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 © 2006-2008 CK2S Kwips and Kritiques. All rights reserved.

 

 

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Posted October 2006