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The Oracle of Wynter #2

Magic & Menopause

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Five weeks ago, I might have killed a man. Five days ago, I met my husband’s other wife. Five minutes ago, a dead body washed ashore. Just another day in the life of an Oracle, right?

I thought taking care of the hex that wanted to kill me was all I had to worry about, but then Farrah Lockwood arrives on my porch with a new mystery. She thinks she’s come to me for advice but the fact she found me at all means there are bigger things afoot… much bigger. What seems like a simple matter of whodunit quickly becomes deeper and I find myself strapped in and holding tight on a roller coaster ride into an ancient Egyptian curse, a pair of secret societies about to go to war with each other, and a rather alarming revelation that my new friend Logan is tied up in this as well.

I had just settled into the idea of being a widow when all this Oracle business landed on my arm. Now, the threats that follow Farrah have arrived on my doorstep and there’s more at stake than any of us know. Did I forget to mention my doctor has confirmed I’m in menopause and all of this is getting on my last nerve?

Once upon a time, I imagined forty-five would find me dealing with an empty nest and planning for retirement. I never thought I’d be so single, so sweaty, and fighting to stay alive.

Age may be just a number, but I swear all this drama is making me one grouchy Oracle.

A paranormal women’s fiction romance with a feisty heroine in serious midlife crisis, a talking tattoo, a chain-smoking ghost in a housedress, and an adventure that proves you’re never too old to start over from USA Today Bestselling author Lisa Manifold.

The Oracle of Wynter
Book 1: Hexes & Hot Flashes - January 29, 2021
Book 2: Magic & Menopause - April 29, 2021
Book 3: Necromancy & Night Sweats - July 29, 2021
Samhain & Stretch Marks, an Oracle of Wynter short story available for pre-order in the new anthology Girdles and Ghouls - September 30, 2021
Book 4: Hoodoo & Hair Loss - October 28, 2021

6 pages, Audio CD

Published March 31, 2022

384 people are currently reading
173 people want to read

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Lisa Manifold

72 books604 followers

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142 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2021
Book Two in The Oracle of Wynter series bring another challenge for Wynter that involves Egyptian mythology. She also has to deal with Ariadne again along with her bull companion who throws a hex on her. Some humor, suspense, hot flashes that invoke her magic, a coven of witches and Logan returns with a friend all added to the entertainment.
2,996 reviews43 followers
May 14, 2021
This is book two of The Oracle of Wynter series and sees Wynter getting used to her new role as the Oracle of Theama and trying to get help from the previous oracle Florry and her bracelet which she calls Goldie. She has solved her first case for her consultant Logan, as she is told those who seek her are called, but he is still going and coming back to her home as he tries to get more information about his past life. Wynter has also had to deal with a nasty necromancer, who she somehow managed to make disappear from her home, and meeting with her dead husband Derek’s second wife and their children. Her grown up children were keen to know their half brother and sister, but both women had been quite nervous about the meeting and how each would react to the occasion. She figures she needs more specialised herbs from her local apothecary shop and is asked a few odd questions about herself and what she is, by the assistant Nayla. She also gets another visit from the goddess wannabe Ariadne and the bull, which is unpleasant as usual, but she manages to get her magic to help her get rid of them.

Florry tells her to keep practising with her magic, the particular type is always different between each oracle and Wynter’s seems to be very strong. Wynter gets a call from an unknown number which she doesn’t bother to answer, but when a voicemail is left, she checks it. She finds a woman from the New England division of the Magical Law Enforcement Department has called and insists on meeting her, as they have become aware that she has now assumed a new magical mantle of responsibility. She ends up meeting with the woman, Farrah Lockwood, who only manages to get to her actual location because she is worthy of the oracle and has her own issue she needs assistance from the oracle for! Her main aim of coming to visit Wynter was actually to ask if she would help the department with their cases, but luckily Florry and Goldie had set her straight about that and she refused Farrah’s request. What Farrah really needs help with, is to do with the disappearance of her mother when she was only fourteen. She had called her husband to say she was on her way home from work, but never made it and no body was ever found!

This case actually draws Wynter into an ancient battle between the Fathers of the Desert, who had taken control of the eight facets that held life on this earth together, keeping the balance. When the eight brother who made up this group got too power hungry and tried to use the facets to send plagues on Egypt and more, the Sisters of the Asp, who had previously worked with the Fathers, divided and took down each of the Fathers and hid the facets of power. They buried the Fathers in a remote part of the desert, unmarked and protected by payers of spells, to ensure they would never been found. Farrah’s mother was the First Sister and died before she could pass her power onto her daughter. Without it the Sisters were weaker and most of them have been killed in the intervening years. Only her aunt Panya and grandmother Nonna are still alive. If the Fathers manage to rise, then the whole world will be in danger. Wynter needs to help Farrah’s mother Anipe to pass on the responsibility of First Sister, the keeper of the history to Farrah. Some of the facets of power have been found by necromancers and they only have two more to find, the power of time and the power of will. With just one of these they will automatically be able to find the last one, causing disaster, subjugation or worse for the world.

Farrah had always been sworn to keep her magic secret from her father and it is something all the Sisters of the Asp must do, as they are the only ones who would normally be there to stop those who would resurrect the Fathers of the Desert. Unfortunately, with an ancient Egyptian curse put upon all the Sisters, by one of the Fathers as they died, the quest to help Farrah isn’t quite over as soon as she helps her with her mother. She also wants to help the now deceased Florry, by contacting her good friend Caro and trying to find out more about how Florry died. Wynter is also having to deal with the menopause and whilst visiting her doctor, also spotted one of the women in her visions of Logan, formally Evander Thane. Never mind the curse or hex that was put upon her by Ariadne and her bull, which she gets help removing it, a coven of witches who she found out about from Nayla, who is a witch. Only problem is that when a hot flush hits her from her feet up to her head, she ends up sweating uncontrollably and her magic gets out of control, leaving her about to explode. Wynter’s life is getting quite interesting now, with her new life role, magic, the menopause, a magical department who wants her to help them, a coven of local witches, shifters, the battle for the facets of power and an attractive first consultant who still hasn’t left her all alone! An unusual and exciting book, with a character moving into her middle age and getting a whole new outlook on life, not exactly voluntarily. I can't wait to see what comes in the next book, who might be her next consultant, plus what might happen with her love life. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout ad I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Profile Image for Hanna.
781 reviews8 followers
January 12, 2022
3.5 stars, rounding up
A good second installment in this series, another intriguing mystery.

Although I have to say that again there was a lot of whining and it's getting old. There was already quite a bit of it in the first one, but I thought given everything that happened to her okay, makes sense, even if I would've preferred a bit more outright anger and rage considering her husbands revelations... like I said that was the first book, but now with the continued near constant whining about what feels like everything it's starting to seriously grate and her pointing it out doesn't help either.

In terms of storytelling it was quite repetitive at times, especially with regards to the whole Sisters of Asp, Fathers of the Desert thing we were told the exact same information at least 3 times.

As for the "romantic" development, I wasn't convinced and it certainly wasn't romantic in any way shape or form. Of course, there'd been hints that it might eventually be heading that way which was okay and I was kinda looking forward to watching this development unfold... only there was no development, he just suddenly went for it without any prelude or anything and at the worst possible time to boot, what with all his recent personal revelations.
And that last scene added absolutely nothing to the story or their relationship and was clearly only meant as semi-shocking caught in the act teaser moment.

And I just released I'm gonna have to knock a star of the rating, but also that I suddenly lost all interest in continuing this story. bummer and it held such promise...
Profile Image for Kathleen.
639 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2023
Bummer! She broke it! In the first installment of this series, author Lisa Manifold established a delightful paranormal premise, by bestowing a magical menopause on her main character. What a great idea. But in book 2, she blew it, breaking her creation by uglifying it with racism, and thus spoiling her potential as an author of stereotype-smashing, fun little cozy mysteries.

Cursed Egyptian tombs? Really? And a cult of Egyptian madmen?

We're told "There's a reason why Egyptian curses are at the root of all evil in stories and movies. It's because they are real." Please forgive if I've failed to quote exactly--can't hear punctuation on an audiobook for certain, and didn't want to make myself ill by backing up and re-listening to get it word for word, but trust me, that was the exact idea expressed.

Yuck. Just disgusting. We know when we see horrific racism in Agatha Christie's works, that it's because she was a product of her time. ( For some of the worst examples, see: https://thoughtcatalog.com/lakshmi-kr... )

But wake up, Lisa Manifold and all mystery authors of today. Your readership will not tolerate intolerance. We look for inclusive literature, and own-voices authors. Write about the mythos of whatever people you yourself sprang from, or, if you must write about the magic of other peoples, have the dignity and grace to educate yourself fully, first. Do not repeat racist tropes.
Profile Image for Just Jese.
526 reviews
July 25, 2021
Too much and too little

I really like this series. It’s a nice change in pace and although I feel like we should see more of Wynter’s struggles so that it’s easier to accept these little moments where she just simply accepts herself as she is coming into this new found chapter of her life.
This story however wasn’t a home run and I think I’m being very generous with 4/5. Simply put this was ALL over the place and I felt like we were introduced to so many new people and potential plot lines and yet several things were simply ignored and put on the back burner without any real rhyme or reason.
What happened with the blonde woman, Davina? Or following up with the Detective from NY? How was Tomas able to physically transport himself into Wynter’s home? I thought the Oracle had built in protections… it felt like that scene relied on Farrah and crew to do all the heavy lifting.
Why was Mark around? When did he link up with Logan? How come Wynter hasn’t had the foresight to “add” to the grimore? What happened to keeping her new power under wraps? It seemed like she gave them a freebie. Also where exactly were Farrah’s family? If they were in Egypt originally, wouldn’t the travel time be significantly longer than showing up the next afternoon? Little things like this always bothers me.
Profile Image for Natillie Painter.
Author 7 books23 followers
May 4, 2021
Wynter, Wynter, you poor thing, hot flashes when your name is Wynter? Not fair, oh the irony. And since we are dealing with the paranormal I guess I could say "hot as hell'? IN this second installment Wynter has a soon-to-be-issue land on her doorstep, Once that front door is open an already worn out Wynter has more to deal with.
IF you haven't read book 1 STOP NOW and go read it first.
Ok then...
From page one, let alone from the moment we are introduced to Farrah, we have non-stop issues. Had I know I wanted to read this novel in one sitting I wouldn't have started it a 10:00 pm. It killed me to put it away to get some sleep.
There is still a lot going on but I do feel everything moved a little better along in this novel than in the 1st one, Hexes&Hot Flashes, which I also enjoyed and gave 5 stars too. Dialogue and transitions were smooth and purposeful, thus adding to the wonderful pace of this novel making me want to read it one sitting.
And by all calculations, I am thinking there should be three more novels centered around our dear Wynter.
Perfect for fans of Darynda Jones, Kate Moseman, and Denise Grover-Swank.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
May 4, 2021
In Book 2 of this paranormal adventure we have a feisty heroine in serious midlife crisis, a talking tattoo, a chain-smoking ghost in a housedress, and an adventure that proves you’re never too old to start over (even when it makes you feel like you are)! This is definitely an intriguing series. The characters are well-developed and interesting. The dialog felt realistic and lets the reader move comfortably through the story.

The story line itself was full of non-stop action and intrigue. The combination will win the reader over in very short time! You won’t want to miss Dr. Amberson’s diagnosis of Wynter Chastain’s condition as being menopause. She was in such denial! I could not stop laughing. Life is tough being an Oracle!
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
May 13, 2021
Good

**WARNING! Book hook!**
This is the second book in the series, and it continues on shortly after the first one ended. It also ends with a small cliffhanger/book hook- it’s not a “I have to read it now” type, but more of a “what’s next?” Cliffhanger 😉.

Wynter is coming to terms with being the Oracle. She successfully helped her first client, and is waiting for the next.
Menopause, the police, Logan’s original identity… all things she has to deal with when that client finally comes along!

This enjoyable series, features a mature heroine, just coming into her magical own. With some laugh out loud moments, and an overarching background story/mystery, it’s an entertaining read for paranormal women’s fiction fans, and urban fantasy readers alike.
Profile Image for Angel.
335 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2021
Love Wynter and loving this series

Still loving the series. Wynter gets a lot more confidence this book and really comes into her own. Finally finding out about Logans background was good and I'm glad Mark finally showed up. Hope we see him more! The ending had me so ready to read the next one. (It's the kind of family drama i can't help but want to read more of). My only gripe is she still hasn't tried to scry or help find flint in any way still. Is Indiana Jones gonna show up after her and Logan are committed... is she gonna have a triad of power (I'd love that) or is flint dead... or is flint actually goldie? The questions around flint that still aren't addressed is driving me nuttie. Next book can't come out soon enough.
Profile Image for ~Shawna the crazy coffee reader~.
515 reviews43 followers
September 26, 2022
Wynter is starting to get the hang of this Oracle thing, but as we know, nothing comes easy. We see more Logan (yay), but he still needs help with his past life info. I do hope she stops with the whining, aging happens, and while I understand her husband's betrayal, I want to see her grow in strength of body and mind. I did find it a little difficult to keep up with all the new characters but I enjoyed them nonetheless. The true disappointment was the lack of development with Logan. I wish it would have built up a bit more and seen a deeper connection. However, I truly enjoyed the humor and wit the author has written into this series and certainly want to read the next and see how it comes along.
Profile Image for Rachel Smith Horn.
305 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2023
In the second installment, Wynter finds out more about being the Oracle and receives her second client. The book also hints that Wynter is something more as she communicates with the Goddess of the Sea.
Her crush on Logan, I can understand, but he finds out more about himself and his past life. It's not good. Yet, Wynter kisses him... I don't think that's a good idea. Evander didn't sound like a good dude, and she should proceed with more caution. Then again, life is short, whatever.

The story is interesting enough that I do want to proceed to the third book. I like the magic. Wynter is growing on me, even though she seems a bit goodie two shoes thinking hell is a cuss word. Then again, some folks get mad about cussing in books. So, to each their own.
Profile Image for Nicola.
73 reviews30 followers
May 9, 2021
What? You can't end it there, that's just mean! I've been patiently waiting for this and you do that?!
I loved the first book and this is just as good, they are well written and contain everything you could want, myth, magic, suspense, intrigue, action, humour and so much more. The characters are so well developed including the side characters, you're really invested in what Wynter is going through and you want her to come out on top. Then there's Logan... very clever twist in this book and not the one I was expecting. Wynter meets her new consultant which brings her a new mystery and more excitement, very cleverly written.
I did think this book was a little slower to get going but needs must, get ready for a roller-coaster ride. I can't wait for the next book, especially with how she ended it.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and I'm leaving a voluntary review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
711 reviews14 followers
July 29, 2021
Wynter was really finds herself in a tangled-up mess having to do with Egyptian stolen power stones. This all starts out by being contacted by the magical police and meeting that officer. What Florry and Goldie tell Wynter is that she doesn’t have to listen or do anything for that police department. But in confront the officer who comes to her, she finds herself with a new client to help. I cannot say any more without giving away spoilers. The only part of the story I was disappointed in was the Logan was not in it as much, I missed him. Great story and the ending makes me looking forward to the next book even more.
Profile Image for Katie.
425 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2024
Book 2. Spoilers

So far these books are cute. I enjoy the idea of an oracle as it isn't a typical main character and have been interested in finding out her unique power which as it turns out is space. We find out what happened to stinky, meet a coven of witches, and we get a new person she needs to help. I found farrah and her family to have a very unique and interesting magical life quest. It isn't every day you hear about the sisters of the asp. Logan is out for a lot of this book, trying to find his past, but we do learn an interesting tidbit about him towards the end its connected to the sisterhood. I have a feeling all of the books will somehow connect everyone.
5,665 reviews63 followers
May 15, 2021
Wynter is growing into being an Oracle. Dealing with menopause, hexes, ghosts, mysteries, relationships and more are breaking her down. Following her story grabs you and does not let go. So much to think about as the story unfolds and twists happen to change the situations. The characters are terrific with good depth and backstories. Can not wait to see how a few more questions are answered, plus some new mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.6k reviews28 followers
May 21, 2021
Wynter is learning more about being an Oracle, she helps her first client and so much more happens in book two of the series. The storyline is great and I am loving reading about the crazy fun antics of our heroine as she starts over at forty-five. Magic & Menopause is book two of The Oracle of Wynter and is packed with magic, mystery, suspense, drama, humor, a talking tattoo, and an ending that left me wanting the next book in the series to find out what happens next. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Helena Mendes.
1,370 reviews16 followers
May 25, 2021
This is the second book of The Oracle of Wynter series. Winter is still getting her bearings has Oracle of Theama and is still in need of help from the previous Oracke with practicing her magic. While she embarcs in another case, the prospect of a new love and adapting to midlife and menopause...Winter is juggling a lot of things and issues. The storyline flows wonderfully and at a nice pace, it was very hard to put it down. I am loving this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,673 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2022
Masterful!

Lisa Manifold has created a world that includes history and mythology...and I love it! The characters are so engaging; the mystery of Logan's/Evander's backstory is slowly being revealed, and Wynter's knowledge and training is evolving nicely. It also looks as if she is gathering a more than competent support system along with Florry and Goldie. The intersection of the current and past quest is surprising and masterfully done, the tension in the overall story arc is being amped up, and I look forward to what's in store!
1,774 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2021
This is the first book by this author that I have rea, and to make things even better I jumped right into the second volume of a series, with no knowledge of what had happened in the first. I think I probably would have gotten more out of the book if I had read the first book, but I did find it read well without prior knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, great and quirky characters and action packed. I also enjoyed the mythological aspect and the research behind the story. Great read.
6,022 reviews45 followers
May 6, 2021
A recent widow faces the challenges of a very special calling and its consequences

Can she assist a new supplicant? Are her responsibilities to a previous one complete?

What consequences do they all face as a greedy group seeks power without compunction?

Intense paranormal drama, action and romantic complications

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
May 25, 2021
Wonderful

This consultant job was intense. The freedom of every person living is at risk if the new Oracle cannot help the woman who has come to her for assistance. And more is revealed about Logan, whose story seems to be a slow unfold over several books. As long as no big cliffhangers happen and the main storyline is completed, I am ok with that. I am becoming invested in these characters.
804 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2021
Sweet

What a great continuation to this series I love wynter she is such a loving character. She has a huge heart I can see why she was chosen. However difficult each consultant may be she faces it head on. This one is a difficult task.
Logan is a character he’s so aloof we know so little about him I love the snippets of information we gain about him. They need each other this I’m sure of bow what comes next I’m not so sure of.
Profile Image for Myra Ball.
649 reviews
Read
October 18, 2021
Unexpected Gem

Honestly, I wasn't really expecting to like this book as much as I did. After reading a few chapters, I was pulled into the story fully. I could actually relate to Wynter and her sense of family and home. The author does a great job building a well rounded foundation for the series. I felt like I understood the characters better than when an author jumps in with a quick list of facts about the story.
Profile Image for Calley.
156 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2022
fun series is growing on me

So there were moments that I just put the book down, there was too much happening and it kinda ruined the read for me. After a few days I opened the book and tried again, and had to remember what was happening. It finished a bit better than it started and I am still curious enough to pick up book 3. Will the Oracle find new love? Another consultant? Or danger??
Profile Image for Cheryl.
171 reviews
July 18, 2022
Love Wynter!

Another great book that kept Wynter on her toes! She's really coming into herself now! I love that she's a strong woman and not a ditz. I totally relate to her hot flashes and am very glad she doesn't whine about them as much as some of these PWF's go on an on about their knees and bladder issues when they're only in their 40's! Get real!!
I really Flossy, Goldie and Logan and am looking forward to more from them!
Off to start "Necromancy & Night sweats"!
Profile Image for Judy.
3,380 reviews30 followers
October 24, 2025
Paranormal Women's Romance

This is second in a series, and I might have liked it more if I had more background on it by reading the first one first, but it was entertaining anyway, just didn't really wow me. But, I read it for the Pop sugar Reading Challenge 2025 prompt "A book which features a character going through menopause", and it certainly was a different take on menopause. I don't remember hot flashes starting at my ankles, but I imagine it may be different for others.
43 reviews
June 29, 2021
Grown Up fantasy

I liked this more then 4 stars but less then 5. I so enjoy reading a book about grown up sMost of us don`t identify with teenagers any more. To much sweetness . Give me a cranky 40 something any time. Then there`s the magic and helping thing. A mom on steroids. Love it.



494 reviews
August 3, 2021
Intense and sometimes absurd

this is a great story. So sorry for Wynter’s family’s loss, but they are gaining much more.much. The characters are great, sometimes solemn, sometimes absurd, outraged then hilarious! Very glad I read! Logan is a keeper, maybe, I love her best friend and her predecessor. Very good story!
52 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2021
These just keep getting better and better!

I'm not one to go through the whole storyline, take apart the characters etc in my reviews so I'll just get to the point. This is one really good series and I'm happy I decided to read it and I hope many others will read it and enjoy it as much as I am!
108 reviews
November 9, 2021
Wonderful Story

Love the fast pace of the story. Awesome characters. Like where Wynter and Logan seem to be heading. Really appreciate almost no repetition of back stories but just enough that if you haven’t read the previous books you could keep up. The stories are so good I would recommend reading all the books.
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