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Waxing Is Useless
What happens when a middle age soccer mom is faced with adversity? She sprouts fur and a tail, of course! Miranda Moon is confused, and sick and tired of being sick and tired. Strange things are happening and everything seems to be going wrong - with her family, her job, even her health. And what is up with the hair on her legs?With no answers in sight, Miranda prays to God for guidance. That's when her reality shifts. She learns of the existence of the Spokane Guardians, a pack of werewolves protecting her community against other more frightening creatures. Now, after a series of freaky events, she must decide - join them and learn what could be worse than werewolves, or play it safe and cling to her old life? The stress is really getting to her, in fact it's enough to make a girl want to howl!
397 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2018
About the author
M.J. Hudon
3 books9 followersM.J. grew up in the Pacific Northwest enjoying many outdoor activities until auto-immune issues turned her into a pale, indoor dweller dependent on AC. A Christian constantly under construction, she is a voracious reader who enjoys mysteries, comedies, science fiction, and fantasy of all kinds. After being diagnosed with Lupus she facilitated a support group for over 15 years attempting to educate and spread awareness of this difficult disease. It was during this time she decided to write a book highlighting the issues of chronic illness using a humorous format. Currently, M.J. works as a blogger, and a freelance writer at Art Chowder Magazine. In her spare time she enjoys working with multiple writers groups. Her guilty pleasures are shortbread cookies with tea, bad "B" movies, and any kind of monster hunter TV show.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 6, 2021
Absolutely LOVED this book! I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend this.
October 7, 2021
I came across this book on Facebook and just *had* to read it because 1) I love werewolf stories, and 2) I also have a chronic autoimmune disease, so I figured I would really relate to the protagonist – well, except for the whole paws-and-claws thing! Yep, I sure did relate to and sympathize with poor Miranda’s human health troubles and situation, and I loved her as a protagonist. She shows that we ladies older than 35 can still be kickass heroines!
Other things I like about the book: Miranda’s funny exclamations (especially “Oh, my freakin’ Pikachus!” and “Great Gandalf’s goat!”); her sweet/strong relationship with her awesome hubby, Hank; her nicknames for the “giant dogs” like Fluffy and Tribble; and she’s a great mom despite all her struggles. The book is encouraging and humorous, while still showing there’s real danger in the world – natural and supernatural. And, in a fantastical way, the plot exemplifies “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
The climax was very well done, as was the creepy antagonist. *shudder* The pacing was good, one problem after another, never leaving any time to get bored.
If I had to pick anything I didn’t like so much about this book, it would be the occasional point-of-view hopping within scenes, and the fact that there’s a pack, alphas, and fated mates. I know this is a typical trope in most werewolf books, but it isn’t my particular cup of tea – although I liked the pack in this book a lot more than the ones in some other werewolf books I’ve read. They're a big, lovable family.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to werewolf fans!
Other things I like about the book: Miranda’s funny exclamations (especially “Oh, my freakin’ Pikachus!” and “Great Gandalf’s goat!”); her sweet/strong relationship with her awesome hubby, Hank; her nicknames for the “giant dogs” like Fluffy and Tribble; and she’s a great mom despite all her struggles. The book is encouraging and humorous, while still showing there’s real danger in the world – natural and supernatural. And, in a fantastical way, the plot exemplifies “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
The climax was very well done, as was the creepy antagonist. *shudder* The pacing was good, one problem after another, never leaving any time to get bored.
If I had to pick anything I didn’t like so much about this book, it would be the occasional point-of-view hopping within scenes, and the fact that there’s a pack, alphas, and fated mates. I know this is a typical trope in most werewolf books, but it isn’t my particular cup of tea – although I liked the pack in this book a lot more than the ones in some other werewolf books I’ve read. They're a big, lovable family.
Overall, I definitely recommend this book to werewolf fans!
May 1, 2021
What can I say about this book other than if you like werewolf stories with a great balance of action and humor, you'll enjoy Waxing is Useless. Meet Miranda Moon, newly diagnosed with lupus, but discovering this dismal diagnosis, for her, actually comes with a side order of lycanthropy!
Spokane, WA has been invaded by something sinister, and the Guardians (werewolves!) will need their whole pack to beat it, including the newest Initiate, Miranda. The story follows Miranda from her diagnosis with lupus to her first werewolf change and into the new world of the Guardians.
She has to decide if she wants to live with her lupus or put a huge damper on it by letting herself transform more often and be a butt-kicking cool member of the secret and ancient sect of guardians who protect the world from hidden evil.
Miranda--and all the characters, really--is a well-balanced, real person. She's a strong believer, a wife who has the major hots for her husband, and loves her angsty teenage children with a ferocious love that I can totally identify with. I'd recommend this first book in the Luna Chronicles to anyone teen and above. There are some dark parts because the main story line deals with demons and dark things, but overall the book is light-hearted and balances out the dark moments with lots of humor and heart.
Spokane, WA has been invaded by something sinister, and the Guardians (werewolves!) will need their whole pack to beat it, including the newest Initiate, Miranda. The story follows Miranda from her diagnosis with lupus to her first werewolf change and into the new world of the Guardians.
She has to decide if she wants to live with her lupus or put a huge damper on it by letting herself transform more often and be a butt-kicking cool member of the secret and ancient sect of guardians who protect the world from hidden evil.
Miranda--and all the characters, really--is a well-balanced, real person. She's a strong believer, a wife who has the major hots for her husband, and loves her angsty teenage children with a ferocious love that I can totally identify with. I'd recommend this first book in the Luna Chronicles to anyone teen and above. There are some dark parts because the main story line deals with demons and dark things, but overall the book is light-hearted and balances out the dark moments with lots of humor and heart.
December 27, 2018
I don't usually "do" werewolves, but this book is so delightful that I enjoyed every page. Not that there aren't scary places and even a bit gory in a spot or two, but it's so well done that I wasn't bothered at all. Since I happen to also live in Spokane, I now find myself watching shadows and checking out bushes in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Guardians that I didn't even know were here. The characters are believable and mostly likable and the story moves right along with one surprise after another. I'm looking forward to the arrival of Book 2 to see what the pack will get up to next. And now that we know we have one, I need to know what a Luna is.
June 11, 2022
Fun for all ages, with a wolfy sideline
I picked up this book after being made aware of it in a local Spokane church auction. Being a 30+ year resident of Spokane l thought l would give it a whirl. It was genuinely fun, clean (l personally say crudbunnies, but enjoyed "crud muffins") paranormal story. You do not have to be from Spokane to enjoy it, but you do get a taste of local flavor. The realities of auto-immune disease were also appreciated. Auto-immune runs in my family and the more people who can be educated about it the better. The only complaint about it came from my husband, who also read it: "Why isn't book 2 out yet?". :-)
I picked up this book after being made aware of it in a local Spokane church auction. Being a 30+ year resident of Spokane l thought l would give it a whirl. It was genuinely fun, clean (l personally say crudbunnies, but enjoyed "crud muffins") paranormal story. You do not have to be from Spokane to enjoy it, but you do get a taste of local flavor. The realities of auto-immune disease were also appreciated. Auto-immune runs in my family and the more people who can be educated about it the better. The only complaint about it came from my husband, who also read it: "Why isn't book 2 out yet?". :-)
July 22, 2020
Hooked!
I gotta admit when I first saw the title my first thought was “I gotta give this a read!” I was hooked immediately. All humor aside, and this story has no shortage of great humor, I found it completely refreshing to have a MC who is so broken, physically & mentally, who ends up being a really strong woman. I found her faults endearing, and loved seeing her rise up, strong in mind, body, faith, and spirit. I will be keeping my eyes out for book 2.
I gotta admit when I first saw the title my first thought was “I gotta give this a read!” I was hooked immediately. All humor aside, and this story has no shortage of great humor, I found it completely refreshing to have a MC who is so broken, physically & mentally, who ends up being a really strong woman. I found her faults endearing, and loved seeing her rise up, strong in mind, body, faith, and spirit. I will be keeping my eyes out for book 2.
July 25, 2023
Self published books are usually much worse than others, but there's sometimes a gem, so I keep trying them. This was in the middle. Had to try it since it's set in Spokane. A woman ends up being a werewolf, meets her pack, and stops a bad guy. Too much family and Christian stuff, but it's not terrible and there's some good amusement in it. Probably a 2.5, but giving it a 3.
November 14, 2020
Cute little book. Interesting take on werewolves and the story is well written. I was not however expecting it to be Christian literature, so was somewhat put off by the overt religious message at the end of the book. Trying to decide whether or not to try the next book and give it a second chance.
December 4, 2019
Fun, complex characters, a fun world that I want to know more about. Can't wait to keep reading!
June 24, 2023
An intriguing new take on werewolves.
Author Hudon ties together werewolves, chronic illness, and other things that go bump in the night in a way I’ve not seen before. The concept of this story drew me in and kept me reading to its satisfying conclusion.
Miranda Moon’s struggles were realistic, and the author’s depictions of her transformation were spot-on. The impact of Miranda’s illness on her life and family takes up much of the first half of this book, and I found her personality polarizing. Some aspects of her were charming and brave as she stands up to her challenges and worries in relatable ways. Her personality was too big and too bright, but as she matures, her outlook and mannerisms change as she discovers who and what she really is.
Expect a slow initial burn, an abundance of G-rated expletives, strong faith, and family love with a wonderful approach to werewolves. What happens in the pack stays in the pack and Spokane is all the better for it.
I highly recommend this book.
Author Hudon ties together werewolves, chronic illness, and other things that go bump in the night in a way I’ve not seen before. The concept of this story drew me in and kept me reading to its satisfying conclusion.
Miranda Moon’s struggles were realistic, and the author’s depictions of her transformation were spot-on. The impact of Miranda’s illness on her life and family takes up much of the first half of this book, and I found her personality polarizing. Some aspects of her were charming and brave as she stands up to her challenges and worries in relatable ways. Her personality was too big and too bright, but as she matures, her outlook and mannerisms change as she discovers who and what she really is.
Expect a slow initial burn, an abundance of G-rated expletives, strong faith, and family love with a wonderful approach to werewolves. What happens in the pack stays in the pack and Spokane is all the better for it.
I highly recommend this book.
October 27, 2024
Once again, I have finished this book, but this time I took my time and enjoyed and savored every page. On the last page, after I read it the first time I wrote at the bottom of the page "The end is not the end" and below that I have made the marks "1, 1, 1," for each time I read, and re-read. And even now the end is not the end.
I recommend this book to everyone!
I just finished re-reading this in preparation of the sequel and I will probably read it several times also!
1, 1, 1, 1. Four times and now I will be getting the next addition to read in the mail any day now! (Pre-Publishing). I am more excited than I can express! Thank You so much M.J. for choosing me as one of your readers <3 10/20-27/ 2024 This actually makes the sixth time! At least once a year. <3
I recommend this book to everyone!
I just finished re-reading this in preparation of the sequel and I will probably read it several times also!
1, 1, 1, 1. Four times and now I will be getting the next addition to read in the mail any day now! (Pre-Publishing). I am more excited than I can express! Thank You so much M.J. for choosing me as one of your readers <3 10/20-27/ 2024 This actually makes the sixth time! At least once a year. <3
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews