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Magical Midlife Mom #1
Mom of the Chosen One
A magical secret, a hidden world of fae, and a single mom on the edge.
Welcome to my midlife crisis.
I love my smart, kind, and funny daughter. We may not have much, but we get along without any of the normal teenage drama.
Or at least we did, until my daughter got curious about her biological father.
Now our world is falling apart. A handsome client threatens my employment. A monstrous black wolf shows up on our doorstep. A mysterious masked woman begins stalking us.
And that’s not mentioning the fae.
I didn’t expect to have a midlife crisis involving magic, but it doesn’t matter. I may be just a single mom, but I’ll do anything to protect my daughter.
Even if it kills me.
Join Melissa Hartley as she goes on a magical journey only a mother could take. For readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction who like strong female protagonists, witty banter, and a hint of romance.
Welcome to my midlife crisis.
I love my smart, kind, and funny daughter. We may not have much, but we get along without any of the normal teenage drama.
Or at least we did, until my daughter got curious about her biological father.
Now our world is falling apart. A handsome client threatens my employment. A monstrous black wolf shows up on our doorstep. A mysterious masked woman begins stalking us.
And that’s not mentioning the fae.
I didn’t expect to have a midlife crisis involving magic, but it doesn’t matter. I may be just a single mom, but I’ll do anything to protect my daughter.
Even if it kills me.
Join Melissa Hartley as she goes on a magical journey only a mother could take. For readers of Paranormal Women’s Fiction who like strong female protagonists, witty banter, and a hint of romance.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
255 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
D.M. Fike
24 books45 followersDM Fike worked in the video game industry for over a decade, starting out as a project manager and eventually becoming a story writer for characters, plots, and missions. Born in Idaho's Magic Valley (you can't make this stuff up), DM Fike lived in Japan teaching English before calling Oregon home. She loves family, fantasy, and food (mostly in that order) and is on the constant look out for new co-op board games to play.
Check out my website dmfike.com for free stories you can't find anywhere else.
Check out my website dmfike.com for free stories you can't find anywhere else.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 15, 2023
Great read
I enjoyed this book. I loved the world and how seamlessly the fae and realistic worlds meshed together. The banter is a lot of fun--I had to read chunks out loud to my husband. I love the premise, of the ordinary (well, sort of) Mom and the teenage Chosen One.
I enjoyed this book. I loved the world and how seamlessly the fae and realistic worlds meshed together. The banter is a lot of fun--I had to read chunks out loud to my husband. I love the premise, of the ordinary (well, sort of) Mom and the teenage Chosen One.
November 20, 2022
Loved this book!
Characters I could really root for, paranormal action and slow burn romance. All my favorite UF elements in one. Highly recommend.
Characters I could really root for, paranormal action and slow burn romance. All my favorite UF elements in one. Highly recommend.
April 19, 2024
Good
Melissa Hartley is just the average, single mother of a sixteen year old daughter called Reagan.
At least that’s the way it seems, until Melissa starts seeing weird things, like the odd cosplay woman who threw glitter on her, or the giant wolf stalking around their neighbourhood…
Suddenly there is all manner of impossible beings following Reagan around; and Melissa is one mother that is determined to protect her daughter!
An entertaining first in series, about a midlife mother just discovering all that she and her daughter can do- while trying to figure out the whys and wherefores. Melissa is an entertaining character, whose snark button gets hit at the most inappropriate moments, while her daughter is a typical teen (if a little bit of an overachiever).
Most of the side characters so far are interesting, though Barbara ranks as annoying; and I’m looking forward to seeing where it is all heading.
This is a great choice if you’re a PWF fan, or if you enjoy fantasy without all the usual stereotypes!
Melissa Hartley is just the average, single mother of a sixteen year old daughter called Reagan.
At least that’s the way it seems, until Melissa starts seeing weird things, like the odd cosplay woman who threw glitter on her, or the giant wolf stalking around their neighbourhood…
Suddenly there is all manner of impossible beings following Reagan around; and Melissa is one mother that is determined to protect her daughter!
An entertaining first in series, about a midlife mother just discovering all that she and her daughter can do- while trying to figure out the whys and wherefores. Melissa is an entertaining character, whose snark button gets hit at the most inappropriate moments, while her daughter is a typical teen (if a little bit of an overachiever).
Most of the side characters so far are interesting, though Barbara ranks as annoying; and I’m looking forward to seeing where it is all heading.
This is a great choice if you’re a PWF fan, or if you enjoy fantasy without all the usual stereotypes!
January 26, 2025
Melissa Hartley is a single mom who loves her job as office manager of a tech company. Her 16 year old daughter Reagan is your typical teenager as well. Until one day strange things start happening. A wolf follows Reagan around, a woman wearing cosplay glitter bombs Melissa and then a strange woman tries to get Reagan from school. After that, the Hartley’s lives will never be the same.
Melissa is such a fun character. She’s the right amount snark and the serious. She’s a strong, independent person who considers the needs of everyone - so much so that she’s willing to lose her job going to bat for her co-workers. Her relationship with Reagan is solid and they have great banter. She also goes the extra mile when trying to get to know new co-workers, even when they seem to want to ignore her. Gabriel is a stoic, secretive government contractor. He can be hard for Melissa to get a read on, but she doesn’t stop trying. And even though he can drive her crazy, that doesn’t mean he’s not handsome!
This story had me hooked from the beginning! I love PWF and this is no exception. The plot moves along at a perfect pace and I love that Reagan is included in the story. The banter between Melissa and Reagan, Gabriel and even her mother is great. Once I started reading I couldn’t put this book down because I had to know what was going to happen. We are introduced to different types of supernaturals not typically seen and those that may be are done differently. The story moves fluidly through everything and there’s never a lull in the story.
This a clean PWF book that has some flirting and ogling but nothing more. I’ve read the spin off series so I know what eventually happens between Melissa and Gabriel but I’ll excited for the journey to get there! And I’m so glad it was finally time to get to this series on my TBR and I am most definitely going to be binging this series!
Melissa is such a fun character. She’s the right amount snark and the serious. She’s a strong, independent person who considers the needs of everyone - so much so that she’s willing to lose her job going to bat for her co-workers. Her relationship with Reagan is solid and they have great banter. She also goes the extra mile when trying to get to know new co-workers, even when they seem to want to ignore her. Gabriel is a stoic, secretive government contractor. He can be hard for Melissa to get a read on, but she doesn’t stop trying. And even though he can drive her crazy, that doesn’t mean he’s not handsome!
This story had me hooked from the beginning! I love PWF and this is no exception. The plot moves along at a perfect pace and I love that Reagan is included in the story. The banter between Melissa and Reagan, Gabriel and even her mother is great. Once I started reading I couldn’t put this book down because I had to know what was going to happen. We are introduced to different types of supernaturals not typically seen and those that may be are done differently. The story moves fluidly through everything and there’s never a lull in the story.
This a clean PWF book that has some flirting and ogling but nothing more. I’ve read the spin off series so I know what eventually happens between Melissa and Gabriel but I’ll excited for the journey to get there! And I’m so glad it was finally time to get to this series on my TBR and I am most definitely going to be binging this series!
June 14, 2025
Melissa is fairly happy with her job, her smart, kind daughter and her life as a single mom. But all of a sudden, things change. She insults a new client at her office, gets fired the next day, gets covered in glitter when she’s on a run and a wolf shows up on her property. No longer a nice quiet life.
When she’s offered a new job by the client she insulted, she jumps at it. Besides being a good opportunity, her new boss is extremely attractive. Someone tries to take her daughter from school, the person who threw glitter on her is now battling the wolf in her back yard and her boss and new office are very mysterious.
Finally figuring out there is magic, she finds that her daughter is being hunted, her boss is actually a gargoyle, her long lost estranged mother is a paladin against the fae. There are also shifters, sasquatches, and many others
This book gets more interesting with each chapter. There is action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, surprises, possible romance and humour.
This was a great, easy reading, enjoyable book with lots of twists and turns but not confusing ones.
It is a good entry into a series that I’m sure will bring many more hours of pleasurable reading. Looking forward to the next one.
When she’s offered a new job by the client she insulted, she jumps at it. Besides being a good opportunity, her new boss is extremely attractive. Someone tries to take her daughter from school, the person who threw glitter on her is now battling the wolf in her back yard and her boss and new office are very mysterious.
Finally figuring out there is magic, she finds that her daughter is being hunted, her boss is actually a gargoyle, her long lost estranged mother is a paladin against the fae. There are also shifters, sasquatches, and many others
This book gets more interesting with each chapter. There is action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, surprises, possible romance and humour.
This was a great, easy reading, enjoyable book with lots of twists and turns but not confusing ones.
It is a good entry into a series that I’m sure will bring many more hours of pleasurable reading. Looking forward to the next one.
October 8, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.75*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
December 1, 2023
Great start to a intriguing concept
This concept is nothing new to me but to see it. Well I had my expectations low so imagine my surprise when I deeply enjoyed the ride.
The dynamic between Melissa and Regan in just the first few chapters is fantastic and the way the characters are written so distinct, clear with different motivations and goals to spare. Is it cliche yeah. But I really enjoyed Melissa's quick wit and banter. Even Regan I swear if it was told through her perspective I'm pretty sure I would slap her with how dumb she could be. Teenagers. We have all been there lol.
There still a lot of loose threads and it ends with the promise of more to come especially over what Regan is meant to do and that dude Melissa boned one time who I'm fairly sure is probably the Big Bad at this point but I deeply enjoyed it.
This concept is nothing new to me but to see it. Well I had my expectations low so imagine my surprise when I deeply enjoyed the ride.
The dynamic between Melissa and Regan in just the first few chapters is fantastic and the way the characters are written so distinct, clear with different motivations and goals to spare. Is it cliche yeah. But I really enjoyed Melissa's quick wit and banter. Even Regan I swear if it was told through her perspective I'm pretty sure I would slap her with how dumb she could be. Teenagers. We have all been there lol.
There still a lot of loose threads and it ends with the promise of more to come especially over what Regan is meant to do and that dude Melissa boned one time who I'm fairly sure is probably the Big Bad at this point but I deeply enjoyed it.
November 29, 2022
This adventure combines a feisty teenage daughter who has to begin to come to terms with stunning and incomprehensible changes in her life - as well as contend with normal teenage angst. Her fierce, loving and protective mother makes her own set of jaw dropping discoveries. It is a wild ride for both of them! A world they never knew existed arrives full force and hurls them into the middle of it.
This is an excellent addition to the growing field of mid life women's paranormal fiction and is great for YA, too. (No sex!) There is a lot of potential for the story arc to grow and I hope to see much more of this series! Highly recommend!!
This is an excellent addition to the growing field of mid life women's paranormal fiction and is great for YA, too. (No sex!) There is a lot of potential for the story arc to grow and I hope to see much more of this series! Highly recommend!!
April 23, 2024
An exciting and intriguing cozy paranormal that will keep you captivated throughout with its array of vibrant, colorful and magical characters while the these enchanting characters draw you in it's the plot full of intrigue, adventurous discoveries and a drama of generations of mothers and daughters coming together to save their selves, friends and community that will have you turning page after exciting page without stopping until you reach its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Mom of the Chosen One " the first in series ( Magical Midlife Mom) so that you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
June 16, 2025
decent
I have to admit, this story got me out of my reading funk. I’d been ‘DNFing’ the last few books I’ve read as none of them captured my interest enough to finish them. I did finish this one, even though I liked the female main character less and less as the story went on. I can handle sarcasm, but she ended up being nasty to the people who were trying to help her, calling them names, making fun of them. I’m not sure I’ll go on to the next book in the series, I may read some reviews first to see if the female MC is still this snarky.
I have to admit, this story got me out of my reading funk. I’d been ‘DNFing’ the last few books I’ve read as none of them captured my interest enough to finish them. I did finish this one, even though I liked the female main character less and less as the story went on. I can handle sarcasm, but she ended up being nasty to the people who were trying to help her, calling them names, making fun of them. I’m not sure I’ll go on to the next book in the series, I may read some reviews first to see if the female MC is still this snarky.
January 14, 2024
A rare treat!
This book was such a delight! Fun banter, good writing, a wholesome yet oh-so-typical relationship between a middle-aged heroine & her teenage daughter, plenty of mystery, fantasy, action, humor, & a myriad of fun, complex, fascinating characters. This is like a wholesome version of Shannon Mayers' 40 Proof series. There was no sex & only mild language. Such a rare treat! I thoroughly enjoyed it & can't wait to read the next book! 🤗
This book was such a delight! Fun banter, good writing, a wholesome yet oh-so-typical relationship between a middle-aged heroine & her teenage daughter, plenty of mystery, fantasy, action, humor, & a myriad of fun, complex, fascinating characters. This is like a wholesome version of Shannon Mayers' 40 Proof series. There was no sex & only mild language. Such a rare treat! I thoroughly enjoyed it & can't wait to read the next book! 🤗
May 9, 2024
The characters were likeable and the story line interesting, but I also felt there wasn't much growth and I feel like this first book didn't quite establish solidly that the "chosen one" part, as well as some other pieces, which, had this been done more strongly, might have carried me through with more interest in the next book than I am left with. Still, there is some good world building and the storyline flows easily enough, so not a total loss, just not more than a solid middle for me.
May 19, 2025
Excellent Tale from a Master Storyteller
Just a dynamite read with lots of surprises, hints or romanace, danger, and magic. Ms Fike may well assume J K Rowling's crown as the mistress of magic. This story is easily on par with any of the Harry Potter books! One can only hope for many more stories as this magic kingdom develops
Question: When will some smart movie producer discover MS Fike's stories and put them into movies?
Just a dynamite read with lots of surprises, hints or romanace, danger, and magic. Ms Fike may well assume J K Rowling's crown as the mistress of magic. This story is easily on par with any of the Harry Potter books! One can only hope for many more stories as this magic kingdom develops
Question: When will some smart movie producer discover MS Fike's stories and put them into movies?
June 21, 2023
5 ⭐ Winner
Great story of family. The lengths that a Mother goes to protect her child are never ending. Fabulous world building and connections to characters make this book come to life. Intricacies woven into the plot peaks my curiosity as to where book 2 will take me. Can't wait to find out! Recommended for all.
Great story of family. The lengths that a Mother goes to protect her child are never ending. Fabulous world building and connections to characters make this book come to life. Intricacies woven into the plot peaks my curiosity as to where book 2 will take me. Can't wait to find out! Recommended for all.
June 22, 2023
For the mothers of heroes
This amazing book is not about a teenage hero who manages to save the world. It is not about her handsome but suave soon to be boyfriend. It is about her mother and the lengths to which a mother is willing to go to to protect her daughter. The romance is light. The story is bright. In short, this is a nice summer evening read.
This amazing book is not about a teenage hero who manages to save the world. It is not about her handsome but suave soon to be boyfriend. It is about her mother and the lengths to which a mother is willing to go to to protect her daughter. The romance is light. The story is bright. In short, this is a nice summer evening read.
June 3, 2024
Cute midlife magic story
Really enjoyed this one. Relationship between mom and daughter is super relateable. They remind me of a more mature and less cracked out Gilmore Girls. Love the glimpses of the possible romance for the mom. Hoping it gets stronger in book 2. Engaging world and issues for them to face. Looking forward to what happens next.
Really enjoyed this one. Relationship between mom and daughter is super relateable. They remind me of a more mature and less cracked out Gilmore Girls. Love the glimpses of the possible romance for the mom. Hoping it gets stronger in book 2. Engaging world and issues for them to face. Looking forward to what happens next.
July 6, 2024
Really fun reading.
As a mother myself, reading this is actually really very fun. What would you do in this sort of situation. I quite like the author adding in all the ordinary practicalities of being a mother to a teen just discovering both themselves and a new element of themselves. Navigating both. It was good. Will read the next one.
As a mother myself, reading this is actually really very fun. What would you do in this sort of situation. I quite like the author adding in all the ordinary practicalities of being a mother to a teen just discovering both themselves and a new element of themselves. Navigating both. It was good. Will read the next one.
July 22, 2024
Wonderful original story with great characters!
I greatly enjoyed this fantastic paranormal story. The world building was excellent, the characters interesting, and the dialogue between the characters flowed, especially the sarcasm between Mother and Daughter. I highly recommend this exciting read.
I greatly enjoyed this fantastic paranormal story. The world building was excellent, the characters interesting, and the dialogue between the characters flowed, especially the sarcasm between Mother and Daughter. I highly recommend this exciting read.
August 15, 2024
So freakin funny!
The banter between the mom and her teen is hilarious. Melissa is like the mom I’d always hoped to be, so it was a delight to read this. There were also places where I literally busted out laughing (hot tub scene, I’m looking at you!). If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls, I think you might enjoy this story.
The banter between the mom and her teen is hilarious. Melissa is like the mom I’d always hoped to be, so it was a delight to read this. There were also places where I literally busted out laughing (hot tub scene, I’m looking at you!). If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls, I think you might enjoy this story.
September 17, 2025
Interesting
This book was a bit different for me, delving into single parenthood and all of its problems, and it did have a lot going for it. I loved Melissa and the mystique of her past but in the end it was just missing something. I’m not really invested in the characters or the story arc which feels a bit clunky and disjointed, rushed in some places and dragging in others.
This book was a bit different for me, delving into single parenthood and all of its problems, and it did have a lot going for it. I loved Melissa and the mystique of her past but in the end it was just missing something. I’m not really invested in the characters or the story arc which feels a bit clunky and disjointed, rushed in some places and dragging in others.
December 27, 2025
Honestly, at first glances I was expecting it to be the same as every other book in the market but imagine my surprise when I was awake at 3am just to finish the book. Each character seemed so distinct and was very well described which made it easy to imagine.
Although the ending seemed to be abrupt it made sense to be a part of the series, but that still makes me salty.
Although the ending seemed to be abrupt it made sense to be a part of the series, but that still makes me salty.
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January 30, 2023This is different to usual cosy story's that I have been reading but in parts I was actually laughing out loud. I enjoyed this book very much there were twists and turns in the plot but it is a good read
March 16, 2023
My first book by this author and I can't wait to read the next one in this series. It's a fantastic story and very well written. If you like mystery, almost romance, and a ticked off Mom this is a great read.
August 12, 2023
Excellent story! I was hooked from the first chapter. It's a paranormal-midlife/single parent's perspective-kind of mystery-magical story. I admit to reading the next in the series right immediately after finishing this book...like, staying up way-too-late style.... Recommend.
August 17, 2023
Great fun read!!!!
Wonderful fun read about Melissa and her teen daughter Reagan. They fund out magic is real, and so are shifters!!! Wonderful fun read that I could not put down!!!!
Wonderful fun read about Melissa and her teen daughter Reagan. They fund out magic is real, and so are shifters!!! Wonderful fun read that I could not put down!!!!
September 23, 2023
Magic like never before
A relatable story of a single mom's struggle to raise her child alone but somewhere along the lines when she was a child her mother forgot to mention she may have magic. Read what happens to this little family. You will enjoy it
A relatable story of a single mom's struggle to raise her child alone but somewhere along the lines when she was a child her mother forgot to mention she may have magic. Read what happens to this little family. You will enjoy it
November 17, 2023
Brilliant read!
How very wonderful to read a book with a middle aged mum as the main character! Add in some fae folk and a vigilante grandma and you have an awesome read. I loved it so much I ignored everything else that needed doing until this book was read! Highly recommended!
How very wonderful to read a book with a middle aged mum as the main character! Add in some fae folk and a vigilante grandma and you have an awesome read. I loved it so much I ignored everything else that needed doing until this book was read! Highly recommended!
February 26, 2024
Get ready for an all-nighter and binge reading
Witty, charming, sarcastic, and a wonderful take on the supernatural. Once I started reading, this book was impossible to put down. Captivating from the first page.
Witty, charming, sarcastic, and a wonderful take on the supernatural. Once I started reading, this book was impossible to put down. Captivating from the first page.
April 25, 2024
A wonderful addition to the series.
The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
The characters are fantastic and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
May 1, 2024
A very different type of witch , shifter viok
Even though the characters are different then the usual types of shifters, I still got emotional reading this book. There is everything that you could possibly expect from a paranormal witch, shifter book plus oh so more.
Even though the characters are different then the usual types of shifters, I still got emotional reading this book. There is everything that you could possibly expect from a paranormal witch, shifter book plus oh so more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews