Third Time's a Charm: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Romance Novel

Order of Magic #2

by Michelle M. Pillow

Friends don’t let friends séance drunk.

Vivien Stone lost the love of her life over twenty years ago. Now that she’s in her forties with a string meaningless relationships under her belt, she can't help but pine for what might have been. It doesn't help that she's somewhat psychic and can pretty much predict where a relationship is heading before it even starts.

When she and her best friends find a hidden book of séances, Vivien believes it's the perfect opportunity to talk to her lost love. But things don't go as planned and what was meant to be a romantic reunion takes a turn for the bizarre.

Maybe some things (and people) are better left buried in the past, and what she really needs has been standing in front of her all along.

Book contains: kick-butt women who are considered middle-aged in their forties but who don't let themselves be defined by a number, paranormal elements (psychics, ghosts, magic, etc), some strong language (nothing too earth-shattering), sexy scenes but they aren’t 50 shades of OMG or anything, and a nice heaping helping of a second chance at first love. Doing midlife right!

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Audiobook, Magic, Fantasy, Supernatural, Witches

238 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2020

About the author

📚 New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of All Things Romance
🌎 www.MichellePillow.com

Michelle M. Pillow is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with millions of books sold worldwide. Best known for her paranormal and sci-fi romance and paranormal women’s fiction, she writes captivating stories that blend heart, humor, adventure, and a touch of magic—perfect for readers who love immersive worlds and unforgettable characters.

Her bestselling series include Dragon Lords, Lords of the Var®, Warlocks MacGregor®, Order of Magic, and Merely Mortal.

📖 Printable Booklist: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/42pg25jekx

A relentless explorer of both the real and the supernatural, Michelle has chased history through ancient ruins, climbed Mayan temples in Belize, and investigated haunted locations. She believes life is an adventure best fueled by curiosity, creativity, and copious amounts of coffee.

Now based in the American South, Michelle is involved in film and documentary projects with her talented husband. She is mom to a talented artist, and under the strict supervision of her furry overlords (a dog and a cat) who ensure she meets her deadlines. Most days, she can be found in her office wearing pajama pants, writing, plotting, and occasionally dancing to get the creative juices flowing.

She’s the award-winning author of the historical Maiden and the Monster and paranormal romance Love Potions. If you love dragon shifters, mischievous warlocks, and strong heroines who take charge of their destiny, her books are a perfect fit.

📬 Stay Updated! Sign up for exclusive news, sneak peeks, and giveaways:
https://michellepillow.com/newsletter...

💬 Connect with Michelle:
📖 Facebook: AuthorMichellePillow
🌎 Website: www.MichellePillow.com

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I read the first book in release, and fell in love. Couldn't wait for the next book, especially after reading the first chapter in the author's newsletter. Yep, read straight through, and stiff from not moving, but it was so worth it. Vivien is a great character, and I won't say more and spoil anything, but very much love how everything worked out.

[Gill M · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book about the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove,
Lorna, Heather and Vivien continue to hone their psychic skills in contacting and dispatching spirits.

Vivien lost the love of her life to cancer, after only a short time together.
In the following twenty years, nobody has replaced Sam’s place in her heart.
A chilly marriage ending in divorce and numerous hookups encompass her personal life.

Vivien decides to contact Sam in a séance, with the help of Lorna and Heather.
Unfortunately, Dutch courage before the séance causes a problem. Rather than just summoning Sam to communicate, her deepest desire of having him return from the dead is in her heart and mind.

The outcome is rather startling.

A great chapter in the paranormal lives of the ladies of Freewild Cove as they seek closure and the possibility of a future loving relationship.

Good narration.

I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All views expressed are my own.

[Kathy Tozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three sister/witches are back! Heather, Lorna and Vivian each have special gifts which bound them together forever. A strong bond of love and friendship that can not be broken.
This is Vivian's story, she has been widowed for twenty years. Unable to fully move on with another man since her loss (she remarried once but it was a huge mistake). There is a new neighbor that catches her eye and throws her off balance but she just can't make the move without the closure from her late husband.
The trio decide once again to hold a séance to reach her soul mate hoping to be able to move on to a new love.
I won't give any spoilers away even though it is really tough not to! When I read the first book I thought it couldn't get better. Well, I was so wrong, this book pulls all your feelings out. It has humor, love and a whole lot of tears. The kind of tears that kind of can cleanse your soul.
I can only imagine the next story, have your box of tissues ready.
If I could give more than 5 stars I definitely would.
Third Time’s a Charm

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three women joined by grief, friendship and now by 3 magic ring once worn by one of the women's grandmother who was magic. Each woman also was a gift she was born with or a curse depending on how you look at it.
It's time for Vivien's story. She married the love of her life when they both were young and she lost him to cancer a few years later. Sam is the only man she will ever love or is he?
Troy just moved to town he has been married once before and has a grown son in college. Vivien has caught his eye.
This book was sooo much fun to read and it has it all, magic, drama, mystery, ghosts, spice plus so much more. I couldn't put it down and didn't want this book to end it was so awesome. I loved the characters and how they all interacted. Don't miss it or the series! I am so hooked on it
Voluntarily review a copy and I honestly loved it

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect sequel! I love Vivian more now.

Poor Vivian, the love of her life dies after a short marriage. Then she marries for convenience. That was a huge mistake! Then she goes 20 years with younger one night stands. What a lonely, miserable rut she was stuck in. One night stands are loveless. SPOILER ALERT: Until a new neighbor moves in. Except there is one huge problem, she can't read his emotions! That's never happened before. Plus her dead ex husband keeps showing up at the worst times. What is her ex trying to tell her? Is he trying to kill her? Will she risk it all and try to love again?

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Vivien in Second Chance Magic along with Lorna and Heather. Each of the wonderful women has a special place in my heart for all of the heartbreak they've been through. Vivien lost the love of her life in her 20s and hasn't fully moved on. When she realized they have these powers she thinks she can bring her lost love back. Little does she know in doing so she may have doomed herself. While this is going on she has to deal with her ex husband and a new love in the neighbor next door.

Michelle has done an amazing job building on this lovely trio of women. Each page makes you fall in love with them more and more. You want them to find their happily ever afters even in their 40s. I could not put the story down. It is full of suspense, humor and intrigue. Everything isn't always what it seems and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for Heather.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien and Troy

Vivien has never stopped loving her first husband. His death when they were still so young has never changed her feelings. Now that she and her friends have learned how to speak to their lost loved ones it is her turn. But is she just planning to say goodbye?

The three women and their William friend, brother, and lover of the threesome protect each other in their lives and PNR activities. But, can they really protect each other from those on the other side? Can a new man come through for her?

Emotions stretch the characters and readers alike. The three women are strong friends and women with loyalty unmatched. Another good one in the series. Ready for number three.

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien is having a problem with her ex-husband again but that is the least of her problems. Her new neighbor Troy is flirting with her but she cannot seem to talk right in front of him she is trying to put him in the friend category but that never happens. Right now Lorna is staying at her house since she got out the hospital and Viv is so happy to have her there. The three friends decide to help Viv with a seance' only she didn't bother to tell Lorna and Heather that she wanted Sam her 1st husband back. Very entertaining. Story line very interesting and characters just keep you turning pages. There is lots of fun, action and romantic suspense and ghostly apparitions. I was given an ARC from the author as a gift without obligations. I am providing an honest review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viv was told she only gets one true love of her life and he died 20 years ago. She has been walking through life living but not really loving anyone that way. Now that the three ladies can summon spirits, it's finally time to talk to Sam. Viv does meet someone she's interested in but with what Sam said as his dying breath she doesn't want to act on anything with Troy. Viv with the help of her friends finally overcomes her past to move forward. You will laugh and cry but in the end you will have a smile on your face reading this.


*I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Dawn Dohey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Time's a Charm was such a delightful and wonderful read. With it's well develop Characters and their story Michelle has yet again brought to her fans another awesome series. I love how the three main characters of this story complete and build off each other yet shine with their own power. Even though the women in this story are a bit older then the usual women in most paranormal romance it goes to that age is just a number and the longer you lived the more you know. And the third time around at love is even better then the second and maybe even as good as the first or even better.

[Jennifer Lowrance · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I swear I'm usually funny" is one of my favorite lines. I don't know if it's because the story was so great I had to stay up way past my usual bedtime or because I could "hear" him in my head. Whatever the reason, it always made me laugh out loud and helped balance out the times the story made me cry. I love this series! It is so great reading about people around my own age and Michelle knows how to write excellent stories that I can't put down and characters I can't forget. I can't wait for the next one.

[Janet Rodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed the second installment of this series. This is Vivian"s story. Sam Stone was the live of her life. She thought she could never love again. During a seance, they try to call Sam back. He does come back, but he has something to tell Viv. As a result, she is able to open her heart again.

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle M. Pillow
Third Time's A Charm: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Romance Novel (Order of Magic Book 2)
A wonderful heartbreaking and heartwarming story!.

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

[Marie Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I’d love Viv’s story and o was SO right.
Viv married the love of her life very young and was widowed shortly after. She remarried a tool and divorced him, since then she’s had a string of flings with younger men knowing she’d never get too vulnerable or give her heart away. However, a chance meeting with her hot neighbour has left her feeling that maybe the third times the charm.
An excellent story, I love these women, their friendship and the dynamic so f the group. Michelle creates such vivid and relatable characters.
Can’t wait for the third instalment.

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I Love the three best friends. They all are over 40 and have some kind of paranormal gift. This is Vivien's story. She is psychic. She was also widowed in her early 20's and never got over the loss of her true love. Her friends are going to try to help her get closure. That is about to blow up in their faces. This was a great story. And once again I was surprised with a twisty ending. Cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
It was a great book!
It was supposed to be a simple seance.
All Vivien wanted to do was to talk with her lost love.
How could she know that the Seance would have consenquences ?
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
It has all the ingredients that you need for an awesome book!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Georgiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

~4.5 Stars~

This story was sweet, a bit funny and a bit emotional. The characters are well developed and very likable. This is a great series and I cant wait for the next book

The three women are at it again this time a little more prepared and sober :)
I like how they still stumble through with the séances, learning as they go. It’s fun to watch as they try new things. Adding William into a séance was a nice touch. I really liked Troy especially towards the end.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series about three women friends who are embracing their paranormal skills. Vivien has experienced the loss of her first husband and the embarrassing divorce of her second. She feels a need to talk to Sam to gain closure so she can emotionally move on from him. Their séances seldom go well, and this is not really an exception. I love the friendship and support these women provide for each other!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love for the ages, that is what Viv thought she had and it ended way too early. The book really makes you feel the despair and loneliness of a women who lost her husband way too early, but it is also a book about how friendship (and a little magick) might help you move forward. This is the second book in the order of magick series and it does not disappoint. It hit me right in the feels! Can't wait for Heather's story!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it!

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read Viv’s story, no really reason why, just didn’t want to. I gave in though and read through the book in one day! It was so good! I had guesses on how it would end, and I was somewhat right, but the story that played out was wonderful!! I definitely recommend!

And no worries if you haven’t read the first book, this can definitely stand alone. But I recommend reading Lornas story!

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

Brilliant

What a fantastic read, i totally love Viv, my heart totally broke for her, I cried and laughed, but never fear she's an amazing lady who gets more than she expected and deserves, amazing friends that are there every step of the way, a new love that brings her heart back on line after years of keeping it locked away, from the first page to the last you will not put it down ❤️

[Caroline Paquin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me Michelle M. Pillow's sense of humanity, because this is what makes her books so vivid and ring so true.

Yes, there were times when I got so frustrated with Vivien that I wanted to throw my Kindle out the window. Worry not, I didn't. I hung on and it paid off, to the point that a moment made me cry so much that I had to stop reading for a while.

A fantastic book.

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it! I don't have the time to do a detailed review. I can just say I was glued to the book & I am ready for the next one!

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIRD TIMES A CHARM is the second installment in the Order of Magic series by Michelle Pillow. This is well-written story with an engaging and intriguing storyline that can be read as a full length, standalone  story. You'll enjoy it so much better if you start with Lorna's story in the first book, Second Chance Magic. These three heroines will show you that life doesn't end after 40!  Find out how heartbreak and grief brings these three women together in friendship and strength. This story (like the first book) had me turning page after page to see what would happen next. The characters well-written and the world building is well done. 

This second installment is Vivian Stone's story about has not been able to move on with life after her first husband Sam died.  She did remarry once, mostly for convenience, but that was a huge mistake. To help Vivian, Heather and Lorna decide to hold a seance so Vivian can say goodbye to Sam. Unknown to the others, Vivian throws in her desire for Sam to return to her. That's when things start going wrong. 

I did think there should be more to the  relationship between Vivian and Troy. Instead it was almost "wham bang, thank you mam" romance

This is another moving story of friendship and healing. Even a chance for true love again. Next on the agenda is Heather’s story in 'The Fourth Power'.

I received a free copy of this book and the above is my voluntary and honest review.

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

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Time's a Charm is Vivian's story. As from the first book, Order of Magic, Vivian lost the love of her life 20 years ago. She and Sam were young and in love. In her family, each member's love story is epic. She would do anything to have Sam in her life again.

The problem is that Sam gave her an cryptic message just before he passed away. The question is does Sam wants her dead to join him in the great beyond especially when she, Lorna, and Heather made a mock of things during their seance while drunk. Now they need Heather's ghost grandmother, Julia to makes things right.

I love the title for Vivian's story. She married Sam, who is the love of her life and then married Rex, who turned out to be a jerk. And now with Troy, how is she going to explain about her special abilities and accept her for who and what she is.

I am hook on to this series. Forty-something is now the new 20-something. I am looking to Heather's story.

The narrator, Rebecca Cook is perfect for Vivian's story. Vivian is eccentric and she does speak her mind. Lorna seemed to have a lot more livelihood, now that she realized that she doesn't need an explanation from her dead husband, Glen. The narrator did a excellent job with William and Troy's voice.

I was given this audiobook by the author. I have decided to voluntary write an unbiased review for this book. I was not compensated or influenced in anyway for writing this review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien Stone, a psychic, and Sam were high school sweethearts. She knew they were meant to be. They married when they were young. But four years later Sam died from leukemia. He told her with his last breathe that “I’ll be watching you. Save your heart for me. It’s mine.” Now 20 years and one divorce later she's been asked to visit her ex at his office only to be side lined by the partners until she turns the table on them. There is one man, a neighbor, Troy, she wouldn't mind except she isn't into anything more than maybe a one night. Right now she and two of her friends are learning many magical things. They received rings that increase each of their gifts. Being psychic her abilities are off the charts. Viv and her two friends decide to do a seance to reach out to Sam. To Viv it looks like Sam showed up but he burst into heat and vanished. Later that night she hears the motion detector and goes to look for her friend's boyfriend. What she sees is a blue entity and she believes it's Sam so she follows him. He takes her into the ocean. The neighbor, Troy, saves her. Is it really Sam or another Demon? Will she find peace and happiness like she once had with her Sam?
A moving and chilling story that will keep the reader enthralled.

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

[Jd · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
I did not see a trigger warning so here goes: There are circumstances of death and grief.
That opening scene was heart wretching.
This is primarily a story about three women who find themselves with powers. Each has their own unique powers. They form their own little "coven", for lack of a better word.
Each is seeking peace and closure from past hurts and they try to find it through seances. These seances bring consequences.
In this book, Vivien is seeking her peace, by contacting and maybe bringing back her dead husband. Strange things begin to happen after the first seance.
Although this is supposed to be a paranormal/contemporary romance, there is little romance.Vivien has a neighbor who is interested in herm but her guilty keeps her from exploring the possibilities. I like that this story is not about a group of women in their twenties. The fact that these women are in their forties really strengthens the stories.
If you like paranormal mystery with a dash of romance, this is the story for you.

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

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Viv lost her love almost 25 yrs ago, she has been bouncing from one meaningless relationship to another because she well she knows what is going to happen before it actually does. Until the day that her and her friends find a book of seances and Viv thinks it might be a great idea to hold a seance to talk to her first love. Well things don't go as planned and the thoughts of a reunion take a different turn and don't go as planned and sometimes the things that you need are standing right in front of you all the time.
Viv and the gals are back and funnier than ever. Viv is not having a good time lately . She is having some trouble with the useless relationships she is having . She is sweet but she is also lonely and wants a good relationship. Each woman is middle aged and knows what she wants and when they are together they truly become sisters. and they are a riot when they get going .
This is one of those quirky books that will have you laughing and on the edge of seat through out . The author really loves to put her characters through it . I really liked this series and can't wait to read more . Check it out if you want a quirky fun story .

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vivien lost her first love way earlier than she should have. She really shouldn't have married Rex the Ratbag, especially when he was never loyal to her. Now after 7yrs of divorced life, he's trying to con Viv into curtailing her alimony payments. Not a smart move Rex. Viv has some very strong evidence of all your little extra-marital peccadilloes!

Viv made sure she never fell in love with anyone again. Young and Dumb is how she likes her men now. No expectations beyond a night or two. Pity her blood heats anytime her new neighbour is around. Troy is her age or thereabouts, a Professor and all around nice guy - will he tempt her where others did not?

I love the bond between Viv and her friends, and even William. I loved that I did not know exactly what way the women's spectral visitor was going to go - was it another demon, was it Sam or was it some other nightmarish situation?

Great characters, great chemistry - who'd expect all that hottiness lurked under the professor façade!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivien had always known that she would find her once in a lifetime soul mate. She was psychic just like her grandmother and grandmother before her. Sometimes they lived all their lives together and sometimes they were torn apart by destiny.

Vivien had found her soul partner in Sam and had married him very young but after four years of marriage she lost him to cancer and twenty years later had still not recovered.

She had re-married for convenience to someone else but they were now divorced and although she had been with men on one nights stands, she never believed she would love again until Troy moved in next door.

Troy wanted to get to know her better, but she kept resisting. She needed and wanted to get in touch with her soul mate Sam. She felt like she had unfinished business with him.

Such a magical, heart stopping, haunting story. I sat reading it and got so emotional about the beauty of the story. Michelle has such a way with words that it really does touch your heart. Absolutely fantastic! Looking forward to the next one in the series.