40 Ways to Say Goodbye

Tales of a Midlife Witch #1

by Donna McDonald

How many ways do you need to say goodbye to your ex until he finally leaves you alone?

My formal name is Aran of The Dagda. I rue the day I became Aran Derringer, but soon I'll be changing it back to plain old Aran O'Malley. Most days it’s not so bad being a forty-year-old witch from the lineage of the Tuatha de Danann. The last seven years weren't the best, but I don't have time to be regretting the past.

Despite what my demon hunter ex-husband and his demon hunter council told the world about me, I am not and never was a criminal. Before I could break myself out of prison, though, the demon hunter council made me a deal I couldn’t refuse. A legit early release is costing me all my pride and a lot more trouble than a jailbreak would have, but I like the idea of not being a magickal fugitive.

I swear to Goddess Danu that to get my magical divorce from Jack, I’ve become desperate enough to do just about anything, even if it means helping his stupid bosses.

40 Ways to Say Goodbye is an exhilarating new paranormal women's fiction tale from USA Today Bestselling Author Donna McDonald.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

I am an active dreamer and find writing to be the best way to use my creativity. Needing to satisfy both sides of my brain, I have become a cross-genre author of contemporary, romantic comedy, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal romances.

I feel blessed that my books appear on bestseller lists for humor, romantic comedy, space opera, and more. I crave laughter from all my readers and focus my attention on making that happen as often as possible.

I love to hear from anyone who has read my books. Each reader is a hero or heroine to me. I am inspired by you.

Reviews

[Shamell Klinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed

Was having a nasty book slump. But this book seems to have cleared that right up. It was just what I needed. Funny, magical and a woman who feels the need to do a little violence. Looking forward to book 2

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

40 Ways to Say Goodbye by Donna McDonald
Tales of a Midlife Witch #1

What would you do for love? Would you give up all that you held dear and made you who you were meant to be? And what would you do to keep your child safe till she was of an age to make adult decisions on her own? Aran of the Dagda had to make some tough decisions about herself, what she truly valued, and what she was willing to do and not do to keep those she cared for safe.

What I liked:
* Aran: witch, from a long line of witches, family line has links to mystical magical immortal entities, she is strong, self-assured, bright, protective, caring, wise, and committed to what she believes is right. She is also ready sever ties completely with her husband
* Conn: Aran’s familiar, an immortal “imp”, a bit of a hedonist, shapeshifter, committed to and protective of demons and Aran, wise, knows more than he shares, intriguing
* Rasmus: more than he seems at first, has lost memories of his past, grew on me as the book progressed, hope he will show up in future books
* Mulan: hairdresser, Wu Shaman, Demon exorcist, outspoken, rather taken with Conn
* Lilith: demoness with a part to play in this book and probably the next
* The plot, packing, and writing
* That the book had references that I could relate to and that it was believable in a rather unbelievable paranormal genre sort of way
* That I was drawn in, cared, and want to know what happens next

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Henriett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say this book is a bit different from the previous sci-fi/fantasy books I’ve read from Donna. It is very earthy, grounded, and facing real problems of life. Still in an entertaining way though, but I’ve recognized much of my inner anger caused by the traumas of my upbringing originating from thousands of years of patriarchy. So if you recognize this in your own life, but you are not in need of deep psychological or therapy books about the topic momentarily, this is a great way of letting some of that anger surface. And, of course, if you like powerful witches, read it just as well. I made the mistake of reading the prequel, which is okay in itself, by the way, only one disclaimer: if you read the prequel, you can as well start at chapter 4 of this one. I had no patience of reading half of the story all over again, not even for the minor extra details written in this one, that are not included in the prequel. So I’ve started this book with a little bit of annoyance, but it evened out by the end. I still love Donna’s unique style, and she can write very well, starting kinda slow and speeding up the events towards the end of the book. She makes sure you won’t miss the next one, haha. So I have already started the next one. Can’t help it, she always intrigues me and makes me curious for more. She writes with honesty, and that makes it easy for me to connect with her books. This one is no exception.

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

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it! I started this book and was immediately pulled into the story. I didn't want to put it down. The further I read, I knew this story was going to continue in more than one other books.

I was absolutely angry on Aran's behalf when she had to deal with Jack. I thought the divorce scene was pretty awesome. At Rasmus and Aran's first meeting, I couldn't figure out what was wrong with Rasmus. How could any one person be so completely inflexible? I was relieved when I found out why.

I did like Conn. He adds a nice amount of wit and humor to the story. I came to like Rasmus, and I am truly feeling Aran's snarky attitude, sarcasm, and witty dialogue. Lol!

This paranormal journey with witches, imps, shamans, banshees, guardians, etc. has already turned out to be a wild ride that is far from over. The mystery, danger, suspense, intrigue, and magick makes the Aran, Conn, and Rasmus' quest that much more intriguing.

I appreciated that the last chapter in the book took a completely unanticipated twist. I only wish it hadn't been the last chapter. It didn't feel like a cliffhanger, but more like the first steps of the journey.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t start this near bedtime! 4.5 stars ⭐️

Well. I became more and more captivated the more I read of this fab book. Did the, ok one more chapter before I go to sleep . . . Alright, just one more then . . . Gah, now I have to finish the book! 🤷🏼‍♀️🤣 Was so worth the lack of sleep. Love how Aran matures through the story from a besotted rose coloured spectacle naive young girl to a seeing things how they are and take no sh*t 40 year old. The side characters are great too - love her mum and Con especially. Had a feeling about Rasmus and he seems to be more of what I thought than I was thinking he was! Trying to say what I want to without giving anything away here 😆 More of the plot and the mystery surrounding her self serving ex husband are revealed as the story moves on and I can’t wait to read more. I’d recommend reading the prequel to get more background into this first book. And although the author says you can start book 1 at chapter 4 if you do read the prequel, I read the first 3 chapters anyways, as there’s bits of info in there that aren’t in the prequel. Alrighty, off to read book 2 *rubs hands together gleefully 😁💖

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Ways To Say Goodbye is the newest series Tales of a Midlife Witch and be prepared to get pulled into the mystery right away. Aran is a witch who moved from Ireland to Salem Mass with her husband Jack. Jack who is a demon hunter and a real creep does a number on Aran causing her to be jailed for her magick and her protection of Conn (wait until you meet him!) During her incarceration she realizes that she needs to divorce Jack and discover what he is really up to. She has the power to escape but because of her daughter Fiona she remains in jail and refuses to give in to the demands of the council. Once out, she divorces Jack, agrees to help the council find an open demon portal, is paired up with Rasmus an intriguing partner who is a mystery himself. Be prepared this has a cliff hanger!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that I am firmly in Aron of The Dagda’s (now Aran Derringer) corner. And if I had her power, I’m not sure I’d...contain myself around the “people” around me. Loved her! But she is having one bad lifetime, that’s for sure. She and her Familiar, Conn, are standing up to the world, to save the rest of us, and no one has any respect for her. Aran is so strong, and powerful, and tries so very hard to demonstrate goodness and light, especially to her daughter. But these folks are testing her patience – all I can think to say is a take on an old commercial jingle: It’s not nice to mess with Aron of The Dagda! Someone is gonna get burned! Can’t wait to read more of this journey.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one sucked me in so fast…

I love Aran. I can see why she has made the decisions she has made in her life. Maybe except for marrying Jack, but then she wouldn’t have Fionna. And isn’t that the argument we all tell ourselves when we regret our bad marriages. Much of Arian’s magickal background feels similar and reminds me of other books with Irish mythology. However, this story forges its own way with a demon familiar and demon hunters and royal demons. Then the tale unfolds so seamlessly that you don’t get the information overload you can sometimes get when starting a new series. I love this character, the time in her life is one I totally relate to and her adventures are scary but engrossing. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aran is a descendent of The Dagda. She's being held in confinement because she refused to turn over her familiar, that the demon council considers a demon. During the 7 years there the council and her husband Jack Derringer, who is one of the demon hunters, hopes that she will summon her familiar so they can kill him. She never does and as she approaches her 40th birthday she decides she will leave because the only reason she stayed there was so she could still see her daughter. Now that she is an adult there is no reason to stay, but the council offers her a deal for release and as she works out the terms she found out a lot more has been going on than what she was told.
Great story about a powerful witch finding her way in midlife.

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the start of this new series. All of the characters were well developed and the story was amazing.

Aran is a descendant of the Tuatha de Danann. Imprisoned for a term of 20 years for a crime her husband accused her of, she only stayed until her daughter turned of age. She had powers that her husband didn’t even know of. She was about to skip out of her imprisonment when she was offered a deal for an early release.

Aran learns so much about the man she married, the organization he is associated with and still has more to learn. Definitely looking for to the next book to see what happens with a certain character.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the Tales of a Midlife Witch by Donna McDonald! (Boy do I just love her books!) (but I digress!) This is Aran (a descendant of the Tuatha de Danann) story. She is imprisoned for a term of 20 years for a crime her husband (soon to be ex!) accused her of. She has powers that her husband couldn't dream of. She was about to break out when she was offered a deal. And as the saying goes: Too good to refuse! She is about to learn just what her ex is and what he has done! This book ends in a cliff hanger, so hang tight and wait for the next book to continue.

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

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: This was my first experience with Donna McDonald's work, and it was entertaining. Aran of The Dagda spent seven years in prison. Aran was offered an early release if she would help the demon hunter council with their request. I enjoyed the main character. She was strong, independent, and resilient. There were some surprising twists, some humor, and some unusual paranormal beings making an appearance in the story. Jocelyn Duford's narration was great, and her performance enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review which reflected my opinions.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very different and original. I was expecting the same ol' story of over 40, divorced, etc. etc. but this started interestingly and continued throughout the book. I think many women can feel a connection to Aran and the issues in her life (other than the magical prison) so you become invested in her story, hoping she makes it thru everything. Good characters with twists and turns throughout the book to keep everybody interested. Definitely a different side of paranormal that you don't usual hear about and when you do, it's all negative. I know, this won't make sense until you read it but I refuse to give spoilers! Can't wait to see where this series goes.

[stardragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aran is a powerful witch who married a jerk who is a demon hunter. He imprisons her for 7 years before she is released. Conn is her familiar who is a demon who can shape shift. Jack her ex-husband has been accruing great wealth while she was incarcerated. He also was taking care of their daughter, but no one really knows what he has been doing. Rasmus is a conflicted demon hunter who approaches Aran with a deal to get released if she helps find a demon portal. This is where the hilarious adventure begins with some strange twists and turns. I truly look forward to the next book in the series.

[Lizette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever plot, surprising characters, many questions

This story is full of surprises. Some surprises are the nature of each type of paranormal being. Some surprises are plot twists. Some surprises are the personal quirks of the characters.

The main characters - Aran, Conn, Rasmus - grew on me after a while. The surprises kept me engaged in the plot and characters, as well as unable to imagine an outcome because there were many missing pieces.

The book should be proofed to correct typos and missing words.

[Stephanie Villere · Rating 5 out of 5]

40 Ways to Say Goodbye written by Donna McDonald. This is book one of a brand new paranormal series with all kinds of creatures from witches, shaman and demons! I have to say that this one was so exciting and captivating that I missed more sleep than I should have because I didn’t want to close the book to go to sleep. We ended on a raging cliffhanger and I am chomping to get the next book into my greedy little hands! Can. Not. Wait!

[Katherine Gate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I am closer to 40 than to 18 I have been enjoying women’s fiction/pnr genre. I will say that 40 Ways to Say Goodbye did not disappoint. The magical system used in this series is just different enough to make it feel unique but still relatable to other books I read. I really enjoyed the side characters who all seem to have an intriguing backstory. The grumpy/ grumpy before coffee trope was fun too!.

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

[Kristin Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little weird but also charming. I have to admit that I would have liked for some of the text to be scraped up (some things are superfluous). I also was at times frustrated with the main character, who even though she says she could, doesn't do anything. But I liked the Irish tone, and, all in all, how the story progressed.

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

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny , magical and tragical . Aran has gone through an array of names but she’s go back to plain old Aran O Malley. She is not a criminal . Her demon Hunter ex husband spread the word about to the world…She was incarcerated for her protection Magick but when her husband did this tragic deed . She resorts to divorce and serves her purpose when she makes a deal for her release. Hubby dearest would do well to look out for this scorned

[Dj Acrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story!

I was a little bummed that the first three chapters of this book was basically a summary of the prequel, there really wasn't a need to get it, although to be honest I don't recall if it was free or I bought it, but I did spend time that I could have been reading this fantastic book! Lots of discoveries and jaw droppers, I was truly wow'ed!
This Author always causes me to lose sleep, as I can't put the book down lol

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's what I'm talking about!

I loved this book!  From the first page to the last, it captivated me.  Snarky main character that will not let anything or anyone get in her way.  Execrable ex husband, old friends, new ones, a story that keeps you reading way past your bedtime...  And when I reached the end, I was looking for the rest of it as I would have taken a lot more!  I guess I'll just have to get book number two now!

[lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest to goodness real women. Going through what normal mid-life women experience.

I am loving the story of Aran and her relationship with Conn makes me laugh. I can't wait to see what happens with Rasmus. I really would love to jump into the story and take care of Jack myself but I know that Aran will need to deal with him.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Good

I quickly was so over this whole Paranormal Women’s Fiction fad. I grew tired of the same story over and over. However, this story was really pretty good and left off many of those common storylines. I don’t know if the concept will hold up to a series, but this one book was well-worth reading

[sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Wow...first time reading this author and I liked it!!!! It started at full speed and kept going to the end. I loved the story of a strong witch betrayed by her husband and put o. House arrest for 7 years.the characters were believable and fully made. It certainly held my interest and am looking forward to the next book

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read!

When you pick up a book and find yourself immediately drawn in, and unwilling to leave the book even for a minute, then you know you got something good. I felt it, and that’s so important to me. Felt the emotions, felt the anger, felt it all.

This series was such a great find. Now on to book 2 right away!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

All too many secrets are uncovered as Aran seeks to find her way through the challenges of balancing motherhood and a calling as a warrior witch.

loyalties lies, fundamental natures, and true callings come into question.

intense drama, suspense and myth and realm altering action - powerful reading for Midlife magic fans.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Story

My new favorite author! I was in from the title. It was an amazing good story. I love the Celtic magic, the characters and the interactions. Very realistic but fantastical, so well crafted. I highly recommend.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to the series, was a little slow to start but soon picked up when she was 'released' from magical prison.

Lots of demons & demon hunters & shady characters. Aran, our h, makes friends and kicks a$$.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally picked this because of the book cover picture and then I started reading it and ooh we I couldn't put this book down so good.

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

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great start to a new series. Donna McDonald has created characters that are entertaining and will keep you coming back for more. I can't wait to see what happens next.

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