Midlife just got magical and weird for an empty-nester divorcee who just lost her job and boyfriend, but discovered a new affinity for animals no one else could see. Paranormal women’s fiction is a fairly new to me genre mash up that I am coming to really enjoy so I was tickled to try a new to me author and series narrated by a stellar storyteller.

Luella has been working at the same company since high school and anticipated working there until retirement when she suddenly and inexplicably was let go from the marketing staff. Divorced for many years and with a daughter away at college, Luella has to find a new job and soon. Meanwhile, a bizarre change of circumstances has the rest of her attention. The sight of a silvery ghost-like dog in the office and a rush of wind that only she and her best friends can see is the beginning of a mysterious magic she seems to possess. As other animals appear under odd circumstances and gifts as well, she knows she needs to figure out what is going on quickly. But, where to start? Her quest involves her two besties, an old high school crush and her quirky biker mama.

Silver Spells was an engaging introduction to a new series and I enjoyed meeting Luella and her friends. I found the inclusion of her ex who is not the cliché, a daughter with food health issues, her full figure just being her and nothing to dent her confidence, good times with her gal pals, flirty meet cute with Raphael, and her very mature approach to life a refreshing set of circumstances that added up to a right cozy situation.

Silver Spells is definitely on the easy going side and doesn’t introduce more to the plot than getting to know the setting, characters, and Luella’s new circumstances. Perhaps it gets more intense as the series progresses or maybe it stays gentle like a cozy mystery. Either way, I liked what I got and would definitely keep going with more of the series.

Xe Sands is a narrator that I’m long familiar with and I was able to settle into her narration work with no effort. I thought she matched up with the style of the writing and tone of the book and she had the character voices down pat. I hope she has the narration of the whole series. She made this high quality production even better.

All in all, this first in series is off to a satisfying start and I was well entertained. I can recommend it to those who enjoy stories focused on fun female friendships, a paranormal element, a bit of mystery and pinch of romance sprinkled in for good measure.