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Return to Magic #1
Older, Wiser, Witchier
Four women. Four great loves. One great partnership.
It’s been years since Ivy Morgan, Harper Harlow, Maddie Graves, and Rowan Gray married the loves of their lives and decided to settle down. Since that time, they’ve joined together to form a fearsome magical quartet. The plan was to stand with one another. Now that plan is being put to the test.
While out morel hunting with her brother, daughter, and nephews, Ivy stumbles across a body, a ritual dagger causing her to fear they’re dealing with something more dangerous than a normal human. Right away, she calls for reinforcements from her magical friends…and they come running.
Ivy’s magic has grown, and she’s much stronger than she used to be. That doesn’t mean she’s ready for what’s coming, especially when it becomes apparent that her daughter might be following in her mother’s footsteps, and being drawn into a dangerous world she doesn’t understand.
A local real estate developer is dead, his wife is missing, and there’s a random ghost hanging around stirring up trouble. Ivy has her hands full, and things are about to get worse.
Magic is might, and this particular foursome is ready. What if they’re not strong enough to fight off a new threat, however? What will it mean for them as a group?
They’re about to find out, and the answer might be more than they can bear.
It’s been years since Ivy Morgan, Harper Harlow, Maddie Graves, and Rowan Gray married the loves of their lives and decided to settle down. Since that time, they’ve joined together to form a fearsome magical quartet. The plan was to stand with one another. Now that plan is being put to the test.
While out morel hunting with her brother, daughter, and nephews, Ivy stumbles across a body, a ritual dagger causing her to fear they’re dealing with something more dangerous than a normal human. Right away, she calls for reinforcements from her magical friends…and they come running.
Ivy’s magic has grown, and she’s much stronger than she used to be. That doesn’t mean she’s ready for what’s coming, especially when it becomes apparent that her daughter might be following in her mother’s footsteps, and being drawn into a dangerous world she doesn’t understand.
A local real estate developer is dead, his wife is missing, and there’s a random ghost hanging around stirring up trouble. Ivy has her hands full, and things are about to get worse.
Magic is might, and this particular foursome is ready. What if they’re not strong enough to fight off a new threat, however? What will it mean for them as a group?
They’re about to find out, and the answer might be more than they can bear.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 6, 2022
1718 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 9, 2022
Great book again, but...
Like always a great book, cant wait for the next. But for the first time in all her books, and i have read them all. I dont like a character as much. Olive, Ivys daughter is to much for a 4 year old and that makes her unlikable for me. Shes tooo much, to sarcastic, too mouthy, to disrespectful and it makes her to unrealistic for a 4yr old. Im a teacher, and i have not met a child so young that acts like this.
She is missing a childlike self, that even been perecocious, all children have. Shes just another mouthy character, and not a child character. And for that i didnt enjoy this book as much. Since it focuses soo much on the Olive persona and not on the new group our favorite characters have formed.
You can have a mouthy comedy relief person on your book, or as many as you like. But this was not it. It actually made me hurry up the parts...
Like always a great book, cant wait for the next. But for the first time in all her books, and i have read them all. I dont like a character as much. Olive, Ivys daughter is to much for a 4 year old and that makes her unlikable for me. Shes tooo much, to sarcastic, too mouthy, to disrespectful and it makes her to unrealistic for a 4yr old. Im a teacher, and i have not met a child so young that acts like this.
She is missing a childlike self, that even been perecocious, all children have. Shes just another mouthy character, and not a child character. And for that i didnt enjoy this book as much. Since it focuses soo much on the Olive persona and not on the new group our favorite characters have formed.
You can have a mouthy comedy relief person on your book, or as many as you like. But this was not it. It actually made me hurry up the parts...
September 19, 2022
spectacular paranormal cozy mystery crossover event
This is an exceptionally entertaining paranormal cozy mystery crossover event. An awesome cast of characters and a spectacular storyline. Four of Lily Harper Hart’s heroine characters from her paranormal cozy mystery series join together to find an evil invading towns near where they all live. Ivy, Harper, Maddie and Rowen join forces to fight the evil causing havoc. An exciting and entertaining adventure as these four magical women join forces to take on an enemy they cannot see. Read on and enjoy. A special crossover event.
This is an exceptionally entertaining paranormal cozy mystery crossover event. An awesome cast of characters and a spectacular storyline. Four of Lily Harper Hart’s heroine characters from her paranormal cozy mystery series join together to find an evil invading towns near where they all live. Ivy, Harper, Maddie and Rowen join forces to fight the evil causing havoc. An exciting and entertaining adventure as these four magical women join forces to take on an enemy they cannot see. Read on and enjoy. A special crossover event.
January 24, 2026
Super cute cozy mystery.
I really enjoyed this book, the camaraderie with the friends and their shared powers are interesting and immediately draws you in. I enjoyed the interweaving of their individual family dynamics peppered in. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.
I really enjoyed this book, the camaraderie with the friends and their shared powers are interesting and immediately draws you in. I enjoyed the interweaving of their individual family dynamics peppered in. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.
September 30, 2022
The more, the merrier!
What's better than one witch and her devoted husband? That's four witches and their besotted husbands, (and kiddos.)
I had the best time reconnecting with Ivy, Harper, Maddie, and Rowen!
The first book in this series stars Ivy, Jack, and Olive.
I'm guessing each new book will star each character, and probably mostly take place in their hometown.
There was plenty of interaction between all the characters to feed my hunger for more stories about some of my favorite fictional "friends."
Learning about all the kids added to the mix, and some of their quirks was snicker worthy.
Zander's kids being spoiled, and out of control was hardly a surprise, but I expected Shawn to have a more calming influence than he apparently did.
However, karma will have it's way, much like Zander.
Speaking of Shawn...I missed him and Jarod, but having kids changes everything, and someone had to stay with some of them. It made sense to the storyline, and I'm sure they will get their turn.
If you haven't read any of these series, I suggest you do that first. It's not strictly necessary, but this book will be far more enjoyable if you do.
All four of the series featuring these characters are highly entertaining, and you'll have a hard time putting them down once you start!
The author did a great job having the friends work out the puzzling clues, and playing to their strengths, while shoring up each others weaknesses!
I am really looking forward to the next book!
What's better than one witch and her devoted husband? That's four witches and their besotted husbands, (and kiddos.)
I had the best time reconnecting with Ivy, Harper, Maddie, and Rowen!
The first book in this series stars Ivy, Jack, and Olive.
I'm guessing each new book will star each character, and probably mostly take place in their hometown.
There was plenty of interaction between all the characters to feed my hunger for more stories about some of my favorite fictional "friends."
Learning about all the kids added to the mix, and some of their quirks was snicker worthy.
Zander's kids being spoiled, and out of control was hardly a surprise, but I expected Shawn to have a more calming influence than he apparently did.
However, karma will have it's way, much like Zander.
Speaking of Shawn...I missed him and Jarod, but having kids changes everything, and someone had to stay with some of them. It made sense to the storyline, and I'm sure they will get their turn.
If you haven't read any of these series, I suggest you do that first. It's not strictly necessary, but this book will be far more enjoyable if you do.
All four of the series featuring these characters are highly entertaining, and you'll have a hard time putting them down once you start!
The author did a great job having the friends work out the puzzling clues, and playing to their strengths, while shoring up each others weaknesses!
I am really looking forward to the next book!
May 20, 2024
I'm having a difficult time with the kiddos
So I am struggling with the number of stars to give this series thus far. I am bordering on 3 with a slip into 4. This is entirely my personal thoughts though. The books are still well written and the characters are true to who they are in their separate books. I feel as though the last 2 books, thus far in May 2024, picked up a bit more steam on keeping not so much cross over, just supporting characters which I feel has been beneficial. The first books seemed to try to include all the characters equally and it was a bit cumbersome. My big issue is the children. I get they are young and much of the stories are about the parents and their now magical children; however the kids are such brats. It's not cute. They're bratty to the point that I would never have these people as friends because of being subjected to their awful spawn. I once saw a lady in walmart spanking a kid over her knee. She then put him back on his feet and said "now where's your Mama so she can whump you too?" These kids produce that same urge that possed that women in walmart.
So I am struggling with the number of stars to give this series thus far. I am bordering on 3 with a slip into 4. This is entirely my personal thoughts though. The books are still well written and the characters are true to who they are in their separate books. I feel as though the last 2 books, thus far in May 2024, picked up a bit more steam on keeping not so much cross over, just supporting characters which I feel has been beneficial. The first books seemed to try to include all the characters equally and it was a bit cumbersome. My big issue is the children. I get they are young and much of the stories are about the parents and their now magical children; however the kids are such brats. It's not cute. They're bratty to the point that I would never have these people as friends because of being subjected to their awful spawn. I once saw a lady in walmart spanking a kid over her knee. She then put him back on his feet and said "now where's your Mama so she can whump you too?" These kids produce that same urge that possed that women in walmart.
October 30, 2022
Witches Unite
A dead body is discovered by Ivy's nephew JJ while morel hunting; it's definitely a murder, the fancy dagger sticking out is a "dead" giveaway... But Susan has not seen or heard anything and Ivy's only got a vague bad feeling about this one.
As they discover the victim is a real estate developer from Traverse City who has been negotiating to purchase a plot which includes an old disused cemetery and logging village suspicions are tailed and Jack and Ivy call on their paranormal pals.. Harper, Maddie and Rowan, their spouses and children, head over to help resolve the mystery.. the plot's getting darker by the hour as Susan declares there's something dark after Ivy, and more ghosts and bodies surface but not where they should be.
Olive, Ivy's 4 year old daughter, starts to dream walk and reveals more information about the shadowy figure they're hunting.. but can the witches stop it before she becomes a snack for the shadow and will they be able to convince her that she needs to keep her powers secret?
A dead body is discovered by Ivy's nephew JJ while morel hunting; it's definitely a murder, the fancy dagger sticking out is a "dead" giveaway... But Susan has not seen or heard anything and Ivy's only got a vague bad feeling about this one.
As they discover the victim is a real estate developer from Traverse City who has been negotiating to purchase a plot which includes an old disused cemetery and logging village suspicions are tailed and Jack and Ivy call on their paranormal pals.. Harper, Maddie and Rowan, their spouses and children, head over to help resolve the mystery.. the plot's getting darker by the hour as Susan declares there's something dark after Ivy, and more ghosts and bodies surface but not where they should be.
Olive, Ivy's 4 year old daughter, starts to dream walk and reveals more information about the shadowy figure they're hunting.. but can the witches stop it before she becomes a snack for the shadow and will they be able to convince her that she needs to keep her powers secret?
October 9, 2022
This was a quick read and fairly standard for a cozy mystery style book. I really did not enjoy the narrator's reading style and this really impacted my rating of the book. while she did a good job of voicing the characters, and the dialog was flowed fairly well, the rhythm and cadence of her diction seemed off....kinda like listening to a computer generated voice. This was a big turn off as it constantly pulled me out of the story. as for the story itself, there seemed to be a lot, and I mean a lot, of focus on the misbehaved children of the various couples that the storyline revolves around. Most of it seemed to have very little to do with the plot itself, but didn't seem to be a recognizable sub plot either. Maybe it is a story line that will be further explored/ developed in subsequent installments of the series?
September 9, 2022
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since it was first announced. Amanda M Lee always manages to captivate with her writing and this time was no exception. I enjoyed reading about the four previous characters and seeing where they ended up in their lives. I laughed at the antics of all their children and enjoyed the snarky dialogue between the women and their spouses.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. For anyone who hasn't read the previous series I strongly suggest that you do so you will understand the characters and how they all came together. It was the forging of the bonds amongst these characters that I enjoyed the most.
As usual Ms. Lee it is a 5 out of 5 for me.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. For anyone who hasn't read the previous series I strongly suggest that you do so you will understand the characters and how they all came together. It was the forging of the bonds amongst these characters that I enjoyed the most.
As usual Ms. Lee it is a 5 out of 5 for me.
September 8, 2022
and the stories continue
4 magical women, 4 lives converging and overlapping , to keep their families safe and so friends can still solve magical mysteries together.
Ivy and Jack, Nick and Maddi, Harper and Jared, Rowan and Quinn plus Zander and Shaun round out this newly form magical mystery solving group with their growing families.
It’s a juggling act that they are all figuring out but somehow it works for them
I’m looking forward to more magical mystery shenanigans from this group
4 magical women, 4 lives converging and overlapping , to keep their families safe and so friends can still solve magical mysteries together.
Ivy and Jack, Nick and Maddi, Harper and Jared, Rowan and Quinn plus Zander and Shaun round out this newly form magical mystery solving group with their growing families.
It’s a juggling act that they are all figuring out but somehow it works for them
I’m looking forward to more magical mystery shenanigans from this group
September 9, 2022
So excited for this new series
I just started reading Lily Harper Hart books. I finished Rowan's, Harper's anti Vet's series back to back this summer. I still have Madrid's to read but I read all of the crossovers. I am addicted to these characters & was excited all 4 characters plus spouses were going to be in one series. This new series did not disappoint. It was hilarious, suspenseful and fun. Just like all of my favorite Amanda M Lee series are. Cannot wait until the next book in this series.
I just started reading Lily Harper Hart books. I finished Rowan's, Harper's anti Vet's series back to back this summer. I still have Madrid's to read but I read all of the crossovers. I am addicted to these characters & was excited all 4 characters plus spouses were going to be in one series. This new series did not disappoint. It was hilarious, suspenseful and fun. Just like all of my favorite Amanda M Lee series are. Cannot wait until the next book in this series.
September 13, 2022
So good I want to read it again
Great transition. I never felt lost, as the next generation was introduced seamlessly. I did yearn for some of the characters that aren’t in here. But you can’t have everything, and there are small mentions. Basically, if you love these series, you’ll love this book too. And the casket bit is so funny. And Zander as a dad. Payback. Hahahahaha. Mwahaha.
Great transition. I never felt lost, as the next generation was introduced seamlessly. I did yearn for some of the characters that aren’t in here. But you can’t have everything, and there are small mentions. Basically, if you love these series, you’ll love this book too. And the casket bit is so funny. And Zander as a dad. Payback. Hahahahaha. Mwahaha.
September 20, 2022
Great Potential
Getting introduced to so many new characters at once rather than one or two per book was a bit cumbersome, but I figure we can get to know the next generation one at a time as the series progresses. All that exposition didn't leave room for much plot, but there was enough to maintain interest. It's certainly better than saying "They got married and lived happily ever after, The End." which is what I was afraid was happening.
Getting introduced to so many new characters at once rather than one or two per book was a bit cumbersome, but I figure we can get to know the next generation one at a time as the series progresses. All that exposition didn't leave room for much plot, but there was enough to maintain interest. It's certainly better than saying "They got married and lived happily ever after, The End." which is what I was afraid was happening.
March 18, 2023
Older,Wiser, Witchier: A Return to Magic Cozy Mystery book 1
This was another winner . Written by one of my favorite Author. I highly recommend all their books and all the different series. I love all of them. She has a great imagination and I love her characters and in this book they have all returned with children. It made this book more enjoyable. Want to read the next one now. Diana Romano
This was another winner . Written by one of my favorite Author. I highly recommend all their books and all the different series. I love all of them. She has a great imagination and I love her characters and in this book they have all returned with children. It made this book more enjoyable. Want to read the next one now. Diana Romano
July 6, 2023
I have read other series by this author. I got through a few chapters before I had to stop reading. Call me old fashioned but a rude opinionated four year old was more than I could handle. I wasn't impressed by the other characters. I felt as though I was missing something and this shouldn't be the first book in a new series. I didn't seem to be able to follow the story. I won't be reading anymore of the series.
May 9, 2025
What a mess this book was. Way too many characters, you would need a written list to keep track of them. And the children?????? and the childrens' conversations ???? which had nothing to do with anything of substance. I quit halfway through chapter 3. I had high expectations but they were dashed with the ridiculousness of the first 3 chapters. I likely won't read anything by this author again.
September 9, 2022
A return to some old friends
I have liked Lily Harper Hart's books and have read most of them. I had a little more trouble with this series because of the children's behavior and that there seems to be mire of a focus on them. But, I am older and less tolerant than I used to be.
I have liked Lily Harper Hart's books and have read most of them. I had a little more trouble with this series because of the children's behavior and that there seems to be mire of a focus on them. But, I am older and less tolerant than I used to be.
September 10, 2022
great start
Just so you know this is a new series but all the characters are from older series so if you haven’t enjoyed the world of Ivy,Rowan,Maddie and Harper before this is not going to make a lot of sense. That being said just Wow. This was a great beginning to a continuing journey by a huge and wonderful “family “.
Just so you know this is a new series but all the characters are from older series so if you haven’t enjoyed the world of Ivy,Rowan,Maddie and Harper before this is not going to make a lot of sense. That being said just Wow. This was a great beginning to a continuing journey by a huge and wonderful “family “.
September 12, 2022
Good start to a new series
Great start to a new series….can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. This story is in the future a couple years and there are kids now but things are as strange as ever. This story is in Ivy’s backyard but who knows where the next problem will show up. Definitely recommend you read this
Great start to a new series….can’t wait to see what happens in the next one. This story is in the future a couple years and there are kids now but things are as strange as ever. This story is in Ivy’s backyard but who knows where the next problem will show up. Definitely recommend you read this
September 15, 2022
The first
This is the first book that Ms. Hart has written with four of her characters. All the craziness from the four women and their husbands, and did I mention their kids. Yup they all have kids and some of them have powers that are just coming out at young ages. This story is fun and scary but in a good way. Can't wait to see how this series works out.💙💚
This is the first book that Ms. Hart has written with four of her characters. All the craziness from the four women and their husbands, and did I mention their kids. Yup they all have kids and some of them have powers that are just coming out at young ages. This story is fun and scary but in a good way. Can't wait to see how this series works out.💙💚
October 24, 2022
I didn't like it
As far as I'm concerned, this series is not for me. At all. All of a sudden, all these children are in the midst of stories I used to really like. Now even Zander has children and they are little monsters (not literally). Made it to chapter 3 and put it down. Not something I'm interested in at all!
As far as I'm concerned, this series is not for me. At all. All of a sudden, all these children are in the midst of stories I used to really like. Now even Zander has children and they are little monsters (not literally). Made it to chapter 3 and put it down. Not something I'm interested in at all!
November 10, 2022
dreamwalking
I have come to the conclusion that reading books is my dream walking. I feel like I’m in my happy place when emerged in any of these books! I can’t help myself I read one a day lucky for me there’s still some left I haven’t read yet I’m sure depression will hit hard when I run out. On that note please never stop writing!
I have come to the conclusion that reading books is my dream walking. I feel like I’m in my happy place when emerged in any of these books! I can’t help myself I read one a day lucky for me there’s still some left I haven’t read yet I’m sure depression will hit hard when I run out. On that note please never stop writing!
February 18, 2023
I was really hoping to love this new series but was a little disappointed. The story line of the ghost was good... but when you take 8 different characters from 4 different series set them in the future, cram all the characters together and then add 10 kids together, 2 with similar names. It just got very confusing.
May 20, 2023
New series. The dream team ... Ivy, Harper, Rowan & Maddie ... along with their husbands, they are joining together to help each other in times of crisis. They all have children now, and that's why they are there for each other. Each having their own talents to draw upon depending on the need, they are a force to be reckoned with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2023
Good read
This book is a combination of 4 heroines of Lily Harper Hart's series. They all have different paranormal "gifts" and have become fast friends. This book starts with a murder that leads to 2 previous murders that lead to multiple cold cases and one very scary shadow. There is humor, mystery, murder, danger, family angst, and love. Highly entertaining.
This book is a combination of 4 heroines of Lily Harper Hart's series. They all have different paranormal "gifts" and have become fast friends. This book starts with a murder that leads to 2 previous murders that lead to multiple cold cases and one very scary shadow. There is humor, mystery, murder, danger, family angst, and love. Highly entertaining.
May 17, 2024
Friends and family
I like how all of these people from all the other books have come together in their lives and have become a family
All of the magic stuff is awesome and shows how much they have grown in the years.
I do think that you should read all of the other books about them first. If you have then you're going to love group of friends here.
I like how all of these people from all the other books have come together in their lives and have become a family
All of the magic stuff is awesome and shows how much they have grown in the years.
I do think that you should read all of the other books about them first. If you have then you're going to love group of friends here.
April 26, 2025
Great Fun!
Some of my favorite witchy characters all grown up and parents to several precocious children with all kinds of attitudes. The murder mysteries are complex and Ivy, Harper, Rowan and Maddies' powers are seriously tested. Love the collaboration between characters but needed a cheat sheet to keep track of who belongs with whom. Great fun! Enjoy!
Some of my favorite witchy characters all grown up and parents to several precocious children with all kinds of attitudes. The murder mysteries are complex and Ivy, Harper, Rowan and Maddies' powers are seriously tested. Love the collaboration between characters but needed a cheat sheet to keep track of who belongs with whom. Great fun! Enjoy!
June 8, 2025
I really don’t feel like we’re getting anywhere other than lots of dialogue out raising children. I was drawn to the witch theme but witchy aspects have been very vague and maybe mentioned twice at halfway throughout. I’m not caring who murdered this person who has no presence given all the text is about the kids.
September 5, 2022
Ivy, Harper, Maddie and Harlow join forces. This book is about 6 to 8 years after the others in the series. They all have children and complain about them. Not my favorite in all the books I’ve read on these characters.
September 6, 2022
I loved this book. The characters were true to their past behaviors (none changed by new interaction) and their interactions were genuine. I loved that they all had children of similar age and could support each other both professionally and with their parenting issues.
September 8, 2022
Another great read!
As alwayMs. Hart has delivered a fun, interesting and magical story! I can’t wait to see where it all goes! Especially the children, it’s going to be a wild ride and I for one can’t wait for the next one!
As alwayMs. Hart has delivered a fun, interesting and magical story! I can’t wait to see where it all goes! Especially the children, it’s going to be a wild ride and I for one can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews