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Cursed Miracles
Two hundred years ago on Christmas Eve, William Mashinter was frozen in time, cursed by his wife to roam the world on his own, waiting for the love of his life to find him. The love of his life, whom she killed. Time hasn’t healed this wound, and William is tired of the happy holiday and the constant reminders of a love that’s been taken from him. But then the impossible happens, and maybe… maybe he can get a new Christmas perspective.
Brady Gallagher has lived three different lives, always aware of the first and most important, yet unable to find the man who will fill in the missing pieces and let him know he’s not crazy. He encounters him at a work event, of all places, but is he willing to throw everything else to the wind and embrace the miracle laid out before him?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar "Bah Humbug."
Brady Gallagher has lived three different lives, always aware of the first and most important, yet unable to find the man who will fill in the missing pieces and let him know he’s not crazy. He encounters him at a work event, of all places, but is he willing to throw everything else to the wind and embrace the miracle laid out before him?
A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2016 Advent Calendar "Bah Humbug."
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2016
1 person is currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Meg Harding
40 books113 followersMeg Harding is a graduate student, currently studying MA Publishing in the UK. She plans to continue on to become an editor, all while continuing to write. When she isn't writing she enjoys the theatre, concerts, and lazing about in front of the TV.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 20, 2016
This was a story that is part of DSP's 2016 Advent Calendar stories. A shortie that packs a punch.
William and Brady were the loves of each other's lives - 200 years ago. William had been forced into an arranged marriage, but he and Brady just knew they'd had enough and were going to run away together. Until William's wife, a witch unbeknownst to them, found out and cast a curse on them both.
William was to live immortally without his beloved, because the wretched wife killed Brady when she set the curse. And Brady was cursed to return for multiple lives, having the memories of Brady's life with William, but never able to find him or even know that he wasn't just crazy with all these memories that never happened in his lifetime!
When William and Brady run into each other in the present time - whew! So sweet and endearing and a little funny. William never expected to see Brady again, thinking he was dead and gone forever. And Brady (now Sidney) has had a complete set of memories of he and the mysterious William, but always thinking he was crazy, never expected to run into him!
This was a short and sweet story of two lovers, destined to find each other again, who find their HEA. I enjoyed it and would recommend for a cute, holiday read.
William and Brady were the loves of each other's lives - 200 years ago. William had been forced into an arranged marriage, but he and Brady just knew they'd had enough and were going to run away together. Until William's wife, a witch unbeknownst to them, found out and cast a curse on them both.
William was to live immortally without his beloved, because the wretched wife killed Brady when she set the curse. And Brady was cursed to return for multiple lives, having the memories of Brady's life with William, but never able to find him or even know that he wasn't just crazy with all these memories that never happened in his lifetime!
When William and Brady run into each other in the present time - whew! So sweet and endearing and a little funny. William never expected to see Brady again, thinking he was dead and gone forever. And Brady (now Sidney) has had a complete set of memories of he and the mysterious William, but always thinking he was crazy, never expected to run into him!
This was a short and sweet story of two lovers, destined to find each other again, who find their HEA. I enjoyed it and would recommend for a cute, holiday read.
December 18, 2016
It's the Jizzmas 'Corns vs. Grumpicorns Round #3!
Check out all of our reviews here for this week's latest batch of Sunday Funday Jizzmas
3-3.5 HEARTS (a sliding scale)
Out of all the Jizzmas tales from this anthology--I'll admit I didn't look through them all for fear of turning into gingerbread--this was the one I wanted to read hard. That cover, the author and that blurb?
Buuuuuuuuuuuuut...after reading, I'm not feeling the magic. And once again, it's nothing to do with the Santa Semen. In fact, the Christmas aspect in Cursed Miracles could be considered a throwaway for as much as it really mattered. Had nothing to do with the central plot which was long lost lovers.
Two hundred years ago in Britain, childhood friends turned lovers Lords William Mashinter and Brady Gallagher go through trials to hide their love. On Christmas, the love is tested ultimately where one is frozen in time cursed to walk the earth, the other is killed, cursed to be reborn and remembering his past life, yearning for what he can't have. We jump to present day after the curse and that's where the unease starts for me. (I'm ignoring the modern feel of the historical part)
Present day starts off a little cheesy with 'frozen' lover working in an office, being forced to wear a candy cane tie. Minor issue but I could do without the slice of silly. And when the grand reunion happens, I was expecting thunder and lightning...something. Two hundred years of yearning for this man, your soul mate and it read a little anticlimactic. What happened to the person who cursed them? Why wouldn't William keep tabs on them? Who is she? What is she? What's the purpose of cursing? All these unanswered questions I have.
Was the reunion worth the read? I guess. But the epilogue was too long I would have rather than focus be put into the reunion or building the tension prior to William and Brady's reunion. I can't rate this high than 3 Hearts because I've read 2 variations of a past life plot that left an impression--one recently that was bombastic compared to Cursed Miracles. I think it might be why I was underwhelmed. I can't help wishing maybe this was a little longer and stronger in places.
Overall, the story is readable.
Boy meets boy, says he loves him. He's taken away and he travels the earth cursed looking until he stops. And he ends up where he least expects him. Oh and the sprinklings of Christmas jizz. *shrugs* The meld of past and present wasn't as smooth for me.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Check out all of our reviews here for this week's latest batch of Sunday Funday Jizzmas
3-3.5 HEARTS (a sliding scale)
Out of all the Jizzmas tales from this anthology--I'll admit I didn't look through them all for fear of turning into gingerbread--this was the one I wanted to read hard. That cover, the author and that blurb?
Buuuuuuuuuuuuut...after reading, I'm not feeling the magic. And once again, it's nothing to do with the Santa Semen. In fact, the Christmas aspect in Cursed Miracles could be considered a throwaway for as much as it really mattered. Had nothing to do with the central plot which was long lost lovers.
Two hundred years ago in Britain, childhood friends turned lovers Lords William Mashinter and Brady Gallagher go through trials to hide their love. On Christmas, the love is tested ultimately where one is frozen in time cursed to walk the earth, the other is killed, cursed to be reborn and remembering his past life, yearning for what he can't have. We jump to present day after the curse and that's where the unease starts for me. (I'm ignoring the modern feel of the historical part)
Present day starts off a little cheesy with 'frozen' lover working in an office, being forced to wear a candy cane tie. Minor issue but I could do without the slice of silly. And when the grand reunion happens, I was expecting thunder and lightning...something. Two hundred years of yearning for this man, your soul mate and it read a little anticlimactic. What happened to the person who cursed them? Why wouldn't William keep tabs on them? Who is she? What is she? What's the purpose of cursing? All these unanswered questions I have.
Was the reunion worth the read? I guess. But the epilogue was too long I would have rather than focus be put into the reunion or building the tension prior to William and Brady's reunion. I can't rate this high than 3 Hearts because I've read 2 variations of a past life plot that left an impression--one recently that was bombastic compared to Cursed Miracles. I think it might be why I was underwhelmed. I can't help wishing maybe this was a little longer and stronger in places.
Overall, the story is readable.
Boy meets boy, says he loves him. He's taken away and he travels the earth cursed looking until he stops. And he ends up where he least expects him. Oh and the sprinklings of Christmas jizz. *shrugs* The meld of past and present wasn't as smooth for me.
A copy provided for an honest review.
December 2, 2016
3.75 stars rounded up
For two hundred years, William Mashinter hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve, two centuries ago, William’s lover Brady was killed by William’s vicious wife as an act of revenge. William is cursed to live his life alone until Brady finds his way back to him again.
I had questions in my head regarding the curse and how it worked. Usually there are clues on how to break it, but in this story, it wasn’t really clear to me. Jennifer only said to Brady, “… And you won’t have peace until William does” – what does it mean?!? What kind of peace? What makes this year so special that William and Brady finally reunited? Even at the end, I didn’t get it. There was also a question about Brady’s number of past lives that just didn’t sound correct. But that would be a little too nit-picky of me, wouldn’t it?
Apart from that, I thought this was a sweet story of how true love stood against time (and curses). The reunion was filled with shock, happiness, and then steamy moments, which was understandable considering they had been apart for two centuries.
The epilogue, though. The epilogue was EVERYTHING. *doodling hearts and love across my Kindle *
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
For two hundred years, William Mashinter hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve, two centuries ago, William’s lover Brady was killed by William’s vicious wife as an act of revenge. William is cursed to live his life alone until Brady finds his way back to him again.
I had questions in my head regarding the curse and how it worked. Usually there are clues on how to break it, but in this story, it wasn’t really clear to me. Jennifer only said to Brady, “… And you won’t have peace until William does” – what does it mean?!? What kind of peace? What makes this year so special that William and Brady finally reunited? Even at the end, I didn’t get it. There was also a question about Brady’s number of past lives that just didn’t sound correct. But that would be a little too nit-picky of me, wouldn’t it?
Apart from that, I thought this was a sweet story of how true love stood against time (and curses). The reunion was filled with shock, happiness, and then steamy moments, which was understandable considering they had been apart for two centuries.
The epilogue, though. The epilogue was EVERYTHING. *doodling hearts and love across my Kindle *
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 25, 2017
2.8 Stars
I wanted so much to love this story (after all, the beginning sort of reminded me of how Dante's Cove started - and I adored that ridiculously OTT show)...unfortunately, there were too many problems.
But, instead of listing them I thought I'd point out a much more thoroughly detailed review of everything that bothered me, written by Elaine White. I agree with everything that follows: "This story had way too much background..." especially the "Victorian" age comment because that immediately threw me out of the story and I couldn't stop thinking about it from that point on. Seriously, read her review. It's spot on.
(And I think that's the second book this week that I've just pointed to another review and said, "Yep, THIS!" Oh well.)
I wanted so much to love this story (after all, the beginning sort of reminded me of how Dante's Cove started - and I adored that ridiculously OTT show)...unfortunately, there were too many problems.
But, instead of listing them I thought I'd point out a much more thoroughly detailed review of everything that bothered me, written by Elaine White. I agree with everything that follows: "This story had way too much background..." especially the "Victorian" age comment because that immediately threw me out of the story and I couldn't stop thinking about it from that point on. Seriously, read her review. It's spot on.
(And I think that's the second book this week that I've just pointed to another review and said, "Yep, THIS!" Oh well.)
February 18, 2017
Book – Cursed Miracles
Author – Meg Harding
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 48
Cover – Gorgeous, but misleading.
POV – 3rd person, present tense
Would I read it again – No.
Genre – LGBT, Holiday, Christmas, Paranormal, Witch, Historical-to-Present-Day, Romance
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
I have to say, I opted to read this one because it was Meg Harding and after loving Dinner for One, I felt sure that I would love this too. I mean, the blurb was amazing! And it promised so much.
Sadly, for me, it didn't deliver.
In Dinner for One, I didn't even comment on the unusual POV of 3rd person, present tense. It's not something you come across often, but it worked with that book. It didn't work with this one. This story had way too much background, history and needed way more exploration than it was given. This story didn't fit in the 48 pages and that became very evident when half the book was about more telling than showing. At the same time, it read so much more like a 1st person reading, because there were so many thoughts, opinions and personal remarks made during the main text – not even italicised or marked as thoughts – that it became confusing to read. It was basically a 1st person narrative in a 3rd person disguise.
I got frustrated with it really quickly. First off, the entire first 25% of the book is flashbacks. Now, I get why we needed the flashbacks, but couldn't it just have been written like a real story, in various scenes, to show us what happened rather than constantly telling us all the important stuff? It needed more fleshing out, to explore the “suffering” that both William and Brady claimed to have gone through in their 200 years apart, but which we never saw. Not one bit of it.
There's also a real issue of timing. There are two very distinct issue: one with the claiming of an era that is historically impossible and the other concerning Brady's lives.
First, at the end of the story, Brady says that they were raised with Victorian ideas. I did a little Googling, after finishing the book, because a lot of the timing issues bugged me so much that I had to discover if I was being stupid. The Victorian Era was from between 1837-1901. If you could back 200 years from 2016 (which is when this book was published, so I'm going by that, since it's billed as a contemporary story), you go back to 1816. Which would be the time that Willian and Brady were punished by the witch, cursed to this existence of the blurb. Which would mean that both men were in their late 20's in 1816 (about 28, I believe William was at the time), so it would be physically impossible for them to be raised with Victorian ideas. In fact, Brady was already “dead” by the time Queen Victoria began her reign and William would have been around forty-nine by then, if he'd kept aging.
Then we come to Brady's lives. Now, he claims that he's only had 3 lives in total: Brady, then James and Sidney. So, it's hard to say this is correct unless there are unexplained chunks of years where Brady never existed. This is impossible to tell, since the whole “curse” is never actually explained or explored. William merely mentions that he's investigated how to get rid of it, that no one knows anything about it and that's it. There's no attempt to explain it or how it functions, which is frustrating enough. But even if you're being generous and you say that Brady was reborn immediately, lived for 50 years and died, then was reborn immediately and by that time (1866) the age of living was still the same, to tag on an extra 50 years for that life. By 1916, still wasn't that great, so add on another 50 for that life (that's a count of 3 lives, so far). After those 50 years, it would be 1966, when people were living to the age of around 65. Living to 65 would mean his life was over by 2031, making him approximately 15 years old and in his fifth life. Unless you over-estimate his ability to live a long life and say that he lived 2 lives to approximately 60-70 years of age, which was near impossible in the time of his original death, then there's really no explaining the fact that he's only had those 2 additional lives.
Adding onto the confusing timelines and the lack of historical accuracy, I was disappointed that we didn't get any of Brady's POV as the blurb suggested (by heavily dividing the blurb into the two characters fates and implying that it was all on Brady's shoulders to get them back together). We got absolutely no insight into his life, how he'd dealt with his curse or what he'd gone through and how he really felt for William. The fact that he kept saying he remembered his life as Brady, but didn't feel it made me question everything about their sudden chemistry and urge to get into each other's pants.
The entire relationship felt unrealistic, for me. I completely understand the concept of living 200 years without his soul mate and how that might have chipped away at William's hope to find Brady again, but the way he reacted to the situation was unbelievable. It felt forced and fake, almost on the verge of William not loving Brady enough to keep hope alive. The fact that he kept talking about Brady like he was dead and gone, had been for centuries etc, just made me angry. He'd forgotten or chose to forget the entire point of the curse, which was to have them both in the world, unable to find each other until the “right” time, which was also never explained. When was the right time? Did William have to learn a lesson first? Did they have to do something, say something, feel something or just end up coincidentally in the same place at the same time to break the curse? We don't know.
I didn't connect to either of the main characters, unfortunately. I found William to be a complete idiot, selfish and ignorant. He completely disregarded two coincidental situations, which were glaringly obvious, and chose to believe the lies he told himself rather than spare two seconds to investigate and be proven right. I get that he might get hurt by being proven wrong, but surely after 200 years, the hope that he might just be right, this one time, would be enough to convince him?
Brady, as well, wasn't exactly my favourite. I didn't like the way he “remembered” their life together, but felt none of it. Or the way he was crawling all over William right away, just because of those memories. There was no context, no explanation, no exploration of his character except through William's memories, even though he wasn't that Brady anymore.
I found the curse slightly ridiculous. A more apt fate would have been to have William pining and remembering everything, while Brady had no recollection of William or their time together or their love. Surely that would have been a crueler fate, because it was William she wanted to punish? Instead, it felt like the whole curse was fabricated and forced into a situation where Brady got to be the bold, strong one who brought them back together.
~
I hate to say that I really did get this one. I didn't feel any romance, I didn't like the characters or the way it was written and I feel like at least a good 50 pages were chopped out of the story or should have been added, to give us the story that the plot needed to make it believable.
I felt cheated by the cover and blurb, neither of which appropriately represent the story. The cover, as far as I can see, has absolutely no bearing on the story whatsoever. It certainly never happens in the flashbacks or in the text that I read. The blurb also had me convinced that William truly was “frozen in time”, as in completely unable to move on with his life, searching for Brady was the main focus of his life. I also expected at least a partial telling of Brady's story, but that never happened. It even implies that there's a risk to his sanity – though he explains that wasn't the case now, but had been a concern in a past life – and that he has to fight for what he wants. Neither happens.
I was disappointed with the lack of conflict, the lack of romance and the lack of detail and attention given to the story. With historical inaccuracies, lack of explanation for the curse and such, the story fell flat and failed to live up to the high expectations the cover and blurb placed on it.
~
Author – Meg Harding
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 48
Cover – Gorgeous, but misleading.
POV – 3rd person, present tense
Would I read it again – No.
Genre – LGBT, Holiday, Christmas, Paranormal, Witch, Historical-to-Present-Day, Romance
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
I have to say, I opted to read this one because it was Meg Harding and after loving Dinner for One, I felt sure that I would love this too. I mean, the blurb was amazing! And it promised so much.
Sadly, for me, it didn't deliver.
In Dinner for One, I didn't even comment on the unusual POV of 3rd person, present tense. It's not something you come across often, but it worked with that book. It didn't work with this one. This story had way too much background, history and needed way more exploration than it was given. This story didn't fit in the 48 pages and that became very evident when half the book was about more telling than showing. At the same time, it read so much more like a 1st person reading, because there were so many thoughts, opinions and personal remarks made during the main text – not even italicised or marked as thoughts – that it became confusing to read. It was basically a 1st person narrative in a 3rd person disguise.
I got frustrated with it really quickly. First off, the entire first 25% of the book is flashbacks. Now, I get why we needed the flashbacks, but couldn't it just have been written like a real story, in various scenes, to show us what happened rather than constantly telling us all the important stuff? It needed more fleshing out, to explore the “suffering” that both William and Brady claimed to have gone through in their 200 years apart, but which we never saw. Not one bit of it.
There's also a real issue of timing. There are two very distinct issue: one with the claiming of an era that is historically impossible and the other concerning Brady's lives.
First, at the end of the story, Brady says that they were raised with Victorian ideas. I did a little Googling, after finishing the book, because a lot of the timing issues bugged me so much that I had to discover if I was being stupid. The Victorian Era was from between 1837-1901. If you could back 200 years from 2016 (which is when this book was published, so I'm going by that, since it's billed as a contemporary story), you go back to 1816. Which would be the time that Willian and Brady were punished by the witch, cursed to this existence of the blurb. Which would mean that both men were in their late 20's in 1816 (about 28, I believe William was at the time), so it would be physically impossible for them to be raised with Victorian ideas. In fact, Brady was already “dead” by the time Queen Victoria began her reign and William would have been around forty-nine by then, if he'd kept aging.
Then we come to Brady's lives. Now, he claims that he's only had 3 lives in total: Brady, then James and Sidney. So, it's hard to say this is correct unless there are unexplained chunks of years where Brady never existed. This is impossible to tell, since the whole “curse” is never actually explained or explored. William merely mentions that he's investigated how to get rid of it, that no one knows anything about it and that's it. There's no attempt to explain it or how it functions, which is frustrating enough. But even if you're being generous and you say that Brady was reborn immediately, lived for 50 years and died, then was reborn immediately and by that time (1866) the age of living was still the same, to tag on an extra 50 years for that life. By 1916, still wasn't that great, so add on another 50 for that life (that's a count of 3 lives, so far). After those 50 years, it would be 1966, when people were living to the age of around 65. Living to 65 would mean his life was over by 2031, making him approximately 15 years old and in his fifth life. Unless you over-estimate his ability to live a long life and say that he lived 2 lives to approximately 60-70 years of age, which was near impossible in the time of his original death, then there's really no explaining the fact that he's only had those 2 additional lives.
Adding onto the confusing timelines and the lack of historical accuracy, I was disappointed that we didn't get any of Brady's POV as the blurb suggested (by heavily dividing the blurb into the two characters fates and implying that it was all on Brady's shoulders to get them back together). We got absolutely no insight into his life, how he'd dealt with his curse or what he'd gone through and how he really felt for William. The fact that he kept saying he remembered his life as Brady, but didn't feel it made me question everything about their sudden chemistry and urge to get into each other's pants.
The entire relationship felt unrealistic, for me. I completely understand the concept of living 200 years without his soul mate and how that might have chipped away at William's hope to find Brady again, but the way he reacted to the situation was unbelievable. It felt forced and fake, almost on the verge of William not loving Brady enough to keep hope alive. The fact that he kept talking about Brady like he was dead and gone, had been for centuries etc, just made me angry. He'd forgotten or chose to forget the entire point of the curse, which was to have them both in the world, unable to find each other until the “right” time, which was also never explained. When was the right time? Did William have to learn a lesson first? Did they have to do something, say something, feel something or just end up coincidentally in the same place at the same time to break the curse? We don't know.
I didn't connect to either of the main characters, unfortunately. I found William to be a complete idiot, selfish and ignorant. He completely disregarded two coincidental situations, which were glaringly obvious, and chose to believe the lies he told himself rather than spare two seconds to investigate and be proven right. I get that he might get hurt by being proven wrong, but surely after 200 years, the hope that he might just be right, this one time, would be enough to convince him?
Brady, as well, wasn't exactly my favourite. I didn't like the way he “remembered” their life together, but felt none of it. Or the way he was crawling all over William right away, just because of those memories. There was no context, no explanation, no exploration of his character except through William's memories, even though he wasn't that Brady anymore.
I found the curse slightly ridiculous. A more apt fate would have been to have William pining and remembering everything, while Brady had no recollection of William or their time together or their love. Surely that would have been a crueler fate, because it was William she wanted to punish? Instead, it felt like the whole curse was fabricated and forced into a situation where Brady got to be the bold, strong one who brought them back together.
~
I hate to say that I really did get this one. I didn't feel any romance, I didn't like the characters or the way it was written and I feel like at least a good 50 pages were chopped out of the story or should have been added, to give us the story that the plot needed to make it believable.
I felt cheated by the cover and blurb, neither of which appropriately represent the story. The cover, as far as I can see, has absolutely no bearing on the story whatsoever. It certainly never happens in the flashbacks or in the text that I read. The blurb also had me convinced that William truly was “frozen in time”, as in completely unable to move on with his life, searching for Brady was the main focus of his life. I also expected at least a partial telling of Brady's story, but that never happened. It even implies that there's a risk to his sanity – though he explains that wasn't the case now, but had been a concern in a past life – and that he has to fight for what he wants. Neither happens.
I was disappointed with the lack of conflict, the lack of romance and the lack of detail and attention given to the story. With historical inaccuracies, lack of explanation for the curse and such, the story fell flat and failed to live up to the high expectations the cover and blurb placed on it.
~
December 18, 2016
‘Cursed Miracles’ is an excellent title for this unusual Christmas story that had me go from shocked and angry to relieved in the span of its relatively few pages. William fell in love with his friend, Brady, two hundred years ago when society was less than accepting and had to watch as his vindictive witch-wife killed and cursed Brady to be reincarnated over and over again. Then the witch cursed William to live until Brady would find him again. And all of that happened on Christmas Eve – no wonder William hates Christmas!
The pain of living without the man he loves is unimaginable. William has tried to find him, attempted to get other magic users to help him lift the curse, but nothing helped. He has had many “almost Bardy” encounters over the years, so when he sees –what he thinks – yet another imagined version of Brady at the company Christmas party, William thinks the man who looks and sounds so much like his lover is yet another hallucination.
Brady has not had it easy either – he may have had separate lives and has aged normally each time, but the curse ensured that he always remembers the “original” version of his life, prompting him to try to find William again and again. When he finally does, he is over the moon and more than ready to continue their relationship where they left off.
If you like your Christmas stories to contain a touch of the supernatural, if curses and reincarnation and all its consequences fascinate you, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of sadness and pain only to morph into sweet happiness, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
The pain of living without the man he loves is unimaginable. William has tried to find him, attempted to get other magic users to help him lift the curse, but nothing helped. He has had many “almost Bardy” encounters over the years, so when he sees –what he thinks – yet another imagined version of Brady at the company Christmas party, William thinks the man who looks and sounds so much like his lover is yet another hallucination.
Brady has not had it easy either – he may have had separate lives and has aged normally each time, but the curse ensured that he always remembers the “original” version of his life, prompting him to try to find William again and again. When he finally does, he is over the moon and more than ready to continue their relationship where they left off.
If you like your Christmas stories to contain a touch of the supernatural, if curses and reincarnation and all its consequences fascinate you, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of sadness and pain only to morph into sweet happiness, then you will probably like this novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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December 18, 2016 5 Hearts
I am admitting it, I have a major crush on Meg Harding. Honestly, her writing is what I love. Her romances fill up my hopeless romantic heart until it’s overflowing and goodness, she nailed this one.
So we know the theme is turning the Bah Humbug into one of Christmas cheer and there is no one more deserving to lose his Humbug than William. You see, William is from Victorian times, the times when men took lovers and were IN love with other men but were forced to marry and keep their “Unnatural Love” secret. For William, this love has been his best friend Brady for over 10 years but when William is forced to marry and his new wife is a literal witch, she condemns William to live without his love and soul mate while she forces Brady to live life after life remembering the love of William. Good lord.
In my marriage, really since the day we moved in together, my husband and I have been apart for only 1 week. That is it, that is the longest we have been apart so to think of being so deeply in love but separated from you love for TWO HUNDRED YEARS just killed me.
But when William is forced to go to his work holiday party and he sees familiar auburn curls and hears a voice that goes to his soul, I was prepared for some angst and some serious reunion sex. Cause remember… TWO HUNDRED YEARS!
Holy Holly this was good. I knew from the blurb it would pull at my heartstrings but it pulled them so tight I was bound and so ready to be a part of Brady and William being together again. The epilogue is so so so perfect and wonderful and just yeah. This was good and I have a mad crush on Ms. Meg.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We Unicorn's are reviewing the Dreamspinner 2016 Advent Calendar every Sunday, Jizzmas gang bang style on the blog with the unis who are Santa Jizzians and the Grumpicorns. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here...
I am admitting it, I have a major crush on Meg Harding. Honestly, her writing is what I love. Her romances fill up my hopeless romantic heart until it’s overflowing and goodness, she nailed this one.
So we know the theme is turning the Bah Humbug into one of Christmas cheer and there is no one more deserving to lose his Humbug than William. You see, William is from Victorian times, the times when men took lovers and were IN love with other men but were forced to marry and keep their “Unnatural Love” secret. For William, this love has been his best friend Brady for over 10 years but when William is forced to marry and his new wife is a literal witch, she condemns William to live without his love and soul mate while she forces Brady to live life after life remembering the love of William. Good lord.
I have been through so much trying to get back to you.
In my marriage, really since the day we moved in together, my husband and I have been apart for only 1 week. That is it, that is the longest we have been apart so to think of being so deeply in love but separated from you love for TWO HUNDRED YEARS just killed me.
But when William is forced to go to his work holiday party and he sees familiar auburn curls and hears a voice that goes to his soul, I was prepared for some angst and some serious reunion sex. Cause remember… TWO HUNDRED YEARS!
Holy Holly this was good. I knew from the blurb it would pull at my heartstrings but it pulled them so tight I was bound and so ready to be a part of Brady and William being together again. The epilogue is so so so perfect and wonderful and just yeah. This was good and I have a mad crush on Ms. Meg.
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We Unicorn's are reviewing the Dreamspinner 2016 Advent Calendar every Sunday, Jizzmas gang bang style on the blog with the unis who are Santa Jizzians and the Grumpicorns. Check out the rest of the reviews for this story here...
January 29, 2025
The annual Advent Calendar by Dreamspinner Press is a personal favorite of mine and I'm so pleased to be involved again for 2016's 'Bah Humbug' edition.
I didn't blame William for hating Christmas and everything that accompanies it. Two hundred years ago he lost the love of his life on Christmas Eve and he, himself, was cursed to live out his days, never aging, hoping to find his love again. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I would have hated the season, too.
I felt so bad for William. Two hundred years of a lonely existence having to change himself up every fifteen to twenty years and reinvent himself somewhere new. He's just about done with this latest turn in investment banking if he can just get through the annual Christmas party. I could only empathize with William when he finds Brady at the party and William believes his mind has finally snapped and it's a hallucination. Oh, but it isn’t, and the reunion is so sweet. Brady has been searching for William in each of his previous lives and it was heart-wrenching to see them find each other.
As someone who truly believes the soul lives on and that true love never dies, I adored this contribution to this year's calendar, and I thank the author for it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
I didn't blame William for hating Christmas and everything that accompanies it. Two hundred years ago he lost the love of his life on Christmas Eve and he, himself, was cursed to live out his days, never aging, hoping to find his love again. Yeah, I'm pretty sure I would have hated the season, too.
I felt so bad for William. Two hundred years of a lonely existence having to change himself up every fifteen to twenty years and reinvent himself somewhere new. He's just about done with this latest turn in investment banking if he can just get through the annual Christmas party. I could only empathize with William when he finds Brady at the party and William believes his mind has finally snapped and it's a hallucination. Oh, but it isn’t, and the reunion is so sweet. Brady has been searching for William in each of his previous lives and it was heart-wrenching to see them find each other.
As someone who truly believes the soul lives on and that true love never dies, I adored this contribution to this year's calendar, and I thank the author for it.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
December 18, 2016
4.5 hearts!
I really really enjoyed this story, it absolutely sucked me in!
William and Brady are completely in love, but in the 1800’s. When Williams wife curses them to a life apart but spent searching for each other (for reasons not really explained), they spend the next 200 feeling lost and empty.
I adored Brady and William's relationship.I felt their love, connection and pain on every page. Their relationship build up and then reunion was well written.
Also this had two full sex scenes, which I've one to discover is hard to find in these stories.
I was a bit confused by the curses to begin with and how it was the best possible punishment but it makes more sense as the story progresses.
This might not have been the most fledged out story ever written but it had everything I wanted in a Christmas story.
I was stuck to the pages and actually felt the connection between these two, that alone deserves a good rating, but add in some sex and I'm sold!
Click in the Jizzmas picture to see the unicorns reviews of this week's releases from the Bah Humbug 2016 Advent Calendar stories!
I really really enjoyed this story, it absolutely sucked me in!
William and Brady are completely in love, but in the 1800’s. When Williams wife curses them to a life apart but spent searching for each other (for reasons not really explained), they spend the next 200 feeling lost and empty.
I adored Brady and William's relationship.I felt their love, connection and pain on every page. Their relationship build up and then reunion was well written.
Also this had two full sex scenes, which I've one to discover is hard to find in these stories.
I was a bit confused by the curses to begin with and how it was the best possible punishment but it makes more sense as the story progresses.
This might not have been the most fledged out story ever written but it had everything I wanted in a Christmas story.
I was stuck to the pages and actually felt the connection between these two, that alone deserves a good rating, but add in some sex and I'm sold!
Click in the Jizzmas picture to see the unicorns reviews of this week's releases from the Bah Humbug 2016 Advent Calendar stories!
October 20, 2017
How can you cope with two hundred years of missing someone so badly? How can you mend your broken heart for two hundred years losing your soulmates?
William hates Christmas, the day he lost Brady for a curse out of jealousy.
Until one Christmas two hundred years later he found Brady and cannot believe his own eyes.
Strangely, I do believe in reincarnation and all the unfinished business in this world should be finished and solved before you go to nirvana.
So, this is very interesting story, entertaining, the writing is good, and kinda a refreshing different Christmas story.
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of a fair and unbiased review.*
William hates Christmas, the day he lost Brady for a curse out of jealousy.
Until one Christmas two hundred years later he found Brady and cannot believe his own eyes.
Strangely, I do believe in reincarnation and all the unfinished business in this world should be finished and solved before you go to nirvana.
So, this is very interesting story, entertaining, the writing is good, and kinda a refreshing different Christmas story.
* I received the ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange of a fair and unbiased review.*
April 10, 2017
Overall book rating: 3
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 2
It’s not the book it’s me. I did enjoy it, I loved the idea around the whole thing. But to be honest in the end I loved the “idea” more than I loved the story itself.
It was over way too soon for me to really dig my toes into it.
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 2
It’s not the book it’s me. I did enjoy it, I loved the idea around the whole thing. But to be honest in the end I loved the “idea” more than I loved the story itself.
It was over way too soon for me to really dig my toes into it.
December 14, 2016
4.5 Stars!
William and Brady are in love, but two men together is forbidden. Forced to marry a woman, William and Brady are forced to carry on an affair behind William's wife, Jennifer's back. Unbeknownst to them, though, Jennifer knows what the two men are up to and confronts them before killing Brady and cursing them to an eternity of longing for one another.
Very enjoyable read. While there were so many things the author could have done had this story been longer, it was very entertaining as it was. I liked the characters and felt for them and what each man must have suffered through over the two hundred years they were apart. The fact that they never stopped wanting and loving each other even after believing they'd never see each other again was a testament to how much they really were in love.
The ending was perfect and I loved the way they looked at the whole experience. I would have liked to have found out what happened to Jennifer, was she still alive like Brady and William or was she long gone? I also would have liked to see the different things the men experienced over two centuries. However, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story as it was.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Cursed Miracles.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
December 15, 2016
The story is about William and Brady, two Victorian gentlemen in love. After William marriage, his wife curses them: William to eternity living without Brady and Brady to living more than one life searching for William.
The characters in this didn't engage me, I really didn't feel the love they are supposed to have for each other. I think one of the reason for this, is this short is really divided in three different eras : the Victorian story, the modern one / reunion and an epilogue; I think I could have gotten more out of this if the author had chosen an era and stuck with it though she would have had to lose the supernatural element of the story... I'm not sure why I didn't connect with these characters and I guess it doesn't help that the one I wanted to know more about was William's wife, I think I could read a book with her as heroine or maybe not, but I liked the twist of why she cursed the heroes.
I liked the language and I thought it very well written.
Now, I have to mention the great cover art by Catt Ford, I always love her covers. Very appropriate to the story, would keep the book on my ipad just to look at it over and over again. I give a 5 stars to the cover.
The characters in this didn't engage me, I really didn't feel the love they are supposed to have for each other. I think one of the reason for this, is this short is really divided in three different eras : the Victorian story, the modern one / reunion and an epilogue; I think I could have gotten more out of this if the author had chosen an era and stuck with it though she would have had to lose the supernatural element of the story... I'm not sure why I didn't connect with these characters and I guess it doesn't help that the one I wanted to know more about was William's wife, I think I could read a book with her as heroine or maybe not, but I liked the twist of why she cursed the heroes.
I liked the language and I thought it very well written.
Now, I have to mention the great cover art by Catt Ford, I always love her covers. Very appropriate to the story, would keep the book on my ipad just to look at it over and over again. I give a 5 stars to the cover.
January 5, 2017
This didn't really have much of a Christmas theme beyond the excuse for them to get together again. Cursed by his ex-wife to wander forever without his male lover whom she kills, William is kind of sick of his life and not in the mood for the work Christmas party. But lo and behold there is his love Brady who has been reborn a couple of times and remembers his past life. Boom, they run off and live happily ever after with an epilogue complete with adorable adopted kids and his lesbian PA and her girlfriend all living on a Caribbean island. Hmm. I could have lived without the epilogue to be honest, and spent more time on getting to know each other. Surely William had changed since the Victorian era and Brady was a whole different person with parents/experiences that would change him. I think that would have been more interesting.
Still, it was okay. I'm always amazed at these companies that throw these kind of Christmas parties because I come from a "bring your own food to the potluck" kind of experience. But I know they do and I just shake my head. Do you know how many families you could feed with that money? *cue the socialist in me* LOL
Still, it was okay. I'm always amazed at these companies that throw these kind of Christmas parties because I come from a "bring your own food to the potluck" kind of experience. But I know they do and I just shake my head. Do you know how many families you could feed with that money? *cue the socialist in me* LOL
January 6, 2017
3.5 Stars
I really liked this one but it was missing something important. It needed more info about that curse! I would have liked to see a few more pages to clear that up, maybe then I wouldn't have been left feeling like something was missing. Even with the missing info I enjoyed this little short.
November 29, 2016
3.5 slightly flickering stars rounded down to 3 here on GR because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
If you lost your soulmate, how long would you look for them?
William Mashinter and Brady Gallagher feel in love during a time when loving another man was neither a wise nor safe decision, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Sadly for William his wife's heart wanted revenge and she was just the witch to get it.
William is cursed by his witch of a wife (seriously, she's a witch) to wander the earth until his true love (that would be Brady) finds him. Problem is she's killed Brady and cursed him to be reborn and in each life he remembers everything that's happened from his previous lives. Needless to say this is going to take a while...like 200 years worth.
I loved this the whole premise had me salivating. I'm a sucker for a story with tons of drama and angst and a big payoff and seriously 200 years of being reborn only to start looking for your soulmate in each life remembering that he's out there wandering the earth waiting for you, looking for you. I had this one cast and produced as a movie/television series/whatever I'll take what I can get. I loved 'The Highlander' and this has all the makings of being every bit as epic.
I loved the beginning seeing how events came to be through William's memories. I felt his pain and heartache. Shared his sense of loss and eventually the hopelessness of ever being reunited with Brady.
What fell short for me was the middle. I wanted those 200 years filled in with more than just a few paragraphs. Even a few more pages would have worked for me. I wanted that extra drama to enhance how much these two men went through to be reunited. William hinted at dark times in his life and dammit I wanted to know what happened to him, but alas this is a short story and I was not to get this part of it.
It's a big world out there and it's not getting any smaller. These two men being reunited was like the proverbial needle in a haystack so William thinking he was going crazy rather than believing it was possible that it was Brady's voice he heard and not his mind playing tricks made total sense to me. Which made their reunion so perfect when it happened. I loved it.
As for the ending...I loved it. William and Brady's reunion worked so well. It was intense, sweet, a tiny bit awkward and totally perfect but then again, 200 years looking for the love of your life...deserves nothing less than perfect.
********************
An ARC of 'Cursed Miracles' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you lost your soulmate, how long would you look for them?
William Mashinter and Brady Gallagher feel in love during a time when loving another man was neither a wise nor safe decision, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Sadly for William his wife's heart wanted revenge and she was just the witch to get it.
William is cursed by his witch of a wife (seriously, she's a witch) to wander the earth until his true love (that would be Brady) finds him. Problem is she's killed Brady and cursed him to be reborn and in each life he remembers everything that's happened from his previous lives. Needless to say this is going to take a while...like 200 years worth.
I loved this the whole premise had me salivating. I'm a sucker for a story with tons of drama and angst and a big payoff and seriously 200 years of being reborn only to start looking for your soulmate in each life remembering that he's out there wandering the earth waiting for you, looking for you. I had this one cast and produced as a movie/television series/whatever I'll take what I can get. I loved 'The Highlander' and this has all the makings of being every bit as epic.
I loved the beginning seeing how events came to be through William's memories. I felt his pain and heartache. Shared his sense of loss and eventually the hopelessness of ever being reunited with Brady.
What fell short for me was the middle. I wanted those 200 years filled in with more than just a few paragraphs. Even a few more pages would have worked for me. I wanted that extra drama to enhance how much these two men went through to be reunited. William hinted at dark times in his life and dammit I wanted to know what happened to him, but alas this is a short story and I was not to get this part of it.
It's a big world out there and it's not getting any smaller. These two men being reunited was like the proverbial needle in a haystack so William thinking he was going crazy rather than believing it was possible that it was Brady's voice he heard and not his mind playing tricks made total sense to me. Which made their reunion so perfect when it happened. I loved it.
As for the ending...I loved it. William and Brady's reunion worked so well. It was intense, sweet, a tiny bit awkward and totally perfect but then again, 200 years looking for the love of your life...deserves nothing less than perfect.
********************
An ARC of 'Cursed Miracles' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2016
Wow. This may be the best short story that I’ve read in this advent yet.
Cursed Miracles broke my heart and then picked up all the pieces and put it back together. William and Brady were soulmates down to the very definition of the word. Cursed by his ex-lover, William is forced to live year after year searching for Brady. Brady, on the other hand, is given the gift of a full life, in all physical aspects. He is born, he ages, he dies, but his heart will always yearn for William.
William was a completely different person when he was with Brady, and seeing that happiness light him up like a switch was flipped made his connection with Brady all the more real. This book was extrememly well written and although I do believe this is my first Meg Harding read, I do hope that it will not be my last. I quite enjoyed these two. This advent is worth picking up just for this short, even. 100% recommended.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
Cursed Miracles broke my heart and then picked up all the pieces and put it back together. William and Brady were soulmates down to the very definition of the word. Cursed by his ex-lover, William is forced to live year after year searching for Brady. Brady, on the other hand, is given the gift of a full life, in all physical aspects. He is born, he ages, he dies, but his heart will always yearn for William.
William was a completely different person when he was with Brady, and seeing that happiness light him up like a switch was flipped made his connection with Brady all the more real. This book was extrememly well written and although I do believe this is my first Meg Harding read, I do hope that it will not be my last. I quite enjoyed these two. This advent is worth picking up just for this short, even. 100% recommended.
Reviewed by Jordan at Alpha Book Club.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not influenced by the author or the publisher in any way.
February 14, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
William and Brady had been together a long time before William married Jennifer. They continued their affair despite the marriage. Jennifer was not an overly kind woman, and William was unhappy in his marriage. Then things went really wrong. Brady ended up dead and William ended up cursed to live a life without Brady. Brady was cursed to live countless lives and remember each, knowing his true love was still out there somewhere. Two hundred years later William hates Christmas. He’s stuck at a work party and thinking of Brady. During his speech one of the caterers drops a tray. When William looks up to see the commotion he sees Brady staring back at him.
This story was charming. William was a vaguely tragic figure who finally gets the love of his life and a time in which they can live together as husbands. You get all the pageantry of a historical tale with all the freedom of a contemporary. My big hang up was the fact it was written in present tense. I found it to be quite distracting and could discern no good reason for it. For me, the tense overshadowed what was otherwise a sweet tale of two people finally getting their lives back on track after waiting multiple lifetimes.
3.5 stars
William and Brady had been together a long time before William married Jennifer. They continued their affair despite the marriage. Jennifer was not an overly kind woman, and William was unhappy in his marriage. Then things went really wrong. Brady ended up dead and William ended up cursed to live a life without Brady. Brady was cursed to live countless lives and remember each, knowing his true love was still out there somewhere. Two hundred years later William hates Christmas. He’s stuck at a work party and thinking of Brady. During his speech one of the caterers drops a tray. When William looks up to see the commotion he sees Brady staring back at him.
This story was charming. William was a vaguely tragic figure who finally gets the love of his life and a time in which they can live together as husbands. You get all the pageantry of a historical tale with all the freedom of a contemporary. My big hang up was the fact it was written in present tense. I found it to be quite distracting and could discern no good reason for it. For me, the tense overshadowed what was otherwise a sweet tale of two people finally getting their lives back on track after waiting multiple lifetimes.
September 5, 2018
As part of the DSP Christmas bundle, this is a perfect length but I would have loved a longer treatment!
Getting the development of Brady and William’s relationship would have made the parting more poignant. The desolation of William’s marriage. What made her a witch. The actual how and what curse was given when she did what she did. More of both Brady and William’s years in exile. Was there a ‘big bang’ to the curse being broken etc
All of these things were hinted at and enough info given to enjoy the story and fill in with my own imagination.
Enjoyed, nice to see them getting their HEA
Getting the development of Brady and William’s relationship would have made the parting more poignant. The desolation of William’s marriage. What made her a witch. The actual how and what curse was given when she did what she did. More of both Brady and William’s years in exile. Was there a ‘big bang’ to the curse being broken etc
All of these things were hinted at and enough info given to enjoy the story and fill in with my own imagination.
Enjoyed, nice to see them getting their HEA
December 3, 2018
1.5 Stars
December 31, 2018
2.75 stars
December 22, 2016
“Two hundred years ago, William Mashinter the Third learned a very important life lesson. One he won’t forget – even if he lives two hundred more.
Don’t piss off a witch.”
In Cursed Miracles, Meg Harding weaves a tale of past, present, and future with just a touch of magic. William Mashinter hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve his soulmate and lover was taken from him, and William was frozen in time, cursed to walk through centuries, never aging, until his true love finds him once more. Normally, he rubs along well enough, but at Christmas all the old feelings resurface, and he feels his loss much more keenly. I appreciate the way Harding writes this character. He’s a grumpy scrooge kinda guy who everyone loves because underneath, he still has a heart of gold—even if it’s bruised and still bleeding two-hundred years later. It made me smile to hear how he’s the only one who lets the children waltz standing on the tops of his shoes. Your heart aches for William. I wish that Harding had brought a little magic into the modern-day storyline. She does such a masterful job weaving a story of forbidden love and a vengeful witch that I wish the modern-day story had just a touch of that paranormal. But that is just a wish, and in no way did the lack of it diminish my enjoyment of this story. I love both historical and contemporary romances, and this story definitely gives you a piece of both.
Brady Gallagher is a renowned chef. He’s been many things in all his reincarnations, but he likes where he is now. Each time he is reborn, he remembers traces of his former lives; his body is renewed with each birth, except for a giant scar over his heart which has followed him for two-hundred years. Really, he thinks he is crazy. He pines for…something—or is it someone?—never being able to grasp that elusive thing that haunts him. Catering a fancy investment banker Christmas dinner is a piece of cake, until he hears a voice that brings his world to a crashing halt. Realizing that you are not a lunatic and that your memories of centuries past really are your memories is a big pill to swallow, and I appreciate that Harding didn’t just have these two run at each other, embrace, and walk off into the sunset. This “present day” part of the tale is realistic, grounded in the reality that the MCs are two men with lives and jobs and responsibilities. The joy definitely comes through, though, and the reuniting of these men was totally satisfying for my romantic meter.
The epilogue covers the “future” portion of the story, where we see these two men living a life they could never have dreamed of living in Victorian times. THIS is where they walk off into the sunset with their children on Christmas Eve and our past, present, and future journey ends. I totally enjoyed this story. Take it for what it is—a short story about a curse that was maybe/probably a blessing-in-disguise Christmas miracle—and enjoy. Oh, and I loved the cover art by Catt Ford. It sets the table for the story inside, and I LOVE it when a cover does that!
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Don’t piss off a witch.”
In Cursed Miracles, Meg Harding weaves a tale of past, present, and future with just a touch of magic. William Mashinter hates Christmas. On Christmas Eve his soulmate and lover was taken from him, and William was frozen in time, cursed to walk through centuries, never aging, until his true love finds him once more. Normally, he rubs along well enough, but at Christmas all the old feelings resurface, and he feels his loss much more keenly. I appreciate the way Harding writes this character. He’s a grumpy scrooge kinda guy who everyone loves because underneath, he still has a heart of gold—even if it’s bruised and still bleeding two-hundred years later. It made me smile to hear how he’s the only one who lets the children waltz standing on the tops of his shoes. Your heart aches for William. I wish that Harding had brought a little magic into the modern-day storyline. She does such a masterful job weaving a story of forbidden love and a vengeful witch that I wish the modern-day story had just a touch of that paranormal. But that is just a wish, and in no way did the lack of it diminish my enjoyment of this story. I love both historical and contemporary romances, and this story definitely gives you a piece of both.
Brady Gallagher is a renowned chef. He’s been many things in all his reincarnations, but he likes where he is now. Each time he is reborn, he remembers traces of his former lives; his body is renewed with each birth, except for a giant scar over his heart which has followed him for two-hundred years. Really, he thinks he is crazy. He pines for…something—or is it someone?—never being able to grasp that elusive thing that haunts him. Catering a fancy investment banker Christmas dinner is a piece of cake, until he hears a voice that brings his world to a crashing halt. Realizing that you are not a lunatic and that your memories of centuries past really are your memories is a big pill to swallow, and I appreciate that Harding didn’t just have these two run at each other, embrace, and walk off into the sunset. This “present day” part of the tale is realistic, grounded in the reality that the MCs are two men with lives and jobs and responsibilities. The joy definitely comes through, though, and the reuniting of these men was totally satisfying for my romantic meter.
The epilogue covers the “future” portion of the story, where we see these two men living a life they could never have dreamed of living in Victorian times. THIS is where they walk off into the sunset with their children on Christmas Eve and our past, present, and future journey ends. I totally enjoyed this story. Take it for what it is—a short story about a curse that was maybe/probably a blessing-in-disguise Christmas miracle—and enjoy. Oh, and I loved the cover art by Catt Ford. It sets the table for the story inside, and I LOVE it when a cover does that!
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
December 13, 2016
Blog Post: http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/12/0...
Two hundred years ago, William Mashinter and his “secret” lover Brady Gallagher were torn apart by William’s crazed wife. Both Brady and William had managed to evade marriage far longer than either had expected, because back in the 1800’s pretty much all of the young rich “the ton” were expected to make advantageous marriages. William was forced by his father into marrying Jennifer just because it would be good for the family business. William and Brady decide to do what a good portion of other married men do – keep their male lovers in secret.
When Jennifer confronts William and Brady about their continued affair they discover that she is holding a grudge for long time over something that was not even their fault. They all are at a Christmas Eve Ball when Jennifer confronts the men and this is when they discover that Jennifer is a witch. As it was a full moon on this particular night when Jennifer put a curse on them it was all the stronger. The curse was that William would always look the age he was then, 28, just as she stabs Grady in the heart Jennifer curse’s him to always remember this life as well as every life he’s lived, every time he is reborn. He will pine for William and he will never have peace until William does ad William will never know peace until he is reunited with Grady again.
Two hundred years later and William still hates Christmas with a passion! William has travelled the world over, several times, looking for Grady and trying to find someone, anyone to lift the curse Jennifer put on him. They can all see it but no-one can lift the curse. Whilst William is attending his work Christmas party he thinks he’s going crazy as he’s almost positive he’s spotted Grady and he’s a chef at the event. Please take the time to read Cursed Miracles to find out what happens to William and Grady after they reunite at the Christmas party.
Two hundred years ago, William Mashinter and his “secret” lover Brady Gallagher were torn apart by William’s crazed wife. Both Brady and William had managed to evade marriage far longer than either had expected, because back in the 1800’s pretty much all of the young rich “the ton” were expected to make advantageous marriages. William was forced by his father into marrying Jennifer just because it would be good for the family business. William and Brady decide to do what a good portion of other married men do – keep their male lovers in secret.
When Jennifer confronts William and Brady about their continued affair they discover that she is holding a grudge for long time over something that was not even their fault. They all are at a Christmas Eve Ball when Jennifer confronts the men and this is when they discover that Jennifer is a witch. As it was a full moon on this particular night when Jennifer put a curse on them it was all the stronger. The curse was that William would always look the age he was then, 28, just as she stabs Grady in the heart Jennifer curse’s him to always remember this life as well as every life he’s lived, every time he is reborn. He will pine for William and he will never have peace until William does ad William will never know peace until he is reunited with Grady again.
Two hundred years later and William still hates Christmas with a passion! William has travelled the world over, several times, looking for Grady and trying to find someone, anyone to lift the curse Jennifer put on him. They can all see it but no-one can lift the curse. Whilst William is attending his work Christmas party he thinks he’s going crazy as he’s almost positive he’s spotted Grady and he’s a chef at the event. Please take the time to read Cursed Miracles to find out what happens to William and Grady after they reunite at the Christmas party.
December 19, 2016
Book & Author: Cursed Miracles by Meg Harding
Rating: 4.5 stars
This story is part of the DSP advent calendar and for a short story is was a hit in my book.
A curse by a bitter wife changes the course of these two men’s lives. William and Brady are lovers in a time that being gay is a crime. After ten years together, in secret, William is forced to get married. He does what every guy of the society does...he has a mistress but in his case it’s Brady. But enough is enough William cannot take the lying and deceit. They plan to run away together until William’s wife, a witch, catches them.
William was cursed to live as an immortal without his soul and heart by his side. Brady was cursed to keep returning life after life with full memory of who he once was, but never finding his beloved William. Going through his life for the last 200 years without his soul mate in Brady is not an easy thing to do and William just wants it to be over. One glimpse too many has William doubting anytime he thinks he sees someone that might resemble his love Brady.
Although a short story it packs a punch in detail and emotion. It was definitely more developed than I thought a short story could be. You can hear William’s heartbreak in every thought he has. It just makes you ache for him and what it must feel like to live that long never knowing when it will ever end, if he will ever find his Brady again, be able to touch him and love him again. The run after 200 years was sweet and adorable!
I can say that by the end I was happy and satisfied with what the author delivered in a small package!
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4.5 stars
This story is part of the DSP advent calendar and for a short story is was a hit in my book.
A curse by a bitter wife changes the course of these two men’s lives. William and Brady are lovers in a time that being gay is a crime. After ten years together, in secret, William is forced to get married. He does what every guy of the society does...he has a mistress but in his case it’s Brady. But enough is enough William cannot take the lying and deceit. They plan to run away together until William’s wife, a witch, catches them.
William was cursed to live as an immortal without his soul and heart by his side. Brady was cursed to keep returning life after life with full memory of who he once was, but never finding his beloved William. Going through his life for the last 200 years without his soul mate in Brady is not an easy thing to do and William just wants it to be over. One glimpse too many has William doubting anytime he thinks he sees someone that might resemble his love Brady.
Although a short story it packs a punch in detail and emotion. It was definitely more developed than I thought a short story could be. You can hear William’s heartbreak in every thought he has. It just makes you ache for him and what it must feel like to live that long never knowing when it will ever end, if he will ever find his Brady again, be able to touch him and love him again. The run after 200 years was sweet and adorable!
I can say that by the end I was happy and satisfied with what the author delivered in a small package!
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
December 23, 2016
This was really quite a sweet, if simple, story. William and Brady are two men deeply in love- in the 19th century while a part of the ton. They can never be together publicly but manage to hold off on marriage by their families for ten years, until a strategic marriage is made by William's family. Little to they know that William's bride is out for revenge and curses the two when she finally cathces them in flagrante; William to live forever, Brady to live normally but with every memory of his past lives.
The story is fairly basic. It sets up the situation of the relationship and the marriage that intrudes. It gives good detail to the Christmas that sets events in motion and gives our curse of two hundred years later. Then, we get to see William and Brady meet again. There is no tension or concern, no break apart or disbelief. They know each other and still love each other after all that time. And really, I have to agree with Brady. While the curse was not placed with any kind of benevolent intent, it nevertheless gives the two a chance. They never could have had a public or happy relationship in the time they were born. In the here and now they could live together and be acknowledged publicly, building a life together filled with love. So when they meet that is just what happens. Short and to the point but a nice Christmas story if you're looking for that.
The story is fairly basic. It sets up the situation of the relationship and the marriage that intrudes. It gives good detail to the Christmas that sets events in motion and gives our curse of two hundred years later. Then, we get to see William and Brady meet again. There is no tension or concern, no break apart or disbelief. They know each other and still love each other after all that time. And really, I have to agree with Brady. While the curse was not placed with any kind of benevolent intent, it nevertheless gives the two a chance. They never could have had a public or happy relationship in the time they were born. In the here and now they could live together and be acknowledged publicly, building a life together filled with love. So when they meet that is just what happens. Short and to the point but a nice Christmas story if you're looking for that.
December 18, 2016
Wow! What an emotional ride we get for a short story!
This starts off 200 years in the past with two tortured souls, in love when they couldn’t be and punished by not only society but a vindictive wife.
Jump ahead to today, and we see just what’s been happening to these star-struck lovers and how they finally find peace.
**
Again. Wow.
I wasn’t prepared for this. I was kind of expecting something a bit kitschy and vaguely paranormal-esque. Instead we get almost two separate stories. The first, an historical, sad and tortured, but sweet with lovers who couldn’t be together.
Then, in the second half we get the “scrooge” part of the story where William is forced through more dreaded Christmas festivities until he thinks he’s finally slipped over the edge to craziness when he sees his long dead lover.
I won’t go into more detail, but it’s a really lovely story. The characters are well-drawn, the pacing is good, and there’s a very satisfying feeling to this despite it’s length.
(I loved Brady's take on the whole situation! What a great way to look at things!)
Highly Recommended.
4.5 of 5 stars
This starts off 200 years in the past with two tortured souls, in love when they couldn’t be and punished by not only society but a vindictive wife.
Jump ahead to today, and we see just what’s been happening to these star-struck lovers and how they finally find peace.
**
Again. Wow.
I wasn’t prepared for this. I was kind of expecting something a bit kitschy and vaguely paranormal-esque. Instead we get almost two separate stories. The first, an historical, sad and tortured, but sweet with lovers who couldn’t be together.
Then, in the second half we get the “scrooge” part of the story where William is forced through more dreaded Christmas festivities until he thinks he’s finally slipped over the edge to craziness when he sees his long dead lover.
I won’t go into more detail, but it’s a really lovely story. The characters are well-drawn, the pacing is good, and there’s a very satisfying feeling to this despite it’s length.
(I loved Brady's take on the whole situation! What a great way to look at things!)
Highly Recommended.
4.5 of 5 stars
December 17, 2016
Cursed Miracles is the perfect blend of romance, history, paranormal, contemporary, and it's all wrapped up together in a beautiful Christmas package, small maybe but Miracles will warm your heart, not to mention spice it up just the right amount, faster than a bag of roasted chestnuts and a glass of mulled wine. A lovely little holiday novella that I look forward to re-reading next year and many Christmases to come. Meg Harding is another new author for me and I look forward to checking out her backlist and future tales in 2017.
December 18, 2016
This is such a wonderful and magical tale. It is bittersweet when when Brady and William seem to be cursed and separated in the own time. But as William wanders, Brady is reborn and each is waiting for the moment when time will be right and they will be together again. I loved reading about how things wrapped up for these two wonderful men who have at last found their lasting love is real.
December 1, 2016
Review to follow at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
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