Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.
After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.
Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick's dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick's past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.
My husband and I live in the suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee with our two dogs, Milo and Toby. Life is busy. When I’m not working, I’m writing. I love to bake in the winter, grill in the summer, and on occasion, I sneak away from everyone and curl up with a good book.
I hope you enjoy my stories. Each one touches on modern day issues, fears, and challenges that women face every day. And each one illustrates that love is within reach if you let down those walls and allow your heart to open. Our lives and experiences are so much more meaningful when we have someone to share them with.
If you're looking for a 'romance' and want nothing more than the average one, this is your book.
Beth (Romantic novel for 'benign') is a middle-class girl who meets Mr. Impossibly rich, smart, drop-dead handsome, astoundingly charming, and a bag of chips, on top. Of course he likes the little mousy spa-owner, because she doesn't have an agenda. She's not sure he really wants her, because she doesn't fit the role of trophy wife. They work it out, 50% of the way thru the book.
So then to make it long enough to be a sellable (ha) novel, the author whips in a 'I-can't-have-children' overdone literary ploy, mixed with the old tried-and-true 'ex girlfriend claims she's pregnant' and a hearty dose of 'ex boyfriend shows back up' to make it last longer. I started skimming at the 60% mark, and the lackluster never did draw me back in.
I... like to be impressed. This had nothing impressive about it to offer. It wasn't badly done, but it was very cliched and average, if not a little over-fixated on sex scenes... which I also skimmed. Cuz, y'read one in these two-star freebies, y've read 'em all.
Cynthia Gail takes this story and gives it just the right touch of drama by adding Nick’s shallow ex- girlfriend and of course Beth’s controlling former fiancé.
No magic here for me. Not into insta-love messes. There were too many inconsistencies with events, timelines, social circles, and more to be enjoyable for me. It was one cheesy thing after another. I didn't like Beth right off the bat but then I saw some good strong things in her and began to change my mind. Only then she turned into a whiny poor me girl and I went back to not liking her again. Ugh. If this book would've been longer I would've stopped reading after the first few chapters so that I would avoid wasting my time. I stuck with it only because I knew it was short. Not a wise decision. The story kept going downhill as my frustration levels headed uphill. To each their own but this was definitely not for me.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was okay. It was little too insta-love for my taste. It was written well. You will like the characters and can relate to them.
Both Nick and Beth are from families that have money; however, Nick and Beth have struck out in their own. They both have started businesses without using their family name. Nick has just ended his relationship with Lauren. Beth wasn't actively looking for a relationship when Nick comes into her Day Spa/Salon to get a certificate for service. They are both attracted to each other. Few days after meeting, they go on their first date. Their relationship moves quickly but Lauren and. Troy(Beth's ex) try to sabotage their relationship.
Beth is a strong independent woman, who has opened her own upscale spa in Nashville. Nick grew up with his wealthy grandfather and is surround by those who care more about his money than him. When they meet, there is an attraction, but Beth stays away as she believes he has a girlfriend.
This is a sweet story that is quick to read and perfect to get lost in. The characters face their own drama and turns that you will not want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This charming story has a great plot along with a descriptive setting to lure you in and keep you glued to it. Beth and Nick both come from wealth but chose to step out on their own without the use of family money. Nick and Beth meet when he comes into the spa to purchase a certificate. They are drawn to each other and a relationship blossoms but will they get to the next step with their ex's joining forces to break them apart? I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
I love this book!! Beth and Nick's story is heartwarming and steamy!! It is a wonderfully told love story. They meet at her spa and both are smitten!! I couldn't stop reading until I finished!!
For twenty-nine year old Beth Sergeant, growing up in a middle class Nashville family and attending a wealthy private school, had left her feeling like she never really knew where she truly fit in. And now with the success of her new five star salon and spa, La Bella Vita, she still doesn't feel like she fits in with Nashville's elite crowd. Beth's track record with men has been dismal. She has only had three serious relationships in the past ten years, each one had left her even more insecure and distrustful of men. She vows to never give anyone the opportunity to judge her worth or make her feel like she didn't measure up. Never again. Plus a closely held secret makes her think that she wouldn't be enough for any man to want to marry her.
Thirty-four year old building firm owner Nick Chester was born into the wealthiest family in Nashville. Every woman he has dated over the years has wanted something from him: status, money, influence ... but never just him.
