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Elemental Mysteries #4.5
All the Stars Look Down
A duo of Christmas romances from two top names in paranormal and fantasy romance.
In SUNDAY'S CHILD, Grace Draven heats up a cold and lonely Christmas when museum archivist, Claire Summerlad, meets a mysterious new co-worker. Andor’s past may be a mystery, but is a future with Claire possible with a centuries-old punishment hanging over his head? Father Christmas meets Norse mythology in this brand new Christmas novella from the author of Master of Crows.
In LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, readers return to the Elemental Mysteries in an all new novella by Elizabeth Hunter. Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo travel to Rome when an new mystery interrupts their Christmas. Fina Rossi may have been the director of the Vecchio library, but she wasn’t expecting vampires for the holidays! Christmas takes an unexpected turn when she meets her employers’s old friend, Zeno Ferrara. He has the key to solving a mystery plaguing Beatrice’s client, but he's taken a far more personal interest in Fina.
In SUNDAY'S CHILD, Grace Draven heats up a cold and lonely Christmas when museum archivist, Claire Summerlad, meets a mysterious new co-worker. Andor’s past may be a mystery, but is a future with Claire possible with a centuries-old punishment hanging over his head? Father Christmas meets Norse mythology in this brand new Christmas novella from the author of Master of Crows.
In LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, readers return to the Elemental Mysteries in an all new novella by Elizabeth Hunter. Giovanni Vecchio and Beatrice De Novo travel to Rome when an new mystery interrupts their Christmas. Fina Rossi may have been the director of the Vecchio library, but she wasn’t expecting vampires for the holidays! Christmas takes an unexpected turn when she meets her employers’s old friend, Zeno Ferrara. He has the key to solving a mystery plaguing Beatrice’s client, but he's taken a far more personal interest in Fina.
158 pages, ebook
First published November 22, 2014
64 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Hunter
83 books6,288 followersELIZABETH HUNTER is an eleven-time USA Today bestselling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in Central California and Addis Ababa, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
She has published over fifty works of fiction and sold over two million books world-wide. She is the author of the Elemental Mysteries, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 5, 2015
Sunday's Child by Grace Draven - 4.5 stars
As much as I've been meaning too, I haven't read anything by Grace Draven since Master of Crows nearly two and half years ago.
Shame on me.
Sunday's Child combines Norse mythology and the modern world, giving us a harried single mother and the Thor-like warrior (glamoured to look human) who, after nearly 1000 years of exile, finds a reason to stay in Midgard . . . permanently.
I LOVED it. I loved it so much that I just downloaded the aforementioned Master of Crows so I could reread and review it properly.
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter - 4.5 stars
When we first met the librarian Lorenzo hired to look after the book collection he stole from Giovanni in the Elemental Mysteries, I was curious--what was it about this woman that humanized the monster that was Lorenzo?
I didn't think I'd ever get an answer, so when I realized where this addition to the series was going, I was pretty excited.
And the way two separate stories were woven together so beautifully in such a small space . . . that excitment was entirely justified.
Between Gio and Beatrice's playful banter, Fina and Zeno's newly kindled romance (at the hands of Gio and Beatrice . . . mostly Beatrice), and the mystery they discover through their combined research . . . at the risk of being redundant, I'm forced to say, once again, that a Hunter novella should NEVER be missed.
As much as I've been meaning too, I haven't read anything by Grace Draven since Master of Crows nearly two and half years ago.
Shame on me.
Sunday's Child combines Norse mythology and the modern world, giving us a harried single mother and the Thor-like warrior (glamoured to look human) who, after nearly 1000 years of exile, finds a reason to stay in Midgard . . . permanently.
I LOVED it. I loved it so much that I just downloaded the aforementioned Master of Crows so I could reread and review it properly.
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter - 4.5 stars
When we first met the librarian Lorenzo hired to look after the book collection he stole from Giovanni in the Elemental Mysteries, I was curious--what was it about this woman that humanized the monster that was Lorenzo?
I didn't think I'd ever get an answer, so when I realized where this addition to the series was going, I was pretty excited.
And the way two separate stories were woven together so beautifully in such a small space . . . that excitment was entirely justified.
Between Gio and Beatrice's playful banter, Fina and Zeno's newly kindled romance (at the hands of Gio and Beatrice . . . mostly Beatrice), and the mystery they discover through their combined research . . . at the risk of being redundant, I'm forced to say, once again, that a Hunter novella should NEVER be missed.
Read
July 21, 2016Lost Letters and Christmas Lights is an all new Christmas novella featuring Giovanni and Beatrice from the Elemental Mysteries. It shares the page with Grace Draven's gorgeous new story, Sunday's Child in ALL THE STARS LOOK DOWN.
Writing Gio and Beatrice is always a fun time, and adding in the romance between Fina and Zeno made this novella a dose of pure happy for me to write. I love these characters, and I know they're reader favorites. I hope you enjoy reading Lost Letters as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Please keep an eye on my blog, http://ElizabethHunterWrites.com or my Facebook page for more information when the book is released. It's coming very soon!
Writing Gio and Beatrice is always a fun time, and adding in the romance between Fina and Zeno made this novella a dose of pure happy for me to write. I love these characters, and I know they're reader favorites. I hope you enjoy reading Lost Letters as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Please keep an eye on my blog, http://ElizabethHunterWrites.com or my Facebook page for more information when the book is released. It's coming very soon!
August 12, 2016
My rating is for the first novella: Sunday’s Child by Grace Draven. It is set in our time with a sweet mix of Norse mythology and some magic;)
On Christmas Eve, young Claire met Santa’s ^bodyguard^ Andor.
Andor: ‘What do you see?”
A small hand rose, fluttered across his face. “Forever. I see forever.” She smiled, revealing a missing front tooth.
Claire, a Sunday’s Child, had a gift of sight to see beyond Andor’s glamour. Years later, Claire was a single mom working as an archivist and then she met Andor for the second time.
Man. I adore this sweet little novella and LOVE every dialogue between Andor and Claire about her autistic son Jack.
The world is filled with magic, Claire. Jake is proof of that. You just have to look a little deeper.
HEA:
Claire: “What do you want for Christmas?”
Andor: “I want you to love me, Claire. To share your life, and Jake’s, with me. Not just this Christmas, but for every Christmas afterwards. For a lifetime.”
Fans of Grace Draven should not miss out this one:/
On Christmas Eve, young Claire met Santa’s ^bodyguard^ Andor.
Andor: ‘What do you see?”
A small hand rose, fluttered across his face. “Forever. I see forever.” She smiled, revealing a missing front tooth.
Claire, a Sunday’s Child, had a gift of sight to see beyond Andor’s glamour. Years later, Claire was a single mom working as an archivist and then she met Andor for the second time.
Man. I adore this sweet little novella and LOVE every dialogue between Andor and Claire about her autistic son Jack.
The world is filled with magic, Claire. Jake is proof of that. You just have to look a little deeper.
HEA:
Claire: “What do you want for Christmas?”
Andor: “I want you to love me, Claire. To share your life, and Jake’s, with me. Not just this Christmas, but for every Christmas afterwards. For a lifetime.”
Fans of Grace Draven should not miss out this one:/
November 30, 2014
Sunday's Child is surprisingly tied up with Dr. Vecchio. How? You have to read it to find out. *wink* All I'm saying: there is a mystery hidden right here... This is a lovely romantic story which has proper nostalgic Christmas-y feel to it, and I totally enjoyed it. Doubly because it's a contemporary paranormal, and I only read Miss Draven's fantasy before. Never fear, it's fab! Recommended.
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights is a delightful short story which gives us a glimpse into Gio and B's lives, work and fun times. There is a wonderful side story of a new love between two librarians (always a plus!) Fina and Zeno, and there is a third love story which we put together through love letters B's researching.
This was a pure romantic treat - full of light, laughter and Christmas spirit. Zeno was pretty sexy, and I hope to see him as a secondary character in more stories from Elemental World. Overall, recommended! Read it.
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights is a delightful short story which gives us a glimpse into Gio and B's lives, work and fun times. There is a wonderful side story of a new love between two librarians (always a plus!) Fina and Zeno, and there is a third love story which we put together through love letters B's researching.
This was a pure romantic treat - full of light, laughter and Christmas spirit. Zeno was pretty sexy, and I hope to see him as a secondary character in more stories from Elemental World. Overall, recommended! Read it.
November 28, 2014
4.5 Stars. Lovely, heartfelt Christmas romances from two of my all-time favorite authors. I liked the way children were woven into both stories; and it's always good to spend time with Gio and B. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2017
This rating & review is for Draven's SUNDAY CHILD only.
Norse mythology, Saint Nicholas, a single mother, an autistic child, and the magic of Christmas. Very sweet.
"Have you ever killed anyone for fun or had an affair with a sheep?"
"No to both questions."
"I'm so sorry, that came out wrong."
"That came out odd. I don't think I can imagine a way such a question might come out right."
The beginning was full of Draven's typical and wonderful snark and humour and the rest was.. not heartbreaking but a little melancholy and yet still lovely. But also felt a little bit, I don't know, superficial? Andor and Claire had less of the usual impact of a typical Draven couple. True, this is short, and beyond Andor's norse elf heritage it's lacking the typical other-worldliness, not to mention any fantastical conflict or foe, but.. it felt like Draven lite. Not a bad thing, just now what I'm used to.
3 "forever is a notion. you can live it across centuries or in a single hour. it's how you choose to spend the time given" stars
Norse mythology, Saint Nicholas, a single mother, an autistic child, and the magic of Christmas. Very sweet.
"Have you ever killed anyone for fun or had an affair with a sheep?"
"No to both questions."
"I'm so sorry, that came out wrong."
"That came out odd. I don't think I can imagine a way such a question might come out right."
The beginning was full of Draven's typical and wonderful snark and humour and the rest was.. not heartbreaking but a little melancholy and yet still lovely. But also felt a little bit, I don't know, superficial? Andor and Claire had less of the usual impact of a typical Draven couple. True, this is short, and beyond Andor's norse elf heritage it's lacking the typical other-worldliness, not to mention any fantastical conflict or foe, but.. it felt like Draven lite. Not a bad thing, just now what I'm used to.
3 "forever is a notion. you can live it across centuries or in a single hour. it's how you choose to spend the time given" stars
November 21, 2014
LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS by Elizabeth Hunter review:
I’ve made it clear in recent reviews that there is nothing I enjoy more from a novella, than a holiday novella. I get this fluttering of Christmas spirit when I read one and it could only have the smallest of mention within the story. LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS had me feeling the Christmas love throughout the book! And I must say, I loved being back with Beatrice and Gio. Especially Gio. Oh how I have missed my sweet Gio. But it was great seeing new characters make such an impact and soon become favorites of mine. I adored this quick read to no end. Watching two people fall in love was beyond magical.
When you read a book by Hunter you come to expect a sort of poetic writing. A writing that is so beautiful, so real it makes you feel as if you are living in the book itself. And this book was no different. I wish I could explain better what her writing does to me. Beautiful is about the only word that comes to mind when I think about her books. If you have read her works you know what I am talking about.
This quick story is a must read! 5 Beautiful, Christmas-y Stars!
I’ve made it clear in recent reviews that there is nothing I enjoy more from a novella, than a holiday novella. I get this fluttering of Christmas spirit when I read one and it could only have the smallest of mention within the story. LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS had me feeling the Christmas love throughout the book! And I must say, I loved being back with Beatrice and Gio. Especially Gio. Oh how I have missed my sweet Gio. But it was great seeing new characters make such an impact and soon become favorites of mine. I adored this quick read to no end. Watching two people fall in love was beyond magical.
When you read a book by Hunter you come to expect a sort of poetic writing. A writing that is so beautiful, so real it makes you feel as if you are living in the book itself. And this book was no different. I wish I could explain better what her writing does to me. Beautiful is about the only word that comes to mind when I think about her books. If you have read her works you know what I am talking about.
This quick story is a must read! 5 Beautiful, Christmas-y Stars!
January 24, 2024
I only read Sunday's Child by Grace Draven. Wonderful Christmas story! Unexpected ending, made me teary.
1/2024 - I loved Elizabeth Hunter's story! Enjoyed the characters and the mix of history with vampire librarians!
1/2024 - I loved Elizabeth Hunter's story! Enjoyed the characters and the mix of history with vampire librarians!
December 29, 2017
I really liked this duo and found myself lost in both of the stories, one with characters new to me and another with friends that I have missed. Because there are two stories I averaged the stars out to 4.25 for the book. I have never real Grace Draven before but definitely liked the tale that she has included in this book with characters who felt enough like people I found myself liking and would like to see more of in the future. Then there is Elizabeth Hunter who I have been reading and enjoying for a while with my favorite couple making a surprise appearance that made my holiday season.
'Sunday's Child', 4 stars.
The story is based on Norse mythology and has an elf named Andor Hjalmarson who has been exiled for 1000 years for seducing one of the King's favorite concubines. He is sent away to serve his exile as a helper to Saint Nicholas and in so doing finds someone that makes him feel far more than he ever expected.
Claire Summerlad is special even though she may not know it. When she is a child she gets to see something that all children wish for on Christmas Eve plus someone she never expected to see but which fades as she gets older. When Claire grows up she no longer sees the magic but does find a bit of magic that was lost to her.
This is a sweet story of love and sacrifice and redemption. Enjoyable for all!
'Lost Letters and Christmas Lights', 4.5 stars.
Giovanni and Beatrice travel to Rome when a new mystery comes along and interrupts their Christmas. Bea is on the hunt for a journal written by a priest in the California missions to another priest in the Vatican. The journals hold the secret to growing grapes. But there is something even more about the letters than what meets the eye.
Fina Rossi was in charge of the library when Lorenzo first established it and Giovanni decided to keep her on after Lorenzo was no more. Fina and her son live there alone but she has been corresponding with a friend of Gio's and wonders what he is really like. Zeno Ferrara works at the Vatican deep in the archives and has never considered leaving. Then he meets Fina and Gio's offer of employment seems a little more tempting.
There is a little sweet and little heat in this matchmaking story that just happens to involve vampires. A great addition to the Elemental Mysteries series.
I think this is a nice holiday themed book that will bring a smile to the face.
'Sunday's Child', 4 stars.
The story is based on Norse mythology and has an elf named Andor Hjalmarson who has been exiled for 1000 years for seducing one of the King's favorite concubines. He is sent away to serve his exile as a helper to Saint Nicholas and in so doing finds someone that makes him feel far more than he ever expected.
Claire Summerlad is special even though she may not know it. When she is a child she gets to see something that all children wish for on Christmas Eve plus someone she never expected to see but which fades as she gets older. When Claire grows up she no longer sees the magic but does find a bit of magic that was lost to her.
This is a sweet story of love and sacrifice and redemption. Enjoyable for all!
'Lost Letters and Christmas Lights', 4.5 stars.
Giovanni and Beatrice travel to Rome when a new mystery comes along and interrupts their Christmas. Bea is on the hunt for a journal written by a priest in the California missions to another priest in the Vatican. The journals hold the secret to growing grapes. But there is something even more about the letters than what meets the eye.
Fina Rossi was in charge of the library when Lorenzo first established it and Giovanni decided to keep her on after Lorenzo was no more. Fina and her son live there alone but she has been corresponding with a friend of Gio's and wonders what he is really like. Zeno Ferrara works at the Vatican deep in the archives and has never considered leaving. Then he meets Fina and Gio's offer of employment seems a little more tempting.
There is a little sweet and little heat in this matchmaking story that just happens to involve vampires. A great addition to the Elemental Mysteries series.
I think this is a nice holiday themed book that will bring a smile to the face.
August 19, 2015
4.5 Stars -- both novellas were very good
Sunday's Child - My first time to read a story by Grace Draven and I really enjoyed it. It's a sweet fantasy romance and very touching. Andor's and Claire's back stories were interesting and I liked both of these characters very much. Andor's friend, Nicholas, was a good character, too. One good thing about novellas, there's not really enough time to become too angsty, but I certainly understand Claire's hesitation to get involved with Andor or any man. I'll probably read more of Draven's work, which I understand is high fantasy.
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights - the reason I bought this collection. I've read many other books by Elizabeth Hunter and will read more, as long as she continues to write. Her stories are always a delight. I enjoyed this one, a spin-off from Elemental Mysteries with new characters, Zeno and Fina, and a new romance but still some time with Gio and B. I'd like to hear more about Zeno and Fina in future books and also . Again, not angsty but just enough hesitation to be realistic and create some anticipation.
Sunday's Child - My first time to read a story by Grace Draven and I really enjoyed it. It's a sweet fantasy romance and very touching. Andor's and Claire's back stories were interesting and I liked both of these characters very much. Andor's friend, Nicholas, was a good character, too. One good thing about novellas, there's not really enough time to become too angsty, but I certainly understand Claire's hesitation to get involved with Andor or any man. I'll probably read more of Draven's work, which I understand is high fantasy.
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights - the reason I bought this collection. I've read many other books by Elizabeth Hunter and will read more, as long as she continues to write. Her stories are always a delight. I enjoyed this one, a spin-off from Elemental Mysteries with new characters, Zeno and Fina, and a new romance but still some time with Gio and B. I'd like to hear more about Zeno and Fina in future books and also . Again, not angsty but just enough hesitation to be realistic and create some anticipation.
November 25, 2014
I only learned of this book's existence today - which is also when I bought it, and read it. I wasn't really thinking about Ms. Draven - I only wanted another Elemental World story. But Ms. Draven's story comes first, so I read it first. I still wasn't thinking about who Ms. Draven is, or how much I loved The Master of Crows. But I adored the story!
And I adored the story by Ms. Hunter. It was great to read another story about Gio & Beatrice, and the story itself was interesting despite not adhering strictly to the current over-all story arc of the Elemental World series.
I will certainly reread both of these.
And I adored the story by Ms. Hunter. It was great to read another story about Gio & Beatrice, and the story itself was interesting despite not adhering strictly to the current over-all story arc of the Elemental World series.
I will certainly reread both of these.
December 20, 2015
This review is only for Sunday's Child. I will update the review when I read Elizabeth Hunter's story.
Grace Draven is a wonderful author, and I love her fantasies. Sunday's Child made my heart hurt; it is a beautiful love story with elements of magic and an autistic child (my niece is autistic). For me, Sunday's Child is also hauntingly sad, but I cannot explain without spoiling the story, so you should read it and draw your own conclusions.
Grace Draven is a wonderful author, and I love her fantasies. Sunday's Child made my heart hurt; it is a beautiful love story with elements of magic and an autistic child (my niece is autistic). For me, Sunday's Child is also hauntingly sad, but I cannot explain without spoiling the story, so you should read it and draw your own conclusions.
July 7, 2015
I read this collection because of Elizabeth Hunter's novella but I really enjoyed both stories. I have never read a Grace Draven book but I read Sunday's Child in almost one sitting. I didn't want to put it down. I will have to look at her other books. Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter was good. I felt the romance was rushed but since it is a novella I guess it had to be rushed. Both stories were quick reads.
December 22, 2017
Two great holiday reads!
I liked Draven's story the best, even though it was lighter than here usual fare (Well - it's a Christmas story, after all). The H/h were very likeable and real, even with the H - Andor - being an elf in disguise. lol
Hunter's story was pretty good, but there wasn't much of a climax. Plus, I felt like I was missing something; it's obvious that I need to read the Elemental series.
4.5 happy holiday stars!
I liked Draven's story the best, even though it was lighter than here usual fare (Well - it's a Christmas story, after all). The H/h were very likeable and real, even with the H - Andor - being an elf in disguise. lol
Hunter's story was pretty good, but there wasn't much of a climax. Plus, I felt like I was missing something; it's obvious that I need to read the Elemental series.
4.5 happy holiday stars!
April 2, 2019
I honestly love anything Elizabeth Hunter has written and now have a new fascination with Grace Draven thanks to this book. I did not know this book was a duo novella, but was pleasantly surprised with the sweet Christmas based story and would recommend for a short fantasy read!
June 8, 2016
Sunday's Child by Grace Draven - 4 stars
Love It!
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter - DNF
Never read Elemental Mysteries before and can't relate to the series.
Love It!
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter - DNF
Never read Elemental Mysteries before and can't relate to the series.
November 29, 2016
This was a nice story with a glimpse at some favorite characters and some holiday fun. B and Gio adding to their circle of family and friends while solving book mysteries.
(I did not read the Grace Draven story at this time, hopefully later.)
(I did not read the Grace Draven story at this time, hopefully later.)
January 17, 2016
4 Stars for Grace Draven's Sunday's Child. I really love her books.
I haven't started Elizabeth Hunter's Elemental series yet, so I'll wait to read her story since its book 4.5 in the series.
I haven't started Elizabeth Hunter's Elemental series yet, so I'll wait to read her story since its book 4.5 in the series.
September 22, 2015
Truthfully I got this for Grace Draven's story which was a lovely Christmas tale - but you'll love both offerings.
April 21, 2015
My rating is for Grace Draven's Sunday's Child.
December 1, 2019
Elemental Mysteries #4.5
All the Stars Look down is an anthology. I bought it because of the Elemental World/Mysteries story, "Lost Letters and Christmas Lights". I enjoyed it immensely. And as always, Elizabeth Hunter has added another wonderful piece to her Elemental Universe!
Read:
July 6, 2015 - Kindle Edition
March 23, 2016 - Kindle Edition
February 3-4, 2017 - Kindle Edition
December 29-30, 2017 – Kindle Edition
August 9-10, 2018 – Kindle Edition
November 30-31, 2019 – Kindle Edition
Elemental Universe books in my preferred reading order:
1. A Hidden Fire – Elemental Mysteries #1 – Giovanni (Gio) Vecchio and Beatrice (B) De Novo
2. This Same Earth – Elemental Mysteries #2 – Giovanni and Beatrice
3. The Force of Wind – Elemental Mysteries #3 – Giovanni and Beatrice
4. A Fall of Water – Elemental Mysteries #4 – Giovanni and Beatrice
5. Building From Ashes – Elemental World #1 – Carwyn ap Bryn and Brigid Connor
6. A Not-so-Special Night found in The Stars Afire anthology - Elemental Mysteries #4.1 – Ben, Giovanni, Beatrice and Tenzin
7. Waterlocked – Elemental World #1.5 – Terrence (Terry) Ramsey and Gemma Melcombe
8. Blood and Sand – Elemental World #2 – Baojia and Natalie Ellis
9. Merry Christmas Tenzin found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.2 – Ben, Tenzin, Giovanni and Beatrice
10. The Bronze Blade – Elemental World #2.5 – Tenzin
11. All the Stars Look Down (Anthology) Lost Letters and Christmas Lights can also be found in The Stars Afire – Elemental Mysteries #4.5 – Giovanni and Beatrice as well as, Zeno Ferrera and Serafina (Fina) Rossi
12. The Scarlet Deep – Elemental World #3 – Patrick Murphy and Anne O’Dea
13. A Very Proper Monster also found in the Anthology Beneath a Waning Moon – Elemental World #3.5 - Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw
14. Shadows and Gold – Elemental Legacy #0.25 – Tenzin and Benjamin (Ben) Vecchio
15. Imitation and Alchemy – Elemental Legacy #0.5 – Tenzin and Ben
16. A Stone-Kissed Sea – Elemental World #4 – Lucien Thrax and Dr. Makeda Abel
17. Omens and Artifacts – Elemental Legacy #0.75 – Tenzin and Ben
18. Night in the Waking City, found in “A Very Proper Monster” – Elemental World #4.5 – Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw with a little help from Tenzin and Ben
19. Midnight Labyrinth – Elemental Legacy #1 – Tenzin and Ben
20. Finding Richard found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.6 – Giovanni, Beatrice, Ben, Tenzin, Gavin and Chloe
21. Desires of the Heart found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.7 – Giovanni & Beatrice
22. Blood Apprentice – Elemental Legacy #2 – Tenzin and Ben
23. The Devil and the Dancer – Elemental Legacy #2.5 – Gavin Wallace and Chloe Reardon
24. Night's Reckoning – Elemental Legacy #3 – Tenzin and Ben
25. More to come…
All the Stars Look down is an anthology. I bought it because of the Elemental World/Mysteries story, "Lost Letters and Christmas Lights". I enjoyed it immensely. And as always, Elizabeth Hunter has added another wonderful piece to her Elemental Universe!
Read:
July 6, 2015 - Kindle Edition
March 23, 2016 - Kindle Edition
February 3-4, 2017 - Kindle Edition
December 29-30, 2017 – Kindle Edition
August 9-10, 2018 – Kindle Edition
November 30-31, 2019 – Kindle Edition
Elemental Universe books in my preferred reading order:
1. A Hidden Fire – Elemental Mysteries #1 – Giovanni (Gio) Vecchio and Beatrice (B) De Novo
2. This Same Earth – Elemental Mysteries #2 – Giovanni and Beatrice
3. The Force of Wind – Elemental Mysteries #3 – Giovanni and Beatrice
4. A Fall of Water – Elemental Mysteries #4 – Giovanni and Beatrice
5. Building From Ashes – Elemental World #1 – Carwyn ap Bryn and Brigid Connor
6. A Not-so-Special Night found in The Stars Afire anthology - Elemental Mysteries #4.1 – Ben, Giovanni, Beatrice and Tenzin
7. Waterlocked – Elemental World #1.5 – Terrence (Terry) Ramsey and Gemma Melcombe
8. Blood and Sand – Elemental World #2 – Baojia and Natalie Ellis
9. Merry Christmas Tenzin found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.2 – Ben, Tenzin, Giovanni and Beatrice
10. The Bronze Blade – Elemental World #2.5 – Tenzin
11. All the Stars Look Down (Anthology) Lost Letters and Christmas Lights can also be found in The Stars Afire – Elemental Mysteries #4.5 – Giovanni and Beatrice as well as, Zeno Ferrera and Serafina (Fina) Rossi
12. The Scarlet Deep – Elemental World #3 – Patrick Murphy and Anne O’Dea
13. A Very Proper Monster also found in the Anthology Beneath a Waning Moon – Elemental World #3.5 - Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw
14. Shadows and Gold – Elemental Legacy #0.25 – Tenzin and Benjamin (Ben) Vecchio
15. Imitation and Alchemy – Elemental Legacy #0.5 – Tenzin and Ben
16. A Stone-Kissed Sea – Elemental World #4 – Lucien Thrax and Dr. Makeda Abel
17. Omens and Artifacts – Elemental Legacy #0.75 – Tenzin and Ben
18. Night in the Waking City, found in “A Very Proper Monster” – Elemental World #4.5 – Tom Dargin and Josephine (Josie) Shaw with a little help from Tenzin and Ben
19. Midnight Labyrinth – Elemental Legacy #1 – Tenzin and Ben
20. Finding Richard found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.6 – Giovanni, Beatrice, Ben, Tenzin, Gavin and Chloe
21. Desires of the Heart found in The Stars Afire anthology – Elemental Mysteries #4.7 – Giovanni & Beatrice
22. Blood Apprentice – Elemental Legacy #2 – Tenzin and Ben
23. The Devil and the Dancer – Elemental Legacy #2.5 – Gavin Wallace and Chloe Reardon
24. Night's Reckoning – Elemental Legacy #3 – Tenzin and Ben
25. More to come…
December 13, 2016
Two enjoyable holiday PNRs, both with an appreciation for history and humanity
You can count on both Grace Draven and Elizabeth Hunter to create characters you care about and root for. Even in the shorter form, both these romances convinced me that they were more than superficial.
I like smart and curious protagonists, so these stories, both initiated by historical documents, naturally appealed to me.
It's interesting that they do not have the same answer to the immortal-loving-a-mortal issue, though I won't get spoiler-y.
Also, they both feature a mother raising a beloved son on her own. In GD's, we see the challenges presented by a special needs child, while in EH's the boy's conception caused Fina's estrangement from her family.
Andor is an unusual character, an elven warrior exiled to playing Christmas elf (in glamored disguise) for St. Nicholas's annual mission, and coming to know the human world across many years and nations, until meeting Claire again as a wary adult changes everything for both of them. Zeno and Fina's intrigued acquaintanceship is only via letters, until a research project in Italy for Beatrice De Novo leads to her gleeful matchmaking, plus a romantic mystery from the past.
The holiday season is warmly present in both stories, and this quick read was perfect for my own December.
You can count on both Grace Draven and Elizabeth Hunter to create characters you care about and root for. Even in the shorter form, both these romances convinced me that they were more than superficial.
I like smart and curious protagonists, so these stories, both initiated by historical documents, naturally appealed to me.
It's interesting that they do not have the same answer to the immortal-loving-a-mortal issue, though I won't get spoiler-y.
Also, they both feature a mother raising a beloved son on her own. In GD's, we see the challenges presented by a special needs child, while in EH's the boy's conception caused Fina's estrangement from her family.
Andor is an unusual character, an elven warrior exiled to playing Christmas elf (in glamored disguise) for St. Nicholas's annual mission, and coming to know the human world across many years and nations, until meeting Claire again as a wary adult changes everything for both of them. Zeno and Fina's intrigued acquaintanceship is only via letters, until a research project in Italy for Beatrice De Novo leads to her gleeful matchmaking, plus a romantic mystery from the past.
The holiday season is warmly present in both stories, and this quick read was perfect for my own December.
December 28, 2023
I absolutely love both these authors so don't know why it's taken several years since buying this, to read it!
I loved these two wonderfully written Christmas based novellas.
Sundays Child - Grace Draven
This was a heartwarming Christmas with a twist novella. I loved the miracles around Christmas with St Nicholas and his very special Elven helper who discovers the magic of love in the human world.
4.25 stars
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights - Elizabeth Hunter
A return to the world of one of my all time favourite vampires, Giovanna Vecchio and Beatrice De Nova. A search for lost letters reveal a long lost love story, whilst creating one of its own (with a little help from a meddling but caring vampire)
4.5 stars
I loved these two wonderfully written Christmas based novellas.
Sundays Child - Grace Draven
This was a heartwarming Christmas with a twist novella. I loved the miracles around Christmas with St Nicholas and his very special Elven helper who discovers the magic of love in the human world.
4.25 stars
Lost Letters and Christmas Lights - Elizabeth Hunter
A return to the world of one of my all time favourite vampires, Giovanna Vecchio and Beatrice De Nova. A search for lost letters reveal a long lost love story, whilst creating one of its own (with a little help from a meddling but caring vampire)
4.5 stars
January 24, 2018
Two very enjoyable novellas
This was a very good book containing two stories from two excellent authors. First was Sunday's Child by Grace Draven which was a wonderful story. I enjoyed it tremendously and thought it was very well written.
Then we have Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter. I loved this for several reasons, first and foremost because Gio and Beatrice are in it. Truly though it use a very interesting story and we get to know Fina and Zeno, who are wonderful characters. I love Elizabeth Hunter's books and this was no different. Very enjoyable!
This was a very good book containing two stories from two excellent authors. First was Sunday's Child by Grace Draven which was a wonderful story. I enjoyed it tremendously and thought it was very well written.
Then we have Lost Letters and Christmas Lights by Elizabeth Hunter. I loved this for several reasons, first and foremost because Gio and Beatrice are in it. Truly though it use a very interesting story and we get to know Fina and Zeno, who are wonderful characters. I love Elizabeth Hunter's books and this was no different. Very enjoyable!
June 20, 2017
I liked not loved this - in fact I liked the Elizabeth Hunter story more than the Grace Draven, although Draven is why I got the book :X
the Christmas story was ... not exactly *sterile* but just lacking that oompf ... oomph? [See? I'm more distracted by that then the story.]
the vampire story was very obviously part of a series, but what I liked is that it didn't matter/you had sufficient information, and everyone felt like they fit. It was warm, sexy, and fun.
Grade C
the Christmas story was ... not exactly *sterile* but just lacking that oompf ... oomph? [See? I'm more distracted by that then the story.]
the vampire story was very obviously part of a series, but what I liked is that it didn't matter/you had sufficient information, and everyone felt like they fit. It was warm, sexy, and fun.
Grade C
July 30, 2024
LOST LETTERS AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: A Christmas short story.
Geo and Beatrice head to Rome.
With a little meddling from B, can Fina Rossi, caretaker of the Vecchio library and Zeno Ferrara, old friend, vampire, ex-priest find love?
Geo and Beatrice head to Rome.
With a little meddling from B, can Fina Rossi, caretaker of the Vecchio library and Zeno Ferrara, old friend, vampire, ex-priest find love?
September 2, 2017
So far, I've only read Elizabeth Hunter Novella.
This was great! One of the best novellas I've ever read. I look forward to reading it again.
This was great! One of the best novellas I've ever read. I look forward to reading it again.
October 25, 2017
Elizabeth can do no wrong . Every one of her books is a most satsifying read full of excellent world building and wonderful characters with great depth.
December 28, 2017
I only read Elizabeth Hunter's story.
November 4, 2018
Love visiting with Gio and B again! And this time for someone else's love story.
Grace Draven's story is equally intriguing. Hmm, must check her out I believe.
Grace Draven's story is equally intriguing. Hmm, must check her out I believe.
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