Terrific second book in the Dangerous Gifts series. The Earl and Countess of Tremayne and their natural and foster children are blessed with certain "Terrific second book in the Dangerous Gifts series. The Earl and Countess of Tremayne and their natural and foster children are blessed with certain "gifts." Those abilities make them valuable assets to the Home Office. On the eve of the resumption of the war, the oldest foster son, Cade, and the oldest daughter, Tamsyn, go to Paris to escort the Ambassador back to England. The mission is dangerous, but Cade is more concerned with keeping his unsiblinglike feelings for Tamsyn under wraps.
The action in this book was fast-paced and intense, keeping me glued to the pages. Cade and Tamsyn must ensure that the ambassador and his people get safely out of France before the French government can stop them. The trip to Calais from Paris is mostly uneventful, except for the feeling of being watched. Trouble rears in Calais when French troops try to prevent them from leaving. Unfortunately, Cade is captured, necessitating Tamsyn effecting a rescue. Unexpected developments make this an extremely complicated process, which, though successful, has unintended consequences. Their work for the Home Office continues when they uncover a plot that could devastate Britain's naval capabilities. The resolution of this plot was a nail-biter as they raced to prevent disaster.
I enjoyed the development of Cade and Tamsyn's relationship. They have shared a special connection since Cade arrived in the family. As he grew older, Cade realized the truth about his feelings for Tamsyn but buried them deep. For a long time, Tamsyn looked at her feelings for Cade as a more intense connection than she felt with the others, ignoring any hint that it could be more. However, the events of this mission bring those feelings to the surface, and they must face them. I ached for them as they tried to resolve their love with the possible consequences to their larger family. The resolution of their dilemma is well done and believable.
One of the most fascinating things about this book is the idea of the "gifts" and how their use. Each sibling has something unique that sets them apart. Their parents have worked hard to train them to use and appreciate those gifts properly. The ability to combine their powers intrigued me, as did the emergence of new skills when they did so. I loved how they always had each other's backs, even when far apart....more
Terrific conclusion to this year's Montana Mavericks series. In addition to the ongoing search for Beatrix, there is also a touch of the paranormal. TTerrific conclusion to this year's Montana Mavericks series. In addition to the ongoing search for Beatrix, there is also a touch of the paranormal. The title is indicative, too, as there are some definite parallels to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Evan is the owner/operator of Bronco Ghost Tours. He is very business-focused, working long hours to make it more successful. He has a reputation as a difficult boss and, combined with his lack of Christmas spirit, frequently leads to Scrooge-like comparisons. His newest idea for during the slow winter season is Yuletide Ghost Tours, a potential money-maker. When he hears that the local animal sanctuary is haunted, he is determined to add it to the tour.
Daphne is the out-of-step daughter of the area's most prominent rancher. She runs an animal sanctuary and is a vegetarian, both of which irritate her father to no end. Daphne and her animals are popular with the townspeople, and she has plenty of volunteers to help her. She's surprised when Evan contacts her about a "business proposition."
I loved the first meeting between Evan and Daphne. Evan is very focused, with a "time is money" attitude, where Daphne is more laid back - and sometimes a little forgetful. She forgot about her meeting with Evan and was mucking out stalls when he arrived. Evan was not impressed and thought that he could easily charm Daphne into doing what he wanted. He couldn't have been more wrong. I loved watching her bring up her concerns, make sure he addressed them, and then negotiate for a portion of the proceeds. I loved seeing him leave confused about how it happened.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Evan and Daphne. Neither one expected the attraction that arced between them. While Evan did his best to ignore it, Daphne was firmly convinced that she'd met "The One." Though Evan doesn't believe in romantic love, he can't deny that he's drawn to Daphne. I loved watching them spend time together over the next few weeks, slowly getting to know each other. Their connection was a little surprising because of their differences. Daphne believes in love at first sight; Evan doesn't. Evan is all about making money, while Daphne is happy having enough to keep the sanctuary going. Daphne loves everything to do with Christmas and is horrified by Evan's lack of Christmas spirit. I loved watching Daphne slowly chip away at that attitude. I also loved the scene where Evan discovered Daphne is a vegetarian. His reaction was great and very unexpected.
Things look very promising between them until Evan and Daphne face off about a secret he keeps from his grandmother. Evan believes he is protecting her, while Daphne thinks he denies her a possible connection she was unaware of. Some harsh words are exchanged. Fortunately, he quickly realized that he went too far (reinforced by comments by both his sister and his grandmother). But on his way to apologize, he wrecked his car in the snow. While unconscious, his experiences gave the book its title in a very amusing interlude. It did serve to bring Evan and Daphne back together, though their story was not finished.
One of the themes running through the book is the haunting of Happy Hearts Sanctuary. Though Evan claims he doesn't believe in ghosts, that wasn't always so. Though a traumatic event as a child caused him to deny his feelings, Evan is very sensitive to the spirit world. On his first visit to Happy Hearts, he heard Alice's ghost crying and was sure that Daphne heard it. Though she didn't admit it to him, Daphne has been conversing with Alice for six months. I loved the scenes between Daphne and Alice, who was full of all kinds of advice. Evan, too, began to experience some strange dreams that were tied to the sanctuary. I loved following this thread and how Daphne and Evan worked together to help Alice. The end of her story was sweet.
Then there was the story of the missing Beatrix, which was a thread throughout the entire series. In the previous book, Melanie (In Search of the Long-Lost Maverick) put a notice on social media with the information she's learned so far. I loved seeing that post bear fruit. The scene as the missing Beatrix was told of the past was fantastic. Her reunion with her mother was incredibly emotional, and I loved seeing the effects on them all.
Merged review:
Terrific conclusion to this year's Montana Mavericks series. In addition to the ongoing search for Beatrix, there is also a touch of the paranormal. The title is indicative, too, as there are some definite parallels to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Evan is the owner/operator of Bronco Ghost Tours. He is very business-focused, working long hours to make it more successful. He has a reputation as a difficult boss and, combined with his lack of Christmas spirit, frequently leads to Scrooge-like comparisons. His newest idea for during the slow winter season is Yuletide Ghost Tours, a potential money-maker. When he hears that the local animal sanctuary is haunted, he is determined to add it to the tour.
Daphne is the out-of-step daughter of the area's most prominent rancher. She runs an animal sanctuary and is a vegetarian, both of which irritate her father to no end. Daphne and her animals are popular with the townspeople, and she has plenty of volunteers to help her. She's surprised when Evan contacts her about a "business proposition."
I loved the first meeting between Evan and Daphne. Evan is very focused, with a "time is money" attitude, where Daphne is more laid back - and sometimes a little forgetful. She forgot about her meeting with Evan and was mucking out stalls when he arrived. Evan was not impressed and thought that he could easily charm Daphne into doing what he wanted. He couldn't have been more wrong. I loved watching her bring up her concerns, make sure he addressed them, and then negotiate for a portion of the proceeds. I loved seeing him leave confused about how it happened.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Evan and Daphne. Neither one expected the attraction that arced between them. While Evan did his best to ignore it, Daphne was firmly convinced that she'd met "The One." Though Evan doesn't believe in romantic love, he can't deny that he's drawn to Daphne. I loved watching them spend time together over the next few weeks, slowly getting to know each other. Their connection was a little surprising because of their differences. Daphne believes in love at first sight; Evan doesn't. Evan is all about making money, while Daphne is happy having enough to keep the sanctuary going. Daphne loves everything to do with Christmas and is horrified by Evan's lack of Christmas spirit. I loved watching Daphne slowly chip away at that attitude. I also loved the scene where Evan discovered Daphne is a vegetarian. His reaction was great and very unexpected.
Things look very promising between them until Evan and Daphne face off about a secret he keeps from his grandmother. Evan believes he is protecting her, while Daphne thinks he denies her a possible connection she was unaware of. Some harsh words are exchanged. Fortunately, he quickly realized that he went too far (reinforced by comments by both his sister and his grandmother). But on his way to apologize, he wrecked his car in the snow. While unconscious, his experiences gave the book its title in a very amusing interlude. It did serve to bring Evan and Daphne back together, though their story was not finished.
One of the themes running through the book is the haunting of Happy Hearts Sanctuary. Though Evan claims he doesn't believe in ghosts, that wasn't always so. Though a traumatic event as a child caused him to deny his feelings, Evan is very sensitive to the spirit world. On his first visit to Happy Hearts, he heard Alice's ghost crying and was sure that Daphne heard it. Though she didn't admit it to him, Daphne has been conversing with Alice for six months. I loved the scenes between Daphne and Alice, who was full of all kinds of advice. Evan, too, began to experience some strange dreams that were tied to the sanctuary. I loved following this thread and how Daphne and Evan worked together to help Alice. The end of her story was sweet.
Then there was the story of the missing Beatrix, which was a thread throughout the entire series. In the previous book, Melanie (In Search of the Long-Lost Maverick) put a notice on social media with the information she's learned so far. I loved seeing that post bear fruit. The scene as the missing Beatrix was told of the past was fantastic. Her reunion with her mother was incredibly emotional, and I loved seeing the effects on them all....more
Good book about love and family. Taylor Dove is the middle sister of seven sisters. Each of them has a special gift. In Tay's case, she can touch someGood book about love and family. Taylor Dove is the middle sister of seven sisters. Each of them has a special gift. In Tay's case, she can touch someone's handwriting and instantly experience the feelings, sights, and sounds of the person writing. This talent enhances her career as a noted historian, frequently guiding the direction of her research. When her sisters find an antique tin of love letters written by their ancestor, Sarafina, Tay rushes home to investigate. She's happy about the distraction from her recent breakup and intends to focus on writing Sarafina's biography.
The letters reveal a secret relationship with William Day, a wild young man later convicted of participating in a notorious train robbery. Tay's best chance of finding answers lies in the Day family archives in Rose Day's bookstore. But Rose resists giving Tay access until Rose's grandson, Luke, gets involved.
Luke returned to Dove Pond after he became the guardian of his niece, Lulu. Luke is one of those people for whom life comes easy. He's handsome, brilliant, and charming. He had a good computer job he gave up to take care of Lulu. Now, Luke works with Rose and does some computer consulting. There is a lot of tension between him and Rose as he tries to bring the store into the twenty-first century and meets resistance from his technophobe grandmother. He is also easily bored, so he begs Tay for the opportunity to work with her, solving the puzzle of the letters.
The plot intrigued me and kept me turning the pages. Tay researches her ancestor's career as a journalist in New York, but some of the information doesn't make sense to her. The letters from William open new paths of investigation into Sarafina's past. The reader is helped along by chapters told from Sarafina's point of view. Tay and Luke's teamwork is terrific with each bringing a different set of skills to the search. The tension rose as they closed in on the "family secret." While the secret wasn't a complete surprise, learning how they accomplished it was interesting.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Luke and Tay. She reluctantly accepts his help initially, but as time passes, she realizes he isn't the hindrance she expected. There are some great scenes of them working together and learning to appreciate the other's insights. Neither expected the feelings that developed between them, leaving Tay to decide if she would stay in Dove Pond or return to her job....more
This is the first book in a new series, Dangerous Gifts, about Regency-era men and women with paranormal abilities. I was enthralled with the story frThis is the first book in a new series, Dangerous Gifts, about Regency-era men and women with paranormal abilities. I was enthralled with the story from the first pages, and I look forward to the rest of the series.
The book opens with Lord and Lady Tremayne discovering two young boys hiding in an alley in London. Their families had rejected Bran and Cade because they exhibited strange abilities. Taken in and raised by the Tremaynes, who also possess similar abilities, Bran and Cade learned to control and use their gifts for good. Both now work for the Home Office, doing what they can to protect their country. Bran's gifts lean towards investigation and being able to connect events to form an accurate picture of looming trouble.
Bran is shocked to return home one day and find a lawyer from Cornwall wanting to see him. It appears that the father who rejected him so cruelly years earlier now needs to find the only son he has left. Bran is not interested in Penhaligon's title, lands, or fortune, but his intuition tells him he must go to Cornwall. With another war with France looming, the Cornwall coast is a prime location for smugglers and spies.
Bran's arrival in Cornwall is just as awkward as he expected. While his mother and sister are welcoming and kind, his father is as dismissive and arrogant as Bran remembered. I loved Bran's ability to keep his cool, which riled his father more. Additionally, Bran feels a growing sense of danger as he spends time in the village and meets various people. There is also a sense that something else has drawn him there, but he doesn't yet know what it is.
Meanwhile, we meet a young woman simply called "Girl." She is being held captive by two people who appear to have nefarious intentions. One of her captors, Starling, has a gift for putting a mind block on Girl, keeping her subdued. But Girl has retained enough of a sense of self that she knows she must escape. I loved seeing her determination and how she worked to regain some of her control, eventually taking advantage of an opportunity to escape. My heart pounded as I followed her flight and how it led her straight to Bran.
I loved how Bran immediately recognized that Girl (who he calls Lady) is gifted. His protectiveness, patience, and kindness were balm to her soul as he helped her recover from her ordeal. The sparks between them are immediately noticeable. Bran has his work cut out to remember he's an honorable man, especially as she begins to recover her memories, such as her name, Merryn. There are some terrific scenes of them together as they get to know each other. Bran sends for Cade and his sister, Tamsyn, a healer, to help investigate the sense of danger and help Merryn. Seeing Bran struggle to resist Merryn's wiles while awaiting her complete recovery was fun. I especially enjoyed watching Bran attempt to explain the depth and reality of their connection to Merryn. The ending was great, and the epilogue was a perfect wrap-up for the book.
As the four of them delve deeper into the danger they feel, the twists and turns of discoveries and revelations kept them (and me) guessing about where and how the trouble would occur. Just when I thought I had it figured out, something would happen to complicate the situation. I never expected the particular gift that made Merryn so vital to the bad guys' plans and the danger it put her in. I was glued to the pages as everything came together, and they raced to prevent disaster. The resolution was well done.
The secondary characters were terrific and added extra depth to the story. I like the relationship between Cade and Bran, who have maintained their closeness into adulthood. Their love and respect for each other is evident throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing Cade confront part of his past. The surprise he discovered showed a little-known side of him, and I look forward to the possibility of seeing more of it. I loved their sister, Tamsyn, one of the three biological children of the Tremaynes. She is strong, independent, and gifted, and loves her family. The interactions between her and her brothers were fun. It was also evident that they respected her intelligence and abilities. I suspect that Cade and she will be the subjects of the next books in the series.
A secondary romance was going on between Bran's Penhaligon sister, Glynis, and the estate's lawyer, Matthew Davey. Her father forbids it, but she and Matthew find ways to be together. Matthew was a terrific man who loved her but wouldn't do anything that could hurt her. I liked Matthew's friendship with Bran and his willingness to assist with their investigations. Glynis was initially sweet and quiet, but her genuine personality began to show through as the book progressed. I loved her burgeoning friendship with Merryn and Tamsyn. I loved the twist at the end.
This is the novelization of the movie of the same name. This movie has been one of my favorites since I first saw it in the early 1980s, with the intrThis is the novelization of the movie of the same name. This movie has been one of my favorites since I first saw it in the early 1980s, with the intriguing notion of a modern aircraft carrier traveling through time to the day before Pearl Harbor. How could it change history? Could it change history? And should it change history?
I am very familiar with the movie, so it was easy to picture the events described in the book. Computer expert Warren Lasky didn't expect to be pulled from his current work with Tideman Industries and sent to spend several days onboard the Nimitz with no instructions other than to be there. The ship's captain, Matt Yelland, isn't thrilled to have a civilian on board, but orders are orders. Neither expect the stunning events that occur nor the moral and ethical choices they face.
Because the book must use words to paint the pictures, there is a lot of technical description that can get a little overwhelming for the casual reader. I found myself skimming some of those sections to get to the meat of the story. When the ship goes through the vortex that hurls it back in time, Warren figures out what happened well before anyone else. I could feel the captain's frustration with him as Warren stayed quiet and let him come to the correct conclusion on his own. The Air Wing Commander, Richard Owens, is a history buff who knows a lot about the attack on Pearl Harbor, and his input is critical to the decisions made.
Matters become complicated when two Japanese fighters attack a pleasure boat off the coast of Hawaii, killing several of the passengers but leaving two alive. It's an exciting scene in the movie and book, as two modern fighters intervene. The subsequent rescue of the two passengers and one pilot creates further headaches for the captain when he discovers who one of the passengers is. There are some amusing scenes as the two passengers face the improbability of what they see. There is also a scary scene with the Japanese pilot when he breaks free of his confinement. Commander Owens plays a pivotal role in the resolution of that issue.
It was interesting to see how Captain Yelland decided to handle the situation. Putting the safety of the civilians first, his actions there had unintended consequences that only became clear at the end of the book. But when it comes time to take action, who will win - the Nimitz or time itself?
As a fan of the Outlander series, I could see parallels between the two attempts to change history. In Outlander, Claire and Jaime try their best to prevent the disaster at Culloden but discover that, while little things can be changed, significant events are much harder to affect. In this book, their desire to prevent the destruction at Pearl Harbor runs up against the same problem.
I loved the ending and seeing the surprise that waited for Warren on his return to Pearl Harbor. The book has more detail than the movie, and I found the prospects discussed intriguing.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when the female passenger, Laurel, an intelligent and ambitious woman who must deal with the prejudices of the time, says, "Captain, your crew is fabulous. I feel this is the first time I have been with a group of men who appreciate someone for what that person is, and that sex doesn't matter." And the captain replies, "You might say we're just a bit ahead of our time."
I have one small quibble with the back cover copy. The Nimitz doesn't go back in time on December 7, 1980. According to the book's text, that happens on July 13, 1980....more
I liked how Beauty's family was such a loving family, not the poor little girl abused type of family. I loved Beauty and her independence. She seemed very adaptable and handled her time at the castle very well. I also loved the way that she was able to look past the surface of the Beast and see who he was. I loved the enchantments in the castle and how real all of it felt. The library was incredibly awesome. There were some entertaining parts, like the argument between Beauty and the "breezes" over the silver dress was great. The ending was a perfect fairytale. ...more
What a fun book! I don't think I've read a cozy since Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series and Karen Olsen's Tattoo Shop series, but this was a great What a fun book! I don't think I've read a cozy since Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series and Karen Olsen's Tattoo Shop series, but this was a great reintroduction to the genre. This one caught my eye with its combination of bookstore, tea shop, and magic. It is set in a small town in Washington with quirky residents and interesting shops. As the first book in the series, the introduction of the characters, setting, and situations was done smoothly without feeling like the first few chapters were an infodump.
Newly divorced Phoebe has just inherited most of her Aunt Eudora's estate, from her home (and cat!) to her thriving business. Phoebe has fond memories of summers spent with her aunt, hanging out in the bookstore, and learning to mix tea varieties. She's not sure how she'll do now that it's hers, but she's looking forward to the new start. I loved Phoebe's memories of her aunt and the adventurous life she led. I enjoyed seeing Phoebe explore her new surroundings and her puzzlement at some of the things she learned. Not the least was the realization that her aunt's reputation as a witch may have been more literal than the New Age hippy variety that Phoebe initially believed.
Her first encounters with some of her neighbors set the tone for the book. First up is Dierdre, who claims to be a good friend of Eudora's but was warned against by Eudora herself in a letter to Phoebe. After first trying to suck up to Phoebe and offering to buy the properties, she quickly turns angry and insulting when Phoebe firmly refuses those offers. Dierdre doesn't give up and shows up later, accompanied by a big brute of a man, still trying to bully Phoebe into selling. Phoebe later meets the man renting the apartment above the store in a scene that made me laugh out loud. You can see an immediate connection between them, one that is explained when it turns out he is her old childhood friend, Ricky (now Rich). Some flickers of attraction also bode well as a romantic touch. She also meets Amy, who owns the bakery next door, and becomes an instant friend.
Matters become complicated when Phoebe receives a call from the police about a dead body outside the back door of her store. She's disturbed to identify the body as the man who had been with Dierdre and wonders why he'd been behind her store. Does it have something to do with Dierdre's desire to buy the properties? She's determined to do what she can to find out.
This is where some of the magic comes in. Phoebe uses some of her aunt's Truth Be Told tea in a batch of scones, hoping that someone will let something slip after eating one. The first taker is Dierdre, of all people, and the next scene is hilarious. Phoebe decides that maybe she'd best hold off on trying anything else until she's more comfortable with what she can do. Other happenings soon convince Phoebe that Eudora wasn't the only witch in the family. The realization is startling, to say the least, and sends Phoebe looking for answers. Her conversation with Honey at the New Age store was eye-opening and stirred up more questions.
As Phoebe delves more into Eudora's life, she becomes more convinced that she is exactly where she's meant to be. But the questions surrounding the murder stir doubts about whether she can trust her judgment. When she discovers Eudora's long-held secret, she has to decide who she can trust. The final confrontation comes quickly after this discovery. I was on the edge of my seat as Phoebe faced the killer. The resolution was intense, with a unique method of foiling the killer's intentions. The book concludes with a sweet scene between Phoebe and Rick and a hopeful feeling for the future.
Good suspense story with a paranormal element and fast-paced romance. One of a set of triplets with unique gifts, Elizabeth's early life was traumaticGood suspense story with a paranormal element and fast-paced romance. One of a set of triplets with unique gifts, Elizabeth's early life was traumatic. After their mother's murder and father's disappearance, they bounced around foster care until they were thirteen, then went out on their own. They were later taken in by a businessman who treated them like his own children. They went to work for him as adults, specializing in retrieving stolen items.
Elizabeth's brother, Anthony, is super-protective of his two sisters, causing them to feel smothered. In this book, Elizabeth sets off on her own after a big argument with him, looking for some freedom. On her first night, she attends a showing at an art gallery where one item draws her attention. Something about it strikes her as wrong, but she can't get close enough to be sure. Determined to confirm her suspicions, she made an unauthorized visit to the gallery later that night. I loved seeing her use her intellect, training, and gift to gain access. It was intriguing to see how she managed it. The one thing she didn't expect was to find the gallery owner, Cole, waiting for her.
Cole is a very wealthy man who prides himself on his honesty in both his personal and professional lives. He was horrified and angry to discover that the centerpiece of his upcoming art show was stolen. With the help of a contact, he could open the show as scheduled but with a twist. The night of the show, he noticed a beautiful woman paying great attention to the sculpture. After a brief conversation, he was even more intrigued by her, but she also raised his suspicions.
I loved watching the relationship between Cole and Elizabeth develop. I loved their interactions when he caught her with the statue. Elizabeth is confident and unflappable, while Cole is suspicious but intrigued, especially when she claims she can find and retrieve the real statue. I loved their back and forth as they negotiated their partnership. Simmering under their banter is an attraction neither can deny. As they prepare to retrieve the stolen statue, the sparks between them grow stronger, but there are obstacles to doing anything about it. Cole is still somewhat suspicious, but his growing feelings for her lead him to trust her. However, he fears for her safety, and there are some signs of jealousy. Elizabeth finds Cole's protectiveness irritating and reminiscent of Anthony's control issues, leaving her wary of getting too involved with him. It takes facing danger for them to admit their feelings to themselves and each other. One of the things that impressed me was Cole's respect for Elizabeth and her abilities and his promise not to interfere in her work. I like the outlook for a happy future together.
The mystery of the statue was well done. It didn't take long for Elizabeth to figure out the culprit. She also had other suspicions that Cole disagreed with. I loved watching them plan their operation and carry out the steps. Their quarry was sufficiently creepy to be completely unsympathetic, and I enjoyed seeing Elizabeth thwart his advances. I laughed out loud when Elizabeth demonstrated her camera-placing technique to Cole, leaving him stunned. I loved their teamwork on the statue retrieval, which went well until suspect number two showed up. The confrontation was intense but had a great ending, thanks to Elizabeth.
The story arc of this series is that someone knows about Elizabeth and her siblings and their unique abilities. He wants control of them for himself and will stop at nothing to get it. In this book, their adoptive father, Jeremy, becomes a target. He is saved thanks to an intense scene involving Elizabeth and Anthony. I'm looking forward to tracking down and reading the rest of this series....more
Good second chance romance between two people whose high school crushes on each other never went anywhere because of outside interference. Cierra is aGood second chance romance between two people whose high school crushes on each other never went anywhere because of outside interference. Cierra is a recently divorced single mom trying to make a go of her real estate business. She leaps at the chance to sell the DeWalt property - and then finds out it may be haunted. Her only option is to contact Wesley, her high school crush and current co-host of a ghost hunter show, and ask for help.
Wesley is surprised to hear from Cierra. Though he and his brothers have had their dream come true with their television show, Wesley has a little trouble adjusting to the accompanying fame and change in circumstances. Older brother Dion (Summoning Up Love) has moved away to be with his girlfriend and his younger brother, Tyrone, is constantly on the road promoting the show. This leaves Wesley taking care of the family home by himself and feeling left behind.
A lot is going on in this book. First and foremost is the developing relationship between Wesley and Cierra. They get off to a rough start because of unresolved feelings over the end of their high school friendship. However, the attraction between their adult selves is undeniable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. Cierra is hesitant to get involved with Wesley as she is still recovering from her unhappy marriage and messy divorce. But in the course of solving the mystery behind the haunting, the time they spend together allows them to get to know each other again. Some sweet scenes include Wesley showing up at Cierra's house with home-baked treats and Wesley's care of her after her first experience with a ghost. There are some steamy scenes as the attraction builds between them. And there are rough spots when remarks by others stir up insecurities and make them doubt each other and themselves. I liked that their dark moment didn't last long and that common sense and communication made for a happy ending.
There are complicating issues for Wesley and Cierra. Wesley spent years serving as the peacemaker between his two brothers and feels unappreciated. A suggestion from a neighbor that Wesley sell the house since no one lives there any longer motivates Wesley to talk to Cierra about it. But it doesn't go well when he broaches the subject with Dion and Tyrone. However, it finally gives Wesley the chance to make his brothers understand how he feels, and the resulting scene does much to clear the air between them.
At the same time, Cierra is dealing with a PITA ex-husband. Even after three years, Troy still harps on how Cierra's reactions to his actions were unreasonable and that her place is back with him. He uses passive-aggressive methods to make his point, which frustrates Cierra. Troy is selfish, narcissistic, and manipulative, and I enjoyed seeing Cierra shut him down. A terrific scene late in the book is when Wesley calls Troy out on his attitude. Her years with Troy made Cierra reluctant to get involved with Wesley, but his caring and supportive attitude went a long way toward easing her fears.
A fascinating part of this book was the investigation into the haunting of the DeWalt manor. I got goosebumps when I read the description of Wesley and Cierra's experiences in the house's kitchen. I was intrigued by the heartbreaking information they uncovered and loved how it was handled. I especially enjoyed Cierra's solution about the sale of the house.
The supporting characters added extra depth to the story. Wesley's brothers came across as clueless and unthinking at the beginning, and it took Wesley losing his temper to open their eyes. But once that happened, the brothers' closeness was re-established and strengthened. I look forward to Tyrone's story. Cierra's mother loved her, but her constant support of Troy rather than Cierra ticked me off. Then for her to suddenly latch on to Wesley because of his "celebrity" status made her look shallow, topped off by her insinuations that Cierra was using him for her business. My favorite of the secondary characters was Cierra's daughter Aria. She was adorable, and I loved how she connected with Wesley immediately. Her "Hi, Mr. Wesley!" always made him feel good.
Dion and his two brothers help people identify paranormal activity in their homes. They've developed an excellent reputation and even have a producer interested in filming their work. Dion is the natural leader of their group. When their parents died, Dion gave up his college scholarship to stay home and raise his two younger brothers. He took a job with the city public works department, where he's been for seventeen years.
I had a little trouble liking Vanessa at first. I understand that she was protecting her grandmother, but she was flat-out rude in her first conversation with Dion. I felt as though she could have handled things without being so confrontational. On the other hand, I loved Dion. He understands her protectiveness and responds calmly.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dion and Vanessa. Underneath Vanessa's antagonism were sparks of attraction that she tried to resist. Dion felt the same and wanted to get to know her better. I loved his idea to have her tag along on one of their investigations, giving her a chance to know him and see what they do. She made me angry with her disrespectful attitude in front of his clients, and I wouldn't have blamed him if he'd dropped her right there. He's persistent, though, and eventually gets through to her, and she lightens up a bit.
There are some terrific scenes of them together as they get to know each other. Vanessa's independent streak gets her in trouble at one point, and Dion comes to her rescue. When their attraction becomes too much to resist, each knows there is an end date but believes they can keep their hearts intact. But as time goes on, those feelings grow deeper. However, both have issues that keep them from believing they can have a future together. Vanessa is actively looking for a new job and knows that it won't likely be close to Sunshine Beach. She doesn't have much confidence in long-distance relationships. Dion has some significant insecurities. His last relationship ended when the woman left, claiming he was too boring and looked down on him because of his job, but he wants a home and family of his own.
Vanessa and Dion's path to a happy future faces a few hurdles. When Vanessa gets hired at a new job and a new town, do they attempt a long-distance relationship or call it quits? When Dion faces disappointment at work, does he stay where it's safe or spread his wings? I ached for Vanessa and Dion when her attempt at encouragement ran against his insecurities, and they exchanged harsh words. I liked that they didn't allow them to fester but confronted the misunderstanding quickly. I loved the surprise that Dion had for Vanessa on Valentine's Day.
The ghost hunting aspect of the book was fascinating. I liked the pragmatic approach, using research and science rather than sensationalism to get to the root of the hauntings. Even though it isn't his dream, I liked how Dion supports his two brothers in pursuing the TV show. I loved the section where the trio gets to work on Arletha's house, accompanied by the tv crew. I was glued to the pages as they went step-by-step through the process. The conclusion was terrific and made me cheer for Arletha and the brothers.
A fun novella that I read in one sitting. Elva is an elf who her aunt and uncle raised in Cat's Paw Cove after her parents disappeared. She's the onlyA fun novella that I read in one sitting. Elva is an elf who her aunt and uncle raised in Cat's Paw Cove after her parents disappeared. She's the only kid at the Feline Fine Retirement Home, which she describes as "like living with dozens of grandmothers and grandfathers." When she's ten years old, she meets ten-year-old Art, who has just arrived in town with his parents. They buy a home to use during the summers, and Art and Elva immediately become best friends. I loved that first meeting, with Art's astonishment at everything from Elva's pointy ears to the talking cats.
When Art was eighteen, he permanently moved to Cat's Paw Cove and set up his inventing business. Elva became a healing elf who uses bees and honey to treat her patients. Art is just as shy now as he was twenty years ago. He's in love with Elva but doesn't think she feels anything more than friendship for him. He's about to get a little help. When Elva's beehives are stolen from her yard, Art is the one she looks to for help. Art's feline companion, Kit Kat, tells her to go on a date with Art if she wants his help, while her cat, Romeo, mutters, "About time..." Art is shocked but thrilled when she agrees since he has no idea that she is in love with him too. Just as he's leaning in for a long-awaited kiss, they are interrupted.
At the door are two people claiming to be Elva's long-lost parents. Stunned but happy, Elva is full of questions. Art is skeptical and has reservations about this couple. I loved his protectiveness and how he watched out for Elva from the very beginning. Elva received another shock when her parents claimed that she is betrothed to Prince Scott and the wedding is in two weeks. I loved her reaction when she met Prince Scott, who turns out to be something of an over-age frat boy.
We quickly learn that things are not always what they seem. Something fishy is going on, and it seems to have something to do with the King of the Dark Elves. I was fascinated by the twists and turns and revelations as Art and Elva looked for the truth. I loved watching Elva's family and friends go all-in in protecting her while Art's Uncle Hermes looks into the missing hives and whether her parents are dead or not. Later on, combining Prince Scott and too many bottles of mead led to the whole thing falling apart. I loved watching everything unravel and laughed out loud at many parts.
I loved the ending. The truth is exposed, and Elva stands up for her choice of husband. I loved the surprise waiting for Elva after delivering some hives to some friends at the retirement home.
Loved it. After such a long wait, "Bees" arrived on my kindle. With a trans-Atlantic flight ahead of me, I waited to start until I was on the plane. ILoved it. After such a long wait, "Bees" arrived on my kindle. With a trans-Atlantic flight ahead of me, I waited to start until I was on the plane. I've never had a flight pass so quickly as that one did. Of course, I came nowhere near finishing the book, and in a great test of willpower, spread the reading over the next week. This allowed me to savor what I'd read before moving on to the following chapters. The book never disappointed me, though I admit to a few bouts of frustration while reading. One of the biggest things I noticed about this book is that it doesn't move from one crisis to another as many earlier books did. It is more character-driven, with time spent watching those characters grow, change, adjust, and generally deal with day-to-day life and life-changing situations.
The story picks up where the previous book left off, with the return of the MacKenzies to Fraser's Ridge. Claire and Jamie's happiness is evident, but so is their concern over what the future holds. Though Jamie resigned his commission in the Continental Army after Claire's injury in MOBY, they know that the war will eventually spread to their area. Jamie already sees the writing on the wall, as residents of the Ridge are split between Rebels and Loyalists. One particular resident, Captain Cunningham, will prove to be especially troublesome. It falls to Jamie to ensure the protection of his people, and he forms a militia company to do so. I loved the descriptions of his efforts to train them, including a hilarious riding lesson.
I've seen complaints from other readers that the relationship between Jamie and Claire is lacking in this book. I'm afraid I have to disagree. It is perhaps a little quieter but no less intense. Claire knows him well enough to understand when she needs to worry about him and when she can write his actions off as business as usual. At the same time, Jamie knows when to stay out of the way of Claire's medical work and when he can offer a bit of guidance. Jamie certainly knows that leaving her behind when he goes to fight is not an option. Both are haunted by the ghost of Frank Randall, thanks to his book that Brianna brought with her from the future. Knowledge of the upcoming battle at King's Mountain hangs over their heads.
Other happenings involving friends and family:
With the return of the MacKenzies, Brianna, Roger, Jem, and Mandy must readjust to life in the 18th century. Roger found his calling with the ministry and finally pursued his ordination as a Presbyterian minister. Religious life on the Ridge is as much entertainment as spiritual, and nearly everyone attends all services, including the Quaker meeting led by Ian's wife. Some of those scenes are pretty funny and go a long way toward encouraging tolerance of others' views. Brianna continues her work as an engineer helping her father and as an artist. Thanks to Lord John, she receives a commission to do a portrait in Savannah. I enjoyed the descriptions of her subject and the challenges she faced. It also put Brianna in the right place for an unexpected and frankly somewhat creepy portrait request. The descriptions of that event were so vivid that I felt as though I was there.
While in Savannah, Brianna had the opportunity to spend time with her half-brother, William. I liked his protectiveness toward his sister and his support during that weird portrait session. Brianna is aware of the strain between William and Jamie and uses the time to talk about Jamie. I laughed out loud when she told William about that particular sound he makes ("mmphm").
William matures a fair amount in this book. While he still hasn't quite come to terms with the truth about his parentage, he is getting closer. He is still just as determined to renounce his title and corrects anyone who refers to him by it. Since resigning from the British army, he's been at loose ends, so he takes on the investigation into his cousin Ben's reported death. This includes dealing with Ben's widow, Amaranthus. I freely admit that I do not like her or her hold on William. The shocking information he discovers about Ben could destroy the family, and her part in it made me dislike her even more.
I liked William's friendship with John Cinnamon, the half-Indian, half-white man he met while visiting the family's Virginia property. John was an interesting character, and his connection to Lord John made for some tense moments until the whole story came out. I loved Brianna's part in John's story and its effect on him.
During Roger and Brianna's trip to Savannah, they stopped briefly in Charles Town, South Carolina. The visit served a dual purpose. First, they returned Germaine to his parents, Fergus and Marsali. He lived on the Ridge while they all recovered from Henri-Christian's death. Fergus and Marsali run a successful printing business, working solidly on the side of the Americans. Fergus's connections make him the perfect person to help Roger and Bree acquire rifles for Jamie's militia. The descriptions of everything involved in this undertaking were, at times, scary and hilarious. There were some intense moments when Loyalists made their unhappiness with Fergus and his views plain. The danger motivates Fergus and family to relocate. Fergus also has another encounter with someone claiming to know the truth of his birth.
Other residents of the Ridge also have their challenges. Frances (Fanny), the girl William rescued in the previous book, lives with Jamie and Claire. It takes a long time for her to believe that she is safe with them and doesn't have to worry about her future. Her grief for her sister profoundly affects her life, and I ached for everything she experienced in her short life. She is an interesting mixture of innocence and experience, and some of the things she says are both funny and heartbreaking. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.
Life in the backwoods can be hazardous, and tragedy can strike without warning. The gruesome death of a young woman brought that danger home in a memorable scene. I ached for Bobby over the loss of his wife. In another scene, attending a difficult birth brings Claire closer to the manifestation of her full healing powers. It also brings another girl to the attention and guardianship of the Frasers.
Young Ian and Rachel have settled on the Ridge, along with Ian's mother, Jenny. Their love was as surprising as it was intense, and I enjoyed seeing their continuing adjustments to life together as Mohawk and Quaker. When Ian receives word that his first wife is now a widow and could be in danger, nothing will stop him from checking up on her. I loved that Rachel insisted on going with him, along with their baby and Jenny. I wasn't sure how that encounter would go, and I admit to being pleasantly surprised. The scene between Emily and Rachel was incredibly emotional, and I loved every moment of it. There was an interesting twist involving Jenny, and I look forward to seeing where it goes.
I also enjoyed seeing some minor characters from previous books make appearances. The Quaker woman and her daughters who helped Jamie in the last book are on his mind when Ian heads north. When Jamie asks Ian to check on her during his trip, Ian is shocked by what he finds. I loved his honor-fueled protectiveness and the actions it led to. It did somewhat complicate his life and journey. An unexpected twist ended with Mrs. Hardiman and her daughters traveling back to the Ridge. Ulysses (from River Run) was a less welcome visitor in a British uniform and bearing ill intentions toward Jamie.
Lord John and his brother Hal, Duke of Pardloe, have several appearances in this book. Hal's seniority in the army put him at the center of the action. His views on the war don't necessarily match those of his compatriots. I liked his devotion to his family and ached over the effect of Ben's actions on him. John's relationship with William continues to be strained over the revelations of his parenthood. The same goes for his friendship with Jamie, thanks to John's brief marriage to Claire. Strained or not, John is there for William when he's needed, and there is never a doubt about how much he cares for William. John's past comes back to bite him when he's kidnapped in an attempt to influence Hal's plans for a trip to England.
Double agent (but for whom?) Richardson makes another appearance. This time he has an agenda of his own that he will do anything to advance. William is especially disturbed by Richardson's statement that he knows Brianna and the hint of an underlying threat. A rough sketch done by William and shown to Brianna makes the unthinkable not only possible but terrifyingly real.
The book ended in a cliffhanger with Lord John still a captive and William searching for help to save him. I hope that the next book doesn't take as long as this one did. I need to know what happens!...more
Terrific book. It is the only one of the series I have read, and it left me wanting to read the others. It was an emotional book about a man who endurTerrific book. It is the only one of the series I have read, and it left me wanting to read the others. It was an emotional book about a man who endured horrible things as a child and the effect on his life thereafter. It was also the story of the woman who saw past the scars to the man.
Melinda left Ohio after yet another failed relationship to join her sister at the White Sandy rez. She will run the new daycare center. The man who cleans the center and visits her sister and brother-in-law late at night intrigues her with his scars and haunted eyes.
Nobody was a hero who pulled at the heartstrings. Named Nobody by his mother, who told him he was "a nobody who came from nobody and would always be a nobody," he lives in the shadows and avoids contact with almost everyone. His history is heartbreaking, but it left him with a streak of protectiveness, especially toward children.
I loved the connection that formed between Melinda and Nobody from the moment they met. Nobody has an uncanny knack for melting into the shadows, and it's a rare person who can see him when he does. Melinda is one of those people, and it scares Nobody spitless. I loved watching her get to know him by slipping into his world. She understands him and what makes him the way he is, and she doesn't try to force him into her world. Instead, she accepts him in all of his solitary glory while ensuring he doesn't push her away. Nobody bought into the world's opinion that he's no good and doesn't understand what Melinda sees in him. His internal commentaries are both funny and heartbreaking as he tries to wrap his head around her interest.
It isn't long before their two worlds collide in the person of a young victim of the same kind of abuse Nobody suffered. Nobody protects young Jamie with his own form of justice, frequently taking the boy to his own home and giving him a safe space to recover. I loved the connection between the two of them. Jamie worships Nobody; his imitation of his hero is spot-on. He is also as protective of Nobody as Nobody is of him. When Melinda becomes aware of Jamie's situation, her reaction is to remove Jamie from his home ASAP. She receives an eye-opening education on what happens to Native children when they end up in foster care and struggles to find a compromise.
I loved the solution that Melinda and Nobody devised and that it had a good chance of working. Unfortunately, fate intervened before their plans could be fully executed. Melinda has the problem well in hand, but it requires Nobody's patience and cooperation. I ached for Nobody, whose worry for Jamie became so overwhelming that he did a very stupid thing. This left Melinda in an awkward position of having to find a way to fix the results of his actions and ensure that the solution is the one they want. I was quite impressed with Melinda as she went to bat for both Jamie and Nobody, though her methods for Nobody were very unorthodox. I ached for Nobody as he endured the consequences of his actions and worried that he'd also lost Melinda.
The ending brought tears to my eyes as Melinda waited and hoped for Nobody's return. I loved that she wasn't going to give him long to avoid her. I loved how, once again, she felt him before she saw him. Nobody broke my heart as he shared his fears and his feelings with her. "I've never loved anyone. I don't know how to love you. Will you show me how?" And Melinda says, "All I can ask is that you don't give up on us." Nobody: "Us. Never had an us before." Sigh.
Another fun trip to Cat's Paw Cove. The story starts with Brendan falling for Naomi, a woman in Orlando's swamps near his home. What he doesn't realizAnother fun trip to Cat's Paw Cove. The story starts with Brendan falling for Naomi, a woman in Orlando's swamps near his home. What he doesn't realize is that she is a naiad - a nymph. Brendan is ready to propose to her when he discovers her with someone else. Hurt, though maybe not as brokenhearted as he thinks, Brendan heads off to Cat's Paw Cove to visit his very pregnant sister, Charlotte (Charlotte Redbird, Ghost Coach). Angry at being dumped, Naomi swears to get him back.
On arriving in the Cove, Brendan is adopted by three Sherwood cats - Tom, Dick, and Harry. Freaked out by their talking to him, Brendan believes that his sister is playing a trick on him. You see, Brendan doesn't believe in magic. He is a medical professional and man of science, and magic doesn't make sense. During his visit, he must also face his father, whom he still resents for leaving after his mother died in childbirth. Complicating matters further, he falls fast and hard for Tessa, yet another nymph. Brendan feels ambushed by magic no matter which way he turns - and then Naomi shows up.
I had to laugh at Brendan's first encounter with Tom and his brothers. His frustration and bewilderment leaped off the page and only got worse when he confronted Charly about it. He tried so hard to find a scientific explanation, and it wasn't happening. I loved his first meeting with Tessa, helped along by Tom's mischievousness. What looked promising that evening turned to disaster the next morning when Tessa showed up just as Naomi made her move on Brendan. In another scene that tests Brendan's scientific beliefs, he makes up with Tessa.
But things are about to get really crazy in the Cove. Tessa's fountain turns to slime, Naomi lurks about trying to steal Brendan back, and the cats of the Cove suddenly start to bark instead of talk. With his grandmother's help, Brendan and Tessa must find a way to combine science and magic to cure the cats. At the same time, Brendan faces some uncomfortable facts about his past and what he believes. I loved the support that Tessa provides as he adjusts to the changes in his life.
Not to be forgotten, Naomi is still determined to get Brendan back in her clutches. Some of her actions have far-reaching consequences that Brendan and Tessa must find a way to mitigate. My heart was in my throat as Charly was one of those affected, and they raced to save her life. There was an intense scene as Naomi's attempt to kidnap Brendan goes awry (for her). I loved Tessa's revelation of why Naomi's actions were so extreme and the difference it made to Naomi.
I loved the ending as Brendan faces a new chapter in his life. I loved seeing him accept that science and magic can coexist and the difference it made to his family relationships. The scene at the Valentine's Ball was fantastic.
Fun story. Abby is a non-magical member of the Blessing family. She came to Cat's Paw Cove to attend her cousin's wedding, then watch over the potteryFun story. Abby is a non-magical member of the Blessing family. She came to Cat's Paw Cove to attend her cousin's wedding, then watch over the pottery shop while Theo is on her honeymoon. Unfortunately for her, she is the victim of a witch's curse that causes electrical issues whenever Abby says the word "love." A slip of the tongue ends up with local electrician Beau called to fix the shop's sudden power outage.
Beau is the Cove's best electrician and comes to Abby's rescue. He's a friendly guy and popular with all of the residents. But as soon as he's close to a woman he thinks is beautiful and that he is interested in, Beau becomes totally tongue-tied. Abby throws him off his game entirely, just when he wants to make a good impression.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Abby and Beau. The sparks between them are obvious from the start. Neither one is looking for a relationship. Abby is only in town for a couple of weeks, and Beau focuses on keeping his business from going under. Scarlet, the tiny tortoiseshell kitten, is a determined matchmaker and finds any number of ways to bring Abby and Beau together. I loved watching Scarlet's antics and how she made a deal with Beau to get him to take Abby to the Valentine's Ball.
Both Beau and Abby try to resist the pull between them, but it's no use. I ached for Abby, who has given up on love because of the curse. It doesn't help that it seems that the effects are getting worse - she can't even think the word, and something happens. Meanwhile, Beau has given in to the need to get to know her better and attempts to convince Abby that the curse is all in her head. I loved Abby's trip to Luna, the local witch and dispenser of advice on how to get rid of a curse. Luna had some eye-opening words for Abby that gave her a new way of looking at things.
Meanwhile, Beau stresses over whether he will be able to stay in business. An out-of-town competitor is undercutting his prices. While Beau is a terrific electrician, the paperwork side of the business is not his strong point. He's been through every accountant in town, and they all refuse to deal with his chaotic non-system. When Abby gets a look at his box full of miscellaneous papers, she can't resist the challenge. I loved watching her bring order to Beau's chaos and his stunned reaction to what she discovered.
At the same time, Scarlet enlisted one of the pottery shop's matchmaking dolls to seal the deal between Beau and Abby. I enjoyed watching their efforts to bring the two together, with the culmination being the Valentine's Ball. I loved the scene in the maze and how Beau figured out a way to make it happen....more
In 1943, a World War II bomber on a training mission crashed in a marsh neMultiple Blessings by Candace Colt
Does their love stand a ghost of a chance?
In 1943, a World War II bomber on a training mission crashed in a marsh near Cat's Paw Cove. According to local legend, on every Winter Solstice, mysterious lights appear near the crash site. If budding photojournalist Casey Blessing can dig a story out of this myth, it could be the career boost she needs. But she can't do it alone. She partners with Thomas Hudson who claims to be an aviation historian. Casey is attracted to the enigmatic stranger, but his uncanny knowledge of the crash can't be just coincidence. Could she be falling in love with a ghost?
Good story. College professor Thomas Hudson came to Cat's Paw Cove looking for the truth about his grandfather's death. His grandmother insists that he was shot down, while the army says it was a training accident. Complicating matters, Thomas has vivid nightmares about his grandfather's last flight. He meets Casey, whose sister Theo (Familiar Blessings) helps ghosts with their problems. Theo asks Casey to help Thomas.
Thomas was woefully unprepared for a place like Cat's Paw Cove. I had to laugh when he freaked out over Theo's comment that she talked to his grandfather, then discovered that he was talking to a ghost, too. Casey isn't magical herself, but she knows enough to be able to work with him. Though initially reluctant to get involved, once she hears why Thomas is there, Casey is determined to help him. I enjoyed the journey of discovery as they talked to people who witnessed the crash and discovered discrepancies in the explanations of what happened. I ached for Thomas over the bad news he received from home and loved how Casey challenged him to finish what he started. The ending was fantastic and emotional and a testament to lasting love.
Neither Thomas nor Casey expected the sparks that flared between them. They both fought it for a while, believing that nothing could come of it. I liked how Thomas helped Casey with her photo project, encouraging her to think outside the box. Meanwhile, I liked how Casey supported Thomas's dream and guided him to believe in the magical. The scene on Guinevere Island was great. I ached for them as they prepared to part ways until they received some surprising advice from a very unexpected source.
A Fae's Wishmas by Kira Nyte
All it takes is one wish.
Niera has a special Fae power that has dubbed her the Mystical Matchmaker, but despite helping others find their happily-ever-after, she lacks hope of ever finding her own. Until she arrives in a small town, is adopted by a magical cat, and dares to make a holiday wish
Good story about opposites who turn out to be the perfect match for each other. Niera is a woodland fae who has the magical ability to identify an ideal match. But she has been so busy helping others that she hasn't found a match for herself. She just found out that there is a time limit for facilitating one hundred matches, and she is about to run out of time. She has two days to find her last match or be cursed with being alone forever. She heads for Cat's Paw Cove to confirm her best friend's match and is forced to face her greatest fear. Being near the ocean drains her magic and threatens her life. She doesn't expect to meet her perfect match and have him be a man of the sea. How could they ever be together?
Alistair was banished from his ocean home by a vengeful sea fae when he inadvertently interfered with a fae and his cousin's match. He's been stuck on land and prevented from returning to the ocean and breaking the curse, thanks to some interfering cats. When he meets Niera, he is drawn to her, but getting involved with a land-bound fae is not an option.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Alistair and Niera. The attraction between them is powerful, and though they tried to resist, Niera's cat excels at pushing them together. As they get closer, the feelings between them grow stronger. I loved the discovery that they can help each other break their curses, but will something still come between them? The ending had some tense moments, but I loved how it turned out.
Chanukkah Melody for Two by Abigail Sharpe
Music can make magic!
Quiet and introverted Elayne Fico wants to surprise her mom with songs her Nana used to play for Chanukkah, so she enlists the help of local music teacher, Bartholomew Pelfrey. Elayne doesn't believe in Cat's Paw Cove's alleged magic, but there's something about her piano teacher that's conjuring some serious sparks.
Barly Pelfrey knows something big is going to happen when a Sherwood cat seeks him out. After his divorce and figuring out life with his two girls and an ex, he's ready for another chance at love. When he meets Elayne, he doesn't need Pascal to show him the way. But when Elayne reveals that romance isn't in the cards for her, he has to prove that love is its own special kind of magic.
Good story. Elayne is a woman with a practical, mathematical mind. She doesn't believe in magic at all. When a Sherwood cat adopts her, Elayne just sees a kitty. However, when she decides she needs a piano refresher before Chanukkah, Pascal leads her to Batholomew. Barly is a divorced father of two who is ready to open himself up to love again.
I loved the quick friendship between Elayne and Barly. She isn't a social person, but talking to him is easy. She never believed that love was in her future until she spent time with Barly. Under their solid friendship simmered sparks of attraction that eventually came to the surface. I enjoyed seeing the romance develop as Elayne and Barly grew closer. But a comment about Pascal's role in their romance stirred up Elayne's insecurities, and she pulled away. I ached for Barly as he wondered what happened and if she would be back. Once again, Pascal went to the rescue, though I'm still not sure if Elayne accepted the magic. I think she needed a dose of the magic elixir from Guinevere Island!...more
Fun book. In magical Cat's Paw Cove, you never know if you're talking to a witch, a fairy, or, in this case, a bookworm. Astor's magical talent is theFun book. In magical Cat's Paw Cove, you never know if you're talking to a witch, a fairy, or, in this case, a bookworm. Astor's magical talent is the ability to step into the world of any book. As the oldest of her siblings, Astor has had the responsibility of caring for her family ever since her mother left them. It's no wonder that escaping into the worlds of Little Women or The Great Gatsby is more interesting. It's the perfect magical talent for the manager of a haunted bookstore.
Wade is the host of a television show called Haunted Hoaxes, where he exposes fake supernatural events. He believes that there is no such thing as paranormal activity. When his show is about to be canceled, Wade plans to win renewal by exposing Tales bookstore as a fraud. Things don't go quite the way he expected.
I loved following Wade's conversion. The book opened with a prologue from Wade's childhood detailing a traumatic event that goes a long way toward explaining his obsession. When he arrived in Cat's Paw Cove, he simply observed the bookstore and noticed Astor right away. When they met, there was no doubt about the sparks that flew between them. Neither planned to act on them because Wade is only there for a short time, and Astor can't imagine getting involved with someone like Wade. However, they can't resist spending time with each other, and because of that, Wade is around as ghostly activity in the bookstore begins to escalate. It was funny to see him try so hard to explain away the things that happened. There was also a terrific scene involving Astor's cat, Pickles, and a compost bin that also chipped away at his disbelief.
The real kicker came when Pickles disappeared into a damaged journal, and Astor followed, vanishing right before Wade's eyes. The intensity was fantastic as Astor dealt with obstacles to her return, including an unexpected quarantine. On the other side, Wade and her family were desperate to find a way to get her back home. Help came from an unexpected source that made it possible for Astor to get back and answered questions about Wade's past. The ending was terrific....more
Good addition to the Cat's Paw Cove series. Willow is one of the few non-magical people in CPC. She is struggling to keep the marina going after one bGood addition to the Cat's Paw Cove series. Willow is one of the few non-magical people in CPC. She is struggling to keep the marina going after one bad luck occurrence after another. A local developer wants to buy it from her, but Willow is reluctant to give up the land that has been in her family for generations. Things start to look up a bit when treasure hunters, looking for a suspected treasure site, arrive to use her marina as a base. Prospects are even brighter when a drifter ties up to her dock. He offers to exchange his handyman skills for food and gas.
Ben Kane has incredible handyman skills. He is also a talented treasure hunter, thanks to the selkie blood he inherited from his mother. The lure of the hunt drew him to the Cove, but it is Willow that keeps him there. He's drawn to the sexy, beautiful woman, but she also raises his protective instincts. He senses a dark presence at the marina and is determined to rid her of it.
I liked the development of the relationship between Ben and Willow. The sparks between them were obvious from the moment they met. Neither of them is looking for a relationship. Willow knows that Ben is a drifter and won't be around long, while she is tied to the marina. Ben is too footloose to settle down, plus he is hiding a big secret from Willow. He is a treasure hunter, and she doesn't like treasure hunters. I loved how Ben immediately jumped in to help with the repairs. Willow is a little bit wary but gives him a chance. They grow closer as they work together on the repairs. There are a couple of rough spots as Ben exhibits some intense jealousy. There's a terrific scene where Willow shares her favorite place with Ben, not realizing what a temptation it will become for him. Interference from a rejected boyfriend temporarily drives a wedge between them. Fortunately, both realize their mistakes once their anger cools. A dangerous confrontation with the dark presence wreaking havoc at the marina finishes the job of bringing them together. I loved the ending.
The paranormal presence at the marina created many problems for Willow. Being non-magical, she had no idea of its presence until Ben arrived and figured it out. There were some intense scenes as it worked its evil on her property. I loved the way that Ben and the cat worked together to figure it out. Once she was aware, I liked Willow's determination to capture the thing. Once she did, I loved how she knew where it came from. Her confrontation with the instigator was great....more
True love rescued by a trip through time. Griffin and Trina have a history. They'd been a couple for a short time, but then Griffin broke it off for nTrue love rescued by a trip through time. Griffin and Trina have a history. They'd been a couple for a short time, but then Griffin broke it off for no apparent reason. He hasn't moved on to another relationship, and Trina is still in love with him. Even the Cove's cats know that they belong together, but until Griffin wishes for something to change, they can't help him.
I ached for Griffin, who still loves Trina but is convinced that the family curse will only cause him to hurt her. Five years after their breakup, Trina has asked for advice from her mother and has a plan. She's nervous about it because it means she'll have to face her biggest fear, but she'll do anything to win her man.
I liked the guidance that Trina and Griffin received before they left - learn what you can but don't do anything that will change history. Neither realized how hard that would be. Finding out the origin of the family curse gave Griffin the courage to fight it. Trina, too, realized that she tended to psych herself out of actions by overthinking them. I loved the surprise message that Griffin found in an old photo album and the effect it had on him. The ending was sweet and showed that love can conquer all....more
Good second chance story that takes place in the magical world of Cat's Paw Cove and Guinevere Island. When Rachel and Javier were teenagers they wereGood second chance story that takes place in the magical world of Cat's Paw Cove and Guinevere Island. When Rachel and Javier were teenagers they were best friends, until Rachel confessed her love for him. Javier panicked and ran. He was the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and felt she would be better off without him dragging her down. Javier leaving without a word broke Rachel's heart. For the next fifteen years, her track record in relationships was awful, with the most recent one being the last straw. She left her job in Atlanta and went home to Savannah, where she was offered a dream job. The only problem was that it would force her to see Javier almost every day. Torn over what to do, Rachel fled to Moon Mist Manor to reconnect with her magical feline advisor, and get some much-needed advice. She didn't expect Javier to follow her.
Javier regretted breaking Rachel's heart, but still thinks he did the right thing. He's never lost the feelings he had for her, and seeing her again stirs them up. He's no longer the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Instead, he is a renowned chef, cooking for the rich and famous and giving back to his community. When Javier's mother tasks him with convincing Rachel to take the job, he knows it's also his chance to make amends. So off he goes to Guinevere Island.
I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Javier and Rachel. She was not expecting him to show up at her hideout and was less than pleased that he would have to stay with her in her villa. Having him so close stirs up feelings she thought she buried long ago. Javier is determined to make amends and goes all out to win her over. Things get complicated when mischievous Pukwudgies threaten to take over the island and one of them attaches itself to Rachel. Javier is unaware of the magical side of the island and it takes some drastic measures to get him to see the truth. I liked seeing them get to know each other again as adults as they worked together to protect the island. But even after that problem is solved, Rachel's emotions are still all over the place. It takes a stern talking to from a fairy to open Rachel's eyes and reinvigorate her confidence. For Javier, it was a kick in the seat by a cat that opened his eyes. I loved his big moment at the end. It was sweet and romantic and bodes well for their future.
I also enjoyed the family and friends who made various appearances in the book. Family support for both Rachel and Javier is an important part of who they are, as knowing they have that security net gives them a little extra confidence. I also loved the scene with Jordyn and the kitties which showed another side of Rachel and gave Javier a little more insight into her. I loved the scene at the end when the whole family showed up on the island....more
Loading...
