Rating: 5⭐️
Move Your Ash is my favorite book of this series and of the recently released connected novels associated with the same universe characters.
It’s reminiscent of the early Maya Blog stories in which the character was really introspective, here journaling instead of blogging, through some major personal issues with relatable humor, often deep rooted pain, and continuing fears from her past family history of family violence and abuse.
Charlotte has a new home, new neighborhood and is working with Nico to rebuild their relationship after his betrayal and the devastating events in the first book. It’s only going so so, along with her perimenopause and all that brings with it.
It’s a lot.
McKenzie gives us a woman who is trying to, once again, establish herself in a new situation, one where she’s in control, but not letting the past fears restrict her ability to live her life. She’s in therapy, trying to understand how to handle her emotional pain as well as the perimenopausal symptoms that are associated with her fluctuations in emotions, rage being the most common, unacknowledged fears being one of the others.
Her new neighbors, a mixed bag of human beings and otherworldly beings are a fascinating group that add humor, tightly written tension, and a lot of relatable community dynamics to the story. Absolutely loved this and the characters.
But, as with this author and universe, it’s always about the main character, her development and personal growth. Charlotte has been through enormous tragedy, betrayals, and damaging emotional abuse by her kidnappers/traffickers. And she’s continuing dealing with the trauma and aftermath of this experience. The journaling is a very important part of this.
They impart her intelligence, insight into her moods, daily thoughts and even hot flashes. These entries start each chapter and remain the highlight of the book for me. Tidbits of joy, hilarity and often, poignant stories.
Nico’s part here is equally important. He’s aware of his role in working to make their relationship better, equal and communicative with understanding that was missing from it before. Their fights and interactions are just as important as anything else here but the discussions between them are deeply rooted in being adults and handling each other’s flaws and feelings.
For some reason Move Your Ash: A Midlife Paranormal Dark Comedy (The Scales of Justice Book 2) by Lara McKenzie reads like a finale book to me. So many characters make appearances. It’s absolutely satisfying and I love it.
I really hope not. I’m so fond of this universe and these people. I want to see what happens to them next. But if McKenzie leaves them here, I’m ok with that.
Highly recommended. But read the books in the order they are written.
Cover Illustration by Mansitha
MAYA’S BLOGS
Espresso Yourself
Diligence
Uncharted Grounds
Flat White Flag
Little Bean
Stir Crazy
THE SCALES OF JUSTICE
Kiss My Ash #1
Move Your Ash #2
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Blurb
The toughest thing a perimenopausal woman with no patience left can grow—other than chin hair—is roots.
Charlotte has a new house, nosy neighbours, and a mission to live her life without fear.
But her new life is proving tougher than she expected, especially when her work at White Flag House’s new legal clinic brings her more attention than she’s comfortable with, her hormones play havoc with her emotions, and her relationship with Nico still hasn’t recovered after his betrayal.
Can Charlotte learn to stand on her own without shutting out the people who want to stand with her?
Perfect for fans of midlife paranormal comedy with just a touch of darkness.
September 2, 2026
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Language
English
File size
2.7 MB
Screen Reader
Supported
Enhanced typesetting
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X-Ray
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Word Wise
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Print length
269 pages
Page Flip
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Book 2 of 2
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 