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MacLeod #2.5, 2.7, 2.8
Love Came Just in Time
Four classic novellas from the USA Today bestselling author, including "The Gift of Christmas Past," "The Three Wise Ghosts," "And the Groom Wore Tulle," and "The Icing on the Cake."
322 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
26 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Kurland
69 books1,568 followersLynn began her writing career at the tender age of five with a series of illustrated novellas entitled Clinton’s Troubles in which the compelling hero found himself in all sorts of . . . well, trouble. She was living in Hawaii at the time and the scope for her imagination (poisoned fish, tropical cliffs, large spiders) was great and poor Clinton bore the brunt of it. After returning to the mainland, her writing gave way to training in classical music and Clinton, who had been felled with arrows, eaten by fish and sent tumbling off cars, was put aside for operatic heroes in tights.
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
Somehow during high school, in between bouts of Verdi and Rossini, she managed to find time to submerge herself in equal parts Tolkien, Barbara Cartland and Mad Magazine. During college, a chance encounter with a large library stack of romances left her hooked, gave her the courage to put pen to paper herself, and finally satisfied that need for a little bit of fantasy with a whole lot of romance!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 19, 2017
My favorite was Lynn Kurland's The Gift of Christmas Past. I haven't read Lynn in a while and had forgotten how much I enjoy her writing and stories. If you like time travel, this is one to miss.
February 14, 2022
I’ve only read The Gift of Christmas Past so far.
June 4, 2024
I have loved every one of Lynn Kurland’s books I have read (many of them more than once). They have charming characters, love and romance (no sex), some have evil doers doing evil deeds (but, no graphic violence), witty dialogue, some have dogs and cats, time travel, ghosts, no cliffhanger endings, and no editing issues. This book is no exception.
Definitely a “curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy” book. So, enjoy!
Definitely a “curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy” book. So, enjoy!
May 31, 2010
There is four stories in this book.
The first is: The gift of Christmas Past. Abigail Garrett finds herself in 1238 after jumping into Murphy's Pond and when she surfaces she in a moat. Miles de Piaget was being gloomy in his great hall which isn't much. When Abby bangs on the doors of his keep after taking a swim in his moat, she is frightened and cold, and filthy. She is hoping for some help from within. After telling him a crazy story he is sure she must have hit her head. Only after a few hours Miles finds himself crazy about Abigail.
The second is: The three wise ghosts. This story would have made a great full length story. It is about Megan McKinnon and Gideon de Piaget he is CEO of Artane Enterprises. The three ghosts are matchmaking to get these two together. It is a funny story.
The third story I had already read. And the groom wore tulle. Ian Macleod finally is dying in the dungeon of the Fergusson. He told his cousin Jamie that his one wish was to go to the future with him before he died. Now he guesses he is not going to make it. When he wakes up he finds himself in heaven, hell or limbo. But he decides it must be limbo. A demon walks in dressed all in black with its hair pulled back and stuck to its head with half a dozen sticks of wood. The demon starts looking at what can only be angel gowns. When the demon turned towards him he realizes that it must be a she-beastie and then she does notice him. She opens her mouth then closes it then opens it and says "only in New York". Jane couldn't believe what she was seeing. A huge filthy man with a sword. When he speaks she can hardly understand him. She finally get his story and he tells her that he is from the past and thinks he is dead. He tells her that he has family in this future and asks if she will help him find them. A beautiful story...
The fourth story: The icing on the cake. Sam and Sydney what an unlikely couple. A man that cooks. A woman that hunts and fishes. A cute story.
The first is: The gift of Christmas Past. Abigail Garrett finds herself in 1238 after jumping into Murphy's Pond and when she surfaces she in a moat. Miles de Piaget was being gloomy in his great hall which isn't much. When Abby bangs on the doors of his keep after taking a swim in his moat, she is frightened and cold, and filthy. She is hoping for some help from within. After telling him a crazy story he is sure she must have hit her head. Only after a few hours Miles finds himself crazy about Abigail.
The second is: The three wise ghosts. This story would have made a great full length story. It is about Megan McKinnon and Gideon de Piaget he is CEO of Artane Enterprises. The three ghosts are matchmaking to get these two together. It is a funny story.
The third story I had already read. And the groom wore tulle. Ian Macleod finally is dying in the dungeon of the Fergusson. He told his cousin Jamie that his one wish was to go to the future with him before he died. Now he guesses he is not going to make it. When he wakes up he finds himself in heaven, hell or limbo. But he decides it must be limbo. A demon walks in dressed all in black with its hair pulled back and stuck to its head with half a dozen sticks of wood. The demon starts looking at what can only be angel gowns. When the demon turned towards him he realizes that it must be a she-beastie and then she does notice him. She opens her mouth then closes it then opens it and says "only in New York". Jane couldn't believe what she was seeing. A huge filthy man with a sword. When he speaks she can hardly understand him. She finally get his story and he tells her that he is from the past and thinks he is dead. He tells her that he has family in this future and asks if she will help him find them. A beautiful story...
The fourth story: The icing on the cake. Sam and Sydney what an unlikely couple. A man that cooks. A woman that hunts and fishes. A cute story.
September 12, 2012
Not my favorite... And Miles was one of the characters I was most looking forward to his story, he was jilted... The angel cat didn't work for me, and I never feel satisfied with anthologies because they are so short...
I finished Gideon and Megan's story as well, I had always wondered about them... These stories are just to fast paced, there is no chance for anything to build, it's one minute this the next minute that... I love all the characters, but their stories aren't what you know and expect with a Lynn Kurland Love story, which are normally so beautifully told...
Jane and Ian's story I read previously, in another compilation, and although still a short story, it had enough substance and build that it worked, I enjoyed it...
I finished Gideon and Megan's story as well, I had always wondered about them... These stories are just to fast paced, there is no chance for anything to build, it's one minute this the next minute that... I love all the characters, but their stories aren't what you know and expect with a Lynn Kurland Love story, which are normally so beautifully told...
Jane and Ian's story I read previously, in another compilation, and although still a short story, it had enough substance and build that it worked, I enjoyed it...
January 1, 2019
F of Christmas Past was adorable, though a little different from Lynn’s normal stories by having a cat angel doing the match making.
Three Wise Men is a sweet and slightly ironic story. That went to fast, and had a quick change of heart. Though I did love the sweetness and the ghosts are hilarious.
Groom wore Tulle is knee-slapping hilarious. While it’s great simple story, I can’t wait to read more of their exploits.
Icing of the cake was a bit disappointing, and I not really sure where it all takes place in the De Paiget/Macleod world. It’s an excellent read on its own, and I loved the opposite cliche character twists, but not sure how Scottish blood has to do with anything...
Three Wise Men is a sweet and slightly ironic story. That went to fast, and had a quick change of heart. Though I did love the sweetness and the ghosts are hilarious.
Groom wore Tulle is knee-slapping hilarious. While it’s great simple story, I can’t wait to read more of their exploits.
Icing of the cake was a bit disappointing, and I not really sure where it all takes place in the De Paiget/Macleod world. It’s an excellent read on its own, and I loved the opposite cliche character twists, but not sure how Scottish blood has to do with anything...
January 29, 2014
This book includes 4 Lynn Kurland novellas which cover a number of different romantic genres. I have read several Kurland historical novels (with time travel) and found these equally enjoyable. One thing you can count on in Kurland's novels is interesting characters and lots of humour. These were a joy to read!
July 26, 2023
This book has 3 short stories in the MacLeod/de Paiget series and the last story is a tenuous continuation of the Macleod clan.
THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS PAST
I have to say that I found this really frustrating. I am not a fan of talking animals, so talking ghost animals was really annoying, especially the “mobster” bulldog. I struggled with the speed of the action, we weren’t given enough time to get to know Abigail Garret or Miles de Paiget (our heroine and hero). I think that they deserved better than this short story. It was so short that there was no: plot development; character development; or romance.
THREE WISE GHOSTS
Another frustrating short story. The ghosts of Ambrose MacLeod, Hugh McKinnon and Fulbert de Paiget were matching making with Megan MacLeod McKinnon and Gideon de Paiget (our heroine and hero). The 3 ghosts through means fair or foul needed to keep Megan and Gideon together long enough for them to fall in love. Sadly, as with The Gift Of Christmas Past, they were just annoying. Again the plot is rushed and Gideon turns from the workaholic, rude CEO of Artane Inc. to a nice romantic man far too quickly. Megan was the best character, and deserved more romance than this.
AND THE GROOM WORE TULLE 3 Star
This was my absolute favourite short story in the book. We first met Ian MacLeod (our hero and Jamie’s cousin) in A Dance Through Time, when he was left in a Scottish dungeon. He next appears in a wedding dress shop in New York 700 years in the future. His mission now is to go home to Scotland and find Jamie. Enter Jane Fergusson (our heroine) a long distant descendent of Ian’s enemy who had him in the dungeon.
The story is funny, with a good plot, great characters, and time for the romance between Jan and Ian to develop. The image of Ian, a big, strong, broad Scot warrior appearing in a Scarlett O’Hara style wedding dress to make his plea to St. Peter’s angels was truly a highlight of this book (and one of the series as well). Lynn Kurland didn’t go into much detail about Ian’s adjustment to 20thC America, the story was too short. However, we did get some sense of his confusion mixed with his wonder and curiosity.
The descriptions of Jane’s work in the bridal salon were also highly entertaining (and I suspect quite close to the truth). This short story was well written and enjoyable. It was great to catch up with Elizabeth, Jamie and their family as Ian finds his way home.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE
This was a fun, romantic story set in Alaska, between Sydney Kinkaid (our heroine) and Sam MacLeod (our hero). They are opposites: Sydney owns a wilderness tour company, and is a strong, competent woman who: is a mechanic; does her own home maintenance, including chopping the wood; runs her wilderness tours; but can’t cook. Sam is a strong man who: is a successful writer; can cook (and loves it) but he is not at all mechanical or handy. They are thrown together when Sam lodges with Sydney. Sparks fly and the fun starts
The plot is funny and well written with great secondary characters, especially The Clan and The Ladies Aid Society. However, despite a through away line about a Scottish ancestor there is no real clue as to where Sydney and Sam’s tale fits into the MacLeod/de Paiget series.
A major issue I have with these four stories (and the series as a whole) is trying to place them in sequence so that the characters and actions flow smoothly.
THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS PAST
I have to say that I found this really frustrating. I am not a fan of talking animals, so talking ghost animals was really annoying, especially the “mobster” bulldog. I struggled with the speed of the action, we weren’t given enough time to get to know Abigail Garret or Miles de Paiget (our heroine and hero). I think that they deserved better than this short story. It was so short that there was no: plot development; character development; or romance.
THREE WISE GHOSTS
Another frustrating short story. The ghosts of Ambrose MacLeod, Hugh McKinnon and Fulbert de Paiget were matching making with Megan MacLeod McKinnon and Gideon de Paiget (our heroine and hero). The 3 ghosts through means fair or foul needed to keep Megan and Gideon together long enough for them to fall in love. Sadly, as with The Gift Of Christmas Past, they were just annoying. Again the plot is rushed and Gideon turns from the workaholic, rude CEO of Artane Inc. to a nice romantic man far too quickly. Megan was the best character, and deserved more romance than this.
AND THE GROOM WORE TULLE 3 Star
This was my absolute favourite short story in the book. We first met Ian MacLeod (our hero and Jamie’s cousin) in A Dance Through Time, when he was left in a Scottish dungeon. He next appears in a wedding dress shop in New York 700 years in the future. His mission now is to go home to Scotland and find Jamie. Enter Jane Fergusson (our heroine) a long distant descendent of Ian’s enemy who had him in the dungeon.
The story is funny, with a good plot, great characters, and time for the romance between Jan and Ian to develop. The image of Ian, a big, strong, broad Scot warrior appearing in a Scarlett O’Hara style wedding dress to make his plea to St. Peter’s angels was truly a highlight of this book (and one of the series as well). Lynn Kurland didn’t go into much detail about Ian’s adjustment to 20thC America, the story was too short. However, we did get some sense of his confusion mixed with his wonder and curiosity.
The descriptions of Jane’s work in the bridal salon were also highly entertaining (and I suspect quite close to the truth). This short story was well written and enjoyable. It was great to catch up with Elizabeth, Jamie and their family as Ian finds his way home.
THE ICING ON THE CAKE
This was a fun, romantic story set in Alaska, between Sydney Kinkaid (our heroine) and Sam MacLeod (our hero). They are opposites: Sydney owns a wilderness tour company, and is a strong, competent woman who: is a mechanic; does her own home maintenance, including chopping the wood; runs her wilderness tours; but can’t cook. Sam is a strong man who: is a successful writer; can cook (and loves it) but he is not at all mechanical or handy. They are thrown together when Sam lodges with Sydney. Sparks fly and the fun starts
The plot is funny and well written with great secondary characters, especially The Clan and The Ladies Aid Society. However, despite a through away line about a Scottish ancestor there is no real clue as to where Sydney and Sam’s tale fits into the MacLeod/de Paiget series.
A major issue I have with these four stories (and the series as a whole) is trying to place them in sequence so that the characters and actions flow smoothly.
August 11, 2017
I really enjoyed the book it was so funny from time to time I was laughing which caused me some strange look, but I had fun. The ghosts especially made me laugh I guess it depends on what you like but it was a great summer read!
May 7, 2018
All the stories were fun/funny. Also clean
January 1, 2025
She is one of my favorite authors. Did not disappoint.
April 17, 2017
Four short stories with one in the De Piaget series, two in the MacLeod series, and the fourth in both De Piaget and MacLeod. Both series intertwine with historical paranormal romance and time travel into Scotland.
I'd almost forgotten how much fun Lynn Kurland is to read. She romps through romance and flips through time with joyous abandon creating warm, memorable characters about whom you can't help but want to know more.
Series
"Gift of Christmas Past" (De Piaget, 5)
"Three Wise Ghosts" (MacLeod, 6 and De Piaget, 7)
"And the Groom Wore Tulle" (MacLeod, 3)
"Icing on the Cake" (MacLeod, 5)
The Stories
"Gift of Christmas Past" is a little bit It's a Wonderful Life when the recently-fired Abby Garrett falls through Murphy's Pond trying to save Sir Sweetums and ends up in the so-very-disillusioned Crusader (Rhys' son), Miles de Piaget's well-used moat at his very lonely castle in 1238.
It's also found in Julie Beard's The Christmas Cat .
"Three Wise Ghosts" introduces Gideon, billionaire CEO of a multinational company, to Megan who has just been fired for the umpteenth time. Through the machinations of their dead(ly) relatives, the two are brought face to face in an inn in Scotland where they both discover the joys of taking a Christmas vacation. (This is the story where the inn comes into the family.)
It's also found in Christmas Spirits .
"And the Groom Wore Tulle" is too funny and one of my favorites. I keep trying to picture a whiffy and hairy Ian MacLeod in a bridal gown after having spent several months in a Fergusson dungeon, circa 14th century. Poor Ian is paying for his philandering ways when he shows up in the 1999 storage room of a New York bridal shop where he terrifies and then intrigues Jane Fergusson into taking him home. Intrigues her enough for her to take him home yet again, to Scotland in search of his brother, Jamie.
It's also found in Veils of Time .
"Icing on the Cake" is a total departure from the usual scenarios — no time travel involved and it takes place in Alaska! And yes, opposites do attract, as Sam MacLeod is a cookery writer while Sydney Kincaid is an outdoor wilderness guide. Poor Syd is despised and shunned by everyone, and Sam's chivalry comes to the fore. Showing a surprising sensitivity, Sam makes a deal with Syd — he'll teach her how to cook, if she'll teach him how to do those manly things, like changing the oil in his car, chopping wood, and using tools…shock… Of course, this is all just an excuse to spend time with Syd and try to get her to let him approach her without her holding a gun on him!
It's also found in Opposites Attract .
The Cover and Title
The cover has a softly textured white-on-white with traces of pink and orange background — fern leaves and a hint of foliage. The borders are lightly defined with black line work culminating in a contemporary Celtic key in each corner. The center is an inset showcasing a ring bearer's pillow with a pair of gold wedding rings and a rose bordered with more black line work but with a stylized leave in each corner.
The title [as do the rings] perfectly relates the topic of the short stories within, when Love Came Just in Time for each couple.
I'd almost forgotten how much fun Lynn Kurland is to read. She romps through romance and flips through time with joyous abandon creating warm, memorable characters about whom you can't help but want to know more.
Series
"Gift of Christmas Past" (De Piaget, 5)
"Three Wise Ghosts" (MacLeod, 6 and De Piaget, 7)
"And the Groom Wore Tulle" (MacLeod, 3)
"Icing on the Cake" (MacLeod, 5)
The Stories
"Gift of Christmas Past" is a little bit It's a Wonderful Life when the recently-fired Abby Garrett falls through Murphy's Pond trying to save Sir Sweetums and ends up in the so-very-disillusioned Crusader (Rhys' son), Miles de Piaget's well-used moat at his very lonely castle in 1238.
It's also found in Julie Beard's The Christmas Cat .
"Three Wise Ghosts" introduces Gideon, billionaire CEO of a multinational company, to Megan who has just been fired for the umpteenth time. Through the machinations of their dead(ly) relatives, the two are brought face to face in an inn in Scotland where they both discover the joys of taking a Christmas vacation. (This is the story where the inn comes into the family.)
It's also found in Christmas Spirits .
"And the Groom Wore Tulle" is too funny and one of my favorites. I keep trying to picture a whiffy and hairy Ian MacLeod in a bridal gown after having spent several months in a Fergusson dungeon, circa 14th century. Poor Ian is paying for his philandering ways when he shows up in the 1999 storage room of a New York bridal shop where he terrifies and then intrigues Jane Fergusson into taking him home. Intrigues her enough for her to take him home yet again, to Scotland in search of his brother, Jamie.
It's also found in Veils of Time .
"Icing on the Cake" is a total departure from the usual scenarios — no time travel involved and it takes place in Alaska! And yes, opposites do attract, as Sam MacLeod is a cookery writer while Sydney Kincaid is an outdoor wilderness guide. Poor Syd is despised and shunned by everyone, and Sam's chivalry comes to the fore. Showing a surprising sensitivity, Sam makes a deal with Syd — he'll teach her how to cook, if she'll teach him how to do those manly things, like changing the oil in his car, chopping wood, and using tools…shock… Of course, this is all just an excuse to spend time with Syd and try to get her to let him approach her without her holding a gun on him!
It's also found in Opposites Attract .
The Cover and Title
The cover has a softly textured white-on-white with traces of pink and orange background — fern leaves and a hint of foliage. The borders are lightly defined with black line work culminating in a contemporary Celtic key in each corner. The center is an inset showcasing a ring bearer's pillow with a pair of gold wedding rings and a rose bordered with more black line work but with a stylized leave in each corner.
The title [as do the rings] perfectly relates the topic of the short stories within, when Love Came Just in Time for each couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2008
I really like Lynn’s novels, but I don’t like the Novellas. I wish she would have gone the whole nine yards with Miles' character. In the short stores she doesn't have time to develop the relationships enough so it seems (to me) to cheapen them.
With Christmas Cat, I don’t mind reading a book that makes me roll my eyes, but seriously, falling in love and deciding to get married in 24 hours? And a talking ghost cat? Come on.
In Christmas Spirits, it was...ehh. I Like Megan and Gideon, and it sets up the rest of her family so I would read it for that. But seriously, who wants to picture the hero of a story prancing around (throughout the whole story) in purple elf shoes? I would rather him be cold and barefoot.
Veils of Time was a little better, finishing up Ian's tale. I laughed at the picture a Scottish warrior made done up in a wedding gown. It was just a tease though; I wanted more to the story. Luckily you hear a bit more of their story in “My heart stood still”.
Icing on the Cake was completely unnecessary. For one thing it takes place in Alaska, so you have this whole culture shock going on and the story (novella) is over before you can catch your breath. Looking back that wasn’t such a bad thing because I was just reading it to finish the book. I guess I just don’t like strong (bordering on manly) female characters. Why read a love story if it doesn’t leave you sighing *oh that was tender and sweet* (yes that’s as deep as I want my feelings to go in the romance department.
With Christmas Cat, I don’t mind reading a book that makes me roll my eyes, but seriously, falling in love and deciding to get married in 24 hours? And a talking ghost cat? Come on.
In Christmas Spirits, it was...ehh. I Like Megan and Gideon, and it sets up the rest of her family so I would read it for that. But seriously, who wants to picture the hero of a story prancing around (throughout the whole story) in purple elf shoes? I would rather him be cold and barefoot.
Veils of Time was a little better, finishing up Ian's tale. I laughed at the picture a Scottish warrior made done up in a wedding gown. It was just a tease though; I wanted more to the story. Luckily you hear a bit more of their story in “My heart stood still”.
Icing on the Cake was completely unnecessary. For one thing it takes place in Alaska, so you have this whole culture shock going on and the story (novella) is over before you can catch your breath. Looking back that wasn’t such a bad thing because I was just reading it to finish the book. I guess I just don’t like strong (bordering on manly) female characters. Why read a love story if it doesn’t leave you sighing *oh that was tender and sweet* (yes that’s as deep as I want my feelings to go in the romance department.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2012
All four books are from the same brilliant author and give you a good sample of her talent. I highly recommend reading this.
I'm not rating it, since I have yet to finish it, but these are the two I've read:
And the Groom Wore Tulle -
Fabulous story. Couldn't put it down. So glad Ieon got his own story. So cute. In my opinion though, this short novella really should have been an 'extra' put at the end of the first story "A Dance Through Time". Because he's mentioned throughout that one and his whereabouts at the end of that one are much too ominous. I was actually ticked off about it when I finished. Had this one been at the end as a special addition, it would have been perfect!
You don't have to read the first book to understand this one, but you'll enjoy it more if you have (imo).
Also, I didn't like the way he...proposed. I thought that was rather lame. But the rest...well, the rest was simply great. I love that those two feuding clans finally get together. And I really enjoyed how the characters all interacted. Very satisfying read.
The Icing on the Cake -
I've never found such appropriately named stories as with Lynn Kurland. Sheer genius. This story was very brief, but no less entertaining. Two very strong characters who hate each other at first site then warm up and finally realize their love. (One of my favorite plot ideas)
I enjoyed the 'typical gender' reversal and how she played off that. Lovable characters, great plot, fantastic ending. Have to admit, did not quite go how I had thought it would.
I'm not rating it, since I have yet to finish it, but these are the two I've read:
And the Groom Wore Tulle -
Fabulous story. Couldn't put it down. So glad Ieon got his own story. So cute. In my opinion though, this short novella really should have been an 'extra' put at the end of the first story "A Dance Through Time". Because he's mentioned throughout that one and his whereabouts at the end of that one are much too ominous. I was actually ticked off about it when I finished. Had this one been at the end as a special addition, it would have been perfect!
You don't have to read the first book to understand this one, but you'll enjoy it more if you have (imo).
Also, I didn't like the way he...proposed. I thought that was rather lame. But the rest...well, the rest was simply great. I love that those two feuding clans finally get together. And I really enjoyed how the characters all interacted. Very satisfying read.
The Icing on the Cake -
I've never found such appropriately named stories as with Lynn Kurland. Sheer genius. This story was very brief, but no less entertaining. Two very strong characters who hate each other at first site then warm up and finally realize their love. (One of my favorite plot ideas)
I enjoyed the 'typical gender' reversal and how she played off that. Lovable characters, great plot, fantastic ending. Have to admit, did not quite go how I had thought it would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2012
I have read all three of these stories previously, but didn't know they were all a part of the same anthology. I agree with everyone else commenting, that Mile's story was a let-down. I had been so excited to finally read about him, and then to have it be just a short story with some angel cat...that was just annoying. And I always hate when you can tell that she wrote this before she really planned out the families and couples. Mile's family comes to visit at the end and she mentions a few of them by name, but I know all the other ones who SHOULD have been mentioned and I know that they weren't because she hadn't invented them yet. Makes the whole thing feel flat. Kurland should have deliberately and carefully planned out her entire series before beginning to write book 1.
The Jane/Ian story was wonderful. It had enough substance to be believable, while still being a short story. I really enjoyed that one.
And then the Gideon/Megan story was also over too quickly. That felt like a VERY short story. Their relationship was not believable at all. They met, didn't like each other, but two days later they were madly in love and literally engaged and planning their whole futures. NO WAY. That is just silly. You need to give us AT LEAST two weeks at the very minimum for us to believe that a true love romance has developed. Just my opinion.
The Jane/Ian story was wonderful. It had enough substance to be believable, while still being a short story. I really enjoyed that one.
And then the Gideon/Megan story was also over too quickly. That felt like a VERY short story. Their relationship was not believable at all. They met, didn't like each other, but two days later they were madly in love and literally engaged and planning their whole futures. NO WAY. That is just silly. You need to give us AT LEAST two weeks at the very minimum for us to believe that a true love romance has developed. Just my opinion.
November 7, 2011
OK, I think I am on a Lynn Kurland kick. This is her third book I have read in two weeks. I have another lined up to start today and and 15 more in my Amazon shopping cart. :o)
This book is a collection of four Novellas. I loved three and liked one. Some of the characters are familiar from other stories and some are new. The heroes were, as usual, quite amazing and the heroines were each so different from each other. Lynn's characters really come alive. At first I was suprised at how quicky the characters began to change as they progressed on thier journey, but these are novellas, they have to change quickly, right?
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially to someone who is in a time crunch, because you can get through a novella and feel satisfied without haveing to stay up half the night and forgo a shower in the morning becuase you are trying to queeze in "just one more chapter" . :)
This book is a collection of four Novellas. I loved three and liked one. Some of the characters are familiar from other stories and some are new. The heroes were, as usual, quite amazing and the heroines were each so different from each other. Lynn's characters really come alive. At first I was suprised at how quicky the characters began to change as they progressed on thier journey, but these are novellas, they have to change quickly, right?
Overall, I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially to someone who is in a time crunch, because you can get through a novella and feel satisfied without haveing to stay up half the night and forgo a shower in the morning becuase you are trying to queeze in "just one more chapter" . :)
October 15, 2024
Every story should be a Hallmark movie....
...especially The Three Wise Ghosts and The Gift of Christmas Past! Truly there isn’t a one that wouldn’t make a great Hallmark movie. I’d even settle down with popcorn 🍿 and a 🥤 Coke to watch, and I never watch Hallmark movies!
The aforementioned Christmas themed novellas were my favourite of the four. The Groom Wore Tulle was my third favourite and The Icing On The Cake, the fourth. Hard sell to picture a de Piaget as a wedding cake maker/writer type braving the wilds of Alaska.
The supporting characters of the Three Ghosts and Sir Maximilian Sweetums of the Feline Guardian Association and Bruno make for an amazingly enjoyable read.
I hope to see Miles de Piaget and Abigail Garrett, as well as Gideon de Piaget and Megan MacLeod McKinnon in future novels. Their tales ended much too soon!
...especially The Three Wise Ghosts and The Gift of Christmas Past! Truly there isn’t a one that wouldn’t make a great Hallmark movie. I’d even settle down with popcorn 🍿 and a 🥤 Coke to watch, and I never watch Hallmark movies!
The aforementioned Christmas themed novellas were my favourite of the four. The Groom Wore Tulle was my third favourite and The Icing On The Cake, the fourth. Hard sell to picture a de Piaget as a wedding cake maker/writer type braving the wilds of Alaska.
The supporting characters of the Three Ghosts and Sir Maximilian Sweetums of the Feline Guardian Association and Bruno make for an amazingly enjoyable read.
I hope to see Miles de Piaget and Abigail Garrett, as well as Gideon de Piaget and Megan MacLeod McKinnon in future novels. Their tales ended much too soon!
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October 28, 2015There are four short stories in this compilation and each of them are worth reading. I wasn't so sure about the first one, because it has a cat's ghost playing matchmaker, but I got over that and really loved it. Each story is different, the characters are well-rounded. I found myself giggling at the clothing choices in two of the stories (especially a medieval highlander wearing a wedding dress because he thought if he were in heaven he should dress accordingly. I'm still grinning about it.)
I actually really like how quickly the couples marry, probably because that's what I did. But it works for me and for the stories.
This is a great introduction to Lynn Kurland and her books. If you're not sure how you'll feel about match-making ghosts and time travel romances, pick this one up and see what you think. I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
I actually really like how quickly the couples marry, probably because that's what I did. But it works for me and for the stories.
This is a great introduction to Lynn Kurland and her books. If you're not sure how you'll feel about match-making ghosts and time travel romances, pick this one up and see what you think. I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
July 29, 2011
not my favorite collection of Kurland's to be honest. i enjoyed Miles' story as I previously read it in a different short story compilation, though it was a bit rushed. Megan and Gideon was cute as well, though VERY rushed as well. Jane and Ian's story was my favorite of the group and didn't feel too rushed. I enjoyed their backstories and their courtship. Sydney and Sam's story was painful to get through the beginning and then a bit better as they got around to discovering they liked each other.
Overall, it was an okay collection. I would like to have had more developed stories for both Miles and Ian, as I like their characters.
Overall, it was an okay collection. I would like to have had more developed stories for both Miles and Ian, as I like their characters.
November 21, 2016
Four lighthearted Macleod and de Piaget stories
Four short stories fill in the de Piaget and Macleod family tree. Here are stories extracted from several different anthologies and covering the romances of medieval Miles de Piaget with future girl Abby; Ian Macleod into the future with Jane Ferguson; current day Gideon de Piaget with Megan Macleod McKinnon; and a very unexpected current times romance in Alaska between Samuel Macleod and the redoubtable Sydney wilderness guide. Lots of fun and very lighthearted. Excellent to unite them into one book devoted to Lynn Kurland .
Four short stories fill in the de Piaget and Macleod family tree. Here are stories extracted from several different anthologies and covering the romances of medieval Miles de Piaget with future girl Abby; Ian Macleod into the future with Jane Ferguson; current day Gideon de Piaget with Megan Macleod McKinnon; and a very unexpected current times romance in Alaska between Samuel Macleod and the redoubtable Sydney wilderness guide. Lots of fun and very lighthearted. Excellent to unite them into one book devoted to Lynn Kurland .
August 7, 2010
Sweet little 4 stories all by the same author. Fills in some of the stories on the lesser characters in other books. Fun, fast, and lighthearted. My favorite was And the Groom Wore Tulle, where a Scotsman in the past comes into the future. He knows about the future because other clansmen have gone their, but finds himself there, and in a wedding shop. The whole couple pages of whether he's trying to decide if he's in Heaven, Hell or Limbo, and then decides he will put on one of the "angel outfits" which is a wedding dress is hysterical.
September 19, 2008
This is a collection of short stories that are wonderful complements to characters from other books she has written. The Gift of Christmas Past is Miles de Piaget's story, The Three Wise Ghosts is the story of Gideon de Piaget and Megan MacLeod McKinnon, And the Groom Wore Tulle is Ian MacLeod's story, The Icing on the Cake is Samuel MacLeod's story. These stories give you more background on each of the characters which enrich your reading of related books.
September 27, 2013
As much as I couldn't wait to read about Abigail and Miles, I will admitt that having a talking Sir Sweetums was a bit much :( but for the most part I liked the story. I enjoyed Gideon and Megan's story quite a bit. A lot of these characters I've met previously in other books, and am glad to FINALLY be hearing their stories. I LOVED Ian and Jane's story and although I don't believe I've met Sydney and Sam before...their story was wonderful! :)
April 7, 2012
The Gift of Christmas Past -
This was a little short but it had everything I love about Kurland's novels. Romance, time travel and a knight ready to rescue a lady. I loved this one so much it was such a sweet little story.
The Three Wise Ghosts -
Was really quite cute especially with the bickering ghosts having to intervene to get the two leads to really notice each other. And the ending was as sweet as I could have hoped for.
This was a little short but it had everything I love about Kurland's novels. Romance, time travel and a knight ready to rescue a lady. I loved this one so much it was such a sweet little story.
The Three Wise Ghosts -
Was really quite cute especially with the bickering ghosts having to intervene to get the two leads to really notice each other. And the ending was as sweet as I could have hoped for.
November 15, 2025
Deliciously funny, heartwarming and charmingly romantic...
This reader's interest was grabbed right from the start with the matchmaking antics of Sir Sweetums, the 'friendly' bickering of the ghostly matchmakers and of course I love all things MacLeod! This is my first introduction to this author and immediately purchased four full length novels which I look forward to reading! Well done Ms. Kurland
This reader's interest was grabbed right from the start with the matchmaking antics of Sir Sweetums, the 'friendly' bickering of the ghostly matchmakers and of course I love all things MacLeod! This is my first introduction to this author and immediately purchased four full length novels which I look forward to reading! Well done Ms. Kurland
May 1, 2010
The Gift of Christmas Past - 4 stars
The Three Wise Ghosts - 3 stars
And the Groom Wore Tulle - 2 stars
The Icing on the Cake - 4 stars
I guess that averages out to 3 stars, but I'll give this anthology 4 anyway, because 3 of the 4 stories were pretty cute, especially the first and last ones.
The Three Wise Ghosts - 3 stars
And the Groom Wore Tulle - 2 stars
The Icing on the Cake - 4 stars
I guess that averages out to 3 stars, but I'll give this anthology 4 anyway, because 3 of the 4 stories were pretty cute, especially the first and last ones.
March 1, 2016
PB-B @ 2001, 12/01. DePiaget, Book 13. Four novellas in the collection: The Gift of Xmas Past @ 1996 from The Christmas Cat; And the Groom Wore Tulle @ 1999 from Veils of Time; The Three Wise Ghosts @ 1997 from Christmas Spirits; and The Icing on the Cake @ 200 from Opposites Attract. I always want more!!!
April 28, 2018
A solid anthology for fans of the de Piagets and MacLeods. It ties up a few secondary characters - I personally liked Ian's story the best of the 4. The last one was a little odd to me, since I couldn't fathom why she was such an outcast in the town she grew up in...who cares if she can't cook? It's Alaska! Although I'm puzzled how she's a wilderness guide that can't cook at all...
March 13, 2010
I really liked all of the stories in this anthology, but my favorite was The Gift of Christmas Past since it was part of the DePiaget side. The others were great too, though, and like the other 99% of the Lynn Kurland books I've read, I couldn't bear to stop reading!
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