Magical Hands & Silver Strands

Mystical Midlife in Maine #11

by Brenda Trim

A shocking revelation rocks my world as Persephone herself prepares me to expect the unexpected.

A dark cloud looms as I navigate a staggering new development when my mother, our pillar of strength and guidance, vanishes without a trace. In spite of my despair, I’m determined to unravel the mystery. Instead, I stumble upon a lifeless woman, only to uncover her startling secret: she’s a tribrid with extraordinary attributes of a witch, a vampire, and a shifter. Her very existence sparks a conflagration of questions, each one more enigmatic than the last.

The search for my mother propels through a treacherous journey into society’s underbelly, where danger lurks at every turn. Amidst the chaos, my loyal familiar and steadfast companion suddenly goes into labor. Desperate to save her unborn babies, I am now out of options and in a race against time. I call on Hades for assistance, hoping that he will hold the key.

As the stakes rise and precious time is lost, I face a heart-wrenching choice: save my mother or safeguard the lives of the newborn familiars. The line between life and death has never been so thin, and I must summon every ounce of my magic and my courage to make my way through this wickedly fated web. Can I unlock the power within to rescue those I hold dear before it’s too late?

Genres: Magic, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 5, 2023

About the author

Brenda's Paranormal Women's Fiction

Mystical Midlife in Maine Series
1. Magical Makeover
2. Laugh Lines & Lost Things
3. Hellmouth & Hot Flashes
4. Holidays With Hades
5. Saggy But Witty in Crescent City
6. Nasty Curses & Big Purses
7. Fae Forged Axes & Chin Waxes
8. Demonic Stones & Creaky Bones
9. Underworld Frights & Sleepless Nights
10. Pixie Dust & Brain Rust
11. Magical Hands & Silver Strands
12. Deadly Quips & Furry Lips
13. Enchanted Tattoos & Lost Fools
14. Shady Secrets & Sun Spots

Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom Series
1. Packing Serious Magical Mojo
2. Cadaver On Canal Street
3. Seances & Second Line Parades
4. French Quarter Fae
5. King's Day Magical Mischief
6. Etou-Fae The Hard Way
7. Hurricanes, Heros & Hail Marys
8. Royal Street Romp
9. Levees, Lost Crowns & Loa
10. Mud Bugs & Cherished Hugs
11. Creole Dishes & Deadly Wishes

Brenda's Paranormal Romance Books
DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE SERIES
1. Dream Warrior
2. Mystik Warrior
3. Pemas Storm
4. Isis Betrayal
5. Deviant Warrior
6. Suvi's Revenge
7. Scarred Warrior
8. Hellbound Warrior
9. Isobel
10. Rogue Warrior
11. Shattered Warrior

Reviews

[Donna Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very suspenseful read with lots of unexpected and some intense moments. As if Phoebe doesn't have enough to deal with (pregnant with twins, Aidon worrying about her and the babies, her in laws, having her magic go arwy and Tarja about to give birth to witches familiars, someone trying to creating hybrid witches, with fangs or fur) .... her mother is kidnapped.

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

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

All hell breaks loose again when Phoebe’s mom is kidnapped. There is so much going on, will Phoebe ever catch a break. Good story and of course great characters.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eleven of the Mystical Midlife in Maine series and Phoebe’s familiar Tarja is close to having her kittens, future familiars for other witches, the first since familiars were almost completely wiped out. Phoebe and her best friend and fellow witch, Stella, are called in to help identify a possible witch in the morgue and help determine how she was killed. Only this witch also has fangs! Someone has managed to change a witch into a vampire and a shifter, without losing their witch magic, which was supposed to be impossible. It seems a powerful witch is trying to take Phoebe’s Pleiades position and powers for themselves and have quite an army of followers collected around her. Feeling out of sorts, she is struggling to cope, wondering if her familiar’s pregnancy is rubbing off on her or if she is coming down with something. But it is much more of a surprise than that, with some interference from her mate Aidon’s parents, Hades and Persephone! Amidst all this worry, her mother suddenly disappears and Phoebe knows she is suffering at the hands of this unknown witch, as another body is found. Luckily Phoebe has Stella, her gran and her daughter, as well as all their friends, to help her take down this witch and her vampire and demon sidekicks. A belated sweet sixteen party involving the planning of the Six Twisted Sisters should have provided some light relief, but the attacks keep on coming. Lots of fun with Aidon being so over protective and pulling out his godly anger at times. A few surprising twists in this one, as they face another set of dangers all together again, but also light hearted and loving parts as well, especially when talk turns to babies! Can’t wait to see what might come next for this lot, with so many kittens to be spread around to witches who need them most, all around the world! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Magical Hands & Silver Strands" by Brenda Trim delivers a gripping installment in the Mystical Midlife in Maine series, plunging readers into a world of mystery, magic, and heart-stopping revelations.

As protagonist grapples with a shocking revelation that rocks her world, she finds herself thrust into a whirlwind of chaos when her beloved mother disappears without a trace. Determined to unravel the mystery, protagonist discovers a lifeless woman with extraordinary attributes—a tribrid with the powers of a witch, a vampire, and a shifter. With each revelation, the stakes rise, plunging protagonist into a treacherous journey through society's underbelly where danger lurks at every turn.

Amidst the chaos, protagonist's loyal familiar goes into labor, presenting her with an impossible choice: save her mother or safeguard the lives of the newborn familiars. As time slips away, protagonist must summon all her courage and magic to navigate the perilous web of fate and rescue those she holds dear before it's too late.

Trim masterfully blends elements of paranormal fantasy with heart-wrenching emotion, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its captivating plot twists, dynamic characters, and spellbinding magic, "Magical Hands & Silver Strands" is a must-read for fans of paranormal women's fiction.

As protagonist confronts the thin line between life and death, readers will be drawn into a world where the power of love and courage reign supreme. With its exhilarating pace and pulse-pounding suspense, Trim's latest installment in the Mystical Midlife in Maine series is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in protagonist's journey.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are once again on one of the adventures of Phoebe, the Pleiades witch, one of seven of the most powerful witches in the world- that split up areas of the world and act as protectors, teachers, helpers, investigators, etc. Phoebe is still learning about her powers and her familiar, Tarja is about to have the first litter of familiar kittens in a long time. Tainted witches have all but made them extinct, save for those with the Pleiades. Phoebe and her family- her mom, Mollie, her grandma- Nana and her daughter Nina live with her. Stella is her bestie and was given magic by accident but they go on adventures anyway, dealing with dark creatures witches. This time the adventure is personal. Her mother gets kidnapped and it is a race against time. There are a few reveals and visits from the gods/ goddesses of the Underworld. There was one really awesome surprise that I guessed and squeed over. There are a few scary parts to the book and I chewed my nails again.

Tarja’s kittens are both adorable and terrifying in how smart they start off with. No wonder cats are the way they are! Lol

I can’t wait for the next book and more crossovers! Whooooohooo! Yeah, Aidon is both adorable and terrifying in this book. Seriously, why can’t they ever get a break from the darn demons and vampires in these books? Aidon needs to put a smack down on them, because how are they getting topside??.

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

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love 💕 this beautiful, funny and exciting story, the characters are amazing. Phoebe is the strongest witch in Maine and the Pleiades, leader for all witches in her area. Her mate is the God Aidoneus, son of Hades and Persephone, they were very angry at his choice of mate and tried to kill Phoebe several times greatly enraging Aidon. Nina and Jean-Marc are Phoebe’s children. There’s an evil witch grabbing young witches to experiment on to create hybrids to fight for her, torturing and killing several young witches in failed attempts. Phoebe and Aidoneus with family and friends hunt to find the missing witches before more deaths. Phoebe’s mother is kidnapped by evil witch for her experiments while Phoebe tries to uncover why the young witch’s are being kidnapped and killed, find her mother and the surprising news she is pregnant with twins. All this is just the beginning, hold on tight for a wild ride. Enjoy 🥰.

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

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interfering in-laws suck....

What another fine mess Phoebe is in now. Mollie gets kidnapped by an evil witch (with a b, too!) and the entire gang must try to find her before bad turns to worse. Couple that with witches being changed to tri-breds and then killed and Phoebe is nearly at wits end. To add insult to injury, there is a medical conundrum and her in-laws show up and throw a wrench in everything Phoebe thought she wanted. Also, Tarja goes into labor with the familiars. That becomes a huge stressor all it's own. Who knew the connection a witch and her familiar shared a connection that strong? Can Phoebe find her Mom, save her and rid the world of the evil witch once and for all?

This was a great book, lots of new things revealed throughout. I highly recommend this book, series and all the others by this inkslinger. 5 out of 5 stars.

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another epic adventure for Phoebe and her family. So many ups and downs and constantly on the go. Where she gets her energy???
This was definitely an intense read. All hell breaks loose. Everyone is out for a piece of Phoebe, but now she has a secret weapon or two.

As a parent one cannot conceive the heartache Phoebe, Gammy and Mollie endured. Thankfully with family, friends and their familiars there is hope.

Brilliant read. So looking forward to the next book.

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

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe has plenty of challenges ahead of her in this mystery. She needs to find out who is attacking witches, to make it more challenging Phoebe need to keep her pregnant familiar (Tarja) safe. Lucky for Phoebe, she has plenty of great people to help her, including Aidon her loving partner, her daughter Nina and more. I loved this entertaining story, the characters in it, the suspense and the gripping tale it weaves.

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

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mom's in trouble and no one can find her! Witches are dying with odd features, vampires are involved, demons are afoot and Hades & Persephone visit. Dramatic changes are had, Tarja's kittens are trying to arrive, a difficult birth, lots of visions and tons of surprises abound in this episode! Phoebe and gang are tough cookies! The family bond is tight with this group. The ending and finding mom are jaw dropping and give you a feeling of hope! So looking forward to the next episode in Maine!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

there are serious baby brain blips going on in this book - Tarja is not young, and the litter she is carrying is not small

the strength and the magic of the kittens and their drama packed eventual delivery- boom! game changers

new allies and loyalties, as well as unexpected betrayals and less pleasant surprises and challenges

as Nina discovers some new skills, lives are on the line

intense suspense and drama packed paranormal adventure

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe is having one heck of a time, pregnant with twins, which is difficult at best, and a kidnapping in the family. Everything is going sideways in a hurry, with all the different things happening. A fantastic fast paced read, with a lot going on. Love her relationship with Aidon. Great Read!!! No Spoilers!.

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

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

She will do anything to save her loved ones.

When her mother disappears without a trace Phones is determined to move heaven and earth to find her. But with her familiar close to delivering she is torn between saving her mother and making sure the kittens are safely delivered, and safe from those who have turned. Fascinating, well written an unique characters in a steamy paranormal romance . I highly recommend this book.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe was looking after Tarja when Todd requested her assistance in examining a body at the morgue. Accompanied by Stella and Todd, Phoebe went to investigate. However, during their inspection, Phoebe suddenly became ill and fainted, causing Aidon to become extremely distressed. Then Phoebe's mom, Mollie, goes missing. This story has plenty of action and romance, ending with a cliffhanger.

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

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of Drama, magical rescues, biatch slapping, and pregnant females abound. The characters are as vivid as ever, and the plot is straightforward. The premise is finding out who is creating hybrids and where Phoebe's mother was spirited off to. The answers were found in the deaths of evil and the births of familiar kittens. I highly recommend this book and the other nine written so far. I still despise cliffhangers though!

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Phoebe may be the Pleiades but life is often out of her control. When her Mom is kidnapped all Hell breaks loose. The turmoil of trying to find her, battle an evil witch and cope with being pregnant with twins is riveting.

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

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the Pleiades Pheobe new that life would be a challenge. But with a pregnant Tarja and dead hybrid witches turning up. Pheobe needs all the help she can get. This story races along. The plot is great and we catch up with all our old friends.
A brilliant read.

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

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is never quiet for Phoebe and her family. Her Mom is kidnapped, her inlaws show up with a surprising revelation, and Tarja goes into labor! All the action and suspense of what will happen next kept me turning pages well into the night!.

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

[Sarah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had. So many twists and turns!! I was left waiting and wondering what was going to happen next as I read every new chapter in this book. Such a great addition to the series. Finally, the kittens were born of course not without a twist!!.

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

[Brenda Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is never a shortage of magical problems to deal with, nor a shortage of magical "family members" to help deal with them. I love the universe this author has built with "kick butt and take names" characters. Loved the surprise ending to this one. More, please!.

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

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an exciting addition to this series. From start to finish this has you glued to the pages as there’s kidnappings, betrayals, secrets along with twists and turns and a few shocking surprises. The stakes are getting higher with danger at every turn and I found myself gripping the edge of my seat.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is terrific. I love witches especially when they can blow things up. Amazing how a coven pulls together to keep everyone safe.

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe has her hands full...again. Someone is performing horrific experiments on witches. Her mother has disappeared. She gets a big shock after a hospital visit. The kittens are coming! Never a dull moment. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been enjoying reading this series, it has a well written storyline. With entertaining characters and action and adventure. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great paranormal women's fiction story.. It is fascinating and entertaining, with good characters..

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

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series. The characters were entertaining while the story line was engaging and kept me coming back for more.

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

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is one more fantastic book to add to this magically and captivating story. I couldn't put this one down. The stories just get better and better. I can't wait for the next one to come out.

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

[adolph woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, couldn't stop reading

This is a intense book, more so than the previous ones and I loved it. I found Bri going in the strength of the rest of the family added more to the stories and I was eager a to follow them. I an eager to see what this brings.

[DKW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Hands & Silver Strands

Magic and mystery. Deadly enemies and powerful friends. Wonderful characters and series. Add to your reading library. No cliffhanger and happy for now.

[Loraina Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystical Midlife in Maine #11

Such a good story in the series. Each one gets better than the previous one. The author has characters are so interesting and with the storyline fun to read