
Hale Hall is a place where paranormal entities check in, but they don’t check out. Can Selene and Prestofind the killer in time, or will they end up as lost souls haunting the castle walls?
Amazon synopsis:
What do Selene Atwood and Hale Hall have in common?
Both need a makeover.
Forty-something Selene Atwood is ready to start a new chapter in her life. Divorced and with a very empty nest, she’s determined to restore the ancient estate and turn it into a trendy new B&B.
The only thing darker and more mysterious than the dilapidated old castle is the owner, Cullen Hale. A self-made man in his own right, millionaire Cullen has fervently guarded his privacy. Selene can’t help wonder why he’s chosen her of all people to manage his new business endeavor.
When the castle’s groundskeeper is found murdered in the giant hedge maze, Selene finds herself accused of the crime. She’s got to prove to Cullen—and the county Sheriff—that she’s innocent. Which means she must find the killer herself.
Luckily, she’s got Presto, a magic cat. The snarky ginger cat can lend a paw when he’s not sulking around like a spoiled prince.
Wait, magic cat? Yes. Magical cat. Because the secrets of Hale Hall run deep—and its ancient power reveals something about Selene’s own ancestry.
Selene might actually be a witch. A witch that the lonely, dilapidated castle has summoned for reasons beyond earthly renovation.
Hale Hall is a place where paranormal entities check in, but they don’t check out. Can Selene and Prestofind the killer in time, or will they end up as lost souls haunting the castle walls?
April 8, 2024
Clues don't make sense/Spoiler Alert
There is a difference between smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, dried herbs and dead grass. I'm not sure this author has ever been near most of them. Chewing tobacco is wet/moist and kept in a tin or zipped baggie. It is also brown and utterly unlike dead grass. Smoking tobacco is dried and brown and can't be mistaken for dead grass. Dried herbs, to the untrained eye may pass for dried/dead grass, but the scent is the giveaway in most cases. Also, smoking and chewing tobacco smell quite different, so the whole premise of the story is based on a lack of knowledge.
I grew up with all of those things in abundance and have had personal experience with them, so it's easy for me to pass judgement; however, the smallest amount of research or inquiry would have helped to craft a more authentic story.
It also perplexes me that Selene won't ask the real questions of the people who could actually give her answers. Why doesn't she act like a grown woman with adult daughters instead of a teenager with no experience?
Sheriff Fitts is another oddity. He has no reservations blabbing all the details of his investigation with a newcomer to town and doesn't seem to do anything relevant to solving the murder. He just creeps on Selene constantly and then gets into pissing matches with Cullen, her employer, like they're all in HS fighting over her. It's just ridiculous.
If you like mysteries you can have fun solving, this series isn't for you. If you need something quick to read and can look past the glaring problems without getting your eyes stuck backwards from all the eye rolling, then go for it.
There is a difference between smoking tobacco, chewing tobacco, dried herbs and dead grass. I'm not sure this author has ever been near most of them. Chewing tobacco is wet/moist and kept in a tin or zipped baggie. It is also brown and utterly unlike dead grass. Smoking tobacco is dried and brown and can't be mistaken for dead grass. Dried herbs, to the untrained eye may pass for dried/dead grass, but the scent is the giveaway in most cases. Also, smoking and chewing tobacco smell quite different, so the whole premise of the story is based on a lack of knowledge.
I grew up with all of those things in abundance and have had personal experience with them, so it's easy for me to pass judgement; however, the smallest amount of research or inquiry would have helped to craft a more authentic story.
It also perplexes me that Selene won't ask the real questions of the people who could actually give her answers. Why doesn't she act like a grown woman with adult daughters instead of a teenager with no experience?
Sheriff Fitts is another oddity. He has no reservations blabbing all the details of his investigation with a newcomer to town and doesn't seem to do anything relevant to solving the murder. He just creeps on Selene constantly and then gets into pissing matches with Cullen, her employer, like they're all in HS fighting over her. It's just ridiculous.
If you like mysteries you can have fun solving, this series isn't for you. If you need something quick to read and can look past the glaring problems without getting your eyes stuck backwards from all the eye rolling, then go for it.
February 20, 2022
Fun Magical Cozy Murder Mystery!!!
Selene Atwood get a job managing the restoration of the ancient estate and turn it into a trendy new B&B but when the ground keeper is found murdered and Selene becomes a prime suspect she needs to find the killer to prove her own innocence.
This book is a fun start to the new series, the story line is unique and is an enjoyable read with many interesting characters, it's a page turner full of mystery and magic, a fast-paced book that flows well and keep me entertained as I try to figure out who is the murderer. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to read the next books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Selene Atwood get a job managing the restoration of the ancient estate and turn it into a trendy new B&B but when the ground keeper is found murdered and Selene becomes a prime suspect she needs to find the killer to prove her own innocence.
This book is a fun start to the new series, the story line is unique and is an enjoyable read with many interesting characters, it's a page turner full of mystery and magic, a fast-paced book that flows well and keep me entertained as I try to figure out who is the murderer. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to read the next books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2022
She needs to take a new path now she I divorced and her children have left home, so she is shocked when she is picked to help transform the castle into a B and B. She is not sure why she had been chosen but she was going to do a great job. Unfortunately she is accused of murder whe the gardener is found dead. He needs to prove she did not do it so she intends to work on proving it. It seems she had been chosen by the house itself. Why? What is going on? Can she solve the murder? Can she prove she is innocent? See if she can
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.
February 18, 2022
Selene found herself facing divorce as her twin daughters prepared for their second year of university at Edinburg.
that her husband and his next wife are expecting twins any time is a surprise
Luckily Selene had already found a job managing an unusual property- just how unusual the property is she will discover as time goes by
A fun and intriguing read, with a middle age woman coming into her magic, and facing lethal paranormal foes- and balancing the mundane folks in her life with assaults from fae and new skills
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
that her husband and his next wife are expecting twins any time is a surprise
Luckily Selene had already found a job managing an unusual property- just how unusual the property is she will discover as time goes by
A fun and intriguing read, with a middle age woman coming into her magic, and facing lethal paranormal foes- and balancing the mundane folks in her life with assaults from fae and new skills
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2022
Midlife So Magnificent
During her midlife, Selene's life goes through some very difficult challenges. She is served divorce papers and accepts a job in a small Illinois town. This town will have a profound impact on her. The world of witches, magical beings and murder will test her in ways she never knew. She learns a secret about herself and her future and the future of the human world. The challenges are great. The characters are incredibly interesting, including one orange cat that only some people can see. This first in series has everything to get me reading more. Love it.
During her midlife, Selene's life goes through some very difficult challenges. She is served divorce papers and accepts a job in a small Illinois town. This town will have a profound impact on her. The world of witches, magical beings and murder will test her in ways she never knew. She learns a secret about herself and her future and the future of the human world. The challenges are great. The characters are incredibly interesting, including one orange cat that only some people can see. This first in series has everything to get me reading more. Love it.
March 5, 2022
entertaining paranormal women fiction series.
This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining story line. Celine is around 40 years old just got divorced from her husband of 20 plus years and she is taking her two daughters out the airport to go to college. She lived in Chicago for the past 20 yrs. She is changing her life and starting a new job new place. Read on and follow the adventure of this new paranormal women’s fiction series.
This is an entertaining paranormal women’s fiction series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining story line. Celine is around 40 years old just got divorced from her husband of 20 plus years and she is taking her two daughters out the airport to go to college. She lived in Chicago for the past 20 yrs. She is changing her life and starting a new job new place. Read on and follow the adventure of this new paranormal women’s fiction series.
October 3, 2022
Another good book from Sara Bourgeois
The book started slow but built up from there. I really enjoyed the mystery of what was going on, and the world building. I liked the interesting surprises and knew when the magic showed up, something was going to happen. Selene, the female main character seemed to take things better than I would have thought, but she’s smart and started putting some of the things together and kinda blew off others. A good start to a series. Now, what about the cat that most others don’t see, where does he fit?
The book started slow but built up from there. I really enjoyed the mystery of what was going on, and the world building. I liked the interesting surprises and knew when the magic showed up, something was going to happen. Selene, the female main character seemed to take things better than I would have thought, but she’s smart and started putting some of the things together and kinda blew off others. A good start to a series. Now, what about the cat that most others don’t see, where does he fit?
October 31, 2022
Oh boy what a cick in the pants being 40 something is!
Selene thought she was heading for an easy place in her life . Her twin girls were off to college in Scotland and even though she and her hubby were not in love they were not fighting or unhappy. Then the husband who never spent time with his girls has a new wife ,young and pregnant and it is obvious she was pregnant when he asked for the divorce.
So Selene gets a job as guardian of a castle and finds out that she is a strong witch. What a cick in the pants
Selene thought she was heading for an easy place in her life . Her twin girls were off to college in Scotland and even though she and her hubby were not in love they were not fighting or unhappy. Then the husband who never spent time with his girls has a new wife ,young and pregnant and it is obvious she was pregnant when he asked for the divorce.
So Selene gets a job as guardian of a castle and finds out that she is a strong witch. What a cick in the pants
July 1, 2023
Lovely new series & new to me Author!
I saw this pop up as a suggestion to another series I absolutely adore plus it had a beautiful cat on the cover so I couldn’t resist! I’m so excited I did! The author was a lovely flow with the storyline, she keeps you interested at all times and I absolutely adore Presto popping up everywhere now! Lol! I can’t wait to read the other books in the series! I highly recommend buying this series! I’m excited to find another new to me author that I will enjoy rereading many times over the years! Enjoy!
I saw this pop up as a suggestion to another series I absolutely adore plus it had a beautiful cat on the cover so I couldn’t resist! I’m so excited I did! The author was a lovely flow with the storyline, she keeps you interested at all times and I absolutely adore Presto popping up everywhere now! Lol! I can’t wait to read the other books in the series! I highly recommend buying this series! I’m excited to find another new to me author that I will enjoy rereading many times over the years! Enjoy!
August 9, 2022
Selene, a forty-something woman has just been served divorce papers from her husband and father of their twin college-aged daughters. She accepts a job in a mysterious old castle-like mansion whose owner hopes to turn into a successful bed and breakfast. The twins are uneasy about this and sure enough soon strange things begin to happen. I enjoyed this first in the series novel and look forward to reading more in the series.
February 17, 2022
Great reading
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it completely captivated my imagination. The characters were brought to life for me with rich details and a quirky sense of humor. The story moved at a brisk pace and kept me guessing right up to the end of the book. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good paranormal mystery...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it completely captivated my imagination. The characters were brought to life for me with rich details and a quirky sense of humor. The story moved at a brisk pace and kept me guessing right up to the end of the book. I recommend this book to those who enjoy a good paranormal mystery...
February 18, 2022
This is a great read, from one of my favorite authors, I totally loved it! The mysterious castle is so intriguing! Selene is a great character, and she has a mystery to solve. Very well written, with lots of secrets to be discovered. The story drew me in right away, and I couldn’t stop reading! I can’t wait for the next book!
April 30, 2022
Midlife So Magnificent is a fun start to a new series. 4.7 stars
Being old, I enjoy these midlife stories, especially if they show women being strong and taking on magical challenges with a kick to their ex's!
Selene takes on all the challenges (especially the housekeeper) and even solves a murder. Lots of fun!
Being old, I enjoy these midlife stories, especially if they show women being strong and taking on magical challenges with a kick to their ex's!
Selene takes on all the challenges (especially the housekeeper) and even solves a murder. Lots of fun!
May 5, 2022
Interesting
I did enjoy the story very much but the lack of character description is a bit offsetting. No description of what anyone looks like, not fully fleshing out the characters into getting more of a sense of who they are. Hoping there may be more as the characters continue forward in the next book.
I did enjoy the story very much but the lack of character description is a bit offsetting. No description of what anyone looks like, not fully fleshing out the characters into getting more of a sense of who they are. Hoping there may be more as the characters continue forward in the next book.
September 22, 2023
Loved the book
I found the story hard to put down once I started reading.
I especially enjoyed the main character as she stumbled along finding her abilities, as baffling as life so often proves to be.
I look forward to the further adventures of the new guardian of Hale Hall.
Thank you for sharing these stories.
I found the story hard to put down once I started reading.
I especially enjoyed the main character as she stumbled along finding her abilities, as baffling as life so often proves to be.
I look forward to the further adventures of the new guardian of Hale Hall.
Thank you for sharing these stories.
February 16, 2022
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Selena Atwood takes a job as a caretaker of hale hall but finds that she is becoming a witch to guard against the vale and solve a murder. Fantastic beautiful story.
February 18, 2022
Great new series!
This was an easy book to dive right into. I love the characters and the murder mystery was great! I love the way the magic was used and that the fae weren’t all sweet and nice. Great start to the series!
This was an easy book to dive right into. I love the characters and the murder mystery was great! I love the way the magic was used and that the fae weren’t all sweet and nice. Great start to the series!
February 20, 2022
Outstanding Read
I have read several books by Sara and they all were good, but without question this is the best book she has ever written. It has everything you want in a good book. Looking forward to book 2.
I have read several books by Sara and they all were good, but without question this is the best book she has ever written. It has everything you want in a good book. Looking forward to book 2.
March 3, 2022
Great start to a new series
This story is a great start to a new series
Sara Bourgeois dis a wonderful job with this cozy mystery. The characters are likable and the story flows. I'm looking forward to the next book
This story is a great start to a new series
Sara Bourgeois dis a wonderful job with this cozy mystery. The characters are likable and the story flows. I'm looking forward to the next book
March 29, 2022
Amazing
The story keeps you going from one page to the next. I don't know how many nights I fell asleep reading because I had to finish the chapter or find out what was going on. It is a wonderful story and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
The story keeps you going from one page to the next. I don't know how many nights I fell asleep reading because I had to finish the chapter or find out what was going on. It is a wonderful story and I can't wait for the next book to come out.
April 6, 2022
Interesting read
Selena is put in a tough position. She handles it with doubt. Turns out she was the one needed after all. Different type of start to a witch story but now I think I'm hooked. Need to see what happens next.
Selena is put in a tough position. She handles it with doubt. Turns out she was the one needed after all. Different type of start to a witch story but now I think I'm hooked. Need to see what happens next.
May 4, 2022
Refreshing
I've not read a Sarah Bourgeois book since some of her series seemed too simplistic. I was surprised at how good this story is. There's lots of potential in these characters.
I've not read a Sarah Bourgeois book since some of her series seemed too simplistic. I was surprised at how good this story is. There's lots of potential in these characters.
August 2, 2022
Entertaining
This is an interesting story of a woman with college aged daughters who assumes a caretaker position as she begins a new lifestyle. In her role of caretaker of a castle, she discovers magic, murder and mysteries.
This is an interesting story of a woman with college aged daughters who assumes a caretaker position as she begins a new lifestyle. In her role of caretaker of a castle, she discovers magic, murder and mysteries.
August 18, 2024
Entertaining, Relaxing and fun read about a Selene, woman in her 40's sending her twin girl's off to college in Edinburgh, starting over in charge of organizing & fixing up an old castle, finds a ghost cat and finds out she is a witch that has a big job at the castle.
February 22, 2022
Interesting and entertaining
March 20, 2022
Great story
This was a great story with an engaging main character. However, the many typos and misplaced words kept jarring me out of the story. Better proof reasons please.
This was a great story with an engaging main character. However, the many typos and misplaced words kept jarring me out of the story. Better proof reasons please.
March 21, 2022
4 Stars
A supernatural.murder mystery series. The story was good with some character development. The world created was interesting and kept you reading.
A supernatural.murder mystery series. The story was good with some character development. The world created was interesting and kept you reading.
March 21, 2022
Great book. Nice to read a story about Witches that does not follow the usual average storylines. Look forward to the next in the series.
March 23, 2022
good read
This was a good read but I am hoping the next books will give us better a plot and character development
This was a good read but I am hoping the next books will give us better a plot and character development
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews