March / April, 2000 (Issue No. 6)

Timeless Shadows by, J. A. Ferguson ImaJinn Books ISBN:1893896072 April, 2000 (Time-Travel Romance) 4 Hearts

Castle Braeburn has haunted Ashley’s dreams from the time she was a child, adopted by a loving couple with no idea of her past. That unknown past reclaimed her with a vengeance, when on a tour of Scotland, she visits the very castle that inspired all of her nightmares of blood and battle, and a loving presence telling her to “ne’er forget.” Falling out of the present while on holiday in her Scottish Castle, and into the past of Scotland in the year 1644 to wage a battle of will against Colin Maclachlan seems only to be a continuation of her childhood dreams. Everyone else involved remembers a past she didn’t live and imagines a future she is not prepared for. Witchcraft casts a cloud over both past and present concealing friend and enemies alike.

The title of Laird, and the property Colin is claiming, including Castle Braeburn, are Lady Ashley Gordon’s birthright. By defeating the English Lord Stanton, Colin has earned the lands in battle, while Ashley holds the title by blood. While waiting for a higher authority to decide who will hold the property, Ashley fights a much more difficult battle. her growing love for a man she can’t trust, and the constant threat of an evil she can’t identify.

The sparkling presence that watches over Ashley will help her overcome the evil hat threatens her name, but can it save her lover? While Colin can defeat any foe in battle, he is no more prepared to fight an enemy he can’t see than Ashley is. Love reached out across centuries to bring Ashley home, but was it the love of a parent expecting her to protect the land and the people she was responsible for, or the lover of a man who would fight by her side to save all she held dear from her true enemies? J. A. Ferguson, with her prodigious talent that has delighted both fans and peers alike in so many areas of literature from historical to contemporary and mystery has once again produced a ‘winner’ with Timeless Shadows. This story has it all, love, laughter, romance, history, witchcraft, and a touch of mystery into the bargain. It will definitely both delight and hold the attention of any reader who picks it up. -Shae Casal

Former cop Nick Escavido has all but given up on his faith and his life. After he loses his job, his wife and any self respect he once had, he’s not sure what to believe in anymore. As a copy, doing the right thing often meant associating with the “wrong” people. In doing this, it caused a lot of trouble, pain and eventually his family and livelihood.

Nick soon discovers that heaven and heroes and second chances are just a hop and a skip through time when he finds a magic mirror and is catapulted back in time to a by-gone era....and at the feet of the most beautiful female he’s ever laid eyes on. Okay--so Lady Isabella Catherine Giovanni not only has an outrageously long name for a time-tossed guy to have to remember, but she also dresses like a man. But no disguise can hide the fact that Catherine is “all” woman. While Nick struggles to take in all he’s been through and deal with his new-found life, he finds himself enslaved by the captivating Catherine who can wield a sword and steal his heart all in one motion. Nick also discovers that miracles, heaven and second chances--even for fallen heroes, do exist, if he just believe in the magic of love.

Colleen Shannon has penned an engaging whirlwind time-travel tale, complete with humor, romance and a touch of “magic.” Heaven’s Hero is a powerfully moving story that stayed in my mind long after I’d finished reading the book. -Marti Witherspoon

In Windchance, the second novel in the WindTales Trilogy; also the prequel to,i> The Keeper Of The Wind, powerful Syn-Jern Sorn finds himself being shackled and taken to the infamous Labyrinth Penal Colony by his evil half brother Trace Edward Sorn. A Jealous rival who will stop at from what he feels is rightfully his. Syn-Jern is being locked away in an attempt to keep him from his rightful place as Duke of Winterstorm, an inheritance that his brother claims as his own. However, Syn-Jern possesses lethal magical powers that he is torn between using to get what is rightfully his--then there is the love he shares with a young girl who has the ability to save his very soul, unless the evil within destroys them both.

Ms. Compo is a powerful voice within the industry and her latest release Windchance only proves again what we already know. Windchance is a phenomenal tale of betrayal, the renewal of faith, love and magic that combined make for an outstanding book that I had a difficult time putting down. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next exciting installment. -Kari Trembil

Ahhh, you lovers of those handsome, powerful and seductive vampire heroes, here is another wonderful treat from Nancy Gideon! In Midnight Gamble (second book of Ms. Gideon's new trilogy), we get to meet the beautiful Frederica LaValois - half human, half vampire - and a vampire hunter extraordinare (look out Buffy!). Her goal is to round up rogue vampires, who by their careless killing of humans, threaten the existence of the whole vampire race in this modern time.

The story is set in the glittering world of the 1920's with the speakeasies, gambling and bootlegged alcohol. Frederica, a beautiful woman at 100 years of age, has many of the extraordinary talents vampires have - the ability to hear things from quite a distance away and to move fast when she needs to. She has years of martial arts training and incredible strength. But she also has talents the vampires do not - she can appear to be completely human as she can eat regular food and walk in the daylight. She is feared by most vampires because she can follow them to their places of rest, seal them in, then transport them during the day when they are helpless to be judged by her vampire father, Marchand, and his council. If found guilty, they can then be destroyed. Frederica comes to New York to investigate the recent killings of several beautiful young women. Her prime suspect becomes the owner of a huge speakeasy in SoHo, the elegant and handsome Darcy Edwards. So many clues point to him as he has either been seen with these women or had access to them.

When Frederica finally meets the mysterious Mr. Edwards, she is uncertain whether he is human or vampire and, unfortunately, is immediately attracted to him. The same goes for Darcy Edwards, who in reality is Eduard D'Arcy, a very ancient and powerful vampire from Egypt and the time of the Pharoahs. From that point on, the two are caught in a web of intrigue. They so want to give in to their attraction to each other, but so many rumors and half truths have both of them spinning in circles, trying to decide if the other is honest and true or a liar and assassin. They find they have each met their true soul mate and the love and passion that develops between Frederica and Eduard is earth shattering and beautiful, but they must both learn to trust each other and there is an evil entity out there working to make that impossible. The evidence against Eduard's innocence is piling up quickly and Federica must decide whether to bring him in for execution or trust him to be innocent and help him find and destroy the evil being set on destroying them both. This is a great book with both the development of a wonderful romance and the drama of finding and destroying the evil force responsible for so many deaths. You will love this second book and look forward eagerly to the next! -Karen King

Annabel Lowell is a female firefighter--a smokejumper, who while working, attempts to escape the forest fire by seeking refuge in a cave. When she wakes up she finds herself thrown 94 years from the present San Fransisco, 2000 to the year 1906. While in the past, Annabel meets up with another firefighter of that era, Cole Brady.

Although the idea of a female firefighter doesn’t go over too well with the men of that time, Annabel helps to put out a deadly fire taking place after the big 1906 earthquake and it is then that she finds her place in both 1906 and Cole Brady’s heart. Annabel knows what her future holds--uncertain danger and a life without the her new friends and life she has found in the past. But to stay in the past, Annabel worries about the time she has and what the “future” holds in an uncertain era she knows little about. Either way, Annabel must make a choice between her heart and the life she left behind.

Author Elizabeth Hallam is an amazing writer that is taking the romance genre by storm. With her last release Allura’s Wish, readers were awed by the talented Ms. Hallam, leaving them wanting more. Now, with the release of Yesterday’s Flame, readers can sit back and yet again enjoy a timeless and haunting tale that is sure to win over some new fans for this talented author. -Marti Witherspoon

When sculptor Jordy Decker travels to the Florida Keys looking for inspiration for her art, the last thing she expects is becoming embroiled in a mystery that will forever change her life. While working through the mystery, Jordy runs into Malacai L’Baan, an eccentric author of the best-selling fantasy Dark Pearl series. They mystery that has taken hold of Jordy is linked to some disturbing letters to Malacai from an apparent obsessive fan who has decided that the Dark Pearl is real and will go to any length to possess it.

Although the dangers are all too real, Jordy cannot help but be drawn to Malacai and finds herself unable to resist the attraction she feels to the enigmatic author. As they grow closer and their attraction for one another stronger, so does the danger. And Jordy and Malacai find themselves immersed in an age-old legend of myth and magic involving the fabled Dark Pearl that has capable of destroying both of them.

Donna Kauffman has written a spellbinding romance that is so hot it near sizzles when the pages are turned. After reading the Legend MacKinnon, I wasn’t sure if Ms. Kauffman would be able to top that one. But surprise, surprise--The Legend Of The Sorcerer has topped its predecessor and is by-far the better of the two stories. This is a really superb book to curl up with and get lost in. -Connie Stamych

When the eleven Quicken-tree free the Pyrf (spawn of dragons) from the underground dungeon and succeed in reclaiming the keep at Caer Merioneth, that does little to change the haunted former monk, Michael who has been plagued with visions of Ddrei Goch and Ddrei Glas--the dragons who fight and fend off the forces of Darkness. With the dragon’s whereabouts unknown, Michael is a haunted and troubled man.

Although his abilities are great, traveling underground in the caverns inhabited by the pyrf is a dangerous task. However, exploring the caverns is the least of his worries as Michael’s erstwhile allies scheme to turn him into something he has no desire to be. But there is hope yet in Llynya of the Quicken-tree who aids him in his quest to win the final battle with the Dark. However there is always a price to pay--and in the end, Michael wonders what Lady Llynya will want of him in return for her good deed.

Glenna McReynolds has created a magical and unique romance with vibrant characters, adventure and excitement that made the Dream Stone a truly unforgettable story. Readers who enjoy straight fantasy and also a well-written romance with “happy endings” will want to add this novel to their shopping list. -Brenda K. Johnson

In the first story, Irish Roses, a young lady travels to a far away land searching for a legend and winds up finding more than she bargained for and losing her heart in the bargain. In the second romantic short, Bride Price, Bridget’s deceitful husband pays her “bride price” and asks for something more valuable in exchange---but will he get what he asks for or what he deserves? In Irish Wildfire, an Irish beauty heals a man’s eyes along with his heart, but what of hers? Can the love of a man heal the wounds of her soul?

Irish Enchantment is a fun anthology by several renowned romance writers who have penned some enchanting love stories that will leave readers with only one regret--that each romantic “short” had been its own full-length novel. I enjoyed every page of this entertaining book. -Karen Goodman

Before Ginny is rendered unconscious, she vows to never lose Malmaison. However, when Ginny comes-to, she finds herself in the future and on the eve of a “new” millennium. Ginny also finds the current owner of Malmaison, handsome botanist Samuel Sutter, a descendant of the enemy. With Ginny’s knowledge of Malmaison, she gains employment from Samuel’s mother as the curator during the approaching renovation to restore the once beautiful estate into it’s nineteenth century splendor.

While doing her job as curator, Ginny also works diligently to discover the truth as to what happened in 1899 and the life she left behind. However, the mutual attraction shared between Ginny and Samuel makes it difficult for Ginny to let go of the past and forget the fact that he is related to the awful Colonel Sutter. Then And Now is a believable time-travel tale that captures readers attention, calling them back to a by-gone era and the struggles of the heart as Ginny sacrifices all she knows in the name of love. This is a fast-paced story with a truly charming cast of characters that will have readers believing in the unbelievable. Willa Hix has definitely etched a place for herself amongst the best of the best with her splendid time-traveling romps. -Brenda K. Johnson

Alexandria Houton will do and sacrifice anything--even risk her life in order to protect her orphaned little brother. But when Alexandria and her brother are taken captive after they are witness to the blood-thirsty vampire’s evil acts, Alexandria’s reassuring and comforting tale of a savior from heaven turns out to be all too real when the darkness of evil opens up and golden haired Aiden Savage comes to their rescue. Although Aiden, too is a powerful creature of the night--a vampire, his task is to hunt down and destroy other vamps who take pleasure in the thrill of the hunt by torturing and killing their human victims. Before Aiden meets Alex, he feels certain he is headed down the dark path. But now that he’s met Alex, he is sure she is the only person that can save him and his tortured soul.

Dark Gold is the third installment in Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series, which only whets readers appetites for even more from this talented new author. Ms. Feehan writes with a unique style, blending all the wonderful things readers have come to love--and expect from such authors as Anne Rice, Cherlyn Jac and Maggie Shayne, which has such a dark alluring charm that I found similar to some of my favorite “Silhouette Shadows” stories by Carla Cassidy. If the first three books in this series are any indication, then the next 5-6 (yep, that’s right--a whole slew of these things are coming our way) are certain to live up to the high quality we already expect from this writer---that being the case, readers can sit back and look forward to a long running, entertaining supernatural series to keep us busy and thoroughly “entranced” for the next few years! Ms. Feehan is one of the best new writers to come along in years! -G. D. Triplett

When Ella is contracted to marry Rudi, the dark mysterious Count Von Drachenfels, she thinks she feels certain she is set for life--after all, the only thing she is expected to do is marry a “count” in need of an heir--have his baby and live out the remainder of her life in the lap of luxury. What could be better than that? Well, as with anything that seems to good to be true, there’s a catch; due to an age-old family curse, their marriage is to be a short-lived union indeed--literally. The curse dictates that every first Countess Von Frachenfels will die during childbirth as will the heir.

Although Ella doesn’t believe in curses, after spending a few months living in Rudi’s German ancestral castle, complete with its resident ghosts--all the former countesses, she finds herself believing that anything may be possible ...even the curse. Between Nadine, Rudi’s malicious evil mistress (who’s refused to marry Rudi because of the curse) and a few other “spectral” Countesses, Ella still finds herself in love with Rudi, who doesn’t even seem to notice she’s alive a majority of the time--which I found a bit odd. SO many things do not make sense in this story. Rudi keeps getting married knowing his Countess will die as will his heir--why? I never did figure that one out. Then there’s Ella who has about as much back-bone as a jellyfish. This is by-far the most passive heroine I’ve ever read about in a contemporary novel--romance, or not.

Although The Count showed great promise in the first few chapters, I found myself a bit disappointed when things didn’t turn out as I had hoped--and expected them to. The romance came across as very secondary to the whole “curse” business and by the end of the book I found myself wishing the author had put a little more “hmph” into Rudi and Ella’s relationship--doing away with Nadine and bringing them together in a more “happily-eve-after” type scenario. But, that’s just my own personal opinion--if you enjoy dark, brooding characters and are also intrigued by an eerie atmosphere, then you might just find The Count to be a “keeper” if you give it a chance. -Connie Stamych

Phoebe Rafferty, a colonial heiress needs a husband--and fast. Time is running out and she has only four weeks left to get married and claim her inheritance. It just so happens that Phoebe has the “perfect” man picked out for her husband-to-be....Stephen Lambert, Duke of Badrick. However, Stephen refuses to marry Phoebe, rambling on about some kind of Gypsy curse.

Stephen finds phoebe’s proposal very tempting, but he knows the curse has doomed him to a life without a happy marriage and he is too stubborn to give in, even to the beautiful lady offering herself up to him. However, Stephen is also a man and a man has needs, right? At least that’s the idea here--so, he will attempt to convince Phoebe into being the next best thing to a wife--a mistress. Well, that will just not do. And Phoebe vows to change Stephen’s mind and prove to him once and for all that there is no such thing as curses and that the only spell working magic over him is the magic of true love.

Peggy Waide has written fun paranormal romance with well-drawn characters and enough humor and light hearted antics to keep readers gripping the pages of this magical story. Potent Charms is a “must” have for readers of straight historical romance who enjoy a little something extra thrown in for kicks. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. -Brenda K. Johnson

The very modern Taylor Rose Martin lives in the present day setting in San Diego California. After she begins hearing strange voices, she at first thinks she is losing her mind. After listening to this voice that leads her to the local county fair, she finds herself visiting clairvoyant Madame Rosalinda for a tarot card reading that sends her whirling to the past.

Taylor embarks on an adventurous journey when she falls asleep on a train and wakes up in 1888 San Diego, California--a prediction made by Rosalinda she didn’t take seriously, until now. While Taylor works to make sense out of the unusual set of circumstances, she meets up with Wyatt Earp and his wife who believe her to be a young woman in need of employment and assist her in getting a job as a gardener for the local “madam.”

After Taylor becomes more accustomed to her surroundings and new way of life, she bides her time waiting and watching for some sign or clue as to how she got there or “why” she was sent back in time. During all of this, Taylor finds herself very interested in Jackson--wanting to know all she can about the elusive bartender, Jackson Holt, Taylor watches, and listens to everything he has to say.

Taylor finds herself falling in love with Jackson and is convinced that he is the reason she was sent back in time. However, that theory changes when she overhears Jackson speak of killing Wyatt Earp--the man who he claimed to have gunned down his father in cold blood. This changes everything for Taylor, confusing her even more. While Taylor struggles to find a way to change Jackson’s mind, she finds herself wondering if that is the true reason she was sent back--to save Wyatt, or if it was to save Jackson for making a terrible mistake that he will undoubtedly pay for with his life--or perhaps “Jackson” is the reason Taylor was sent back...could he be her soul mate, the person she was meant to spend her life with?

Talented new author Janet Wellington has written an emotional heart-tugger that grabs hold of you and never lets go. Forever Rose exhibits the perfect blending of a historical western with its gun-toting hero and secondary characters, such as Wyatt, with a witty modern day heroine, a fortune-telling gypsy and traditional time travel elements, that combine together to make for a truly remarkable story. Janet Wellington is definitely a star on the rise. -Connie Stamych

While herbalist Holly O’Mara was house-sitting for her friend Emma Nathan in Cadboro Bay, she put her spare time to use by harvesting seaweed to be used in her chain of herbal stores. While gathering seaweed, Holly finds an old Jerry can--not your average gas can, either. This can came complete with its very own genie, who has offered to grant Holly three wishes. Until Holly can think up her three wishes; the usual do’s and don’t along with world peace not being allowed, Holly carries the gas can around with her ever where she goes.

Asked to house-sit one of her other properties by his mother at a neighboring home, Luke Nathan uses his free time video-taping his search for Cadnorosaurus, a mythical sea serpent that has supposedly appeared in the lagoon once every generation. Being a lawyer relying on “facts and evidence, Luke doesn’t normally give in to flights of fancy such as this. However, this is not much he wouldn’t do for his mother, Emma, and finds himself agreeing to do this regardless of his feelings on the matter. After all, if he can’t find any evidence of Cadbororous’s existence, then he can push his mother into giving up her search for the creature.

Luke and Holly find their “search” has lead them straight into each others arms, proving not only that opposites do attract, but something magical is about to take place on Cadboro Bay---and not all of it is in their control! Judy Gill has penned a superb fantasy romance that is both run to read and funny. This romantic comedy had me grinning and giggling out loud to some of the hilarious antics that went on throughout the story. The characters are “real” and come across that way, too. No Strings Attached is definitely a “feel-good” story that readers will be happy they bought, and read. -Mari Witherspoon

In the year 2000, after learning of her Gram’s death, stage actress Emily Foster leaves her prospering career on Broadway to return to her Grandmother’s Victorian Home. Gram is the person who raised Emily after her parents were killed in a horrific automobile accident. Emily has been obsessed with the legend of her ancestor Elinor, who died with her true love in a Langsford Manor in a fire that destroyed the manor and took their lives over 100 years ago. Langford Manor lies across the Kanawha River--it’s believed that Nicholas was the person responsible for the horrific fire and deaths-murder/suicide. However, Emily has never believed this to be true.

When Emily is looks across the river and sees the now fully restored manor, she wonders if she is losing her mind--after all, it’s supposed to be lying in ruins. Then, there are two strange people standing on the other side. Emily knows that it is Nicholas and Elinor--is she dreaming, hallucinating or are her dead ancestors trying to tell her something?

Emily begins having bizarre dreams as if she is traveling through time and inhabiting the body of her ancestor--she also hears Nicholas calling out to her “come back to me Elinor.” The tragedy of the couple’s death along with the strange going’s on only make Emily more curious to discover the truth. The only person with enough hatred for either of them was Harriet Langford, Nicholas’ mother who would literally do anything to keep the couple apart. Harriet was angry because Nicholas chose Elinor over the lady she’d picked out for him to marry. In the end, Emily finds a way to unravel the mystery and clear the names of her dead ancestors, allowing them a peace in death that was torn away from them in life.

Linda Colwell has written a phenomenal paranormal tale that is so powerful and eerie that the tiny hairs on the back of your neck tingle while reading this emotionally charged story. When The Lilacs Bloom is definitely the “find” of the year. I simply could not put this book down--I was glued to every page, unable to turn them fast enough as I read my way toward the climactic finale. This unusual, unique story is top-notch and should not be missed. Kudos to Ms. Colwell for a job well-done! -Karen Goodman

Witness To Death, the tenth installment to J. D. Robb’s fantastic futuristic romance series is probably the “best of the best” so far! In 2059 the technology has been advanced to give greater control for the environment. And through it all, crime is continuing to take hold of New York City, which keeps homicide detective Eve Dallas, busier than usual. Although she is bogged down with loads of work, Dallas makes time for her billionaire husband, Roarke who takes her to the opening performance of a new plat. But things aren’t necessarily as they seem. Although the happy couple enjoy the play, Eve discovers that the death scene portrayed on stage is real and that murder has taken place. Upon her discovery, Eve closes off the crime scene to investigate. ,p> The slain man is a veteran actor named Richard Draco--a man most people despised as a person. And that make’s Eve’s job even tougher than it already is, as anyone he ever came into contact with the famed actor had a motive to hill him for being such a hateful, mean individual. Eve attempts to locate the murderer, but before she can apprehend him or her, someone else fingers the culprit and throws Eve off-beat. An attempted blackmail scheme leads to yet another murder. While Eve’s investigation sends her closer to capturing the killer, she finds herself somewhat shook up by the investigation and its effect on her personal life.

Witness To Death is a tantalizing story which leaves readers wanting more from J. D. Robb and Eve Dallas. As is always the case, this famed author delivers an emotionally moving futuristic story that unfolds and ends with a climactic web of deceit, betrayal, murder and mystery. The relationship between Eve and her husband Roarke make this exciting story a romance in ever sense of the word. -Brenda K. Johnson

Drew Gallagher is a private investigator with the D.A.’s office--he’s also a man without a past, suffering from amnesia, he man without a fingerprint on his identity. Drew finds his job a rewarding one, but one aspect he has yet to gain comfort in is the role of hero, but that’s exactly what he is when he saves a seven year old child from a molester.

The young girl’s mother, Emma Ramsey is thankful that Drew rescued her daughter from harm, and hires him to find her missing husband who was working as an anti-terrorist ranger when he became lost in the Caribbean five years ago. This is also the very same island that Drew awoke on without any memory of who he is or what his life is about). By taking on this case and involving himself, Drew puts Emma in great danger and some of her friends do not approve of the situation. Not only does Emma feel as though she is in some way betraying her husband, but her daughter is calling him daddy. However, Drew has taken the two Ramsey ladies (both big and small) into his heart and cannot keep himself from coming to aid them in their time of need.

Drew is a torn man--torn between doing what is right by finding the missing ranger and returning him to his family--the females who he has come to love and longs to be with. Well, if all that weren’t difficult enough, Drew has a guardian angel who is also working to help him set the situation right.

Always Faithful is an emotional roller-coaster ride. This romantic suspense is full of action, adventure and a powerful struggle of good vs. evil with a dash of the paranormal tossed in for fun. This poignant heart-tugging tale will capture your imagination and win your heart. Author, Julie Miller has penned a emotionally moving contemporary romance imbued with danger, intrigue and love. -Karen Goodman

Kelsey MacKenzie’s mother died a mysterious death while she and her husband were researching the seals of Orkney. Now, years later, Kelsey’s mentor, Dr. Bracken is starting a program to uncover the mysteries surrounding the seals that are being killed. It’s just the opportunity Kelsey has been waiting for--a chance to return to the islands and uncover a few mysteries of her own.

When Kelsey arrives she is upset to learn that one of her fellow colleagues, Lana Reynolds has had a fatal accident. To make matters worse, Dr. Cade, a native of Orkney island is not to happy with Kelsey’s arrival. Dr. Bracken is compelled--obsessed, even in his attempt to unravel the mystery and whereabouts of the legendary silver seals. Kelsy is almost positive she saw the body of a silver seal. However, after Dr. Cade’s arrival the body disappeared, right along with her memory.

For some unknown reason, Cade’s grandfather has a deep hatred for Kelsey’s father. Which is yet another unanswered mystery for Kelsey to figure out. But the problems of the past and the unanswered mysteries is not enough to stand in the way of the strong attraction Kelsey and Cade have for one another. But is it enough for him to risk his secret and the legendary silver seals? Carolee Joy has added a magical new twist to the Selkie myth, breathing an air of freshness into an age-old story, giving it life with her unique take on the mythical creatures. By An Eldritch Sea is delicious romance that is only made better by its paranormal elements. -Connie Stamych

After her parents died of the fever, Valerian Bright was orphaned in Yorkshire, England and sent to live with her Aunt Theresa in a small village called Grayfiars. As Valerian grows older she discovers that she has inherited the “gift” that her mother’s family had passed down to her--Valerian’s gift is that of a healer. The village people, not understanding the gift, believe Valerian and Theresa to be witches. This causes Valerian to seek out refuge in solitude. Although that doesn’t keep the villagers from hunting her down when they are in need of healing or cures for that which ails them.

While Valerian is busy lancing a boil on a local villager, Nathaniel Warrington, Baron of Ravenhall passes by on the way to the estate he’s just inherited. Nathaniel can relate to Valerian’s need for solitude as he is attempting the same sort of exile from London after being involved in a scandal he is trying to escape. Accompanying Nathaniel is his good friend Paul, who is there to lighten the mood, provide humor and be a friend in his time of need. Paul, too is on the run and in need of solitude as he’s escaped a near death from an angry husband after “dallying” with the man’s wife!

After all the heartache and troubles, Natheaniel finds Valerian’s healing powers doing more good for his soul than his physical being and is very attracted to the beautiful, soft-spoken lady. Although the couple are from totally different stations in life, neither can deny their growing feelings for the other. It’s then that Valerian wonders which is better--being bewitched by the handsome Baron, or “bewitching the baron.”

With Bewitching The Baron, the second release by Lisa Cach, readers will be amazed by this newcomer’s storytelling abilities. This book has a bit of everything a reader could want all rolled up into one tightly bound, well written, character driven story! -Marti Witherspoon

In the 12th century Wales, Brenda, mistress of Owain, Prince of Wales and the court of Gwyned fears the threat of amalgamation by the English realm along with the Christian beliefs and religion. Brenda leaves Owain and Wales due to a prophecy about her newborn son and seeks refuge in a druid camp in Ireland. While there, Brenda learns the Druid ways and studies their way of life and mystic knowledge. However, when Owain’s men capture her in an attempt to keep her young child safe, Brenda tells them her son Madoc died and returns to court where she again becomes deeply ensnared in the scandals of court.

Although she rises in power as Owain’s advisor, she is appalled by the up-rise amongst her people--warring men with nothing but bloodlust and rivalry on their mind, Brenda longs for the day she is able to return to Ireland and the Druid way of life--and her son. During the time they are apart, Modoc is being cared for by a Druid teacher, preparing him for his destiny which is to lead his people to a new world, at the time the threat of invasion and a Oawain’s power is threatened. Brenda is deeply afraid of the powerful forces of England during this time--for the loss of Druid beliefs and values, Gwynedd’s instability. Brenda’s fate and that of her people are all linked to her old lover, the child she has kept a secret and the Circle of Stones.

Anna Lee Waldo has written a well-researched medieval / Welsh intrigue of epic proportions, that takes readers on a journey through history that little is known about. In a dark age of feudal wars, religious battles--holy wars, betrayal and political intrigue Ms. Waldo lights a candle upon the little known struggles of the Druid way of life. Circle of Stones is the first book of The Druid Circle series. This book is for anyone who enjoys their stories with a lot of historical accuracy, superb characterization, adventure and intrigue. -Brenda K. Johnson

Ginny Austin is tormented by bizarre nightmares of a past she has no recollection of. She is convinced that the dreams are memories and events from another life--harrowing events that have haunted her through time in another life she lived long, long ago. Jack Brennan is also having nightmares. But his are very real. With his business in a take-over and his life being threatened, Jack feels out of control and is struggling with the changes in his life. When Jack and Ginny meet one night while on a Santa Barbara beach, the find themselves very attracted to one another.

Although the attraction is mutual between the couple--the outcome/results differ greatly. Jack is looking for a quick-fix to lifting his spirits, taking his mind off his worries and feeling better--wanting little more than a wild night of fun, whereas Ginny is far from the one-night stand type of lade.

While Jack and Ginny give in to their passion, the two become ensnared in a web of deadly riddles, deceit and haunting dreams shrouded in mystery behind a heavy door in a closed off section of Ginny’s mind that only she holds the key to unlocking. Kat Martin always comes through on top with her fascinating stories containing all the wonderful elements we expect from this talented lady. Her latest release, The Dream is no different! Full of mystery, suspense, romance, drama and sprinklings of paranormal elements, Ms. Martin brings to life a remarkable tale that is sure to have readers white-knuckled, gripping the pages of the book as they become completely engrossed in this mesmerizing story that holds readers rapt attention right up until the end. -Brenda K. Johnson