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All Hallows' Eve Collection
Amazon #1 Bestselling series in *New Release* for Clean Romance
Another addition to the popular Timeless Romance Anthology series. ALL HALLOW'S EVE is not to be missed. Romance, thrills & chills. Need we say more?
In Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.
In Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.
In SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B. Moore, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.
In Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS’ SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?
In Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.
In Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years.
Another addition to the popular Timeless Romance Anthology series. ALL HALLOW'S EVE is not to be missed. Romance, thrills & chills. Need we say more?
In Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.
In Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.
In SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B. Moore, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.
In Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS’ SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?
In Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.
In Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
October 29, 2018
Kindle freebie, Oct. 29, 2018. Just in time for Halloween, if you're a fan of clean romance novellas.
3.5 stars, rounding up. This set of six Halloween romance novellas is part of the sweet and clean "Timeless Romance" anthology series. They're fun, inexpensive brain candy if you like romances, and I couldn't resist the Halloween connection.
This particular collection includes several ghosts (mostly of the "helpful spirit of someone who's passed on" variety), a family curse (every five years someone in one of these two French families dies), dreams of murders, and sirens that capture men and suck away their memories.
I think my favorite story was Jordan McCollum’s "The Man of Her Dreams," about Alexandra, a homicide detective burdened with nightmares of murders, which she sees from the murderer's point of view, and always too late to stop the murder ... though her dreams do often help her solve the murders. Her latest dreams, though, are of a murder that hasn't happened yet - and the victim will be her old boyfriend, Nick.
Sarah Eden's "Of Ghosts and Gardens," a Regency era ghost mystery, was cute, and I also enjoyed Annette Lyon's "It's You." Both of these had spirits trying to fix something that had gone wrong during their lives.
I enjoyed pretty much all of the stories, though a few of them felt like they should have been a little longer, to better develop the characters' relationships. "The Sirens' Song" was a little odd, but gets points for originality, with the sucking away of memories of the main character's dead wife, who he misses terribly.
It's mostly romantic fluff, but if you're in the mood for that kind of a read, this collection is good fun.
3.5 stars, rounding up. This set of six Halloween romance novellas is part of the sweet and clean "Timeless Romance" anthology series. They're fun, inexpensive brain candy if you like romances, and I couldn't resist the Halloween connection.
This particular collection includes several ghosts (mostly of the "helpful spirit of someone who's passed on" variety), a family curse (every five years someone in one of these two French families dies), dreams of murders, and sirens that capture men and suck away their memories.
I think my favorite story was Jordan McCollum’s "The Man of Her Dreams," about Alexandra, a homicide detective burdened with nightmares of murders, which she sees from the murderer's point of view, and always too late to stop the murder ... though her dreams do often help her solve the murders. Her latest dreams, though, are of a murder that hasn't happened yet - and the victim will be her old boyfriend, Nick.
Sarah Eden's "Of Ghosts and Gardens," a Regency era ghost mystery, was cute, and I also enjoyed Annette Lyon's "It's You." Both of these had spirits trying to fix something that had gone wrong during their lives.
I enjoyed pretty much all of the stories, though a few of them felt like they should have been a little longer, to better develop the characters' relationships. "The Sirens' Song" was a little odd, but gets points for originality, with the sucking away of memories of the main character's dead wife, who he misses terribly.
It's mostly romantic fluff, but if you're in the mood for that kind of a read, this collection is good fun.
October 20, 2016
Hands down every story in this collection gets 5 stars from me! I'd get done reading one thinking nothing can top that or be as good. Then I'd start the next novella and was hooked again from the beginning and all the way through and think ok that one was awesome too!!!
I'm not a huge ghost/paranormal story reader. I do read some books that aren't scary thrillers and I figured I love, and have read most of these authors that I don't think they would go that direction with this All Hallows' Eve collection. I really really enjoyed myself while reading these and the spin offs and Halloween twists/connections that the authors used were great! Super fun and sweet swoony reads!
I want to tell you about each of the stories and ramble about the different couples and how I sighed, giggled, and just all around grinned while reading about them. All the couples were very well written. I want to tell you about how each story just was happy and left me happy. I loved the combination of three historical stories and three contemporary stories. The ghosts were fun and the Halloween day stories, sigh!
Oh my word, these authors know how to tell a tale and add spice, humor, thrills, great plots and fabulous characters. I think this might be my favorite collection that I've read so far (I probably say that about most of them but honestly you can never go wrong with the main authors and they always pick great guest authors to include). My favorite thing about these collections is that I never have to wonder about content or go searching reviews trying to decide if it will be a clean read or not. There's never any question about that! Thank you authors for that!!!!
What will you find within? Ghosts, ghosts, and more ghosts. Sirens, haunted mansions, dreams, loss, heartache, renewal, hope, ancient curses, marriage of convenience, second chances, horses, convent, restoration, misunderstanding made clear, swoony sighs, sweet kisses, love and Halloween.
I'll say it again, these are all great clean reads! And if you didn't know, it recently won an award which convinced me to stop debating and take the plunge to purchase it.
This was my personal copy I downloaded from Amazon.
Happy Reading!!!
I'm not a huge ghost/paranormal story reader. I do read some books that aren't scary thrillers and I figured I love, and have read most of these authors that I don't think they would go that direction with this All Hallows' Eve collection. I really really enjoyed myself while reading these and the spin offs and Halloween twists/connections that the authors used were great! Super fun and sweet swoony reads!
I want to tell you about each of the stories and ramble about the different couples and how I sighed, giggled, and just all around grinned while reading about them. All the couples were very well written. I want to tell you about how each story just was happy and left me happy. I loved the combination of three historical stories and three contemporary stories. The ghosts were fun and the Halloween day stories, sigh!
Oh my word, these authors know how to tell a tale and add spice, humor, thrills, great plots and fabulous characters. I think this might be my favorite collection that I've read so far (I probably say that about most of them but honestly you can never go wrong with the main authors and they always pick great guest authors to include). My favorite thing about these collections is that I never have to wonder about content or go searching reviews trying to decide if it will be a clean read or not. There's never any question about that! Thank you authors for that!!!!
What will you find within? Ghosts, ghosts, and more ghosts. Sirens, haunted mansions, dreams, loss, heartache, renewal, hope, ancient curses, marriage of convenience, second chances, horses, convent, restoration, misunderstanding made clear, swoony sighs, sweet kisses, love and Halloween.
I'll say it again, these are all great clean reads! And if you didn't know, it recently won an award which convinced me to stop debating and take the plunge to purchase it.
This was my personal copy I downloaded from Amazon.
Happy Reading!!!
September 27, 2019
"You must not take what is not yours." -- the ghost in the garden, Of Ghosts and Gardens
"Can we try again?"
"I'd like that. We can go as slow as you need."
"Or as fast as you want." -- I'm not telling which story this is from.
All Hallows' Eve (2015, Mirror Press) is a Timeless Romance Anthology collection with six stories, each written by a different author. The first three novellas are historical, while the last three are contemporary. Each story has some element that makes it appropriate for Halloween time, centering around such things as ghosts, curses, Halloween, and the paranormal. None of the stories are overly spooky for me, although the fantasy - or maybe it's a paranormal-fantasy - pushed my limits a bit. The historical novellas remind me somewhat of the stories in L. M. Montgomery's Among the Shadows.
4.5 stars
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M. Eden: 5 stars
From the blurb: "Enid Pryce… talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite… an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman... "
I enjoyed this one a lot. What a relief it must have been for Enid to meet a gentleman with an interest in ghosts!
It's You by Annette Lyon: 4 stars
From the blurb: "...when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret..."
I liked this story, but definitely feel that it suffered from instalove. On the same page are these two statements:
My name's Charlie, by the way. Charlie Beck."
What would it be like to kiss that mouth?... What are you thinking? You've only met her…
Sophia's Curse by Heather B. Moore: 5 stars
From the blurb: "...Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan… She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger…"
I was impressed by this one. It was just right. Fun!
The Sirens' Song by Lisa Mangum: 5 stars
From the blurb: "...recently widowed Oliver [is] the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. "
This one was definitely my least favorite novella, but I think it's just the fault of it not being a genre I like. (Paranormal? Fantasy? Both?) I wouldn't quite say this story has a happily-ever-after. But it's a very good story, and I can't find anything "wrong" with it even though I didn't like it. So 5 stars.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum: 4 stars
From the blurb: "...homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers… Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds… that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him."
This was a very good story, and I really enjoyed it. I went back to skim my Kindle copy for this review, and ended up reading a good chunk of it even though I've just listened to the story, I am taking off a star, however, because of the reasons behind the relationship troubles of the main characters. I just don't feel completely convinced of the plausibility of the situation. They both seem to have been extremely immature seven years ago, and I just can't reconcile their then and now personas. Yes, theoretically they've both grown in that time, but ….. even the here and now complaints Nick makes about Alex - who is behaving as any reasonable person would - still seem immature and don't quite make sense.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson: 4 stars
From the blurb: "Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi... sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. "
I liked this story. I did, however, think that the heroine was a bit pushy. She pretty much told the hero that he WOULD be hiring her to restore the mansion.
"... Colt needed to get the … out to the mansion, like, yesterday." I just had to point out the use of the work "like" here. It makes my skin crawl. I think it's, like, here to stay. (Yes, that was on purpose.) But that doesn't mean that I have to accept it or like it. I don't think it belongs in a book. That's my opinion, anyway!
"She pinned him with a fierce glare that only made him want to … kiss her." A bit quick here! They've only just met at this point.
Even with the issues listed above, the plot was very good and it held my attention. It didn't go as I expected, which is always a nice thing in a mystery or suspense.
-------------------------------------------------
Is it clean/chaste? Yes. The Timeless Romance collections always are. I love that I can rely on them for a safe read. This book isn't a favorite because I'm not really a big fan of ghosts or the paranormal, but I figured I'd go ahead and give a Halloween read a whirl. Overall, I definitely enjoyed it.
Other content issues: Some violence, but nothing gory.
There are a lot of Timeless Romance books available, and I'm so glad that I can keep enjoying them. Here are a couple of other options for the fall season:
The Timeless Happily Ever After collection is said by a Goodreads friend of mine to be reminiscent of the Brother's Grimm, and she thought it was a good collection to read around Halloween.
There's also a Timeless Autumn Collection that is available.
***********
The bottom line: This is a pleasant read for the Halloween season for readers who aren't looking for anything hardcore. I look forward to reading more Timeless Romance anthologies. The next one for me might be Summer Wedding Collection because I own an audio copy of it.
"Can we try again?"
"I'd like that. We can go as slow as you need."
"Or as fast as you want." -- I'm not telling which story this is from.
All Hallows' Eve (2015, Mirror Press) is a Timeless Romance Anthology collection with six stories, each written by a different author. The first three novellas are historical, while the last three are contemporary. Each story has some element that makes it appropriate for Halloween time, centering around such things as ghosts, curses, Halloween, and the paranormal. None of the stories are overly spooky for me, although the fantasy - or maybe it's a paranormal-fantasy - pushed my limits a bit. The historical novellas remind me somewhat of the stories in L. M. Montgomery's Among the Shadows.
4.5 stars
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M. Eden: 5 stars
From the blurb: "Enid Pryce… talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite… an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman... "
I enjoyed this one a lot. What a relief it must have been for Enid to meet a gentleman with an interest in ghosts!
It's You by Annette Lyon: 4 stars
From the blurb: "...when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret..."
I liked this story, but definitely feel that it suffered from instalove. On the same page are these two statements:
My name's Charlie, by the way. Charlie Beck."
What would it be like to kiss that mouth?... What are you thinking? You've only met her…
Sophia's Curse by Heather B. Moore: 5 stars
From the blurb: "...Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan… She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger…"
I was impressed by this one. It was just right. Fun!
The Sirens' Song by Lisa Mangum: 5 stars
From the blurb: "...recently widowed Oliver [is] the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. "
This one was definitely my least favorite novella, but I think it's just the fault of it not being a genre I like. (Paranormal? Fantasy? Both?) I wouldn't quite say this story has a happily-ever-after. But it's a very good story, and I can't find anything "wrong" with it even though I didn't like it. So 5 stars.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum: 4 stars
From the blurb: "...homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers… Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds… that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him."
This was a very good story, and I really enjoyed it. I went back to skim my Kindle copy for this review, and ended up reading a good chunk of it even though I've just listened to the story, I am taking off a star, however, because of the reasons behind the relationship troubles of the main characters. I just don't feel completely convinced of the plausibility of the situation. They both seem to have been extremely immature seven years ago, and I just can't reconcile their then and now personas. Yes, theoretically they've both grown in that time, but ….. even the here and now complaints Nick makes about Alex - who is behaving as any reasonable person would - still seem immature and don't quite make sense.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson: 4 stars
From the blurb: "Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi... sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. "
I liked this story. I did, however, think that the heroine was a bit pushy. She pretty much told the hero that he WOULD be hiring her to restore the mansion.
"... Colt needed to get the … out to the mansion, like, yesterday." I just had to point out the use of the work "like" here. It makes my skin crawl. I think it's, like, here to stay. (Yes, that was on purpose.) But that doesn't mean that I have to accept it or like it. I don't think it belongs in a book. That's my opinion, anyway!
"She pinned him with a fierce glare that only made him want to … kiss her." A bit quick here! They've only just met at this point.
Even with the issues listed above, the plot was very good and it held my attention. It didn't go as I expected, which is always a nice thing in a mystery or suspense.
-------------------------------------------------
Is it clean/chaste? Yes. The Timeless Romance collections always are. I love that I can rely on them for a safe read. This book isn't a favorite because I'm not really a big fan of ghosts or the paranormal, but I figured I'd go ahead and give a Halloween read a whirl. Overall, I definitely enjoyed it.
Other content issues: Some violence, but nothing gory.
There are a lot of Timeless Romance books available, and I'm so glad that I can keep enjoying them. Here are a couple of other options for the fall season:
The Timeless Happily Ever After collection is said by a Goodreads friend of mine to be reminiscent of the Brother's Grimm, and she thought it was a good collection to read around Halloween.
There's also a Timeless Autumn Collection that is available.
***********
The bottom line: This is a pleasant read for the Halloween season for readers who aren't looking for anything hardcore. I look forward to reading more Timeless Romance anthologies. The next one for me might be Summer Wedding Collection because I own an audio copy of it.
November 14, 2017
So fun! I thought that since I had a novella in a recent Timeless Romance Anthology, I would like to try another. It was Halloween time and so this seemed like a good fit! A really fun selection of spooky stories, light on scares, heavy on the romance, though the romances are of course quite clean.
March 12, 2016
I am a huge fan of the Timeless Romance Anthologies! They always have some from my favorite authors and some new-to-me authors that I can experience a bit of their writing style. In this spooky collection, I loved the first three historical stories the most- I felt like the ghost factor is more believable for the older time periods and the interactions of the characters are sweet with the mannerisms of the era they are set in. "Of Ghosts and Gardens" was utterly charming, from the way the Enid and Burke meet and immediately respond to each other in friendship to the family and community's obsession with the local ghosts and folklore. The mystery they worked on together was interesting and the ending was perfection. "It's You" has a melancholy feeling with the regrets of the ghost coming to light through the efforts of Anna and Charlie, but they have some pleasant sigh-worthy moments that lighten the mood. "Sophia's Curse" felt like I was reading a full-length novel, the plot was meaty and the characters complex.
The contemporary stories were well-written but not quite my cup of tea. "The Man of Her Dreams" reminded me of a crime-drama TV show like The Ghost Whisperer and was full of suspense. "The Siren's Song" blended a mythology vibe with a modern-day grieving widower. "The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion" featured a sassy heroine and a twist similar to the film The Sixth Sense. So if those are themes you enjoy the contemporary stories are for you!
(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS by Sarah M. Eden - 5 stars
IT’S YOU by Annette Lyon - 4 stars
SOPHIA’S CURSE by Heather B. Moore - 5 stars
THE SIRENS’ SONG by Lisa Mangum - 3 stars
THE MAN OF HER DREAMS by Jordan McCollum - 3 stars
THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION by Elana Johnson - 3 stars
The contemporary stories were well-written but not quite my cup of tea. "The Man of Her Dreams" reminded me of a crime-drama TV show like The Ghost Whisperer and was full of suspense. "The Siren's Song" blended a mythology vibe with a modern-day grieving widower. "The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion" featured a sassy heroine and a twist similar to the film The Sixth Sense. So if those are themes you enjoy the contemporary stories are for you!
(Thank you to Ebooks For Review for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS by Sarah M. Eden - 5 stars
IT’S YOU by Annette Lyon - 4 stars
SOPHIA’S CURSE by Heather B. Moore - 5 stars
THE SIRENS’ SONG by Lisa Mangum - 3 stars
THE MAN OF HER DREAMS by Jordan McCollum - 3 stars
THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION by Elana Johnson - 3 stars
October 26, 2017
I really love the Timeless Romance Anthology series and own 10 of the collections so far. The stories in this one are different because the stories take place around Halloween and are ghost stories. I'm very familiar with 4 of the authors and the last 2 are brand new to me, which is one reason I like these types of books--I discover new authors. I feel a few of the stories could've been longer--IT'S YOU by Annette Lyon, SOPHIA'S CURSE by Heather B. Moore, and THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION by Elana Johnson. I felt like they just got really good and then the stories ended. THE SIREN'S SONG by Lisa Mangum was a really different type of love story.
October 28, 2015
All Hallows' Eve Collection was such a great set of novellas! Each had something a little sinister or spooky, perfect for the month of Halloween or any time you want some suspense or intensity that could get a little scary. With moving, well-written stories and characters, engaging plots, and plenty of sweet romance, this was another fabulous addition to A Timeless Romance Anthology collection. Thoroughly enjoyable even when on the edge-of-your-seat!
OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS by Sarah M. Eden: The humor, wit, and banter in this one had me so completely amused. It was definitely the least scary or suspenseful of the novellas in this collection. The romance was sweet and beautiful. The characters were fabulous and spot on. With family relationships and characters from the village to add some great color, this story told so much in so few pages. Well written and fantastic from beginning to a memorable ending!
IT’S YOU by Annette Lyon: This story was about righting a wrong. The plot was believable and worked, which doesn't always happen when a ghost is involved. There was some insta-love, or maybe insta-connection is a better word choice, but the romance was still sweet and didn't jump unnaturally. It was interesting seeing the pieces come together explaining the what and why. This was definitely an enjoyable story.
SOPHIA’S CURSE by Heather B. Moore: Another fabulously written story! Loved the characters, how the relationship developed, the sinister plotting and the danger it evoked, and the story from beginning to end. I especially liked some of the twists that brought life and some serious suspense to the tale. A great read!
THE SIRENS’ SONG by Lisa Mangum: This took paranormal to a different level with sirens. Mangum does so well with bittersweet and hopeful endings and this story was no different. I felt for these characters and connected with them. I wanted to cheer them on and was happy with how things resolved. A very interesting and heartfelt story!
THE MAN OF HER DREAMS by Jordan McCollum: Be still my beating heart. The tension and suspense built up from the very beginning to the very climatic end. I literally could not read fast enough and felt like yelling the character through it to get there in time! Suspense at its best with some fabulous romance thrown in!
THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION by Elana Johnson: This story lured me in with an intelligent and sassy gal as well as an attractive and charming guy. Then came some nice ghosts, at least that's what I thought, who turned out to be not so nice and some huge twists. The ending was intense, dramatic, and definitely spooky. Another great story and a great ending to this collection!
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary ebook through ebooksforreview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.
OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS by Sarah M. Eden: The humor, wit, and banter in this one had me so completely amused. It was definitely the least scary or suspenseful of the novellas in this collection. The romance was sweet and beautiful. The characters were fabulous and spot on. With family relationships and characters from the village to add some great color, this story told so much in so few pages. Well written and fantastic from beginning to a memorable ending!
IT’S YOU by Annette Lyon: This story was about righting a wrong. The plot was believable and worked, which doesn't always happen when a ghost is involved. There was some insta-love, or maybe insta-connection is a better word choice, but the romance was still sweet and didn't jump unnaturally. It was interesting seeing the pieces come together explaining the what and why. This was definitely an enjoyable story.
SOPHIA’S CURSE by Heather B. Moore: Another fabulously written story! Loved the characters, how the relationship developed, the sinister plotting and the danger it evoked, and the story from beginning to end. I especially liked some of the twists that brought life and some serious suspense to the tale. A great read!
THE SIRENS’ SONG by Lisa Mangum: This took paranormal to a different level with sirens. Mangum does so well with bittersweet and hopeful endings and this story was no different. I felt for these characters and connected with them. I wanted to cheer them on and was happy with how things resolved. A very interesting and heartfelt story!
THE MAN OF HER DREAMS by Jordan McCollum: Be still my beating heart. The tension and suspense built up from the very beginning to the very climatic end. I literally could not read fast enough and felt like yelling the character through it to get there in time! Suspense at its best with some fabulous romance thrown in!
THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION by Elana Johnson: This story lured me in with an intelligent and sassy gal as well as an attractive and charming guy. Then came some nice ghosts, at least that's what I thought, who turned out to be not so nice and some huge twists. The ending was intense, dramatic, and definitely spooky. Another great story and a great ending to this collection!
Content: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary ebook through ebooksforreview.com, which did not affect my review in any way.
October 19, 2015
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M. Eden
Enid Pryce took pride in the fact that she was undeniably Welsh; she lived in Brecknockshire, Wales with her little family. Her home not only came with a beautifully garden, but a ghost who took great care in making sure to let would be thieves know, “You must not take what is not yours.” Dafydd Gam, the family ghost had known to wander the garden, making sure no one would take the flowers. After being away from home, Enid want to verify that she was indeed home and the best way to do that was to make sure that her ghost was still there, she set out to steal from the garden. Instead of getting herself a visit from a ghost, she met Burke Kennard. Burke, a scholar was researching the 15th-century Welsh Revolt, and who better to ask than the man who lived during that time, Dafydd Gam. Burke and Enid set out to try to lure the ghost to visit them to learn about the revolt, but instead they learned that not everyone is who they say they are, and the same can be said about a certain ghost. As the mystery revolving around Dafydd grows, so do the feelings between Enid and Burke.
Sarah created a lighthearted story with two characters that knew what they wanted out of life; however, being so determined to stick with their present course, they needed the help of a friendly neighborhood ghost to help them take a much-needed detour to a path of love. This was a very cute story that I found entertaining. Sarah does a great job on creating characters and plots in a very short time. The dialogue between Enid and Burke was complete with humor and quick wit. I really enjoy when I story has you smiling or laughing aloud. I have always enjoyed books by Sarah M. Eden, and once again, she has come through with a great read.
It's You by Annette Lyon
Orphaned when she was one, Anna Brierley, was taken in and raised by her grandparents in Idaho. Traveling to live with her aunt and uncle after their death, Anna’s welcoming event was a funeral, not exactly her choice of entertainment. However, this funeral was unlike any other that Anna had ever attended, there was a woman that seemed to recognize her, but she was unlike any other woman that she had ever seen or met. The lady in white with one long braid called for attention and it seemed no one else had witnessed her at the cemetery, which isn’t too big of a surprise since she was the spirit of a woman coming to make things right. Wondering if she was delusional, Anna tried to bury the incident, she carried on with life. Not wanting to be a big burden to her aunt or uncle, Anna decided to earn her keep by taking on odd jobs, since the local schools felt like her small town education wasn’t good enough for their likes. Her first odd job consisted of taking on cleaning out a church closet of a departed woman’s items. Through this assignment, Anna was shocked to find a surprising discovery. In order to find the cause for the young woman’s visit, Anna gets to know a local young man, Charlie Beck, who also has been in contact with the woman in white. Between the two of them, they might be able to help the young woman feel at peace.
In a shorter version this story is about an older woman passing on, feeling wrapped up in guilt, and because of this, she is unable to go in peace. She feels like she must make amends to those that she has hurt, unfortunately, she is not able to make things right with the people she hurt, but fate has brought the next generation to her doorstep. I didn’t enjoy this story as much because it seemed too short and I felt disconnected from the characters, and I never felt like it pulled me in. I don’t believe the storyline could have held its own had it been lengthened into a full novel, it just didn’t have the makings of a great story.
Sophia's Curse by Heather B. Moore
Every five years, on All Hallows Eve, a member of the Rousseau household or the Belrose household would die. This curse was shared by these two households, and had been placed upon them by a scorned vindictive woman claiming to have secretly married Belrose Sr., and she stated that she should inherit the land, in response her and her claims had been turned away. Joan’s mother died giving birth on that cursed night. Blinded by pain and anger Monsieur Rudolph Belrose, Joan’s father, had her sent to a nearby abbey to be raised by the nuns. Joan loved to be creative and had an imagination, but most of all she enjoyed sneaking into the grove of trees and watch the magnificent, and good-looking Simon Rousseau. It was just a matter of time before she would be caught. Simon and Joan had no idea how life would change for them in the short period after they met. All Hallows Eve was upon them, and it looked like Joan’s father was to be the next victim. Was it really a curse, or was there something less superstitious and more evil at play?
