Girdles & Ghouls

by Lacey Carter Andersen, L.A. Boruff, Lia Davis

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Anthologies

Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2021

About the author

Lacey Carter Andersen loves reading, writing, and drinking excessive amounts of coffee. She spends her days taking care of her husband, three kids, and three cats. But at night, everything changes! Her imagination runs wild with strong-willed characters, unique worlds, and exciting plots that she enthusiastically puts into stories.

Lacey has dozens of tales: science fiction romances, paranormal romances, short romances, reverse harem romances, and more. So, please feel free to dive into any of her worlds; she loves to have the company!

And you're welcome to reach out to her; she really enjoys hearing from her readers.

You can find her at:
Email: laceycarterandersen@gmail.com

Mailing List: www.eepurl.com/cVwDNP

Website: https://laceycarterandersen.net/

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Lacey-Carter-Anderse...

Reviews

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OLD MAGIC AND ODD MOTHERS is the ninth book in the Witching After Forty (#4.5) series by L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis. These stories do need to be read in the order of release.
Excellent addition to the series with a focus on Olivia and her surprises. Those surprises are doozies! I have read every book in this series so it probably isn’t fair for me to say if it would stand without that knowledge.


COOKIES AND COVER UPS is a prequel to the Mystic Hollow series by Lacey Carter Andersen, L.A. Boruff & Helen Scott. This is a prequel, though three other books have already been released. I would recommend that if you haven’t started reading the series, read this one first. A beautiful introduction to the series and a deeper understanding of what life was like for Deva, Carol, and Beth before Emma returned to Mystic Hollow.

FORGETFULNESS AND FETCHES is the fifth book in the Reckoning series by Daphne Moore & L.A. Boruff. Though I have not read any other books in this series, I was able to catch on (mostly) to what this world was about. Still, it was obvious to me that this was not the first of a series and I didn’t know their pasts. I did enjoy it and it intrigued me enough to wish for more.

SAMHAIN & STRETCH MARKS is the fourth book in the Oracle of Wynter series (#3.5) by Lisa Manifold. The series follows the story of Wynter, but this book is about Florry, her guide and how she became the Oracle of Theama before Wynter. This absolutely will stand on its own and could be read as a prequel to the series. I have not previously read any of this series, but I loved this world and would love to read more.

MUFFIN TOP AND MAGIC by Jennifer L. Hart is a stand-alone paranormal woman’s fiction and it is delightful. This story has relatable characters, paranormal twists, laugh-out-loud humor, and peanut butter cups. I have to admit to charging that mom-tax myself.

HAS-BEENS & HOCUS POCUS by Terri A.Wilson is also a stand-alone paranormal woman’s fiction. Marilyn Bordeaux has lived her life to the fullest and made it in Hollywood, but scandal sheets have labeled her as a has-been diva. Then she gets the phone call that her grandmother has passed away. That’s when the reader finds out that “Marilyn” was raised as Mimi Patin in Morro Sound and she is a witch, not a bi… This is a story of starting over on the next chapter of your life and getting it right.

POTIONS AND PILLS by Kat Parrish is a stand-alone witches and vampires story. If this is part of a series, I couldn’t find any reference that supported it. This completely stands on its own and I absolutely loved it. Rachel and Melanie are best friends, but Melanie doesn’t know that Rachel is a witch until she gets tangled up in a battle between vampires and vampire hunters. Excellent story with relatable heroines, scary hunters, and vampires that I wanted to trust.

SCARS & SCRYING is the third book in the Queen’s Crossroads (#2.5) by Ella Winters & Ruby West. It is an almost innocent romance between a single mom who is a werewolf and her son’s new friend. It is obvious that this is part of a series; there is a lot of reference to something that happened to Rosa’s son, Carlos, the summer before. Still this does stand without knowing what those prior events are. I will say there is a lot of repetition especially of the “single mom” and “nearly lost Carlos” variety. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story, and I truly loved the ending.

CROW’S FEET AND CAPERS is the third book in the Midlife Elementals series and a prequel by Kate Moseman. This story stands on its own without having read any of the previous books. Lenore Frost is ready to retire when her bosses run off with the company coffers leaving her with nothing in her company-controlled retirement fund. This story runs a fine-lines between retribution and justice, recompense and larceny, and left me wondering the right and the wrong. I too was harmed by my former employers as I reached retirement. Would I have gone to such extremes had the keys been available to me?

HEELS AND HEXES by Katie O’Keene is a stand-alone paranormal story of witches and husbands. An interesting world has been built and I would love to explore it some more, especially that dress store!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: GIRDLES AND GHOULS
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content.
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused.
Received from: L.A. Boruff

[Jan Niblock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun anthology to read and each story was unique.

Old Magic ad Odd Mothers --- Lia Davis & L.A. Bouff
Very interesting story about a lot of different paranormal beings. I enjoyed this story and found that Olivia has a lot of catching up to do.

Cookies and Cover-ups --- Helen Scott, L.A. Boruff & lacey Carter Andersen
Very funny short story and Deva is one smart cookie, pun intended. Totally loved this story.

Forgetfulness and Fetches --- Daphne Moore
Totally intriguing story with a lot of different angles. This one truly made me want to read some more of Ceri’s story.

Samhain & Stretch Marks -- Lisa Manifold
After reading the other stories about the Oracle, I love learning Florry’s backstory. I knew a bit of it from what she told Wynter in the other books but this gave the full story. Especially loved how Caro came into her life. If you read the other Oracle stories, this is a must read.

Muffin Top and Magic -- Jennifer L. Hunt
An excellent Halloween story. Lots of fun to read.

Has-Beens & Hocus Pocus -- Terri A. Wilson
This story one that really grabbed me. I really enjoyed seeing how Mimmi comes to terms with her life. Morros is such an interesting place, one that I would love to be able to visit.

Potions and Pills -- Kat Parrish
I totally enjoyed the characters in this short story. In fact, I would love to read more about them to see if Rachel and Peyton Buchanan ever end up having a friendship or more. This is one story that would really make a good series.

Scars & Scrying -- Ruby West & Ella Winters
Totally enjoyed this story. I love that you had to wait till the end to see what kind of Shifter Barret was. It really shows that children are great judges of character most of the time.

Crow’s Feet and Capers -- Kate Moseman
Interesting story and this was clearly the opening for a longer story. It certainly had the beginnings of that. Lenore is a very interesting character.

Heels and Hexes -- Katie O’Keene
That was a fun, fast paced story and it grabs you right from the beginning. Alice is one great character and I will probably look for some more stories about her.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up the Girdles & Ghouls anthology to read “Crow’s Feet and Capers” by Kate Moseman. This is a prequel/origin novella for the Midlife Elementals series.

The story takes place sometime before the start of the series, but is best enjoyed after finishing the second book, Silver Charms, because Lenore, the main character in "Crow's Feet and Capers," plays a significant roll in Silver Charms. There are spoilers from Silver Charms in this review.

"Crow's Feet and Capers" is Lenore’s origin story. We learn how she comes into her faux magic and finds the relics she uses against the Sparkle Beach witches. The author does a great job of laying out all of Lenore's issues, while never making her a victim. Sure, some really crappy things happen to her, but she is already jealous of her sister’s magic and showing signs of underlying sister behavior before we meet her this time. I like that we see how deceptive and devious Lenore truly is and how the chance for power brings out the worse in her.

In the end, I'm glad I picked up the anthology, and I hope to read some of the other stories soon. As a fan of the Midlife Elementals series, I enjoyed reading "Crow's Feet and Capers."

My Rating: B/B-

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heroines and heroes past “a certain age”? Check. Snarky, snappy banter? Check. Magic, mayhem, and general chaos? Check, check! Some of these stories are set in worlds already familiar to me, and others are brand new. I’m so excited because, in the familiar ones, I got to investigate parts of their plots that I’ve been desperate to know more about. No matter the author or their world, I was transported away from my dreary reality for a brief time. Now, I’m a little distressed that this anthology is over already. I wanted to stay immersed in all those other worlds.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just read Heels and Hexes out of this anthology but wanted to get it out to the public now.

I loved the story and I am confident that the other selections in this collection will be just as good.

Alice has always felt she was non magical. No magic was present when she was growing up and her marriage in a powerful magical family didn’t result in any change. However, after her husband dies in a compromising position, she finds herself on the run from a powerful potions witch whose window her husband died by. She knows she is innocent but will anyone believe her when this powerful witch says she was guilty of killing her husband. In the trial new evidence comes forth that shocks Alice to the core!

I recommend this story and by association this entire anthology as one you’ll enjoy reading. I plan on reading the rest as well but I wanted to let you know about this story I just read today.

Get this book and enjoy the spookiness of the Halloween season early! They are sure to delight you!

[Wannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Collection - Perfect for Halloween!!!

Girdles & Ghouls is a wonderful collection of
14 paranormal cozy stories from great authors feathering mature women forty and over with Halloween theme. They are fun, entertaining, full of humor and mystery. I find some new authors that I never read before.

I really enjoy it and I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery fans.

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

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of paranormal stories from over a dozen different authors, all in time for Halloween. Some of them are offshoots of books already out by the authors, whilst some are brand new tales of ghosts, oracles, witches, paranormal creatures and so much more. Ava the necromancer, who has filled her sentient home called Winston, with a number of beings she has raised from the dead and her best friend Olivia, who suddenly finds out that the woman whose face only she could see in a strongly warded cave, is actually her birth mother and her father is Luci or should I say Lucifer! Then we have Deva who has finally managed to open up her own restaurant, with no help from her useless husband and is still expecting him to show up on her opening night. When some of her more powerful magical ingredients are mistakenly used in one of the night’s more popular dishes, she is suddenly faced with a restaurant full of some very strangely, yet exceedingly happy customers. She quickly needs to work out a solution before half the local police force turn up for a table!
I liked finding out about the middle aged woman, as they usually all are, who suddenly become the next Oracle of Theama. Florry gets to take over from the previous Oracle Patsy, but her sidekick (the bracelet) who she calls Goldie, refuses to help for weeks on end, waiting to see if she is actually worthy of the position. At least we get to find out why she chooses the strange selection of clothing that she appears in, when she meets her replacement. A famous Hollywood actress who is suddenly being called a ‘has-been’ and whose life is about to change as she gets a call to say her beloved grandmother has died. Mimi or Marilyn as she is now known, gets a call from her cousin Selena, who she was raised with like sisters, but could never stand, to tell her about the last minute arrangements for her gran’s service and celebration of her life. Her gran and Selena’s gran had a very important magical role to play in their town and now Selena wants to do everything herself with her own daughter and keep Mimi out, but will find out that won’t be possible!
Loads more good stories in this collection and I didn’t find a single one I didn’t like. Most of the authors are ones I have followed and read other books by, so some of the characters are familiar, but others I haven’t yet had a chance to read anything from. This collection of stories is a great way to introduce a lot of authors to readers, with a common genre and themes in the tales especially at this time of year. The main characters are all middle aged women in their prime, or not as the case may be, who are killing it and may face obstacles in their way, but that never stops them! Plenty to choose from and to enjoy. A huge thumbs up from me! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Halloween Collection !! . . .

“Fourteen of the best and brightest paranormal women's fiction authors have banded together in this collection of spellbinding tales featuring older women who are killing it. Now, if only it would stay dead.” This Halloween collection is so much fun! Little bits of family, friendship, drama, mystery, turmoil, suspense, and romance dance through the pages and keep the reader swept up in the story lines. Well-developed characters are easy to get to know through their interactions and vivid descriptions. Each story line is well written, flows smoothly through the pages and keeps your interest from cover to cover. And it keeps that delightful shiver running down your back as these excellent story-tellers share their talents with avid readers! You will want to be a part of this! Grab your copy, hide under a blanket with your flashlight, and try not to hear footsteps or creaking sounds as you enjoy these tales!

Stories are contributed by:

• L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis, authors of WITCHING AFTER FORTY
• Lacey Carter Andersen & Helen Scott, authors of MAGICAL MIDLIFE IN MYSTIC HOLLOW
• Daphne Moore, author of UNSOUGHT
• Lisa Manifold, author of HEXES & HOT FLASHES
• Jennifer L. Hart, author of MAGICAL MIDLIFE MISADVENTURES
• Terri A.Wilson, author of LAST ROUND
• Kat Parrish, author of THE SHADOW PALACE
• Ella Winters & Ruby West, authors of THE QUEEN'S CROSSROADS
• Kate Moseman, author of MIDLIFE ELEMENTALS
• Katie O’Keene, author of DESIGNER TO THE DEAD

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girdles & Ghouls is a fabulous collection of Halloween Paranormal stories by some of the best authors in the Paranormal genre. I love reading collections because not only can I read some of my favorite authors but I find some new to me authors at the same time. This group of writers are some of the best storytellers out there so I definitely recommend you grab Girdles & Ghouls. A few of my favorites are Old Magic and Odd Mothers by L.A. Boruff & Lia Davis, Samhain & Stretch Marks by Lisa Manifold, and Cookies and Cover Ups by Lacey Carter Andersen, L.A. Boruff & Helen Scott. I look forward to reading more books by all of the authors in this collection. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Adena Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Starting all over again" kept running through my mind as I read through some of the stories in this collection. I was particularly taken with the stories by Daphne Moore, Lisa Manifold and Kat Parrish. Being a woman of mature years, I really appreciate heroines whom I relate to. I definitely appreciate the second chances to reach for new dreams and to begin life again. These stories are rambunctious, scrambling, messy, lively and more importantly, hopeful. This collection is a great read for those of us who need to be reminded that life does not end after divorce.

I received an ARC from one of the authors and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all the stories and enjoyed them all. You will really be drawn into each book the author has selected for this.

You will find out the truth about Olivia and her past. You find out more about her past with her husband in Old Magic and Odd Mothers, Olivia will have a lot to deal with

You read about when Deva finally opened her restaurant, the mishap she had. You will see her making decisions herself that she has been putting off.

These are just a few of the fun stories you will be introduced, I recommend reading this.

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

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that all of my book dreams came true with this collection of women who are over 40 who fall in love and kick butt without taking any names. This is a wonderful collection of stories there are too many to write about but I did love L.A Boruff’s and Lia Davis’s story called Old Magic and Odd Mothers and Cookies and Cover-Ups with Helen Scott and Lacey Carter Anderson. There are so many stories from authors that we all know and love and a couple of authors who I didn’t know but I wouldn’t mind reading more of their stories, anyway this is a fantastic collection of stories and I highly recommend this collection it’s well worth the read.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you enjoy cozy mysteries and other paranormal stories with a Halloween theme? Then this collection is perfect for you. With a wide variety of stories by a host of authors, this is a great collection to sample the different settings and styles. The stories are all well written and easy to read with fascinating characters and settings. But perhaps most importantly, they are all fun to read. Overall, this was a great collection for revisiting favorite authors and discovering new ones. Well worth your time.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Kelly Bugler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant anthology a great tease for new books to read.
My Favourite book came from Lacey carter Anderson, Helen Scott and LA Boruff: Cookies And cover ups:
Brilliant read. Loved this intro into this world which i hope will soon turn into full length soon.
Deva has worked hard, Putting her blood, sweat and witchcraft into creating her business, making her restaurant. Unfortunately things don't always go the way you planned but good job Deva thinks fast and a lady always knows a great cover up.
Brilliant anthology!

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this set of short stories featuring the supernatural and women over a certain age. I liked reading about older, more mature heroines. It made it easy for me to connect since I am in that age-group. I was already familiar with some of the authors, and found a couple more I want to read more from. Loved the spark, snark, and humor in the stories. The only reason it's not five stars for me is due to technical errors. The book really needed another pass-through by a good editor.

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

[Kristin Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Paranormal Women's Fiction when the genre first debuted and this wonderful, crazy, inventive, funny book has just deepened the love affair. It contains stories from some of my favorite authors and series like L.A.Boruff and Lia Davis & much to the dismay of my wallet and to be read list, it has introduced me to many other authors whose series I MUST HAVE. It is rare that I read an anthology and love every story but that was definitely the case here.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all these stories and the Halloween theme. It made each novella a blast to read. While all different they made me laugh and groan and sigh. I had read a few of the authors but need to check out the other authors books. All the stories had some action, snark, some danger and lots of interesting scenes and drama. Many were set in other series worlds too so that was fun to read. And how halloween was worked into the stories were such a hoot. I really liked them all.

[Wannee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Collection - Perfect for Halloween!!!

Girdles & Ghouls is a wonderful collection of
14 paranormal cozy stories from great authors feathering mature women forty and over with Halloween theme. They are fun, entertaining, full of humor and mystery. I find some new authors that I never read before.

I really enjoy it and I highly recommend it to any cozy mystery fans.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girdles and Ghouls is a collection of supernatural stories starring women over 40.

I wasn’t familiar with any of the authors so this was a nice introduction to their work. I found it worked better for me to read each story and then take a break. The different worlds were confusing when reading them without a break.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Christine Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I typically post stars and move on, but I was excited about this collection. Read a few of the stories and was very disappointed. Even jumped in other reviews to find their favorites to skip to. Everything I read was self-depreciating and whining about their age. Not a fan of that style at all. Stories might have gotten better, but couldn't get past the idea that being 40 and a woman was a bad thing. No thanks.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great PWF anthology! The stories were all Amazing. These stories are great for the self image of those of us getting on way past Midlife and I Loved them All!! Give it a read, you won't be disappointed!

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

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short Stories of Older women coming into their witch powers and learning how to use them. This is a fund book about women in their forties and up. I really enjoyed reading this book and following each women through their journey finding their powers and learning how to use them.

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

[Betty L. Snowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to paranormal writers

All the stories were worth reading. Some of the stories were great. It was an excellent way to get familiar with all of the different writers and their unique way of presenting a story. I won’t pick a favorite because it may not be your favorite and I would hate for anyone to miss out on selecting their own favorite.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mix of paranormal forty something women storylines

What a great way to find new authors. I love the mix of forty something women in tense stories. This has a lot of my favorite paranormal authors in one anthology. All the stories are a great way to be introduced to whole new worlds.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This was a fabulous compilation of novellas from some amazing authors. Some of the novellas were from series I've already read and I loved the extra insight on what's going on.

I recieved an ARC for my honest review.

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great collection of cozies, just in time for Halloween! Some are by some of my favorite authors, which is fabulous. A lot of fun, I really enjoyed reading them!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect Halloween collection of stories by some of the best paranormal authors of the moment and I loved it and strongly recommend it.

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

[Susan Eha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly recommend this book

All the authors brought their version of middle aged witches to the book and the variety and stories are interesting and entertaining. It’s a wonderful idea.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not exciting

I rated this a 3 star because only a few of the stories were really exciting. I felt that some of them dragged on and some were just not even remember able and that is what I disliked most. I wanted to be on the edge of my seat and I was sadly disappointed.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, emotional and action packed adventure filled with magical and engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists and exciting turns. Was a edge of your seat read from beginning to end and so hard to put down.