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Beautiful. Secretive. Magical. You envy their freedom, but you are distrustful of their ways. A strange carnival has come to Corydon, Indiana and the Irish Travellers have captured the small town's attention--but it's Harmony who's attracted theirs.
Harmony sees the Travellers everywhere and just like everyone else in town she's curious. But once she meets the mysterious and captivating Kieran, Harmony's life takes an exciting and chilling turn.
Up until now, Harmony never believed that fairy tales or myths were real, but Kieran and his family belong to an ancient tribe called the Tuatha de Dannan and someone else has discovered their secret.
An ancient battle is about to begin again, and now no one is safe, especially Harmony. Can Kieran resist the urge to be with her or will his feelings put her in the crossfire?
Harmony sees the Travellers everywhere and just like everyone else in town she's curious. But once she meets the mysterious and captivating Kieran, Harmony's life takes an exciting and chilling turn.
Up until now, Harmony never believed that fairy tales or myths were real, but Kieran and his family belong to an ancient tribe called the Tuatha de Dannan and someone else has discovered their secret.
An ancient battle is about to begin again, and now no one is safe, especially Harmony. Can Kieran resist the urge to be with her or will his feelings put her in the crossfire?
140 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2013
14 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Dana Michelle Burnett
31 books115 followersDana Michelle Burnett spent most of her life writing short stories and sharing them with family and friends. Over the years, her work was published in numerous commercial and literary magazines including Just Labs, Mindprints: A Literary Journal, Foliate Oak, and many more. Her short story John Lennon and the Chicken Holocaust was included in The Best of Foliate Oak in 2006.
In 2010, Burnett’s first novel, Ghost Country, was released. Based on her own Cherokee heritage, the novel marked her return to the literary world after a four year hiatus. She followed that with the release of her romance novel, Two Out of Three in the summer of 2011.
Spiritus is the first novel in her new paranormal romance series by the same name. The second book, Haunted, is expected in the spring of 2012.
In 2010, Burnett’s first novel, Ghost Country, was released. Based on her own Cherokee heritage, the novel marked her return to the literary world after a four year hiatus. She followed that with the release of her romance novel, Two Out of Three in the summer of 2011.
Spiritus is the first novel in her new paranormal romance series by the same name. The second book, Haunted, is expected in the spring of 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 26, 2013
The author gave me this novella for an honest review
That was a very nice and quick read! Mystery and magic are the two words that can easily describe this novella. While reading it, it was like I was in a word of dreams and secrets. A beautiful travel into the mysteries of the Irish Travelers and of the Tuatha de Dannan.
Harmony is a young woman with many problems. Her grandmother just died and she has to leave her dreams in order to run her shop. When the Irish Travelers are in town she found herself dreaming her freedom and the love of a mysterious man who travels with them. Soon she learns the truth and she sees the true magic and love.
I liked Harmony a lot. Why? Because she isn’t fake. She grieves for her grandmother but she knows that now she has to deal with many things. But she’s not grieving only about her grandmother. She lost many things. A bright future and a nice life somewhere else. So when the carnival is in town, it’s only logical to envy their freedom. And when a very handsome and mystery man makes his appearance she realizes that the world is full of possibilities and her life is full of responsibilities. I understand why she is so skeptical about her future and I don’t blame her for her decisions.
Kieran is a mystery. A good one, of course. He wants Harmony from the beginning and it’s very protective. What I liked most? He is a man of his word. He wants Harmony to make her own decisions and not push her away. I really admired him for that.
I liked the story a lot and my only complaint is that it should be longer. I wanted more details because the author’s writing style is very good and it would be good to have more scenes between Harmony and Kieran. I will definitely read the next of the series!
That was a very nice and quick read! Mystery and magic are the two words that can easily describe this novella. While reading it, it was like I was in a word of dreams and secrets. A beautiful travel into the mysteries of the Irish Travelers and of the Tuatha de Dannan.
Harmony is a young woman with many problems. Her grandmother just died and she has to leave her dreams in order to run her shop. When the Irish Travelers are in town she found herself dreaming her freedom and the love of a mysterious man who travels with them. Soon she learns the truth and she sees the true magic and love.
I liked Harmony a lot. Why? Because she isn’t fake. She grieves for her grandmother but she knows that now she has to deal with many things. But she’s not grieving only about her grandmother. She lost many things. A bright future and a nice life somewhere else. So when the carnival is in town, it’s only logical to envy their freedom. And when a very handsome and mystery man makes his appearance she realizes that the world is full of possibilities and her life is full of responsibilities. I understand why she is so skeptical about her future and I don’t blame her for her decisions.
Kieran is a mystery. A good one, of course. He wants Harmony from the beginning and it’s very protective. What I liked most? He is a man of his word. He wants Harmony to make her own decisions and not push her away. I really admired him for that.
I liked the story a lot and my only complaint is that it should be longer. I wanted more details because the author’s writing style is very good and it would be good to have more scenes between Harmony and Kieran. I will definitely read the next of the series!
May 1, 2014
I probably would have given this 4 stars if it wasn't for the fact that this book could really use another edit. There were many places where the wrong word was used, so not misspellings because the words were real words but not the word that made sense to be there. There were even some places that the wrong name was used, such as Karen instead of Kieran. It really became annoying, enough that I felt it needed to be mentioned in a review but not so bad that it made me stop reading.
But onto the actual story. This was a quick but good read. Harmony had plans to get out of Corydon and go to college but then her grandma got sick and she stayed home to take care of her. Then her grandma dies and she's left grieving and trying to run the feed store that's swamped with unpaid bills. When the circus/travellers come to town and she's mesmorized by Kieran. She's envious of their life and freedom as she feels stuck in her boring life running her late grandma's feed store. As she lets herself be drawn to Kieran she finds herself in the middle of an age old battle between the Tuatha de Danann and Mileans.
I look forward to seeing what happens with Harmony and Kieran next and hope that the other books in this are longer.
But onto the actual story. This was a quick but good read. Harmony had plans to get out of Corydon and go to college but then her grandma got sick and she stayed home to take care of her. Then her grandma dies and she's left grieving and trying to run the feed store that's swamped with unpaid bills. When the circus/travellers come to town and she's mesmorized by Kieran. She's envious of their life and freedom as she feels stuck in her boring life running her late grandma's feed store. As she lets herself be drawn to Kieran she finds herself in the middle of an age old battle between the Tuatha de Danann and Mileans.
I look forward to seeing what happens with Harmony and Kieran next and hope that the other books in this are longer.
March 28, 2013
Once I started this book I could not put it down, The cover of the book got my attention to. Harmony is an Adult who watch's over her grandma and her grandma's store. Her Grandma is sick, her last words to Harmony was Your a good Girl. Now Harmony has her grandmas store to run by herself will not completely she has works who work there too. Harmony has a hard time about her Grandma's death but she doesn't let other people see it that she is having a hard time she keeps it all in. The Circus comes to town, and she meets one of the travellers name Kieran, and soon Harmony learns a lot more about him and the others, and she falls in love with him. Harmony knows she has to move on because they will be leaving soon. Kieran ask's Harmony to come with him but she tells him no because her life is here, running her Grandmas store. Kieran has to leave he doesn't won't but he has too, and he leaves a note to Harmony. I could go on about this awesome book, But I don't won't to ruin it for you all!! I hope there is going to be a book 2!!!
April 7, 2013
Harmony is a beautiful girl with a brilliant mind. She just lost her grandmother and now she has to take care of her shop. She goes threw a lot, give up her dreams, but she keeps her head up and tries to make everything work. Despite her problems, she fells in love with a young mysterious man- Kieran, who just came into town with the Irish Travelers. The love between these two it’s instant and magical.
The book was incredible and story kept me on the edge. I love how Dana Michelle Burnett , every detail it’s written perfectly and it will take you into a wonderful journey! I recommend this book!
The book was incredible and story kept me on the edge. I love how Dana Michelle Burnett , every detail it’s written perfectly and it will take you into a wonderful journey! I recommend this book!
April 30, 2013
This was a fantastic quick read. Harmony’s life is turned upside down when her grandmother passes away, then the Circus comes to town and she is memorized by Kieran. I’m definitely hoping for more.
January 2, 2020
So, I did enjoy the story and think it could have had so much potential, however grammar, misspelled words, too many loose ends let it down.
I wish the author would have spent more time on this story for character building and story setting as it feels rushed. That said I believe this book is written for teenagers. So maybe its me and I'm too picky.
I wish the author would have spent more time on this story for character building and story setting as it feels rushed. That said I believe this book is written for teenagers. So maybe its me and I'm too picky.
March 14, 2023
The emotional attachment I have to this book is wild. I liked Harmony's character from the beginning but the more I read, the more enamored with her I became. I genuinely am giving this book five stars because I am so endeared to Harmony, she literally lives rent free in my head at this point.
January 29, 2018
Cute fairytale quick read.really enjoyed it
June 30, 2018
A book you can't put down
I didn't know what sort of book this was. An exciting read with unexpected end. So glad I can read the second book straight away
I didn't know what sort of book this was. An exciting read with unexpected end. So glad I can read the second book straight away
March 2, 2022
Entertaining reading
A will written fantasy Sci-Fi gypsy fairy tale book 1 give it a try enjoy 2016
A will written fantasy Sci-Fi gypsy fairy tale book 1 give it a try enjoy 2016
May 7, 2013
Just like the subtitle suggests, this is a fairy tale of sorts and it has the feel of one. I love fairy tales so I was eager to give this story a try.
A young woman, Harmony, lives in a small town in the Midwest where nothing exciting ever happens. Now that her grandmother is gone, she is alone- alone with debts due to her grandmother's illness and the not so thriving feed store they ran together, alone with her dreams of going off to college dashed when she stayed to take care of her grandmother and now can't afford it, and alone because she is the last of her family. About the time of her grandmother's funeral an interesting coincidence takes place that has the whole town excited. An old-style traveling troupe comes to town to perform. A handful of the travelers even come to her grandmother's funeral. Like everyone else, Harmony is curious, but unlike many Harmony sees no harm in the group being there. In fact, she notices the handsome young horse handler right away and he seems to notice her too. Later she discovers that he is also the show's magician.
Harmony carries on running the feed store, but finally comes face to face with the attractive young man in an embarrassing way. He introduces himself as Kieran and calls himself a traveler. There is something different about him. They run into each other a few times, but then he saves her life. There were things about the way he did it that make her curious, but he only tells her that its magic. They agree to see each other and their attraction grows, but in the end Kieran is a traveler and will be gone in a few days. Harmony has a fateful decision to make. In the meantime, others notice their budding relationship and it is the source of danger.
The fairy tale quality of the story is there throughout and that is why I was able to make allowances for things like the sudden deep romantic connection between Harmony and Kieran. Harmony narrates the story in first person and she is also recently out of high school which gives this a Young Adult feel to it too. I enjoyed watching the story develop through Harmony's eyes. She is deeply attracted to Kieran, but she keeps her head too. I loved the idea that this lonely girl from a small town got to experience the magic of romance with a handsome stranger who leaped to her rescue more than once and on a few occasions sought her out just to share time together.
I would have preferred to have a better understanding about Kieran's family and their abilities in the end and I groaned when it ended the way it did. The ending made sense, but I guess I wanted the full fairy tale ending to complete it. Maybe it continues in a sequel? Not sure. These observations weren't enough to detract from the story as a whole which as I said I found enjoyable.
As to recommendations, I'd recommend it to Young Adult, New Adult and Adult audiences who enjoy contemporary fantasy or paranormal romances that lean more toward the sweet romance side of the spectrum.
A young woman, Harmony, lives in a small town in the Midwest where nothing exciting ever happens. Now that her grandmother is gone, she is alone- alone with debts due to her grandmother's illness and the not so thriving feed store they ran together, alone with her dreams of going off to college dashed when she stayed to take care of her grandmother and now can't afford it, and alone because she is the last of her family. About the time of her grandmother's funeral an interesting coincidence takes place that has the whole town excited. An old-style traveling troupe comes to town to perform. A handful of the travelers even come to her grandmother's funeral. Like everyone else, Harmony is curious, but unlike many Harmony sees no harm in the group being there. In fact, she notices the handsome young horse handler right away and he seems to notice her too. Later she discovers that he is also the show's magician.
Harmony carries on running the feed store, but finally comes face to face with the attractive young man in an embarrassing way. He introduces himself as Kieran and calls himself a traveler. There is something different about him. They run into each other a few times, but then he saves her life. There were things about the way he did it that make her curious, but he only tells her that its magic. They agree to see each other and their attraction grows, but in the end Kieran is a traveler and will be gone in a few days. Harmony has a fateful decision to make. In the meantime, others notice their budding relationship and it is the source of danger.
The fairy tale quality of the story is there throughout and that is why I was able to make allowances for things like the sudden deep romantic connection between Harmony and Kieran. Harmony narrates the story in first person and she is also recently out of high school which gives this a Young Adult feel to it too. I enjoyed watching the story develop through Harmony's eyes. She is deeply attracted to Kieran, but she keeps her head too. I loved the idea that this lonely girl from a small town got to experience the magic of romance with a handsome stranger who leaped to her rescue more than once and on a few occasions sought her out just to share time together.
I would have preferred to have a better understanding about Kieran's family and their abilities in the end and I groaned when it ended the way it did. The ending made sense, but I guess I wanted the full fairy tale ending to complete it. Maybe it continues in a sequel? Not sure. These observations weren't enough to detract from the story as a whole which as I said I found enjoyable.
As to recommendations, I'd recommend it to Young Adult, New Adult and Adult audiences who enjoy contemporary fantasy or paranormal romances that lean more toward the sweet romance side of the spectrum.
May 12, 2013
GENRE: Fantasy
THEME: Magic, Mystery
RECEIVED: Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
Once is a quick read with a magical touch and romance that the readers will remember. This is the first book in the Gypsy Fairy Tale series, so there is no doubt that I can’t wait to read the next book after the ending left me wanting more.
Once follows Harmony a young woman who has just lost her grandmother and the only person left in her family. She takes over her grandmothers feed store in her small town and tries to move forward. But when the carnival comes to town, it not only brings light to her lonely life but Kieran the one man who changes her life forever.
Harmony has lost enough in her life and is easily intrigue by the carnival and the people apart of it. But she doesn’t know that she’s caught the eye of one of the performers. She is just a normal girl trying to keep her business, the only thing has left afloat. Harmony can’t help but fall for Kieran, the carnivals magician, who is keeping a big secret from her. I loved watching their romance grow and the mystery behind who Kieran is comes to light. Kieran is a character full of mystery and charm. The readers will easily be capitated by him and his fellow travelers. The town people themselves are great secondary characters, with the gossipers and stories they spread, add to Harmony’s intrigue.
This story I felt was more of a novella, with how quickly is moved through the plot. I wished it was a little bit longer, but the details and characters did get enough page time that I didn’t feel like it was rushed. Harmony’s character is put in a difficult situation and a war that is unknown to many, I feel this will be a great start to move into the next book. I don’t want to get into much more detail as I feel with the length of this book; I will give away too much. If you’re looking for romance, magic, mystery and characters that will grasp your interest right from the start, then this is the book for you.
THEME: Magic, Mystery
RECEIVED: Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
Once is a quick read with a magical touch and romance that the readers will remember. This is the first book in the Gypsy Fairy Tale series, so there is no doubt that I can’t wait to read the next book after the ending left me wanting more.
Once follows Harmony a young woman who has just lost her grandmother and the only person left in her family. She takes over her grandmothers feed store in her small town and tries to move forward. But when the carnival comes to town, it not only brings light to her lonely life but Kieran the one man who changes her life forever.
Harmony has lost enough in her life and is easily intrigue by the carnival and the people apart of it. But she doesn’t know that she’s caught the eye of one of the performers. She is just a normal girl trying to keep her business, the only thing has left afloat. Harmony can’t help but fall for Kieran, the carnivals magician, who is keeping a big secret from her. I loved watching their romance grow and the mystery behind who Kieran is comes to light. Kieran is a character full of mystery and charm. The readers will easily be capitated by him and his fellow travelers. The town people themselves are great secondary characters, with the gossipers and stories they spread, add to Harmony’s intrigue.
This story I felt was more of a novella, with how quickly is moved through the plot. I wished it was a little bit longer, but the details and characters did get enough page time that I didn’t feel like it was rushed. Harmony’s character is put in a difficult situation and a war that is unknown to many, I feel this will be a great start to move into the next book. I don’t want to get into much more detail as I feel with the length of this book; I will give away too much. If you’re looking for romance, magic, mystery and characters that will grasp your interest right from the start, then this is the book for you.
May 9, 2013
I really can’t wait to read the next book in this series. The characters in this story were superb and colorful and the atmosphere was great. There was plenty of action as well as romance in the story.
The carnival is coming to town and Harmony’s life will never be the same. After her grandmother’s passing Harmony is in charge of the local feed store. When the carnival pulls in, one man captures her attention. When he keeps turning up wherever she is and saves when she needs it most she starts to wonder. All he says in response to her questioning is, it is magic.
This was a fast paced, short read and I hope the next book is longer, but the author packed quite a bit into this novella. There was romance, action and a lot of mystery, intrigue and magic. Harmony is now at the center of a war and I am interested to see how it turns out for her and Kieran. Also I want to know if she will forgive Alec easily or if there will be problems. It seems like he likes her so I am wondering if there will be anything happening along those lines also.
If you have already read this one let me know what you think. I loved it and will be waiting for the next book as patiently as I can.
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The carnival is coming to town and Harmony’s life will never be the same. After her grandmother’s passing Harmony is in charge of the local feed store. When the carnival pulls in, one man captures her attention. When he keeps turning up wherever she is and saves when she needs it most she starts to wonder. All he says in response to her questioning is, it is magic.
This was a fast paced, short read and I hope the next book is longer, but the author packed quite a bit into this novella. There was romance, action and a lot of mystery, intrigue and magic. Harmony is now at the center of a war and I am interested to see how it turns out for her and Kieran. Also I want to know if she will forgive Alec easily or if there will be problems. It seems like he likes her so I am wondering if there will be anything happening along those lines also.
If you have already read this one let me know what you think. I loved it and will be waiting for the next book as patiently as I can.
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
July 5, 2013
Harmony put off college to tend to her sick grandmother in the small town of Corydon, Indiana. Just before her grandmother passes, she gives Harmony a strange warning. Now Harmony’s responsible for running the family feed store by herself and there are some interesting new visitors to Corydon – the circus. Not everyone is happy about them being in town, but Harmony is drawn to one of the members, Kieran, for unknown reasons. Unfortunately, Harmony finds herself caught between two factions in an ancient war and she has some tough decisions to make…
‘Once’ is a short story, but the magical elements and raw emotions draw you in hard and fast. Ms. Burnett is able to bring the characters to life with ease and while I wish we’d learned more about Kieran’s family and their past, I enjoyed the engaging story. I was happily surprised by the ending, especially as this reads as a fairy tale. Irish Gypsies or Travellers are a source of great mystery normally and Ms. Burnett adds a very interesting twist. I do hope there is a sequel at some point!
Gypsy Fairy Tale series: Once (1)
‘Once’ is a short story, but the magical elements and raw emotions draw you in hard and fast. Ms. Burnett is able to bring the characters to life with ease and while I wish we’d learned more about Kieran’s family and their past, I enjoyed the engaging story. I was happily surprised by the ending, especially as this reads as a fairy tale. Irish Gypsies or Travellers are a source of great mystery normally and Ms. Burnett adds a very interesting twist. I do hope there is a sequel at some point!
Gypsy Fairy Tale series: Once (1)
May 18, 2013
I gave ONCE 3.5 stars
ONCE is pretty short, sweet, and to the point. Just like this review. The story flowed nicely and included a good amount of mystery and details. It does read like a fairytale but it had a great modern feel to it.
Harmony moved back to town to take care of her Grandmother and as her Grandmother was dying she told Harmony to lock the doors and don't let anyone in. I never really understood while Harmony's Grandmother was so freaked out in the beginning of the book. The day of the funeral the Irish Travelers come to town and here starts the story of Harmony and Kieran. The romance was quick to start and progress, the characters were interesting and the plot was fun.
I was a little disappointed by the ending, but I guess it leads you to want to read book two so I will just have to wait and do just that.
ONCE is pretty short, sweet, and to the point. Just like this review. The story flowed nicely and included a good amount of mystery and details. It does read like a fairytale but it had a great modern feel to it.
Harmony moved back to town to take care of her Grandmother and as her Grandmother was dying she told Harmony to lock the doors and don't let anyone in. I never really understood while Harmony's Grandmother was so freaked out in the beginning of the book. The day of the funeral the Irish Travelers come to town and here starts the story of Harmony and Kieran. The romance was quick to start and progress, the characters were interesting and the plot was fun.
I was a little disappointed by the ending, but I guess it leads you to want to read book two so I will just have to wait and do just that.
November 19, 2015
I loved this. Harmony's life kinda sucks right now, her grandmother just died and she is now running the failing feed store on her own. Soon, a carnival of Irish Traveler's comes to town and she is well distracted from her troubles by one in particular. She finds out their secret of being a part of an ancient race and she has to figure out what she wants her future to hold. It was quick but was paced well and didn't feel rushed. I felt Harmony was a believable character and Kieran was a great mix of gentleman and bad boy.
February 25, 2016
Good story but poor execution. Aside from spelling and grammar errors and minor inconsistencies, such as Alec being called Alex a few times, I was a little bothered by how rushed the story felt. It was as though the author was thinking faster than she could write which resulted in a lack of deeper character development. 3 stars because the story was good enough to make me want to read the rest of the series.
April 28, 2015
Overall I liked this. The relationship between the H/h did seem just a little rushed to me. I know this is a prequel novella but it just didn't seem like the right time for the H to be saying "I can see forever with you". Just my opinion. Again, overall I liked it and I'd like to see what happens next.
December 2, 2014
I wish there was a 10 point rating system rather than only 5. The story is good but the editing is poor there are loads of errors. I enjoyed the characters and the general plot was good although it did end rather abruptly, the last chapter felt rushed. Still worth the read.
February 15, 2015
This book REALLY needed editing. There were so many problems that took me out of the story when I had to mentally add words to make some sentences complete or delete erroneous/extra words from other sentences. I probably won't pursue this series.
September 25, 2015
So, this was a part of an anthology and I'm not sure what everyone else was reading, but my copy needed some heavy editing. I'm sure the story is great but I could hardly enjoy it. Words appeared where they had no right to, unfinished sentences drove me mad and let's not get into the spelling.
March 18, 2016
Once (Gypsy Fairy Tale Book One)
Great book. Read it all the way through in just a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down. Harmony and Kieran's love story is just beginning. I can't wait for the next one. I will be reading it tonight.
Great book. Read it all the way through in just a couple of hours. I couldn't put it down. Harmony and Kieran's love story is just beginning. I can't wait for the next one. I will be reading it tonight.
August 30, 2013
Gypsies I love gypsy stories :)
September 6, 2013
3.5 Stars. This was a well written paranormal romance for Adult/New Adult. Stands alone, but only hints at HEA. Characters are dynamic and the plot is interesting. An enjoyable read.
June 22, 2014
don't waste your time.
January 20, 2016
not my thing at the moment
January 20, 2016
Great, quick read!
just a couple handfuls of grammatical/spelling errors....
but really a fun story, hope the next one went to the editors
just a couple handfuls of grammatical/spelling errors....
but really a fun story, hope the next one went to the editors
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews