Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
Kindle Price: $2.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Toni Pike
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Linda's Midlife Crisis: feel-good women's fiction Kindle Edition

by Toni Pike (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
See all formats and editions
How does a fifty-year-old woman start a new life?

Meet Linda Lockwood: fifty, fat, frumpy and bullied by her horrible husband Ron and the vile students and principal at the school where she teaches English. But her life is about to undergo a total transformation.

Linda suffers a breakdown after a traumatic classroom incident, and that brings out the worst in Ron and devious principal, Wayne Forsythe. Then she is rocked to discover her husband has a shocking secret.

With her own determination and the help of friends and family, she starts to turn her life around. She begins to succeed, but there are still some more surprises in store Linda.

A feel-good and inspirational romance for older women who love second chances and chick lit.


***** “Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop!” – Goodreads reviewer, USA

***** “Highly recommended for a beach read, or as a feel-good book.” – Reader’s Favorite reviewer, UK

***** “It is fun, believable, and you will finish the book thinking: I can do that.” – Goodreads reviewer, USA

***** “I encourage you all to curl up in a comfortable chair and immerse yourself in this readable and entertaining story.” – Goodreads reviewer, Australia

***** “This shows how you can achieve your goals and I was cheering for Linda as the story unfolds.” – Book Club reviewer, USA

***** “An enjoyable read that is bound to take you out of any morose mood you might be in, with second chances and a romance with a doctor.” – Goodreads reviewer, USA
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    209 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    April 25, 2022
  5. File size
    1262 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
Next page
  Report an issue with this product or seller
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

From the Publisher

How does a fifty-year-old woman start a new life?

Linda's Midlife Crisis Cover Banner
Cover Linda's Midlife Crisis image

A feel-good and inspirational romance for women who love second chances

Meet Linda Lockwood: fifty, fat, frumpy and bullied by her horrible husband Ron and the vile students and principal at the school where she teaches English. But her life is about to undergo a total transformation.

Toni Pike portrait

Toni Pike

Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, hilarious books for children, and non-fiction. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.

More fiction by Toni Pike

  • Desolation Bluff
  • Dead Dry Heart
  • THE JOTHAM FLETCHER SERIES:
  • The Magus Covenant
  • The Rock of Magus
  • The Magus Epiphany
  • Holy Spear of Magus
  • THE BRODY CODY SERIES for children

Editorial Reviews

Review

"5 Stars. I loved Linda's Midlife Crisis by Toni Pike. From the moment I began, I couldn't stop. This is an easy-to-read book, and I could relate to her situation and feel her insecurities. Many readers will relate to her battles with weight loss and reinventing a whole new look in later life. This tale gives hope to those approaching middle age that life can begin again and is not only for the young. I was inspired and uplifted by Linda's metamorphosis. Fifty, frumpy and a few extra kilos is the way Linda describes herself right at the beginning of the book. Her onward journey was a delight to follow. Highly recommended for a beach read, or as a feel-good book." - Reviewed by Lucinda E. Clarke for Readers' Favorite

"5 Stars. Once again, this author has produced an enthralling, thoughtful and sensitive novel. For anyone who has already enjoyed reading her other books, you will not be disappointed. I encourage you all to curl up in a comfortable chair and immerse yourself in this readable and entertaining story." - B. Coe on Goodreads

About the Author

Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, non-fiction, and hilarious books for children. Do you like books that you can't stop reading? As well as Linda's Midlife Crisis, Desolation Bluff, Dead Dry Heart and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series, she has a book of travel tips and a weight loss book. The Brody Cody books are funny adventures for children aged 6-9. You can find out more at tonipike.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09YVF7DJT
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chapman Reid Publications (April 25, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 25, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1262 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 209 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Toni Pike

Toni Pike

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Toni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, hilarious books for children, and non-fiction. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.

Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.

The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.

She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.

To find out more, her website is tonipike.com.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
31 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

D.L. Finn
5.0 out of 5 stars A story where healing begins after a bad marriage.
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Linda is celebrating her fiftieth birthday surrounded by friends at a party her husband, Ron, provided. Although it seemed like a nice gesture on Ron’s part, he gave a speech that quickly summed up how he treated his wife. I immediately thought Linda should leave him, but she smiled it away, which showed how beaten down she was. She was also a teacher, a profession she’d loved until the support for teachers faded away under a new principal. This all spiraled into an event at her work that pushed her into a breakdown. When Ron lost patience in caring for his recovering wife, he left. Here, in the darkest part of Linda’s life, she found a strength she didn’t know she had. Healing began and her voice emerged. At first, I cringed at the treatment Linda allowed her husband to get away with. He was truly a horrible person. Even when he appeared to be defending his wife, it quickly twisted and became about him. When Linda took control of her life, I cheered for her. She found ways to improve her mental and physical health, step by step. There was a shocking twist at one point, but she was finally at a point to deal with it. I loved how far she went and was open to being happy again. It was satisfying that Ron got what was coming to him, too. A wonderful story of second chances and healing after an emotionally abusive marriage. I can easily recommend “Linda’s Midlife Crisis.”
Helpful
 Report
Pete Springer
4.0 out of 5 stars Starting Over at Fifty
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
Linda's Midlife Crisis deals with an important topic—escaping a lousy marriage and regaining one's self-esteem. Linda is married to a genuinely despicable husband named Ron, who emotionally abuses her for years. When he humiliates her on her 50th birthday in front of their friends, she finally realizes that this is not the life she wants anymore. On top of her personal woes, she is unhappy in her teaching career, tolerating unruly kids and poor administrators. After having a mental breakdown, she decides to start over in her life.

Linda makes a steady progression of improvements in her life, including health, career, and romance. Ron tries to worm his way back into her life, but she wants nothing to do with him. While author Toni Pike did an excellent job writing this story and showing Linda's character development, there were some points where I thought the changes the protagonist makes come a little too easily.

I thought one of the strengths of this read was to show how a controlling person can manipulate their spouse. I found myself a little frustrated with Linda for not leaving this schmuck earlier, especially since they had no children together. After the marriage ends, Linda learns other disturbing details about Ron. She rights the ship and shows us that with determination and a sound support system of friends, people can make positive changes in their life that make them happier and feel good about themselves.
Helpful
 Report
Gwendolyn Plano
5.0 out of 5 stars The emergence of a heroine
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
Linda’s Midlife Crisis is a story of a woman who overcomes many obstacles to find fulfillment. Linda, the protagonist, is a relatable character. She’s 50ish, overweight, insecure, and married to a jerk. Eventually, the various pressures build up until she has a nervous breakdown, at which time, her husband leaves her. This development provides the needed turn in Linda’s life. She pulls herself together and makes changes in her life.

Toni Pike masterfully shows the devolvement of a marriage and the transformation of the victim into the heroine. The themes are universal, the characters are relatable, and the story is uplifting. This was a refreshing 5-star read.
Helpful
 Report
Sherry H
4.0 out of 5 stars What a crisis!
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2022
I want to make a disclaimer right off the bat - this is not my usual genre of books, so my review will probably end up comparing it with the books I read with more action in them!

Poor Linda lasted a lot longer with that abusive husband of hers than I probably would have. The issue with the administrator at the school where she taught isn't unusual - I know a teacher and a parent (two different schools) who have dealt with unresponsive principals who have achieved the Peter Principle - reaching the level at which they're no longer competent! (Of course, principals aren't the only ones in the world of business who reach this level!)

I was relieved for Linda when her husband left her and she finally left her teaching position.

I kept waiting for some serious conflict to happen, which is what I'm used to, even in cozy mysteries (how more serious can you get than a dead body, eh?) But nothing much happened, except the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back with her teaching position and Ron showing up towards the end.

I was happy for her that she moved and was able to make the serious changes in her life that she needed to make - the new home close to her sister and her family in another town, the new job, the new look with weight loss and clothing and makeup. However, I did get tired of all her self-congratulations. She seemed very self centered yet uncomfortable in herself.

It was great when she finally had a man in her life who treated her right.

The book was ok but I probably wouldn't get another one in this genre. Toni has written other books that I enjoyed a lot more. I gave Linda's Midlife Crisis four stars because I know there are going to be a lot of women who like this genre and will really enjoy reading it! I don't want to turn them off from it.

Thanks to Toni for the ARC and chance to try out a new genre and report on it!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Carol Balawyder
5.0 out of 5 stars Happy Endings Do Exist
Reviewed in Canada on May 3, 2022
Verified Purchase
I am used to associating Toni Pike’s writing with crime and thrillers, not this delightful modern feel-good women’s fiction and so it was a surprise for me to see it on her post.
The first part of the novel is about Linda’s marriage to Ron, a horrible man. He is constantly criticizing Linda about her weight, treats her like his servant and is often going out at night coming home smelling of alcohol. Linda stays in the marriage because she doesn’t know what else to do and likes her home when her husband is at work or playing golf.

As much as Linda is the glass half full type of person Ron is eternally pessimistic.
Aside from her marriage, Linda also hates teaching although there was a time when it was her passion but things have changed.
“She had once been a great teacher, popular with students and respected by other staff members. Every year, a little gloss had been wiped away and now only a dull, rusted undercoat was left. It was so hard to look forward to a day at school when a riot could break out at any moment and every lesson was like trying to tame a herd of wild beasts.”
Linda has a breakdown (or perhaps a breakthrough) She spends a great deal of her time in bed eating chocolates and gaining weight something which Ron doesn’t let her forget.
“If you’re not better tomorrow, then I’m leaving. I’m not taking care of an invalid for the rest of my life. There’s nothing wrong with you, apart from being too fat and too lazy to go to work”
When Linda doesn’t change Ron asks for a divorce and off Linda goes gaining enthusiasm, energy and the will to take care of herself.
The remainder of the novel is sweet and reminiscent of the Television show I used to watch as a kid: Leave it to Beaver. It has that kind, family feel to it. Beneath her submission towards Ron, Linda is a very astute woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Her character adds a fun, easy relaxing and pleasant read.
We see Linda thrive through the obligations of life: getting a house ready to sell. Finding an apartment. Moving to a different city, closer to her sister. Quitting her job. Finding work in fashion. Taking care of herself. And embarking on a new and loving relationship.
The book also contains some heartwarming sentences:
“… your heart matches your lovely face.” Said by boyfriend, Dennis.
Linda uses her struggles with weight to write inspiring articles for The Canberra News Magazine which motivates her in setting goals for her own weight loss program. “Linda was an English teacher who once loved to write, but life with Ron had dulled her inspiration and melted the muse. She loved trying to write with clarity, transposing the thoughts in her brain to paper and then polishing them carefully.”
As the stain of verbal and psychological abuse fades, Linda becomes more confident and someone you’d love to hang out with.
It’s an upbeat novel and Pike shows that there are happy endings even for those in mid-life.
An enjoyable read that is bound to take you out of any morose mood you might be in.
Report
Sue Wickstead
5.0 out of 5 stars Life begins at 50
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2023
Verified Purchase
I wanted to read this book as for me, life begins at 50.
Luckily it was just the school stress that I left behind, but much like Linda, my new adventure started at 50.
Writing and moving on.
It was good to read how Linda had the courage to make big changes in her life and to see her efforts play out.
It certainly was a big and successful change and just shows that, with courage and determination you can move on.
A warm uplifting story. Glad to see how Linda rid herself of her obnoxious husband and moved on both physically (to a new location as well as with weight loss).
A clear message of what you can achieve if you are determined and are kind to yourself.
Enjoyable read.
Report
MacTrish
4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and with a great feelgood factor
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Linda is fifty, frumpy, mocked by her selfish husband (a wonderfully drawn character), and faced by school bullies that the school she works at refuse to tackle.
She suffers a breakdown and its from this position that Linda begins to rebuild her life – stronger, more determined and boosting her own self-esteem in the process.
One of her issues is obesity and there’s sound, practical advice on how to tackle the issue woven into the story.
I see that another reviewer has used the following quotation:
“She had once been a great teacher, popular with students and respected by other staff members. Every year, a little gloss had been wiped away and now only a dull, rusted undercoat was left."
I loved it too and make no apologies for using it again - it shows the quality of the writing!
Report
Loobylou
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Linda's Midlife Crisis is an absolutely wonderful book and I was cheering Linda on every step of the way and I found her character to be a real inspiration. Ron was a real piece of work and he made me so angry😠😠😠. This book is an absolute must read.
Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
This isn’t my usual genre of book,,however I found it very good. Linda is a very relatable character, but puts up with terrible treatment from both her husband and her boss. Her story is uplifting, and you can’t help but cheer for her as she negotiates a new life.
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report