Sophia’s Curse contained all the elements of a great book: romance, mystery, suspense, and murder. The romance between Simon and Joan was quick yet it was strong and enjoyable. Heather B. Moore was able to tie up all the loose ends in a tidy little bow, and left nothing to question. It kept me on the edge on my seat; I will definitely be looking for more books by her in the future.
The Sirens’ Song by Lisa Mangum
Widower and Dr., Oliver, is on his way to Greece aboard a cruise liner as the lead physician. Still wearing the ring and grieving after the death of his beloved wife, Cate, Oliver is just moving through life as if he is in a daydream. An unfortunate event sends his wedding ring into the churning waters and not long after, he finds himself sharing the same fate. A trio of sirens steals him away, pulling him from the clutches of the dark sea intent on stealing his memories and pain, not aware that behind his memories was love and happiness. Willing to give up his memories for one last chance to see his cherished wife, Oliver relives the most precious times with Cate.
Lisa did a great job of capturing Oliver’s pain as well as his deep love for his wife, Cate. Delving into a character’s pain is not easy, but Lisa puts to paper a beautiful romance between husband and his wife. Even though Cate has passed on, I felt like I was given the opportunity to witness their marriage and see their relationship from the beginning to the end. You cannot help but ache for Oliver and his loss, but you are so happy when he gets to give his final good bye to the woman he loves so much. Lisa Magnum wrote a beautiful love story.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum
Alexandra Steen, homicide detective, has a unique yet troubling gift: she sees murders before they happen. The troubling part, she’s unable to stop them and she’s unable to use this information in, she is left with collecting evidence that leads to the guilty verdict. The story starts out like any other dream for Alex, the killer attacks and slays his victim. Alex is not about to let this happen, not again! With everything she has, she speeds to the spot of the soon to be crime, only to find out that she is too late...or is she. The last victim was spared and Alex is surprised to find that the victim is her ex-boyfriend’s sister. However, the dreams don’t stop. It’s only a matter of time that Alex determines that Nick is the intended target, after encountering him after all these years, she realizes that she still loves him and she’ll do everything in her power to make this dream not come true. Nick and Alex have a lot to forgive and forget if they are to move forward in their lives and keep Nick safe.
This thriller keeps you on your edge of you seat wondering who the killer is and when he will strike. Alex is very head strong, where Nick is laid back and non-confrontational. It’s a challenge to watch these two hit heads and struggle with their differences. Jordan McCollum did a great job creating their characters, bringing them to life. They have the same struggles that a normal couple has and they need to work through this in order to be a couple again. In a short period, Jordan did an amazing job pulling me in, working out the differences, and building a suspenseful plot and wrapping it all up in the end.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson
Naomi was amazing at what she did, she knew her job, and she loved it. She had the amazing talent of not only renovating antiques but she also was known for interior decorating skills. Right now, the biggest dream of hers involved a huge beautiful mansion, not just any mansion, but the Millhouse Mansion. It begged for her touch, and she found herself imagining the hardwood floors, the fixtures, and the mantle over the fireplace. However, the owner didn’t seem to have any desire to step foot in the place, much less bring it back to its former glory. Yet today of all days seemed to be Naomi’s lucky day. The owner, Colt Jennings walked into her office needing a renovation that happened to be located in the mansion. Naomi was living her dream. The mansion is everything that Naomi hopes for, instantly she’s taking notes and envisioning what she could do to fix this place up, but soon, she realizes that her and Colt are not alone. In addition, someone, or something, is trying to get their attention. Colt has his own demons to deal with and the ghosts that seem to hang around the old place aren’t helping his cheerful disposition. Naomi and Colt must figure out the mystery surrounding the spirits lingering around, or someone was going to get hurt.
Elana Johnson did a great job introducing twist and turns in the plot. She even gets an A for the spook factor. I definitely didn’t see the surprise at the end coming; I really enjoyed this Halloween story. Makes me curious what other books Elana has written and what surprises she has in store for them.
Enid Pryce took pride in the fact that she was undeniably Welsh; she lived in Brecknockshire, Wales with her little family. Her home not only came with a beautifully garden, but a ghost who took great care in making sure to let would be thieves know, “You must not take what is not yours.” Dafydd Gam, the family ghost had known to wander the garden, making sure no one would take the flowers. After being away from home, Enid want to verify that she was indeed home and the best way to do that was to make sure that her ghost was still there, she set out to steal from the garden. Instead of getting herself a visit from a ghost, she met Burke Kennard. Burke, a scholar was researching the 15th-century Welsh Revolt, and who better to ask than the man who lived during that time, Dafydd Gam. Burke and Enid set out to try to lure the ghost to visit them to learn about the revolt, but instead they learned that not everyone is who they say they are, and the same can be said about a certain ghost. As the mystery revolving around Dafydd grows, so do the feelings between Enid and Burke.
Sarah created a lighthearted story with two characters that knew what they wanted out of life; however, being so determined to stick with their present course, they needed the help of a friendly neighborhood ghost to help them take a much-needed detour to a path of love. This was a very cute story that I found entertaining. Sarah does a great job on creating characters and plots in a very short time. The dialogue between Enid and Burke was complete with humor and quick wit. I really enjoy when I story has you smiling or laughing aloud. I have always enjoyed books by Sarah M. Eden, and once again, she has come through with a great read.
It's You by Annette Lyon
Orphaned when she was one, Anna Brierley, was taken in and raised by her grandparents in Idaho. Traveling to live with her aunt and uncle after their death, Anna’s welcoming event was a funeral, not exactly her choice of entertainment. However, this funeral was unlike any other that Anna had ever attended, there was a woman that seemed to recognize her, but she was unlike any other woman that she had ever seen or met. The lady in white with one long braid called for attention and it seemed no one else had witnessed her at the cemetery, which isn’t too big of a surprise since she was the spirit of a woman coming to make things right. Wondering if she was delusional, Anna tried to bury the incident, she carried on with life. Not wanting to be a big burden to her aunt or uncle, Anna decided to earn her keep by taking on odd jobs, since the local schools felt like her small town education wasn’t good enough for their likes. Her first odd job consisted of taking on cleaning out a church closet of a departed woman’s items. Through this assignment, Anna was shocked to find a surprising discovery. In order to find the cause for the young woman’s visit, Anna gets to know a local young man, Charlie Beck, who also has been in contact with the woman in white. Between the two of them, they might be able to help the young woman feel at peace.
In a shorter version this story is about an older woman passing on, feeling wrapped up in guilt, and because of this, she is unable to go in peace. She feels like she must make amends to those that she has hurt, unfortunately, she is not able to make things right with the people she hurt, but fate has brought the next generation to her doorstep. I didn’t enjoy this story as much because it seemed too short and I felt disconnected from the characters, and I never felt like it pulled me in. I don’t believe the storyline could have held its own had it been lengthened into a full novel, it just didn’t have the makings of a great story.
Sophia's Curse by Heather B. Moore
Every five years, on All Hallows Eve, a member of the Rousseau household or the Belrose household would die. This curse was shared by these two households, and had been placed upon them by a scorned vindictive woman claiming to have secretly married Belrose Sr., and she stated that she should inherit the land, in response her and her claims had been turned away. Joan’s mother died giving birth on that cursed night. Blinded by pain and anger Monsieur Rudolph Belrose, Joan’s father, had her sent to a nearby abbey to be raised by the nuns. Joan loved to be creative and had an imagination, but most of all she enjoyed sneaking into the grove of trees and watch the magnificent, and good-looking Simon Rousseau. It was just a matter of time before she would be caught. Simon and Joan had no idea how life would change for them in the short period after they met. All Hallows Eve was upon them, and it looked like Joan’s father was to be the next victim. Was it really a curse, or was there something less superstitious and more evil at play?
Sophia’s Curse contained all the elements of a great book: romance, mystery, suspense, and murder. The romance between Simon and Joan was quick yet it was strong and enjoyable. Heather B. Moore was able to tie up all the loose ends in a tidy little bow, and left nothing to question. It kept me on the edge on my seat; I will definitely be looking for more books by her in the future.
The Sirens’ Song by Lisa Mangum
Widower and Dr., Oliver, is on his way to Greece aboard a cruise liner as the lead physician. Still wearing the ring and grieving after the death of his beloved wife, Cate, Oliver is just moving through life as if he is in a daydream. An unfortunate event sends his wedding ring into the churning waters and not long after, he finds himself sharing the same fate. A trio of sirens steals him away, pulling him from the clutches of the dark sea intent on stealing his memories and pain, not aware that behind his memories was love and happiness. Willing to give up his memories for one last chance to see his cherished wife, Oliver relives the most precious times with Cate.
Lisa did a great job of capturing Oliver’s pain as well as his deep love for his wife, Cate. Delving into a character’s pain is not easy, but Lisa puts to paper a beautiful romance between husband and his wife. Even though Cate has passed on, I felt like I was given the opportunity to witness their marriage and see their relationship from the beginning to the end. You cannot help but ache for Oliver and his loss, but you are so happy when he gets to give his final good bye to the woman he loves so much. Lisa Magnum wrote a beautiful love story.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum
Alexandra Steen, homicide detective, has a unique yet troubling gift: she sees murders before they happen. The troubling part, she’s unable to stop them and she’s unable to use this information in, she is left with collecting evidence that leads to the guilty verdict. The story starts out like any other dream for Alex, the killer attacks and slays his victim. Alex is not about to let this happen, not again! With everything she has, she speeds to the spot of the soon to be crime, only to find out that she is too late...or is she. The last victim was spared and Alex is surprised to find that the victim is her ex-boyfriend’s sister. However, the dreams don’t stop. It’s only a matter of time that Alex determines that Nick is the intended target, after encountering him after all these years, she realizes that she still loves him and she’ll do everything in her power to make this dream not come true. Nick and Alex have a lot to forgive and forget if they are to move forward in their lives and keep Nick safe.
This thriller keeps you on your edge of you seat wondering who the killer is and when he will strike. Alex is very head strong, where Nick is laid back and non-confrontational. It’s a challenge to watch these two hit heads and struggle with their differences. Jordan McCollum did a great job creating their characters, bringing them to life. They have the same struggles that a normal couple has and they need to work through this in order to be a couple again. In a short period, Jordan did an amazing job pulling me in, working out the differences, and building a suspenseful plot and wrapping it all up in the end.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson
Naomi was amazing at what she did, she knew her job, and she loved it. She had the amazing talent of not only renovating antiques but she also was known for interior decorating skills. Right now, the biggest dream of hers involved a huge beautiful mansion, not just any mansion, but the Millhouse Mansion. It begged for her touch, and she found herself imagining the hardwood floors, the fixtures, and the mantle over the fireplace. However, the owner didn’t seem to have any desire to step foot in the place, much less bring it back to its former glory. Yet today of all days seemed to be Naomi’s lucky day. The owner, Colt Jennings walked into her office needing a renovation that happened to be located in the mansion. Naomi was living her dream. The mansion is everything that Naomi hopes for, instantly she’s taking notes and envisioning what she could do to fix this place up, but soon, she realizes that her and Colt are not alone. In addition, someone, or something, is trying to get their attention. Colt has his own demons to deal with and the ghosts that seem to hang around the old place aren’t helping his cheerful disposition. Naomi and Colt must figure out the mystery surrounding the spirits lingering around, or someone was going to get hurt.
Elana Johnson did a great job introducing twist and turns in the plot. She even gets an A for the spook factor. I definitely didn’t see the surprise at the end coming; I really enjoyed this Halloween story. Makes me curious what other books Elana has written and what surprises she has in store for them.
August 29, 2015
I do love Halloween and a good ghost story and I love the way these six authors were able to deliver stories that had a common thread, yet were so different from one another.
The first three stories are historical and I loved the way they are done. It seems to have been a big thing to have haunted houses back in those days and I love the way the ghosts played such important roles in each story.
The next three were contemporary and I had no idea how they would play out. Each has a very interesting take on the paranormal. It was fun to read a story about sirens, one about dreams, and one about spirits.
Most of the characters are flawed, yet issues are resolved, which always surprises me, since each story is a novella length. As usual, it's so hard for me to choose a favorite, but if I could pick a story to be the main character in, I think I would choose Annette Lyon's or Elana Johnson's.
This would definitely be a fun book to read in October and I can't wait for the next anthology!
Content: some have violence or talk of murder, but nothing is graphic; mild romance; nothing else of note. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
The first three stories are historical and I loved the way they are done. It seems to have been a big thing to have haunted houses back in those days and I love the way the ghosts played such important roles in each story.
The next three were contemporary and I had no idea how they would play out. Each has a very interesting take on the paranormal. It was fun to read a story about sirens, one about dreams, and one about spirits.
Most of the characters are flawed, yet issues are resolved, which always surprises me, since each story is a novella length. As usual, it's so hard for me to choose a favorite, but if I could pick a story to be the main character in, I think I would choose Annette Lyon's or Elana Johnson's.
This would definitely be a fun book to read in October and I can't wait for the next anthology!
Content: some have violence or talk of murder, but nothing is graphic; mild romance; nothing else of note. Clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
October 31, 2015
Ok I gave this collection 4 stars because I really liked almost every novella. Some more then others, one not so much.
I think it's kind of fitting that I finished this collection on Halloween, since they are all based around The holiday!
3 are historical romances which I really enjoyed. The other 3 are contemporary romance. I enjoyed all but one. It wasn't that it was a bad story, just that it wasn't my style and to me seemed more like a story of loss rather than a romance.
I know that with love comes loss and heartache, but that seemed to be what there was the most of.
All in all I would recommend that you read them and give them all a fair chance, which is why I am not naming the one that isn't my style.
That one story maybe someone else's favorite one. I'm only here to give my opinion.
I think enjoying 5 out of 6 is great. Most of the time I'm lucky if I get that many novellas I like out of 12.
So read it and let me know if you enjoyed it!
I think it's kind of fitting that I finished this collection on Halloween, since they are all based around The holiday!
3 are historical romances which I really enjoyed. The other 3 are contemporary romance. I enjoyed all but one. It wasn't that it was a bad story, just that it wasn't my style and to me seemed more like a story of loss rather than a romance.
I know that with love comes loss and heartache, but that seemed to be what there was the most of.
All in all I would recommend that you read them and give them all a fair chance, which is why I am not naming the one that isn't my style.
That one story maybe someone else's favorite one. I'm only here to give my opinion.
I think enjoying 5 out of 6 is great. Most of the time I'm lucky if I get that many novellas I like out of 12.
So read it and let me know if you enjoyed it!
September 1, 2015
I've been reading these Timeless Romance Anthologies from the very beginning. I pretty much love every one that comes out. I love the authors and I love the varying themes. In this collection, things get a little bit spooky. (cue scary music)
The theme of this collection makes it different from all the others so far. It was so fun and it kept my attention from beginning to end. This is the perfect October/Halloween book to read, especially if you enjoy a bit of romance (all sweet) and maybe a bit of the paranormal to go with it. There are ghosts, freaky sirens who steal memories and a girl that sees murders in her dreams. Eek!
It was fun to see a few authors in here that don't usually show up in these anthologies as well as a few of my regular favorites. What a great collection! I loved them all.
The theme of this collection makes it different from all the others so far. It was so fun and it kept my attention from beginning to end. This is the perfect October/Halloween book to read, especially if you enjoy a bit of romance (all sweet) and maybe a bit of the paranormal to go with it. There are ghosts, freaky sirens who steal memories and a girl that sees murders in her dreams. Eek!
It was fun to see a few authors in here that don't usually show up in these anthologies as well as a few of my regular favorites. What a great collection! I loved them all.
November 16, 2016
First was more of romance than scary. The second was an intersting mystery. THe third was really really creepy. It's the closest so far to being scary.
THe fourth one was really good. Well written and edge of your seat. I wanted more of this one.
THe ghost of mill house Mansion by Elana Johnson: It was interesting. Good couldn't really get into it, but it was good.
Over all the stories were well written and enjoyable romances with one maybe two that could be called creepy or scary.
THe fourth one was really good. Well written and edge of your seat. I wanted more of this one.
THe ghost of mill house Mansion by Elana Johnson: It was interesting. Good couldn't really get into it, but it was good.
Over all the stories were well written and enjoyable romances with one maybe two that could be called creepy or scary.
September 16, 2015
Rating anthologies is hard because there are always going to be some stories you like much better than others. There are six novellas in this collection. The first one, OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS by Sarah M. Eden, was delightful. It was clever, funny, and I loved the characters. 4 1/2 stars.
The last one, THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, by Elana Johnson was also great. I really liked the characters, especially Naomi. 4 stars.
The other four stories were okay, but just not my cup of tea. (Nothing against those authors--I've loved things I've read by them in the past--just my personal taste.) Since I think the price of the anthology is well worth the two stories that I loved, I'm going to rate it based on those two.
The last one, THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, by Elana Johnson was also great. I really liked the characters, especially Naomi. 4 stars.
The other four stories were okay, but just not my cup of tea. (Nothing against those authors--I've loved things I've read by them in the past--just my personal taste.) Since I think the price of the anthology is well worth the two stories that I loved, I'm going to rate it based on those two.
October 9, 2019
This was a fun read for October. A collection of 6 short stories for the season, with three being historical and three being contemporary. They were all clean and I don't recall anything offensive in them.
Ghosts and Gardens: Ghost story set in 1805. 4 stars.
It's You: Ghost story set in 1924. 4 stars.
Sophia's Curse: Two families trying to overcome a curse, set in 1838. 4.5 stars.
The Siren's Curse: Siren's stealing memories in a contemporary setting. This was my favorite of the bunch. Made me think about the value of our memories, both good and painful. 5 stars.
The Man of Her Dreams: A murder mystery type story set in modern times. 3 stars.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion: Ghost story set in a contemporary setting. 3.5 stars.
Ghosts and Gardens: Ghost story set in 1805. 4 stars.
It's You: Ghost story set in 1924. 4 stars.
Sophia's Curse: Two families trying to overcome a curse, set in 1838. 4.5 stars.
The Siren's Curse: Siren's stealing memories in a contemporary setting. This was my favorite of the bunch. Made me think about the value of our memories, both good and painful. 5 stars.
The Man of Her Dreams: A murder mystery type story set in modern times. 3 stars.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion: Ghost story set in a contemporary setting. 3.5 stars.
July 14, 2017
I read this one for Sarah M Eden's story which was lovely. I also enjoyed the other two that were mostly historical romance by Annette Lyon and Heather B Moore. What I don't get is why the last three where contemporary? It was confusing and not very cohesive, even if they were all about Hallows' Eve. I also wished the stories were longer. I would've been content with those three first stories being the only ones. The romance was too fast and the endings too abrupt. Even though I'm a fan of short stories I like them to at least have 100 pages.
October 9, 2024
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M. Eden
Enid Pryce took pride in the fact that she was undeniably Welsh; she lived in Brecknockshire, Wales with her little family. Her home not only came with a beautifully garden, but a ghost who took great care in making sure to let would be thieves know, “You must not take what is not yours.” Dafydd Gam, the family ghost had known to wander the garden, making sure no one would take the flowers. After being away from home, Enid want to verify that she was indeed home and the best way to do that was to make sure that her ghost was still there, she set out to steal from the garden. Instead of getting herself a visit from a ghost, she met Burke Kennard. Burke, a scholar was researching the 15th-century Welsh Revolt, and who better to ask than the man who lived during that time, Dafydd Gam. Burke and Enid set out to try to lure the ghost to visit them to learn about the revolt, but instead they learned that not everyone is who they say they are, and the same can be said about a certain ghost. As the mystery revolving around Dafydd grows, so do the feelings between Enid and Burke.
Sarah created a lighthearted story with two characters that knew what they wanted out of life; however, being so determined to stick with their present course, they needed the help of a friendly neighborhood ghost to help them take a much-needed detour to a path of love. This was a very cute story that I found entertaining. Sarah does a great job on creating characters and plots in a very short time. The dialogue between Enid and Burke was complete with humor and quick wit. I really enjoy when I story has you smiling or laughing aloud. I have always enjoyed books by Sarah M. Eden, and once again, she has come through with a great read.
It's You by Annette Lyon
Orphaned when she was one, Anna Brierley, was taken in and raised by her grandparents in Idaho. Traveling to live with her aunt and uncle after their death, Anna’s welcoming event was a funeral, not exactly her choice of entertainment. However, this funeral was unlike any other that Anna had ever attended, there was a woman that seemed to recognize her, but she was unlike any other woman that she had ever seen or met. The lady in white with one long braid called for attention and it seemed no one else had witnessed her at the cemetery, which isn’t too big of a surprise since she was the spirit of a woman coming to make things right. Wondering if she was delusional, Anna tried to bury the incident, she carried on with life. Not wanting to be a big burden to her aunt or uncle, Anna decided to earn her keep by taking on odd jobs, since the local schools felt like her small town education wasn’t good enough for their likes. Her first odd job consisted of taking on cleaning out a church closet of a departed woman’s items. Through this assignment, Anna was shocked to find a surprising discovery. In order to find the cause for the young woman’s visit, Anna gets to know a local young man, Charlie Beck, who also has been in contact with the woman in white. Between the two of them, they might be able to help the young woman feel at peace.
In a shorter version this story is about an older woman passing on, feeling wrapped up in guilt, and because of this, she is unable to go in peace. She feels like she must make amends to those that she has hurt, unfortunately, she is not able to make things right with the people she hurt, but fate has brought the next generation to her doorstep. I didn’t enjoy this story as much because it seemed too short and I felt disconnected from the characters, and I never felt like it pulled me in. I don’t believe the storyline could have held its own had it been lengthened into a full novel, it just didn’t have the makings of a great story.
Sophia's Curse by Heather B. Moore
Every five years, on All Hallows Eve, a member of the Rousseau household or the Belrose household would die. This curse was shared by these two households, and had been placed upon them by a scorned vindictive woman claiming to have secretly married Belrose Sr., and she stated that she should inherit the land, in response her and her claims had been turned away. Joan’s mother died giving birth on that cursed night. Blinded by pain and anger Monsieur Rudolph Belrose, Joan’s father, had her sent to a nearby abbey to be raised by the nuns. Joan loved to be creative and had an imagination, but most of all she enjoyed sneaking into the grove of trees and watch the magnificent, and good-looking Simon Rousseau. It was just a matter of time before she would be caught. Simon and Joan had no idea how life would change for them in the short period after they met. All Hallows Eve was upon them, and it looked like Joan’s father was to be the next victim. Was it really a curse, or was there something less superstitious and more evil at play?
Sophia’s Curse contained all the elements of a great book: romance, mystery, suspense, and murder. The romance between Simon and Joan was quick yet it was strong and enjoyable. Heather B. Moore was able to tie up all the loose ends in a tidy little bow, and left nothing to question. It kept me on the edge on my seat; I will definitely be looking for more books by her in the future.
The Sirens’ Song by Lisa Mangum
Widower and Dr., Oliver, is on his way to Greece aboard a cruise liner as the lead physician. Still wearing the ring and grieving after the death of his beloved wife, Cate, Oliver is just moving through life as if he is in a daydream. An unfortunate event sends his wedding ring into the churning waters and not long after, he finds himself sharing the same fate. A trio of sirens steals him away, pulling him from the clutches of the dark sea intent on stealing his memories and pain, not aware that behind his memories was love and happiness. Willing to give up his memories for one last chance to see his cherished wife, Oliver relives the most precious times with Cate.
Lisa did a great job of capturing Oliver’s pain as well as his deep love for his wife, Cate. Delving into a character’s pain is not easy, but Lisa puts to paper a beautiful romance between husband and his wife. Even though Cate has passed on, I felt like I was given the opportunity to witness their marriage and see their relationship from the beginning to the end. You cannot help but ache for Oliver and his loss, but you are so happy when he gets to give his final good bye to the woman he loves so much. Lisa Magnum wrote a beautiful love story.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum
Alexandra Steen, homicide detective, has a unique yet troubling gift: she sees murders before they happen. The troubling part, she’s unable to stop them and she’s unable to use this information in, she is left with collecting evidence that leads to the guilty verdict. The story starts out like any other dream for Alex, the killer attacks and slays his victim. Alex is not about to let this happen, not again! With everything she has, she speeds to the spot of the soon to be crime, only to find out that she is too late...or is she. The last victim was spared and Alex is surprised to find that the victim is her ex-boyfriend’s sister. However, the dreams don’t stop. It’s only a matter of time that Alex determines that Nick is the intended target, after encountering him after all these years, she realizes that she still loves him and she’ll do everything in her power to make this dream not come true. Nick and Alex have a lot to forgive and forget if they are to move forward in their lives and keep Nick safe.
This thriller keeps you on your edge of you seat wondering who the killer is and when he will strike. Alex is very head strong, where Nick is laid back and non-confrontational. It’s a challenge to watch these two hit heads and struggle with their differences. Jordan McCollum did a great job creating their characters, bringing them to life. They have the same struggles that a normal couple has and they need to work through this in order to be a couple again. In a short period, Jordan did an amazing job pulling me in, working out the differences, and building a suspenseful plot and wrapping it all up in the end.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson
Naomi was amazing at what she did, she knew her job, and she loved it. She had the amazing talent of not only renovating antiques but she also was known for interior decorating skills. Right now, the biggest dream of hers involved a huge beautiful mansion, not just any mansion, but the Millhouse Mansion. It begged for her touch, and she found herself imagining the hardwood floors, the fixtures, and the mantle over the fireplace. However, the owner didn’t seem to have any desire to step foot in the place, much less bring it back to its former glory. Yet today of all days seemed to be Naomi’s lucky day. The owner, Colt Jennings walked into her office needing a renovation that happened to be located in the mansion. Naomi was living her dream. The mansion is everything that Naomi hopes for, instantly she’s taking notes and envisioning what she could do to fix this place up, but soon, she realizes that her and Colt are not alone. In addition, someone, or something, is trying to get their attention. Colt has his own demons to deal with and the ghosts that seem to hang around the old place aren’t helping his cheerful disposition. Naomi and Colt must figure out the mystery surrounding the spirits lingering around, or someone was going to get hurt.
Elana Johnson did a great job introducing twist and turns in the plot. She even gets an A for the spook factor. I definitely didn’t see the surprise at the end coming; I really enjoyed this Halloween story. Makes me curious what other books Elana has written and what surprises she has in store for them.
Enid Pryce took pride in the fact that she was undeniably Welsh; she lived in Brecknockshire, Wales with her little family. Her home not only came with a beautifully garden, but a ghost who took great care in making sure to let would be thieves know, “You must not take what is not yours.” Dafydd Gam, the family ghost had known to wander the garden, making sure no one would take the flowers. After being away from home, Enid want to verify that she was indeed home and the best way to do that was to make sure that her ghost was still there, she set out to steal from the garden. Instead of getting herself a visit from a ghost, she met Burke Kennard. Burke, a scholar was researching the 15th-century Welsh Revolt, and who better to ask than the man who lived during that time, Dafydd Gam. Burke and Enid set out to try to lure the ghost to visit them to learn about the revolt, but instead they learned that not everyone is who they say they are, and the same can be said about a certain ghost. As the mystery revolving around Dafydd grows, so do the feelings between Enid and Burke.
Sarah created a lighthearted story with two characters that knew what they wanted out of life; however, being so determined to stick with their present course, they needed the help of a friendly neighborhood ghost to help them take a much-needed detour to a path of love. This was a very cute story that I found entertaining. Sarah does a great job on creating characters and plots in a very short time. The dialogue between Enid and Burke was complete with humor and quick wit. I really enjoy when I story has you smiling or laughing aloud. I have always enjoyed books by Sarah M. Eden, and once again, she has come through with a great read.
It's You by Annette Lyon
Orphaned when she was one, Anna Brierley, was taken in and raised by her grandparents in Idaho. Traveling to live with her aunt and uncle after their death, Anna’s welcoming event was a funeral, not exactly her choice of entertainment. However, this funeral was unlike any other that Anna had ever attended, there was a woman that seemed to recognize her, but she was unlike any other woman that she had ever seen or met. The lady in white with one long braid called for attention and it seemed no one else had witnessed her at the cemetery, which isn’t too big of a surprise since she was the spirit of a woman coming to make things right. Wondering if she was delusional, Anna tried to bury the incident, she carried on with life. Not wanting to be a big burden to her aunt or uncle, Anna decided to earn her keep by taking on odd jobs, since the local schools felt like her small town education wasn’t good enough for their likes. Her first odd job consisted of taking on cleaning out a church closet of a departed woman’s items. Through this assignment, Anna was shocked to find a surprising discovery. In order to find the cause for the young woman’s visit, Anna gets to know a local young man, Charlie Beck, who also has been in contact with the woman in white. Between the two of them, they might be able to help the young woman feel at peace.
In a shorter version this story is about an older woman passing on, feeling wrapped up in guilt, and because of this, she is unable to go in peace. She feels like she must make amends to those that she has hurt, unfortunately, she is not able to make things right with the people she hurt, but fate has brought the next generation to her doorstep. I didn’t enjoy this story as much because it seemed too short and I felt disconnected from the characters, and I never felt like it pulled me in. I don’t believe the storyline could have held its own had it been lengthened into a full novel, it just didn’t have the makings of a great story.
Sophia's Curse by Heather B. Moore
Every five years, on All Hallows Eve, a member of the Rousseau household or the Belrose household would die. This curse was shared by these two households, and had been placed upon them by a scorned vindictive woman claiming to have secretly married Belrose Sr., and she stated that she should inherit the land, in response her and her claims had been turned away. Joan’s mother died giving birth on that cursed night. Blinded by pain and anger Monsieur Rudolph Belrose, Joan’s father, had her sent to a nearby abbey to be raised by the nuns. Joan loved to be creative and had an imagination, but most of all she enjoyed sneaking into the grove of trees and watch the magnificent, and good-looking Simon Rousseau. It was just a matter of time before she would be caught. Simon and Joan had no idea how life would change for them in the short period after they met. All Hallows Eve was upon them, and it looked like Joan’s father was to be the next victim. Was it really a curse, or was there something less superstitious and more evil at play?
Sophia’s Curse contained all the elements of a great book: romance, mystery, suspense, and murder. The romance between Simon and Joan was quick yet it was strong and enjoyable. Heather B. Moore was able to tie up all the loose ends in a tidy little bow, and left nothing to question. It kept me on the edge on my seat; I will definitely be looking for more books by her in the future.
The Sirens’ Song by Lisa Mangum
Widower and Dr., Oliver, is on his way to Greece aboard a cruise liner as the lead physician. Still wearing the ring and grieving after the death of his beloved wife, Cate, Oliver is just moving through life as if he is in a daydream. An unfortunate event sends his wedding ring into the churning waters and not long after, he finds himself sharing the same fate. A trio of sirens steals him away, pulling him from the clutches of the dark sea intent on stealing his memories and pain, not aware that behind his memories was love and happiness. Willing to give up his memories for one last chance to see his cherished wife, Oliver relives the most precious times with Cate.
Lisa did a great job of capturing Oliver’s pain as well as his deep love for his wife, Cate. Delving into a character’s pain is not easy, but Lisa puts to paper a beautiful romance between husband and his wife. Even though Cate has passed on, I felt like I was given the opportunity to witness their marriage and see their relationship from the beginning to the end. You cannot help but ache for Oliver and his loss, but you are so happy when he gets to give his final good bye to the woman he loves so much. Lisa Magnum wrote a beautiful love story.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum
Alexandra Steen, homicide detective, has a unique yet troubling gift: she sees murders before they happen. The troubling part, she’s unable to stop them and she’s unable to use this information in, she is left with collecting evidence that leads to the guilty verdict. The story starts out like any other dream for Alex, the killer attacks and slays his victim. Alex is not about to let this happen, not again! With everything she has, she speeds to the spot of the soon to be crime, only to find out that she is too late...or is she. The last victim was spared and Alex is surprised to find that the victim is her ex-boyfriend’s sister. However, the dreams don’t stop. It’s only a matter of time that Alex determines that Nick is the intended target, after encountering him after all these years, she realizes that she still loves him and she’ll do everything in her power to make this dream not come true. Nick and Alex have a lot to forgive and forget if they are to move forward in their lives and keep Nick safe.
This thriller keeps you on your edge of you seat wondering who the killer is and when he will strike. Alex is very head strong, where Nick is laid back and non-confrontational. It’s a challenge to watch these two hit heads and struggle with their differences. Jordan McCollum did a great job creating their characters, bringing them to life. They have the same struggles that a normal couple has and they need to work through this in order to be a couple again. In a short period, Jordan did an amazing job pulling me in, working out the differences, and building a suspenseful plot and wrapping it all up in the end.
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson
Naomi was amazing at what she did, she knew her job, and she loved it. She had the amazing talent of not only renovating antiques but she also was known for interior decorating skills. Right now, the biggest dream of hers involved a huge beautiful mansion, not just any mansion, but the Millhouse Mansion. It begged for her touch, and she found herself imagining the hardwood floors, the fixtures, and the mantle over the fireplace. However, the owner didn’t seem to have any desire to step foot in the place, much less bring it back to its former glory. Yet today of all days seemed to be Naomi’s lucky day. The owner, Colt Jennings walked into her office needing a renovation that happened to be located in the mansion. Naomi was living her dream. The mansion is everything that Naomi hopes for, instantly she’s taking notes and envisioning what she could do to fix this place up, but soon, she realizes that her and Colt are not alone. In addition, someone, or something, is trying to get their attention. Colt has his own demons to deal with and the ghosts that seem to hang around the old place aren’t helping his cheerful disposition. Naomi and Colt must figure out the mystery surrounding the spirits lingering around, or someone was going to get hurt.
Elana Johnson did a great job introducing twist and turns in the plot. She even gets an A for the spook factor. I definitely didn’t see the surprise at the end coming; I really enjoyed this Halloween story. Makes me curious what other books Elana has written and what surprises she has in store for them.
October 31, 2025
Of Ghosts and Gardens, Sarah M. Eden
Cute story. I didn’t predict the ending so that is something. It was a sweet morale: let people know they have your heart, for then they will know they can claim it.
Enid has just returned from an unsuccessful season in Bath. She loves her home and Wales and the garden that is haunted by a ghost. As she is in the garden, a gentleman approaches her. Burke is the younger son of a Marquess. He has turned into a scholar, teaching at Cambridge. One of his fields of study is Wales. He is tracking down folklore and stories within the region. Enid tells him of the ghost in the garden. Burke is invited by her family to stay to catch a glimpse of the ghost. It’s rainy and so he ends up staying multiple days. Enid and Burke have a natural chemistry and like each other. The ghost finally appears to Enid, who asked him to stay away for a couple days so she has more time with Burke. A crowd has gathered to watch a gentleman hang out in a garden. Enid realizes that the villagers could give Burke lots of stories that he might be interested in. They begin telling him stories, including the story of a lady, a knight, and a squire. The lady loves the squire, but ends up having to marry the knight. He graciously listens to their stories and enjoys himself. Soon the ghost appears to Burke, who also asks him to stay away for a day or two so that he has more time with Enid. The ghost only says one sentence over and over again, “You must not take what is not yours.” While interacting with the ghost Burke notices things that makes him believe that the ghost has been misidentified as a well known soldier. He wonders with Enid’s family, whether the ghost is trapped here because they need to call him by his name. Burke knows of sources at his university that might be able to help, and he feels he has delayed too long. Neither Burke nor Enid feel they can confess their growing affection. Enid is so sad at the departure that she does not meet him to say goodbye instead escaping to the garden. The ghost appears to Enid and repeats his sentence. It dawns on Enid that perhaps the problem is that Burke does not know that Enid‘s heart is already his. With the ghost’s help by way of a rainstorm and encouragement, she runs after Burke. Burke had to stop at the blacksmith’s given the rainstorm that hit out of nowhere. He discusses the dilemma of the ghost with the blacksmith who identifies that the biggest thing someone might regret is losing the heart of the one they loved. Enid arrives and confesses her love for Burke. He is so happy and they decide to court. The ghost’s help of Enid triggers their memory that perhaps the ghost is the squire who lost the lady to the knight. They returned to the garden and say they know he has the squire and that he loved the lady. The clouds part and a woman with long dark hair greets the ghost. The ghost finally finds peace.
It’s you, Annette Lyons
Pretty boring. There was some buildup, but everything was slow and really anti-climatic. The female character was also incredibly good at deducing things that felt unrealistic.
Anna has just moved to American Fork, Utah. Her parents both died in her infancy, and she was raised by grandparents. They also recently passed, and so she moved to Utah to live with a maternal aunt. She arrived just in time for a funeral where at the burial site she saw a woman with a red braid, wearing all white. Once she was leaving the site she saw the person was floating in the air. The ghost said “it’s you” and had a happy demeanor. Anna didn’t know what to think so she went about her day trying to find a job at the local school. On her way home, she ran into her uncle who suggested that she go help at the local church. There was a spinster who had died a year previously. She had lived with multiple families in the last years of her life and many of her belongings were kept at the church for convenience. The ward was now wanting that space back. Anna went to the church and started going through her things and found a picture with three people in it: a man, the woman/ghost she saw at the funeral, and her own mother. Charlie was walking home from the apple orchards when he saw a bright light in the church building. As he stared at it, a woman in white with red hair smiled at him and told him “it’s you“. He went in the church building to investigate and saw Anna who promptly saw him and fainted. She quickly roused, and while, she was recovering he began cleaning up the papers that were around her. On top, he saw the same photograph, which had a woman he did not recognize, his father, and another woman. Anna explained that one of the women was the spinster, and the other was her mother. They felt comfortable in each other‘s company and started to feel chemistry. They agreed to meet the next day. He walked Anna home, and when she explained to her aunt where she had been her aunt discouraged her from being with Charlie anymore because his father had crushed her mother‘s heart. The Aunt explained the father accused her mother of being unfaithful to him with another man. When her mother tried to understand where this was coming from, he refused to tell her the source. Anna had seen notebooks in the closet in her room and started going through them. She found one which had the last journal entries from the spinster. In her dying hours she was worried about ruining the lives of her friends. Anna successfully deduced that the spinster must have been the person that told Charlie’s father, the lie about her mother. Her mother went to Idaho to recover from the heartbreak and quickly married her father. It sounds like the spinster liked Charly‘s father and was trying to get what she wanted, although she spent the rest of her life with remorse. Anna explained what she found to Charlie the next day at a picnic near the spinster’s gravesite. Charlie kissed her saying they should see if their relationship would right past wrongs.
Sophia’s Curse, Heather B. Moore
Not a fan. It was very childlike, corny, and simplistic. Kind of love at first sight and they very easily got along without any adversity.
Joan’s father sent her to an Abbey on the day of her birth. When Joan’s grandfather was dying a woman named Sophia came forward saying they were married and deserved to inherit. The grandfather said nope, and her family didn’t believe here. She created a curse that every five years on Halloween someone from her family or his family or someone close to them, like a servant, would die. Joan was born on Halloween and her mother died. Joan‘s father was so grief stricken that he sent her away. Joan grew into a beautiful woman and would watch Simon, the man from the local estate, when he rode his horse nearby. One day Simon approached her and introduced himself. He mentioned a curse. She went back to the nuns to ask about it. They silenced her. A man claiming to be the servant of a local land owner appeared, asking Joan to come with him. He insisted that his master needed a word. When she arrived, she found out she was talking to her father. He told her she needed to marry Simon right away to break the curse. She went with him to Simon. Her father told Simon he needed to marry Joan to break the curse. Turns out Simon had noticed her watching him and was attracted to her. He agreed. They got married. The next morning he’s in love with her. After he leaves her room, he hears a scream and runs down to his new wife who is injured on the floor. When she comes to, she says a man hit her. Simon and Joan wonder if there was no curse, and the curse was just a cover for a murderer. Simon retrieves her father and Joan doesn’t want to be alone so she goes to him. As they’re talking, it’s revealed that the stable master is missing. This is a trusted servant to Simon so he assumes the stable master must have been taken. But the stable master appears in the doorway and immediately confesses everything to a room full of people. He has a gun and Joan’s father quickly deduces that the stable master is Sophia‘s son, his half brother. He was trying to kill all the heirs so that he could inherit. Joan’s father angrily told him he was illegitimate and therefore would never inherit. Joan tries to appeal to his better angel and encourages him to be a good man (despite all the people he’s already killed). Initially, it looks like he’s going to, but then he jumps at her with the gun and her father jumps in front of the bullet. The stable master is taken away. Jones‘s father recovers. Simon and Joan are really into each other and are excited they are married.
The Siren’s Song, Lisa Magnum
It was okay. I liked the message of hope, and that there wasn’t some forced romance while he was clearly still hurting from his wife’s death.
Oliver is the doctor on a cruise ship. His wife died of a blood clot to her heart after complaining of pain in her leg which he shrug of as something related to her running training. He accidentally drops his wedding ring into the sea. He thinks he has lost it forever. He is going with some passengers to an excursion and jumps in the ocean after a little girl falls in. Then a siren drags him down, coming out on some type of island. There are two other sirens there and each take turns stealing a memory from him. The first is when he first met his wife Kate. They are five years old and it is Halloween. He tells his mom that day that he’s going to marry her. The second memory is their first date at a Halloween dance. They get soaked and end up in the girls locker room getting some of her dry clothes. They have a moment and tell each other they love each other. Then they share an intense first kiss. Oliver realizes at this point that his memories are being stolen and scrambles away from the sirens. Something about that second memory injured the other two sirens. He agrees to give his best memory to the third siren if she brings back Kate from the dead. The siren agrees, but only until the sun rises. The siren had revealed that when the ring hit the water it gave a song that drew the siren to him. She then used that ring to bring Kate back from the dead. Kate comes and assures him it’s not his fault that she died. Then she joins the circle with the siren, and as the siren steals his memory, she gives him hers. She also restores his other two memories with her own. She makes him promise that he won’t try to live on their memories, and that he’ll make new ones that when he joins her in the afterlife, he will tell her about them. He is return to an island where the rescue ship finds him.
The Man of Her Dreams, Jordan McCollum
It was decently engaging. I felt like it should have been a longer story as the resolution was so quick. Nick doesn’t seem to have a survival instinct as he let the killer just creep up on him trusting that Alex has it, he also doesn’t look in his rear view mirror to make sure she was blocked by the train and made it through the light.
Alex is a homicide detective who has dreams where she sees murders through the eyes of the killer. One morning she sees a person walking with a jacket on and knows the killer is approaching. However, this time the dream ends before the killing. Alex rushes to the scene, thinking she might be able to save the victim. When she arrives, she learns the victim is alive with a head injury and the victim is the sister of her ex-boyfriend. Nick is on scene with law-enforcement. Alex remembers Nick being the person to terminate their relationship. It is awkward, but Alex knows something is wrong. Her dreams always show the person murdered. She dreams again that night, but this time the dream lasts longer and she can see that the sister was driving Nick’s car right before the assault, and the killer turns her around before he assaulted her and flees. This implies to Alex that Nick was the intended target not his sister. She asked him if he has any enemies. Nick resorts back to his impressions of Alex that she’s pushy. The conversation does not go well. That night Alex begins dreaming of Nick being murdered. However, each day she goes to check Nick is OK. Eventually, Nick catches on that something is weird as she keeps coming to his apartment in the morning. She confesses her dreams to him and Nick takes it seriously. He mentions that a former employee who was terminated showed up to their office a week prior and made a scene. Alex helps investigate and they learn this employee also had relationship issues. She knows from the dreams where the killer is hiding, so she begins to stake out that location. One day, she brings a bag and material she sees in the dream to try and create the situation in the dream. Lo and behold, the ex employee shows up. However, she isn’t able to follow Nick in her car as planned because a train blocks her. As a result, she has to run all over and barely catches up to the killer and Nick in time before he is able to stab Nick. Nick and Alex realize they miscommunicated in their relationship and want to try again.
The Ghost of Milhouse Mansion, Elana Johnson
It was OK. However, the paranormal stuff wasn’t exactly explained. For instance, why was Colt haunting that house (to know reason Father was an alcoholic), and how was he allowed to do it while still alive? How in the world was he tangible and able to kiss Naomi, when his body was lying in the hospital? Why did the ghosts want peppermint? Why did she move in so fast with a man she only knows as a ghost?
Naomi is an interior designer/antique refurbisher. Colt is a wilderness guide. He lives in a beautiful mansion, that needs serious renovation. There is a rumor that a woman who used that mansion as a hospital during the smallpox plague in that area haunts the mansion. Colt has a chip on his shoulder mostly surrounding his father who was an alcoholic. Colt shows that to Naomi‘s office to take her to the mansion so that she can restore a rocking horse for Colt’s Aunt. He is attracted to Naomi however, he has been burned by women who dress like her. Naomi sees a male ghost, and tells Colt who also saw ghosts. He thought he was the only one. They try to figure out what the ghosts want. The male ghost points out a letter to Colt which is a letter from his father saying he saw ghosts took and drank as a result. He is asking forgiveness. The woman ghost wants peppermint who attacks Naomi to force Colt to find it. The man disappears after Colt finds the peppermint too. Naomi is so injured she will bleed out, Colt takes her to the hospital. She wakes up vaguely remembering their time in the mansion. Colt is in a wheel chair waiting for her to wake up. He crashed on his motorcycle. He knows he wants Naomi. He promises she can renovate the mansion. He then promises she can live there with him.
Cute story. I didn’t predict the ending so that is something. It was a sweet morale: let people know they have your heart, for then they will know they can claim it.
Enid has just returned from an unsuccessful season in Bath. She loves her home and Wales and the garden that is haunted by a ghost. As she is in the garden, a gentleman approaches her. Burke is the younger son of a Marquess. He has turned into a scholar, teaching at Cambridge. One of his fields of study is Wales. He is tracking down folklore and stories within the region. Enid tells him of the ghost in the garden. Burke is invited by her family to stay to catch a glimpse of the ghost. It’s rainy and so he ends up staying multiple days. Enid and Burke have a natural chemistry and like each other. The ghost finally appears to Enid, who asked him to stay away for a couple days so she has more time with Burke. A crowd has gathered to watch a gentleman hang out in a garden. Enid realizes that the villagers could give Burke lots of stories that he might be interested in. They begin telling him stories, including the story of a lady, a knight, and a squire. The lady loves the squire, but ends up having to marry the knight. He graciously listens to their stories and enjoys himself. Soon the ghost appears to Burke, who also asks him to stay away for a day or two so that he has more time with Enid. The ghost only says one sentence over and over again, “You must not take what is not yours.” While interacting with the ghost Burke notices things that makes him believe that the ghost has been misidentified as a well known soldier. He wonders with Enid’s family, whether the ghost is trapped here because they need to call him by his name. Burke knows of sources at his university that might be able to help, and he feels he has delayed too long. Neither Burke nor Enid feel they can confess their growing affection. Enid is so sad at the departure that she does not meet him to say goodbye instead escaping to the garden. The ghost appears to Enid and repeats his sentence. It dawns on Enid that perhaps the problem is that Burke does not know that Enid‘s heart is already his. With the ghost’s help by way of a rainstorm and encouragement, she runs after Burke. Burke had to stop at the blacksmith’s given the rainstorm that hit out of nowhere. He discusses the dilemma of the ghost with the blacksmith who identifies that the biggest thing someone might regret is losing the heart of the one they loved. Enid arrives and confesses her love for Burke. He is so happy and they decide to court. The ghost’s help of Enid triggers their memory that perhaps the ghost is the squire who lost the lady to the knight. They returned to the garden and say they know he has the squire and that he loved the lady. The clouds part and a woman with long dark hair greets the ghost. The ghost finally finds peace.
It’s you, Annette Lyons
Pretty boring. There was some buildup, but everything was slow and really anti-climatic. The female character was also incredibly good at deducing things that felt unrealistic.
Anna has just moved to American Fork, Utah. Her parents both died in her infancy, and she was raised by grandparents. They also recently passed, and so she moved to Utah to live with a maternal aunt. She arrived just in time for a funeral where at the burial site she saw a woman with a red braid, wearing all white. Once she was leaving the site she saw the person was floating in the air. The ghost said “it’s you” and had a happy demeanor. Anna didn’t know what to think so she went about her day trying to find a job at the local school. On her way home, she ran into her uncle who suggested that she go help at the local church. There was a spinster who had died a year previously. She had lived with multiple families in the last years of her life and many of her belongings were kept at the church for convenience. The ward was now wanting that space back. Anna went to the church and started going through her things and found a picture with three people in it: a man, the woman/ghost she saw at the funeral, and her own mother. Charlie was walking home from the apple orchards when he saw a bright light in the church building. As he stared at it, a woman in white with red hair smiled at him and told him “it’s you“. He went in the church building to investigate and saw Anna who promptly saw him and fainted. She quickly roused, and while, she was recovering he began cleaning up the papers that were around her. On top, he saw the same photograph, which had a woman he did not recognize, his father, and another woman. Anna explained that one of the women was the spinster, and the other was her mother. They felt comfortable in each other‘s company and started to feel chemistry. They agreed to meet the next day. He walked Anna home, and when she explained to her aunt where she had been her aunt discouraged her from being with Charlie anymore because his father had crushed her mother‘s heart. The Aunt explained the father accused her mother of being unfaithful to him with another man. When her mother tried to understand where this was coming from, he refused to tell her the source. Anna had seen notebooks in the closet in her room and started going through them. She found one which had the last journal entries from the spinster. In her dying hours she was worried about ruining the lives of her friends. Anna successfully deduced that the spinster must have been the person that told Charlie’s father, the lie about her mother. Her mother went to Idaho to recover from the heartbreak and quickly married her father. It sounds like the spinster liked Charly‘s father and was trying to get what she wanted, although she spent the rest of her life with remorse. Anna explained what she found to Charlie the next day at a picnic near the spinster’s gravesite. Charlie kissed her saying they should see if their relationship would right past wrongs.
Sophia’s Curse, Heather B. Moore
Not a fan. It was very childlike, corny, and simplistic. Kind of love at first sight and they very easily got along without any adversity.
Joan’s father sent her to an Abbey on the day of her birth. When Joan’s grandfather was dying a woman named Sophia came forward saying they were married and deserved to inherit. The grandfather said nope, and her family didn’t believe here. She created a curse that every five years on Halloween someone from her family or his family or someone close to them, like a servant, would die. Joan was born on Halloween and her mother died. Joan‘s father was so grief stricken that he sent her away. Joan grew into a beautiful woman and would watch Simon, the man from the local estate, when he rode his horse nearby. One day Simon approached her and introduced himself. He mentioned a curse. She went back to the nuns to ask about it. They silenced her. A man claiming to be the servant of a local land owner appeared, asking Joan to come with him. He insisted that his master needed a word. When she arrived, she found out she was talking to her father. He told her she needed to marry Simon right away to break the curse. She went with him to Simon. Her father told Simon he needed to marry Joan to break the curse. Turns out Simon had noticed her watching him and was attracted to her. He agreed. They got married. The next morning he’s in love with her. After he leaves her room, he hears a scream and runs down to his new wife who is injured on the floor. When she comes to, she says a man hit her. Simon and Joan wonder if there was no curse, and the curse was just a cover for a murderer. Simon retrieves her father and Joan doesn’t want to be alone so she goes to him. As they’re talking, it’s revealed that the stable master is missing. This is a trusted servant to Simon so he assumes the stable master must have been taken. But the stable master appears in the doorway and immediately confesses everything to a room full of people. He has a gun and Joan’s father quickly deduces that the stable master is Sophia‘s son, his half brother. He was trying to kill all the heirs so that he could inherit. Joan’s father angrily told him he was illegitimate and therefore would never inherit. Joan tries to appeal to his better angel and encourages him to be a good man (despite all the people he’s already killed). Initially, it looks like he’s going to, but then he jumps at her with the gun and her father jumps in front of the bullet. The stable master is taken away. Jones‘s father recovers. Simon and Joan are really into each other and are excited they are married.
The Siren’s Song, Lisa Magnum
It was okay. I liked the message of hope, and that there wasn’t some forced romance while he was clearly still hurting from his wife’s death.
Oliver is the doctor on a cruise ship. His wife died of a blood clot to her heart after complaining of pain in her leg which he shrug of as something related to her running training. He accidentally drops his wedding ring into the sea. He thinks he has lost it forever. He is going with some passengers to an excursion and jumps in the ocean after a little girl falls in. Then a siren drags him down, coming out on some type of island. There are two other sirens there and each take turns stealing a memory from him. The first is when he first met his wife Kate. They are five years old and it is Halloween. He tells his mom that day that he’s going to marry her. The second memory is their first date at a Halloween dance. They get soaked and end up in the girls locker room getting some of her dry clothes. They have a moment and tell each other they love each other. Then they share an intense first kiss. Oliver realizes at this point that his memories are being stolen and scrambles away from the sirens. Something about that second memory injured the other two sirens. He agrees to give his best memory to the third siren if she brings back Kate from the dead. The siren agrees, but only until the sun rises. The siren had revealed that when the ring hit the water it gave a song that drew the siren to him. She then used that ring to bring Kate back from the dead. Kate comes and assures him it’s not his fault that she died. Then she joins the circle with the siren, and as the siren steals his memory, she gives him hers. She also restores his other two memories with her own. She makes him promise that he won’t try to live on their memories, and that he’ll make new ones that when he joins her in the afterlife, he will tell her about them. He is return to an island where the rescue ship finds him.
The Man of Her Dreams, Jordan McCollum
It was decently engaging. I felt like it should have been a longer story as the resolution was so quick. Nick doesn’t seem to have a survival instinct as he let the killer just creep up on him trusting that Alex has it, he also doesn’t look in his rear view mirror to make sure she was blocked by the train and made it through the light.
Alex is a homicide detective who has dreams where she sees murders through the eyes of the killer. One morning she sees a person walking with a jacket on and knows the killer is approaching. However, this time the dream ends before the killing. Alex rushes to the scene, thinking she might be able to save the victim. When she arrives, she learns the victim is alive with a head injury and the victim is the sister of her ex-boyfriend. Nick is on scene with law-enforcement. Alex remembers Nick being the person to terminate their relationship. It is awkward, but Alex knows something is wrong. Her dreams always show the person murdered. She dreams again that night, but this time the dream lasts longer and she can see that the sister was driving Nick’s car right before the assault, and the killer turns her around before he assaulted her and flees. This implies to Alex that Nick was the intended target not his sister. She asked him if he has any enemies. Nick resorts back to his impressions of Alex that she’s pushy. The conversation does not go well. That night Alex begins dreaming of Nick being murdered. However, each day she goes to check Nick is OK. Eventually, Nick catches on that something is weird as she keeps coming to his apartment in the morning. She confesses her dreams to him and Nick takes it seriously. He mentions that a former employee who was terminated showed up to their office a week prior and made a scene. Alex helps investigate and they learn this employee also had relationship issues. She knows from the dreams where the killer is hiding, so she begins to stake out that location. One day, she brings a bag and material she sees in the dream to try and create the situation in the dream. Lo and behold, the ex employee shows up. However, she isn’t able to follow Nick in her car as planned because a train blocks her. As a result, she has to run all over and barely catches up to the killer and Nick in time before he is able to stab Nick. Nick and Alex realize they miscommunicated in their relationship and want to try again.
The Ghost of Milhouse Mansion, Elana Johnson
It was OK. However, the paranormal stuff wasn’t exactly explained. For instance, why was Colt haunting that house (to know reason Father was an alcoholic), and how was he allowed to do it while still alive? How in the world was he tangible and able to kiss Naomi, when his body was lying in the hospital? Why did the ghosts want peppermint? Why did she move in so fast with a man she only knows as a ghost?
Naomi is an interior designer/antique refurbisher. Colt is a wilderness guide. He lives in a beautiful mansion, that needs serious renovation. There is a rumor that a woman who used that mansion as a hospital during the smallpox plague in that area haunts the mansion. Colt has a chip on his shoulder mostly surrounding his father who was an alcoholic. Colt shows that to Naomi‘s office to take her to the mansion so that she can restore a rocking horse for Colt’s Aunt. He is attracted to Naomi however, he has been burned by women who dress like her. Naomi sees a male ghost, and tells Colt who also saw ghosts. He thought he was the only one. They try to figure out what the ghosts want. The male ghost points out a letter to Colt which is a letter from his father saying he saw ghosts took and drank as a result. He is asking forgiveness. The woman ghost wants peppermint who attacks Naomi to force Colt to find it. The man disappears after Colt finds the peppermint too. Naomi is so injured she will bleed out, Colt takes her to the hospital. She wakes up vaguely remembering their time in the mansion. Colt is in a wheel chair waiting for her to wake up. He crashed on his motorcycle. He knows he wants Naomi. He promises she can renovate the mansion. He then promises she can live there with him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2015
I was a little hesitant about reading this book considering I don't like or celebrate Halloween but I decided to give it a try. It's definitely not one of my favorites for this line of books but a couple of the stories were fun.
Sarah M. Eden's novella, OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, was a fun quirky story about a young Welsh lady who talks to a ghost in her garden, which doesn't make her too popular among society's elite. Therefore she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. As the two work together to solve the mystery of the ghost they find themselves falling in love. I enjoyed both of these two characters and their story.
In Annette Lyon's story, IT'S YOU, Anna and Charlie both see the ghost of Nanny Mae and think they are losing their minds. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future. A charming story about two people falling in love while setting to right the wrongs of the past.
In SOPHIA'S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B Moore, Joan has grown up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate alters everything she's thought about her parents. She discovers she's an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau's life, are both in danger. An intriguing mystery with a lovely romance.
Lis Mangum's story, THE SIRENS' SONG, is about a recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He falls overboard and is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. I didn't finish this one which is saying something considering these are really short novellas. I didn't like this one at all. I was hoping it was a sweet story about a mystical creature who captures Oliver and then falls in love with him but it wasn't.
In Jordan McCollum's thrilling novella, THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs and in a place she knows! She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she'd never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven't changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death. I enjoyed this novella but was a little frustrated that it didn't really ever say why she was having these dreams. I guess the length of a novella wasn't long enough to explore when and why the dreams started happening. But I did enjoy the suspense and the reuniting of Alex and Nick.
In Elana Johnson’s riveting story, THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years. I enjoyed the flow of this story and the budding romance although there was a twist that I didn't see coming.
All in all, an enjoyable book of novellas that is a quick read with some sweet romance, thrills, and chills. Oh my! :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
Sarah M. Eden's novella, OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, was a fun quirky story about a young Welsh lady who talks to a ghost in her garden, which doesn't make her too popular among society's elite. Therefore she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. As the two work together to solve the mystery of the ghost they find themselves falling in love. I enjoyed both of these two characters and their story.
In Annette Lyon's story, IT'S YOU, Anna and Charlie both see the ghost of Nanny Mae and think they are losing their minds. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future. A charming story about two people falling in love while setting to right the wrongs of the past.
In SOPHIA'S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B Moore, Joan has grown up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate alters everything she's thought about her parents. She discovers she's an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau's life, are both in danger. An intriguing mystery with a lovely romance.
Lis Mangum's story, THE SIRENS' SONG, is about a recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He falls overboard and is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. I didn't finish this one which is saying something considering these are really short novellas. I didn't like this one at all. I was hoping it was a sweet story about a mystical creature who captures Oliver and then falls in love with him but it wasn't.
In Jordan McCollum's thrilling novella, THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs and in a place she knows! She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she'd never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven't changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death. I enjoyed this novella but was a little frustrated that it didn't really ever say why she was having these dreams. I guess the length of a novella wasn't long enough to explore when and why the dreams started happening. But I did enjoy the suspense and the reuniting of Alex and Nick.
In Elana Johnson’s riveting story, THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years. I enjoyed the flow of this story and the budding romance although there was a twist that I didn't see coming.
All in all, an enjoyable book of novellas that is a quick read with some sweet romance, thrills, and chills. Oh my! :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
August 26, 2015
I really puzzled over my review for this book. I've come to really enjoy anthologies but this one I struggled with. I love the good clean romance and enjoyed the suspense. But come to find out, I'm really not a very big fan of ghosts, and paranormal activity. Initially I thought that I really disliked these stories however, it wasn't that at all. They were too short (thus anthologies, I know) and they ended far too soon, sometimes abruptly. Which really translates to the stories are awesome but I didn't want to leave the characters, because I had fallen in love with them and their stories. I love all the authors and have read many satisfying novels by all of them. To mention a few, Sara Eden, wrote "Of Ghosts and Gardens". Such a sweet story that weaves in the existence of Welsh mythology. I would like to see other myths of the time period explored as well. Please, Heather Moore, make Sophia's Curse a full length novel. Loved the sweet story and the surprising twist and turns near the end. I liked Lisa Mangum's treatment of sirens and the beautiful way memories are retained. So sweet but short and in the beginning the male characters was so angry he was hard to like. Really loved the twists in Elana Johnson's "The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion". I worried so much as the end that the happy ending would be impossible. It was delightful. So if you like ghosts and paranormal activity you would probably give this book 5 stars instead of 4. Happy reading.
October 6, 2018
WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Six stories, three historical novellas and three contemporary novellas, all with romance, thrills, and chills.
MY TAKE
In Sarah M. Eden’s OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, I loved how Enid and Burke fell in love while researching the ghost.
In Annette Lyon’s IT’S YOU, Charlie and Anna both are drawn together when they both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, but they have to solve a mystery together too and fall in love in the process.
In Heather B. Moore's SOPHIA’S CURSE, Joan is cast aside by her father after the death of her mother, but it's part of a family curse. But she's brought back, along with Simon Rousseau, to end it.
In Lisa Mangum’s THE SIRENS’ SONG, I wasn't sure if I was going to like what happened to recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner. But the ending is sweet and shows that love really is eternal.
In Jordan McCollum’s THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen. She's pulled back to an old boyfriend when she starts dreaming of his death.
Elana Johnson’s THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION has the feel of Heaven Can Wait. I really enjoyed Naomi and Colt.
***spoiler alert***
I did wonder in the last story why the family chose to stay in that house if the parents were so afraid of the ghost.
Six stories, three historical novellas and three contemporary novellas, all with romance, thrills, and chills.
