Mother's Magic: ...with Love

by Angela Ford

Every mother’s heart holds a bit of magic…her children’s love. Enchantment awaits in a dozen brand new, previously unpublished-stories, written by #1 bestselling and/or multi-award winning authors from across the globe. Whether it’s a captivating tale of romance or fiction fashioned from loving memories, these poignant stories are sure to touch your heart.

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2016

About the author

Angela resides in Nova Scotia - Canada’s Ocean Playground. Inspired by sunsets, the ocean, her family, and books! She is never without a book, whether she’s reading or writing. Angela is a bestselling and award-winning author who has been in the top fifty, Readers’ Choice Awards and ScreenCraft. She has over 50 published works in paperback, eBook, audiobook, and foreign translation. An Award of Distinction sparked the idea for her first book ‘Closure’ that hit Bestselling Action & Adventure, Women’s fiction. In between mysteries, Angela writes short contemporary romance.
She loves to connect with her readers! www.angelafordauthor.com
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Reviews

[Tamara Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

13 insanely talented authors doing what they do best, creating literary greatness!! including the engrossing Two Hearts Unspoken by Tamara Ferguson and the inspiring Day before Eclosion by Adrienne Ruvalcaba.

Cornelia Amiri's I Love You More, Neva Squires-Rodriguez's The Illusion of happiness and Q.D Purdu's The Light We Found reaches out to women who's hope for a fairy tale took a sharp u-turn but never gave up hope for finding their own brand of happiness.

Even the often overlooked elderly mother's have their story told in this boxset which Allyson R. Abbott skillfully created with her touching story called, An English Rose.

With several more books by brilliant writers like Daisy Banks, Angela Ford, Anna Celeste Burke, Mary Crawford, Tyler Hosea and Cary Allen Stone, there is a story for every version of woman including ones who never had a mother as in the case with The Art of Forgiveness by Tamara Philip.

10/10 would recommend

[Donna Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek didn't have time for a relationship with anyone. He's a very successful business man who travels the world.

Rachel has had a couple of bad endings in relationships in her life, but she has her two children who she loved unconditionally. Being the new owner of the best neighborhood bakery in town, she is super busy, but always has time for her kids.

Derek orders the same thing every morning, and Rachel always greets him the same way every day. Eventually he starts thinking that he might like to settle down and have someone to come home to every night. When he thinks of who he might like to do that with, he finally starts seeing Rachel.

Sometimes love is right in front of you. You just have to be open to it.

This was a sweet budding romantic read. Great job Angela Ford.
I was given a copy of Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first opportunity to be in an anthology. I'm impressed with this incredible group of authors. We didn't discuss our stories before writing them and I thought perhaps they would be similar, but even though they have a common theme, they are very different. Each has a very different perspective and voice. As a mother and daughter, I found them fascinating to read.

[Cornelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book.
Every mother's heart holds a bit of magic...her children's love.
Enchantment awaits in 12 new, previously unpublished-stories, by #1 bestselling and/or multi-award winning authors from across the globe. Captivating tales of romance or fiction fashioned from loving memories, these poignant stories are sure to touch your heart.

10% of proceeds from this anthology will go to the National MS Society for research.

Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford (#1 Bestselling, Amazon Top 50 & Award-Winning Author)
Rachel Winters's fiftieth birthday approached the forever she'd found with Ryan ended with heartache. And for her daughter, the second chance of having a dad. Will Rachel find the strength to rebuild her life and her daughter's?

I Love You More by Cornelia Amiri (Best-selling author, Celtic Romance Queen)
On turning sixty, Garland recalls memories of her life's journey from an abusive childhood to a bad marriage to the ups and downs of a single mom. She is rewarded with a magical mother's day with her loving family.

Two Hearts Unspoken by Tamara Ferguson (#1 Bestselling Author &TRR Readers' Choice Award Winner)
Retired air force captain and wounded warrior, Zach Logan, discovers that his scars are more than skin deep, when he falls in love with Beth Bowen; the lovely single mother of an autistic son.

December Roses by Daisy Banks (Bestselling Author)
A present day gift of flowers sets off delightful memories for Jean. The recollections of the day love first bloomed, and trust overcoming a frightening challenge, are carved deep into her heart.

Maddie's Project by Anna Celeste Burke (Award-Winning, Bestselling Author)
Laura's mother, Maddie, led a life bursting at the seams, filled with family and a million projects. May changed everything. More than a decade later, Laura reflects on Maddie's biggest project, and how it changed all their lives.

Vision of the Heart by Mary Crawford (#1 Bestselling Author)
Facing the vision loss caused by macular degeneration is hard enough, but it's causing Julia Concord to question everything she knows about herself as a wife, mother, and nurse. Can she handle a reunion when she's a shadow of the person she once was?

An English Rose by Allyson R. Abbott (#1 Bestselling Author)
A compelling and humorous insight of past years and present dilemma's as Rose reflects on her usefulness in later life. Just as she acknowledges and accepts her sell-by-date is approaching, life suddenly becomes interesting again, in more ways than one.

The Art of Forgiveness by Tamara Philip (Angie Ovations Outstanding Interracial Romance)
The story of one woman's journey to find out the truth surrounding her adoption decades earlier. Amidst the tragedy of the past, she finds connections to her complicated history and a gentle reminder about the transcendent power of forgiveness and time.

The Illusion of Happiness by Neva Squires Rodriquez
Divorced and having lived under the illusion of happiness for over thirty years, Graciela struggles to find her strength. With her fiftieth birthday and Mother's Day weekend approaching, a surprise visit helps put things into prospective for her.

The Day before Eclosion by Adrienne Ruvalcaba
Sharon's only daughter, Gracie, is ready to move out on her own. What should be an exciting transition is complicated by Gracie's disability. Can Sharon learn to accept Gracie's need for autonomy before irreparable damage is done to their relationship?

The Light We Found by Q.D. Purdu (Texas Writers' Winner)
Calla has survived divorce and developed her first newly-single crush on Ben, the special guy in her triple-two-step class. Life is rocking until her ex confesses a long-hidden betrayal, and Ben reveals the most hurtful secret of all.

Forever Sunshine by Cary Allen Stone & Tyler Hosea (Multi-Bestselling Author)
A letter containing the last request of their mother was handed to the son and daughter at the funeral service. They were told to read the letter at her gravesite on the year anniversary of her passing.

[megan wykle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy of Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford in exchange for an honest review.

This is a story about finding love when you aren't expecting it. Rachel and Derek find each other when they aren't looking. A Chance meeting, at the bakery Rachel owns, grows into a friendship. A very touching story.

It's also a story about family. Rachel has had a few.difficult relationships, but thru it all she has raised two children that she is incredibly close to and loves unconditionally. It also touches in the abandonment a child feels in a divorce.

All In all, a great story. I loved Rachel's spirit. She is a determined woman. She wants to make a new life. She keeps.her belief in a deep love, like her parents had.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother's Day Magic With Love by Angela Ford.
I received a complimentary copy of Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford in exchange for my honest review. After two divorces all Rachel can think of is her two beautiful kids. This is such a loving great story that touches your heart of a mother's love for her kids, Brooke and Tyler. The story pull at your heart, but gives you that awesome feeling of being a mom. Every mom should get this book set if only for this story it is well worth it.

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother's Day Magic: with Love rather caught me by surprise. I wasn't sure I would enjoy this anthology of relationships and love, all centered around the magical day that is Mother's Day - How surprised was I? This is a superb collection of stories by a number of talented authors. Of extra pleasure to me was the revelation that part of the profits from this collection would be donated to MS research.

Mother's Day Magic: With Love is a collection of twelve individual short stories and/or novellas, by twelve separate writers, of whom, eleven I think, are female. Every single one of the stories had something special about them and I wouldn't be overstating things to say that I enjoyed each and every one of them.

As always though there were some stories that touched me more than others. The first of these was An English Rose by Allyson R Abbott. I absolutely adored this story of a quintessential 85-year-old English woman who realizes before it is too late that maybe there is life left in the old girl yet. Maybe it's my colonial background, but the language and situations in this story absolutely resonated with me. I adored it.

Another story that captured my attention and my admiration for its clever writing was The Day Before Eclosion by Adrienne Ruvalcaba. I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone, but I found the metaphor the writer used was not only perfectly appropriate to the situation, it was moving in the extreme. This was a wonderful story.

The final story I want to mention that truly captured me was Vision of the Heart by Mary Crawford. This story was touching and moving as we followed the struggle of a once proud nurse who has had to give up her career due to the onset of blindness through macular degeneration. The story is redolent with emotion and understanding as we watch her journey of coming to terms with her blindness and the relationship with her children and husband. I absolutely loved this story, especially the Nursing College Reunion section; that revealed so much of the human condition.

I really could go on and on about these stories. Twelve wonderful stories and not a single dud among them. It is rare that you read a compilation where every story connects and excites you - Mother's Day Magic is such a compilation. I would highly recommend this to all readers; it is five stars plus all the way. Excellent!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother's Day Magic ... With Love is a wonderful collection of twelve stories that honors a very special person in everyone's life, Mom! The thirteen authors weave unique stories that range from lighthearted romances, to poignant memories, first love and second chances, friends to lovers, to dealing with real life issues ... but there is one heartwarming theme that runs through each story, a mother's unconditional love.

I couldn't help but get drawn into the twelve stories, they each had something special that tugged at my heartstrings and stirred my soul. So if you want to read a delightful collection of stories that will give you a warm fuzzy feeling and leave a smile on your face, then look no further, Mother's Day Magic ... With Love is a must read!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the boxed set from the authors in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours.

http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...

[P.S. Winn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always find it hard to review collections, you really can't single out one author and dismiss others. So, first let me say I enjoyed all the heart warming stories in this collection, and yes, some more than others. All in all though, I would say this is one of the better collections I have read because each other did a great job bring love, magic and heart touching stories to readers. Great job and I will be looking at some of these others for more interesting and enticing reads

Merged review:

I always find it hard to review collections, you really can't single out one author and dismiss others. So, first let me say I enjoyed all the heart warming stories in this collection, and yes, some more than others. All in all though, I would say this is one of the better collections I have read because each other did a great job bring love, magic and heart touching stories to readers. Great job and I will be looking at some of these others for more interesting and enticing reads

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

FELT BY THE HEART by Angela Ford
THE LOVE OF A MOTHER FOR HER CHILD
What a beautiful and emotional story of Rachel, a mother who puts her children first, and herself last. Her son has already left the nest but her daughter Brooke is still at home, a teenager. Rachel questions the men that have been in her life, and the life of her children, why she has not found the HEA love that her parents have and her dear friends Allan and Rose had. The father to her children was an absentee man, and her second husband was a manipulator. Will she ever trust her heart and another man again? Sometimes, when you least expect it, you will meet someone special. The plot kept me captivated with this heartwarming story that is told in Rachel’s POV and Derek’s POV. The dialog is open, honest and at times raw and heartbreaking, but the message is beautiful and offers hope and a chance at a new beginning.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Felt By the Heart" by Angela Ford is one of the great stories in this anthology. It is a touching story of a mothers love and her determination to make a new life for her children. Divorce is tragic for everyone involved but hard woek and love can build new happiness. This anthology is a wonderful undertaking by 12 talented authors, each with their own unique style. Loved it! Don't miss this one!

Gifted a copy for an honest review.

[SarahSmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The anthology Mother's Day Magic With Love includes the novella Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford. It is a story about finding love when you least expect, as well as about a mothers unconditional love for her children. All In all, a great story that touches on the tough subject of divorce and the impact it has on the parents, as well as the children.

[Anna Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

We hope you enjoy reading this collection of stories about moms and for moms. Such a diverse set of stories told from varying points of view about some very different moms. I think they all have one thing in common. They demonstrate the profound impact moms have on our lives. There's a lesson here for us, if we didn't already know it: being a mom is a tough job.

[Niyati Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a free copy of Allyson Abbot's book, An English Rose and my review is for that story only.

I absolutely loved reading 'The English Rose'. Rose is such an amazing character. She is full of life, she is fun loving and she is discovering her life after her husband died. You know, as I read the book, I really wished there was more I could read. I enjoyed reading the book that much.

I really feel for Rose. I understand how suddenly life can seem a lot longer and that realization that you are not as young as you think you are is a little crushing. My grandmother died earlier this year and when I spent time with my grandfather, I noticed, with a huge blow, that he had aged. And somehow, I had not noticed. And I was angry. He is the epitome of life for me. He is fun to be with and is the nicest man I know. And yet, he is aging. It made me angry.

Which is why I understood Rose so perfectly. I could see how things which she thought were normal, were just cover ups to the fact that she was aging and she did not want anybody to know. She was reluctant to make a change because of how others would perceive it and isn't that classic behavior from our elders? That they mask their aging and resist what comes along with it?

I loved how Rose perks up in the end. A snapping realization brings her to her senses, that she has to do what she can for her family. And she does a marvelous job in the end.

I really really wish this was a full length novel because I loved Rose so much, I could read a whole book about her adventures and what happens to her.

[PelicanFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far: I've only read Vision of the Heart... will update as I read the rest...


Formatting: Absolutely gorgeous and even an air of hopeful-ness.
Cover: Seems professionally done, looks great, is relevant.

The book:
First of all the dedication alone contains an important message and I hope everyone who reads it will remember it!

Julia is our MC here and she’s likable. She’s fallen into some physical disabilities and she’s constantly worried about how it impacts everyone else, not herself. She worries a little too much about what people will think of her – but she’s human.
She’s also reeling from having to give up a career she loved.

This is all so well designed that it is relatable. I found myself sort of, imagining myself in her situation and trying to figure out how I felt about it all – it’s hard not to get sucked in. At under 12K words, it’s a really quick read but manages to really sink in. I wouldn’t mind reading more on these characters, while it wrapped up nicely, it still left me wanting more, if that makes sense. No cliffhanger – but I got attached. For such a short time spent in this book, I’d say that’s a testament to the author’s skill.

Overall very well written and addictive. Recommend.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Light We Found by Q.D. Purdu
This is a very short story .. part of the Mother’s Day Magic anthology.

Calla is divorced and finds out from her daughter that her ex-husband had in fact been having an affair whilst they were still married. She is moving on and has begun dance classes .. one of the other members Ben is highly attractive and Calla begins to think life may improve.

Things aren’t always as straight-forward as they seem though … it is while she is at work (she is a tutor) she meets a troubled lad who has many deep family issues and she realises that life, love and friendship come in many forms and weave a tangled web. Sometimes you have to listen and give people a chance instead of jumping to conclusions.

I liked the attraction between Ben and Calla, felt desperately sorry for Cody but felt the story was resolved well and the ending was a sweet touch. Well worth a read.

Thanks to the author and Sage’s Blog Tour’s for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford
Sometimes life leaves us beat and battered, struggling to pick up the crumbling pieces. To find our way to be whole again. Felt by the Heart is a story of just that. Rachel is learning how to accept that although her marriage has ended she is not a failure. Finding a way to start her life all over and strengthen the relationship with her children, but mainly her daughter.
Derek has only made time in his life for work and that has been the cause behind his failed relationships. Up until this point he has been so busy with work he hadn't noticed something was missing.
Together they form a friendship that needs work but they feel they need to heal them. Will they figure out that it is more than just a one way friendship or will they lose the connection they are forming?

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mothers Day Magic is divine. I was given an ARC to review of Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford, and found it to be totally heartwarming. The love that Rachel has for her children and their love for her gives the family such strength. Her hopeful, subtle search for romantic love and strong optimistic outlook on her future encourage all to take a risk. It'll gently capture your heart.

[Michael Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for The Day Before Elclosion
For me this eloquently captured the transformation of child to young adult and how excruciatingly difficult and tremendously rewarding that transition can be for the Daughter and the Mother. A great Mothers Day read.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable collection of short stories about the many different kinds of love a mother can show. I saw myself and my mom reflected in several of them. I would recommend it to anyone.

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description:

MOTHER’S DAY MAGIC…With Love Anthology: 12 Books, 13 Authors
The perfect Mother’s Day Gift, written with love, sent with love.
Every mother's heart holds a bit of magic...her children's love. Enchantment awaits in twelve brand new, previously unpublished-stories, by #1 bestselling and/or multi-award winning authors from across the globe. Captivating tales of romance or fiction fashioned from loving memories, these poignant stories are sure to touch your heart.
10% of this anthology's proceeds will go to the National MS Society for research.
12 Books by 13 Authors.
Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford (#1 Bestselling, Amazon Top 50 & Award-Winning Author)
I Love You More by Cornelia Amiri (Bestselling author, Celtic Romance Queen)
Two Hearts Unspoken by Tamara Ferguson (#1 Bestselling Author &TRR Readers' Choice Award Winner)
December Roses by Daisy Banks (Bestselling Author)
Maddie's Project by Anna Celeste Burke (Award-Winning, Bestselling Author)
Vision of the Heart by Mary Crawford (#1 Bestselling Author)
An English Rose by Allyson R. Abbott (#1 Bestselling Author)
The Art of Forgiveness by Tamara Philip (Angie Ovations Outstanding Interracial Romance)
The Illusion of Happiness by Neva Squires Rodriquez
The Day before Eclosion by Adrienne Ruvalcaba
The Light We Found by Q.D. Purdu (Texas Writers' Winner)
Forever Sunshine by Cary Allen Stone & Tyler Hosea (Multi-Bestselling Author)
12 Beautiful books to capture your Mother’s heart
 

~~~~

I received a copy of this anthology as a gift for joining an email list. Many of my favorite authors offer up a selection of stories so good it will make you wish for full length novels. These are tales of a mother’s love, beautifully book marked at the beginning with Felt by the Heart, a story of a woman who has been knocked down by romance, but finds strength in her relationship with her children to take another chance and closed out with Forever Sunshine, a gorgeous tribute to a mother who showed her children that her determination to take on the world never took a back seat to motherhood.
It is hard to review an anthology like this as each part offers so much; the remembrances of a life, loss, broken hearts, discovery, and new love all tied together with the bonds of motherhood. This is a five star - feel good read. Plus 10 % of the proceeds from this anthology will go to to the National MS Society.


 

 


Felt by the Heart by Angela Ford
Angela Ford originates from Nova Scotia…Canada’s Ocean Playground! Her love of the ocean and sunsets are always in her heart and give her inspiration. Her love for words keeps her turning the page. She is never without a book, whether she’s reading or writing. Her dedication and involvement with cyber safety seminars gave her an Award of Distinction and sparked the idea for her first book Closure. You can follow her at www.bookstogonow.com or visit her website at www.angelafordauthor.com
Author Links: Website / Twitter

 


I Love You More by Cornelia Amiri
Cornelia Amiri, who also writes as Maeve Alpin, is the author of 30 published books. Known as the Celtic Romance Queen, she writes Celtic Fantasy Romance, Celtic Historical Romance, Steampunk Romance and Sci-fi Romance. She lives in Houston Texas as does her son and granddaughter and her cat, Severus. Severus is a writer's cat, he loves books. He likes to knock them off the bookshelf, sit on them, and sniff the open pages. He also uses the computer, he sits on it, lays on top of it, and walks across the keyboard almost constantly. She is working on two soon to be released books a modern day fantasy romance novella, Back to the One I love, and a Celtic Fantasy Romance, The Dragon and the Druidess.
Author Links:Website / Twitter

 

Two Hearts Unspoken by Tamara Ferguson
A member of the Romance Writers of America, as well as the FTHRW Chapter, Tamara Ferguson is the best-selling and multi-award winning author of the Kissed By Fate Romance Series and the Tales of The Dragonfly Romance Suspense Series.
The military romance, Two Hearts Surrendered, is her contribution to the bestselling Magical Weddings Anthology; which includes stories from fourteen other USA Today, best-selling, and award-winning authors.
Her latest release, That Unforgettable Kiss was recently a top ten Amazon bestseller in Kindle Saga Fiction, has just earned 3-5 STAR Editorial Reviews from Readers' Favorite Reviewers, and is a WINNER in The Romance Reviews 2015 Readers' Choice Awards.
Tales of the Dragonfly Book II: In Flight was a 2014 WINNER at the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards.
A graduate of Illinois State University, Tamara Ferguson was a Vice-President of her graduating class and a Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She was awarded the Illinois State University College of Applied Science and Technology Collegiate Achievement Award upon her graduation.
A former horticulturist, she currently resides in central Illinois.
Author Links: Website / Twitter

 


December Roses by Daisy Banks
I grew up in the Black Country, the heart of the industrial midlands in the UK. I take great pride in my heritage. I have travelled, married, had two beautiful boys who have brought me a great deal of happiness. I began writing when faced with a difficult illness and have continued to develop my skills and write. I love writing. Presently I live in rural Shropshire.
Author Links:Website / Twitter

 

Maddie’s Project by Anna Celeste Burke
Life is an extravaganza of unpredictable dimension and proportion: figuring out how to hang tough and make the most of the wild ride is the challenge.
On my way to Oahu to join the rock musician and high school drop-out I married in Tijuana, I was nabbed by the police as a runaway. When the police let me go and the rock band broke up, my husband and I had to find another way to survive. Our next stop: Disney World where we trained to be chefs, courtesy of the Walt Disney World University.
A GED for my husband, and many more years of education eventually landed us in academia—with Ph.D.s from the University of Michigan we took professor jobs with U of M’s longstanding football rival, The Ohio State University.
Retired now from my role as a professor in social work and behavioral science, I have picked up a long-time interest in writing fiction. In my professional career I wrote and published widely as a scholar, with more than forty manuscripts of varying lengths on my vita. I also carried out hundreds of training, consulting and speaking engagements on a number of gloriously nerdy topics.
So what on earth does a research scientist have in common with a mystery writer? As avid fans of the mystery genre will tell you at the core of any good mystery is a passionate search for the truth. Discovering the truth involves finding and assembling pieces of complex puzzles in order to solve seemingly intractable problems—scientist and sleuth are cut from the same cloth!
Still married to the same sweet guy, I live with my husband in one of the seven desert resort cities in the Palm Springs area. In addition to reading and writing mysteries I enjoy painting, hiking, hanging out with my handsome husband and tending to my Siamese cats.
Author Links: Website / Twitter

 
 

Vision of the Heart by Mary Crawford
I have been lucky enough to live my own version of a romance novel. I married the guy who kissed me at summer camp. He told me on the night we met that he was going to marry me and be the father of my children.
Eventually I stopped giggling when he said it, and we just celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary. We have two children. The oldest is in medical school, where he recently found and married the love of his life, and the youngest is still in elementary school.
I write full time now. I have published eight books and have several more underway. I volunteer my time to a variety of causes. I have worked as a Civil Rights Attorney and diversity advocate. I spent several years working for various social service agencies before becoming an attorney.
In my spare time, I love to cook, decorate cakes and of course, I obsessively, compulsively read.
Author Links: Facebook / Website / Twitter

 


An English Rose by Allyson R. Abbott
I 'm very lucky to have the indulgence of time and space to enable me to write. I took a sabbatical from work to accompany my partner on his bucket list travels and adventures, and never went back. I really thought I would struggle with all the free time, so decided to write to keep myself occupied. Now writing has consumed my time and I am never sure where we will be or when, hence my novels could be classed 'international' as they may have been written across a few countries. We are still travelling, although we do pop back to the UK for a few months every now and again.
I love the fact that no matter what our age we can use new technology to connect to the rest of the world and enhance our lives. Back in the UK I have my friends and family and with emails, phones, skype or face-time, we are never out of touch for long. Even my mother at eighty-six uses face-time to catch up with me. I have the world at my fingertips and only twenty-four hours away from anywhere.
Being a 'mature aging gracefully' woman, I feel akin to the problems of aging and relationships. I spent many years on my own before finding my truly remarkable and very patient partner who I happily gave up my whole world for. My stories are about mature relationships with mature people. People who have character and humour, who have a history; people just like us.
I like to call it Hen Lit, not Chick Lit, but it is not just about falling in love. They are about real relationships.
I hope you enjoy my stories. Please check my web page or social media pages if you would like to contact me. I love emails and try to answer every one as soon as possible.
Author Links:Website / Blog / Twitter

 


The Art of Forgiveness by Tamara Philip
After spending most of her life in New York City, Tamara Philip decided to let love lead her on an international adventure, where she's met many amazing people and ate entirely too much. Tamara and her English-born Husband, Chris, now split their time between the United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago.
Writing has been her secret passion since childhood. Quirky female leads are her trademark.
On any given day you can find Tamara telling people what to do, dodging adulthood, and working hard on her next novel.
Author Links: Facebook / Twitter

 

The Illusion of Happiness by Neva Squires-Rodriguez
Neva Squires-Rodriguez was born and raised in a neighborhood located on the North Side of Chicago. Mother, Wife, Expert at multitasking, when she’s not writing newspaper columns or finishing up her latest novel, she is dispatching calls for her city’s 911 center. Perhaps this is what helps Neva create electrifying stories with a twist.
Neva Squires-Rodriguez earned her Bachelor’s Degree from American Military University (APUS/AMU) and her Master’s Degree from National University, a feat which she worked very hard to obtain and says she will work even harder to pay off.
She claims to be a typical American, full of dreams that will hopefully get her to a more comfortable lifestyle one day. She says, "God has a plan and I will follow wherever it is that He takes me."
Author Links: Facebook / Twitter

 


The Day Before Eclosion by Adrienne Ruvalcaba
My name is Adrienne D'nelle Ruvalcaba. I was born and raised in Southeast Texas. After high school, I joined the U.S. Army and served four years at Fort Campbell, KY. During my time there, I married a fellow soldier and had two children. Following my years in the service, I ended up as a single parent. After setting out on my own with my two children, I enrolled in the Engineering program at Southern Illinois University.
While at SIU, I completed my bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in structural analysis. Also while at SIU, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This diagnosis significantly changed my life. Since the onset of this disease, I have learned a lot about those around me and even more about myself. Due to some serious and sobering complications, my health has declined in recent years. I am no longer able to spend time outside with my children, or do many of the things that I used to take for granted. I'm in my early 30's, but most of the time I feel decades older. After a few years of struggling to accept this illness as a part of my life, I've finally come to a more peaceful place. The most important thing I've learned while dealing with this devastating and serious disease is that it does not define who I am.
I've been writing since grade school, and I often take solace in the world I create in my imagination. Most of what I write is romantic fiction, meant purely for emotional fulfillment, enjoyment, and sweet escapism. Real life is difficult enough, and I believe we all need a little break from it sometimes.
Author Links: Facebook / Twitter

 

The Light We Found by Q. D. Purdu
Q. D. Purdu’s debut romance, DESDEMONA FINDS THE BIG O IN LOVE won first place in the Texas Writers’ League Romance category, 2014. To be released in 2016, Desdemona's life is just fine until her ex announces on national television that he dumped her because she fakes. The scoop goes viral and plunges her into a quest to find the reason for her need to pretend. After stumbling through new lovers, a sex club, her old first love, and psycho-analysis, she finds the answer in an unlikely blunder.
Q. D. loves her rescued puppy, red wine, running through sprinklers, dark chocolate with sugared ginger, and anything wrapped in a corn tortilla. Her prized possessions include a hot pink Christmas tree and a garden full of okra and basil.
She hasn’t decided what she’ll be when she grows up, but whatever it is will be filled with romantic impossibilities.
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Forever Sunshine by Cary Allen Stone with Tyler Hosea
Cary Allen Stone is a brilliant writer of psychological thrillers and murder mysteries. He writes with a keen eye for detail–the graphic violence is chillingly realistic. He delivers a taut, darkly introspective, cunning and well-executed plot by leaning towards the fallible side of his characters. He understands the criminal mind avoiding the stereotypes that dominate crime thrillers. There is a good balance of chemistry and conflict, good and evil that fans will find enthralling. His characters become embedded in our psyches and the pace of his unraveling of his thriller is a ride not easily forgotten. Cary Allen Stone is an important name to watch. This is one superb crime writer!
My backstory is, I spent almost forty years inside the cockpits of corporate jets and airlines and because of it I acquired a unique perspective of life. I was fortunate in 1992 to fly Sir Ridley Scott on a location scout in the islands. We talked about writing and building an image inside the words. He was quite a mentor.
Before all of that, I graduated from high school with a JD, juvenile delinquent, and from college with a Bachelor of Arts. I was lucky to be involved in some feature films in LA and Indie films in Phoenix. I got to play the bad guy. I have done voice-over, radio commercials, and standup comedy magic. I represented the USA alongside nine other countries in the Night of Magic in Bogota, Colombia performing before dignitaries, ambassadors and their families.
For my “Stealing Atlanta,” I received the endorsements of Clive Cussler and Tim Dorsey. My first published work was a true crime story titled, “Through a Mother’s Eyes.” It was a case study of parents who murder their children. I had a friend who murdered her six-year-old son and I did a case study of the tragedy. Respected expert, Dr. Philip Resnik, said it was the best layman’s book on the matter of “filicide.” The book has a worldwide reach, and is intended to prevent another tragedy. Book Bub did a promotion on it and 14,976 books went out in a day.
I’m a proud member of the oldest women’s writers club in the country, the Phoenix Writer’s Club, begun by women reporters in the 1920s. I also know what the CocaCola recipe is.
His series The Jake Roberts Novels has been well received by Amazon Hall of Fame Top 10 Reviewers in crime fiction and psychological thrillers from whom he receives 5–Star reviews. Action adventure author Clive Cussler and South Florida author Tim Dorsey endorsed Stealing Atlanta, his cybercrime thriller. His first published work, Through a Mother’s Eyes a true crime story, was a case study of “filicide” the parental murder of children. His subject was a friend of his who murdered her six-year-old son. The research took four years to complete, which included time spent in the correctional facility where Julie was incarcerated. Through a Mother’s Eyes has a worldwide reach. Cary’s hopes are that the story will help to prevent future tragedies from happening and to date he has received several correspondences of success.
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Tyler Hosea is an editor and reviewer, and with Forever Sunshine a breakout author. She has contributed to all four of Cary Allen Stone's Jake Roberts Novels. She has the difficult job of being his significant other for the past eleven years, which is no small task. Tyler's profession has always been in aviation having spent twenty years in customer service and management. Her current position in aviation is classified. One of these days you will find Tyler behind the controls of an airplane as she continues her private pilot license.
Tyler is an avid reader, a part of her nurtured by her mother since she was a young girl. She graduated with honors from Oglethorpe University. She is an official Georgia Peach having been born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She has traveled extensively around the world. Tyler has appeared on several of Cary Allen Stone's book covers. Both she and Cary will be writing their next complete book anthology continuing on from their Forever Sunshine.
Author Links: Amazon Author Page

 

[Erik Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The term; “mama’s boy” isn’t misinterpreted by the media. It is what it is; a man who prefers to only be with his mother and no one else. The exact opposite isn’t misinterpreted either by the media. But what about men or even women who are in the middle? Where you have someone who isn’t clingy to their mothers but at the same time, respects their mothers for all that they’ve done for them. That is how we should be towards our parents; respect them for all that they’ve done for our lives. They are really our life teachers. Now with Mother’s Day about a month away, I’m going to review a few of the short stories from a collection of short stories called; "Mother's Day Magic With Love". The stories that I read are from Tamara Ferguson, Daisy Banks, Allyson R. Abbot and Angela Ford. The rest are by Cornelia Amiri, Anna Celeste Burke, Tamara Phillip, Mary Crawford, Q.D Purdu, Cary Allen Stone & Tyler Hosea, Adrienne Ruvalcaba and Neva Squires-Rodriguez. Also parts of the proceeds of the collection will go towards the Nation Multiple Sclerosis Society.
In “December Roses” by Daisy Banks, An elderly woman named Jean receives a bouquet of pink flowers in the present time. This is when we learn the history of a past romance she shared with a man named Jack. This tale is told more innocently. It reminds me of the behavior used in the sitcom “Leave It To Beaver” where staying up too late was considered taboo. After convincing her parents to allow him to ask Jean out and she accepts, he promises her parents that she will be brought back before ten pm. But when a transportation problem occurs, they end up being late and Jean has to face the horrors of her parents as well as maybe sleeping with Jack that night. One powerful motif is the sense of smell and how it’s used to even help tell the story as well as express the character’s feelings. The Mother connection in this story is Jean’s relationship with her daughter and how she uses her past to possibly help her daughter’s future. In “Two Hearts Unspoken” by Tamara Ferguson, Beth’s whole world revolves around her son who has autism. Even though she loves her son, she knows that men who she dates are turned off by him and his behavior. Her son isn’t just affecting her romantic life; his actions are also separating her from her career dreams. But Beth knows that as a mother, it’s her duty to care for her son. But all of that changes when an Iraq war veteran named Zach comes into their lives. Not only does he take a liking to Beth but he also accepts and connects well with her son. But romance between Beth and Zach still will have its obstacles since Zach has both physical and emotional scars from the war. In “An English Rose” by Allyson R. Abbot, Rosemary is an eighty-five year old woman who cares deeply for her children but at the same time is concerned about them and their life choices. She feels like she has failed them as a mother. But when a man named Bill comes into her life, she sees her world not completely different but a bit more clearer. How does this affect her children though? Well without giving too much away, this book has much more than its fair share of sad moments but in my opinion, does have some happy moments too. In “Felt By The Heart” by Angela Ford, Rachael Winters leaves her alcoholic husband along with her daughter, Brooke. Despite a disastrous marriage, she does however have a successful business; a bakery/deli. She cares deeply for her business since it will support her and Brooke and always works hard to keep it flowing. A new customer by the name of Derek Rutherford comes into her place and after taking a shine towards him, he starts coming in almost every day. Will Rachael or Derek develop some courage and ask each other out or will past relationships and careers haunt their chances? The moral to all of these seemingly different stories are simply this; respect your parents, especially the person who actually brought you into this world.

[Shelle Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this anthology as a gift for joining an email list.
Many of my favorite authors offer up a selection of stories so good it will make you wish for full length novels. These are tales of a mother’s love, beautifully book marked at the beginning with Felt by the Heart, a story of a woman who has been knocked down by romance, but finds strength in her relationship with her children to take another chance and closed out with Forever Sunshine, a gorgeous tribute to a mother who showed her children that her determination to take on the world never took a back seat to motherhood.

It is hard to review an anthology like this as each selection offers so much; the remembrances of a life, loss, broken hearts, discovery, and new love all tied together with the bonds of motherhood. This is a five star - feel good read. Plus 10 % of the proceeds from this anthology will go to to the National MS Society.



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[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only had to read one story from this anthology to do my review. I read The Light we Found. However, being the rebel I am, I also read several more. So, this is going to be a review about the three I read.

These stories are about strength to overcome obstacles life throws at you. The strength of family to get through these trials comes out in each of these novellas.

Family is the true backbone of these tales. And the mother is at the heart of every one. I loved the medley of stories and how each one was different with the basic premise, family is everything.

Everyone of us in this world faces life and it’s challenges differently. It is tough to face these by ourselves. These novellas show the true meaning of family and the diversity to withstand all!

I enjoyed these so much, I cannot wait to delve into the other tales. Highly recommend!

[Jennifer Zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often find Anthologies harder to review. But this one was fairly easy. All of these stories are aimed at warming the hearts of everyone. But especially the moms in ours lives. As a mother myself several of these stories will bring tears to your eyes. The Day Before Eclosion really hit home for me, as the mother of a Special needs adult myself. I felt each and every struggle, and enjoyed even the smallest victories with each character along the way.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the books to read before Mother's Day.

As I read each of these books, I found myself taking in how I felt after reading the book and by the end of the series of books realized that I love these books. They deal with different types of women and the kind of mothers they are and the lifetime they lived in.

I can only hope that my daughter's see me as a good mother that tried to do my best for them.

Read and enjoy.

[Peni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see individual stories for review.

[Gold Dust Editing & Book Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Light We Found

Normally, I shy away form novellas. I have often wound up feeling left unsatisfied because I wanted more. The Light We Found has given me new faith in the novella!

Calla is in the midst of reinventing herself after a bitter end to a long marriage. After finding out her husband was unfaithful during their marriage, the fact that they’d been divorced almost a year only numbs the pain, not completely do away with it. However, she’s determined not to be drawn into the negativity, plus she’s already set her thoughts on the handsome Ben, a member of her dance group. He seems to be just as interested in her, but there’s something she doesn’t know about Ben that could change the course of their relationship.

Ben is a good guy. He’s definitely smitten with Calla, but he must take care of a situation first. This “situation” however, only curtails his behavior, not his feelings. He looks forward to seeing Calla in dance class and hopes to one day take it further.

Purdu has crafted a sweet story with memorable characters readers can’t help but to root for. I enjoyed Calla’s exchanges with her daughter. I couldn’t help but smile, and even outright giggled a time, or two.

The story took an unexpected turn, and I was oh so pleased with the outcome. I hadn’t seen that coming, and as always, I welcome the unknown – at least in reading. :)

A complete story wonderfully told in a few meaningful pages. It’s the epitome of novella! Kudos to Purdu!

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother’s Day Magic…With Love is an anthology in support of MS (10% of the profits go to the charity). I was asked if I would make people aware of the book and so I reviewed I love you more by Cornelia Amiri which is one of the 12 short stories.

I Love you More is all about a mother (Garland) and her son(Judson) who have managed to escape from a life of domestic violence, at the hands of their husband/father.

The story switched from often from past to present, which I really enjoyed, as I got to understand the situation better. I was particularly interested in the part where Garland had to be creative, very quickly, in order to get the two of them away from her violent husband. I read this part really slowly as I wanted to take in all the details.

I was invested in the story, and held captive by it. I was eager to find out what happened to the pair, and glad that they found happiness in their lives, eventually.

I have not read any of the other stories in the book, but plan to and would recommend it for views on women and motherhood.

Based wholly on the story I read I would award it five stars, because I would go back and read it over and over again.

Reviewed by Marcia at www.whisperingstories.com

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Sunshine by Cary Allen Stone is a short story featured in the collection Mother's Day Magic: ...with Love, and the one I am focusing this review on.

Whilst not my normal reading genres a change is as good as a rest, and this was certainly a pallet cleanser. I found the writing style very immersive. The dialogue is well scripted, and throughout the story we learn more about not only the main characters featured, a brother and sister Charley and Janey, but about their mother who had died the year before.

Throughout tale you learn about the mother's life, as well as the life of her children and their loved ones. It really is a beautiful story with a touching ending. I can't really say much more without spoiling what proves to be a wonderful read.

The characters are well developed, and although this is a short story, I did not feel it in any way lacking. Often I find in short stories the author will sacrifice deepening the character in favour of the event being weaved, but this tale possessed the perfect balance, clearing showing the author's talent for their craft.