The Mudpuddle Manual of Natural Magic

Natural Magic, Book 1

By: Ciara Blume

Narrated by: Ryan H. Reid, Jessica Threet, Andrea Parsneau, Travis Baldree

A murder, a mystery, and a not-so-overactive imagination...

Eccentric heiress Maida Westabrook treasures her peaceful, "ordinary" life in California—morning strolls along the beach, warm evenings by the fire, and losing herself in her beloved library of myths and legends. Yet Maida can’t shake the nagging feeling that there’s more to her story than she’s been led to believe. Strange and inexplicable occurrences have always surrounded her, dismissed as nothing more than her overactive imagination.

When a distant relative mysteriously vanishes, a body is discovered, and Maida’s lifelong dream of owning an enchanted bookshop suddenly comes true she realizes her "wild" imagination might not have been so far-fetched after all.

There’s just one hitch: the sentient bookshop has gone into hiding and it’s up to Maida to coax it back. To claim her inheritance, she must step out of her safe, predictable world and embrace a reality where magic is not only real—it’s woven into the very fabric of everyday life. That handsome neighbor? He might be a shapeshifter. And the barista who runs the local café? She’s likely brewing more than coffee.

As Maida unravels the secrets of her past, she’s forced to rethink everything she once held true. Saving the bookshop—and protecting her newfound magical family—will require more courage than she ever thought possible, including risking her heart.

©2024 Dolce Villa Press (P)2025 Soundbooth Theater

Who DOESN’T want to live in a magical bookstore/cafe/cheese shop?

The story was full of cozy magic, and how can you not enjoy a book read by the great Andrea Parsneau? The b story of Maida and Arthur felt a little shoehorned in where it wasn’t needed, and barely detracted enough to lose a star. Wish we could do half stars!

A grown-up magic book

If you are someone who wishes adult fantasy books were as whimsical as children’s stories, this book is for you. If you like well-rounded characters, lovely writing, and a plot that nods to many tropes while overusing none of them and breaking several in very clever ways, this book is for you. If you like sentient buildings… yep, it’s got those, too! It has cozy, specific details to delight bookworms, miniaturists, naturalists, fashionistas, and foodies. And most importantly of all, it’s full to bursting with heart and hope.

The critical part of my brain wishes I had the ability to dock a half star in the story section for a few tiiiiiiiiiny plot holes and the main romance, which I felt was a bit a bit superfluous to the plot—but I loved the Mudpuddle far too much to rate it anything less than top marks and found every other relationship deeply satisfying!

This story found a heart that was very tired and desperate for whimsy. It cradled it lovingly in enchanted afghans, found family vibes and multidimensional softness for almost every minute of its 12.5 hours, alongside a cast that portrayed every character incredibly well, from skin-crawling to snarky to sweet. Bonus points for the gorgeous touches of music throughout the story that really brought the words to life and constantly heaped on extra fairy tale vibes! If you’re at all on the fence, I highly suggest giving this one a listen—may it give you joy as bright as butterfly wings, and remind you of the magics of every day, both small and large. Don't forget a cup of tea and plate of cookies should you choose to take this journey—trust me, you'll want both before very long!

Outstanding Book

Just wow. Excellent story. I did not know I needed this. Very well written. Then it was topped off by Megastar narration. I have love Andy Parsneau for years. Then add Jessica Threet!!?? I am not familiar with the male narrator but he is a pro on the level of Andy and Jess. Thank you SBT for giving this book the life it deserves.

Descriptive story!

I didn’t know this was exactly what I was looking for! Some mirage adults, like me. There is magic and exploration of it, with a different take on magical and non magical people. I hope there is more like this.

awesome

amazing

loved the story, awesome narration,and overall just a great book

really enjoyed this one

keep up the amazing work