What do you think?
Rate this book
Midlife Recorder #1
Midlife in Gretna Green
It’s never too late to learn how to stand up for yourself
Niki McKnight has spent her entire adult life being bullied—first by her husband and then by her boss.
Recently widowed, she’s in dire need of an extreme life makeover. But she never expected it to come in the form of her beloved Gran leaving her a magical estate and a mysterious new job as a Recorder—whatever the hell that is!
She and Tilly, her adorable Bichon Frise, head to Scotland to claim her inheritance with no freaking clue what’s in store for them.
In Gretna Green, they meet a colourful cast of characters, including a sentient house, talking cat, Celtic god, Fae king and a sketchy lawyer.
Can the woman who wouldn’t stand up to her husband and was bullied by her boss find and wield the authority required to keep Vikings, Pict and Fae royalty in line?
With the help of her family’s psychic gift and some magic - she just might!
MidLife in Gretna Green is perfect for readers who’d enjoy a funny, upbeat story in a magical house about a woman who wants to find and use her own voice and finally claim her power.
Niki McKnight has spent her entire adult life being bullied—first by her husband and then by her boss.
Recently widowed, she’s in dire need of an extreme life makeover. But she never expected it to come in the form of her beloved Gran leaving her a magical estate and a mysterious new job as a Recorder—whatever the hell that is!
She and Tilly, her adorable Bichon Frise, head to Scotland to claim her inheritance with no freaking clue what’s in store for them.
In Gretna Green, they meet a colourful cast of characters, including a sentient house, talking cat, Celtic god, Fae king and a sketchy lawyer.
Can the woman who wouldn’t stand up to her husband and was bullied by her boss find and wield the authority required to keep Vikings, Pict and Fae royalty in line?
With the help of her family’s psychic gift and some magic - she just might!
MidLife in Gretna Green is perfect for readers who’d enjoy a funny, upbeat story in a magical house about a woman who wants to find and use her own voice and finally claim her power.
486 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2022
3145 people are currently reading
4296 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 705 reviews
July 13, 2022
What a delight this book was! I loved the subtle humor throughout. Niki is a three-dimensional character you can really root for and the situation she finds herself in is truly fascinating. Plus, we both love caramel macchiatos, LOL. I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially HRH and Dola— a sentient house who can make food and drink appear in a blink of the eye or physically transform your home? Yes, please!
I definitely recommend this book for readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction (PWF). If you’ve never read PWF and like books with paranormal elements and main characters who aren’t young ingenues, definitely give this book a try. No cliffhanger ending here so no need to worry about that, though I am very much looking forward to book 2 when that comes out.
I definitely recommend this book for readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction (PWF). If you’ve never read PWF and like books with paranormal elements and main characters who aren’t young ingenues, definitely give this book a try. No cliffhanger ending here so no need to worry about that, though I am very much looking forward to book 2 when that comes out.
August 7, 2024
This was really fun!
As is typical in the first book of a new paranormal women's series, the FMC starts off a bit wobbly - generally, the series kicks off right after a major life event (widowed, in this case), with a shaken woman trying to find her way forward.
Niki (FMC) was pretty beaten down by life, and at first I worried because I don't have a lot of patience with spineless lead characters, but this book ended up being a lovely arc for her - she had tremendous growth over the course of this first book, and I really enjoyed seeing it. I'm so excited to see the series unfold from here!
EDITED TO ADD (after I finished blitzing through all the books currently released, and so could stand being away from my kindle long enough to fill out my review a bit more):
I tagged this book "cozy" but I'm not sure I use it in the same way everyone else does, so I want to clarify. I use it to denote a book that isn't about epic battles, but rather a more evenly-paced slice of life story. Yes, there are book-specific arcs that come to a big, climactic finish, but the overall energy is safe, if that makes any sense. I don't worry that Niki will die, or that people she loves will die. I am just riveted to how she's going to solve such a thorny problem - in each book, that's the primary driver of the story. Because her title - Recorder - is a little bit inscrutable (at least to this US gal ... maybe Recorder has an official role in the EU or UK that I'm not familiar with, but here in the US, it seems more like a secretary title), I want to clarify Recorder does not mean note-taker, or something in that vein. The Recorder is a huge job that spans multiple realms. On the day-to-day level, her job is to manage the Gateway through which the realms connect to each other, including trade and such. But the Recorder is also an inter-realm arbiter. Realm laws apply to individual realms, but if someone from one realm harms someone from another, they can petition the Recorder for justice. They can also petition the Recorder for help in a situation that only occurs single realm, if they feel unable to get justice in that realm (one book in the series has Niki trying to untangle an 800-year old feud in the Blue/Pictish realm between their blacksmith guild and the crown, for example). This means, to me, it is a cozy story because the arc generally involves picking apart a complicated problem, while we watch the characters interact, form relationships, learn, and grow. And it is a really lovely process that had me tearing up a fair bit across the 6 released books in the series (at this time - author's website says 10 are planned).
Anyway, I wanted to clarify on my book 1 review, both to help folks who felt wobbly about it in a "what the hell is a recorder, why do I want a series about a secretary" way, and also folks who weren't looking for nail-biting life-or-death battles on a regular basis, but rather something a bit more slice-of-life.
As is typical in the first book of a new paranormal women's series, the FMC starts off a bit wobbly - generally, the series kicks off right after a major life event (widowed, in this case), with a shaken woman trying to find her way forward.
Niki (FMC) was pretty beaten down by life, and at first I worried because I don't have a lot of patience with spineless lead characters, but this book ended up being a lovely arc for her - she had tremendous growth over the course of this first book, and I really enjoyed seeing it. I'm so excited to see the series unfold from here!
EDITED TO ADD (after I finished blitzing through all the books currently released, and so could stand being away from my kindle long enough to fill out my review a bit more):
I tagged this book "cozy" but I'm not sure I use it in the same way everyone else does, so I want to clarify. I use it to denote a book that isn't about epic battles, but rather a more evenly-paced slice of life story. Yes, there are book-specific arcs that come to a big, climactic finish, but the overall energy is safe, if that makes any sense. I don't worry that Niki will die, or that people she loves will die. I am just riveted to how she's going to solve such a thorny problem - in each book, that's the primary driver of the story. Because her title - Recorder - is a little bit inscrutable (at least to this US gal ... maybe Recorder has an official role in the EU or UK that I'm not familiar with, but here in the US, it seems more like a secretary title), I want to clarify Recorder does not mean note-taker, or something in that vein. The Recorder is a huge job that spans multiple realms. On the day-to-day level, her job is to manage the Gateway through which the realms connect to each other, including trade and such. But the Recorder is also an inter-realm arbiter. Realm laws apply to individual realms, but if someone from one realm harms someone from another, they can petition the Recorder for justice. They can also petition the Recorder for help in a situation that only occurs single realm, if they feel unable to get justice in that realm (one book in the series has Niki trying to untangle an 800-year old feud in the Blue/Pictish realm between their blacksmith guild and the crown, for example). This means, to me, it is a cozy story because the arc generally involves picking apart a complicated problem, while we watch the characters interact, form relationships, learn, and grow. And it is a really lovely process that had me tearing up a fair bit across the 6 released books in the series (at this time - author's website says 10 are planned).
Anyway, I wanted to clarify on my book 1 review, both to help folks who felt wobbly about it in a "what the hell is a recorder, why do I want a series about a secretary" way, and also folks who weren't looking for nail-biting life-or-death battles on a regular basis, but rather something a bit more slice-of-life.
August 31, 2023
I have always loved magical sentient houses, and it is something that is incredible hard to find in books. I mean, it's fairly easy to find in middle-grade books and horror, but outside of that? It is rare!
So when I got recommended this, I knew I had to read it. I just didn't know just how much I'd love it.
I read the first book in one sitting, and was awake until 5AM reading the second before I realized just how late it was.
It is the perfect Magical Sentient House story. Dali, the houses name, isn't just sentient. It (or maybe she?) is a side-character in its own right. It has likes and dislikes. It delivers coffee with funny little quotes on it.
Outside of this, Niki the main character of the story, is a recent widow and a little bit of an rug. You know, "walk all over me" kind of person. So it starts off a little sad, but the story is all about Niki finding her legs, and finding her courage, and doing the things she should have been doing all along.
There is also a magical book (sadly no name), a child who loves unicorn and Niki ends up becoming quite the powerful character. (So, we're talking magical houses and power fantasy here!)
I love this book. I love this author. I don't have a single bad thing to say about it.
So when I got recommended this, I knew I had to read it. I just didn't know just how much I'd love it.
I read the first book in one sitting, and was awake until 5AM reading the second before I realized just how late it was.
It is the perfect Magical Sentient House story. Dali, the houses name, isn't just sentient. It (or maybe she?) is a side-character in its own right. It has likes and dislikes. It delivers coffee with funny little quotes on it.
Outside of this, Niki the main character of the story, is a recent widow and a little bit of an rug. You know, "walk all over me" kind of person. So it starts off a little sad, but the story is all about Niki finding her legs, and finding her courage, and doing the things she should have been doing all along.
There is also a magical book (sadly no name), a child who loves unicorn and Niki ends up becoming quite the powerful character. (So, we're talking magical houses and power fantasy here!)
I love this book. I love this author. I don't have a single bad thing to say about it.
October 16, 2023
Fun story with some very imaginative twists and turns. It was just a bit slow moving for me but it got there in time. Recommended
January 7, 2024
Set in Scotland, good mix of folk lore and current day technology added to the plot. The h had a history of allowing others to take advantage of her good nature and while she's unhappy it, she cannot seem to say no. So both frustrating and very relatable. Definitely want to read next book.
August 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this first book in this new paranormal women's fiction series by Linzi Day. The characters are developing well so that I felt like I was really beginning to "know" them throughout the book. I thought the world building was done very well and I look forward to having more adventures with Niki as she visits each of the seven realms.
July 16, 2022
What an interesting book! Totally different paranormal than what I’m used to, and in a good way.
In the beginning I was as confused as Niki was as to what was going on, but the other characters totally drew me in and it was really fascinating. I am very much looking forward to the next book.
In the beginning I was as confused as Niki was as to what was going on, but the other characters totally drew me in and it was really fascinating. I am very much looking forward to the next book.
October 2, 2024
☆4.23☆
Genre: Fantasy with Crossworld element
Setting: Scotland, England and the six others realms.
✅️ Soft Fantasy
🆗️ World-Development : not really needed.
✅️ Gateway to other realms
✅️ Celtic
✅️ Magical Realism
✅️ Talking House
✅️ Technology + Magic is Key
✅️ Older Characters
✅️ New beginnings
Review
This is my kind of cozy fantasy, where I know I can curl up and not worry about an adrenaline rush every two minutes, with swords and battle.
The book flowed fairly smoothly and got me excited along with the FMC to make a change, and get on track. I didn't really see elements of midlife crisis here (perhaps because everyone is older than Niki, except her goddaughter Autumn). But it is a new beginning.
I would not really describe Niki as a doormat, even from the first page. She has a spunk to her, and a backbone—else she wouldn't have even tried to right her boss's wrongs against her wishes. She is a pushover though. But that gets corrected through her own resolve and help from the ones she trusts.
The side characters are the main winners here, especially Dola.
This is a fairly straightforward book in terms of intrigue and mystery. The linear plot is fascinating and set so the reader learns along with Niki. I definitely recomment reading it. There aren't elements of romance yet, but it is an advantage of its own. Niki needs to build herself a life she loves first.
Onto the next!
P.S. A critical thank you to everyone who has read this book in my friendlist, because you all keep me supplied with a GOAT to-read list.
Genre: Fantasy with Crossworld element
Setting: Scotland, England and the six others realms.
✅️ Soft Fantasy
🆗️ World-Development : not really needed.
✅️ Gateway to other realms
✅️ Celtic
✅️ Magical Realism
✅️ Talking House
✅️ Technology + Magic is Key
✅️ Older Characters
✅️ New beginnings
Review
This is my kind of cozy fantasy, where I know I can curl up and not worry about an adrenaline rush every two minutes, with swords and battle.
The book flowed fairly smoothly and got me excited along with the FMC to make a change, and get on track. I didn't really see elements of midlife crisis here (perhaps because everyone is older than Niki, except her goddaughter Autumn). But it is a new beginning.
...farewell to a controlling asshole and the beginning of a happier new life.
I would not really describe Niki as a doormat, even from the first page. She has a spunk to her, and a backbone—else she wouldn't have even tried to right her boss's wrongs against her wishes. She is a pushover though. But that gets corrected through her own resolve and help from the ones she trusts.
The side characters are the main winners here, especially Dola.
This is a fairly straightforward book in terms of intrigue and mystery. The linear plot is fascinating and set so the reader learns along with Niki. I definitely recomment reading it. There aren't elements of romance yet, but it is an advantage of its own. Niki needs to build herself a life she loves first.
Onto the next!
P.S. A critical thank you to everyone who has read this book in my friendlist, because you all keep me supplied with a GOAT to-read list.
August 23, 2024
Oh my goodness, how much fun was this?!? For the first bit, I wasn’t sure I was even going to like the book because Niki (FMC) was such a doormat, I could hardly read it. BUT…. Once one gets past the 20% mark or so, she bucks up and decides, “no more!”. Then, we get to watch her grow and learn to stand up for herself, while enjoying one of the most delightful stories of magic and realms and intrigue and friendships and growth that I have fancied in a while! Off to the next book quick!
April 27, 2024
Okay; I've never read this genre. I enjoyed the cozy fantasy part (a house that redecorates itself to your liking and gives you whatever you want!); I wasn't so thrilled with the narrator or the (lack of) plot. Narrator seems to have been mentally 13, swooning over handsome guys and giggling and indulging in childish jokes (while mentally or physically giggling. A lot of giggling happens in this book.). The terror of Janet seems bizarre because Janet just isn't that frightening; and there's no sense that Niki feels she has to keep this job no matter what because she wouldn't be able to get another and she'd end up living in a cardboard box and die alone in the snow ... Day doesn't seem to quite understand how insecurity works. (And, oddly, Niki doesn't appear to have any work friends or even work acquaintances. How does that happen?)
Plot was negligible. Niki learns of Gran's death; Niki goes to the cottage; Niki finds everything mysterious, but nobody will tell her what's going on; Niki gets stalled and stalled and stalled by people who are supposed to be helping her; and that goes on for what seems an eon of pages. It's pretty skimmable. Some stuff goes on in the last couple of chapters, but it's not much of a payoff for chaptersnchaptersnchapters of Niki being confused.
I understand the draw of the cozy fantasy (The Goblin Emperor is a favorite.), but this got a little treacly. Everybody is just so damn nice; even the villainy wasn't that awful. It was good to see Niki come into her own, but there was just so very, very much of "and then everybody clapped."
And, editing. I don't care; I don't care; I don't care: "alright" isn't correct. It's two words. There were some other ones, but that one was overused.
Blessings of all manner of deities on those who love this series, but I won't be extending the visit.
Plot was negligible. Niki learns of Gran's death; Niki goes to the cottage; Niki finds everything mysterious, but nobody will tell her what's going on; Niki gets stalled and stalled and stalled by people who are supposed to be helping her; and that goes on for what seems an eon of pages. It's pretty skimmable. Some stuff goes on in the last couple of chapters, but it's not much of a payoff for chaptersnchaptersnchapters of Niki being confused.
I understand the draw of the cozy fantasy (The Goblin Emperor is a favorite.), but this got a little treacly. Everybody is just so damn nice; even the villainy wasn't that awful. It was good to see Niki come into her own, but there was just so very, very much of "and then everybody clapped."
And, editing. I don't care; I don't care; I don't care: "alright" isn't correct. It's two words. There were some other ones, but that one was overused.
Blessings of all manner of deities on those who love this series, but I won't be extending the visit.
August 24, 2025
So cute and whimsical! I loved this cosy read!!
September 16, 2023
Well, that was a pleasant surprise. I never read this author before, never even heard of her before, but I LOVED this book. It's a contemporary women's fiction with humor and magic, and its heroine is a 42-year-old woman Niki.
Most of the story takes place in Gretna Green in Scotland. The paranormal thread and Niki's self-discovery thread intertwine in this low-key novel. The story is a bit slow, as Niki deals with the drastic changes in her life, but the quality of the narrative had me glued to my kindle for hours. I liked watching Niki finding her footing in her changing world, and when she succeeded admirably, I cheered for her. She is a sympathetic heroine, kind and compassionate, and I identified with her easily. Even her habitual passive retreat when faced with bullies looked familiar to me. I do that too. Like Niki, I have trouble facing bullies head-on. That's why it was so powerful when Niki finally found the courage to confront her abusers. She isn't a total pushover after all. She is a true heroine of this quiet tale.
The lack of a romantic entanglement felt fresh too: most paranormal stories these days involve a romance, but Niki doesn't need a guy to solve her problems for her. She is self-sufficient, and she has other helpers, some human some not. Seeing her assemble her team was gratifying.
A charming and satisfying book. I'm going to read the next one in this series.
Most of the story takes place in Gretna Green in Scotland. The paranormal thread and Niki's self-discovery thread intertwine in this low-key novel. The story is a bit slow, as Niki deals with the drastic changes in her life, but the quality of the narrative had me glued to my kindle for hours. I liked watching Niki finding her footing in her changing world, and when she succeeded admirably, I cheered for her. She is a sympathetic heroine, kind and compassionate, and I identified with her easily. Even her habitual passive retreat when faced with bullies looked familiar to me. I do that too. Like Niki, I have trouble facing bullies head-on. That's why it was so powerful when Niki finally found the courage to confront her abusers. She isn't a total pushover after all. She is a true heroine of this quiet tale.
The lack of a romantic entanglement felt fresh too: most paranormal stories these days involve a romance, but Niki doesn't need a guy to solve her problems for her. She is self-sufficient, and she has other helpers, some human some not. Seeing her assemble her team was gratifying.
A charming and satisfying book. I'm going to read the next one in this series.
September 15, 2024
Ok story, for some reason it was gripping and I just had to keep going. Props for that!
3.75 stars since a few things bugged me. She's only 41 (but I thought she said she was 42?), needs reading glasses, talks about getting old sucking, and we don't get any idea of what she looks like until the end where she is blond, needs a haircut and has lost lots of weight while existing on caramel macchiato's.
Spoilers & highlights:
The author didn't waste any time jumping into the main plot and having our heroine meet the "house" and occupants:
I raised my head and glared at her. “Did you speak, or am I crazy?”
"Well, of course I did, and you may be crazy. I couldn’t possibly comment. Some of the best people are, you know."
Deep thoughts, the whole GOOD GRIEF angle was interesting and caught my attention:
We're all manipulated by the people we love.
and
Remove from your life things that no longer serve your happiness.
It was frustrating to be the reader and feel the characters frustration at the lack of answers.
At least she had had enough:
This might be my life now, and other people had controlled me for far too long. I didn’t want his slow guidance. I wanted fast information and training.
-------------
What did that meme say?
Deal with the idiot in front of you, or the universe will send you the same idiot but magnified next time?
Overall an enjoyable story, I will be continuing since I would like to see a love interest, see how the author handles that. The cottage that is sentient was a great touch, reminds me of the Innkeeper series (which I love love love).
And upon reflection, there were several leading phrases in the plot that went nowhere, but maybe its setting up for future stories?
Like the whole Jamie wasn't John's son but he sure looks like the King who had porno images running through his brain and refused to vote with the rest of the leaders. Very sus- In real life I would have followed up on that immediately!!
3.75 stars since a few things bugged me. She's only 41 (but I thought she said she was 42?), needs reading glasses, talks about getting old sucking, and we don't get any idea of what she looks like until the end where she is blond, needs a haircut and has lost lots of weight while existing on caramel macchiato's.
Spoilers & highlights:
The author didn't waste any time jumping into the main plot and having our heroine meet the "house" and occupants:
I raised my head and glared at her. “Did you speak, or am I crazy?”
"Well, of course I did, and you may be crazy. I couldn’t possibly comment. Some of the best people are, you know."
Deep thoughts, the whole GOOD GRIEF angle was interesting and caught my attention:
We're all manipulated by the people we love.
and
Remove from your life things that no longer serve your happiness.
It was frustrating to be the reader and feel the characters frustration at the lack of answers.
At least she had had enough:
This might be my life now, and other people had controlled me for far too long. I didn’t want his slow guidance. I wanted fast information and training.
-------------
What did that meme say?
Deal with the idiot in front of you, or the universe will send you the same idiot but magnified next time?
Overall an enjoyable story, I will be continuing since I would like to see a love interest, see how the author handles that. The cottage that is sentient was a great touch, reminds me of the Innkeeper series (which I love love love).
And upon reflection, there were several leading phrases in the plot that went nowhere, but maybe its setting up for future stories?
Like the whole Jamie wasn't John's son but he sure looks like the King who had porno images running through his brain and refused to vote with the rest of the leaders. Very sus- In real life I would have followed up on that immediately!!
April 17, 2024
Wow! What an unexpected and pleasant surprise!
So glad I stumbled across this hidden gem.
Charming, funny, heart-warming, magical but also I think striking an all to familiar chord within many of us.
Loved Niki and her entourage is the best - Tilly, Aysha and Autumn, Dola, HRH, and "Bone Man Andrews"
The story pulled me in, out of curiosity at first but it didn't take long for me to become hooked.
I like that there were some new, and/or rarely seen elements to it.
I like that the author took her time telling her story.
It never felt rushed or as matter of fact like a debut novel. Lately it's been the opposite (especially within this genre). On both counts.
I also have to say I never even noticed the lack of a romantic interest. Didn't miss or find it missing/ lacking because of it for one minute. Confirming my belief that no romantic interest is better than a poorly written or ill-timed one
Although a registrar in Gretna Green :D, brilliant little aside for anyone who has ever picked up an Austen or other historical romance for that matter
So yeah, that was definitely worth the read and can't wait to continue the adventure with Niki and the gang, only sad thing really that there's only one more to go for now...
So glad I stumbled across this hidden gem.
Charming, funny, heart-warming, magical but also I think striking an all to familiar chord within many of us.
Loved Niki and her entourage is the best - Tilly, Aysha and Autumn, Dola, HRH, and "Bone Man Andrews"
The story pulled me in, out of curiosity at first but it didn't take long for me to become hooked.
I like that there were some new, and/or rarely seen elements to it.
I like that the author took her time telling her story.
It never felt rushed or as matter of fact like a debut novel. Lately it's been the opposite (especially within this genre). On both counts.
I also have to say I never even noticed the lack of a romantic interest. Didn't miss or find it missing/ lacking because of it for one minute. Confirming my belief that no romantic interest is better than a poorly written or ill-timed one
Although a registrar in Gretna Green :D, brilliant little aside for anyone who has ever picked up an Austen or other historical romance for that matter
So yeah, that was definitely worth the read and can't wait to continue the adventure with Niki and the gang, only sad thing really that there's only one more to go for now...
August 29, 2023
an enjoyable light read
At first I thought I would not like this book featuring a wimpy woman who could not stand up for herself. But I needed a light read so I persevered. As the storyline developed we find out why Niki was the way she was. Once in Scotland the plot thickened and broadened into a fun, magic filled read. I like the characters and feel that this book is the start to a story that will develop further. And who would not love a magical house that took care of your every need!
At first I thought I would not like this book featuring a wimpy woman who could not stand up for herself. But I needed a light read so I persevered. As the storyline developed we find out why Niki was the way she was. Once in Scotland the plot thickened and broadened into a fun, magic filled read. I like the characters and feel that this book is the start to a story that will develop further. And who would not love a magical house that took care of your every need!
October 6, 2022
Superb!
On my what can I say? Such a brilliant first book. Wonderful and interesting characters, I am looking forward to seeing them all develop. I enjoyed this story so much, I love the writing style. Keep this up Linzi and you will surely be one of my favourite authors. If you like the midlife paranormal genre I highly recommend this book. The next one cannot come soon enough for me!
On my what can I say? Such a brilliant first book. Wonderful and interesting characters, I am looking forward to seeing them all develop. I enjoyed this story so much, I love the writing style. Keep this up Linzi and you will surely be one of my favourite authors. If you like the midlife paranormal genre I highly recommend this book. The next one cannot come soon enough for me!
August 15, 2022
Refreshing
I found this to be a slightly new take on magic and what fun it really turned out to be. Such a solid and intriguing beginning that really pulls you in. I look forward to returning to Gretna Green!
I found this to be a slightly new take on magic and what fun it really turned out to be. Such a solid and intriguing beginning that really pulls you in. I look forward to returning to Gretna Green!
February 2, 2023
Lighthearted fun read
A fun easy to read book
Nikki has been a bit of a door mat but that changes after her gran dies and she receives an unusual inheritance
Really enjoyed this unusual novel, a bit of fun and rainbows that made me laugh.
A fun easy to read book
Nikki has been a bit of a door mat but that changes after her gran dies and she receives an unusual inheritance
Really enjoyed this unusual novel, a bit of fun and rainbows that made me laugh.
October 24, 2024
This book is so convoluted. It should really br titled My Addiction to Coffee and how it affected my mind.
November 7, 2025
Absolutely delightful. Intriguing. The story of a butterfly breaking out of a cocoon of excrement and finding her power. The gateway to a compelling series full of crack! *hearteyes*
October 11, 2023
Fab-u-lous, A-maz-ing, fan-tast-ic a right royal shocker m’lady.
As usual there was I flicking through Amazon Kindle looking for a possible next read a downloading a few samples and happened upon this novel set in Scotland in a famous location so I thought why ever not. It sat in my “library “ for a couple of weeks then I started it.
There are many literary works about time travel but very few that actually work. As I have stated, I started the sample and then very quickly I bought the full novel and then… I lost time. Every waking chance I had I read a few pages until I realised I was at the end and it was way past midnight and I should have been asleep. I had lost a few hours in the blink of an eye lid. Where had the time gone?
All the hype states that this is a “mid-life crisis about a forty something female.” What a load of misogynistic rubbish.
Midlife in Gretna Green is title that needs changing, what Linzi Day has created is a unique non American based world that combines the fact of life when a recently widowed wife learns of the treacherous life of her deceased husband and an all too familiar incompetent bullying manager who between them and their controlling behaviour makes our Nikki a shadow of her true self.
This story grabs you as you are taken into the life of Nikki as she struggles to come to grips with herself after losing her very close grandmother just before the first anniversary of the loss of her husband.
Her trip to Gretna Green and meeting old memories takes you the reader into Nikki’s life. A brilliant fun-u-lous captivating first novel from Linzi Day, so good that before going to sleep I purchased the full set to read at my leisure, if I can control myself. This far from a little woman” story it is the story of the journey of the attitudes of life today and the re-discovery of the life we have lost to the incessant growth of technology. This novel has fantastic character building so good that the behaviour of the undesirables is captivating and the true alum of true friends who stick by you in times of need is demonstrated in a believable way. Midlife in Gretna Green needs a new more meaningful title, maybe Life in Gretna Green is more suitable. A wonderful account of life, full of fun and heartache but well worth your time and money.
As usual there was I flicking through Amazon Kindle looking for a possible next read a downloading a few samples and happened upon this novel set in Scotland in a famous location so I thought why ever not. It sat in my “library “ for a couple of weeks then I started it.
There are many literary works about time travel but very few that actually work. As I have stated, I started the sample and then very quickly I bought the full novel and then… I lost time. Every waking chance I had I read a few pages until I realised I was at the end and it was way past midnight and I should have been asleep. I had lost a few hours in the blink of an eye lid. Where had the time gone?
All the hype states that this is a “mid-life crisis about a forty something female.” What a load of misogynistic rubbish.
Midlife in Gretna Green is title that needs changing, what Linzi Day has created is a unique non American based world that combines the fact of life when a recently widowed wife learns of the treacherous life of her deceased husband and an all too familiar incompetent bullying manager who between them and their controlling behaviour makes our Nikki a shadow of her true self.
This story grabs you as you are taken into the life of Nikki as she struggles to come to grips with herself after losing her very close grandmother just before the first anniversary of the loss of her husband.
Her trip to Gretna Green and meeting old memories takes you the reader into Nikki’s life. A brilliant fun-u-lous captivating first novel from Linzi Day, so good that before going to sleep I purchased the full set to read at my leisure, if I can control myself. This far from a little woman” story it is the story of the journey of the attitudes of life today and the re-discovery of the life we have lost to the incessant growth of technology. This novel has fantastic character building so good that the behaviour of the undesirables is captivating and the true alum of true friends who stick by you in times of need is demonstrated in a believable way. Midlife in Gretna Green needs a new more meaningful title, maybe Life in Gretna Green is more suitable. A wonderful account of life, full of fun and heartache but well worth your time and money.
October 23, 2025
I really liked this book! It was such a fun read with great characters and a little humor mixed in. Niki felt super relatable, and I loved the Scottish setting and bit of magic thrown in. It’s one of those stories that just makes you feel good while reading. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the series!
September 30, 2023
Good
When she inherits her grandmother’s estate, Niki is rather shocked to find herself dealing with magic, mischief, and mayhem resulting from it.
As a fairly recent widow, Niki is struggling with this season of her life. She is used to being a pushover, bullied by her boss, her husband, her family- and this inheritance is the start of a whole new person!
We see her own up to her mistakes, and become in charge of herself, and it was wonderful to see some supportive friends beside her.
This was a really good read, a nice and quite meaty book- I admit to being somewhat surprised it’s a first book, because it is actually really well done! I enjoyed the length of it, because it meant that things happened in good time, without it feeling as if I was on a speeding train, as some shorter books often do.
I was thoroughly entertained by Dola, I have a thing about sentient houses, and Dola was a fun one to read. I loved how the house incorporated the Alexa devices into the way things worked.
I also loved the idea of there being an inexplicable scientific reasoning behind what the gateway is, and how it does it- and I was amused that Autumn’s immediate thought on entering the gateway was my own “It’s a TARDIS!”.
Put it all together, and you have an enjoyable paranormal women’s fiction read, set in a fascinating world (I admit the author makes Gretna Green sound like a fun place to visit) with a few really nice tributes to Celtic mythology.
A worthy read for the paranormal women’s fiction fan, and for those who enjoy contemporary fantasy and sentient houses!
When she inherits her grandmother’s estate, Niki is rather shocked to find herself dealing with magic, mischief, and mayhem resulting from it.
As a fairly recent widow, Niki is struggling with this season of her life. She is used to being a pushover, bullied by her boss, her husband, her family- and this inheritance is the start of a whole new person!
We see her own up to her mistakes, and become in charge of herself, and it was wonderful to see some supportive friends beside her.
This was a really good read, a nice and quite meaty book- I admit to being somewhat surprised it’s a first book, because it is actually really well done! I enjoyed the length of it, because it meant that things happened in good time, without it feeling as if I was on a speeding train, as some shorter books often do.
I was thoroughly entertained by Dola, I have a thing about sentient houses, and Dola was a fun one to read. I loved how the house incorporated the Alexa devices into the way things worked.
I also loved the idea of there being an inexplicable scientific reasoning behind what the gateway is, and how it does it- and I was amused that Autumn’s immediate thought on entering the gateway was my own “It’s a TARDIS!”.
Put it all together, and you have an enjoyable paranormal women’s fiction read, set in a fascinating world (I admit the author makes Gretna Green sound like a fun place to visit) with a few really nice tributes to Celtic mythology.
A worthy read for the paranormal women’s fiction fan, and for those who enjoy contemporary fantasy and sentient houses!
June 14, 2024
This feels like a book author wrote for herself and she is sharing it with us.
So I won't go into any technical details.
It's nice and cozy. With lots of potential magical elements into it. But sadly I don't think it's going to go anywhere. This is a very standalone kind of a book.
So I won't go into any technical details.
It's nice and cozy. With lots of potential magical elements into it. But sadly I don't think it's going to go anywhere. This is a very standalone kind of a book.
October 21, 2024
So Well-Done!
As a fiction writer myself, the thing that grabbed me most on reading Book 1 was how well-written and -conceived it is. Strong, well-paced plot and memorable, interesting characters in a world of gentle magic. Quickly moving onto the next book in the series!
As a fiction writer myself, the thing that grabbed me most on reading Book 1 was how well-written and -conceived it is. Strong, well-paced plot and memorable, interesting characters in a world of gentle magic. Quickly moving onto the next book in the series!
October 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I really did thoroughly enjoy this! I like new beginnings and loved the combo of witchy and technology! I look forward to diving into the rest of the series.
I really did thoroughly enjoy this! I like new beginnings and loved the combo of witchy and technology! I look forward to diving into the rest of the series.
March 31, 2024
Different from what I normally read. But enjoyed it . A paranormal fantasy as it says.
September 21, 2024
Good start to a new series. I still haven't warmed up to the main character yet. But maybe in the next book. To be fair, she is still finding her footing in her new life.
October 22, 2024
I enjoyed this. The story is a little different from other similar books. I very much liked Dola and the dogs.
January 6, 2025
Huh, weird title I know, but a really good book. This is fantasy world building at its best! I read all six in one gulp and highly recommend them. This is a ten book arc and while I know that sounds like too much, believe me it isn’t! I can’t wait for #7 which is coming out sometime in 2025.
This author can WRITE! I love how minor details fuel important plot twists and I really appreciate how she refuses to use those stupid cliff-hangers. Wow-the details! Color is a big part of this book, as are all the senses - how something feels to the touch or the air on your skin, scents! All these details do more than pull you in and set the scene. They push the plot forward in surprising ways.
A major theme here is learning to know yourself with the help of your friends. Acting upon that knowledge empowers you and changes your life for the better. But this is not another boring mid-life crisis book.
I read a wide variety of genres and can honestly say that am not a huge fantasy fan, but YES I did enjoy the baby dragons, unicorns, magical powers etc. Any minor constructs I considered too out there such as the dark purple Fae King with silver hair I just ignored. I highly recommend you let yourself get lost in the Rainbow Realms.
This author can WRITE! I love how minor details fuel important plot twists and I really appreciate how she refuses to use those stupid cliff-hangers. Wow-the details! Color is a big part of this book, as are all the senses - how something feels to the touch or the air on your skin, scents! All these details do more than pull you in and set the scene. They push the plot forward in surprising ways.
A major theme here is learning to know yourself with the help of your friends. Acting upon that knowledge empowers you and changes your life for the better. But this is not another boring mid-life crisis book.
I read a wide variety of genres and can honestly say that am not a huge fantasy fan, but YES I did enjoy the baby dragons, unicorns, magical powers etc. Any minor constructs I considered too out there such as the dark purple Fae King with silver hair I just ignored. I highly recommend you let yourself get lost in the Rainbow Realms.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 705 reviews