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Magic Romance #1
Forecast
The Shakespeare women were what the locals of Greenwich Village called "gifted."
They did tarot readings and cast spells from their infamous shop Second Site. And each morning, Rowie would perform her popular weather prediction on the pavement outside.
Sure, Rowie's predictions were helpful for forecasting the weather, but when it came to love, her abilities were more like a curse. Why bother dating a guy if you knew at the first kiss he was destined for someone else? And how would she ever meet anyone while she was stuck working at the family shop?
Rowie was resigned to never finding love. Until Drew Henderson, New York's hottest weatherman is injured and the network decides to replace him with a gimmick—the Psychic Weatherwoman.
The very scientific Drew is furious. The witch might light up the TV screen. But how dare the network make a mockery of meteorology.
Now Rowie's overbearing grandmother Gwendolyn won't talk to her. Sixteen generations of Shakespeare women have worked in the family business. How dare she make a mockery of her gift.
But Rowie loves her new job, and won't let anyone ruin it. Until the day Drew Henderson kisses her, and she can't predict his future. In fact she can't predict anything.
They did tarot readings and cast spells from their infamous shop Second Site. And each morning, Rowie would perform her popular weather prediction on the pavement outside.
Sure, Rowie's predictions were helpful for forecasting the weather, but when it came to love, her abilities were more like a curse. Why bother dating a guy if you knew at the first kiss he was destined for someone else? And how would she ever meet anyone while she was stuck working at the family shop?
Rowie was resigned to never finding love. Until Drew Henderson, New York's hottest weatherman is injured and the network decides to replace him with a gimmick—the Psychic Weatherwoman.
The very scientific Drew is furious. The witch might light up the TV screen. But how dare the network make a mockery of meteorology.
Now Rowie's overbearing grandmother Gwendolyn won't talk to her. Sixteen generations of Shakespeare women have worked in the family business. How dare she make a mockery of her gift.
But Rowie loves her new job, and won't let anyone ruin it. Until the day Drew Henderson kisses her, and she can't predict his future. In fact she can't predict anything.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2007
9 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Jane Tara
17 books147 followersJane Tara has published over a hundred children's books, several plays and five novels. She's a daily meditator, a sucker for a rescue mutt and, most of all, a front-row cheerleader for her two sons. She spent thirteen years wandering the world and lived in five countries but is now happily at home in Sydney.
For more information, and Jane's musings about meditation, manifestation and more, follow her on Substack.
For more information, and Jane's musings about meditation, manifestation and more, follow her on Substack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 20, 2014
Well written but 100% predictable and full of far, far too many feel-goods for my taste. It's the sort of book where the heroine is an amazing Mary Sue that everyone except the single person who has to dislike her to create enough dissonance for a plot loves her. Then, once the necessary challenge has been presented and mastered the single bitch becomes mysteriously contrite, apologises and is instantly forgiven (because there can't be any lingering hard feelings apparently). Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, ends up happy. (How realistic is that?) I know many people love this aspect of romantic comedy. Me? I've over here suffocating on all of the hearts and flowers flooding the room and blocking the oxygen from reaching my poor withered heart.
Plus, apparently I'm not nearly as good a person as Rowie, because I wouldn't have forgiven so easily and have a hard time relating to how she could have. Her easy forgiveness kind of felt like a betrayal to me. I also thought the need to have every single person in the book paired off in the end, thus requiring attention be paid to their bit of the story, thinned the plot (a lot). I mean that's Rowie, her mother and grandmother, Angel, Petey, Jack, Drew, Georgette, William, Shin and Jess. That's a pretty full list of people to find partners for and try to keep a plot tight. It didn't really work that well.
Again, the book is well written and I didn't notice any editing errors. It's also pretty darned funny. I liked a lot of the sarcastic commentary. So, it's not a fail in general, just a fail for me.
Plus, apparently I'm not nearly as good a person as Rowie, because I wouldn't have forgiven so easily and have a hard time relating to how she could have. Her easy forgiveness kind of felt like a betrayal to me. I also thought the need to have every single person in the book paired off in the end, thus requiring attention be paid to their bit of the story, thinned the plot (a lot). I mean that's Rowie, her mother and grandmother, Angel, Petey, Jack, Drew, Georgette, William, Shin and Jess. That's a pretty full list of people to find partners for and try to keep a plot tight. It didn't really work that well.
Again, the book is well written and I didn't notice any editing errors. It's also pretty darned funny. I liked a lot of the sarcastic commentary. So, it's not a fail in general, just a fail for me.
November 17, 2009
Rowie, the female lead, is a weather forecaster. No, not that kind-- she's a psychic, as is her mother (who conceived Rowie in a masked orgy at a Beltane festival), and her grandmother (who still talks to her deceased husband), and all the women of the Shakespeare line. When she's not working in the family New Age shop, she forecasts for the neighborhood. In three years, she hasn't been wrong once. It's not entirely the gift it sounds like; she can *also* see a guy's entire past and future in a single kiss, which is pretty awful when, time after time, it doesn't include *her.* Rowie wants a future that isn't set in stone. She's waiting for the man she can't foresee.
Drew, the male lead, is also a weather forecaster-- one that couldn't be more different from Rowie. The charts-and-graphs, smooth-guy-on-TV kind. (Psychics? Please!) He's a bit too good looking (and knows it), and a bit of a skirt-chaser, but he's serious about his job. He hates that so many news stations use cute gimmicks to promote the weather. The closest Drew's ever come to Rowie's world is having his handsome face on a billboard outside of her house.
But when Drew falls off a roof in the middle of a hurricane, his producer (and bitter ex-lover) Jess asks Rowie to be his replacement, knowing she's just the kind of gimmick Drew will hate. Rowie, aching to discover her own path in life, accepts, despite family opposition. They meet; inevitably, they kiss. And Rowie, for the first time in her life, can't predict what will happen next.
I was a tad surprised to find myself liking this one, honestly, because it is so strongly New-Agey. But I think what did it for me was how laid-back and candid the Shakespeare ladies are about their gifts and beliefs. It's not some pompously mystical secret; it's just what they are. They make no apologies, but they don't try to ram their way of thinking down people's throats, either. (I found it particularly touching, how they dealt with Georgette and William.) I ached for Rowie, who felt the shackles of destiny more strongly than most. (It's one thing for a kid to know she's expected to take over the family business someday, but for Rowie it's an entirely different level of "knowing.") For all that Drew was frequently an ass, I felt for him, too. And then there were the fantastic side characters-- both Rowie's mom and grandmother surprised me in the end, and her best friend was fantastic. And then, all the *other* romances in the book, building into a comedy of errors worthy of Rowie's illustrious ancestor. (By the end, I think there was only one character who went unmatched, and I believe he was already married.) I think the ending was a bit fast, but not particularly forced, so overall okay.
This might not be a title for everyone, but I think I'd recommend this to an open-minded romance reader who was looking for something a bit quirky and fun.
Drew, the male lead, is also a weather forecaster-- one that couldn't be more different from Rowie. The charts-and-graphs, smooth-guy-on-TV kind. (Psychics? Please!) He's a bit too good looking (and knows it), and a bit of a skirt-chaser, but he's serious about his job. He hates that so many news stations use cute gimmicks to promote the weather. The closest Drew's ever come to Rowie's world is having his handsome face on a billboard outside of her house.
But when Drew falls off a roof in the middle of a hurricane, his producer (and bitter ex-lover) Jess asks Rowie to be his replacement, knowing she's just the kind of gimmick Drew will hate. Rowie, aching to discover her own path in life, accepts, despite family opposition. They meet; inevitably, they kiss. And Rowie, for the first time in her life, can't predict what will happen next.
I was a tad surprised to find myself liking this one, honestly, because it is so strongly New-Agey. But I think what did it for me was how laid-back and candid the Shakespeare ladies are about their gifts and beliefs. It's not some pompously mystical secret; it's just what they are. They make no apologies, but they don't try to ram their way of thinking down people's throats, either. (I found it particularly touching, how they dealt with Georgette and William.) I ached for Rowie, who felt the shackles of destiny more strongly than most. (It's one thing for a kid to know she's expected to take over the family business someday, but for Rowie it's an entirely different level of "knowing.") For all that Drew was frequently an ass, I felt for him, too. And then there were the fantastic side characters-- both Rowie's mom and grandmother surprised me in the end, and her best friend was fantastic. And then, all the *other* romances in the book, building into a comedy of errors worthy of Rowie's illustrious ancestor. (By the end, I think there was only one character who went unmatched, and I believe he was already married.) I think the ending was a bit fast, but not particularly forced, so overall okay.
This might not be a title for everyone, but I think I'd recommend this to an open-minded romance reader who was looking for something a bit quirky and fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2013
Spellbinding!!!!! I loved this book! I could not put it down! I want to be a good witch or at least be friends with one...how cool would that be! Jane Tara did a phenomenal job of getting the reader lost in the magical place of New York City!
The Shakespeare women have been using their powers for generations. Now there are only a few of the women left. Rowie Shakespeare is the lucky one that is destine to carry on the family business, or at least that is what her Grandmother tells her.
Rowie has her own dreams of having a more normal life. When Rowie was finally doing something she loved and making her own life she finds the one man she can not read. "Blissful nothing!" She had waited her whole life to kiss a man and not see his entire life play out in her mind, which did not include her. The man she can't read is none other than the handsome local TV weatherman Drew Henderson!
You think everything is going to be great but nothing is ever perfect, not even for a witch! I enjoyed their road back to each other and all the secrets that are divulged. I love to think about destiny and how each decision we make can take us down different paths for our future! This book did not disappoint! I give it 4.5 stars!
The Shakespeare women have been using their powers for generations. Now there are only a few of the women left. Rowie Shakespeare is the lucky one that is destine to carry on the family business, or at least that is what her Grandmother tells her.
Rowie has her own dreams of having a more normal life. When Rowie was finally doing something she loved and making her own life she finds the one man she can not read. "Blissful nothing!" She had waited her whole life to kiss a man and not see his entire life play out in her mind, which did not include her. The man she can't read is none other than the handsome local TV weatherman Drew Henderson!
You think everything is going to be great but nothing is ever perfect, not even for a witch! I enjoyed their road back to each other and all the secrets that are divulged. I love to think about destiny and how each decision we make can take us down different paths for our future! This book did not disappoint! I give it 4.5 stars!
December 18, 2009
Forecast
Romance novels have always been entertaining and capture the readers in anticipation. Forecast by Jane Tara is not classified as the best romance novel people may have read; however, it is a very heart warming novel. Forecast is a magnificent novel put together in a very striking way because of the well created characters, the realistic plots and the attention- grabber theme of the book.
Jane Tara creates her characters in a beautiful way with outstanding features. All the characters in the novel bring out the many plots of the story. Each and every character has their own roles in the novel and plays their part very well in the making of this novel. Struggling, Rowie Shakespeare has to face life with a family of psychics, and take over the family psychic business some day. Rowie, gifted in predicting the weather, is totally helpless in her love life. There is no point dating a guy if she knew he was destined for someone else in the future. She was much happier bringing together perfect couples. Until the day she kissed the man whose future she couldn’t foresee…
This novel was set in Greenwich Village, New York. Readers would most likely feel at home reading about their home town. The plots were perfectly created. Jane Tara even considered adding tourists and tourist attraction sites to the novel to add some humor. People living in the city would think they were going through another normal day of life but the tourists think the complete opposite. Jane Tara digs up fun with the unique tourists.
The overall theme Jane Tara is trying to bring out in this romance novel is to never ask for more than what you need, be happy with what you have. Drew Henderson was created to bring out this theme. Drew, charming and hot, relied on his looks to get him through most of his life. But, when he met Rowie, his whole personality has changed. He realized that the world doesn’t revolve around him. Rowie taught him to be happy with what he gets and live with it.
Forecast is a nice, heart warming novel that tells how a “gifted” woman found her fated love through unexpected twists and turns. Never give up in anything because you might never know what would happen. Rowie nearly gave up finding someone that would truly love her, but in the middle of despair he kisses the man she was fated to meet. Be happy with what you have and never give up, you just might get what you have yearned for after so long.
Romance novels have always been entertaining and capture the readers in anticipation. Forecast by Jane Tara is not classified as the best romance novel people may have read; however, it is a very heart warming novel. Forecast is a magnificent novel put together in a very striking way because of the well created characters, the realistic plots and the attention- grabber theme of the book.
Jane Tara creates her characters in a beautiful way with outstanding features. All the characters in the novel bring out the many plots of the story. Each and every character has their own roles in the novel and plays their part very well in the making of this novel. Struggling, Rowie Shakespeare has to face life with a family of psychics, and take over the family psychic business some day. Rowie, gifted in predicting the weather, is totally helpless in her love life. There is no point dating a guy if she knew he was destined for someone else in the future. She was much happier bringing together perfect couples. Until the day she kissed the man whose future she couldn’t foresee…
This novel was set in Greenwich Village, New York. Readers would most likely feel at home reading about their home town. The plots were perfectly created. Jane Tara even considered adding tourists and tourist attraction sites to the novel to add some humor. People living in the city would think they were going through another normal day of life but the tourists think the complete opposite. Jane Tara digs up fun with the unique tourists.
The overall theme Jane Tara is trying to bring out in this romance novel is to never ask for more than what you need, be happy with what you have. Drew Henderson was created to bring out this theme. Drew, charming and hot, relied on his looks to get him through most of his life. But, when he met Rowie, his whole personality has changed. He realized that the world doesn’t revolve around him. Rowie taught him to be happy with what he gets and live with it.
Forecast is a nice, heart warming novel that tells how a “gifted” woman found her fated love through unexpected twists and turns. Never give up in anything because you might never know what would happen. Rowie nearly gave up finding someone that would truly love her, but in the middle of despair he kisses the man she was fated to meet. Be happy with what you have and never give up, you just might get what you have yearned for after so long.
February 10, 2017
I can't even. The evens just can't.
June 15, 2013
The Shakespeare women were what the locals of Greenwich Village called “gifted.”
Sure, Rowie’s predictions were helpful for forecasting the weather or finding someone’s lost grandkid. But when it came to love, her abilities were more like a curse. Why bother dating a guy if you knew at the first kiss he was destined for some blonde from New Jersey? Nope, Rowie was much happier bringing together the people she knew were a perfect match. Until the day she kissed the man whose future she couldn’t foresee
Its a light read kind of book. Its a perfect movie material. Nice romantic story with good twists here and there. The happily ever after kind of book!
Sure, Rowie’s predictions were helpful for forecasting the weather or finding someone’s lost grandkid. But when it came to love, her abilities were more like a curse. Why bother dating a guy if you knew at the first kiss he was destined for some blonde from New Jersey? Nope, Rowie was much happier bringing together the people she knew were a perfect match. Until the day she kissed the man whose future she couldn’t foresee
Its a light read kind of book. Its a perfect movie material. Nice romantic story with good twists here and there. The happily ever after kind of book!
April 20, 2010
This book was just okay. It had its annoying main male character, who recklessly throws away his chance at true love for his job. A main female character with psychic abilities that disappears whenever she is near her true love. Really now!!! How passe, a woman who is weakened because of her love of a man.
January 12, 2013
I am not a huge fan of chick lit but I really enjoyed reading this book. It has characters that you care about and a story that zips along at a fair pace.
July 14, 2019
For some reason this is one of my favorite books from when I was in middle school. I have forgotten the name way to many times and always remember the cover. It is an interesting mixture of characters and the combination of the mystical and real in juxtaposition is well done. I fell in love with all the characters and remember details from this book like I read it yesterday... Except the title lol
August 23, 2018
A cute quirky romance centered around Rowie Shakespeare who has special gifts (i.e. forcasting the weather) with her mother and grandmother who are also gifted and quirky. A fun read.
October 29, 2019
There is quite a cast of characters - Fun to see how everyone story turns out.
July 24, 2014
3.5 stars
Forecast was a cute read. I enjoyed the main characters and it was just fun.
Rowie is psychic just like the rest of the women in her family. She helps her grandmother run their store, though she wants more from her life. She doesn't want to be stuck there forever, something her grandmother doesn't understand. Her mother has always had her head in the clouds a bit and never got over her father (who her mother had only spent one night with and never saw again). Rowie's talents are different from her mother and grandmother. She can predict the weather and has been doing so for 3 years now outside their place. She has never been wrong. She can also see a guys future when she kisses them, which might not be a big deal only it never includes her. She's tried in the past to just ignore it, but that just ends in heartache when the guy finds the girl she saw when she first kissed him. She is waiting to find the guy who makes her see nothing when they kiss. The guy who blocks her powers, the guy for her.
Drew is the popular weather guy everyone loves. He is a bit of a ladies man, but he is not a bad guy. He did sleep with the lady in charge at work though and that has been a bit of a disaster. He thought she was okay with no strings, until she got really clingy and he tried to end it amicably. Since then Jess, the girl in charge, has been holding a grudge. She wants Drew back and so she ends up being an issue.
At the beginning of the book Drew hurts his leg while covering the hurricane in Florida so they need a temporary replacement - Rowie. Jess had just seen her weather thing that morning and they could use a gimmick to get people to tune in. Drew has veto power and has to approve his replacement and when Rowie and Drew meet they are both drawn to the other. Drew tries to be annoyed with her when he finds out she is a gimmick. He is all science and loves his job. He doesn't want anyone making a mockery of it.. Then he talks to her again and it just is perfect. They are so perfect for each other and he can't stay mad at her.
When he can finally come back to New York, when his leg heals enough, things quickly heat up. Jess is around trying to cause trouble as she wants Drew for herself. She really is quite mean and selfish and just not a very nice person. It was still nice to see Drew and Rowie together as they were really cute. Of course it can't be all sunshine and roses and there are some issues, but they work it out in the end.
There were a few small things that did bug me about the book. A few times there were some conversations about like the environment and stuff and they way it was written was just like the author wanted to add a psa into the story, not like just have the characters discuss it. It didn't feel natural and while I agreed with what was said I still didn't like it in my story. It needs to flow and just be what it is.
The other thing that bugged me? Everyone Rowie knows finds love at the same time. I really don't like when that happens. It is just a bit too...too much for me. It is not realistic that everyone you know will find their true loves all within like a week of each other. It is just something that bugs me in books. Overall though I did enjoy the story, it was really cute, and I would read more by this author.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
Forecast was a cute read. I enjoyed the main characters and it was just fun.
Rowie is psychic just like the rest of the women in her family. She helps her grandmother run their store, though she wants more from her life. She doesn't want to be stuck there forever, something her grandmother doesn't understand. Her mother has always had her head in the clouds a bit and never got over her father (who her mother had only spent one night with and never saw again). Rowie's talents are different from her mother and grandmother. She can predict the weather and has been doing so for 3 years now outside their place. She has never been wrong. She can also see a guys future when she kisses them, which might not be a big deal only it never includes her. She's tried in the past to just ignore it, but that just ends in heartache when the guy finds the girl she saw when she first kissed him. She is waiting to find the guy who makes her see nothing when they kiss. The guy who blocks her powers, the guy for her.
Drew is the popular weather guy everyone loves. He is a bit of a ladies man, but he is not a bad guy. He did sleep with the lady in charge at work though and that has been a bit of a disaster. He thought she was okay with no strings, until she got really clingy and he tried to end it amicably. Since then Jess, the girl in charge, has been holding a grudge. She wants Drew back and so she ends up being an issue.
At the beginning of the book Drew hurts his leg while covering the hurricane in Florida so they need a temporary replacement - Rowie. Jess had just seen her weather thing that morning and they could use a gimmick to get people to tune in. Drew has veto power and has to approve his replacement and when Rowie and Drew meet they are both drawn to the other. Drew tries to be annoyed with her when he finds out she is a gimmick. He is all science and loves his job. He doesn't want anyone making a mockery of it.. Then he talks to her again and it just is perfect. They are so perfect for each other and he can't stay mad at her.
When he can finally come back to New York, when his leg heals enough, things quickly heat up. Jess is around trying to cause trouble as she wants Drew for herself. She really is quite mean and selfish and just not a very nice person. It was still nice to see Drew and Rowie together as they were really cute. Of course it can't be all sunshine and roses and there are some issues, but they work it out in the end.
There were a few small things that did bug me about the book. A few times there were some conversations about like the environment and stuff and they way it was written was just like the author wanted to add a psa into the story, not like just have the characters discuss it. It didn't feel natural and while I agreed with what was said I still didn't like it in my story. It needs to flow and just be what it is.
The other thing that bugged me? Everyone Rowie knows finds love at the same time. I really don't like when that happens. It is just a bit too...too much for me. It is not realistic that everyone you know will find their true loves all within like a week of each other. It is just something that bugs me in books. Overall though I did enjoy the story, it was really cute, and I would read more by this author.
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
April 6, 2015
I must admit that the cover of Forecast is what attracted me to this book – the cover is kind of mysterious, and doesn’t really explain what the book is about or even which genre it is. It turned out that Forecast is a light, fun romance with some magical elements to it. Why the title of Forecast? Well, it’s because the heroine, Rowie, has the ability to predict the weather. I know, it’s not your usual kind of magical trait, but it draws a crowd outside the family’s home and shop in New York each morning. Rowie is somewhat of a local treasure, but she’s unlucky in love. You could say that it runs in the family – her grandmother still talks to her dead husband and her mother doesn’t know what happened to Rowie’s father. Still, the Shakespeare women maintain a relatively happy life – not exciting, but happy. After a freak weather accident with a tornado, respected and popular meteorologist Drew is incapacitated and Rowie is discovered by the media giving her usual morning weather report. She is then thrust into the spotlight, where she becomes New York’s weather darling. But after a spiteful dare goes wrong, Rowie loses her powers. You see, with one kiss, Rowie can see a man’s future – unless it’s that of her soulmate. And with Drew, Rowie can’t see anything…
It took me a little while to get into this book, because there didn’t seem to be much happening. There was a lot of character establishment, but not a great detail of movement. But I was ultimately rewarded as the pace picks up a lot after Rowie gets her TV forecaster job. Plus, there are many subplots that weave their way through, mainly concerning the happiness of Rowie’s family. The subplot with Jess, a colleague of Drew and Rowie’s, was a little mixed for me – does she deserve punishment for her misdeeds? Or is she simply confused? In the end, everyone got their happily ever after.
The tone of the novel is sweet and warm. It’s an easy read after all the characters are established – they’re predominantly quirky, fun and looking for companionship and love. The scenes in the family shop are genuinely heart-warming – a palm reader who softens the blow and a life saved are just some of the things that go on. Plus, everyone in this book gets their happily ever after – what more could a romance fan want?
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
It took me a little while to get into this book, because there didn’t seem to be much happening. There was a lot of character establishment, but not a great detail of movement. But I was ultimately rewarded as the pace picks up a lot after Rowie gets her TV forecaster job. Plus, there are many subplots that weave their way through, mainly concerning the happiness of Rowie’s family. The subplot with Jess, a colleague of Drew and Rowie’s, was a little mixed for me – does she deserve punishment for her misdeeds? Or is she simply confused? In the end, everyone got their happily ever after.
The tone of the novel is sweet and warm. It’s an easy read after all the characters are established – they’re predominantly quirky, fun and looking for companionship and love. The scenes in the family shop are genuinely heart-warming – a palm reader who softens the blow and a life saved are just some of the things that go on. Plus, everyone in this book gets their happily ever after – what more could a romance fan want?
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
June 26, 2013
Fun light hearted fantasy with romance, drama and magic. It is very chick lit but extremely enjoyable and abit different from others i've read in this genre.
Rowie is a witch, not just any witch mind you but one of the famous Shakespeare witches of old that were hunted during the witch trials. There are only 3 in America, Rowie, her mother and grandmother. All put their gifts to good use and run Second Sight as tradition has had it.
Rowie's young though and knows her true love is out there somewhere and there's a life waiting for her to live. Her gift of accurately fortelling the weather has come in very handy for her local neighborhood but she's starting to think bigger much to the chagrin of her grandmother. Fortune come's knocking though when the local news station hears of her talents.
Drew is young, attractive, newly single and dedicated to his job. So dedicated he fell through a roof while reporting on a Hurricane. He's off on sabbatical and has to approve a replacement quick.
Chanced upon this while trawling through Amazon and the fun sounding write up drew me straight in to the whimsical sounding tale. Great fun read with a really intriguing plot line of the women not only being witches but of the incredibly famous Shakespeare line. Even their talents are entertaining with each having a special power unique to them and their personalities.
Rowie is the perfect leading lady for me. She's attractive but doesn't flaunt it, is humbled by her turbulent upbringing with the other kids and is generally a tough and feisty female. Not a thing I disliked about her.
Her leading man Drew could be perceived as abit of a jerk but when you realise his past you can completely understand why he's playing the field but underneath the exterior there's just a normal guy living his life who loves his job. Ideal guy really.
All the background characters tie in perfectly and really add depth and humour. All three Shakespeares get their story told with it ending lovely.
Really has that feel good factor.
Rowie is a witch, not just any witch mind you but one of the famous Shakespeare witches of old that were hunted during the witch trials. There are only 3 in America, Rowie, her mother and grandmother. All put their gifts to good use and run Second Sight as tradition has had it.
Rowie's young though and knows her true love is out there somewhere and there's a life waiting for her to live. Her gift of accurately fortelling the weather has come in very handy for her local neighborhood but she's starting to think bigger much to the chagrin of her grandmother. Fortune come's knocking though when the local news station hears of her talents.
Drew is young, attractive, newly single and dedicated to his job. So dedicated he fell through a roof while reporting on a Hurricane. He's off on sabbatical and has to approve a replacement quick.
Chanced upon this while trawling through Amazon and the fun sounding write up drew me straight in to the whimsical sounding tale. Great fun read with a really intriguing plot line of the women not only being witches but of the incredibly famous Shakespeare line. Even their talents are entertaining with each having a special power unique to them and their personalities.
Rowie is the perfect leading lady for me. She's attractive but doesn't flaunt it, is humbled by her turbulent upbringing with the other kids and is generally a tough and feisty female. Not a thing I disliked about her.
Her leading man Drew could be perceived as abit of a jerk but when you realise his past you can completely understand why he's playing the field but underneath the exterior there's just a normal guy living his life who loves his job. Ideal guy really.
All the background characters tie in perfectly and really add depth and humour. All three Shakespeares get their story told with it ending lovely.
Really has that feel good factor.
October 3, 2014
So the rationalisation began : I had to read a book with the name "Jane" in the author/title wording. Considered Ms Austen but I'd been there and done that, and anyway a new author is good for me and seems to be a central credo of the SRC. Calamity Jayne had a Y in it so she was out. Trying to find something out of my usual buckswashlingreading so I did my usual and title-searched for a literary name and an author with a Jane attached to her. Found it - Shakespeare / Jane Tara: I started off dubiously. Psychic weather girl. Possible or not ? Disbelief suspended I ploughed on. Reading getting easier and easier. Yes perhaps derivative. Yes perhaps sentimental. But I was sailing now. Feisty redhead. Sensitive man. Matchmaking all round. Family problems. Health problems all being sorted. As with the majority of romance literature (I HATE the Ch**k L*t term; very demeaning! for a hardened feminist like me) questions are being answered. Girl meets Boy. Girl loses Boy. [Spoiler Alert = hiding the next bit] (**********************) and of course expectations are met. The strange thing is I enjoyed the book. I admit I am open-minded so the new-age stuff created in me optimism rather than the disbelief/ridicule route but many reviewers will dismiss the book. I was surprised by my reaction to the predictability of the series concept. Lured by the Shakespeare name, remembering Virginia's Woolf's Room of My Own. Even the vague musical memory of Shakespeares Sister tinkling in the background somewhere. I figure you read these books this feelgood option is the total aim. If the book makes you wonder about life after death or reiki or acupuncture Where's the harm in it. Fluffy Chris reckoned the book did exactly what it said on the tin. Very acceptable.
August 10, 2010
I have to agree with Karen's review, this is a light contemporary romance. I didn't love it but I enjoyed it for an entertaining afternoon. A no-brainer, it is a romance that doesn't require the reader to think too much.
Our hero Drew is somewhat of a jerk at the beginning of the book. A professional weatherman, he takes his job seriously. He is injured early on and while recuperating he has time to think about his life. His personality gets better as the story moves forward.
Involved with a business that includes both her mother and grandmother our heroine Rowie's life is staid. She is a psychic who can predict the weather. Another attribute is her 'gift', through a kiss, that tells who that other's future half is. Needless-to-say, she has never met her 'love' and has given up on relationships.
On a whim she is hired to take Drew's place. No one takes her seriously at first and to add to her problems her 'boss' thinks she loves Drew and wants Rowie's help. There are some secondary stories concerning the mom and grandma that tie into the romance.
Some slow reading in parts with little contact between Drew and Rowie in the first half of the book make for a few bumps. Just don't expect a burning romance and you won't be disappointed.
Our hero Drew is somewhat of a jerk at the beginning of the book. A professional weatherman, he takes his job seriously. He is injured early on and while recuperating he has time to think about his life. His personality gets better as the story moves forward.
Involved with a business that includes both her mother and grandmother our heroine Rowie's life is staid. She is a psychic who can predict the weather. Another attribute is her 'gift', through a kiss, that tells who that other's future half is. Needless-to-say, she has never met her 'love' and has given up on relationships.
On a whim she is hired to take Drew's place. No one takes her seriously at first and to add to her problems her 'boss' thinks she loves Drew and wants Rowie's help. There are some secondary stories concerning the mom and grandma that tie into the romance.
Some slow reading in parts with little contact between Drew and Rowie in the first half of the book make for a few bumps. Just don't expect a burning romance and you won't be disappointed.
June 23, 2013
I scored an review copy of Jane Tara’s second book, Trouble Brewing, from Momentum Books and decided I had better get my hands on the first in the series – FORECAST. I am so glad I did – what a wonderful feel good romance it is. The hero is a bad boy – a love them and leave them type of guy – but ready to find ‘the one’, he is a scientist and deals with what is known to predict what could be. Rowie (Rowan) is also looking for ‘the one’ but she is not scientific, the elements tell her what is going to happen, so you just know these two are destined for each other. The fun part is finding out how Jane Tara is going to do it! There are lots of back-stories that all help to propel the main plot forward – ghosts, magic, new loves, past love, conniving wenches and a battle with cancer. Jane Tara captured the New Age world completely and was not afraid to include characters that think it is all bunkum. I also enjoyed the behind the scenes look at TV news and weather forecasting and how what you see may not be what is happening. Science versus magic, man versus woman FORECAST is a jam-packed funny story full of great characters. Looking forwards to reading the second in the series.
July 17, 2013
Attention all authors & editors...LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREATHE AND BREATH! Spellcheck will not carch this! You must actually read your book!! Am I the only one w/ this pet peeve?!?
Other than that annoying detail, Forecast was a cute book w/ a fun premise: Rowie Shakespeare can forecast the weather (among other things) and comes from a long line of intuitive women with various mystical abilities. Rowie's penchant for weather accuracy propels her into the weather woman spot on TV, playing up her gifts as a gimmic for ratings while regular meteorologist Drew Henderson is laid up after an accident. Sparks fly when the two meet but a jealous ex gf and coworker is determined to make Drew hers forever, no matters what Rowie predicts. Chaos ensews.
Follows the typical romcom formula but I do like the quirky characters who are unashamed of their gifts and the different background of meteorology. Rowie's mom and grandma were funny, and BFF Angel was awesome as well.
Not a groundbreaking novel, but not a bad way to spend the day either. With a few light edits, I would move my rating for content up to a 4.
Other than that annoying detail, Forecast was a cute book w/ a fun premise: Rowie Shakespeare can forecast the weather (among other things) and comes from a long line of intuitive women with various mystical abilities. Rowie's penchant for weather accuracy propels her into the weather woman spot on TV, playing up her gifts as a gimmic for ratings while regular meteorologist Drew Henderson is laid up after an accident. Sparks fly when the two meet but a jealous ex gf and coworker is determined to make Drew hers forever, no matters what Rowie predicts. Chaos ensews.
Follows the typical romcom formula but I do like the quirky characters who are unashamed of their gifts and the different background of meteorology. Rowie's mom and grandma were funny, and BFF Angel was awesome as well.
Not a groundbreaking novel, but not a bad way to spend the day either. With a few light edits, I would move my rating for content up to a 4.
July 15, 2014
This book would have easily earned four stars if the spelling mistakes had not been so gosh-darn numerous and taken me out of the story at least once a chapter.
I didn't expect to enjoy this Free Friday Nook book but I did. It was more chick-lit than romance but still fun.
Rowie Shakespeare is descended from the great-aunt of the Shakespeare. Her family has always been witches, blessed with psychic powers. Hers happen to come in the form of being able to predict the weather. Well, that and seeing the life of every man she kisses scroll through her head.
Every morning, she does a dance and then writes her prediction on the board outside the family's shop, Second Site. Both her grandmother and mother still live there with her grandmother ruling with an iron fist.
But Rowie gets a chance to escape when the local weatherman breaks his leg and she is called into replace him (while not totally believable, the whole story didn't stretch my ability to suspend disbelief overly much).
But when Drew Henderson returns to take his post, Rowie discovers that this is the man she cannot read.
I didn't expect to enjoy this Free Friday Nook book but I did. It was more chick-lit than romance but still fun.
Rowie Shakespeare is descended from the great-aunt of the Shakespeare. Her family has always been witches, blessed with psychic powers. Hers happen to come in the form of being able to predict the weather. Well, that and seeing the life of every man she kisses scroll through her head.
Every morning, she does a dance and then writes her prediction on the board outside the family's shop, Second Site. Both her grandmother and mother still live there with her grandmother ruling with an iron fist.
But Rowie gets a chance to escape when the local weatherman breaks his leg and she is called into replace him (while not totally believable, the whole story didn't stretch my ability to suspend disbelief overly much).
But when Drew Henderson returns to take his post, Rowie discovers that this is the man she cannot read.
December 5, 2013
Forecast
By: Author Jane Tara
Wittingly Whimsical and Magically Romantic…..
I was set off on a journey of magic at its best. Let’s just say that I enjoyed each and every magical page. I was pleasantly surprised as I devoured and every page. Author Jane Tara weaved a wonderfully romantic and stirringly eclectic web of characters throughout each and every chapter, to build a fabulous and delicious read.
If a truly touching and a magical read is what you love? Then this is the read for you. And if you are looking for a truly heartwarming and magically romantic read? Then I say pick it up and enjoy, smile….
I loved it so much, that I purchased the 2nd book in the series right after. I will be continuing this amazing ride. Gracias to the Author for this awesome read!!!
A definite 5 Star read for the romantics at heart. {WaAr}
Reviewed By: De Ann “Native” Townes Jr. Author of “Peer Inside My Soul and See Me” and “A King Among Prince”
By: Author Jane Tara
Wittingly Whimsical and Magically Romantic…..
I was set off on a journey of magic at its best. Let’s just say that I enjoyed each and every magical page. I was pleasantly surprised as I devoured and every page. Author Jane Tara weaved a wonderfully romantic and stirringly eclectic web of characters throughout each and every chapter, to build a fabulous and delicious read.
If a truly touching and a magical read is what you love? Then this is the read for you. And if you are looking for a truly heartwarming and magically romantic read? Then I say pick it up and enjoy, smile….
I loved it so much, that I purchased the 2nd book in the series right after. I will be continuing this amazing ride. Gracias to the Author for this awesome read!!!
A definite 5 Star read for the romantics at heart. {WaAr}
Reviewed By: De Ann “Native” Townes Jr. Author of “Peer Inside My Soul and See Me” and “A King Among Prince”
July 14, 2014
This was such an adorable concept: psychic who correctly predicts the weather becomes the weather forecaster for a local news channel.
The novel's two weaknesses:
1) The romance plot was... lacking. The "boyfriend to be" is introduced as a horrible sleaze, and the sex scenes are an unfulfilling few paragraphs apiece.
2) The pacing would have improved if the author had skipped a lot of expository backstory.
That said, I loved the characters (e.g., our heroine's grandmother hangs out with the spirit of her dead husband for some great banter that no one else can hear), and the situations were adorable.
(Okay, one more caveat - It's set in NYC, but seems like the author has never been there. I'd lay odds she's from Australia by the way she writes. But, c'mon, readers, just suspend your disbelief.)
The novel's two weaknesses:
1) The romance plot was... lacking. The "boyfriend to be" is introduced as a horrible sleaze, and the sex scenes are an unfulfilling few paragraphs apiece.
2) The pacing would have improved if the author had skipped a lot of expository backstory.
That said, I loved the characters (e.g., our heroine's grandmother hangs out with the spirit of her dead husband for some great banter that no one else can hear), and the situations were adorable.
(Okay, one more caveat - It's set in NYC, but seems like the author has never been there. I'd lay odds she's from Australia by the way she writes. But, c'mon, readers, just suspend your disbelief.)
April 25, 2017
This was the first time I’ve read a book from Jane Tara. “Forecast” is one of your typical kind hearted feel-good romance. It is a paranormal romance, with lots of magic and some glimpses of paganism.
The characters were likable. It’s actually pretty hard to dislike one of them, because the author tries to give the perspectives of every main and secondary character. So you can easily empathise with each and every one of them.
The plot is easy to follow and is very predictable. There was no twist or surprises. All (and I mean ALL) the characters had a happy ending. Everyone found love, forgave the past mistakes and lived happily.
It’s a light read. The story is nice and well written, but I would love some twists and some sense of realism in the ending.
The characters were likable. It’s actually pretty hard to dislike one of them, because the author tries to give the perspectives of every main and secondary character. So you can easily empathise with each and every one of them.
The plot is easy to follow and is very predictable. There was no twist or surprises. All (and I mean ALL) the characters had a happy ending. Everyone found love, forgave the past mistakes and lived happily.
It’s a light read. The story is nice and well written, but I would love some twists and some sense of realism in the ending.
August 16, 2014
4.5 STARS
This book was AMAZING! The start and middle was crazy good with drama, humor, love, family and lust, but the ending was so- sudden and weird for me. The way she just accepted what he did without telling him off or setting him straight just didn't do it for me, which is why there's a star missing on this rating. I feel like she forgave him WAY too easy.
Otherwise, it was free on Amazon at the time and just GREAT. The magic, different POVs and reality-based story was entertaining for me and had me laughing really loud at times. UGH if only the ending were slightly different...
Def recommend. :)
This book was AMAZING! The start and middle was crazy good with drama, humor, love, family and lust, but the ending was so- sudden and weird for me. The way she just accepted what he did without telling him off or setting him straight just didn't do it for me, which is why there's a star missing on this rating. I feel like she forgave him WAY too easy.
Otherwise, it was free on Amazon at the time and just GREAT. The magic, different POVs and reality-based story was entertaining for me and had me laughing really loud at times. UGH if only the ending were slightly different...
Def recommend. :)
February 4, 2019
I know, I know, I wrote it, so would naturally give it 5 stars, right? But I've also just read it, for the first time in years, and enjoyed the read. For me, it was like visiting old friends. I've still got the third book in this series to write... (The 2nd one, Trouble Brewing, is out June 1)
I enjoy being in the company of the Shakespeare women. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and review my book. Even the negative reviews. All feedback is good feedback, and I appreciate them all. :-)
I enjoy being in the company of the Shakespeare women. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and review my book. Even the negative reviews. All feedback is good feedback, and I appreciate them all. :-)
August 27, 2013
A feel good sort of book... Roadmance at its finest!
Seeing the not only the past but also the future of every man at their first kiss should be a blessing, and avoid unnecessary hassles! but to this weather predicting Shakespeare woman, it is a curse because she is nearing thirty and is yet to find a true love!
The plot of finding her true love, whom she can't read is quite good and intriguing, and so is the way the story is built.
Human emotions and love at all ages are concepts that will stir the reader's intrigue!
A happily ever after book, with leading twists!
Seeing the not only the past but also the future of every man at their first kiss should be a blessing, and avoid unnecessary hassles! but to this weather predicting Shakespeare woman, it is a curse because she is nearing thirty and is yet to find a true love!
The plot of finding her true love, whom she can't read is quite good and intriguing, and so is the way the story is built.
Human emotions and love at all ages are concepts that will stir the reader's intrigue!
A happily ever after book, with leading twists!
August 23, 2014
this book surprised me. I'm not at all into witchcraft or anything remotely resembling it. so I was nervous about it and almost stopped reading...but I'm glad I didn't. yes, the main characters are witches, but in a 'super weird/ creepy' way (think Harry Potter). this ended up being a sweet love story that I enjoyed reading. as the story progressed, the witch stuff went on the back burner. there were a few scenes that were a bit to graphic for my liking, so I took off a star there. but I did like the story and read it rather quickly. I'm not sure if I'll read anymore of the series.
November 14, 2014
Great, fantastic, warm & fuzzy read! I want more!
July 14, 2014
This is a light funny romance about three generations of Shakespeare women who have magical talents. Rowena can unfailingly predict the weather, and gets a job as a TV weatherman when the station needs a temporary replacement. Her other gift is in her kiss - one kiss will tell her who a man is destined to be with, and so far, none have been destined for her. Will she find her one true love? Rowena's mother and grandmother also add their own bits of magic to the story.
January 29, 2010
I rarely give up on books, but I started this one and flat out didn't like any of the characters. The hero is an a$$ and the heroine is just blah. I like quirky secondary characters, but the ones in this one are just annoying. After about 4 chapters, I was not into it, so I gave up. It wasn't worth wasting my time on this when there are plenty of other good books I could be reading.
August 25, 2014
4.5*
Forecast, the first Shakespeare sister Series tells the story of three generation of Shakespeare women, and their gifted ability to predict the weather forecast, power of healing, and predict the future, and men, love and life that they, seperetly going to experience.
It is a good lite read with predictable happy ending story. But its fun, humour, and life and love at it's best..
Forecast, the first Shakespeare sister Series tells the story of three generation of Shakespeare women, and their gifted ability to predict the weather forecast, power of healing, and predict the future, and men, love and life that they, seperetly going to experience.
It is a good lite read with predictable happy ending story. But its fun, humour, and life and love at it's best..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews