A Cursed Midlife

Witching After Forty #2

by Lia Davis, L.A. Boruff, Coleen Marlo (Narrator)

Necromancer trainee, bookseller, novel writer Ava Harper is settling into her new life with friends and her houseguests. And she definitely isn’t thinking about a certain hunky sheriff who pops in unannounced at every turn. And mostly ignoring her devilish new neighbor, a lingering Christmas present from herself.

She has bigger things to worry about. Like learning her newly woken powers. And convincing her house that she isn’t selling it so it will stop scaring off any visitors. Plus, she’s teaching a ghoul to use a computer. Why shouldn’t he? He can’t talk, he might as well be able to use social media.

Her life gets more complicated when the local coven decides Ava has dodged them for long enough. She doesn’t have any interest in joining the coven. She’s everything they turn their nose up at. A necromancer with a weird ability to heal people.

But they want her.

When other coven members fall victim to freak accidents, Ava is sure something dark is at play. And the more Ava learns about the so-called accidents the more her past haunts her.

Once again, she puts her trust in her friends—and the deliciously mysterious man in charge of the local law enforcement—to get to the bottom of whoever is targeting witches.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Mystery, Witches, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Magic

Audiobook

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

In 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.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cursed Midlife is another cute, fun and funny addition to this series. Ava (FMC) does a little bit of sleuthing when coven witches are start dying. With the help of friends. Add to that her new relationship with Sheriff Drew, a next door neighbour Luci (who is the Devil. Quite Literally, lol), Ghouls, Talking Skeletons and immortal Cats. Its just a fast paced Caper with characters you cant help but like. Its a great read

[BigGirl BigBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF you can't beat them join them. In this part of the series the coven...and good looking men...are coming for Ava. Once again the authors work together to tell a tale to us over the age of reading about falling in love in college. after a certain age you want real romance and real life scenarios.
You will want to read the witty characters toils and outcomes in one sitting. But if you read too fast you might miss the magic that is Midlife Magic.
If you love the novels by Darynda Jones and Kate Moseman you will love the Midlife Magic series.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cursed Midlife
Witching After Forty, Book 4

I Picked Up This Book Because: Continue the series.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Hoopla via HC Public Library
Dates Read: 12/13/24 - 12/15/24
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Coleen Marlo

The Characters:

Ava Harper:

The Story:

Ava really has her hands full with this crew of misfits and I love it. She also has a couple of very sad mysteries to solve but with the help of her new coven she was able to find the truth. I also really like the romance that is building between Ava and the Sheriff. Delicious tension.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked that the mysteries were a more ‘front and center’ part of the plot in this book. We’ve had a chance to get to know most of the weirdness surrounding Ava, so it feels like a logical next step to focus on what she’s doing with all this awesome power she’s been gifted with. At first, I was excited that this book was putting to rights the details that got flubbed in the intervening novellas. At least, I was until this book started to perpetuate the errors introduced in the novellas. Outside of that, there are some interesting questions that remain to be answered about Ava’s powers, her past, and even her heritage. I’m very curious to see what the authors have to tell us about those in the books to come.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely adore Ava!! ... is she finally going to send Luci home?

[Lu Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice little cozy mystery

[Amyiw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well it has been 10 days and I have pretty much forgotten what this was about. Hmm... I remember enjoying it while reading but I have so many stories in my head that it has to make an impression, this just didn't. Reading the blurb, it jogs my memory and I remember the fun characters and the idea of the story but not the details. The old coven that has rejected her family in the past is now trying to recruit her. She goes partially because she needs to know what they are up to and partially to learn about her powers.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava and the gang are back and now have to find out who's killing the witches in the local coven. The mystery is great and the found family of Ava are just fantastic. I love every character. We also find out what really happened to her mom and that she has decided to sell the home she lived in with her late husband Clay. Luci is so fun also.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun addition to this series and this genre in general. I am loving the story line, the family/friend relationships and all the quirky fun characters. I eagerly await the next release!

[Sue-Dee Numb · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much going in Ava's life now she has completely embraced her necromancer powers, she has made the decision to stay in Shipton Harbor. She has her new Beau Drew The ex Witch Hunter Sherriff, her childhood best friend Sam who is married to her childhood nemesis Olivia who is now becoming one of her closest friend's. In her home she has the ghoul she inherited Alfred and the skeleton she raised Larry. And her new neighbour Satan (he was a failed attempt at summoning Santa at Christmas and has decided to stay!)
Now she gets an invite to join the local Coven, the same Coven who basically shunned her family after her mum was killed and Ava started to suppress her power.
Local witches are dying under strange circumstances, very strange circumstances! Wrapped in yarn from her knitting machine! Larry (skeleton Larry, keep up now) was also murdered, he died in quick sand, in Maine.(There is no quicksand in Maine!) Larry remembers seeing a hooded figure in the woods and someone following him and slipping something in his pocket,
Whilst practising her necromance powers Ava pulls a dead shifter child from the ground, she is able to get his name and that he had been abducted and used in a fighting ring. She returns him to his parents, but they do not want her help to find out what happened, the shifter community will do it themselves.
Ava's son Wallie convinces his mum that they should go to the coven meeting, he has been to his girlfriends and it is a great resource, This one not so much, some of the members don't make her feel overly welcome. And more freak accidents are taking out witches, and when they look into it it is not just a new phenomena witches have been dying in Shipton Harbor in strange circumstances and they all have a strange coin in their possession. Coincidence?
Then when the shifter parents reach out to her because their younger son has been taken from his bed, Ava inadvertently comes across a shifter fighting ring, where shifter children are being pitted against animals. And witch magic is involved, Ava's to-do list just keeps getting longer.!
It's always the quiet ones you have to watch.

I am loving this series, the humour is great, Larry the skeleton's bathroom habits was so funny, Ava being able to discern his facial expressions even though he has no facial expression, her inner dialogue is spot on.
Ava has a dark sense of humour it makes the book a delight to read. The book moves on at a steady pace, the shifter fighting ring is heart breaking.
I recommend this series if you enjoy the Paranormal Women's Fiction this is a great entry to this genre

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A CURSED MIDLIFE is the fourth book in the Witching After Forty series. This series is best read in the order of release. I am thoroughly enjoying it and hope to continue as it grows.

Ava has decided to stay in Shipton Harbor, she is embracing her powers – both witchy and necromancer, she and the sheriff are dating, and her family-by-choice has grown. Then this sleepy little town, that never has violent crime, is suddenly plagued by odd deaths. They seem to be related to related to how Larry was killed!

I love how this group of supernaturals and Ava’s non-sup friends work together to solve the mystery. I love the humor, the friendships, and the romance that is slowly building between Ava and sheriff Drew. There are parts of this particular story that are heart-breaking and could become dark, but instead they are handled sensitively while allowing a little “gallows-humor” to lighten the mood and move us along. Then we quickly bounce back and bounce ahead with perfect pace and timing.

I loved this story from beginning to end and wouldn’t have skipped a word of it! Every character is interesting and fully-fleshed out (even the skeleton with no skin – sorry, I couldn’t help myself!).

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.


Title: A CURSED MIDLIFE
Series: Witching After Forty #2
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content.
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused.
Received from: L.A. Boruff

[Regina Marie O Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving Ava's journey as she starts to embrace her necromancer side and decides to stay in Shipton Harbour,as she's training & practices her skills with Owen she draws out a dead shifter kid with worrying news on how he died,if that isn't enough she's gets an invite to join the coven which she is not happy with as they shunned her family but all of a sudden members start dying under mysterious circumstances,as Ava & her friends get drawn into the investigation,things start spiralling out of control,I won't give away too much but dive in,you are going to fall in love with all the wonderful quirky characters, fantastic hilarious dialogue and we'll written story that will keep you hooked till the endI'm loving Ava's journey as she starts to embrace her necromancer side and decides to stay in Shipton Harbour,as she's training & practices her skills with Owen she draws out a dead shifter kid with worrying news on how he died,if that isn't enough she's gets an invite to join the coven which she is not happy with as they shunned her family but all of a sudden members start dying under mysterious circumstances,as Ava & her friends get drawn into the investigation,things start spiralling out of control,I won't give away too much but dive in,you are going to fall in love with all the wonderful quirky characters, fantastic hilarious dialogue and we'll written story that will keep you hooked till the end

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I stumbled upon the Witching After Forties series I’ve had one complaint, the brevity of the books which equates to a lack of depth. “A Cursed Midlife” finally resolved this problem for me. The length and depth of the content was perfect.

In this installment, Ava is invited to a meeting of the local coven who from her memories are pretty pompous and elitist in their views. She doesn’t want to attend but Owen really wants to. Meanwhile, the body of a shifter boy is found and Ava discovers he was kidnapped and used in a fighting ring. His remains are returned to his parents.The shifter community quietly keeps to themselves and doesn’t want outside interference but that doesn’t keep Ava from getting involved.

Of course, a hexed silver coin causes other murders of witches to occur. Ava is nonplussed and suspects one of the coven members is involved. Soon it becomes clear that the murders and the missing kids are related. With the help and support from her friends and son Ava will stop at nothing to find the culprits responsible. Even Luci, the devil will be included in on this case.

This was a fun read despite the kid fight club scenes. There was plenty of action and subterfuge. I hope the authors have finally found their winning formula and keep it up in future installments.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start into a murder mystery that will keep you guessing. The story line is fast-paced with good characters the reader is drawn to. Ava is at last dating her hunky Sheriff Drew, and we can look forward to how this works out for them. As to the mystery, there are apparently cursed coins that bring about a flurry of "accidents" that are catching her attention. Is there something darker going on here? Another something is also going on with the coven that needs looking into. With exploring her new powers and all of the other distractions in her life, it’s a wonder she can get all of these things handled! But the touch of humor thrown in there will keep the reader laughing and enjoying whatever issue Ava chooses to deal with.

The best thing about this series is the diverse group of characters we are introduced to along the way as Ava grows her friends list and has the funniest interactions with many of them. It’s an odd family but a good one and promises more laughs to come. So grab your copy and get invested in this fun series. And you’ll even solve a mystery or two along the way!

[Aimee Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ava has been invited to attend the local coven meeting. She doesn't have fond memories of the coven from her childhood. Ava, Owen and her son go to see what they really want. Ava is approached by two members but were interrupted. Ava finds out that the has lost members due to some unfortunate situations. Ava has also decided to look into Larry's death as well. Ava finds evidence that the coven deaths and Larry's are connected. Ava and the other will hunt down the clues of who it could be. Ava also finds out a shifter ring that is operating in her area. Ava makes some shocking discoveries that she doesn't really know some people closet to her.



There is a lot of twist and turns in this book and the character Ava. Ava has really started to embrace her powers. Ava will also discover just how powerful her magic is. Enjoying the development of Ava and Drew's relationship. Can't wait to find out what Alfred is hiding from Ava, I have some theories about it. Am loving Luci. Really good book, recommend reading

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, the first story I read about Ava from this author was the short "I'm with cupid" and I loved it so much I bought the first book in the series and the Christmas short story...this series is very well written and everything is awesome, from the storyline to the characters, their interactions, their shenanigans, it's a very good read from start to finish. Ava's predicaments with her houseguests had me laughing my head off. Her friennemy Olivia is hilarious and she's a shiny character in the story. Sam is getting pushed of his best friend status by is own wife Olivia. Drew is hot and Ava is totally smitten but it's beginning to look like Lucifer is on the run to get Ava's heart and she finds him also very attractive and yummy. I am eagerly waiting for the next books with this characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Witching After Forty story! Ava learns more about her family's history with the local coven and how to control even more of her necromancer power by bringing back animals. That is until a small ferret turns out to be a child shifter who was kidnapped and used in a fighting ring. Don't mess with a Mom because even without witchy-necromancer powers she is a force to be reckoned with. This discovery also leads to learning about Larry's death while also looking into the death's of the local coven members who seem to be falling prey to some bizarre accidents. Held my attention the entire time and had me laughing out loud. Really like how the romance is building and can't wait to see how Ava gets Luci to go home. Not that we blame him for wanting to stick around, he has been helpful at times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

This book takes place directly after the two novellas, so you need to read book one, then the two novellas first, since events in those books are referenced.

Ava is getting used to having her necromancy powers back, and is practicing hard. But when she decides to look into the murder of Larry the skeleton, she finds that it might just be linked to some far more recent murders.

This is a light, fun read, with some heavy magical action, and a couple of mysteries to solve.
Ava is a mature heroine, with the confidence that age can bring (as well as some of the issues it brings too), and is intriguingly powerful. Her menagerie is at times, laugh out loud funny, while her story is definitely on that keeps you interested. Add in a slow burn romance, and the devil, and you have a recipe for a series that is well worth reading!

Recommended for those who enjoy PWF and paranormal mystery books.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't want to join a coven!!

Ava has a new household now that she has Larry the skeleton! One day she is awoken by a knock at the door. When she answers she receives this message "... The Shipton Harbor Coven cordially invites Ava Howe-Harper... to the monthly coven meeting this Saturday at 8 pm....". Will she go? What will she do when she gets there?

As if that isn't enough she and Owen watch Larry getting ready for the day Larry was "...walking past us like it was completely normal for a skeleton to clean his eyes sockets.... ". Ava certainly thought "... When did my life take a turn to Crazytown?... ".

All this is part of the fun in this enthralling saga in the Witching After Forty series. I'd laughed out loud and gasped in shock as I read it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacy Van cise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is back in this second full length book in The Witching After 40 series.

This one is a murder mystery, fast paced with a little sexy and a bit of fun. Ava is getting very close to the sexy town sheriff and dating now. Olivia has fully become her best friend and her household keeps growing. Cursed coins lead to a string of "accidents" that thread back to unexpected places.

An excellent second full length book to this increasingly interesting story. The book is paced well and reads fast. I recommend you start with the first book "A Ghoulish Midlife" to get the full story. These characters are interesting and very fun. I expect more great content from these Authors for this series. Can't wait to see what happens next!

[Ann Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava is continuing to learn what her skills are as a necromancer with the help of Drew and Larry (skeleton she raised while training). The local coven has invited her to attend their meetings so she and Wallie are off to learn what they can about them. Witches in town are being magically killed so Ava and her team dig into the deaths. They know it's a powerful witch but which witch of the coven is doing the dirty deed. Drew, Sam and Olivia work with the magical team to find the culprit while identifying the leaders of a shifter fight group.

Ava is learning and growing into her powers and self-esteem. It was another great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine may be is her midlife, and it may be one crisis after another, but it is definitely not a mid-life crisis!

This is book two of the series, but it works fine as a standalone.

This is a cozy witch mystery with all that entails. Fortunately, I am rather fond of the genre, so I am fine with it all. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. The story moves at a good pace and includes plenty of mystery and intrigue to keep things interesting. Overall, I enjoyed our heroine's escapades and look forward to more in the future.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. It is great for us women over a certain age (that would be 40) who are past young heroines, and anyone else who enjoys a good laugh. This one has more mystery, strange accidents (or are they more), witches, shifters, the undead, Lucifer (who still won't go home),the sexy sheriff, and our witch-necromancer Ava who is busier than a one-armed paper-hanger (old saying..sorry). I love the collection of characters and watching Ava learn to accept and use her powers. Plenty of twists and turns, funny antics, and surprises. This is a great series and I look forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava Harper is a bit of everything ~ witch, necromancer, author, and bookseller. She's settling back in Shipton Harbor with new friends and a magical house. She's trying to convince the house that she's staying and is teaching the ghoul she inherited to use the computer. She believes that she has enough on her plate then she gets as n invitation from the local coven.

I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. The book's well-written with a wonderful cast of characters. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. This quick, fun read kept me on my toes and eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order including the short stories between the full length books.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coven witches are dying and something is going on with the shifter community. Ava has to call on both sides of her nature, necromancer and witch, to figure out what's going on in her town. Luckily her friends and family are also happy to offer any help she needs.

I'm really enjoying this fun paranormal cozy mystery series. I love Ava, her besties Sam and Olivia, her beau Drew, Larry-the-skeleton, and all of the rest of the characters. The mysteries are interesting and keep me guessing.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accidental recovery while practicing with her mentor Owen leads necromancer Ava to a series of grizzly and disturbing deaths, and worse

Betrayals by folks once close to her family are pretty revolting

Can Ava, Owen and friends uncover the witchly links to a string of awful murders, and worse interactions with shifters?

Ava is finally beginning to find her way ahead with Sheriff/ born hunter Drew.

With her mentor Owen, friends Olivia and Sam, and assorted ghouls, shifters snd her son, Ava appears to have many more exciting and bizarre adventures in store for her future

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Just Jese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay

I’m not too impressed with how this series is slowly devolving into meh and blah territory. From the name changes to having two seemingly unrelated mysteries morph into one with no real explanation beyond they’re siblings is just too far fetched for my tastes.
It’s kinda weird how Ava shows up and people start getting murdered left and right and everyone is just okay with the increased weirdness in town.
Also it should be late February/early March in this series...why isn’t Sammie in school if he was in kindergarten in the first book?
I think I’ll give this series one more read before calling it quits.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the town of Shipton Harbor and Ava's crazy new family.

I love love Ava. Its funny hear about all the things that happens to a woman when she gets past 40.It makes her character more loveable. She has real feeling about lose of family and her deliver husband. Its great to have a character that is closer to my real life. Ava is making a new family for herself with friends. I myself have friends that are my family now. Plus I like how her and her bf Olivia solve murders and mysteries. It nice to read about different groups working together for the betterment of their community in Shipton Harbor. Including Witches , shifters, hunters humans and ghouls.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery keeps you guessing. Ava has so much going on in her life, but she embraces it and moves forward. Her compassion for those lost and desire to get to the bottom of it, truly drives her character. It was nice seeing her develop a relationship with Sheriff Drew. I loved Luci, he was a fun character. She definitely developed more confidence and even jumped into a role she was not sure she wanted. This series is a lot of fun and definitely worth picking up to follow the mystery but also has a bit of comedy along the way. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stan Hutchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is continuing the Witching After Forty series. Ava and her extended "family" (not all are blood relations, and some aren't even alive or human) and friends are back and her mistaken Santa, Luci, is too. In this book the family gains even more members. Ava's mother and grandmother communicate with her by magical means. Murders are solved and the perpetrators are brought to justice (eternal punishment thanks to Luci). Ava and Drew become a "thing" as Ava decides to let go of Clay and embrace the present. There is lots of humor, friendship, relationship tension, and non-stop adventure. I'm looking forward to the next in the series...