Audiobook Review: Be Careful What You Witch For (Wishing for a Magical Midlife #1) by Tee Harlowe (Narrator: Avery May)

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Be Careful What You Witch For by Tee Harlowe
Narrator: Avery May
Series: Wishing For a Magical Midlife #1
Published by Tantor Audio on November 13, 2024
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Length: 7 hours and 18 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
four-stars

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I wish I could escape my past. But when it catches up to me, I don't get to make the wishes—I have to grant them.

Becoming a widow on my fortieth birthday was not what I had planned. Even worse? It's forced me and my teenage daughter back to Whispering Willows and the life of magic I left behind.

I tell myself it'll be a short trip to sell my mother's shop of wishes. Until I kind of, sort of bind myself to the shop.

With bills piling up fast, I gotta do something I swore I never would: open shop and start granting wishes, just until I can figure out how to undo this pesky binding spell.

It doesn't help that the handsome mayor keeps tempting me with those kissable lips. Or that I have to hide from my daughter that magic is real.

I wish I could leave my past behind, but in this line of work, I've learned one very important rule: be careful what you wish for.

If humor and magic are your jam, then you will love this new paranormal women's fiction series, perfect for fans of K. F. Breene, Shannon Mayer, and Robyn Petermen.

©2023 Tee Harlowe (P)2024 Tantor Media

Be Careful What You Witch For is the first book in the Wishing for a Magical Midlife series by Tee Harlowe, narrated by Avery May.

This was my first time experiencing both the author and the narrator, and I found the story absolutely charming. Our heroine is a widowed single mom in her 40s—mix in a dash of witchy magic along with real-life struggles, and you get a thoroughly relatable, heart-warming read.

Clara is a widowed single mother, financially strapped, and working tirelessly at multiple jobs just to pay the bills and keep life normal for her teenager. At the end of her rope, she is forced to return to her hometown—and the mother she feared—and the past that haunts her. But running away never truly solves anything, and now she must confront her past, face her fears, and try to protect her teen from the truth (which, predictably, is easier said than done). My heart went out to Clara throughout the story; her despair, anxiety, and sheer determination to hold everything together felt deeply authentic.

The dialogue felt natural, fun, and warm, making the characters an absolute joy to follow. The supporting cast added so much color to the story, leading to several genuinely hilarious scenes. Beyond the humor, it’s a story about confronting trauma and letting go of past illusions. Clara shows remarkable strength, poise, and insight despite everything she’s endured—watching her build inner resilience and finally step into her own was deeply rewarding. Plus, the pacing is wonderfully tight and engaging, leaving plenty of room for family drama and small-town charm. To top it off, the magic is woven in seamlessly; it enhances the plot without ever overshadowing it, keeping the overall tone delightfully light and fun.

Audio: Avery May did a delightful job with the narration, keeping the story moving with a smooth, engaging pace. Her distinct voices for each character made the audio experience dynamic, leaving me completely immersed from start to finish.

Overall, I had a delightful time with this paranormal women’s fiction. It’s light, fun, quirky, and filled with great supernatural elements, humor, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.

Rated: 4 Stars

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