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Reviews for Blue Moon Magic
by Multiple Authors
A short synopsis of each story (and there are fifteen) follows:
Bell of the Blue Moon Ball by Dawn Thompson is a regency. Oberon,
the king of faeries, and the notorious Puck plan to have Lady
Arabella and the Earl of Everton fall in love by drinking from a
bespelled bowl of claret during a ball set on the night of a blue
moon. Unfortunately, everyone EXCEPT the two drink the claret.
Where Sea Meets Skye by Erin Hatton is set in the present date. Hurt
by her boyfriend's betrayal, Celine left Canada to visit Scotland.
The unemployed Marine Biologist goes to the Isle of Skye to view the
seals. She never expects to meet the selkies.
Angels in the Moonlight by Diane Davis White is set in the present
date. Sadie, the Shady Angel, and her mentor, Pricilla, are sent to
California. Their mission is to make Nathan, a musician, and Olivia,
a singer, fall in love during the full moon.
Under the Pale Moonlight by Katherine Smith is a historical romance.
Arthur Cameron had been born with a malformed foot, but never let it
get in the way of what he wanted to do. Yet when it comes to Lady
Alicia, he sees himself as inferior and unworthy of her love.
Ember's Desire by Meagan Hatfield is fantasy romance, set in "an
Alternate Northern England" of the year 1750. Galenorn has never
gotten a spell right. The witch decides to leave Wychwood. Instead
of leaving, her spell releases Balder, the favored son of Odin, from
his underworld prison. And Loki comes to kill them both.
Spellbound by Aysel Arwen is a paranormal romance. It could be set
at any time, but seems to be set in the present. Emma loses her
mother's wedding ring in some ruins. She returns under cover of the
night in hopes of locating it. However, she finds more than just a
circle of gold. She finds a love that comes along only once in a
blue moon. First before anything else, Emma must break the
enchantment upon him.
Enchantment by the Sea by M.J. Sager is a modern contemporary.
Grayson had worked hard to change a ruined hotel into the best
resort in the Caribbean. He knows that Clara is planning on writing
an article about him in a magazine, even though she has yet to tell
him so. Her boss, Benny, had already called and informed him of her
arrival. However, Grayson is out to prove Benny wrong about Clara
being an Ice Princess.
Suddenly You by Jaquelin Lorin is a time travel that begins in the
present date. Celine has spent months restoring a portrait from
around the 1870's. When she wishes she knew who the man was, Celine
finds herself zapped back in time to meet him.
Blue Moon and the Warrior by Lee Roland is a paranormal. Allison
camps out in the Utah desert, under a full moon, and dreams about a
magical carnival. Within the carnival, she meets the perfect man.
But will Allison recognize him when she meets him again in the real
world?
Midsummer Magic by Kristi Ahlers historical romance set in the
Highlands. During the night of a full blue moon, the Laird of Clan
Fraser is returning home from a raid with his men when he comes upon
a lovely lady swimming. Kidnapping her is easy. Getting her accept
him is a bit difficult.
Secret of the Blue Moon by Billie Warren Chai is set in the present
time. Zoey left New Mexico with no word to Jack. For twelve years
Jake hated her for disappearing. Now he is a major in the Air Force.
He pilots a rescue helicopter. When a storm hits, he is forced to
land at Apache Indian Hospital with his injured patients. But he
never expects to find that little Zoey is now the doctor in charge
of the ER. And he is about to learn just how badly he has misjudged
her.
Darkness and Dreams by Kimberly Ivey is a paranormal romance set in
the present date. Paloma lost her husband a year ago due to a drunk
driver. Now she volunteers at a local hospital. Her life changes
when her psychic (or is that insane?), elderly neighbor claims that
one of the comatose patients Paloma reads to is really her husband
in a different body.
The Healer by Leanne Burroughs is a historical romance set in the
Highlands. The Laird of Clan Drummon cares deeply for his supposed
captive, Tory, though he thinks no one knows. When Tory gets
poisoned, the chieftain has Warwick, his most trusted warrior, fetch
the healer named Agnes. Agnes may be up in age, but she knows almost
instantly how her laird feels about Tory. But that is not her
concern. Agnes only fears her own reactions to Warwick.
In the Space of a Heartbeat by Keelia Greer is a futuristic vampire
romance. The place is Earth. The year is 5046. Melania is an agent
for the Central Galaxy Intelligence Authority. She uses her vampiric
abilities in cases involving Immortals. Her current orders are to
kill the terrorist that has infiltrated the Life Point Corporation
and protect Dr. Kerrin, whose work is vital. However, the terrorist
is Zelik, a vengeful, grudge holding vampire.
Rider in the Storm by Deborah MacGillivray is set in the present
time. Ciara's fiancé, Derek, died in a car wreck exactly seven years
ago tonight. She still grieves, but knows it is time to move on.
After visiting Derek's grave one last time to say farewell, Ciara
makes a wish upon the full blue moon. She wishes to begin living
again. As Ciara drives home a storm breaks out. She is startled to
see a car sitting in the exact spot Derek had died so long ago.
Knowing it to be a bad idea, she stops and offers the stranded man a
lift into town. Ciara is about to learn that miracles still happen.
**** This magical anthology has something for everyone. Regency,
historical, time travel, contemporary, futuristic, and even delves
into the magical realms of faeries, selkies, vampires, and the
supernatural. All the tales have one thing in common. Each revolve
around a full blue moon and the magical wishes made upon it. I loved
every second that my imagination was immersed into these tales. As
you read each story, you WILL find yourself believing in magic. And
I bet you will be checking your calendar to see when the next blue
moon will be. Outstanding! ****
HUNTRESS REVIEWS
(Reviewed by Detra Fitch)
http://www.huntressreviews.com/
Huntress Book Reviews
http://www.huntressreviews.com/1742.html
Blue Moon Magic is an anthology of fifteen delightful short stories
by fifteen authors. Topics vary from tender love stories to time
travel to a variety of paranormal tales.
Every story is built around one theme - the magical aura of a blue
moon. For those who aren't familiar with the term "Blue Moon" - When
a single month has two full moons, the second full moon is called a
Blue Moon. A blue moon occurs about every two and a half years.
Legend tells us that if a person wishes on a blue moon, their wish
will come true. The wish doesn't even need to be spoken aloud. The
blue moon, it seems, can read minds. Does the moon really turn blue?
Sometimes, the legend says, if the wish is granted.
And so it is in the stories in "Blue Moon Magic." Take, for
instance, a young man who feels inadequate because he walks with a
crutch. He has chosen to be alone - until a persistent miss wishes
on a blue moon. In another story, the mischievous fairy, Puck,
brings two strangers together at the Blue Moon Ball. Or, in a sweet
time travel, a young lady finds herself back in the 1870's where she
meets a man who she fell in love with while restoring a hundred and
thirty year old portrait.
These are stories of love and magic, of lonely people finding their
soul mates with the help of the blue moon. As with all anthologies,
the stories differ, not only in content, but also in the skill of
the author. Yet, every one held my attention and drew me into the
aura of "Blue Moon Magic."
Florence Cardinal is a member of the Calgary Association of RWA (CaRWA).
BLUE MOON MAGIC is an enchanting anthology by 15 fabulous authors
who based their stories upon the premise that a wish under a blue
moon will be granted. With stories ranging from historical to the
contemporary, readers will be drawn in immediately. So step inside
the pages of this book to discover how BLUE MOON MAGIC works....
"Belle of the Blue Moon Ball" by Dawn Thompson opens the anthology
with a delightful tale of how the King of the Faeries, Oberon, and
Puck unite Lady Arabella Gilmartin with the Earl of Everton, Nigel.
Puck and Oberon's exploits are priceless and readers will relish
their antics in this historical story as Puck manages to enchant the
bowl of claret, with all the party members drinking it except the
two they are aiming for!
Erin E.M. Hatton's "Where the Sea Meets the Skye" is a haunting
contemporary tale of a woman searching for her dream. After her job
prospects as a marine biologist fail, Celine Terreau travels to
Scotland where she encounters the mysterious Ronan Morrison who has
a "sea-cret" of his own! Ms. Hatton does a spectacular job at
drawing the reader into the emotions of the characters and creating
an aura of mystery.
"Angels in the Moonlight" by Diane Davis White focuses on the
humorous antics of angels Pricilla and Sadie the Shady Angel, as
they unite vocalist Olivia Langston and horn player Nathan Bridges.
Pricilla and Sadie steal the show as their light-hearted bickering
will keep readers laughing.
"Under the Pale Moonlight" by Katherine Smith is the sweet story of
Lady Alicia McCray and Arthur Cameron. Arthur believes himself unfit
for Alicia due to a disability that keeps him from dancing. Ms.
Smith uses great sensitivity in addressing Arthur's disability and
weaves an endearing tale that will warm readers' hearts.
"Ember's Desire" by Meagan Hatfield is the story of hopeless witch
Ember Galenorn who casts a spell for love and rescues Balder, the
son of Odin. Balder has been entrapped in the underworld and now he
and Ember must defeat Loki to fulfill their destiny. This magical
tale has all the passion and drama of an excellent fantasy.
Aysel Arwen's "Spellbound" is the sensual tale of Emma MacPherson
and Alexander Grant. Emma is lonely and searching for her mother's
wedding ring when she encounters and ultimately rescues the
bespelled Highlander from the Lady of the Loch. Ms. Arwen has
written one of the best opening lines ever to a story and the reader
will be immediately "Spellbound" by this enchanting story.
M.J. Saeger's "Enchantment By the Sea" is the deeply emotional tale
of journalist Clara Barnes and resort owner Grayson Everett. Clara
is investigating Gray's resort but will a foolish comment from her
boss and Gray's college friend, Benny, ruin their chance for love?
Readers will empathize with Clara's dilemma and feel her anger at
Benny in a gut-wrenching story of second chances.
"Suddenly You" by Jaquelin Lorin is a fantastic time-travel in which
art restorer Celine Chauvin is catapulted back to the 1870s where
she meets her Mr. Gorgeous from the painting, Rhys Butler. Ms. Lorin
does a fabulous job at capturing the historical flavor of the 1870s
as well as Celine's reaction to her experience. The red dress is an
excellent touch and demonstrates the author's attention to detail.
Lee Roland's "Blue Moon and the Warrior" is the endearing tale of
teacher Allison McClure and Richard Fallon who meet in a dreamy
world as Cailin and Cahir. Allison is an admirable figure as she
chases her dream of love while sacrificing in her career.
"Midsummer Magic" by Kristi Ahlers shows the full power of BLUE MOON
MAGIC as Meredith is rescued from a marriage to the abusive Lord
Langdon by Laird Kieran Fraser. Readers will appreciate Meredith's
reticence due to her kidnapping by Kieran while cheering Kieran's
efforts to woo her.
Billie Warren Chai's "Secret of the Blue Moon" is a heart-wrenching
story of second chances for Dr. Zoey Blackstone and Jake Runningbear.
Prejudices separated them when they were younger but now BLUE MOON
MAGIC will bring them back together. This fascinating tale of love
overcoming prejudices is both gut-wrenching and instructional as the
reader is thrilled with Zoey for overcoming such hardships,
including her horrific treatment at the hands of ignorance.
Kimberly Ivey's "The Darkness and the Dreams" focuses on Paloma
Delatorre's dedication to volunteering at a local hospital after the
tragic death of her fiancé, Robert. She initially suspects her
neighbor, Grandma Bikini, has finally lost her mind when she tells
Paloma that Robert's soul is now in the body of comatose patient,
David Hopkins. What ensues is an inspiring tale of how love can
transcend all barriers, including death. Grandma Bikini is truly a
hoot as well and will leave readers hoping for another glimpse of
her!
"The Healer" by Leanne Burroughs is a vivid historical tale
revolving around an auld healer, Agnes, who is reluctantly dragged
to the Drummond castle to tend to the laird's English captive, Tory,
who has been poisoned. In the process, an attraction develops
between Agnes and Warrick, the laird's warrior. This riveting story
is a fascinating portrait that demonstrates that love can flourish
at any age in any time.
Keelia Greer's "In the Space of a Heartbeat" is a futuristic vampire
story of soulmates Melania Knight and Trevor Kerrin. Melania is an
agent sent to protect Trevor as his work is invaluable to the galaxy
and must be allowed to continue. The action is fast paced and
readers will want to read more about Melania as she is not like
other vampires!
The anthology concludes with Deborah MacGillivray's mesmerizing
tale, "The Rider in the Storm". Ciera MacIain has grieved for 7
years over the death of her fiancé, Derek. At the exact spot of his
death and on the anniversary of the fatal accident, she meets Roarke
Devlin who knows things only Derek would know. This haunting tale
will send shivers down your spine and leave tears in your eyes as
Ms. MacGillivray breathes life into the characters.
BLUE MOON MAGIC is an anthology that offers a bit of magic for
everyone. These fascinating and compelling tales of wishes fulfilled
on a blue moon will convince even the hardest of hearts about the
power of love. Kudos to all of the authors involved as this is one
anthology in which every single story delivers a powerful punch!
Deborah Wiley
Courtesy of: CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
July 14, 2006
..a perfect read for late at night...
Blue Moon Magic
Highland Press
May 2006
Dawn Thompson, Erin Hatton, Diane Davis White, Katherine Smith,
Meagan Hatfield, Aysel Arwen, M.J. Sager, Jaquelin Lorin, Lee
Roland, Kristi Ahlers, Billie Warren Chai, Kimberly Ivey, Leanne
Burroughs, Keelia Greer, Deborah MacGillivray.
Blue Moon Magic is an enchanting collection of short stories. Each
author wrote with the same theme in mind but each story has its' own
uniqueness. You should have no problem finding a tale to suit your
mood. Blue Moon Magic offers historicals, contemporaries, time
travel, paranormal, and futuristic narratives to tempt your heart.
Legend says that if you wish with all your heart upon the rare blue
moon, your wishes were sure to come true. Each of the heroines
discovers this magical fact. True love is out there if you just
believe in it. In some of the stories, love happens in the most
unusual ways. Angels may help, ancient spells may be broken,
anything can happen. Even vampires will find their perfect mate with
the power of the blue moon. Not every heroine believes they are
wishing for love, some are just looking for answers to their
problems or nagging questions. Fate seems to think the solution is
finding the one who
makes their heart sing.
The diversity within this book is sure to please. For example,
Keelia Greer will take you into the future thousands of years. Many
cultures mesh together, and when this occurs, special crime teams
must exist to ensure everyone's protection. Just imagine a vampire
out there making sure the earth is safe. Of course, she has to keep
us safe from others like her and especially on the night of the blue
moon, which enhances their powers. Confusing emotions should not
interfere but how can she fight the draw of her one and only perfect
mate. On the other hand, perhaps something with more humor will
tickle you today. Diane Davis White has a darling story where a
couple of angels, one in training, helps two confused and lonely
musicians find they make perfect harmonies together. Maybe you are
looking for magic. Aysel Arwen has a contemporary sounding tale with
a base of mystical history. Her heroine is searching for a ring she
lost while visiting Loch Ness. She returns late at night with a
flashlight to trace her footsteps, only she is not as alone as she
believed. A most handsome man is there and offers to help. The
physical attraction screams between them and is too difficult to
fight. When they join, a spell is broken and true happiness becomes
their future.
Blue Moon Magic is a perfect read for late at night or even during
your commute to work. The short yet sweet stories are a wonderful
way to spend a few minutes. If you do not have the time to finish a
full-length novel, but hate stopping in the middle of a loving tale,
I highly recommend grabbing this book.
Kim Swiderski
Writers Unlimited Reviewer
August, 2006
If you have been waiting, and wishing, for a romance anthology to
come along and impress the heck out of your dewy-eyed,
impatient-to-reach-a-happy-ending inner romantic, wish no more, dear
reader! Blue Moon Magic from Highland Press is a quality collection
of teasing, pleasing romantic novellas that will introduce (and in
some cases, re-introduce) readers to fifteen talented authors. All
of whom have a unique view of the magic that can transpire beneath a
Blue Moon, that rare and wonderfully bewitching astrological event.
While there are no drawn-out courtships or epic-sized love stories
to be found within its pages, this is a must-read anthology for
enthusiasts of the genre -- especially those delighting in the
discovery of fresh, new, exciting talent. Indeed, with so many
writers and stories to choose from, you'll be hard-pressed to pick a
favorite!
Dawn Thompson's Belle of the Blue Moon Ball is the opening yarn in
this anthology, and sets the mood (and scene) quite nicely for all
of the delights to come. What could be more magical than a romance
given a gentle hoof, er, nudge by a fae, "puckish" matchmaker? Lady
Arabella Gilmartin and Lord Nigel Reardon could certainly use the
help, though Puck is a wee bit incompetent with his matchmaking,
potion-brewing and well-meaning interference. A sweet, funny tale,
all in all!
Erin E. M. Hatton's Where Sea Meets Skye has young marine biologist,
Celine, curing her recent heartbreak and disappointment by means of
a daring swim with a handsome stranger...a handsome and otherworldly
stranger. Aye, man and myth collide in this star-crossed (albeit,
hopeful) Scottish romance, where the miraculous and the mysterious
are potent possibilities.
Diane Davis White's Angels in the Moonlight is a more light-hearted
contemporary tale, and boasts a pair of bickering, squabbling angels
(humorously so) and two stubborn, lonely souls. Will the music of a
Blue Moon finally bring Olivia and Nathan together? Or will Sadie,
the Shady Angel, and her sinful red knickers jinx the whole darn
thing? Yes, Sadie is quite the character, making Davis White's
novella quite the lovely/giddy little romance.
Katherine Smith's Under the Pale Moonlight, on the other hand,
appears to be a more conventional offering. However, there is an
exceptional quality to the developing romance between love-leery
Arthur Cameron (he of the "disabled" foot) and Lady Alicia McCray,
an earl's daughter and the determined young lady intent on marrying
the man she loves. Although not to be confused with romance author
Kathryn Smith, this author is definitely a sparkling gem to keep in
one's sights.
Meagan Hatfield's Ember's Desire is a witchy alternative romance
that introduces readers to discontented witch, Ember, and the
god-like man? immortal? she unwittingly summons from Hell during a
Blue Moon. Don't worry, though, things aren't nearly as dire as they
sound. In fact, Hatfield's story is really rather sweet and sexy.
Aysel Arwen's Spellbound possesses yet more ties to Scotland's myths
and legends of yore. Emma MacPherson is unaware that her midnight
companion is somewhat less than ordinary, however, and quickly
settles under the captivating spell of Alexander Grant, Captain of
the Guard for Castle Urquhart, a modern-day tourist attraction.
Arwen's novella certainly has a powerful and special appeal, and the
writing is the most polished I have yet to read from this author.
M. J. Sager's Enchantment By the Sea highlights the complications
and confusions so inherent in falling in love at a gorgeous
Caribbean resort. Clara Barnes is only supposed to have the writing
of a magazine article on her mind, though -- not the resort's
distractingly handsome owner, Grayson Everett. Handsome men are
trouble with a capital "T," after all, and lie as easily and
naturally as breathing. Not unexpectedly, it is also very easy to
fall for the familiar charms of Sager's seaside romance.
Jaquelin Lorin's Suddenly You pairs modern-day art restorer, Celine
Chauvine, with her very own Rhys Butler aboard a nineteenth century
riverboat. The man in the portrait she has been restoring is even
more gorgeous up close and personal. He is also very suspicious of
Celine's sudden appearance and her motives for being aboard the
riverboat (since her name is not on the passenger list). While
time-travel may only happen once in a blue moon, Lorin's
contribution to this anthology is definitely a striking diversion --
dangling threads, notwithstanding.
Lee Roland's Blue Moon and the Warrior has complications aplenty,
and is a hauntingly surrealistic romance. Ever since visiting a
carnival out in the middle of nowhere, Allison is a woman changed;
and a woman haunted by an unforgettable night. Will she ever meet
her "warrior" outside of her dreams? And will she even know him when
she sees him? Not an ordinary tale, this, with its poignant
mysticism and sharp, all-seeing intelligence.
Kristi Ahlers' Midsummer Magic is as magical as its title, and is a
wonderfully romantic, Garwood-esque novella. Betrothed to a man she
has no desire to wed, Meredith recklessly wishes on the Blue Moon
for a warrior -- strong, steady and true -- to come and carry her
away...only to have her wish fulfilled a heartbeat later. Yes, a
lengthier novella would have been more satisfying, but Ahlers works
magic with the word count she has been allotted.
Billie Warren Chai's Secrets of the Blue Moon is a bittersweet tale
of reunion. Cruel manipulations destroyed Dr. Zoey Blackstone's
relationship with Jake Runningbear twelve years ago, making it
impossible to repair...Or so she had thought. Has she been given a
second chance to make things right? Warren Chai's main conflict may
have an all too predictable source, but Zoey and Jake are
sweethearts destined for a happy ending.
Kimberly Ivey's The Darkness and the Dreams pays haunting tribute to
a man's undying love for his wife. If only Paloma knew how close her
husband, Robert, really was -- or to what lengths he is willing to
go in order to keep her close, and their love alive. Hints of the
paranormal are an evocative, compelling, anything-is-possible force
in Ivey's novella, so keep a box of tissues close to hand.
Leanne Burroughs' The Healer has ties to other stories, and can be a
little difficult to follow at times. Proud Scots healer, Agnes, and
her aging warrior lover, Warwick, are unique lovers, however, and
will entertain a reader with their antics. Theirs is an age-old
dance of courtship, of engage and retreat, thrust and parry --
especially for furiously independent Agnes. Burroughs' characters
bring light and life to this tale, in fact, although they may
confuse and befuddle as well.
Keelia Greer's In the Space of a Heartbeat is a mélange of two
stimulating subgenres: paranormal and futuristic. Melania Knight --
an agent for the CGIA, the Central Galaxy Intelligence Agency --
would rather keep her distance from Trevor Kerrin. Unfortunately,
this particular mission has Melania's vampire instincts on
heightened alert; and all because Trevor (sexy, mysterious, hotter
than hot) is at the very heart of it. Greer's heroine has roots in
the ultra-capable, kick-butt school of heroines, so all you have to
do, dear reader, is sit back and enjoy the show.
The closing installment of this anthology is DeborahAnne
MacGillivray's Rider in the Storm. Haunted by the death of her
fiancé, Ciara MacIain has never truly gotten over the events of
seven years past, has never truly accepted that her life must go on
without Derek. Granted, she has taken steps to do so this very
night, but her heart has remained sheltered by memories of her
former love for so long that she has almost forgotten what it is to
like to truly feel and want. A sexy stranger will bizarrely stirred
these memories to renewed life, however, while kindling a new sense
of hope. MacGillivray's "twist" may disquiet some, but there is a
haunting sense of rightness to this dark, brooding, hope-filled
romance.
My overall verdict is this, dear reader: order this anthology. While
some of the stories may be slightly rough around the edges, Blue
Moon Magic is an anthology that has quality at its core and romance
at its heart. Quick reading has its advantages, and this diverse
release from Highland Press is an invitation to enjoy them all. (You
may also want to be on the look-out for Book 2 in the Once in a Blue
Moon Anthologies, Blue Moon Enchantment.)
Reviewed by Cheryl Jeffries
Date posted: September 12, 2006
www.heartstringsreviews.com
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