Welwyn Wilton Katz - Come Like Shadows

13. Come Like Shadows by Welwyn Wilton Katz (1993)
Length: 289 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 3 April 2017
Finished: 12 April 2017
Where did it come from? From Paperback Swap
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 3 February 2014
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and had read and enjoyed Witchery Hill by this author in the past.

Sixteen-year-old Kincardine O'Neil is absolutely ecstatic when she manages to get a summer job with the prestigious Stratford Theatre of Canada. Although she has a sneaking suspicion that she may not have gotten the job based on her own merits, but because her mother went to high school with Jeneva Strachan - the director of Stratford Theatre's annual Drama Festival. Whatever the truth of the matter, Kinny is determined to do the best that she possibly can in her new position.

However, when Kinny first arrives in Stratford, nothing is as it seems. In fact, things start to go wrong almost immediately. Her position as Jeneva Strachan's assistant seems a little tenuous; her 'boss' is acting very strangely: chilly and standoffish one minute; warm and attentive the next. Kinny is fairly certain that Jeneva just doesn't know what to do with the teenager; or at the very least she definitely doesn't want Kinny around.

The director's attitude towards Kinny soon becomes quite obvious, and begins to spread among the actors. The majority of the company - with one or two exceptions - appears hostile and slightly condescending. While Kinny initially tries to ignore their attitudes - putting their rudeness and pettiness down to their beliefs that she is "only a kid" - she doesn't know how to change the situation.

Instead, she throws herself into the preparations for Stratford Theatre's annual Drama Festival: a complete reimagining of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Kinny knows that actors are intensely superstitious; after all, superstition is an integral part of theatrical culture - she just doesn't believe that some minor wardrobe and prop malfunctions, or even the occasional bad review - will ultimately doom the play. However when one woman dies in a freak accident, Kinny is horrified. Could there possibly be any truth to the rumors; could it be that the play, Macbeth, is actually cursed?

When yet another prop malfunction leaves the production without an appropriate mirror to use, the harried prop designer asks Kinny to try and locate a new one. After instituting an exhaustive search of all the secondhand shops around Stratford, Kinny eventually discovers a plain wooden hand mirror in an out-of-the-way junk shop. According to the shopkeeper, the mirror was originally part of a shipment of antique theatre props, so should be exactly what she needs.

Although there are some slight imperfections with the mirror - most notably an unusual burn mark in its handle - Kinny feels strangely compelled to buy it. Soon, as she begins to spend more time around the mirror, Kinny begins to notice changes happening to herself and several other members of the Stratford Theatre Company. She slowly becomes convinced that the mirror has some sort of mysterious power; a mesmerizing power that seems to come from somewhere deep in the past.

The mirror begins to exert that power over select members of the company - actors have visions of an ancient stone circle and a distressed but regal looking figure. Kinny herself begins to have visions of three peculiar women - women who seem to wield an extraordinary influence over the past and the present. Determined to find out what's happening, Kinny begins to investigate the history of Scotland and tries to discover something more about the true Macbeth.

Yet the closer that Kinny comes to the historic figure of Macbeth, the more she witnesses the power of these three mysterious women. She is left wondering just who these women are, and what sort of power they have over this particular production of Macbeth. And just what do they want from her?

Actually, I had already read another book by Ms. Katz several years before this one. I had also studied Macbeth in high school and was intrigued to discover how the author would use the play in the plot. I read this book for the first time back in 1995 and thoroughly enjoyed reading it back then. While I found the plot to be just as interesting as when I read the book the first time, I would have to give it a B+!

B+! - (85-89%)

May you read well and often

Jan Fields - Stranger in the Looking Glass

12. Stranger in the Looking Glass by Jan Fields (2016)

The Antique Shop Mysteries Series Book 1

Length: 205 pages 

Genre: Contemporary Mystery 

Started: 17 June 2016

Finished: 29 June 2016

Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 7 June 2016

Why do I have it? I like contemporary mysteries and Jan Fields is a new author for me.

Maggie Watson is a forty-something widow living on her own in the same cottage in Bennington, Vermont where she had happily raised her family. Conceivably, she is content to continue living in her picturesque little cottage with her cat Snickers for the rest of her days. However, with the death of her husband three years before and the recent departure of her daughter Emily for college - Maggie is suffering pangs of 'Empty Nest Syndrome'. She is also beginning to recognize that she has reached a brand new chapter in the story of her life, and is looking to make some sort of change.

She just wasn't expecting to make that change quite so soon. Maggie is surprised to learn that she has recently inherited some property from her aunt Evelyn. Apparently, her aunt has bequeathed to Maggie a stately nineteenth-century Colonial-style mansion, Sedgwick Manor, as well as the adjacent antique store - Carriage House Antiques - a charming little shop located in the seaside town of Somerset Harbor, Maine. Maggie has always dreamed of owning an antique store and discovering the  various different stories that each particular item can tell.

However, she never suspected that some of those stories just might become relevant to her own life. While separating the inventory for the store and going through her aunt's various personal effects, Maggie discovers a photograph of her aunt hidden in the backing of an old mirror. She is astonished by the story apparently being told by this particular photo: because it's an impossible story; one full of mystery, danger and intrigue. Standing beside her aunt in the recent photograph is her Uncle  George...a man who died twenty years ago.

Having enlisted the help of the members of the historical society - ladies who all knew Evelyn well - and James Bennett, an historic preservationist and handsome bachelor; Maggie begins her investigation into her aunt's final months. What she subsequently discovers about her Aunt Evelyn, as well as her Uncle George's past is disturbing to her. As her search for clues continues, it quickly becomes abundantly clear to Maggie that she is not the only person looking for answers. Someone desperately wants to know just what Maggie knows...and just how she knows it.

Cryptic messages and warnings are being left inside Sedgwick Manor, personal effects are being rifled through, and a U. S. Marshal arrives in town asking some very unsettling questions. Maggie soon realizes that this mystery is more serious than she first thought - deadly serious. She honestly can't help but wonder if she is ultimately doing the right thing; or should she just forget about everything, sell the property, and escape back to the safety of Vermont. While she believes that this would probably be the most appropriate course of action, Maggie can't forget what her aunt always said: "antiques are filled with stories - secrets just waiting to be discovered."

Maggie finds herself finally understanding what her aunt meant - she definitely wants to satisfy her own curiosity about this particular mystery. Will Maggie be able to make sense of it all before it's too late? And is Somerset Harbor really the best place to start this new chapter in her life?

First of all, let me say that I really enjoyed reading this book. I haven't actually read that many cozy mysteries before, and would like to see where this series will eventually lead. I found the characters to be fairly well-developed and the mystery certainly held my attention all the way through. However, having said that, I have to admit that I became slightly confused by the uneven pacing of the mystery. All in all though, I would definitely give this book a B+!

B+! - (85-89%)

May you read well and often

Enid Blyton - The Adventures of Binkle and Flip

37. The Adventures of Binkle and Flip by Enid Blyton (1967)

The Bad Bunnies Series Book 1

Length: 185 pages 

Genre: Fantasy

Started: 7 October 2015

Finished: 18 November 2015

Where did it come from? This was a birthday present given to me by a friend when I was six years old.

How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 June 1984
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and have read and enjoyed several books by this author in the past.

Binkle and Flip are a pair of very naughty bunny rabbits who live in Oak Tree Town. Binkle is usually the instigator of many of the practical jokes that are played on the residents of Oak Tree Town; and he somehow always manages to get Flip involved in all of his schemes. From masquerading as chimney sweeps, to fooling their neighbor Herbert the Hedgehog into becoming a carnival attraction, Binkle and Flip are determined to make as much mischief as possible. 

At least until Wily Weasel the policeman catches them and makes them apologize. Each time that the bunnies are caught, they promise never to be naughty again but it doesn't last for long. I must say that I have never read this book before - or maybe I have and just can't remember when - but I still enjoyed reading this book very much. 

I have always enjoyed Enid Blyton as an author, and while this particular book was quite dated, I still found it very sentimental and nostalgic reading. I'm definitely putting this book back on my 'childhood favorites' shelf. I would give this book a B+!

B+! - (85-89%)

May you read well and often

Karl Drinkwater - If That Looking Glass Gets Broken

37. If That Looking Glass Gets Broken by Karl Drinkwater (2014)
Length: 5 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 10 July 2014
Where did it come from? From Smashwords
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 18 February 2014
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Karl Drinkwater is a new author for me.

The old woman's marriage to her husband hadn't necessarily always been the best, she reflected. They had weathered their share of storms, to be sure, but now both husband and wife were content to view their tribulations as tempests in a teapot. Besides, the old woman thought fondly, her husband was a grumpy old sourpuss at times, but she loved him nonetheless.

And, as always, there was her son to think of. Such a polite, well-behaved, handsome, bright boy! She had considered him the "best of all her sons" - secretly, of course - it would never do for her husband to discover she was harboring favorites, now would it? He would be upset with her.

However, enough day-dreaming. Her son needed to be fed. Her husband was right: soup was so nourishing; and her son was such a good boy to let his mother feed him.

I read this story in one night. This was certainly a very suspenseful story, but the ending was much more shocking than I expected. As this was such a short story, I appreciated the suspenseful build-up and that is what made the ending all the more shocking to me.

This was the first story by Karl Drinkwater that I've read, so I'm not sure if this is his typical writing style, however this first story earned a B+! from me. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for more from Karl Drinkwater in the future.

B+! - (85-89%)

May you read well and often

Lolita Lopez - Dead Sexy Dragon

35. Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez (2013)

The Dragon Heat Series Book 1
Length: 94 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started: 30 September 2013
Finished: 1 October 2013
Where did it come from? From Netgalley
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 9 August 2013
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Lolita Lopez is a new author for me.

The last thing that Stig Wyvern needs is a distraction - especially tonight. He is a dragon shape shifter, minutes away from entering a mating phase, when his dead friend's little sister shows up on his doorstep in tears. Sharing his isolated house with the young woman he's secretly lusted after for quite some time is sure to be a recipe for disaster.

But Cora Cardenas has nowhere else to go. She's gotten herself in deep trouble with some very dangerous people and Stig is the only one who can protect her.That he's seriously sexy and makes her tingle with the simplest of smiles is an added bonus.

Cora quickly realizes Stig is hiding something from her. To make matters worse, she's plagued by breathtakingly vivid dreams starring a shadowed lover who bears a startling resemblance to her gracious host. And just what is going on in the basement at night?

Stig needs to get Cora out of his house as soon as possible, but apparently his inner beast has other ideas. He's found his mate and she's not going anywhere.

I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting when I downloaded this particular book from Netgalley. This was actually more of a novella, rather than a fuller length story, in my opinion. I think I just wanted the story to be continued a little bit further. Although I certainly enjoyed reading this novella, and would like to read the next book in the series whenever possible. I give this particular story a B+!

B+! - (85-89%)
     
May you read well and often

Joel M. Andre - Cry of the Fallen

4. Cry of the Fallen by Joel M. Andre (2010)
The Black Chronicles Book 1
Length: 224 pages
Genre: Horror
Started: 17 January 2011
Finished: 19 January 2011
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long was it on my TBR pile? Since 8 September 2010
Why do I have it? I like horror and Joel M. Andre is a new author for me.

Lauren Bruni is a detective with the Arizona Police Department whose life is falling apart. Her marriage has disolved, her daughter is missing and her partner has begun to hate her. When increasingly violent murders begin to occur that seem to be somehow connected to Lauren, she must find a way to protect her people from a demonic killer known as the Cowboy. I really liked this book even though it was extremely violent in parts. I give it a B+!


B+! - (89-94%)


May you read well and often

Patrizia Murray - Justine's Auction

25. Justine's Auction by Patrizia Murray (2010)
Length: 132 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Started: 10 November 2010
Finished: 13 November 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Patrizia for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 10 October 2010
Why do I have it? I like contemporary romance and Patrizia Murray is a new author for me

Ryan is helping his cancer-stricken sister Leah by being auctioned off as a bachelor in a breast cancer charity auction. Justine is roped in by her best friend Marda in honor of her grandmother's and mother's battle with the disease to be auctioned off in the auction as well. Both Ryan and Justine are shocked at themselves spending ten thousand dollars on dates with each other.

The dates go like a dream for each of them, but suddenly, Ryan gets cold feet and breaks up with Justine two months into their relationship. Now Ryan's sister, Leah, must discover why Ryan is acting so strangely and find out whether this auction "date" really means the world to Justine and Ryan's happiness. I really enjoyed this story and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

C. J. West - The End of Marking Time

10. The End of Marking Time by C. J. West (2010)
Length: 284 pages
Genre: Contemporary Mystery
Started: 1 June 2010
Finished: 8 June 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to C. J. for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 18 May 2010
Why do I have it? I like contemporary mysteries and C. J. West is a new author for me

Michael O'Connor is a skilled housebreaker, one who finds it easy to escape justice. Then he is arrested for breaking into a district attorney's house and stealing his credit card and Mercedes. An attempted jail break on the way to jail puts Michael in a coma for four years. When he wakes up, he finds the justice system totally changed. Criminals are now called relearners and are assigned to reeducation programs that track their successes or failures in navigating their lives in the outside world. Michael is assigned to such a program and may find it harder than he thought to escape justice this time. I enjoyed this book and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Jackie Fullerton - Revenge Served Cold

8. Revenge Served Cold by Jackie Fullerton (2010)
Anne Marshall Mysteries Book 2
Length: 287 pages
Genre: Contemporary Mystery
Started: 9 May 2010
Finished: 19 May 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Rebecca at The Cadence Group for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 9 April 2010
Why do I have it? I like contemporary mysteries and Jackie Fullerton is a new author for me

Kathy Spence has awoken to a nightmare: her husband, a professor at the local law school has been struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident and she has been accused. She turns to amateur sleuth Anne Marshall, a student of Professor Spence's, to clear her name. Anne and her father - who has been dead for three months - team up with Anne's study group to exonerate Kathy Spence, but someone is willing to kill to see Kathy in jail. I enjoyed this book and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Annie Frame - Imprint

6. Imprint by Annie Frame (2008)
Length: 74 pages
Genre: Horror
Started/Finished: 5 April 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Annie for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 March 2010
Why do I have it? I like horror and Annie Frame is a new author for me

Hercular Rose is a recently returned soul on a journey; she wants to understand how she died. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance through her previous lives. I liked this story and give it a B+! I'd like to thank Ms. Frame for sending me a copy of her book.


B+! - (89-94%)


May you read well and often

Anna Dynowski - Christmas Angel in Disguise

3. Christmas Angel in Disguise by Anna Dynowski (2010)
Length: 20 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 18 February 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Higher Faith Publications for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 16 February 2010
Why do I have it? I like stories about miracles and angels appearing to humans and Anna Dynowski is a new author for me


When Rebecca St. James, owner of a high fashion boutique loses her business, she is distraught and doesn't know where to turn. Enter Josiah Carmichael, a self-proclaimed angel. He cannot possibly be who he claims to be if his kisses knock Rebecca off her feet and he asks her to marry him. Can Josiah help Rebecca believe in angelic guidance? I give this story a B+! It was very sweet.

I would like to thank Higher Faith Publications for sending me the link to Ms. Dynowski's story. You can find more Christian fiction at their website.

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Nick Valentino - Thomas Riley

1. Thomas Riley by Nick Valentino (2009)
Length: 288 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 1 January 2010
Finished: 6 January 2010
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Nick for sending me a copy of this book to read
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 15 November 2009
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and Nick Valentino is a new author for me

Thomas Riley is a West Canvian scientist who, along with his wily apprentice Cynthia Bassett, has built weaponry and technology for their country's twenty year war against its neighbor Lemuria. When an alchemy experiment goes horribly wrong, leaving the soul of Thomas' patron's daughter in Cynthia's body, Thomas and she must kidnap their Lemurian counterpart - a mad scientist - to help them retrieve the young girl's spirit. It will take all of Thomas' scientific skills to escape from Lemurian soldiers, airship pirates and from the constant threat of treason.

I really liked this story and give it a B+! Nick Valentino stopped by for a blog tour in November. Thank you, Nick.

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Patrick Suskind - Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

19. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind (1985)
Length: 310 pages
Genre: Historical Mystery
Started: 6 December 2009
Finished: 16 December 2009
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 April 2009
Why do I have it? I like historical mysteries


I just finished Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind. Jean-Baptiste Grenouille was born without the personal scent that denotes us all as human beings. He was however born with a brilliant sense of smell. With such a brilliant olfactory sense, he rose from lowly tanner to the most famous perfumer in Paris. He was driven insane by the fact that he could smell human beings and to him, they all smelled horrible.

He spent seven years as a hermit living in a cave, during which time he discovered that he has no personal odor. When he reemerged from the cave, he had a diabolical plan to make his own personal scent and make people adore him. All he needed now was the sweet floral scents of virgins. I enjoyed this story even though it was a little long and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Christine Feehan - Dark Gold

15. Dark Gold by Christine Feehan (2000)
The Carpathians Series Book 3
Length: 384 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 4 October 2009
Finished: 14 October 2009
Where did it come from? From Paperback Swap
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 24 March 2009
Why do I have it? I like Christine Feehan as an author

For my #15 challenge (backlist from a favorite author), I read Dark Gold by Christine Feehan. Alexandria Huton is near death when she, and her little brother, Joshua, are found by vampire hunter Aidan Savage. He saves them from a terrible fate, but in the process Alex is changed forever.

Now, she is swept into the dark world of the Carpathians - struggling with near vampiric urges and a lethargy that strikes during the day. Only Aidan, as her lifemate, can help. But can she trust him when her brother is kidnapped by a vampire bent on Aidan's destruction.

I really liked this story. Alexandria was a strong, capable woman and Aidan was extremely likable (in a 'medieval' way :)). I give this story a B+! I would definitely recommend it to others.



B+! - (89-94%)


May you read well and often

Amanda Quick - Desire

14. Desire by Amanda Quick (1993)
Length: 373 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 3 October 2009
Finished: 8 October 2009
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 April 2009
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Amanda Quick as an author

For my #8 Challenge (author with a pseudonym), I read Desire by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz). Upon her father's death while he was traveling in Spain, Lady Clare of Desire reluctantly writes to her guardian, Lord Thurston of Landry, to find her a husband. Enclosed in her missive is a "husband recipe" with four qualities which she requires her future husband to have.

Thurston sends only two candidates for Lady Clare's hand, one man who kidnapped her for four days and the other - Sir Gareth of Wyckmere - who is his 'natural son' and known as the Hellhound. Clare is astounded to learn that her wish has been granted in such a way but is determined that if she is to marry, it will be on her own terms.

I loved this story and its honest treatment of the issue of virginity and people's reaction to it. Lady Clare manages her isle and her perfume business with great skill and has earned people's respect because of it, but she has yet to give respect to her husband until she receives it herself. I give this story a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Meriel Fuller - Conquest Bride

5. Conquest Bride by Meriel Fuller (2005)
The Harlequin Historical Series Book 782
Length: 304 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 23 April 2009
Finished: 2 May 2009
Where did it come from? From Paperback Swap
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 18 April 2009
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Meriel Fuller is a new author for me


For my #12 challenge (Romeo and Juliet), I read Conquest Bride by Meriel Fuller. Baron Varin de Montaigu was sent by King William to investigate his new Saxon subjects for possible treason. Varin knew something of treachery, especially when it came to a woman's traitorous nature. What he didn't expect was to meet Lady Eadita of Thunorslege, a sparkling Saxon elfin woman whose beauty bewitched him even as he was continually angered by her.

Lady Eadita of Thunorslege hated the Normans with every fiber of her being. She wanted them out of her home and her country at any cost. They had killed her father and turned her brother into an outlaw and her fury still burned bright. When she meets Varin, however, she can't deny the desire that burns between them. But will a secret from Eadita's past turn their mutual desire to ash? I enjoyed this historical romance very much and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Kathryn Albright - The Rebel and the Lady

4. The Rebel and the Lady by Kathryn Albright (2008)
The Harlequin Historical Series Book 913
Length: 288 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 1 April 2009
Finished: 11 April 2009
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 1 April 2009
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Kathryn Albright is a new author for me.


For my #1 challenge (Read a Western), I read The Rebel and the Lady by Kathryn Albright. Victoria Torrez is on the run from Santa Anna's forces as they invade Texas. To protect Victoria, her parents have sent her to live with her cousins Juan and Diego. While helping at the local hospital and secretly helping the rebels, Victoria meets Jake Dumont who is searching for his brother.

Jake has never understood why his brother wanted to fight for Texas so badly. In his mind, land was just not worth dying for. He had come from Charleston to drag his brother back home. Jake had never expected to meet such a highborn lady of quality as Victoria Torrez, or to find that such a lady could fall for a drifter like him. Jake would find that each person had his or her own reason for fighting for the freedom of Texas.

I have never read a Western before, they were not really my type. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and give it a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Alice Hoffman - Practical Magic

26. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (1995)
Length: 336 pages
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Started: 16 December 2008
Finished: 22 December 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like contemporary fiction and Alice Hoffman is a new author for me.


For two hundred years the Owens women have been seen as witches - blamed for everything that went wrong in their tiny Massachusetts community. As children, Sally and Gillian Owens suffered the stigma of living with their aunts and thus being viewed as different.

As adults, they sought to escape Massachusetts - Sally by marriage and Gillian by running away. However, sooner or later the Owens sisters must come home as if by magic. I give this story a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Michelle Willingham - Her Irish Warrior

23. Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham (2007)
The Harlequin Historical Series Book 850
The MacEgan Brothers Series Book 3
Length: 300 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Started: 1 December 2008
Finished: 4 December 2008
Where did it come from? From Walmart
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 January 2008
Why do I have it? I like historical romance and Michelle Willingham is a new author for me. I also like anything to do with Ireland.

For my #15 challenge ('W' For Winter), I read Her Irish Warrior by Michelle Willingham. Genevieve de Renalt must escape her abusive betrothed, even if it means putting her trust in the hands of the enemy. Irish warrior Bevan MacEgan has sworn to fight the Norman enemy and regain his castle Rionallis after he had witnessed the death of his wife two years before.

When the attack of Rionallis goes awry, Bevan finds that he can't leave a Norman lady in danger, but how far will he go to keep her safe? Bevan had sworn to never love again, yet marriage would benefit them both. Genevieve begins to slowly break through to his heart. However, will a terrible secret break their hearts and will Bevan end up losing Genevieve forever? I give this historical romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often

Kay Hooper - The Wizard of Seattle

22. The Wizard of Seattle by Kay Hooper (1995)
Length: 336 pages
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Started: 24 November 2008
Finished: 30 November 2008
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 October 2008
Why do I have it? I like paranormal romance and Kay Hooper is a new author for me

For my #9 challenge (Title With Place in it), I read The Wizard of Seattle by Kay Hooper. When Richard Merlin first sets eyes on Serena Smyth - the bedraggled sixteen-year-old runaway who shows up on his doorstep one stormy night - he can sense the barely restrained power within her. Guided by pure instinct, Serena has come over three hundred miles in order to find a Master Wizard to teach her a forbidden art. For Serena's sake, Richard will teach her his art, despite a taboo so ancient that the reasons for its existence are all but forgotten.

Nine years later, Richard never expects to risk all that he has and all that he is in order to save Serena, and in the process find a love none of his kind has ever experienced. Richard and Serena's quest will bring them back in time to a lost civilization called Atlantis and will test their faith in and love for each other. I give this time travel romance a B+!

B+! - (89-94%)

May you read well and often