Reviews
for
Anthology
Title - Blue Moon Enchantment
5 Stars *****
Author: Various
A short synopsis of each story (and there are
fifteen) follows:
Under the Faery Blue Moon by
Dawn Thompson
Set in the Regency era. In the previous companion book "Blue Moon Magic", Puck
and Oberon had caused chaos at a Blue Moon Ball. The pair had slipped something
into the claret bowl in hopes of bringing a pair of humans together in love.
Instead, the targeted pair were the only two who did NOT drink it. All the other
humans are now lusting after each other and doing all sorts of things in the
garden. It is up to Tatiana, Queen of the Faeries, to straighten it all out.
The Anti-Kissing League by Leanne Burroughs
Set in 1909. Geoffrey Standish left New York to spend the summer in Georgia and
help his Aunt Ida Mae and Uncle Henry on their farm. The town had sunned Geoff's
parents long ago, so he really did not want to be in the small backwater town.
However, had he not come to Georgia, he would never have met Millie.
Leap of Faith by Jill and Julia
Marcella Richards is the best Chicago attorney around and over due for a much
needed vacation. As usual, the only thing she can think of is Drew. He was the
man she had hoped to marry eight years ago, but lost instead. While her thoughts
dwelled on the past, Marcella makes a wish on the blue moon. However, she never
expects to see a doll-sized gnomette appear and offer to send her back in time
for a second chance at love.
When Mules Rush In by Jacquie Rogers
Set in 1882. Merlin was once King Arthur's advisor and sorcerer. But the days of
old were over and considered only to be myths. Merlin still believes in the Auld
Ways: do no harm and mentor his human. Merlin chooses to keep the form of a mule
while he resides in Wyoming. The human Merlin mentors is Luke Tyson, a gambler
and womanizer. But the stubborn mule is about to open Luke's eyes to a special
lady named Willow.
The Star Traveler by Victoria Houseman
Set in South Carolina at the end of June, 2007. Dr. Hayley Stone specialized in
fertility treatments. When her mother fell ill, Hayley quit everything to be
with and care for her. Now her mother has passed away and Hayley feels adrift.
Alice, an old friend of the family, tells Hayley about a legend which states
that the night of the blue moon brings the Star Traveler, one who grants wishes
of true love to those who truly believe and deserve it... Donovan de Lyon is a
Star Traveler and everyone in his family seems to be urging him to find his
special woman. But Donovan only wants everyone to stay out of his love life. In
the meantime, Earth is having a blue moon, which means he has a busy night of
magical work ahead of him. As Donovan approaches Earth, his spaceship's main
computer (Rachel) decides to meddle in his love life too.
Sentimental Journey by Judith Laik
Back in 1942, Eve Larson kissed her military fiancé, Howard, goodbye and held
her fear at bay when he shipped out. His plane ended up going down during a
bombing raid. Three years later, Eve is a teacher and summer vacation has just
begun. Unable to let go of her love for Howard, she intends to spend the summer
months tending to her garden. While out during the blue moon, she wishes for
Howard to return to her.
A Blue Vacation by Michelle Scaplen
Brenda Blake is an office data entry clerk who has not had a vacation in over
four years. Then one morning Nick, a head salesman, and Tori, the slinky
secretary, have an argument and break up. The couple had planned to spend time
in the Bahamas in the near future. Tori gives her ticket to Brenda, who gladly
accepts. So with a funky new haircut and determined to enjoy herself, Brenda is
off to the Caribbean. However, Brenda never expects to find Nick as a roommate!
Blue Moon Magic by Ann Marie Bradley
Interior designer Claire Jacobs leaves her dead end job and accepts an offer in
Key West, Florida. Upon the beach sets a lovely mansion fashioned after an 1886
European country castle. Claire's job is to give "Hotel Castle" a face lift and
transform it into a twenty-first century luxury resort. Fred, the manager,
informs Claire about Lord Archer, the earl who had the place built for his
fiancée long ago, only for her to mysteriously disappear a week before they were
to wed. The earl died shortly afterward. Folks say that Lord Archer now haunts
the castle. Rob Archer, the owner of the hotel, was indisposed and would not be
able to meet with Claire, but gave her free reign over the place. That night
Claire strolled the beach under the blue moon and finds a man's ring...
Kissing Lessons by Sherrie Holmes
Abigail Fairweather is the daughter of the late Baron Fairweather. The wild,
adventurous lady made a wish on the blue moon involving Viscount Selkirk. Later
she is thrown off her velocipede (bike) while riding and toppled down a hill to
land upon a strange, but very handsome man. Abigail assumes him to be Lord
Selkirk's gardener and asks him to help her make the blue moon wish come true.
However, the gardener is really the viscount and he has some surprises in store
for her.
Muses in the Moonlight by Patty Howell
As a child Calli Winson was abandoned. She was raised in Allenvale by a
wonderful, loving couple. But Calli always wondered why she had been abandoned.
Now grown, Calli is an anthropologist at the Smithsonian in Maryland. Her
adopted parents died ten years prior and she returns to Allenvale, Pennsylvania,
to place flowers on their graves. Overwhelmed with emotions one night, Calli
yells at the blue moon. That is how she meet Jacob Isaacs, a pastor at a local
church. He offers her a friendly ear and they spend a long time talking. As they
part, Jacob makes a wish.
Blue Moon Reunion by Gerri Bowen
Lady Piper of Auban has always been told to be careful what she wishes for.
Piper is not sure what she would wish for in a man though. There has been three
men in her life. The first was Sir Robin of Escewiche. But he ended up
abandoning her. He was followed by two others who were cruel. If Piper ever
wished for a man, it would be one like Robin, but he would not abandon
her...Robin never abandoned Piper. He is currently a prisoner, chained in a
dungeon. During all his horrible days he believes Piper to be the cause of his
imprisonment. He wants nothing more than to have his revenge. During the next
blue moon, Robin makes his wish.
A Wish Times Three by Jeanne Van Arsdall
Kathleen is an author with a looming deadline. Yet when her sister asks for her
to care for Siena while she and her husband go to England for awhile, Kathleen
still agrees. Siena is seven-years-old. Her teacher is out on maternity leave.
The substitute is Dr. Kevin Collins, an archeologist. After a few accidental
meetings between Kathleen, Siena, and Kevin, the little girl invites Kevin over
for lasagna. It just so happens that the blue moon is approaching. Siena and
Kevin have their wishes ready. But Kathleen is hesitant.
Moondance by Kemberlee Shortland
Set in Ireland. Ronan moved into the area a year ago and fell in love with
Blánaid on sight. However, Blánaid has only ever thought of him as a friend.
Ronan had once overheard Blánaid and one of her friends discussing what they
looked for in a man, so Ronan knows that he is nothing like the one she dreams
of. Yet as Blánaid and he watch the sun set one evening, Ronan takes a chance
and kisses her.
Beneath the Velvet Blue Moon by Candace Gold
Nadine Stone and her parents spent summers at Lake Flint. At the age of
nineteen, Nadine met Michael Greene. Under the light of the blue moon, they
promised to meet each other next year in the same place. But Nadine loses her
cellular phone, which had Michael's phone number on it, and then her parents
died in a car wreck. Nadine was unable to return to Lake Flint as she'd promised
and Michael never contacted her. If they were to ever see each other again, it
would take a miracle.
Devil in Spurs by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Desdein Deshaunt has waited twenty long years to get his revenge. Back then the
Earl Whitmore and Viscount Kildorne murdered his father, but it could not be
proven. By day Desdein is a horse breeder. While with the Ton he masquerades as
a titled fop, the Marquis de Fournier. But during the deep night hours, he is
the notorious highwayman known as the "Devil in Spurs". All was going well until
his younger brother, Jeremy, did something rash and got arrested by Edward
Findlater (Viscount Kildorne) who is currently the local area's magistrate. To
rescue Jeremy, the Devil in Spurs kidnaps Lady Ashlyn and sends her magistrate
father a note of ransom. Problem is that Desdein is attracted to his hostage, as
well as her mangy old tabby cat, Cyril. Worse, Ashlyn reveals to him that her
father believes her to be worthless and will not agree to bargain with the
Devil.
***** This is the second book in the Blue Moon anthology series. The first,
titled "Blue Moon Magic", was released only a few months ago and is still
selling wildly. I predict that this companion book will do as well. Short
stories are even harder to write than full length novels and this anthology has
FIFTEEN magical tales by various authors. If you want some sweet dreams, read
one of two of these stories just before bed. Terrific! *****
HUNTRESS REVIEWS
(Reviewed by Detra Fitch)
Blue
Moon Enchantment 5 Stars
*****
Highland Press once again offers readers another brilliant anthology to amuse
and entertain. This break through publishing house has once again composed a
series of short stories that are based on the magical elements of a Blue Moon.
Under the Faery Blue Moon by
Dawn Thompson--Once again readers are treated to the high jinx of Puck and
Oberon with Ms. Thompson's continuing story first begun in the anthology Blue
Moon Magic. A love potion met for one certain couple is taken by everyone except
the intended targets...what will Tatiana do?
The Anti-Kissing League by Leanne Burroughs--A good son spends his summer in
Georgia helping family. It was the last place he wanted to be and the only place
he finds love.
Leap of Faith by Jill and Julia offers a Chicago attorney a second chance at a
happy ending with the one man she loved and lost eight years earlier after
wishing on a blue moon.
When Mules Rush In by Jacquie Rogers--Merlin, King Arthur advisor is alive and
well and mentoring another in the wilds of Wyoming. The fact that he is in the
form of a mule and that the man he is helping is gambler and likes the ladies is
no obstacle. Luke will find love.
The Star Traveler by Victoria Houseman--Haley Stone gives up everything in order
to help her dieing mother. Now alone and despondent a family friend tells her
about wishing to the star traveler. Will Haley find her happy ending in the form
of a wish?
Sentimental Journey by Judith Laik--Eve kisses her fiancé goodbye as he is
shipped off to war. His plane is shot down and Eve thinks she has lost her happy
ending. But wishing on a Blue Moon could change all that.
A Blue Vacation by Michelle Scaplen--Two people are going to wind up in the
right place at the right time in the Bahamas. Brenda and Nick have no idea what
this trip is going to end up giving them.
Blue Moon Magic by Ann Marie Bradley--Claire Jacobs moves to Florida in order to
help restore an old hotel. Claire is about to experience all the magic a Blue
Moon can offer and more.
Kissing Lessons by Sherrie Holmes--Abigail has a terrible crush on a local lord.
When she has a mishap with her new bike and is helped by a man she mistakenly
she thinks is Lord Selkirk's gardener she enlists this man to help her make her
wish come true with her handsome neighbor. Will her wish come true?
Muses in the Moonlight by Patty Howell--Calli Winston was abandoned as a child
and when she looses her foster parents she takes her pain out on the Blue Moon.
The moon hears her pleas and sends her someone to love.
Blue Moon Reunion by Gerri Bowen--Lady Piper Auban has not experienced the best
luck with men. The one man she thought would never leave her is Robin. But,
Robin is in a dungeon and thinks his current situation is because of Piper. This
bold man makes a wish on a blue moon but will his wish come true?
A Wish Times Three by Jeanne Van Arsdall--Kathleen agrees to take care of her
niece while her sister can enjoy an vacation despite the fact she has her own
issues. With a little help from a blue moon three wishes are made but will they
come true?
Moondance by Kemberlee Shortland--Ronan has loved Blánaid from their first
meeting. She only sees him as a friend and he wants to change that. With the
help of a setting sun and a wish perhaps Ronan will find his happy ending.
Beneath the Velvet Blue Moon by Candace Gold--One summer Nadine is with her
parents at Flint Lake and she meets Michael. They both agree to meet again same
time next year but life gets in the way and if these two are ever going to meet
again they're going to need the help of a Blue Moon.
Devil in Spurs by DeborahAnne MacGillivray--Desdein Deshaunt has many different
faces he shows the world with one of them being the "Devil in Spurs" a dangerous
highwayman. When is younger brother is arrested he needs to rescue him and
kidnaps the magistrates daughter Ashlyn. This decision is going to change
Desdein's life in more ways than one. Perhaps he will finally find love.
There are stories here for every taste and desire. Time Travel, historicals,
contemporaries. This is a strong effort that is anchored by Dawn Thompson and
Deborah MacGillivray with wonderful new talent that you will want to keep an eye
out for. This read will be a perfect addition for your keep shelf.
Reviewed
by Kristi Ahlers - Romance Writer
http://www.kristiahlers.com/
BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT
Dawn Thompson, Leanne Burroughs, Jill & Julie, Jacquie Rogers,
Victoria Houseman, Judith Laik, Michelle Scaplen, Ann Marie Bradley,
Sherrie Holmes, Patty Howell, Gerri Bowen, Jeanne Van Arsdall,
Kemberlee Shortland, Candace Gold, and DeborahAnne MacGillivray
ISBN: 0-9746-2497-7
September 3, 2006
Highland Press
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Rating
Legend has
it that a blue moon is enchanted. What happens when fifteen talented
authors utilize this theme to create enthralling stories of love?
Dawn Thompson's enchanting
tale, Under a Faery Blue Moon continues the antics of
Oberon and Puck after the misadventures previously encountered
in Belle of the Blue Moon Ball in BLUE MOON MAGIC.
Tatiana, Queen of the Faeries, follows after them only to find
herself an accidental victim of their pranks.
Under a Faery Blue Moon
is a humorous tale showcasing the spectacular wit of Dawn
Thompson. While this story stands alone on its own merits, fans
will eagerly rush to purchase the first anthology to see just
what else happens when Oberon and Puck begin their scheming. Ms.
Thompson's lyrical writing style opens this anthology on just
the right note!
The Anti-Kissing League
by Leanne Burroughs is a phenomenal historical tale surrounding
the story of Millie Baker and Geoffrey Standish. Geoffrey is
pure 1900s New Yorker while Millie lives in a small town where
kissing even your husband is believed to cause crop failure!
Will Millie and Geoffrey be able to overcome their differences
on this blue moon?
The entire concept behind
The Anti-Kissing League is simply a hoot! The interactions
between Millie and Geoffrey are funny but the attitude of the
townspeople makes this one a real laugh-out-loud story. Leanne
Burroughs displays sheer genius at combining such fantastic
humor with a sweet romance that is sure to enchant readers new
to her works.
In Leap of Faith by
Jill and Julia, Marcella Richards is a successful attorney who
has it all- except for her the man she once had and still loves.
A chance wish on a blue moon and the assistance of gnomette Lola
Lewinsky give Marcella a second chance at love.
Leap of Faith
is a heartwarming time-travel story. Jill and Julia do an
excellent job at conveying the loneliness Marcella experiences
in spite of all of her material belongings. Their eloquent
tribute to the power of love is touching and sure to garner them
some fans.
When Mules Rush In
by Jacquie Rogers chronicles the matchmaking skills of the
legendary Merlin in the guise of a mule! Eleanor
Winthrop-Douglas escaped the Boston society life she now
disdains, along with gold-digging Nate Worthington. Now, living
as simple herb farmer Willow Jones, she meets the man of her
dreams, Luke Tyson. But Luke has been paid to locate Eleanor and
return her to Nate….
Jacquie Rogers has penned a
fabulous twist on the Merlin theme! Having Merlin encased in the
body of a mule provides great amusement along with the antics of
the chicken, DeborahAnne. Ms. Rogers cleverly ties it all
together and will leave the reader yearning for more stories
involving these interesting and highly entertaining characters!
The Star Traveler
by Victoria Houseman focuses on Hayley Stone and Donovan de
Lyon, both secretly desiring love. Hayley's mother recently died
while Donovan is being prepped to take over the family business
as the Master Star Traveler, a job he isn't interested in. Will
a blue moon wish help these two lonely hearts find one another?
The Star Traveler
offers a bit of science fiction in BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT. The
concept of Star Travelers who serve as intergalactic matchmakers
is a fascinating one. Wishing on a blue moon has a bit of
additional excitement when one considers that a Star Traveler
may be listening to grant your wish!
Sentimental Journey
by Judith Laik is the bittersweet love story of Eve Larsen and
Howard Murphy. Howard is going off to war and Eve is left behind
with a flat, empty life bereft of the love of her life. She
waits for him, despite reports that he is missing. Will the blue
moon wish save their chance at love?
Judith Laik's tale of
heartbreak and loneliness is very poignant. This touching story
is sure to invoke strong emotions in the reader as Ms. Laik has
a definite gift with words. Sentimental Journey is both
heart wrenching and heart warming and one expects to see Ms.
Laik become a huge force in the romance genre.
A Blue Vacation
by Michelle Scaplen chronicles the coming-out-of-her-shell
of plain Brenda Blake. Brenda has always feared taking risks
until her flashy coworker's relationship with gorgeous Nick
Shelton ends and her coworker gives her their tickets to
Bermuda. Brenda's world is about to be turned upside down in
this fun story.
A Blue Vacation
takes readers on a fantastic journey as Brenda dares to take a
few risks and finds out a lot about herself. Brenda's
self-examination and willingness to venture into the unknown
will strike a chord with readers as her character is very
believable. Brenda's transformation is a sheer delight to read!
Blue Moon Magic
by Ann Marie Bradley is a superb paranormal tale in which Claire
Jacobs is hired to renovate Hotel Castle into a luxurious
resort. Hired by Rob Archer, Claire immediately falls in love
with the hotel and the legend of the ghostly Lord Archer. What
surprises will the blue moon deliver to Claire?
Blue Moon Magic
is a hauntingly good tale! Ann Marie Bradley perfectly captures
the ambience of Hotel Castle and brings the tale of Lord Archer
to life. The slight touch of intrigue adds an aura of mystery
and accentuates the overall ghostly aura. Fans will delight in
this beautifully written story.
Kissing Lessons
by Sherrie Holmes is an amusing tale about mistaken identity.
Abigail Fairweather wants to meet and marry Viscount Selkirk in
order to salvage her family's finances. She meets David Neff,
the viscount, and mistakes him for the gardener. See what
happens when David gives Abigail Kissing Lessons.
Sherrie Holmes does a
fabulous job at maintaining the believability of this tale of
mistaken identity. Abigail is an engaging character from the
first moment when this Rubenesque woman crashes from the sky to
land on the viscount! The fantastic mixture of the sensual and
the humorous makes Kissing Lessons a story readers will
love.
Patty Howell's Muses in
the Moonlight poignantly portrays Calli Winson's quest to
find where she fits in. She returns to her hometown where she
meets pastor Jacob Isaacs. Will Calli begin looking forward to
her future or stay mired in the past?
Muses in the Moonlight
is a heart-warming story about coming home. Patty Howell's
excellent portrayal of Calli's past heartbreaks will resonate
with readers. Calli's painful journey is counterbalanced by
Jacob's optimism. This fresh take on coming home packs a
powerful emotional punch!
Gerri Bowen's Blue Moon
Reunion is a historical tale in which Lady Piper of Auban
has struggled to keep the people of Escewiche safe ever since
the death of her first and only love, Sir Robin. But Sir Robin
never actually died and was instead imprisoned, believing Piper
behind it all. What can a blue moon do to salvage the love once
shared by these two?
Gerri Bowen's writing
transports the reader to a time long past. She tastefully
handles the marital hardships faced by Piper while providing the
necessary depth that makes this story so powerful. This
emotional tale of reconciliation is superb and sure to garner
Ms. Bowen some new fans!
A Wish Times Three
by Jeanne Van Arsdall is the sweet story of Kathleen McDowell's
emotional reawakening. Since the death of her husband 3 years
ago, Kathleen has forsaken all chances at love. However, the
sexy Kevin Collins is determined to break through Kathleen's
barriers.
Jeanne Van Arsdall's tale of
a woman daring to love again is touching. Kevin's willingness to
wait until Kathleen is ready makes him the perfect romantic
hero. The clever inclusion of Kathleen's niece, Siena, adds a
light touch to this otherwise deeply emotional story.
Kemberelee Shortland
demonstrates the power of friendship in Moondance.
Blanaid and Ronan have been close friends for quite awhile.
Blanaid is oblivious to Ronan's love for her as well as her own
feelings for him. Will the blue moon forever change this
friendship?
Moondance
is a story everyone can relate to. Either one has experienced or
witnessed a friendship evolving into a romantic relationship.
Kemberlee Shortland's splendid portrayal of Blanaid's concerns
about possibly losing the friendship she has with Ronan will
resonate with readers everywhere.
Beneath the Velvet Blue
Moon by Candace
Gold chronicles the power of first love when coupled with a blue
moon. Nadine Stone met Michael Greene when she was only nineteen
but circumstances separated them. Now, years later she has to
decide whether to marry another man- or will the blue moon wish
from many years ago come true?
Candace Gold's bittersweet
tale demonstrates how enduring love really is. Nadine's
continued memory of the bliss she once shared with Michael is
simply beautiful. The emotional impact of Beneath the Velvet
Moon will leave nary a reader with a dry eye!
In DeborahAnne MacGillivray's
Devil in Spurs, Desdein Deshaunt wears many guises,
including that of the Robin Hood-like highwayman Devil in Spurs,
in an effort to avenge his father. Now, his brother's life is at
risk and he kidnaps Lady Ashlyn Findlater in hopes of setting
things right. What happens when Desdein's plans go awry?
DeborahAnne MacGillivray
continues to demonstrate repeatedly her masterful writing
talents with the superb Devil in Spurs. Ashlyn's tale of
loneliness with only her elderly cat, Cecil, as her friend is
simply heartbreaking. Her devoted attention to Cecil is poignant
and deeply telling of her personal life. Ms. MacGillivray does a
masterful job at creating multidimensional characters and
producing very emotional, moving stories.
BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT is a
wonderful, themed anthology filled with phenomenal stories by
fifteen extraordinarily talented authors. Readers will find a
wide variety of time periods and styles showcased in this superb
anthology. BLUE MOON ENCHANTMENT is sure to offer a little bit
of something for everyone!
Reviewed by Debbie
Copyright ©
2006 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.
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