Homecoming Hijinks

Witches of Gales Haven #4

by Lucía Ashta

Marla Gawama is getting the hang of being the only detective in town. The weird is seeming less weird and—

Ha. No, not really. The odd just keeps getting stranger. It is Gales Haven after all.

But Marla, like a champ, is learning how to be an interpreter for a no-nonsense hedgehog matriarch, how to solve minor crimes in Spanx and confectionary, and how to balance her kids’ needs with her new love life.

Then a surprise visitor arrives in town and it’s welcome to the crapfest.

The woman shows up like the devil’s on her heels, whipping at her back. And though Marla had once wished for something like this to happen, she’s no longer sure she wants it at all. Where’s the return policy on this one?

Especially when the unexpected guest has company...

Be careful what you wish for.Turns out that cautionary saying is right on the money.

* Homecoming Hijinks is a humorous Paranormal Women’s Fiction fantasy. If you love snarky stories with women so empowered they’re a force to be reckoned with, then you’ll love the Witches of Gales Haven series.

Genres: Paranormal, Magic, Ebooks, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fiction

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

About the author

Lucía Ashta is the internationally top 20 bestselling author of young adult, new adult, and adult paranormal and urban fantasy books, including the series Magical Creatures Academy, Witches of Gales Haven, Smoky Mountain Pack, and Supernatural Bounty Hunter.

When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.

Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta

Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
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www.luciaashta.com

Reviews

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think a series can’t get and better, boom! Along comes the next book and it’s fantastic! In a town that’s crazy or is it the Gawama family that’s crazy, there’s some serious moments, some laugh out loud moments and even a few tears, twists and turns and even some steamy moments and once again I found myself totally pulled into this world. I love the captivating storyline, I adore the characters and I love the drama, the one liners and well everything really!!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Another great book in this series. this one had a lot going on - magically and emotionally. Mala has to be the town detective and sort out the magic issues with her mother's return and her own issues with her mother's return. Whew!


Amazon synopsis:
Marla Gawama is getting the hang of being the only detective in town. The weird is seeming less weird and—Ha. No, not really. The odd just keeps getting stranger. It is Gales Haven after all.

But Marla, like a champ, is learning how to be an interpreter for a no-nonsense hedgehog matriarch, how to solve minor crimes in Spanx and confectionary, and how to balance her kids’ needs with her new love life.

Then a surprise visitor arrives in town and it’s welcome to the crapfest.The woman shows up like the devil’s on her heels, whipping at her back. And though Marla had once wished for something like this to happen, she’s no longer sure she wants it at all. Where’s the return policy on this one?

Especially when the unexpected guest has company...

Be careful what you wish for. Turns out that cautionary saying is right on the money.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marla’s mom is back after 37 years, with a whole family in tow, claiming she’d left Gales Haven to protect the town. Marla has to be town detective and figure out what strange magic is effecting her long-lost mother, while dealing with a lookalike surprise sister. While I understood the conflicting emotions Marla had (and of course the anger), Marla had left town too (although she places the blame on what her mother abandoning her had done to her psyche) but was welcomed home fairly easily, even by Quade. Her mother hurt her badly, but Marla leaving really hurt Quade too. I was a little surprised that she didn’t show her mother some of that same grace that was shown to her when she came back to town. The last couple pages set up the story for Book 6.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a box of tissues and settle in.

This one will grab all of your emotions. When Marla's Mom, Neeorah shows back up with a carbon copy of Marla and 4 other children Marla is hurt, angry and dismayed. Things quickly go south from there, going from bad to worse, Marla must welcome her doppelganger and help her Mom figure out a cursed attached to her so she can finally return home. But, nothing ever really goes as planned in Gales Haven.....

I really enjoyed this book and love the series. It gives you all the feels, is fun and relatable. I highly recommend this book and series and am anxiously awaiting the next in series.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG i never wanted to shake some one as much as i did Marla's mother. Having left her at a young age then droping of a twin that is 6 yrs younger than her at her doorstep with her kids and leaving again. UGH i really dont like her but with the way she was saying that she has a reason it made me curious why she has done the things she has.. Marla is such a great character i really love her and the other Gawama's and of course we cant forget Humphrey the cute but funny mouse and Quade Marla's boyfriend and Mindy the Hedgehog hehe. The sense of family and love in this series has it being one of my favorites

[nat _lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of emotions and craziness!!! 😁🙃

I dare to say this is the best book in this series so far 😍
While it has a lot of serious, tear-jerker moments (I did cry 😭), the craziness and laughter is present, as usual with the Gawama's, I don’t get tired of saying they are the damn best ever, you will never get bored!!! 😂
Now, WTF happen in that final chapter? 😳🤔... can't wait to find out, the adventures this women live are a must read!!! 🤗🥰

PS, isn't Quade the best? 🤤😍 #couplegoals

[Dee Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

So friggin good!!!

I love Marla and Quade and all the Gawama’s!! They are so freaking funny!! And Gawama Mama is something else!!
This book has more than just laughs though, there were so many different emotions and feelings going on. I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more. Excellent book in an amazing series!! It will be a long wait for the next one but so very worth it!!
I am definitely going to check out other series by this author while I wait. I really enjoy her writing style!!

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! This book gave me all the feels! Including a blinding rage, when Marla's Mother, Neeorah-- blythly shows up with a carbon copy of Marla. Honestly, I have never wanted to hurt a character as much as I wanted to punch her. But, Ms. Ashta delivered a story worthy of the Gwamama legend, as she always does.

Speaking of Ms. Ashta--noone writes sidekicks like she does. Her characters continue to be hysterically funny, although the over-sexed mouse was not a replacement for the magnificent Mindy!

I can't wait to read the next installment!

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

This book started off great. A lot was happening and I actually hated to put it down to go to bed. The last half of the book was good if your preferred genre is traditional women's fiction. I was building myself up for a big climatic ending with an evil doer. Instead I got a half a book of the blame game and a whole lot of tears. It was still a good book with a good ending. It just wasn't the great book I was hoping for.

[Chris Fracisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humorous and heart tugging

Love Gales Haven and the Gawama family and all the magical creatures surrounding them. Having your mother show up after close to four decades is enough to throw anyone into a tailspin and Marla handled it far better than I know I ever could have. Definitely some tears and laughter mixed together, spinning another magical story of the Gawama family. So much left to explore. Can't wait for another edition!

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the fifth book of the Witches of Gales Haven series, the books should be read in order.
I absolutely love this author and the series. This book is no exception. In a fast paced captivating writing style so many unexpected things happen. And they get weirder and weirder, but it's a good kind of crazy. Can't wait for the next part.

[Myra Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I absolutely love this series. It has a perfect balance with mysteries with unexpected twist and subtle yet spot-on humor. The only issue I have is the time between books being published. A year since the last novel and now another year til the next is just too long. Please Lucia Ashta publish sooner.

[Roxanne Glawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Well Marla life just seems to get weirder. She is about to have the surprise of her life. She isn't sure if it's good or bad. It's definitely heart wrenching. But Marla is a fighter and can handle whatever that's thrown at her!The ending had me laughing so hard. I can't wait for the next book.

[Brandy Barber]

Do WHAT?

This was a unexpected surprise book. I never thought dear old MOM
Would come back. She sure brought a show with her. I am very upset with her. I think that she has something else going on and it will come up later. I don't trust her at all. This book was good. Read in two days. Still love everyone. Hope things turn out better for Marla in the next book.

[Laurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than the one before it. I still think the first, was the best. This one was rather sad, as family members find the missing sister after she disappeared 37 years before. They all try to get answers from her. There is a lot of teeth grinding and jaw clenching in what seemed like an impossible task. This book had way too much sexual comments that were not necessary.

[BlueFalkon95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

hijinks

Hijinks is certainly a great title for book 5 of Witches of Gales Haven series. An eye opener and might not leave the Romance fantasy reader with a dry eye. The Gawamama women may hold onto grudges or have the need for revenge but in reality they still have great love for those who leave home and not return

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just keeps getting better

I love this series, even with- maybe because - it's weirdness. Macy's mother is back and with her comes another daughter and 4 kids!? What's with that? And is it safe to come home again? For anyone? Even Mama Gawama House? Tune into Book 5 and see. Highly Recommended 5/5

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 would reccomend

I love this entire series and this latest book is a perfect addition. Filled with mystery, insane amounts of belly laughs, and lots of love - this story is sure to please.

[William Vegvari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read. The characters have developed well with the addition of a couple more. Love the mouse he has come along nicely. I won't say anymore but you will have to read the book have have a laugh.
Highly recommended.

[Dessa Bergan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This series is just fantastic! Its packed full of humor, drama, and hijinks. I love the growth you see of the characters and getting to revisit them again. I can't wait for the next book!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Enjoy This Series

I love reading about the Gawama's! They are a fabulous family. Tight-knit, caring and there for one another. Mindy and George crack me up! Don't get me started on Marla and Quade ❤ Can't wait to read more!

[Brenda Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weird

So many new people to deal with and so much angst. I like the way most of the town came together for the magical issues of the Gawama prodigal. The ending was more than a little strange and I can't help but wo der who's responsible for that.

[CHRISTY WATTS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homecoming Hijinks is laugh out loud fun

It's life coming home every time I read another Gawama story. I laughed and I cried and talked and laughed out loud. Book six can't be released soon enough.

[Julie Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a homecoming!!

Marla’s world is blown away again!! A mother see hasn’t seen in 37 years suddenly shows up! What could possibly be the reason after so long???
You won’t regret continuing on with Marla’s Detective duties!!!

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marla's mother has finally come home.

And she's not alone. Nope, she brings Marla's lookalike sister and her four kids. And then Neorah tries to leave again! Marla chases after her and the story is on!

[Carol Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protocol daughter returns.

Yeah, youngest daughter missing for nearly three decades returns to drop of her new family. But the family she left behind isn't having any of that. A merry chase ensues. Fun and zany problems happen. Love this family. Good read.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Furthers the main plot

This book furthers the main plot by returning Marla's missing mother. There's lots of dialogue but it's mainly a middle type book. Not my favourite so far. Hopefully hijinks will resume in the next book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love visiting this world! You never know what is going to happen next. I will warn you, I did cry towards the end. Very emotional! Can't wait for my next visit.

[Fiona Foxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

This is a good read as part of the whole series. I feel there was a bit of a missed opportunity in the whole "D" story line, but maybe that will come up in future episode.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I am enjoying this wonderful funny heartfelt story of Marla a witch that went home. Now her mother that left when she was young show up.