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The Witching Well #1
The Highwayman Incident
Librarian note: this is a new Kindle book cover edition for B00QL15NQ8.
Celia Quinn's business lies in ruins at the hands of Jason West, the latest in a long line of scoundrels. As she seeks to restore her family's livelihood, Celia stumbles upon lore about the local Witching Well, whose water is said to cause hysteria and psychosis. When a mysterious stranger slips Celia water from the well into her drink, she’s transported to Regency England. Her timeless adventure spans miles and centuries from modern-day New England to Merlin's Cave in Cornwall, England. Only Jason West can save her.
But Celia and Jason must tread carefully, as what happens in the past can reverberate through the ages. Their lives, hearts and futures are caught in time’s slippery hands.
Celia Quinn's business lies in ruins at the hands of Jason West, the latest in a long line of scoundrels. As she seeks to restore her family's livelihood, Celia stumbles upon lore about the local Witching Well, whose water is said to cause hysteria and psychosis. When a mysterious stranger slips Celia water from the well into her drink, she’s transported to Regency England. Her timeless adventure spans miles and centuries from modern-day New England to Merlin's Cave in Cornwall, England. Only Jason West can save her.
But Celia and Jason must tread carefully, as what happens in the past can reverberate through the ages. Their lives, hearts and futures are caught in time’s slippery hands.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2014
294 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Tate
104 books153 followersDr. Seuss was my first love. When my mom left me in the children’s section of the library I’d find Horton and the Cat. My mom hated the good doctor and refused to checkout his books. He was my secret, guilty pleasure. Eventually, I read about Narnia, Oz and Green Gables.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 7, 2015
2.5 stars.
Light, fluffy, clean. That's not really my thing, but I do like highwaymen. This was an okay way to pass the time. I just wish there had been more highwayman action, and that the connections between the characters had been further explored. There were some punctuation errors and the inexplicable use of "veril" instead of "virile."
But the worst error of all... It's WESTLEY, not Wesley.
Light, fluffy, clean. That's not really my thing, but I do like highwaymen. This was an okay way to pass the time. I just wish there had been more highwayman action, and that the connections between the characters had been further explored. There were some punctuation errors and the inexplicable use of "veril" instead of "virile."
But the worst error of all... It's WESTLEY, not Wesley.
December 30, 2014
This was a bit of an odd book to read, the story went all over the place, don't think I will continue with this series.
Want to read
January 21, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (1/21/2020)! 🎁
November 19, 2015
Even though the setup felt contrived and smacked more than a little of author dream fulfillment (so many people dream they’ve been transported into a Jane Austin movie), the story beautifully unfolded, bringing to life both Celia and Jason and Regency England around them right out of a BBC dramatization. Though there were points where my suspension of disbelief was exceeded (like Jason being able to do the Regency dances without looking like he had two left feet, even with watching tons of Regency movies doesn’t make it so you can do the dance numbers-I would know. And him being able to ride a horse wasn’t explained off either. I made me wonder if the author had originally intended for him to be from that time period, but then the story would have read too much like Lost in Austin and looked far more like wish fulfillment). It did feel by the numbers as if the author had asked what should happen in a Regency Romance and plugged in a ball, a horse ride with the hero, a rescue of sailors (like in Poldark), a sickness, a gentleman lord with a very large mansion in the country, and all the dresses. And, yes, it felt too contrived their being able to go from past to present and back to past again. But the romance between Celia and Jason felt genuine and grew gradually enough without the characters feeling too pushed around and into the relationship. And I adored that this story didn’t have all the sex that’s so prevalent in this genre. I was honestly surprised when I didn’t run across a single sex scene and totally admired that it stayed clean. The sex in books nowadays just feels cheap and like it’s trying to attract readers with sex appeal alone rather than on the strength of the writing. I would easily recommend this to anyone looking for a heart-warming romance that looks like a BBC Regency drama, but with an accessible modern viewpoint. So, would I consider reading more by this author? Yes, you bet I would!
March 3, 2019
This had potential but it ended up silly and confusing. I mean, Celia and Jason kept going back and forth in time and I never figured out why they went back as a highwayman and one of two ladies in a carriage he was robbing, until 80% of the story when she ran into the fat woman from the carriage, for only a moment.
They were sucked into the 19th century by the Witching Well but when Celia got a little sick Jason passed out and went back to the 21st century, got a container of antibiotics from his car, where her grandmother was sleeping, and went to the Witching Well again and went back to Celia, who was up and around but he still made her take the medicine anyway. Huh? THEN, some bad guys wanted some emeralds and they were beating up Jason for them and Celia intervened and told them she had them, at which time she passed out and found herself back in the 21st century where the emeralds were and got them and took them back to the 19th century. Too much of this story didn’t make any sense and I finally started skimming, because of the confusion and the language was so teenager-ish between Celia and Jason.
It could have been so much better.
August 16, 2016
Promising start... then meh. Nothing happened. The end was ok.
July 4, 2019
I had such high hopes for this book - the idea was there, the first couple chapters had great potential... And then it lost me.
I stuck with it, in the hopes it would redeem itself, but alas, it seems it wasn't meant to be. I grew bored, and came very close to making it a DNF. It was only my stubborn determination to never leave a book unfinished that kept me going.
All of that said, it wasn't all bad... there were some moments I really enjoyed... I just wished there were a lot more of them.
Personally I fell things were focused on that really didn't need to be included/mentioned, while the parts I enjoyed were short lived and barely touched. A lot of things also felt somewhat contrived and "lucky," but I try not to hold that against it too much. And the ending didn't leave me feeling very fulfilled at all.
All of THAT said, I wanted to give this another star for the idea being there, but... I just couldn't bring myself to do so. Call it a 2.5 with potential to be raised if a revised copy were released that delved deeper into things.
I stuck with it, in the hopes it would redeem itself, but alas, it seems it wasn't meant to be. I grew bored, and came very close to making it a DNF. It was only my stubborn determination to never leave a book unfinished that kept me going.
All of that said, it wasn't all bad... there were some moments I really enjoyed... I just wished there were a lot more of them.
Personally I fell things were focused on that really didn't need to be included/mentioned, while the parts I enjoyed were short lived and barely touched. A lot of things also felt somewhat contrived and "lucky," but I try not to hold that against it too much. And the ending didn't leave me feeling very fulfilled at all.
All of THAT said, I wanted to give this another star for the idea being there, but... I just couldn't bring myself to do so. Call it a 2.5 with potential to be raised if a revised copy were released that delved deeper into things.
October 30, 2018
It was good, but could have been so much better. Many parts of the book felt either slapped together, or chopped up- like she wrote a bigger story and cut bits out to fit into other stories, therefore, leaving out information that would make it more clear. There were also bit where it didn't flow well as if it wasn't thought out/developed well. Spoiler a little...why did they need to get the baby the Mrs West? What proof do they have that needed to be done? Then she left that hanging. How did Mrs West ultimately know her grandson got on the boat and about it's shipwreck? Lots of things in the book just kind of pop in without being explained very well.
Some of the characters aren't developed well either and aren't believable like Penelope, Percy, Honoria and a few others.
Hopefully her other books are better.
Some of the characters aren't developed well either and aren't believable like Penelope, Percy, Honoria and a few others.
Hopefully her other books are better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2020
The Highwayman incident
Celia upset that her grandmother let the dress shop go. Jason West the lawyer that handled it was at the wedding that Celia was and they were gazing at each other. Of course Celia did not like him. A man sitting at the same table as Celia left her a glass of water. After she took a drink she disappeared into the past. Jason not being able to start his car and a man trying to help put a bottle of water into Jason’s car. Jason took a drink and disappeared. Both Jason and Celia now into the past. After they returned to the future they found the witching well took a drink and fell into the past. Wondering now how to get home and finding a hard time of it. To know the adventure of it all you must read Kristy Tate’s book.
Celia upset that her grandmother let the dress shop go. Jason West the lawyer that handled it was at the wedding that Celia was and they were gazing at each other. Of course Celia did not like him. A man sitting at the same table as Celia left her a glass of water. After she took a drink she disappeared into the past. Jason not being able to start his car and a man trying to help put a bottle of water into Jason’s car. Jason took a drink and disappeared. Both Jason and Celia now into the past. After they returned to the future they found the witching well took a drink and fell into the past. Wondering now how to get home and finding a hard time of it. To know the adventure of it all you must read Kristy Tate’s book.
May 17, 2019
Regency adventure and a paranormal twist.
First time reader of Kristy Tate and found and interesting paranormal adventure. The Witchy Well was not easily found but oh all the adventure after accidentally failing in the water and drinking some by mistake. Transported 300 years into the past and back to their very beginnings. Good clean tale and enjoyable.
First time reader of Kristy Tate and found and interesting paranormal adventure. The Witchy Well was not easily found but oh all the adventure after accidentally failing in the water and drinking some by mistake. Transported 300 years into the past and back to their very beginnings. Good clean tale and enjoyable.
July 18, 2018
A Time travel romance
Imagine if you were in a carriage and men took over the carriage and wanted to rob you and the other woman in the carriage gave you an emerald necklace to hide. Oh my! Read The Highwayman Incedent
Imagine if you were in a carriage and men took over the carriage and wanted to rob you and the other woman in the carriage gave you an emerald necklace to hide. Oh my! Read The Highwayman Incedent
June 15, 2019
I don't know if it's just because I had such a connection to a previously read book, or if I just am not in the mood for a novel such as this one- but I did not feel the pull to this novel that I normally do when I am reading a new novel. I will definitely have to try again later.
February 6, 2020
Lovely Romance
Celia and Jason find an adventure they never expected in this fun time travel romance. The characters from both the past and the present are developed in such a way that they enhance the story. An enjoyable read from start to finish.
Celia and Jason find an adventure they never expected in this fun time travel romance. The characters from both the past and the present are developed in such a way that they enhance the story. An enjoyable read from start to finish.
January 20, 2025
Very interesting
I have read quite a few time travel romances but this is the first where the couple travels together. Very interesting perspective. At first, I was not impressed with Celia but she won me over by the end.
I have read quite a few time travel romances but this is the first where the couple travels together. Very interesting perspective. At first, I was not impressed with Celia but she won me over by the end.
December 1, 2017
Awesome book
This book is a sweet, funny, clean time travel book. I loved the descriptions and the complete feel of the book!
This book is a sweet, funny, clean time travel book. I loved the descriptions and the complete feel of the book!
December 26, 2017
Fantasy Fun
A fun story about destined love. Celia and Jason are a good match. The family is well drawn. So follow their story.
A fun story about destined love. Celia and Jason are a good match. The family is well drawn. So follow their story.
February 8, 2018
It was okay to read, nice and clean!
March 6, 2018
Confusing
I found this to be very confusing. I really couldn't follow what was going on. I mostly skimmed through it just so I could finish it.
I found this to be very confusing. I really couldn't follow what was going on. I mostly skimmed through it just so I could finish it.
March 28, 2018
Enjoyable and easy to read
I enjoyed this book. I also found it easy and delightful to read. The characters were good and the story line very interesting and different.
I enjoyed this book. I also found it easy and delightful to read. The characters were good and the story line very interesting and different.
July 26, 2018
Quite intriguing.
October 27, 2018
Good story
This was a good story and a fun read. There are a few errors, but they don't detract from the story.
This was a good story and a fun read. There are a few errors, but they don't detract from the story.
May 2, 2019
Time travel
This is a wonderful fantasy book for any age group. There is lots of adventure, with a touch of history added in.
This is a wonderful fantasy book for any age group. There is lots of adventure, with a touch of history added in.
August 21, 2019
I found this to be a very refreshing read. It has it all...love,mystery,history and of course, time travel. I recommend this book to everyone.
January 22, 2020
Excitement, adventurous, humor. Loved the way the author built the main characters throughout the time jump. Will read the next book in the series to discover what happens to the friend
February 13, 2020
The adventure was so entertaining I forgot it was clean.
August 20, 2020
Different and Interesting
I liked the premise but Celia came across as a sniveling, whiney twit. It read like watching a B movie.
I liked the premise but Celia came across as a sniveling, whiney twit. It read like watching a B movie.
July 18, 2021
Interesting take on time travel
Going back to find yourself and to save your ancestors so you can save yourself. A good read with a good ending.
Going back to find yourself and to save your ancestors so you can save yourself. A good read with a good ending.
September 15, 2021
I felt like I was missing parts of the story, never sure why.
February 18, 2022
Fun! I love a good time travel story and this was good. The characters past and present were nuanced and well defined. I already read book 2 and loved it so I’m off to read book 3.
January 16, 2025
Water from the wishing well
I love time travel. This one had some interesting little twists to it. It was fun to read.
This was a free book.
I love time travel. This one had some interesting little twists to it. It was fun to read.
This was a free book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews