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Destiny #2
The Gift
The Gift, book two in the Destiny Series, is the second of five novelettes to be released in this series over the next few weeks.
Savanna Bradford's impulsive reaction to her boyfriend Ryan's proposal spirals her into a rendezvous with fate and a mystical gift that could alter her destiny. When Savy accepted her new promotion, she knew the job required a one-year stint in London. Ryan would understand. He knew how important her career was to her? It wouldn't be easy, but they would see each other often and the year would fly by, she thought . . . until she realized his plans for the evening included an engagement ring. She had to get away to think––just for a little while. But her brief sabbatical didn't included getting stuck in a ditch in the middle of nowhere, or spending the night with an an enigmatic old woman from the twilight zone. Will the timeless struggle between dreams and passion bait her into repeating history, or will a simple gift from her bizarre encounter steer Savannah toward her true destiny before it's too late?
If you like this story be sure to check out the rest of the series. Keep your eye on Casi McLean's author page and Amazon Kindle for more of her young adult and contemporary romance with paranormal twists.
Savanna Bradford's impulsive reaction to her boyfriend Ryan's proposal spirals her into a rendezvous with fate and a mystical gift that could alter her destiny. When Savy accepted her new promotion, she knew the job required a one-year stint in London. Ryan would understand. He knew how important her career was to her? It wouldn't be easy, but they would see each other often and the year would fly by, she thought . . . until she realized his plans for the evening included an engagement ring. She had to get away to think––just for a little while. But her brief sabbatical didn't included getting stuck in a ditch in the middle of nowhere, or spending the night with an an enigmatic old woman from the twilight zone. Will the timeless struggle between dreams and passion bait her into repeating history, or will a simple gift from her bizarre encounter steer Savannah toward her true destiny before it's too late?
If you like this story be sure to check out the rest of the series. Keep your eye on Casi McLean's author page and Amazon Kindle for more of her young adult and contemporary romance with paranormal twists.
37 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2014
22 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Casi McLean
38 books674 followersUSA Today & Amazon Best Selling Author, Casi McLean, pens novels to stir the soul with romance, suspense, and a sprinkle of magic. Her writing crosses genres from ethereal, captivating shorts with eerie twist endings to believable time slips, mystical plots, and sensual romantic suspense.
Known for enchanting stories with magical description, McLean entices readers with fascinating hooks to hold them captive in storylines they can't put down. Her romance entwines strong, believable heroines with delicious, hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires, then fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies.
With suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour, you'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear time travel could happen, be mystified by other worldly images, and feel the heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.
Casi's latest series enters the realm of political thrillers with Reign Of Fire, exclusively found in the #1 bestselling, romantic suspense boxset, Love Under Fire. Watch the trailer exclusively on this page.
Her three-book, time slip, romantic suspense, Lake Lanier Mysteries, hit the stands running with book #1, Beneath The Lake, winner of the 2016 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for BEST Romantic Suspense. Watch the trailer on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvf0I...
Beyond The Mist, book #2 in her romantic time slip treasure chest, is a stunning tribute to the victims and first responders of the 911 World Trade Center terrorist attack. Here is the trailer link: https://youtu.be/Bj6ySTh_7xI
Between The Shadows brings the saga full circle with an amazing time slip to 1865 and a search for the Confederate gold. Don't miss this trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voa2q...
Uniquely qualified to write self-help and inspiration, Casi tops the scale with her powerful memoir, Wingless Butterfly: Healing The Broken Child Within, sharing an inspirational message of courage, tenacity, and hope, displaying her unique ability to excel in nonfiction and self-help as well as fiction.
Discover the magic, with Casi McLean books: http://CasiMclean.com
Ms. McLean weaves exceptional romantic mystery, with suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour. You'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear her time travel could happen, be mystified by her other worldly images, and feel heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.
Find me:
Website: casimclean.com
Twitter: @casimclean
Facebook: Casi McLean
FB Author Page: Casi McLean-Author
Goodreads: Casi McLean
Known for enchanting stories with magical description, McLean entices readers with fascinating hooks to hold them captive in storylines they can't put down. Her romance entwines strong, believable heroines with delicious, hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires, then fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies.
With suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour, you'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear time travel could happen, be mystified by other worldly images, and feel the heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.
Casi's latest series enters the realm of political thrillers with Reign Of Fire, exclusively found in the #1 bestselling, romantic suspense boxset, Love Under Fire. Watch the trailer exclusively on this page.
Her three-book, time slip, romantic suspense, Lake Lanier Mysteries, hit the stands running with book #1, Beneath The Lake, winner of the 2016 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for BEST Romantic Suspense. Watch the trailer on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvf0I...
Beyond The Mist, book #2 in her romantic time slip treasure chest, is a stunning tribute to the victims and first responders of the 911 World Trade Center terrorist attack. Here is the trailer link: https://youtu.be/Bj6ySTh_7xI
Between The Shadows brings the saga full circle with an amazing time slip to 1865 and a search for the Confederate gold. Don't miss this trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voa2q...
Uniquely qualified to write self-help and inspiration, Casi tops the scale with her powerful memoir, Wingless Butterfly: Healing The Broken Child Within, sharing an inspirational message of courage, tenacity, and hope, displaying her unique ability to excel in nonfiction and self-help as well as fiction.
Discover the magic, with Casi McLean books: http://CasiMclean.com
Ms. McLean weaves exceptional romantic mystery, with suspenseful settings and lovable characters you'll devour. You'll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You'll swear her time travel could happen, be mystified by her other worldly images, and feel heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you'll want more.
Find me:
Website: casimclean.com
Twitter: @casimclean
Facebook: Casi McLean
FB Author Page: Casi McLean-Author
Goodreads: Casi McLean
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 28, 2022
This review is for the audiobook.
Summary –
A supernatural gift propels Savannah into a date with destiny where she’ll have to choose between repeating history or the path she’s destined for. Savannah receives a proposal from her boyfriend, but her reaction puts in motion a series of unexplainable events she doesn’t see coming. She received a magical gift that could change everything. The line between dreams and reality blur and Savannah must make a decision. Will she choose her destiny before it’s too late?
Narrator’s overall voice –
I found her voice pleasing to listen to. She has clear command over her voice and uses cadence to express emotion, action, different characters, and more.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Yes, Amanda Stribling fits the characters and creates evident distinctions between the characters.
Narrator’s reading style –
I quite relished Amanda Stribling’s reading style. Partnering with Casi McLean, Amanda Stribling makes the story come to life.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Amanda Stribling has a staggering talent for narration. I closed my eyes on more than one occasion and let her whisk me away. Listening to her narrate is like going to the theater without leaving your home, office, or vehicle.
Narrator’s pacing –
Amanda Stribling’s pacing is brilliant, with just the right amount of tension without going too far.
Audiobook flow –
The flow is seamless. It was a joy to listen to.
What makes this audiobook unique –
I think what makes this exceptional is that Amanda Stribling creates a unique listening experience, all through her voice.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! It’s a gripping, quick listen.
Disclaimer: I own a copy of the whole Destiny Series audiobook, which this is one of the stories.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Summary –
A supernatural gift propels Savannah into a date with destiny where she’ll have to choose between repeating history or the path she’s destined for. Savannah receives a proposal from her boyfriend, but her reaction puts in motion a series of unexplainable events she doesn’t see coming. She received a magical gift that could change everything. The line between dreams and reality blur and Savannah must make a decision. Will she choose her destiny before it’s too late?
Narrator’s overall voice –
I found her voice pleasing to listen to. She has clear command over her voice and uses cadence to express emotion, action, different characters, and more.
Does the narrator fit the characters?
Yes, Amanda Stribling fits the characters and creates evident distinctions between the characters.
Narrator’s reading style –
I quite relished Amanda Stribling’s reading style. Partnering with Casi McLean, Amanda Stribling makes the story come to life.
Narrator’s impact on reading experience –
Amanda Stribling has a staggering talent for narration. I closed my eyes on more than one occasion and let her whisk me away. Listening to her narrate is like going to the theater without leaving your home, office, or vehicle.
Narrator’s pacing –
Amanda Stribling’s pacing is brilliant, with just the right amount of tension without going too far.
Audiobook flow –
The flow is seamless. It was a joy to listen to.
What makes this audiobook unique –
I think what makes this exceptional is that Amanda Stribling creates a unique listening experience, all through her voice.
Would I recommend this audiobook –
YES! It’s a gripping, quick listen.
Disclaimer: I own a copy of the whole Destiny Series audiobook, which this is one of the stories.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 14, 2017
Savannah works as a successful fashion designer in Atlanta and she’s in love with a wonderful man who dotes on her. Life is perfect until she’s promoted to her dream job and has to move to London. It’s Christmas Eve and Ryan has no idea about the promotion. He plans to ask her to marry him. When she finds the ring, she flees his house during a snowstorm and finds herself in a stranded in a ditch. Luckily for Savannah, there’s a sweet old woman who takes her in for the night.
But this woman, Emma, isn’t who she seems to be. Savannah needs to make a choice that will forever change both her and Emma’s destinies forever.
This is a really sweet short story about second chances and learning that there’s more to life than money and a career. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and I found no typos. I wish the story would've been a bit longer so I could've seen Savannah and Ryan interact more, but it's a full, complete story with no cliffhangers.
5 Stars
Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. I received an ebook copy through the author’s newsletter. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
But this woman, Emma, isn’t who she seems to be. Savannah needs to make a choice that will forever change both her and Emma’s destinies forever.
This is a really sweet short story about second chances and learning that there’s more to life than money and a career. I enjoyed the author’s writing style and I found no typos. I wish the story would've been a bit longer so I could've seen Savannah and Ryan interact more, but it's a full, complete story with no cliffhangers.
5 Stars
Disclaimer – I volunteered to read and review this book. I received an ebook copy through the author’s newsletter. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
June 25, 2021
This was my favorite out of Author McLean's short stories. It was a terrific tale of regret and being frightened of the unknown. Savy finds something that scares the heck out of her, and she literally runs away from what could be. A timely snowstorm and stuck vehicle cause her to reevaluate her values.
"The wind whistled, shifting her car, luring it toward more mounding drifts along the roadside. Ice crawled across tree limbs pressing branches together into a mesmeric maze."
There's always a mystery about Author McLean's stories and this one is like no other. Will Savy decide to follow her career or refuse to embrace regret in her life? I loved this simple yet powerful message that is important to all of us.
"The wind whistled, shifting her car, luring it toward more mounding drifts along the roadside. Ice crawled across tree limbs pressing branches together into a mesmeric maze."
There's always a mystery about Author McLean's stories and this one is like no other. Will Savy decide to follow her career or refuse to embrace regret in her life? I loved this simple yet powerful message that is important to all of us.
December 22, 2017
This was a short book, and I think the author should continue the story with these characters, especially the main character Savannah Bradford in a longer book or a sequel. This one would also work well to be made into a movie. I picture Neve Campbell or someone like that in the leading role.This is the second book by Casi that I've read, and I really enjoyed it. Now I'll have to go back and read Book 1 of this series. I plan to read more of her books. Check it out, and I know you'll want to read more of her books too!
December 25, 2018
Sweet Dreams
This was the first writings I have read by Casi McLean and I was completely surprised by the ending. It was an HEA with a little Paranormal thrown in. I typically don’t read that genre but I totally loved this novelette. I’d love to tell the story of Savannah Bradford, fashion designer, Ryan Patterson, her wonderful boyfriend & the dream that changed her destiny, but I won’t. You will have to read this sweet read for yourself, no cliffhanger. This won’t be the last of Casi McLean that I read.
This was the first writings I have read by Casi McLean and I was completely surprised by the ending. It was an HEA with a little Paranormal thrown in. I typically don’t read that genre but I totally loved this novelette. I’d love to tell the story of Savannah Bradford, fashion designer, Ryan Patterson, her wonderful boyfriend & the dream that changed her destiny, but I won’t. You will have to read this sweet read for yourself, no cliffhanger. This won’t be the last of Casi McLean that I read.
December 12, 2019
I love it. What would you do if destiny worked in your life like this. You have a choice of two paths. Running scared you take off to clear your head. This short story of a woman facing her own destiny. She's shown a future her decision can lead to. Great story about decisions and consequences and destiny giving it a helping hand. Although these stories are short this author packs a wallop in the clean standalone reads which will warm your heart and make you ask the question, Is it real or is it destiny?
December 19, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Happy Christmas, Emma."
Fleeing her perfect boyfriend's flat on Christmas Eve, Savi gets stuck in a snow drift and takes shelter in a charming cottage close by. The Gift is the second short story in the Destiny series and is a charming, predictable somewhat supernatural tale. Pity the characters are too stereotypical. But it's an okay read, narrated nicely by Amanda Stribling. It will an empty three quarters of an hour.
I downloaded this book without obligation from Free Audiobook Codes.
"Happy Christmas, Emma."
Fleeing her perfect boyfriend's flat on Christmas Eve, Savi gets stuck in a snow drift and takes shelter in a charming cottage close by. The Gift is the second short story in the Destiny series and is a charming, predictable somewhat supernatural tale. Pity the characters are too stereotypical. But it's an okay read, narrated nicely by Amanda Stribling. It will an empty three quarters of an hour.
I downloaded this book without obligation from Free Audiobook Codes.
July 20, 2025
The Gift: A Mysterious Rendezvous with Fate
By Casi McLean was pure pleasure to read. From the first page, she had me in the palm of her hand, and kept me there.
Christmas should always be a magical time of the year, yet for Savanah this one would change her life forever.
In this short story, it changed my life a little too. For I will be looking for things that bring love, joy, and happiness, for things aren’t what matters.
Bless you Ms. McLean, for the brilliance of your writing and for bringing this story to life for me and others.
By Casi McLean was pure pleasure to read. From the first page, she had me in the palm of her hand, and kept me there.
Christmas should always be a magical time of the year, yet for Savanah this one would change her life forever.
In this short story, it changed my life a little too. For I will be looking for things that bring love, joy, and happiness, for things aren’t what matters.
Bless you Ms. McLean, for the brilliance of your writing and for bringing this story to life for me and others.
June 28, 2023
Fantastic short story
This was the first work by this author that I have read and what an introduction. In the few pages of a short story came a complete telling of the confusion of a young woman trapped by a snowstorm with a charming old lady and important decisions weighing on her mind. The story does not go where the reader expects but the ending is perfect. I will search out other work by Ms. McLean and anticipate enjoying them as much as this delight.
This was the first work by this author that I have read and what an introduction. In the few pages of a short story came a complete telling of the confusion of a young woman trapped by a snowstorm with a charming old lady and important decisions weighing on her mind. The story does not go where the reader expects but the ending is perfect. I will search out other work by Ms. McLean and anticipate enjoying them as much as this delight.
May 8, 2020
Savy Christmas Eve, Ryan has the tree, the table setting, and waiting to get home. She finds something and instead of embracing the thought. She panic with a snow storm and fled. Getting stuck and walks to a cabin where she meets Emma, that encounter changed her outlook on life. Nice story of second chances.
July 6, 2022
This was a great novella focussing on a big decision that Savy has to make. How many times in our own life do we look back and wish we had made a different decision! I really liked the way that the story unfolded and eventually ended. A very satisfying Merry Christmas!
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.
December 23, 2024
Moving and meaningful!
I needed to read this, especially at Christmas time because the synopsis was extremely enticing! I was definitely not disappointed, as this short tale was a true treasure and I'll be looking forward to reading some more Casi McLean books in the future; longer ones!
I needed to read this, especially at Christmas time because the synopsis was extremely enticing! I was definitely not disappointed, as this short tale was a true treasure and I'll be looking forward to reading some more Casi McLean books in the future; longer ones!
January 3, 2019
Perfect Christmas Read
A well told story that made me wonder, guess, and cry - no small feat for such a short book!
A well told story that made me wonder, guess, and cry - no small feat for such a short book!
March 22, 2019
Savy and Ryan's story is fantastic. Emma's note was a perfect end to the tale. I loved it.
June 12, 2022
Worth 7🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 13, 2025
Miracles do come true!
Such a great Christmas story! Savy needed a little push and it was exactly what she received. Enjoyed this story so much.
Such a great Christmas story! Savy needed a little push and it was exactly what she received. Enjoyed this story so much.
June 29, 2022
Great read
Another great read by Miss Casi Mclean. She can write great books from short to long. I love her writing style. Read for the next st book.
Another great read by Miss Casi Mclean. She can write great books from short to long. I love her writing style. Read for the next st book.
Read
April 8, 2016Savannah has finally been given an opportunity to be able to broaden her business acumen. She has been given a chance to go to London for a year in order to increase her fashion line. She is super excited. On the eve of Christmas, she is to have nice, quiet, romantic dinner with her love, Ryan. While tidying around his place, she comes across an engagement ring. Seeing the engagement ring causes her to go into a panic. She has to decide between her career and her love. While driving in a snow storm, she ends up stuck in a ditch. She goes out to look for help and comes across a cottage in the woods. She meets an older woman who takes her in for the evening. While they are together, she and the older woman exchange information about themselves. The older woman allows for Savannah to come to terms with certain things in her life and ultimately to be able to make her decision. A nice Christmas story. - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2016
Mrs. McLean created suspensfule settings with loveable characters. The romantic aspects combined with the supernatural twists kept me hooked and I was left wanting more.
Fans of romantic suspense and the paranormal will love her.
Fans of romantic suspense and the paranormal will love her.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews