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Witching After Forty #10

An Inherited Midlife

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Ava Harper-Walker has it all. She’s married to the world’s best man, has a wonderful family with her first grandbaby on the way, and a whole band of friends to call her own. She figures the reason for all her blessings is that other things continue to go absolutely haywire in her life.

The moment she and Drew return from their honeymoon, they have to rush off to battle a raging sea monster that escaped from Hell. And of course, Luci is nowhere to be found. He’s presumably searching for the last escapees, who continue to elude him.

But hey, it’s okay. Ava’s got this. She gets the disgusting sea monster—slime tentacles, Ew—back to its fiery prison, then returns home to find the Vikings have come to call. They want Alfred, and they want him bad.

Over Ava’s dead body.

When one of her favorite people goes missing, aka Alfred, Ava goes into mama-bear mode. Nobody is going to get away with stealing her friend and butler. The immortal Vikings are the first names on her suspect list, but was it really them?

The truth stone aids in the search, but Ava begins to doubt even that as everyone who has ever met Alfred becomes a suspect.

Not to mention Winnie. As Alfred’s main squeeze, Aunt Winnie is losing it. And that is putting it mildly.

When Winnie begins giving their family and friends the skeptical side-eye, Ava knows she’s got to find Alfred and fast. Not just for his safety, but for the safety of anyone who crosses Winnie’s path.

The Witching After Forty series is part of the Life After Magic World.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

252 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Lia Davis

290 books1,568 followers
In 2008, Lia Davis ventured into the world of writing and publishing and never looked back. She has published more than twenty books, including the bestselling A Tiger’s Claim, book one in her fan favorite Ashwood Falls series. Her novels feature compassionate yet strong alpha heroes who know how to please their women and her leading ladies are each strong in their own way. No matter what obstacle she throws at them, they come out better in the end.

While writing was initially a way escape from real world drama, Lia now makes her living creating worlds filled with magic, mystery, romance, and adventure so that others can leave real life behind for a few hours at a time.

Lia’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers, but it’s her home and she loves it! Sign up for her newsletter, become a member of her fan club, and follow her on Twitter @NovelsByLia.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
3,001 reviews45 followers
May 21, 2023
This is book fourteen of the Witching After Forty series and it starts with Ava and Drew having to cut their not quite as peaceful as expected honeymoon short, to fight off another giant tentacled sea monster, since Luci seems to be too busy to deal with it himself! They don’t even get to really settle in before the Viking necromancers are back, wanting Alfred to join them. They had agreed to give them until the end of their honeymoon and seem to take the early end of it meaning they can turn up early as well. Alfred has no wish to join his former colleagues from his long ago past, or to be part of a spell that could make him and them fully human, knowing it would take a human sacrifice to do so. Ava finally manages to get them to leave but has been rattled. When everyone is busy with their own lives and businesses the next day, Ava thinks she will have the perfect quiet day to do some writing, and Alfred says he is going for a walk. Ava gets distracted by her friends visiting and doesn’t notice that Alfred hasn’t returned. When the next day rolls around and she realises she is up before Alfred and even beaten him to the kitchen, the first hint of concern hits. She ends up calling together all of her friends and family and they try everything they can to figure out where he is.

They even try to trace his path through town, getting a close up of all the good deeds he does for others, that none of them even knew about! It brings about a surprising side of the large Viking friend and butler, who is trying to make up for the events of his past apparently. A scrying spell can’t locate him, nor can the power of Luci himself. Ava even calls the Viking necromancers in and uses the truth stone on them, but even though they are the most likely suspects, they had nothing to do with Alfred’s disappearance. Even the full coven can’t trace Alfred and Winnie is left beside herself as time goes on. Even the extra powers her bestie Olivia is managing to learn to control from her father’s side of her family, are not enough to help. It comes from the unlikeliest of sources and will bring a surprising new development in the powers and lives of Ava, Olivia and their families. Another short story in the series, with bits and pieces of events for the main characters and a nice look at the man Alfred truly is, as he helps those in Shipton Harbor, as he loves to help Ava and her extended family and friends through his love of cooking. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

Profile Image for Heather.
1,253 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2023
Wow, I really love this series!

It kicks off with Ava and Drew having to fight a nasty monster after returning from their honeymoon, and she still has the Vikings to deal with who want to take Alfred away from her. They want him to become human using dark magic so they can be strong again. They refuse and send them away, but Alfred isn’t acting like his normal self. After most of the family all leaves for a shopping experience, Ava is left pretty much alone, and Alfred sets off on a walk. Instead of getting her writing done, she is off again to fight a rogue necromancer, and when she returns, she doesn’t notice right away that Alfred is still gone. Once she does, she calls everyone back, and they go in search of him. But he is nowhere to be found, and magic isn’t able to help her this time.

She is totally distraught and even questions the Vikings, but they didn’t take him. Finally, after Sammie speaks up, saying he knows where he is, they all go down to where he is…. But Alfred is no longer what he was before!

Wanna know where he was and what he is now? Read the book!

Love, love, love this series!

I received an ARC for my honest review.
6,029 reviews40 followers
February 28, 2023
The honeymoon is truly over as there are more problems at home. As if sea monsters were not bad enough, a close family friend is missing. Never mess with the family as that is bad news for everyone.

This is book fifteen of the series, but, it works pretty well as a standalone. While you will be missing some of the details, the essentials are covered early on.

This is a cozy witch mystery with lots of different paranormal elements thrown in. I am rather fond of this genre, so I have been enjoying this series. The story is well written and easy to read with a intriguing and diverse cast as well as a fun setting. The story itself moves at a good pace and includes plenty of action, intrigue and humor to keep things interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this latest addition and look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Profile Image for Stan Hutchings.
1,352 reviews22 followers
February 16, 2023
Since this is Book 15 and really draws on the back-stories in the previous books, it would be best to read the series, preferably in order, and finish with this book (although it is not the end, there are more in the pipeline).
Ava’s extended family is back, battling tentacled monsters, ancient priests who practice dark magic, a rogue necromancer, and his army of zombies and ghouls. A school for children gifted with powers is planned, like Hogwarts. Carrie gets a mystical tour of several weird rooms in Luci’s house. Ava and her father meet her grandfather in an ancient castle and find out more about their family tree. Winston and Winnie are brokenhearted about Alfred’s disappearance, until he is finally found in an unexpected place and condition. In a twist and lead-in to the next book, Luci gets a lead on Penny and discovers he’s locked out of Hell.
Profile Image for Lynne  Davison.
226 reviews
February 11, 2023
Loved this - I don't intend to give spoilers as I hate it when reviews do that. I have avidly read this series of books and this one starts with Ava and Drew are just back from their honeymoon.

There are a wealth of characters that have developed over the series and we hear from their point of view as well in this book.

There are some roaring with laughter moments as well as quiet chuckles with characters like Luci and Lucy-fur not to be confused with one another.

Full of magic and mystery and ends on a cliffhanger - say no more.

Chomping at the bit for book 16 - Oh and although it is best to read in sequence you can read as stand alone to as there is sufficient back story information given.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
February 7, 2023
That ending has stolen just about everything I had been thinking about this book from my brain. I loved everything leading up to it, but I have so many questions now. Like: what’s really going on? Who are the true villains in this situation? And, what the heck is going to happen next? They’re all questions that are going to have me perched on the edge of my seat waiting to get my hands on the next book in the series as I curse the authors’ names, no matter how much I laughed at this book or how easily it wove its spell around me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for CelticMoonGoddess.
450 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2023
Really enjoy these paranormal rollercoaster adventures. This book is obviously part of a series and helps to have an understanding and awareness of the characters (as there is a lot to the extended family and community) but can also be enjoyed as an individual read to travel along with the adventure. Good characters, endearing main characters, good sense of humour (loving the snickers reference), cozy romance and overall a feel good fantasy story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,030 reviews45 followers
February 8, 2023
Family connections and new ventures and changes are keeping Ava and the gang busy.

Olivia is getting the hang of her skills, while Ava is still struggling with fire magic and fitness issues related to monster hunting

long dead ancestors pose one kind of challenges, as rogue forces pose others

Alfred is a focus, and poor Ava is stressed, while Olivia seems to be thriving

Life - and undead - rarely ceases to be filled with action and little and big adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vivien.
780 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2024
Good book except the beginning when Drew & Ava has to fight a monster on their own. This slightly longer than the previous book but not by much.
Reappearance of Owen to fight a rogue necromancer. Ava's powers still wonky & took her several hours to realize Alfred is missing. Winston more active in this book. Ava sees her father's side family home & surprised to meet her great grandfather.
Carrie had an idea to start a school for magical being with Olivia as Headmistress. The vampire nightclub is drawing closer.
Few shockers at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mrs S Kores.
34 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2023
I do like these series of books
The first few full length stories are great. Bit of supernatual, bit of intrigue, bit of romance, loved them. The later stories are much shorter and although I enjoy each instalment I think I would have preferred to wait for a full sized book.
I do, however I love Ava and her found family, and all the stories. I hope they keep coming, looking forward the the baby and satan Claus story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cindee.
1 review
June 11, 2023
I love these books

I've never given anything a 5 star or the best rating but I've really enjoyed these books. The only thing was a spelling error but only one that bugged me and I'm sorry I should have made a note of it for you. The humor, the love of family and their spouses I really like then add magic to it and it makes my kind of book. Now I hope I can get to the next one without to much struggle. My sister usually does it for me and she's not here. Thank you Lia Davis
4,492 reviews21 followers
February 2, 2023
Ava and Drew are back from their honeymoon but as always they cannot get a break. Trouble is coming from different sides and Ava must survive it all again as everyone and everything in her life seems to do crazy at the same time. Lots of action, trouble missing people, surprises and so much fun to be had by all as long as they survive it all. Loved it as always.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,731 reviews35 followers
February 6, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. There is no time for rest for Ava and Drew after their honeymoon as they are immediately thrown into having to solve problems around home. Alfred disappears and while searching for him, they find more about him and Ava's family history. Alfred is found and more is found about the cave near her house.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,323 reviews7 followers
February 9, 2023
It seems that any sort of paranormal problem requires the attention of Ava and Drew. I hope they don’t burn out…that is very stressful. I am curious how Alfred knew to head into the cave…I am happy for him. I am also glad that he found a solution that didn’t involve the dark magic of the Vikings. I am now super curious about that last thing Luci said. Hmmm…
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
February 15, 2023
I am loving this series and all of the quirky and interesting characters that we met along the way. In this book we learn more about Alfred and so much more that make this a great addition to the series. This series gets better and better with each book that comes out and after that cliffhanger ending I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
45 reviews
March 1, 2023
More twists than ever

I love this ongoing story. They have more twists and turns than ever. It's crazy! I love it. With multiple story lines, which are needed with all the characters, the way these two women manage to weave all of them together is amazing. You have to read these books!
279 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2023
hanging by a cliff again. They found Alfred but now Luci is locked out of hell; no spoilers from me,

read the whole series from book 1 and you can see for yourself what happens in this latest installment of big fun here in Shipton.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,138 reviews57 followers
February 1, 2023
An Inherited Midlife is a non-stop high-speed adventure. It starts with Ava and Drew cutting their honeymoon short to take on a sea monster and ends with a cliffhanger extraordinaire. I love this series and cannot wait to find out what happens next.
542 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2023
Oh WOW

What a read couldn’t stop turning the pages talk about twists and turns loving this series only now upset as have to wait fir next instalment. Highly recommend this series and the accompanying series fantastic read and enjoy 😍
Profile Image for Lois.
1,127 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2023
Fun Read

More shenanigans with Ava and her friends. Tentacle monsters, evil viking necromancers and a surprise new family member. A great short read with a big mug of coffee and a roaring fire. Bring on the next installment
35 reviews
February 7, 2023
Great as usual

This series keeps you on the edge of Your seat. The characters are funny and the stories are always engaging. Keep the books coming. Always a joy to take some stress out of my day, laughing with each book.
1,774 reviews9 followers
February 10, 2023
Another good read in this series. I loved Ava being a bit moody because she always seems to have to cover for everyone else. I also like Alfred taking a more central role. Tons of surprises and hilarious scenes. Big cliffhanger warning. I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Louise.
784 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2023
Cool story

This didn't start off that well, but it ended great! The beginning felt a bit rushed and odd, to be honest. Why is Pearl sending Ava and Drew all over the place? Why are they listening? That was weird. Still, the rest of the story was lovely.
146 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2023
Love Ava and her crew

All I can say is the crazy life continues. I love this series and all the characters. We still are learning about everyones powers and you never know what is going on with Lucy.
Profile Image for Beverly Kilgo.
16 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2023
I'm over forty and didn't have this much fun

So I love this series each book is a new curve ball. Downside is I read them cover to cover in one sitting. I don't stress over it though the next installment is 2 months away lol
974 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2023
Witching After 40 #15

Totally love this series. The author has great characters and a good storyline that can be continued for a long time. I enjoy the movement and interactions of their characters.
896 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2023
Alfred Missing?

Alfred goes missing and everyone is out looking for him. We also meet a new family member of Avas. I hope to see more of that person and place in the next book. This is a great series and I really enjoy it.
Profile Image for Susan Steveson.
15 reviews
March 15, 2023
Yet another surprise

Just when you think what twist can possibly happen next BAM there is the new twist. This one had some really cool events transpired and Ava is learning more about her paternal line.
Profile Image for Catriona Bain.
294 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2023
Brilliant

I truly love this series. Each character is amazing and I always find myself rather laughing or crying. It's crazy with the things that go on around Ava and her weird and wonderful family. I would recommend it to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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