When Nick enters Beth's salon and spa, a spark of attraction is ignited between them ... but is it enough to blossom into some passionate Winter's Magic when a scheming ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend, Nick's past and Beth's secret threaten their fledgling relationship? Or will the magical time of the season bring them everlasting love?
Winter's Magic is a feel good romance story about love at first sight and believing that true love really does conquer all. In her debut novel, author Cynthia Gail weaves a sensuous and passionate tale of romance between a man and woman during the magical Christmas season. Written in the third person narrative and set in the heart of Music City, the reader is transported to scenic Nashville to follow Beth and Nick's story of falling in love. Winter's Magic has a delightful mixture of sexual chemistry, sensuous love scenes, and passionate romance; personal issues; drama and scheming exes that will keep the reader engaged and turning the pages.
With a realistic cast of characters; engaging dialogues and sassy interactions; and a richly detailed description of the glittering holiday setting and sensuous romantic scenes; Winter's Magic is a wonderful romantic story that will simply touch your heart. It is a story that beautifully expresses the sentiment that love really is the greatest gift of all!
Winter's Magic is the first book in the Music City Hearts series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
"Whoever invented Carmello deserves the humanitarian award. It's better than sex." The opening sequence spoke how I feel about the chocolate and how this book will be, fun and lighthearted. I loved reading Winter's Magic. It was a wonderful Christmas romance. Nick and Beth are two characters that belong together. I was drawn in by the characters of Nick and Beth. I loved how they interacted together. They mesh well. Beth is content with her life working at her spa. In walks Nick and her world takes a 180. She finds herself smitten with and can not get him out of her head. Nick feels the same. He has just ended his relationship with high society queen Lauren when he meets down to earth Beth. Beth is just who he needs. She is not concerned with her place in society world, but with settling down someday. They have a whirlwind romance that leaves you thinking that it will end all nicely until Nick's ex throws a wrench into things.
The author takes you on a romantic ride with this book. It is entralling and you find it hard to put down.
The part that I didn't like in the book was with Nick's ex Lauren. When she showed back up at the end I thought that part of the story was a little predictable. Otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I love Christmas time stories and this is one of those. I think my favorite part was when Nick and Beth decorate Nick's house for Christmas. This is a recommeded read.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable book. Beth is a smart business woman who owns and manages an amazing spa. She meets Nick when he comes in to a spa package and there is an instant attraction. While Beth grew up with the elite, she was never really a part of that circle since her family wasn't as wealthy as most. Nick on the other hand is from an exceptionally wealthy family and could have his choice of women. Will their two worlds find a way to exist together? I did like the instant attraction in this book. It was there, you could feel it and their bantering was great to read. Beth was a complex character who has issues both past and present that affect the way she sees the world. Nick is strong and wants to do things on his own but is also kind and private. They are a great couple. The 'issues' that try to tear them apart are understandable and even unsurprising, but the story all in all was good. I rate this a 4/5. It was a good quick romance read.
Thank you to PumpUpYourBooks for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
This is the story of a rich young man meeting and falling for a hard working young woman.
Beth Sergeant, while not from a rich family, grew up in Nashville's elite social circle. Now she has opened her own 5-star spa catering to the people who she grew up with. Nick Chester is from the wealthiest family in Nashville, but even though he can have whatever and whomever he wants, he doesn't take anything for granted and is working hard to build his own business. When these two meet, they both need to overcome their personal issues before they can find happiness, with Nick's grandfather willing to play their fairy godfather.
This was a well written story with characters who had depth. The story itself, rich boy meets girl, they fall in love but face issues before finally getting together is an old one and sometimes, not well done. Ms. Gail wrote a book that took a familiar story line and made it fresh. I enjoyed reading it.
FTC Notice: I received an electronic copy of this book from the author.
"No more dates with men where the anticipation doesn't exceed an evening with chocolate." Now having that sentence within the first page is a way to make any woman keep reading your book....way to go Cynthia!!!!!!
So, how do you love and hate a book .....just read this one....wholly boogers!! At times you just know that Lauren and her minions are totally up to something and you just want to scream....then the other times you like "oh how sweet" Urgh!!! The main characters are so sweet...not the spoiled rich kids that you would plan on them being....aka LAUREN (Can you tell-I Don't Like Her?!?!?)
The story is full of bumps that our sweet,chocolate loving, but insecure Beth must over come to reach the love of her life. As our hunk Nick, finds out exes are a real pain in the butt!!!! Sometimes....love is worth all the hassles and in this story the best present did come in the stocking :0)
Curl up next to the fire with some chocolate of your own and start reading this book for sure!!!
Winter's Magic is a sexy, thoroughly enthralling story that will reaffirm your belief in love at first sight and happily ever after. Cynthia Gail's talent with words is evident as she enchants you with her ability to weave romantic magic.
From the very first page to the very last word you will be enraptured with this charming story. The chemistry between the sexy Nick Chester and the alluring Beth Sergeant is evident from the moment they meet and will have you cheering them on to a happily ever after. The dialogue is engaging, the love story is dazzling and the romance sizzling.
This entertaining and absolutely captivating story will fascinate you and compel you to read it from cover to cover without stopping. This story has it all from seductive attraction to passionate romance. A definite must read.
Winter’s Magic is the second novel I have read by Cynthia Gail and it is an absolutely enjoyable and sweet romance. The story moves at a fast past and before I knew it I was turning the final page. I enjoyed the development of Nick and Beth’s relationship and despite the ups and downs they went through, they would listen to each other’s side of the story before making any rash decisions (which I truly loved), ultimately finding their way to their happily ever after. Were some of the plot points and twists a little predictable? Sure. But honestly that in no way affected the enjoyment and pleasure I felt upon reaching the end.
If you’re looking for a lovely romance story to fill an afternoon, I would definitely recommend Winter’s Magic. Believe me; you’ll finish this charming love story with a smile on your face.
Sexy, well written, passionate, romantic, with a few twists and turns thrown in to the make it interesting, is the best way to describe Ms. Gail's book. Beth despite her strong facade has her vulnerable side and insecurites we can relate to. Plus, she is harboring a secret. What more can we ask for? Except maybe a handsome, confident hunk, with a few flaws of his own to show her that love is possible if you are willing to take a chance. Nick fits the bill perfectly.
The book is well crafted, sensual, has engaging characters, and keeps the reader entertained from start to finish.
A book suited for the holidays, but it can be read and enjoyed at any time of the year.
Kudos Ms. Gail. Looking forward to more from this tallented author.
Rich boy meets girl, rich boy and girl fall in love within a couple weeks, a catastrophe occurs which break up the rich boy and girl, but in the end true love reigns.
I don't usually read contemporary romance novels but I've been reading heavier stuff lately so it was a nice change. I enjoyed the writing style and it was a quick read. I liked the characters and could feel the spark between them.
I didn't think the catastrophe was as big of a deal as it was ... but we needed some tension, right?
I'd recommend this book if you are looking for a romance with a happy ending.
Winter's Magic was a perfect love story for the holidays. A great book to read curled up next to the fireplace. It was a quick, easy read which was what is needed at the end of the day during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I truly enjoyed the connection between Beth and Nick throughout the entire book. I can't wait to read the next book and read about Beth's best friend Sara and what adventures she may have. I'm hoping there will be more with Beth and Nick in the next book also... I was a Goodreads giveaway winner of this book and so happy I won it. I may not have found this book or Cynthia Gail as an author otherwise.
The greatest gift of all is LOVE, and Cynthia Gail's "Winter's Magic" is the perfect love story for the coming Christmas season. Ms. Gail has the talent of making her characters believable, and this story set in present-day Nashville, Tennessee, will pull you in and have you wishing for that "happy ending." Give yourself the perfect Christmas gift, and read "Winter's Magic."
Winter’s Magic by Cynthia Gail made me smile from beginning to end. It was the type of book that just makes you feel good inside. Winter’s Magic was very believable and the characters are relatable.
I read this book in a short amount of time. Winter’s Magic has the perfect blend of sexual chemistry, seduction and most of all, romance. I truly look forward to reading more work by Cynthia Gail!
I typically don't read romance books like this, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was cute to follow along as Beth and Nick fall in love. There were some definite heart-racing steamy parts.
DNF because I've read it before at least 100 times.
Ps I was mainly terrified the whole book would be a huge preachy God loving mess, thanks to the author for her thank you note at the start that had me fearing this.