A Midsummer's Magic

by Mary Chase Comstock

Hippolyta, the widowed Countess of Trevalyen, couldn't understand why society persisted in labelling her a witch. True, she was constantly discovering new and exciting herbs in her well-tended garden, and casting spells was as natural to her as breathing. But Hippolyta considered herself a rational person, her powers a heavensent gift. Even more difficult to understand was her illogical, irresistible attraction to one Julian St. Ives. Was she, heaven forbid, bewitched? The dashing heir to a barony, Julian had come to Rookeshaven to study the art of ancient healing. But now, as a mischievous Cupid and a mysterious potion made lovers of the most unlikely people, Julian found himself losing his heart to a woman of wondrous grace and beauty. Was he a victim of passion's merry mix-up... or had he found true love at long last?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Patiscynical · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trite.
I read this shortly after finishing a couple of Georgette Heyer's Regency novels, and after reading Ms. Heyer's sparkling dialog and witty situations, this book fell sadly flat.
The characters were cut from cardboard, and the situations were silly in the extreme.
I recommend that the author study Georgette Heyer to see how it's supposed to be done.
Results: this book was actually kind of awful. I cannot recommend it.

[Deborah KV · Rating 1 out of 5]

Give me strength

Just ridiculous. It wasn't the magic that made this a poor novel but the convoluted nonsensical plot. It appears to be a very tepid and poorly constructed play on some aspects of Shakespeare's plot.

[Heart DeCoupeville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.

Originally a Kensington Regency published in 1994, this was a light, fun, almost-spoof of the genre, with perhaps a bit of Shakespeare thrown in for spice. Would have given it 3.5 stars, but it's not quite charming enough to round up to 4.

[Laura Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whimsical romance mix in magic

I enjoyed this story with wizardry thrown into recency romance format. Magic abounds and a manor with an enchanted library.

[Shereen Vedam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story! It has fantasy elements and Regency, my favorite combination. The characters were engaging and the story line is funny and sweet. Definitely recommend it as a light, fun, read, all done around a magical background. I will certainly pick up another of Comstock's books, if in the same vein.

For subject matter, story courage, and matching my interest, I'd give this book a 5.

What tipped the scale down a smidgen is the writing (occasionally, too omniscient for my taste), evolution of the romance (needed a bit more suspense), and wrapping of the threads (too pat, though there are a couple of nice surprises in store).

Favorite line: "My sister is a looby!" (I wholeheartedly agree).

[regencyromances · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Midsummer's Magic by Mary Chase Comstock is a perfect read for Halloween. It's a quick read that combines historical romance with the paranormal (and also a bit bonkers)!

Hippolyta is a widow who lives in a haunted castle. Julian visits her castle to learn more about healing from her library. Throw in some ghosts, Hippolyta's niece and nephew, and a suspicious guest and you have an entertaining book!

This was such an enjoyable book to read. Something quick with a hero who pines for the heroine and perfect for Halloween.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read. Loved the little skittish dog.... It seemed a but short, or else it was fast paced as I only just started it. I can't seen to judge the length of a book in Kindle by the word count. I look forward to reading more. Thanks to the author for making it free to read on Amazon for a while.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book by the author that delves in a light-hearted and very humorous way with the paranormal, wizardry, and witchcraft. Yes, it definitely is a romance and is full of hilarious supernatural situations, sight gags and crazy excursions into the unknown. If you like humor in a paranormal read, this might be just your thing.

[Jenn Bragg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The writing style was very Austen-esque, and the tie-in of the paranormal was fabulous. An engaging read, and one I would've loved to see become a series.

[Michele Lacroix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this short book and couldn't put it down.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming paranormal/fantasy Regency! I loved this and wish she had done more in this vein.