MY TAKE
In Sarah M. Eden’s OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, I loved how Enid and Burke fell in love while researching the ghost.
In Annette Lyon’s IT’S YOU, Charlie and Anna both are drawn together when they both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, but they have to solve a mystery together too and fall in love in the process.
In Heather B. Moore's SOPHIA’S CURSE, Joan is cast aside by her father after the death of her mother, but it's part of a family curse. But she's brought back, along with Simon Rousseau, to end it.
In Lisa Mangum’s THE SIRENS’ SONG, I wasn't sure if I was going to like what happened to recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner. But the ending is sweet and shows that love really is eternal.
In Jordan McCollum’s THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen. She's pulled back to an old boyfriend when she starts dreaming of his death.
Elana Johnson’s THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION has the feel of Heaven Can Wait. I really enjoyed Naomi and Colt.
***spoiler alert***
I did wonder in the last story why the family chose to stay in that house if the parents were so afraid of the ghost.
August 28, 2015
I wasn't sure how much I would like this anthology. I can't say that I love the cover, but I did love the book. It made it into my top three favorite Timeless Anthologies. I loved the combination of ghosts and romance, and yet none of the stories were disturbing, as some ghost stories can be. If you're in the mood for a good ghost story, or feeling the chill of Autumn, I definitely recommend picking this anthology up.
For other not so creepy ghost stories, I also recommend:
The Gathering: A Highlander Tale
Strange and Lovely: Paranormal Tales of Thrills and Romance
The Haunting of Autumn Lake
Content: clean
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
For other not so creepy ghost stories, I also recommend:
The Gathering: A Highlander Tale
Strange and Lovely: Paranormal Tales of Thrills and Romance
The Haunting of Autumn Lake
Content: clean
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book through the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2015
Can I first say how much I LOVE anthologies? They are so perfect for someone like me who is getting the shortest attention span on the planet in addition to having little-to-no time to read combined with short-term memory loss (mother of five). Therefore anthologies are perfect. Not having to worry about what I’ve just read recently is great because the stories are short!
What I loved about the All Hallows’ Eve Collection is the very, very different stories of each author. How great it must be to be an author of suspense! I love being a reader so I can peep into your minds and be amazed. Of course I had my favorite stories but that’s what’s great, there’s something for everyone!
4 Stars. Clean.
What I loved about the All Hallows’ Eve Collection is the very, very different stories of each author. How great it must be to be an author of suspense! I love being a reader so I can peep into your minds and be amazed. Of course I had my favorite stories but that’s what’s great, there’s something for everyone!
4 Stars. Clean.
August 27, 2015
All Hallow's Eve is a collection of six stories. Three are historical, three are contemporary.
These stories include:
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M Eden
It's You by Annette Lyon
Sophia's Curse by Heather B Moore
The Siren's Song by Lisa Mangum
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson
I think this is the best A Timeless Romance Anthology yet. I enjoyed every one of the stories in this one. If I had to choose a favorite of the six, it would be a tie between Sarah M Eden's Of Ghosts and Gardens and Heather B Moore's Sophia's Curse.
A great collection to get a reader in the mood for Halloween!
5 plus stars.
These stories include:
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M Eden
It's You by Annette Lyon
Sophia's Curse by Heather B Moore
The Siren's Song by Lisa Mangum
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson
I think this is the best A Timeless Romance Anthology yet. I enjoyed every one of the stories in this one. If I had to choose a favorite of the six, it would be a tie between Sarah M Eden's Of Ghosts and Gardens and Heather B Moore's Sophia's Curse.
A great collection to get a reader in the mood for Halloween!
5 plus stars.
October 23, 2015
3.5 stars
These kinds of stories aren't really the norm for me. I love paranormal movies, but never really READ the paranormal. That probably is what is bringing my rating down, because I think the stories were well-written and could be a lot of fun for the right audience.
The first 3 were historical fiction stories. I'd have to say Sarah M. Eden's was my favorite. The other 3 were contemporary- which is also another genre of book I don't usually read. They were fun stories.
I think October is a great time to read this- or Autumn in general. Today was raining and gloomy and set the mood just right.
*I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
These kinds of stories aren't really the norm for me. I love paranormal movies, but never really READ the paranormal. That probably is what is bringing my rating down, because I think the stories were well-written and could be a lot of fun for the right audience.
The first 3 were historical fiction stories. I'd have to say Sarah M. Eden's was my favorite. The other 3 were contemporary- which is also another genre of book I don't usually read. They were fun stories.
I think October is a great time to read this- or Autumn in general. Today was raining and gloomy and set the mood just right.
*I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2018
O-M-G, I have never in my life read a book of anthology-short-stories where E-V-E-R-Y
story was so amazingly well-done as this collection is! Mind-blowing!
THE SIRENS’ SONG was so different/unique and is heart-shattering yet has such a sweet ending! I loved each one of the six stories. They are ALL just so good.
I don't believe any reader would be disappointed!
Highly, highly recommended!
I definitely plan to read several more in the 21-book timeless-romance-anthology-series!
https://www.goodreads.com/series/112985
story was so amazingly well-done as this collection is! Mind-blowing!
THE SIRENS’ SONG was so different/unique and is heart-shattering yet has such a sweet ending! I loved each one of the six stories. They are ALL just so good.
I don't believe any reader would be disappointed!
Highly, highly recommended!
I definitely plan to read several more in the 21-book timeless-romance-anthology-series!
https://www.goodreads.com/series/112985
September 19, 2015
It is a collection of six paranormal romance stories in various time periods. They are all clean stories. They all are well written and held my interest. They all had ghosts, a mystery, and love. Nothing seemed forced or predictable. An easy, enjoyable read that kept me thinking of some of the stories for some time after reading them. I am not giving it a 5 star because some of the stories seemed to rush the ending, but other than that, I enjoyed them thoroughly. Worth the read!
October 15, 2017
Sarah M. Eden's story is charming and had me completely convinced that I need to read everything she's ever written. Jordan McCollum already convinced me of that with her spy series, and she is the reason I bought this book. Her story was solidly well-written, as always.
Read
November 2, 2015Really enjoyed this one. Fantastic novellas filled with romance and a little bit of creepy!
May 31, 2025
This anthology includes six short stories. I've selected this book because of the first three authors, who are favorites of mine, but I am uncertain about the last three. I'm not fond of ghosts or "little people," so I'm hesitant about this anthology.
OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS (Sarah M Eden) -- VG
A scholar of Welsh folklore, Burke Kennard, is studying the area when he meets Enid Pryce, who has just returned from a season in Bath. She didn't meet anyone, and she's happy to be back home. Although she would have liked to have met someone in Bath, she's otherwise content with her life. When Burke discovers that there is a ghost in the area, he accepts an invitation to stay with Enid's family until he can confront the ghost.
Even people who don't like ghost stories will be captivated by this one.
IT'S ME (Annette Lyon) -- VG
Orphan Anna Brierley is now living with new relatives since her parents and then her grandparents passed away. She is looking for work, but it is challenging for a country girl. Given the job of clearing out a closet at the church, Anna becomes intrigued by the tale of the closet's previous owner, before her death. Charlie Beck, a local laborer, is drawn to the church, where he meets Anna. Together, they try to learn more about the woman who owned items in the church closet. An engaging story, even if it is not realistic.
SOPHIA'S CURSE (Heather B Moore) -- G
Long ago, Sophia left a curse on the Belrose and Rousseau families that someone in one of the families would die every five years until the two families were united in marriage. What ruined this story for me was the labeling of the orphan as Joan of Arc. What that had to do with the rest of the story escapes me.
THE SIREN'S SONG (Lisa Mangum) -- E
What a beautiful, creative writing piece. Oliver, recently widowed, assists a child who falls overboard. While saving her, Oliver is tugged by a siren and taken to an island. There, he is captured by three sirens and can only be released by giving up his memories of his wife, Cate. If he gives up his best memory, he can see Cate one more time.
THE MAN OF HER DREAMS (Jordan McCollum) -- 3.5 Stars
Alex Steen is a homicide detective who has dreams about murders. When the dream she has does not materialize, she worries about the significance of this alteration. There was too much plot and not enough dialogue to carry it through.
THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION (Elana Johnson) -- 3.5 Stars
Naomi, who specializes in antique restorations, wants to restore the Millhouse Mansion. When she has a chance to see inside (her cherished dream), she is shocked to find ghosts. Colt Jennings, the owner, admits he has seen the ghosts since childhood. This is another rushed story that was too compressed. I liked the idea, but there wasn't enough dialogue to complete the tale.
OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS (Sarah M Eden) -- VG
A scholar of Welsh folklore, Burke Kennard, is studying the area when he meets Enid Pryce, who has just returned from a season in Bath. She didn't meet anyone, and she's happy to be back home. Although she would have liked to have met someone in Bath, she's otherwise content with her life. When Burke discovers that there is a ghost in the area, he accepts an invitation to stay with Enid's family until he can confront the ghost.
Even people who don't like ghost stories will be captivated by this one.
IT'S ME (Annette Lyon) -- VG
Orphan Anna Brierley is now living with new relatives since her parents and then her grandparents passed away. She is looking for work, but it is challenging for a country girl. Given the job of clearing out a closet at the church, Anna becomes intrigued by the tale of the closet's previous owner, before her death. Charlie Beck, a local laborer, is drawn to the church, where he meets Anna. Together, they try to learn more about the woman who owned items in the church closet. An engaging story, even if it is not realistic.
SOPHIA'S CURSE (Heather B Moore) -- G
Long ago, Sophia left a curse on the Belrose and Rousseau families that someone in one of the families would die every five years until the two families were united in marriage. What ruined this story for me was the labeling of the orphan as Joan of Arc. What that had to do with the rest of the story escapes me.
THE SIREN'S SONG (Lisa Mangum) -- E
What a beautiful, creative writing piece. Oliver, recently widowed, assists a child who falls overboard. While saving her, Oliver is tugged by a siren and taken to an island. There, he is captured by three sirens and can only be released by giving up his memories of his wife, Cate. If he gives up his best memory, he can see Cate one more time.
THE MAN OF HER DREAMS (Jordan McCollum) -- 3.5 Stars
Alex Steen is a homicide detective who has dreams about murders. When the dream she has does not materialize, she worries about the significance of this alteration. There was too much plot and not enough dialogue to carry it through.
THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION (Elana Johnson) -- 3.5 Stars
Naomi, who specializes in antique restorations, wants to restore the Millhouse Mansion. When she has a chance to see inside (her cherished dream), she is shocked to find ghosts. Colt Jennings, the owner, admits he has seen the ghosts since childhood. This is another rushed story that was too compressed. I liked the idea, but there wasn't enough dialogue to complete the tale.
June 24, 2021
Of Ghosts and Gardens by Sarah M. Eden - 3.5 stars....I liked this supernatural novella. The characters were loveable and witty and the plot was interesting.
It’s You by Annette Lyon - 3 stars...Light and fluffy. I thought things happened quickly and the ending was a little abrupt but the story was a good one.
Sophia’s Curse by Heather B. Moore - 4 stars....I enjoyed the suspense and plot of this one. It was very intriguing and well written.
The Sirens’ Song by Lisa Mangum - 2 stars....Not exactly what I was expecting 🤔 I guess the idea was good but it was a bit boring and depressing in my opinion.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum - 4.5 stars....This was an incredible story. The plot, suspense, characters, everything was well written and well executed. I thought the pace was perfect and everything just fell into place. I enjoyed every heart racing moment of it 😆
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson - 4.5 stars....Another great read. This was a quick read but I never expected the plot twist. It was amazing! I really enjoyed this story and I loved the chemistry between Colt and Naomi. The ending was also sweet.
Content: Mild peril, kissing.
It’s You by Annette Lyon - 3 stars...Light and fluffy. I thought things happened quickly and the ending was a little abrupt but the story was a good one.
Sophia’s Curse by Heather B. Moore - 4 stars....I enjoyed the suspense and plot of this one. It was very intriguing and well written.
The Sirens’ Song by Lisa Mangum - 2 stars....Not exactly what I was expecting 🤔 I guess the idea was good but it was a bit boring and depressing in my opinion.
The Man of Her Dreams by Jordan McCollum - 4.5 stars....This was an incredible story. The plot, suspense, characters, everything was well written and well executed. I thought the pace was perfect and everything just fell into place. I enjoyed every heart racing moment of it 😆
The Ghost of Millhouse Mansion by Elana Johnson - 4.5 stars....Another great read. This was a quick read but I never expected the plot twist. It was amazing! I really enjoyed this story and I loved the chemistry between Colt and Naomi. The ending was also sweet.
Content: Mild peril, kissing.
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