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Sweet Mountain Witches #1
Midlife or Death
She believes she's escaped her midlife crisis…
Daisy Summers’ magical life hasn’t turned out like she’d hoped it. But that’s what happens when not a single witch has been chosen from her lineage to serve on the coven’s council for several hundred years. Not one. Her line is as dead as can be, which is fine with her because she’s quite happy running her cat café and ignoring the coven.
Except now that she’s fabulous and forty, her name along with several others will be tossed into the cauldron at midnight during the town’s May Day Festival in order to fill a vacant position on the coven’s council. She couldn’t care less. Unfortunately, her mother is down and out and begs Daisy to represent their family’s deader than dead line, and Daisy doesn’t have it in her to break her poor mother’s heart.
That night holds several unexpected surprises for Daisy, including her nemesis winding up dead, which leaves all eyes on her. She wants to go back to her quiet life, but Fate has decided otherwise. Now, she must search for the truth to save herself. She’ll have the help of her friends and a handsome stranger, but will it be enough to discover the murderer and clear her name?
Daisy Summers’ magical life hasn’t turned out like she’d hoped it. But that’s what happens when not a single witch has been chosen from her lineage to serve on the coven’s council for several hundred years. Not one. Her line is as dead as can be, which is fine with her because she’s quite happy running her cat café and ignoring the coven.
Except now that she’s fabulous and forty, her name along with several others will be tossed into the cauldron at midnight during the town’s May Day Festival in order to fill a vacant position on the coven’s council. She couldn’t care less. Unfortunately, her mother is down and out and begs Daisy to represent their family’s deader than dead line, and Daisy doesn’t have it in her to break her poor mother’s heart.
That night holds several unexpected surprises for Daisy, including her nemesis winding up dead, which leaves all eyes on her. She wants to go back to her quiet life, but Fate has decided otherwise. Now, she must search for the truth to save herself. She’ll have the help of her friends and a handsome stranger, but will it be enough to discover the murderer and clear her name?
187 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2021
237 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Stark
99 books244 followersCindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes romantic suspense and contemporary romances, and she loves to hear from readers.
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
http://twitter.com/CindyStark19
If you enjoyed reading her books, she would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy her books, too.
Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.
Recommend it: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.
Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.
Thank you!
Connect with her online at:
http://www.CindyStark.com
http://facebook.com/CindyStark19
http://twitter.com/CindyStark19
If you enjoyed reading her books, she would appreciate it if you would help others enjoy her books, too.
Lend it: Her e-books are lending-enabled, so please share them with a friend.
Recommend it: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.
Review it: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing it at Amazon or Goodreads. If you do write a review, please send her an email at CindyStark19@gmail.com so she can thank you with a personal email, or drop her a line at http://www.CindyStark.com.
Thank you!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 10, 2022
I loved it! Five stars!
I loved the world, I loved the characters, and I connected with Daisy in many ways. She has always been different, not quite fitting in. Yes, that's me! That connection with Daisy really added something extra to this book. The story was well written and well plotted. The book intrigued me from the start. I LOVED that the cat café helps rescue kittens, such important work. I loved the Purry Parlor! I would be there all the time! Sipping Cat-puccino and cuddling all the cats who'd let me! The mystery was great, I was wrong about whodunit and I love being wrong in a mystery. I loved Gideon too, that hint of danger, that ‘I don’t quite know what to expect’. And I loved Freya too, gotta love that cat! Favorite moment: when Daisy tried on that special cloak and then the dress and her mom magically altered the dress to fit perfectly and she felt moved and beautiful for the first time in her life. That moved me too! I immersed myself completely in this compelling story.
I loved the world, I loved the characters, and I connected with Daisy in many ways. She has always been different, not quite fitting in. Yes, that's me! That connection with Daisy really added something extra to this book. The story was well written and well plotted. The book intrigued me from the start. I LOVED that the cat café helps rescue kittens, such important work. I loved the Purry Parlor! I would be there all the time! Sipping Cat-puccino and cuddling all the cats who'd let me! The mystery was great, I was wrong about whodunit and I love being wrong in a mystery. I loved Gideon too, that hint of danger, that ‘I don’t quite know what to expect’. And I loved Freya too, gotta love that cat! Favorite moment: when Daisy tried on that special cloak and then the dress and her mom magically altered the dress to fit perfectly and she felt moved and beautiful for the first time in her life. That moved me too! I immersed myself completely in this compelling story.
October 6, 2021
Daisy would rather stay at home than join in the Beltaine festivities with her coven.
The death of a beloved member of their council left an empty seat to be filled by someone of her bloodline
Death, depression, deceptions and other drama follow a surprise selection for a successor
New directions for endeavors after forty
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The death of a beloved member of their council left an empty seat to be filled by someone of her bloodline
Death, depression, deceptions and other drama follow a surprise selection for a successor
New directions for endeavors after forty
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2021
Quality Read
Cindy Stark always delivers an interesting and cute cozy mystery and doesn't disappoint with this story. Personally, I like a little less over-the-top romantic cutsie dialogue. Some of the dialogue reads like a Shakespeare sonnet. The characters act like they are in their early 20's but are in their 40's. The issue I have are really just my preferences and doesn't change that the book is a good entertaining story.
Cindy Stark always delivers an interesting and cute cozy mystery and doesn't disappoint with this story. Personally, I like a little less over-the-top romantic cutsie dialogue. Some of the dialogue reads like a Shakespeare sonnet. The characters act like they are in their early 20's but are in their 40's. The issue I have are really just my preferences and doesn't change that the book is a good entertaining story.
September 22, 2023
Although a practicing witch, Daisy prefers solitude over any coven activities. She is content running her cat café and socializing with friends. With the town's annual Beltane celebration looming, there is heightened excitement because a new council member will be chosen. Daisy doesn't care; no one from her branch of the family has been chosen to serve in years. However, with her mother recovering from knee surgery, it falls on Daisy to attend to represent their line. Daisy is surprised when she realizes how fun the celebration is. Having a handsome stranger ask her to dance is icing on the cake. When her drunken cousin, Merry, tries to cut in and causes a scene, Daisy is mortified. And when Merry is found murdered later that night, Daisy is a person of interest. Determined to clear her name, she begins asking questions around town. She is aided by her employees and Gideon, the striking man who seems to be attracted to her. Suddenly, Daisy's quiet life is much more exciting than she had anticipated.
Ebooks can be hit or miss. This one was delightful. Daisy is an engaging character, and I enjoyed the excitement of the festival and a potential budding romance right along with her. The plot was fast paced, although I would have liked to see more of Daisy's every day life; instead, most of the latter part of the book was devoted to her investigation.
Very good, and I will look for more in the series. Four stars.
Ebooks can be hit or miss. This one was delightful. Daisy is an engaging character, and I enjoyed the excitement of the festival and a potential budding romance right along with her. The plot was fast paced, although I would have liked to see more of Daisy's every day life; instead, most of the latter part of the book was devoted to her investigation.
Very good, and I will look for more in the series. Four stars.
March 7, 2022
"I’d rather be proactive than play the victim.”
Daisy Summers is what her coven calls a closet witch. All that might change at the Beltane ritual where a new member of the council will be chosen. Daisy'd rather stay home but her friends and her family urge her to go. The council makes it's choice, but the celebration is clouded by the death of another
Gideon Mackay is a stranger in town. He plays his cards pretty close to his vest but he's about to change things up in Sweet Mountain Meadows. He is attracted to Daisy and works with her to find the true killer and get her life back cleared from the thought she was the murderer. They work together but what will the outcome be?
What a great story! Cindy Stark is a new author to me and I will be in the lookout for other titles she has written. highly recommended 5/5
Daisy Summers is what her coven calls a closet witch. All that might change at the Beltane ritual where a new member of the council will be chosen. Daisy'd rather stay home but her friends and her family urge her to go. The council makes it's choice, but the celebration is clouded by the death of another
Gideon Mackay is a stranger in town. He plays his cards pretty close to his vest but he's about to change things up in Sweet Mountain Meadows. He is attracted to Daisy and works with her to find the true killer and get her life back cleared from the thought she was the murderer. They work together but what will the outcome be?
What a great story! Cindy Stark is a new author to me and I will be in the lookout for other titles she has written. highly recommended 5/5
May 5, 2024
This was a very good book with interesting characters and an intriguing murder mystery. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
Daisy Summers’ magical life hasn’t turned out like she’d hoped it. But that’s what happens when not a single witch has been chosen from her lineage to serve on the coven’s council for several hundred years. Not one. Her line is as dead as can be, which is fine with her because she’s quite happy running her cat café and ignoring the coven.
Except now that she’s fabulous and forty, her name along with several others will be tossed into the cauldron at midnight during the town’s May Day Festival in order to fill a vacant position on the coven’s council. She couldn’t care less. Unfortunately, her mother is down and out and begs Daisy to represent their family’s deader than dead line, and Daisy doesn’t have it in her to break her poor mother’s heart.
That night holds several unexpected surprises for Daisy, including her nemesis winding up dead, which leaves all eyes on her. She wants to go back to her quiet life, but Fate has decided otherwise. Now, she must search for the truth to save herself. She’ll have the help of her friends and a handsome stranger, but will it be enough to discover the murderer and clear her name?
Amazon synopsis:
Daisy Summers’ magical life hasn’t turned out like she’d hoped it. But that’s what happens when not a single witch has been chosen from her lineage to serve on the coven’s council for several hundred years. Not one. Her line is as dead as can be, which is fine with her because she’s quite happy running her cat café and ignoring the coven.
Except now that she’s fabulous and forty, her name along with several others will be tossed into the cauldron at midnight during the town’s May Day Festival in order to fill a vacant position on the coven’s council. She couldn’t care less. Unfortunately, her mother is down and out and begs Daisy to represent their family’s deader than dead line, and Daisy doesn’t have it in her to break her poor mother’s heart.
That night holds several unexpected surprises for Daisy, including her nemesis winding up dead, which leaves all eyes on her. She wants to go back to her quiet life, but Fate has decided otherwise. Now, she must search for the truth to save herself. She’ll have the help of her friends and a handsome stranger, but will it be enough to discover the murderer and clear her name?
October 18, 2021
Good
Daisy, a forty year old cat cafe owner, will have to attend the town’s Beltane ritual for her mother.
In the space of a few hours or so, she has a flirtation, a new responsibility, and might just be the prime suspect in a murder.
This enjoyable paranormal mystery/paranormal women’s fiction tale, features a mature heroine, a mysterious man, and a crowd of witches… one of whom is murdered, many of whom have secrets.
The cat cafe is cute, the cats not always just normal cats. The friends are intriguing, but not quite as intriguing as Gideon!
This was a quick read, perfect for a cosy afternoon or evening.
Recommended for fans of PWF and Paranormal mystery.
Daisy, a forty year old cat cafe owner, will have to attend the town’s Beltane ritual for her mother.
In the space of a few hours or so, she has a flirtation, a new responsibility, and might just be the prime suspect in a murder.
This enjoyable paranormal mystery/paranormal women’s fiction tale, features a mature heroine, a mysterious man, and a crowd of witches… one of whom is murdered, many of whom have secrets.
The cat cafe is cute, the cats not always just normal cats. The friends are intriguing, but not quite as intriguing as Gideon!
This was a quick read, perfect for a cosy afternoon or evening.
Recommended for fans of PWF and Paranormal mystery.
May 1, 2024
This was a quick read. The plot was interesting and the characters were likeable. It was a great cozy mystery that held my interest from the beginning.
The reason I only gave three stars is there are many words and phrases that are repeated several times. For example, the word "snorted" appeared in the dialogue 32 times. Every character seemed to snort before speaking, which made the dialogue somewhat unnatural. There are some mild issues with syntax that slowed down my reading. There were some settings that were beautifully described, while others needed more showing instead of telling.
Overall, a good read. I will most likely read more from this author.
The reason I only gave three stars is there are many words and phrases that are repeated several times. For example, the word "snorted" appeared in the dialogue 32 times. Every character seemed to snort before speaking, which made the dialogue somewhat unnatural. There are some mild issues with syntax that slowed down my reading. There were some settings that were beautifully described, while others needed more showing instead of telling.
Overall, a good read. I will most likely read more from this author.
February 21, 2022
It Was Cute
This is a good and quick read for a rainy day or snowy afternoon. Personally, I found it to be a one and done or "borrow from the library" type book. The main female character is believable as a small town person, but not any farther. The book took her from coffee barista to Nancy Drew. Th male main character was mysterious enough, but in the middle of the investigation he starts having competition for Daisy by the officer in charge of the investigation. Like I said, cute, but a one and done.
This is a good and quick read for a rainy day or snowy afternoon. Personally, I found it to be a one and done or "borrow from the library" type book. The main female character is believable as a small town person, but not any farther. The book took her from coffee barista to Nancy Drew. Th male main character was mysterious enough, but in the middle of the investigation he starts having competition for Daisy by the officer in charge of the investigation. Like I said, cute, but a one and done.
October 6, 2021
The first book in the Sweet Mountain Witches series a Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Mystery story. Daisy Summers' story has suspense, drama, mystery, a drawing of names, murder, twists, turns, and a lot of people keeping secrets. Daisy gets help from demon Gideon. I did not see that person being the murder. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2024
Lighthearted Enjoyable Quirky Murder Mystery Among Witches And Demons
Single,40 year old witch with plenty of feline friends is swept up into a murder investigation with several viable suspects (including herself), a visiting demon, and enough envy and jealousy to make the townspeople talk. Sweet Mountain Witches Book 1 was a good, quick read with enough intrigue to keep the reader reading and this reading looking for more.
Single,40 year old witch with plenty of feline friends is swept up into a murder investigation with several viable suspects (including herself), a visiting demon, and enough envy and jealousy to make the townspeople talk. Sweet Mountain Witches Book 1 was a good, quick read with enough intrigue to keep the reader reading and this reading looking for more.
June 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Clean
Triggers:
Witches
Demons
Murder
Infidelity
Cats, Witches, and Murder!
Daisy, a solitary witch and owner of a cat cafe becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. A handsome stranger ads more intrigue and a hint of romance. Cindy Stark does a wonderful job blending the paranormal with a murder mystery and sprinkling in romance, coffee, and kitties. If you are looking for a quick cozy read, this is it!
Clean
Triggers:
Witches
Demons
Murder
Infidelity
Cats, Witches, and Murder!
Daisy, a solitary witch and owner of a cat cafe becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. A handsome stranger ads more intrigue and a hint of romance. Cindy Stark does a wonderful job blending the paranormal with a murder mystery and sprinkling in romance, coffee, and kitties. If you are looking for a quick cozy read, this is it!
January 22, 2022
witches and demons
Was pretty good I guess.. was little slow for me at times. When I skip a chapter and still know what’s going on not a good sign.. but I did read it and was enjoyable to a point. When daisy is picked to lead the coven all kinds of troubles happen for her a being a suspect for murder is not a small thing..
Was pretty good I guess.. was little slow for me at times. When I skip a chapter and still know what’s going on not a good sign.. but I did read it and was enjoyable to a point. When daisy is picked to lead the coven all kinds of troubles happen for her a being a suspect for murder is not a small thing..
September 27, 2022
Great book
Wow, I've read a lot of cozy mysteries in my life, but this one was one of the better ones. Though short the author put tons in it. I didn't guess who done it until she told us....I don't think this has ever happened.
This is the first book of Cindy's I have read, but it sure won't be the last. A must read. Thanks Cindy.
Wow, I've read a lot of cozy mysteries in my life, but this one was one of the better ones. Though short the author put tons in it. I didn't guess who done it until she told us....I don't think this has ever happened.
This is the first book of Cindy's I have read, but it sure won't be the last. A must read. Thanks Cindy.
September 2, 2024
Midlife paranormal myatery
When a long term rival witch is murder with her own knife Daisy is forced to investigate. An entertaining easy reading mystery wit h good if a little cliche characters, the unpleasant victim, lots of good motives and suspects. The main suspect investigating but with a nice paranormal twist. Good one. I bought the entire series.
When a long term rival witch is murder with her own knife Daisy is forced to investigate. An entertaining easy reading mystery wit h good if a little cliche characters, the unpleasant victim, lots of good motives and suspects. The main suspect investigating but with a nice paranormal twist. Good one. I bought the entire series.
April 17, 2022
Good read from Stark, but they've all been so far. I was hoping for another Opal/Lucas book, but I'll take this. Was surprised to see Gideon as a crossover and this works for me too. I really liked these characters and the plot. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
July 6, 2022
4 1/2 stars
I can't remember reading a book by this author before so I think she's a new author for me. I enjoyed this book but not enough to give it 5 stars. I'm not sure I will read more of her books from this series.
I can't remember reading a book by this author before so I think she's a new author for me. I enjoyed this book but not enough to give it 5 stars. I'm not sure I will read more of her books from this series.
September 13, 2022
This was an enjoyable paranormal mystery. I would argue that I don't consider age 40 as midlife, but that really reflects on the title, not the book content. I actually do look forward to reading more in this series.
October 21, 2022
Good read
I enjoyed the story very much. I wished Gideon would have had more of an English accent. But who am I..? Lol
The read kept my interest through out and I was shocked when it ended.
I enjoyed the story very much. I wished Gideon would have had more of an English accent. But who am I..? Lol
The read kept my interest through out and I was shocked when it ended.
January 28, 2024
Murder and blooming love
The story started slow but quickly heated up with a finding of position and possible love brewing (pun intended). From being chosen to the council to solving a murder. Never a dull moment.
The story started slow but quickly heated up with a finding of position and possible love brewing (pun intended). From being chosen to the council to solving a murder. Never a dull moment.
November 16, 2024
Brilliant Series
Midlife or Death (Sweet Mountain Witches Book 1) by Cindy Stark. Beltane in Sweet Mountain is a time for celebration but Merry is murdered with Daisy’s athame. Daisy must prove her Innocence with the help of demon Gideon.
Midlife or Death (Sweet Mountain Witches Book 1) by Cindy Stark. Beltane in Sweet Mountain is a time for celebration but Merry is murdered with Daisy’s athame. Daisy must prove her Innocence with the help of demon Gideon.
February 2, 2025
Captivating!
This story drew me in immediately and I fell in love with the characters. But the ending was such a shock! I really didn’t see it coming! Stark has a great talent for keeping you turning the pages.
This story drew me in immediately and I fell in love with the characters. But the ending was such a shock! I really didn’t see it coming! Stark has a great talent for keeping you turning the pages.
February 18, 2025
Awesome Start
New to me series and I love it! Great characters, real personal interactions and an interesting town. The crime was solved and the perpetrator was unexpected. I look forward to getting to know the characters more.
New to me series and I love it! Great characters, real personal interactions and an interesting town. The crime was solved and the perpetrator was unexpected. I look forward to getting to know the characters more.
October 6, 2021
Enjoyed
This was the first book of your new series that I have read and enjoyed and I love all your series of books.
This was the first book of your new series that I have read and enjoyed and I love all your series of books.
February 16, 2022
Charming
A bit on the short side but a wonderful cozy mystery. A small quaint town surrounded by all matter of magic. Look forward to getting to know it and its residents better!
A bit on the short side but a wonderful cozy mystery. A small quaint town surrounded by all matter of magic. Look forward to getting to know it and its residents better!
March 16, 2022
Great mystery
A good read, not too many characters. I enjoyed this mystery book, something a bit different to my usual reads.
A good read, not too many characters. I enjoyed this mystery book, something a bit different to my usual reads.
March 24, 2022
Intriguing
What a great book, I am pleased to have found it and cannot wait to keep reading more about these characters and their lives.
What a great book, I am pleased to have found it and cannot wait to keep reading more about these characters and their lives.
April 20, 2022
First time reader
Was captivated by the first chapter. I think I'm hooked. Excellent writing and characters. I never expected killer. Great job. 😁
Was captivated by the first chapter. I think I'm hooked. Excellent writing and characters. I never expected killer. Great job. 😁
May 16, 2022
Entertaining
This is a quick read and is entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Series to learn about Daisy’s adventures.
This is a quick read and is entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the Series to learn about Daisy’s adventures.
September 15, 2022
Midlife or Death
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Wow!!! What a gr8 story. I truly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next. I recommend this read. 5 Thumbs up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews