Believe in the Magic

by Ann DeFee, Annaliese Darr (Editor)

The Great Smoky Mountains came alive with the sound of music when the O’Flaherty Family Revival rolled through the hills and hollows bringing a party atmosphere to the celebration of God. Springen was the youngest of the O’Flaherty children, and with her sisters they sang the gospel music of the angels. To a casual observer, Spring seemed to be a normal kid, but appearances can be deceiving. She could see auras and lived in a Popsicle world where the children were swathed in brilliant colors and the grown-ups were a fuzzy pastel. Being different wasn’t a problem, it was simply her gift. That illusion was destroyed during a revival service when she touched a visiting preacher and was transported into the mind of a serial killer. Being different was no longer fun, it was horrifying. Spring’s precognition and retrocognition powers multiplied throughout her teen years. She was terrified that a casual hug or a handshake might send her back into that black abyss. Fast forward several years and Spring has created a successful life in Atlanta. Truthfully, she was lonely but that was okay until she met Jed Collinsworth and fell head over heels in love. He’s the love of her life, the other half of her soul, but lasting love can’t be built on lies and deceptions. Procrastination is not her friend, but how does she broach the subject of being able to talk to dead people? The sudden murder of her dad lays waste to Spring's well-laid plans to reveal her secrets. Ready or not, Jed is about to be introduced to the O'Flaherty clan of western Virginia with all their eccentricities and quirks—tent revival preachers, gospel musicians, healers, heroes and pot growers. Is he ready for a true Southern wake and memorial service—Irish style—complete with raucous eating, drinking and storytelling? Can their love endure despite Spring’s psychic abilities? And will she discover that elusive sense of love, peace and acceptance that she's always wanted? This is a feel good story so anything is possible.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2019

About the author

As a "feel good" author Ann DeFee infuses humor into her romantic comedy, mystery, magic realism (where the surreal becomes reality), humor/satire and action/adventure stories. A multi-award winner, Ann has written twelve novels for Harlequin and an additional three for Bellastoria Press. She has won, or was a finalist in ten national and international book award contests. Believe in the Magic leads the way with a Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal, a Chanticleer Somerset Fiction Award winner and is now a Grand Prize Finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Award.
As a business woman, Ann is a managing-partner of Bellastoria Press LLP, an independent hybrid publishing company that specializes in shepherding authors through the book publishing process.
On a personal note, Ann loves living in her stories (both writing and reading) and research. She lives in Williamsburg, VA, the epicenter of American history, a perfect place to be actively involved in a national organization that focuses on history, patriotism and genealogy.
Her guilty pleasure is that she’s addicted to hot chocolate (regardless of the season) and she loves all things that glitter.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The O’Flaherty family ate lead by a charismatic preacher for a father and a strong willed mother. Traveling the Appalachian region in their wildly painted bus preaching “the word”.
It’s an interesting read with a bit of spiritual folklore from Irish mountain people. It will keep the reader entertained.

[Kerry Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow and steady

Not a page turner but it still demanded my attention.
The tale is about acceptance fulfilling your life's purpose so maybe magic in the title is misleading. The characters drive the narrative they breathe we know them.
A gentle but readable story.

[Cindy Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The way it was written with the main character revealing items from her past was so interesting. Made you want to continue reading - at points I didnt want to put down.
characters were well formed as well.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popsicle children and creamsicle adults

Spring can see auras. As she ages, new things come into play and with the help of her family she faces the good and the evil of the world.

[Angel A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner!

Likable characters, gripping plot will take you from beginning to end in one sitting. I highly recommend this book to anybody! I am a new fan of Ann DeFee now.

[Pat Cray-Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series.