He sent her away. Now she’s back. With secrets of her own.
Samantha Sinclair's midlife can be summed up in one word—trapped. Trapped by her MS. Trapped by an abusive husband. Trapped in a vicious cycle. Trapped until her son steps in and whisks her away to the last place she expects—a B&B in the Outer Banks.
The only problem? It puts her in the way, and possibly into the power, of the one man she really wanted. The man who rejected her years ago. Combined with the oddballs who hang around the 50 and up beach community, the B&B is the last place in the world Sam wants to be. While contemplating how to navigate her new reality and old flames who just won't die, Sam looks out the window late one night and sees people dancing naked under the light of the full moon. If that wasn’t strange enough, there's a large group of huge felines cavorting on the beach. After she gets over her shock, Sam realizes she’s not the only one keeping secrets.
Has she just leaped from the cauldron into the fire?
Midlife Bed and Broomstick is the charming first book in the Cougars and Cauldrons paranormal women’s fiction series. If you like gutsy survivors, true-to-life characters, and uplifting stories, then you’ll love Jennifer L. Hart’s journey of transformation. Buy Midlife Bed and Broomstick for a spellbook-full of mischief today!
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USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Hart writes about characters that cuss, get naked, and often make poor but hilarious life choices. A native New Yorker, Jenn now lives in the mountains of North Carolina with her imaginary friends. Her works to date include the Cougars and Cauldrons series, the Silver Sisters series and the upcoming Legcay Witches of Shadow Cove.
Sometimes the characters I create are kind. They let me pretend I am in control.
Not this time.
Rejected mates takes on a whole new depth with an older heroine. Samantha's story was one I needed to write like a woman posessed. After Maeve’s book I got to thinking about people with MS who are farther along on their journey. Maybe someone lacking the support network that my Silver Sisters have. Maybe someone who doesn't have any hope left.
And who can resist a secret shifter baby story? The tropes appeared like shells on the beach after a hurricane. My role is clear. I'm just here to write up the incident report.
Got to say this one has me torn because I absolutely hate triangles and a supernatural one when you talk of mates just feels totally icky and yuk. I know it’s just fiction but when you read enough supernatural and fantasy fiction you get it in your head a mate is a mate and then after some drama a happily ever after having two alphas claim to be your mate just feels off to me and kinda ruined what I thought was an okay story otherwise. I’m a big fan off this authors books but this one was a let down for me.
Well what can I say? This was cheesy as uh...cheese usually is.
I wasn't surprised by any of it, yet I was very happy with the inclusion of things that are dear to me. Not going into details because of privacy.
This book had shifters, kinds of shifters, it had a ridiculous "energy vampire" that almost made me cackle because it's just not a thing in the supernatural world, but it was such a funny approach to the evil dude.
Ofc the mc was everything, and her son the next everything. No surprise there. I was happy to see some representation of illness that was made into a part of the story, not everything that defined the story. Sadly I thought the mc could have had a bit more personality, in fact, most characters lacked depth. However, generally speaking in this genre of midlife crisis supernatural fantasy fiction (sorry), it's also just not a regular thing to have deep characters. So really it didn't bother me.
I liked a lot about it, I disliked a lot, but I was looking for an easy read with a lack of emotional depth, and that's precisely what I got here. It was such a refreshing tale compared to other things I've read and am reading atm, so yeah, 4 stars. I got the first 3 in the series for free on Amazon, so I'm gonna read the rest too. And hope that love triangle crap and mate-porn won't turn into a thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2023 bk 253. I've read a LOT of the midlife crisis/paranormal books and a few stand out. This is one of them. Hart included a plot twist I did not expect - well multiple unexpected plot twists and while the ending drew most of the early of the issues to a conclusion, left some very perturbing things on the table. Looking forward to book #2.
This was an emotional, raw book that really showcases what PWF can be. An interesting world that will surely be more developed in future books in the series, real characters, real problems, and real relationships. I loved seeing the son in her life and the magic peek out slowly at first before gathering speed. There might be some complaints about the "cliff hanger" but I wouldn't call it that. The central story wraps up with a lot of callbacks from the beginning (which I love) and with delicious danglers for what's to come! Can't wait! I'm hooked!
May I gush! LOVED Midlife Bed and Broomstick, the first book in Jennifer L. Hart Cougars and Cauldrons series. I can't wait for the next book in the series, but I hope it doesn't get too much more intense! I am not sure I could handle it. The main character is a physically challenged middle aged woman who has been barely surviving for years but now as she faces challenges she never imagined, she comes into her own. Author Jenn. Hart has been writing about midlife heroines both of the daily hero variety and big life hero version since long before the midlife concept became popular and doing it with panache! For years Sam held down two jobs trying to provide for her son as a single mother, then an abusive marriage almost broke her even before her MS diagnosis slammed into her life. Feeling helpless, hopeless, dependent, and out of control, Samantha Sinclair can't see herself giving up on a terrible marriage even though she fears her increasingly abusive husband will eventually kill her. When her son comes to the rescue, her first reaction is to return to her horrible husband, but John takes her to the one place that she can be safe and cared for until she is ready to stand on her own. Neither Sam nor her son had a clue where he was landing them. Soooo AWESOME, and I didn't not see that one coming! While the storyline wraps up, the evil author hands us one more bit that leaves us hanging....yes! The cruel cliff hanger! Ok, not really a cliff hanger but we are still hanging and the book isn't coming out tomorrow. If the next book is as fantastic as Midlife Bed and Broomstick, I will forgive Jennifer L. Hart. I have done it before. An Amazing Midlife tale with twists and turns.
My greatest challenge in writing a review is how to put into words the worth and impact of a book, especially as each of us responds and resonates uniquely to the same storytelling.
I savored the complexity here; people and plotlines alike. That made it a rich and satisfying read, even more so with seeing someone discover and come into their gifts. There are wise words about the patterns of our lives and wonderfully fun words: the peanut butter spread on the mousetrap analogy was so choice!
This is a clean read with a few shifter nudity comments and a few words that would have a parent say: "Language!" There are limited scenes of mental and physical abuse, plus accurate descriptions of post traumatic stress responses. These are not extensive, but are potentially triggers.
The initial story arc is so very challenging, yet resolves in a smooth, natural, and well paced way. Understanding what's at the root of Robert's behavior was a very welcome and satisfying plot twist. So often we never get to know what leads people in real life to harm us. Also, there are no sudden, unrealistic, miraculous solutions to jolt us out of this intriguing community and back into our own world.
There is no cliffhanger, however, there is a plot twist at the end flowing out one of the plotlines. That situation moves front and center and will clearly be a strong plotline going forward.
This book brought me laughter, sadness, gladness, things to think on, and overall? It enriched me. My thanks to Writer J L Hart.
I loved reading a magick story about "average aged" women with real needs and desires- and problems! I think this book could have been about 50 pages longer. I wish more time had been spent discussing the convergence and possibilities, maybe to make an entry for future books, and also (no spoilers here!!) some of the "interactions" could have been drawn out a bit more to allow more of a reaction from the reader. The final "resolution" seemed a bit blunt for me. I was hoping for more detail, emotion, confrontation.... So. A very engaging book overall but I felt like the author was in a hurry to finish and there could have been so much more. I understand it's a series but I'm hoping what's been done is done and there's not a lot of repeating and backtracking in the next book. The plot was believable enough to hold my interest and the characters were very well thought out and presented and several already have me by the heart. I'm looking forward to the next book and I recommend reading this one with a touch of forgiveness. It is worth the investment.
A magical awakening - Samantha is rescued by her son John from the violence meted out by her husband Robert. Back in NC where her greatest heartbreak occurred, she is confronted with her first love Damien and a heap of new truths. Magic is real, he's a cougar shifter who was raised by a seer, and she's a healing witch who ironically can't heal herself. As she grapples with mastering her new powers, she'll have to deal with her burgeoning feelings for Damien and another male, while keeping herself and John safe from Robert's machinations. The abuser is more than he seems, having targeted Sam for her vulnerability. But Sam's not alone anymore, surrounded by a community of magic so beings who have her back. A fast-paced magical tale that kept me engrossed til the end. It does end on a cliffhanger but it is well worth the read. Sam's story is far from over and I am looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Magic, shifters and witches I really enjoyed this story of a not so perfect, sometimes flawed woman who when it comes down to protecting the ones she loves, will fight against all odds to do so. Sam is an unhappily married middle aged woman with multiple sclerosis and to top it all off has an abusive husband.
Sam once away from her husband and old life, finds she and her son belong to a magical community in North Carolina who accept them into their family. There are twists and turns, secrets to be revealed, reuniting with an old love, plus possibly a new love interest. Along with threats and danger to overcome. A great storyline that kept me interested with all that was happening along the way. A truly enjoyable book and narration.
I received an audiobook copy for my honest review and also had purchased the ebook.
I have enjoyed several of Jennifer's books so far.
I think this is my favorite.
Jennifer L Hart has a way of writing about strength in women going through midlife, who always had it but didn't know until they started believing in themselves. I love the way she uses our modern life to flesh out her characters. This character has a chronic illness, has a rough past, and is surrounded by people of literally all walks of life. And she fleshes out each one of those characters as fully as the main. It's a rare gift and very much a treat.
Samantha is struggling trying to keep herself away from her husband, Robert, from abusing her. But it is not working. Just when he starts again her son, John, shows up and gets her to a car and they leave. John is supposed to be in college but luckily he came home. They are driving back to where she used to live. Sam is not ready for that. She left there on a bad note. And who should she see as they get there but Damien, John’s father, and John does not know. That is not the only secret is this town. Be prepared for some interesting things going on. You have witches, shifters and all things magical. Sam herself will find out new things about herself too.
This story just blew me away! I loved every thing about it. The characters were such a pleasure to read about. John, Sam's son stepped up and his intervention changed both of their lives for so much better!!! Great magical happenings and I personally loved the ending, warning, a bit of a cliff but the main issue was resolved. One of the best Midlife books that I have ever read. Amazingly Outstanding!!! I received a copy through the author's Patreon an I am leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Truly Want to and Feel that this is a Great Book!!!
I'm a bit ambivalent about this one. I would think that magical powers would cure any illness once they are triggered. Damien is also a little disappointing because he's kind of a weak alpha and he randomly sent her away for no good reason really and never even attempted to follow up to make sure she was ok. I don't really like love triangles so unless this is heading into a reverse harem I'm not here for the drama that is coming with the dramatic confession at the end. Probably won't read anything further in the series.
Jennifer has done it again! Started a series that I can not resist and I hope she keeps it going for more than two books. Caught between two strong personalities, she chooses to learn more about herself and her new found abilities after a disastrous first marriage. Fitting into a new community is no cinch either as she meets family and coven members, oh my! Great world building has always been one of Miss Hart’s strengths and twists of plot too. An enjoyable read to add to your list!
Audiobook: This first book in the "Cougars and Cauldrons Series" was both thought-provoking and entertaining. The author has incorporated several heavy themes in this story: a character who suffered with Multiple Sclerosis, spousal abuse, secrets, and the ending of a first love. There was also magic and shifters. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Hollie Jackson's narration was good, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
I keep finding "new to me" authors and their works are so good! I really enjoyed this book. The characters come alive in my mind and the story surrounds me like the warm hug of an old and trusted friend. THAT is the type of writing that appeals to me most. The plot is obscure at times, but the premise of starting a new life where you feel you actually belong will always appeal to the most staid of us humans. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am very impressed and cannot recommend this book, highly enough.
Acceptance is at the core of who we are and what we can do. Acceptance of ourselves and of one another.”
I have been a big fan of Jennifer L Hart's since the "laundry hag" days. Her evolution to a paranormal fiction writer has been a marvelous transformation and I absolutely adore her books.
This book is the first in a well reviewed series so I won't rehash the plot except to say, well written, well rounded, flawed characters work for this writer. Read *anything* with her name on it. You will be happy you did. Highly Recommended 5/5
The dominant character in this book is Samantha and she deserves every inch of recognition that she gets in the story. She grabs you from the gut. All the other characters are also strong, well drawn and admirable, except, in some ways, Robert, he came across as being contrived, especially towards the end. I liked most aspects of the story, except for the rivalry between the two men, that spoilt all the good feelings I had as well as caused the book to lose its appeal. I do not like cliff hangers and one of this nature? Definitely not to my liking.
I am absolutely enchanted by this first book in the series. A perfect slow burn start, combined with a strong woman finally coming into her own. I am so glad to see a well written story about a woman with an autoimmune disease surviving and thriving. The accuracy of how draining they can be as well as battle between your mind and body want was dead on. I'm so glad I found this series and can't wait to see what happens next.
I love Ms Hart’s books. She includes so many things that appeal to me……older women and their issues, light mystery, the supernatural, with a nice dash of romance. This series starter didn’t disappoint. The relationship between Sam and Damien is in constant flux, as is her relationship with her son. The fact that she’s dealing with being a witch adds fuel to the evergrowing complexity of the plot. I am already reading the second book in this series and can’t wait to read more. Keep on writing, Ms Hart!!
I really liked the plotline. The heroine, Samantha, is not truly a strong woman, not at the beginning of the book anyways. She is an abused wife who just takes it and does not fight back. It takes her 20 year old son, John, to save her from the abuse. He takes his mother to her old hometown. There the answers to all her questions and traumas are answered. But now new mysteries are happening that will have a profound impact on her and her son's life. I enjoyed this book very much.
Ok disabled female lead, lots of political correctness, shapeshifters, goblins, a failed council, serious issues with ages(how old is she?) 38 or 48? Is she retiring? Aloha make loses, multiple mates. This was so all over the place I did t care that she left a cliffhanger ending. I was just glad it was over. For the love of reading , please pick a coherent plot line and stick with it.
A character that has a chronic illness and isn't a 20 something, blonde fairy princess siren was a very refreshing change! I also really love that though the FMC has a mate in the MMC, she has a choice in the matter. I didn't feel like the chemistry was all there between the two, and I'm hoping that she eventually chooses the other shifter in her life. 😉 The magical cast of characters were delightful. I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
Loved this first book in the new series by Jennifer L. Hart! A new twist on midlife paranormal books ~ Ms. Hart has hit this one out of the park! Can't wait for book two to see what Sam, Damien, Mathis, John, Alba and crew are up to! This is a fantastic read!
Some books just suck you in and this is most definitely one of those!! The power and the magic swirls within the words of this book bringing it, it's characters and its world to life! Sam, Damien, John, Mathias and all the others are a powerful force that I look forward to knowing more of! A fantastic read!
Sam is sick and has an abusive husband. Her son catches him hurting her and takes her away to safety. I loved this book by Jennifer L. Hart. The journey changes alot for Sam and her son John. She finds out she's a witch. He finds out he's a shifter as is his dad. When the cops come looking for money her husband stole, she must protect everyone.
Finding yourself at middle age is tough work but when you've lived with a debilitating disease it's just another day. Learning to believe & trust yourself again, yeah, that's much harder. No rest for the weary though as the past & present collide,all you can do is go thru.
It's nice to see a story with a disabled main character. The insight into overcoming the usual struggles, heart ache, aging, etc., but with the added struggle of everyday issues that most people take for granted. It's an interesting Paranormal Women's Fiction (PWF) story with an emotional tug. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
The title of this book should be, “I Can’t Wait to Read What Happens Next.” It started out so sad, then, WOW, what a change! It took a while, but Samantha (Sam) finally accepted that supernaturals are real, like the huge mountain lions she saw among some over 50 people dancing naked outside of her bedroom window.