In Katie Rose's delightful eBook original novella set in Victorian New York City, a remarkable woman with the gift of second sight must learn to trust her visions while following her heart. Blond, angelic Penelope Appleton possesses breathtaking looks--and a troublesome secret. She and her two charming--and newly married--sisters have inspired quite a following posing as spiritualists. However, unlike her clever sisters, Penelope actually "does" glimpse the future. On the eve of her coming out at a Christmas ball, Penelope sees a vision of a rakishly handsome dark-haired man who she knows is her destiny. But her premonition comes with a terrible price: She also foretells his death. Jared Marton takes one look at Penelope and his fate is sealed. He must possess her, heart and soul, even if his efforts to get close to this ethereal beauty are thwarted by her determination to deny the magic between them . . . until a perfect kiss dissolves all barriers to sweet surrender. But when Jared discovers the burden she carries, a perfect love is challenged by the cold winds of fate. Praise for "Mistletoe and Magic" " " "A lovely bit of Christmas romance with love at first sight."--"La Deetda Reads" Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from the Loveswept title "A Hint of Mischief."
Award-winning historical author Katie Rose makes her contemporary debut with the Boys of Summer novels, Bring on the Heat and Too Hot to Handle, which combine Katie’s true loves: baseball and romance! When not watching baseball, Katie is at her lake house in New Jersey, hard at work on her next book.
**She is the bestselling author of twelve historical romance novels published under the names Colleen Quinn and Katie Rose.**
So Mistletoe and Magic goes like this: Penelope meets Jared and is all OMG, dreamy! but then she has a psychic vision of his death, and she’s like, OMG, Heartbreak? GTFO!, but, meanwhile, Jared’s like Whoa… I think I’m in love! I’d better buy her all the things! Penelope doesn’t actually want him to die, but she’s far more invested in preventing heartbreak, so she sends him an anonymous note: Be careful! You’re in danger! and then proceeds to act totally crazy around him, gazing longingly in his general direction one moment and telling him to GTFO the next. Jared doesn’t care that she’s cray, though, because she’s purty.
It’s been a while since I read a book with such a squirrelly heroine. Honestly, Penelope… you see a vision of this guy that you’re already convinced is your destiny getting killed, and all you can think to do is not get involved with him? Really? Like it’s going to be OK if he gets killed as long as you aren’t adversely impacted by it? Ugh. And readers are supposed to be satisfied when these two monumentally selfish (and stupid) people get their happy ending?! Terrible.
Amazingly touching, inspiring and all around lovely. Yes, this book is all that. I loved how strong willed and independent Penelope (Penny) is. Jared is persistent, patient, understanding and dashingly handsome. He vows to win Penny and I loved how he did it. I loved them pulling together for the orphanage and the needy. I would have loved this to have been a bit longer but it was a novella. The writing was great and the story flowed very nicely. I really enjoyed this and will be looking at reading some more historical romances by this writer. I give Mistletoe and Magic by Katie Rose 4 of 5 stars!
Received an arc for a review. Magic and romance sure go good together and magic is in the air in this one. Really good flow this author created on this one and with the magic it carries you along. As not having read this series before this one is still was not a problem as it has a great introduction and catch you right away with it and all you really want to read about is who is focused in this one Penelope. The only sister left not married and said to be the most beautiful and character sure is sweet and has a big heart. Those sure were the days when there were alot of rules and regulations for a woman to follow especially not married. You had to be schooled in the do's and don't's of behavior and society. More the money and breeding better chances of a suitable match. Who said anything about love in all of this was not cared about when arranging and match making by those who thought they had the right or knew best. Ugh sure glad this does not bother some in this book. Anyways now it is Penelope's turn at love and she more than ready and knows it will be soon when they meet. Excitement fills her heart and she sees him and knows it is him the one for her. Jared sees her and just knows she is the one and has to have her and no one else will do. Dances of the season and this is her coming out and she actually sweeps him I think of his feet and his look locks her to him. No matter not on the dance card he just cuts right in and off they go on to a waltz but at the end she knows it is coming and oh the vision (she is special) shattering her to pieces for it shows her tragedy.. By now you are urging forward through hoping these two do not give up on each other because you are swept with them on a battle of wills. One determined to have her and one determined to drive him away. Thank goodness love is stronger than these two ha ha mere mortal wills that they are. You then follow them along and the writer wrings lots of emotion from the reader of various degrees till the end. Humorous how family butts in and trials they go through till the final triumph, oh yeah. Refreshing and filled with warmth which makes for a good regency romance.
Sometimes I like short stories and some times I don't but I really enjoyed this short Christmas type love story. It makes me want to go back some more Katie Rose novels. I noticed that the other sisters in this story actually have novels. I am not sure why Penelope only gets a short story but I am interested in learning more about the Appleton's.
I really enjoyed the characters, Penelope and her sisters use to scam those who where grieving by saying they could talk to the dead. Penelope couldn't talk to the dead but she did have a secret she has been hiding since she was a child, that she could see the future. She new exactly who her sisters were going to marry and now she has seen her own destiny. She also sees a horrible newspaper headline that says that same man gets killed.
Penelope figures it's best that she just says away from Jared so that she doesn't get her heart broken. Once Jared gets a look at the grown up version of Penelope he is head over heels and doesn't give up that easy. So staying away from him, and even telling him that she doesn't want a relationship doesn't hinder his pursuit.
Jared is a lawyer and his family has high hopes for him and it is not to marry beneath himself, but as soon as he seen Penelope at a ball he knew she was the one. His charming ways are not winning her over but he is determined. He is really curious as to why she is trying to play so hard to get, but never gives up. He doesn't care what his family thinks.
I really enjoyed all the characters in the story from the main characters to the secondary ones. I think if you have read the other Katie Rose novels evolving the other sister as I am sure it has more back story on Penelope that you might like this one more, but I still found it easy to read on it's own.
Sometimes I just enjoy a great quick read in between my longer novels and this one was it! I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance novels.
The beautiful Penelope Appleton is the only one of her sisters to truly possess an psychic ability. Since she can remember, Penelope can see the future. Seeing what men her sisters would marry was a gift and even seeing who she would marry was a gift until she dances with the would-be husband and has a vision of his death. Unable to come to terms with that sort of perspective loss, Penelope does what she can to avoid this man.
Jared Martin has no inclination to marry at the moment. He is enjoying his bachelorhood and watching his friends enter the marriage mart has him shaking his head, until he sees the exuberant and exquisite Penelope Appleton and makes up his mind from the first dance that she will be his.
Penelope leads Jared on a game of hide and seek all through Mistletoe and Magic until she can no longer deny her fate. How will she deal with the inevitability that her vision will come true and also with those around the pair who do not want to see them together? Will Jared believe in Penelope's vision enough to give them any thought? Those questions and more are answered so easily by reading this very pleasing Christmas tale by Katie Rose.
This is the first book by Katie Rose that I have read and I found it to be a very enjoyable read and I have since gone back to read the first two books in the Appleton Sisters series. I love the characters of Penelope and Jared. Jared is such a great man. I adore the way he stands up to his family and puts his love for Penelope before the money dangling precariously in front of his nose by his father. Even his position at his father's law firm is in jeopardy and Jared decides which is more important to him.
Mistletoe and Magic is a great holiday read and I hope you will give this novella a look! It is worth it!
It’s Christmas time in 1874 New York and Penelope Appleton, the youngest and most beautiful of the Appleton sisters, has seen her future. She will fall in love and wed Jared Marton. Unfortunately, after dancing with him at her debut she sees another future, one where Jared is shot dead in the street one cold snowy night. In order to protect her heart she does her best to discourage his attentions, but he’s having none of it. Can Penelope change the future? Or is their love doomed before it can even grow?
This is a sweet historical holiday romance. I enjoyed the paranormal part and the fact it was set in New York. I don’t often read historicals that are set in the US. Not sure why. I guess that’s just the way the books fall. Anyway, Penelope has a problem. She can’t warn Jared without him thinking she’s crazy, so she decides to send an anonymous note warning him to be careful and then she tries to avoid him. If she avoids him then she can’t fall in love with him and then have her heart broken when he dies. But he’s persistent and her family aids him in his pursuit of her. The writing is decent, but I wasn’t real impressed with the characters. Penelope is too perfect and Jared seems to be a bit of an ass at times. Maybe it’s just me. He just grated on my nerves a bit and Penelope seemed kind of spineless. All-in-all though it’s really not a bad read especially if you like quick historical holiday stories.
Mistletoe and Magic by Katie Rose is a Loveswept publication with an expected release date of October 14,2013.
This is a historical romance novella.
Jared, a prominent attorney, sets eyes on the beautiful Penelope and it's love at first sight. But, for Penelope it's a different sort of sight. While dancing with the dashing Jared, Penelope sees a vision or premonition of Jared's death. To protect herself from going through that kind of pain, she distances herself from Jared. In her determination to keep the very smitten and persistent Jared at arms length, she becomes almost shrewish towards him. Eventually, Penelope must confide in someone and Jared finally gets wind of why Penelope is putting him off. Jared was an absolute dream. He even played matchmaker for one of Penelope's aunts. He may have had an ulterior motive in there, but their romance added another touch of magic to the story.
I must confess I haven't read the previous books in this series, but if possible I would like to go back and catch up on it. This book can be read as stand alone. It is of course set during the Christmas holidays. There are lots of cozy Christmas descriptions and romance, and of course just a little bit of magic.
This is a short, light, sweet holiday romance, perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit. Overall a B+
This story has a lot of instant-lust turned into love, and the supernatural (the heroine can predict the future, including her own). While the other did not bother me, the former did. Given that it is a novella, I give concessions to how deep and moving a story is made due to its short length, but this one did not meet my low expectations for it. Suffice it to say, I found the story lacking in originality, wit, any semblance of romance. A few pages in, it turned into two characters knew the other was their destiny; the hero sought to claim the heroine, and the heroine futilely tried to resist their gravitational pull towards each other. It was fate's doing, after all. But that's just it; in a story governed by fate, where is free and willing love? Not in this one, unfortunately.
I haven’t found many historical romances that are both set in New York society, and are late Victorian era stories: Katie Rose’s Appleton Sisters series is both of these things. Mistletoe and Magic is the third in the series, a novella length story and the first title I have read by this author. Perfectly suited to an introduction, although it does contain some spoilers for the first two books, this was a delightful novella that I wish had been a bit fuller with details to flush out the characters.
Penelope Appleton is the youngest sister, and is blessed (or cursed) with premonition. Although the sisters were involved in a financial venture to provide spiritual contact with society’s seekers, this was a venture that the girls used to supplement their guardian’s income after the death of their parents. With two bona fide matches under her belt, Penelope had been ‘seeing’ her destined mate.
Jared Morton is a lawyer and a friend of Penelope’s sister and brother-in-law. Older and slightly jaded, he cannot explain nor understand the instantaneous reaction to spotting Penelope at the Astor’s ball: he must have her, know her and make her his. Penelope’s reaction was similar, but signaled danger and death for the man she knew she already loved: unwilling to risk her heart on another loss, she does all in her power to push him away.
The characters in this story were lovely and completely defined, while the characters of the Penelope’s two sisters were less flushed out, they had the benefit of solid portrayal, comments about their personalities and a solid sense of just ‘knowing’ their hearts were turned toward Penelope’s happiness. Far from being an onlooker, her aunt and guardian is clever and knowing, with just enough practical sense and romantic vision to push both Jared and Penelope into taking a chance.
There are several different factors come to play in this story, and while I would have liked to see some elements extended and flushed out, the overall plot and story were not diminished by either the quick pace or the shortened story. This was a fun read with plenty of action to keep the pages turning, for the final answer from Penelope was truly not revealed until close to the end.
A fun romance that is perfectly situated for an early Christmas read: set in a historical period and place that is not common to the current offerings.
I received an eGalley copy from NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, but that didn't keep me from enjoying this one. Penelope is the pretty sister in the trio. The other two have married well and now it's her debut. She looks like a Christmas angel, and she's sweet, too.
Penny also has a secret. For all those years when the sisters made money as "spiritualists," she really did have the sight. All of her intuitive "guesses" were visions. This has been a burden upon her; a secret that she's never shared with anyone.
As the book begins, it's the beginning of the Christmas season and her sisters, their spouses, and the girls' aunt are attending a ball where Penelope will make her debut. She's most excited because she has seen that her true love will be there. When he sees her, he's knocked for a loop. He's known her for years, but tonight? Well, tonight he really sees her. She's thrilled to meet him again and is surprised that she hadn't realized just how attractive he really is.
And then a new vision comes. One that she fears will break her heart, and stop his.
Penelope fights her attraction and warns him off. For his part, Jared is smitten. He's also a bit shocked at how hard he has to work to win her over. I enjoyed that his "fight" for her caused him to really get to know her. He has assumed she was that lovely angel from her visage, but he quickly discovered that she was sweet all the way through.
This is a novella and sometimes they can be a case of too little and a rushed ending. That is not the case with Mistletoe And Magic. There's a nice balance of character development and plot. I did have to laugh, just a bit, when Pride and Prejudiced was paraphrased quite closely when Jared's father comes to Penelope's home. It was certainly shades of Darcy's aunt.
This was a sweet way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Four and a half bookmarks (rounded to five for Goodreads)...and now I need to go bake some Christmas Cookies!
*Thank you, NetGalley and Random House - Loveswept, for the opportunity to read this book.
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site Reviewed by Rinou Review Copy from the Publisher
Once again this is an author I discover through NetGalley, with this novella that is part of the Appleton Sisters series. It is worth noting that while the two oldest sisters each were entitled to a full book, the third only gets this novella, and unfortunately seeing all that happens she’d deserved a few more chapters.
Our heroine, Penelope, is the last of the Appleton sisters, who earned a living with spiritualism seances before the oldest two got married. But Penelope really has a power (one she’s always kept secret), she sometimes has visions of the future. And her last vision promised her she’ll meet her great love at her coming-out ball. Unfortunately, while she’s dancing with him, a new vision predicts his death, and she decides to reject him in order not to suffer when he dies. Jared, the great love referred to, falls in love at first sight and doesn’t intend to be dismissed. He’s going to do everything to change her mind, with her sisters’ complicity.
I found the hero’s determination pleasant (to each decision of the heroine or each reason she gives, he finds a parry). At the same time his obstinacy can seem strange, because after all he’s just fallen for her at first sight (even if he says he’s not attracted to her because of her looks, he doesn’t know her and she doesn’t do any effort to be at her best). Penelope’s reactions seem more logical, even if she’s sometimes really curt with him.
I liked that the story takes place in the posh circles of New-York instead of those of London, it’s a welcome change. Likewise no titled characters but families owing their wealth to their works. My problem is that in a hundred of pages or so there is the “chase” by the hero, the plot around the vision, and another misadventure I can’t talk about without spoiling. So the pace is sustained, almost without down-time, but I thought to many things were happening in a short time and I had a feeling of precipitation.
In spite of this, Mistletoe and Magic is a pleasant story with a nice and flowing style, and once again I want to discover the author on a longer size. Good job!
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Penelope Appleton is the youngest of the Appleton sisters (who already had their stories told in the previous books of the series), famous in New York by the séances they made in the past. The problem is that, unlike her sisters, Penelope really does have divinatory powers, she's been having visions of the future since she was an adolescent, but she never shared it with anyone, not even her sisters.
Her newest vision was of the man she is destined to be with. And it's at the Christmas ball, when she is introduced to society, that she meets him: Jared Morton, lawyer and friend of her sister and brother in law. When Jared sees her at the ball he gets immediately enchanted, falls in love at first sight and decides right away that he will not give up until Penelope is his. However, when Penelope is dancing with Jared, she has another vision, this time of Jared's death who will be violent and very soon.
Knowing that if she allows herself to fall in love with Jared she's condemning herself to suffering, Penelope is determined to not fall in love with him, and tries to stay as far away from him as possible. But Jared is also a determined man and is able to sidestep all the schemes Penelope tries to keep him away. And her determination starts to fade... Will they be able to sidetrack destiny? Will it be possible for them to dream of a life together?
I liked this story, but I admit to having a huge problem with it from the start because of the love at first sight. I have no problem when it's attraction, but love at first sight is something I have a huge difficulty swallowing, and Jared falls in love with Penelope only because she's gorgeous, even before he knew her... I mean, if it were the other way around, and Penelope had been the one falling head over heels based on her premonition I could understand, but to be Jared, and based solely on beauty, it just doesn't work for me.
Apart from that, the story is interesting and I thought the premonition angle original. It takes place during Christmas, but Christmas is not fundamental for the story.
There 3 unique and Scandalous Appleton sisters, who were orphaned as young children. Penelope is the shunning and beautiful one, but she does have one more special gift that no one knows, she can see the future! Penelope is so excited to have her début at the NYC ball and see her future spouse, Jared Marton. Jared Marton is doing his duty for his family by attending the ball and when he sees Penelope Appleton walk down the stairs, he is hooked and wants her for his own. Penelope and Jared have known one another through her sister Winifred, but Penelope has become captivating! Jared steals Penelope away from her partner and they waltz and Penelope is so happy that all her dreams are coming true. Then out of no where, she has a premonition of Jared's murder, she faints and then flees the ball. Jared is devastated that Penelope leaves and is determined to go see her tomorrow and begin courting her. Penelope will not live through another death of a loved one, so she will just have to make Jared leave town for his safety and never ever see him again. Jared and Penelope need a little help from her Fairy GodAunt Eve, many roses, ice skating, 2 scheming sisters and their spouses, his parents disapproval, a murderous unseen nemesis, and some much needed Mistletoe and Magic to make their dreams come true. This is an awesome and unique story of a hero and heroine who must fight parents, an unknown evil and even rearrange Penelope's premonition for their one of a kind love to come true. Ms. Rose uses just the right amount of sweetness and then added the spicy hot to this romance. Her characters grew in your heart and turn your world upside down with hilariousness. I just wish it has longer story and I am so getting the other Appleton Sisters books. Ms. Rose earns her score of 4 fingers up and 8 toes.
“True love is something you can hold in your heart for eternity.”–-Aunt Eve
Penelope has a secret–she has visions of the future! On the day she finally meets Jared, the man she knows she’s destined to marry, the unthinkable happens–she gets a vision of his death in less than a month! Now, she’s trying to change fate by doing what she can to protect her heart from loving and losing him. She’s determined to avoid Jared and avoid heartbreak. Jared, on the other hand, is determined to win her heart…
“I know how to make a case. And this is one I intend to win.”–-Jared
This was a quick and enjoyable read and really got me into the Christmas spirit, even though it’s the month for Halloween! I felt so bad for Penelope and the burden she carries. In most cases, her visions are a blessing so it was fun watching her get so excited for the day she would meet her future husband. When she saw his death, it was a huge bummer, and I was really rooting for Jared to convince her that their love was worth any heartbreak.
The book was so sweet as Penelope comes up with reasons that they won’t suit, and Jared being extremely creative in finding ways to overcome any obstacles he sees in claiming her as his. He’s focused, determined, clever, and oh so sweet that I loved reading his courtship as he gently broke down Penelope’s walls.
There is one very short love-making scene so I would label this as a low to medium heat level. Since this is the third in a trilogy about three sisters, there are allusions to the previous two books (which I haven’t read) without spoiling what happens too much. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend this to anyone who loves sweet romance with a Christmas spirit and a touch of the paranormal. This is a 5 out of 5 for me.
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
A sweet, light, lovely historical romance novella. Mistletoe and Magic was a wonderful novella and, though I didn't love it, I really enjoyed it.
Penelope was an okay heroine. For the most part, she was likable. But, she was also my one problem with the book. I understood why she felt she had to distance herself from Jared and discourage a relationship. But, she was quite mean about it. For one, she was rude to him, which I could have forgiven. But, in another instance, she pretended to be engaged to a nasty old man and paraded around with the perv. It seemed to be more out of spite than anything else. It went from protecting herself to being spiteful. This doesn't mean I didn't like her character. She was just fine and, other than those unpleasant instances, she was a good character. I might have had my issues with her, but I liked her just fine in the end.
Jared, on the other hand, was pure perfection. This man was so sweet and adorable and wonderful. Needless to say, I adored him. He was a fantastic hero.
The romance was mostly sweet, with only a hint of spice. I thought these two were lovely together.
The plot was fast paced. I was kept interested the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and I loved how the author found a way around Jared's foretold death. It was a definitely surprise. And the ending was lovely.
Mistletoe and Magic was a wonderful historical romance novella. Romance lovers, if you want a quick, light, sweet read, this is a book you'll want to check out.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
This is book 2.5 in the Appleton Sisters series and a novella.
Penelope Appleton knows who the love of her life is suppose to be. She comes from a family that made a living of spiritualism seances, but unknown to her family Penelope really can see into the future. She has seen the man whom she will marry.
Unfortunately, when they finally connect, Penelope has a vision of his death. She gets away as fast as she can. She can't get involved with a man, just to have her heart broken when he dies.
Jared Marton can't believe that he has finally found the woman he wants to settle down with and she doesn't want anything to do with him. He knows that she felt the same attraction that he did, but she is doing everything in her power to keep them apart.
Fortunately for Jared, Penelope's family is on his side and does everything they can to help him out.
I really wanted to like this story, but the writing was just off to me. I liked the premise of the story, but found myself not liking Penelope. Jared was also hard to like as he instantly fell in love with Penelope and claimed that it wasn't her looks that did it. Maybe it was the length of the story that that made it a little "cheesy" to me. Possibly with a longer story, the author would have been able to add some "meat" to it. Since I liked the theme of the story, I will probably check out the other two books in the series and see if a full length novel is any better.
Thanks go to NetGalley and Loveswept for a copy of the book for an honest review.
MISTLETOE AND MAGIC is a fun Victorian-in-America novella. It's nominally part of a series, though I didn't feel left behind by not reading the first two books. The writing is fun, if sometimes overly descriptive. It was a little annoying to hear the female MC repeatedly characterized as beautiful, even by her own self. We get it--she's pretty, I don't need headhopping to remind me. But aside from that, the story was playful and romantic, with just a little touch of the paranormal. Penelope Appleton's sisters play at spiritualism, but Penelope can actually see glimpses of the future. She knew her sisters would marry their future husbands, and she knows she will encounter her soul mate at a Christmas party. However, when she meets the enigmatic and rich Jared, she glimpses his death. Will Penelope be able to avert this tragedy? Will Jared's upbringing and potential keep him from wooing the middle-class Penelope? Since this is a romantic novella, it's not a spoiler to say there is a happy ending, but it's not too cheesy, and the Christmas theme made me smile. The Victorian New York setting is nicely described, and the characters all have personality, even though there isn't much room to elaborate. If I come across the first books in the series, I would probably give them a look, given the playful tone of this novella.
Received as a free digital ARC via Netgalley and the publisher.
**Review written for an originally posted on my blog, Book Bliss. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review** Review: 4 stars
General: A beautiful historical Christmas tale with just the right amount of magic, this book is a great read but too short! I recommend reading the others first to be more familiar with the sisters but it isn’t needed as I did not and had no issues, just wanted more! To be saddled with a gift that can be a curse is awful but to have it rushed as it was to permit this being a novella I feel a lot was lost. There was no real emotional connection anytime Penelope talked about it, no logical discourse after. Same with the relationship with Jared. Still a fantastic read but I think the format hindered it because it made me feel rushed as a reader.
Characters: Penelope: I loved Penelope. She was spunky and creative and easy to fall in love. It made for a beautiful heroine. However due to the nature of novellas I felt her growth was stunted and would have loved to see more of her journey or have her start at a different place in her journey so it felt more believable.
Jared: Everything you want in a male hero. Strong, sexy, pigheaded of course and truly in love. I thought his pursuit of Penelope was worthy of any 5 star romance, but it all felt too rushed as with Penelope.
Penelope Appleton has an unusual gift—that of seeing visions of the future. Among other things, she foresaw both of her older sisters' love matches, and then, finally, she sees her own.
When she and Jared Marton clasp eyes on each other at the Christmas Ball, they both know they are destined for each other. Unfortunately, Penelope sees something else as well—a newspaper headline proclaiming Jared's death on Christmas Eve.
In an attempt to protect her heart from the devastating blow of losing her true love, Penelope determines to avoid Jared. But the smitten attorney doesn't give up easily. No matter what Penelope contrives to discourage him, he manages to find a way to counteract it. And Penelope finds herself falling for him in spite of herself.
But Penelope's visions have always come true, so she can't help becoming more and more anxious as Christmas Eve approaches.
This novella is a sequel to Rose's "Courting Trouble" and "A Hint of Mischief." "Mistletoe and Magic" stands by itself, however, which I can verify since I have not read either of the preceding novels.
"Mistletoe and Magic" is a delightful Christmas read that will no doubt spur other readers on to obtain the first two stories and discover how Penelope's sisters met their matches.
A sweet sugar cookie of a novella. I was intrigued by the idea that the heroine, who once played at being a spiritualist, actually HAD a touch of "the sight." But while both Penelope and Jared were a) the requisite physically gorgeous, and b) persistent, the WHY as to Jared falling in love with her felt unresolved. We get why Penelope did, because she had visions of her true love. Jared felt rather immature and impetuous, more like 24 than 34.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are some nice scenes set in Victorian New York, especially the ice skating. The consummation scene was smexy hot and well done, if a little unbelievable that they could get away with it and NO ONE would have seen them or would gossip about it. And did young society women make their debut (debuts?) in the middle of winter?
Still, all the characters are likable, and inclusion of the other Appleton sisters and Aunt Eve and partners, so the family factor is there, too. If you're looking for a light, fun read with a HEA in the Christmas season, this should do nicely.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet, easy read novella set in Victorian New York City at Christmas time. This is actually the third book in the Appleton Sister's series. I have not read the previous two books however this novella can stand on it's own.
Penelope is the youngest of the Appleton sisters (the older two sister's stories were told in the previous books). Penelope has a "gift" in that she can see glimpses of the future. She sees that she will meet her true love at a party but also sees that he will die a tragic death. Having lost her parents at a young age, Penelope does not want to face the heartache of losing her love. When she meets Jared at the party she immediately recognizes him as her true love destiny but does everything she can to stay away from him and convince him that she is not interested. Of course that cannot work or we would not have the HEA we expect from a romance novella.
There is some nice chemistry between the characters and just enough suspense to keep the reader interested.
This was an okay story. It's cute and quite the feel good story but the writing was subpar. I find this happens with novellas of series. I haven't read anything else by Katie Rose so I can't speak of her other works but I found this one to be poorly written. It lacked depth. I had little attachment to the characters. If this was suppose to draw me and encourage me to read more by this author - it didn't work. To start with - I kept losing the timeline. It seemed like there were too many days between the start and the finish (the story was concluding on Christmas Eve and it seemed like December kept getting more days). I was actually tempted to go back and see if I could reconstruct the timeline but I didn't care that much. There was so much drama without any suspense. Reminded me of high school. The story was just on the bizarre side. It was a nice little romance that lacked. It was a quick read and I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who will enjoy it.
I was given a copy of Mistletoe and Magic from NetGally. This a beautiful novella full of love romance and some suspense! It was an amazing journey Katie Rose took us on. I felt as if I was truly apart of the story and her characters. I was captivated from the very first page, right through until the end. I love the ups and downs of Mistletoe and Magic and all of the emotions that our main character, Penelope, took us through. She is a very strong minded, independent and courageous woman! As soon as we met Jared, I knew he would sweep her off of her feet in a way that wasn't common! Boy was I right. Mistletoe and Magic is a wonderful example that true love conquers all and nothing will stand between a man who loves his lady unconditionally! Thank you for a beautiful story Katie! I truly look forward to reading your other work!
This novella is a Regency Romance about Jennifer Appleton, a young, lovely woman, orphaned, living with her Aunt. She has a secret she hadn’t told anyone. She is psychic. So when certain important events occurred within her family she knew of them. She had a vision of what her husband-to-be looked like, putting her in bliss. But another vision followed involving him that put her in absolute panic. She tried everything she could think of to change the chain of events.
This novella, even though short, felt complete. Ms. Rose developed her main characters to be 3-dimensional in every aspect and the plot was detailed with a clever story. I felt that I was in England during the holiday season. This is the kind of book to read snuggled up under a lap blanket next to a fire, with hot chocolate in hand.
I really like this cutesy and hilarious short story. This book is about the youngest sister of the Appleton Sister series. I did not read the other books from the series. From what I got from this book. The Appleton sisters were spiritualist and had séance to make a living. Penelope Appleton is the only sister who has the gift. Penelope has been hiding from all her family and friends. When the time comes, she sees her future mate and identity him. But only to be heartbroken because she also seen his death. Jared Marton meets Penelope at a Christmas Ball and falls madly in love with her. He tries his hardest to win her hand, but she outmaneuvers his every scheme. Bless his little heart, Jared truly cares for her. It is really funny to read how they reaction towards each other. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
I so wanted to adore this book for the setting alone Victorian Era New York. We have a psychic beauty burden heroine too. Good stuff.
However, I never really could attach to the romance nor the mystery nor the couple. Jared is really just a run of the mill dark haired hero for me. He does eventually move beyond her looks and love her though.
This is a well written book and I will certainly read more by this writer. I sometimes think though that when a writer puts a major character like a younger sister into a novella sized romance it may be because the author is just not that into her and it shows up in the quality of the story or connection.
I was given this book for my honest review. So, there you have it.
Well finally I leave Regency England and head to Victorian New York!
When I read this short novella, I wasn’t aware that it was a third book in the Appleton Sister’s series, but fear not, this story is written to stand on its own.
Our heroine Penelope is the youngest of the Appleton sisters and she has a ‘second sight’ which allows her to see the future, even her own.
And here is where this story gets intriguing. In order to stop a tragedy that she foresaw, she’s determined to stay away from the man she loves because she believes that she saw him die
I liked the characters and the suspenseful plot of this little gem and hope you give it a go.
Melanie for b2b Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley
This was a very cute and sweet novella. I haven't read the stories about Penelope's sisters, but I would like to after reading this novella. Penelope is about to make her debut in New York society, she has a special talent she can see into the future. Penelope has never told anyone about her talent, but she knows she will meet her true love at the ball. Jared is a successful lawyer who is a friend of Penelope's sister and brother in law. Jared sees Penelope grown up and is smitten. They have obstacles to overcome, his family and her visions, but reading their love story was romantic and sweet. One very sweet love scene. I really enjoyed this book. The title is perfect for this novella.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So Penelope can see the future.....what dose she see in her future her true love. Awww cute right? not she see him then she see his death. So what would you do when you come face to face with your true love but know his death is coming?
I really liked this book but If i was Penelope i would jump to Jared and love him. Penelope keeps him at a distance and wont let him close this is the book of how they can get together and love each other for ever. I really thought it was a cute sweet and refreshing read. I haven't read something with this kinda plot before and I enjoyed it.
*ARC from NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Penelope, a reformed pretend but real psychic, finally meets THE man for her in lawyer Jared but oh, no…they touch and she sees his death. What to do? She spurns him because she knows she won’t survive loving him and losing him…Ah…seriously…the guy is about to die and your first thought is you’ll get hurt? But let me send him an anonymous note so that he’ll be careful? Yikes…I lost sympathy for Penelope at the beginning and couldn’t quite reclaim it. I felt that she really wasn’t deserving of Jared’s dogged, ardent pursuit. On the other hand, Jared was resourceful , wily and patient. Can I have him instead?