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A Stitch in Time #1.5 (Ballgowns & Butterflies)
Under a Winter Sky
These heartwarming and pulse-pounding tales celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the solstice, Yule – and holidays from worlds beyond our own. With fancy-dress balls, faery bargains, time travel, blood sacrifice, and festive cocktails, these stories will delight lovers of fantasy and romance, with a dash of seasonal joy.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy
Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. Among other things, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there... Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung, but her mother put her foot down declaring that Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Even if that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will also attend. But this year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
Half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead--and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner, Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can't figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she'll be planning a wedding after the holidays.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
Brought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy.
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.
Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
The North Yorkshire moors are always a magical place, but they’re particularly enchanting at the holidays…especially if one gets to travel back in time to a Victorian Christmas. For Bronwyn Dale, it is the stuff of dreams. Fancy-dress balls, quirky small-town traditions, even that classic one-horse open sleigh, complete with jingle bells. There’s just the tiny problem of the Butterfly Effect. How does a time-traveler make a difference without disrupting the future forever?
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy
Shapeshifter Prince Rhyian doesn’t especially want to spend the Feast of Moranu at Castle Ordnung. Among other things, his childhood playmate and current nemesis, Lena, will be there... Princess Salena Nakoa KauPo nearly wriggled out of traveling to Ordnung, but her mother put her foot down declaring that Lena can suffer through a feast and a ball for one night. Even if that Rhyian, insufferable Prince of the Tala, will also attend. But this year, Moranu’s sacred feast falls on the long night of the crystalline moon—and Rhy and Lena discover there’s more than a bit of magic in the air.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
Half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe makes her living beheading the dead--and spends her free time trying not to get too attached to her business partner, Eli Stonecroft, a faery in self-imposed exile in New Orleans. With a killer at her throat and a blood martini in her hand, Gen accepts what seems like a straight-forward faery bargain, but soon realizes that if she can't figure out a way out of this faery bargain, she'll be planning a wedding after the holidays.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
Brought to live among the Cavefolk as an infant, Mooriah has long sought to secure her place in the clan and lose her outsider status. She’s a powerful blood mage, and when the chieftain’s son asks for help securing the safety of the clan, she agrees. But though she’s long been drawn to the warrior, any relationship between the two is forbidden. The arrival of a mysterious stranger with a tempting offer tests her loyalties, and when betrayal looms, will Mooriah’s secrets and hidden power put the future she’s dreamed of—and her adopted home—in jeopardy.
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
Spinsterhood has never bothered or embarrassed the independent Emerence Ipsan, and the winter festival of Delyalda keeps her far too busy managing her father's shops to worry about matters as trivial as marriage.
Until the arrival of a young Quereci warrior with old eyes and an admiring gaze makes her question that notion.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2020
222 people are currently reading
2083 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
301 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
November 22, 2020
The rating is only for Ballgowns and Butterflies.
I love it, as good as my expectations and more ❤️.
But, the story is only 1/5 of the whole book and part of an anthology, so it quite short for my taste, especially for the book’s cost! 😬
However, I probably will check other authors from this book, because it looks interesting 😘.
❤️
I love it, as good as my expectations and more ❤️.
But, the story is only 1/5 of the whole book and part of an anthology, so it quite short for my taste, especially for the book’s cost! 😬
However, I probably will check other authors from this book, because it looks interesting 😘.
❤️
November 18, 2020
I leapt at the chance to read this book because it contains stories by some of my favourite authors and wow isn’t that a beautiful cover ? The first story Ballgowns and Butterflies is a time travel romance set at Christmas with all the festive feels I could possibly ask for. I haven’t yet read the story that precedes it A Stitch In Time but found this certainly very easy to follow and I really liked the couple who feature here.
Jeffe Kennedy really threw me as her story is about the children (now grown up ) of characters I adored in her Uncharted Realms/ Twelve Kingdom books. I had fun working out whose parent was who and although certain things were still not a hundred percent clear one thing I’m sure of is when the new series finally gets published I will be very keen to fill in the blanks.
Melissa Marr is I confess a new author to me and her heroine was certainly very different. She’s able to bring back the dead which in itself is intriguing but she’s also found herself engaged to a Fae Prince ! It’s the dream of many a young girl although most definitely not for Genevieve but how can she get out of it without losing her friend ?
Echoes of Ash and Tears took me on an unforgettable journey that felt quite prehistoric and yet in some ways almost dystopian. Mooriah has lived amongst the cave dwellers and sorely longs to be an accepted member of the Clan. Ember is the Chieftains son but in order to maintain his rank hides a secret that could well get him killed. I didn’t really understand the magic in play here if honest but it’s part of a series that I’ve yet to read so I do feel fans of this author will clearly know exactly what is happening and why. They are a cute couple who both deserve happiness and I feel that’s what they get which made me smile.
There is also a short story by the very talented Grace Draven but as I type I have not yet read it. It’s apparently set in her Wraith Kings universe and having already read two full length books in that series I can only say that I sincerely look forward to reading it soon because she combines fantasy, romance and amazing characters so well.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Jeffe Kennedy really threw me as her story is about the children (now grown up ) of characters I adored in her Uncharted Realms/ Twelve Kingdom books. I had fun working out whose parent was who and although certain things were still not a hundred percent clear one thing I’m sure of is when the new series finally gets published I will be very keen to fill in the blanks.
Melissa Marr is I confess a new author to me and her heroine was certainly very different. She’s able to bring back the dead which in itself is intriguing but she’s also found herself engaged to a Fae Prince ! It’s the dream of many a young girl although most definitely not for Genevieve but how can she get out of it without losing her friend ?
Echoes of Ash and Tears took me on an unforgettable journey that felt quite prehistoric and yet in some ways almost dystopian. Mooriah has lived amongst the cave dwellers and sorely longs to be an accepted member of the Clan. Ember is the Chieftains son but in order to maintain his rank hides a secret that could well get him killed. I didn’t really understand the magic in play here if honest but it’s part of a series that I’ve yet to read so I do feel fans of this author will clearly know exactly what is happening and why. They are a cute couple who both deserve happiness and I feel that’s what they get which made me smile.
There is also a short story by the very talented Grace Draven but as I type I have not yet read it. It’s apparently set in her Wraith Kings universe and having already read two full length books in that series I can only say that I sincerely look forward to reading it soon because she combines fantasy, romance and amazing characters so well.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
February 4, 2021
2020 Jingle Books Bingo (#JingleBooks🎄): Saddle Up For Christmas (Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong)
Did not love this anthology as much as I wanted to, alas. Read via library.
Did not love this anthology as much as I wanted to, alas. Read via library.
November 22, 2023
I've only read A Memory of Summer by Grace Draven which is part of her "Wraith Kings" Series. As the author has recently faced a serious health problem, her writting is put on hold and we don't know when we'll get the next full length book in the series. So this short story felt really precious to me, to visit this world with something new to hope for. I wish for her to get well soon and to let us share in her amazing talent again.
And I also started reading Ballgowns and Butterflies but soon I realised that it was an epilogue rather than a prequel, so I went and read "a Stitch in Time" first, which I loved, and then finished this short story. Now I'm addicted to Kelley Armstrong's stories as well.
I don't know if I'll read any of the other short stories any time soon, I'm not familiar with the author's and, at this point in my reading life, I'm reluctant to add new authors to my TBR list. Maybe in the future, who knows?
And I also started reading Ballgowns and Butterflies but soon I realised that it was an epilogue rather than a prequel, so I went and read "a Stitch in Time" first, which I loved, and then finished this short story. Now I'm addicted to Kelley Armstrong's stories as well.
I don't know if I'll read any of the other short stories any time soon, I'm not familiar with the author's and, at this point in my reading life, I'm reluctant to add new authors to my TBR list. Maybe in the future, who knows?
November 21, 2020
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong - 3.5 Stars
Ball gowns and Butterflies is a very interesting and intriguing time travel. I wish it didn’t have so much info dumping but it was still an enjoyable read. I like the world and the characters and I’m very much interested in exploring more of both.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon. It’s the second generation of one of my fave series. It’s magic filled, there’s angst, betrayal and so much more. It ends on a cliffy so I’m dying to get my hands on the first book in this new series.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr - 4 Stars
I enjoyed Blood Martinis and Mistletoe. I admit I was a bit confused at the beginning but the more I read the more I understood and the more this interesting and intriguing world captured my attention. It’s a world I definitely want to explore more of.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope - 4.5 Stars
I loved Echoes of Ash & Tears. It was so good. I loved the characters, the magic, the world and so much more. I can’t wait to get caught up on this series.
I definitely recommend this anthology to all Fantasy lovers.
Copy provided by author
Ball gowns and Butterflies is a very interesting and intriguing time travel. I wish it didn’t have so much info dumping but it was still an enjoyable read. I like the world and the characters and I’m very much interested in exploring more of both.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon. It’s the second generation of one of my fave series. It’s magic filled, there’s angst, betrayal and so much more. It ends on a cliffy so I’m dying to get my hands on the first book in this new series.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr - 4 Stars
I enjoyed Blood Martinis and Mistletoe. I admit I was a bit confused at the beginning but the more I read the more I understood and the more this interesting and intriguing world captured my attention. It’s a world I definitely want to explore more of.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope - 4.5 Stars
I loved Echoes of Ash & Tears. It was so good. I loved the characters, the magic, the world and so much more. I can’t wait to get caught up on this series.
I definitely recommend this anthology to all Fantasy lovers.
Copy provided by author
January 1, 2021
Rating for Kelley Armstrong and Grace Draven only. All of the stories are part of the authors' existing worlds, and the other 3 were OK but didn't really grab me or make much sense, since I didn't know the rest of the story.
September 9, 2021
I only read two of the short stories by authors I regularly read.
"A Memory of Summer" - 3.5ish stars
"I have no husband," she said without apology. "I've yet to meet one worthy of that role."
Sweet short story about an independent woman (and labeled a 'spinster') who meets a young warrior worthy of her consideration. No HEA...yet. From my understanding, these characters will be seen again in The Nomas King.
"The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon" - 3 stars
This novellette is the prequel to the Heirs of Magic series. It features the adult children from the Twelve Kingdoms and its spinoff series, the Uncharted Realms. There's a lot of angst (flirtations, past teen summer romance, and virginity chit chat) amongst the crew of friends with the story centered on Rhyian, son from the h/h in The Mark of the Tala and Salena, daughter from the h/h in The Pages of the Mind. It reads like a angsty teen romance but I like this world, so I'm going to try The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince, first book in the series and hope it takes place when these characters may be more mature.
Library eloan
"A Memory of Summer" - 3.5ish stars
"I have no husband," she said without apology. "I've yet to meet one worthy of that role."
Sweet short story about an independent woman (and labeled a 'spinster') who meets a young warrior worthy of her consideration. No HEA...yet. From my understanding, these characters will be seen again in The Nomas King.
"The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon" - 3 stars
This novellette is the prequel to the Heirs of Magic series. It features the adult children from the Twelve Kingdoms and its spinoff series, the Uncharted Realms. There's a lot of angst (flirtations, past teen summer romance, and virginity chit chat) amongst the crew of friends with the story centered on Rhyian, son from the h/h in The Mark of the Tala and Salena, daughter from the h/h in The Pages of the Mind. It reads like a angsty teen romance but I like this world, so I'm going to try The Golden Gryphon and the Bear Prince, first book in the series and hope it takes place when these characters may be more mature.
Library eloan
November 24, 2020
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
This novella picks up where "A Stitch in Time" left off. Ms. Armstrong does a good job of giving it a brief set up and background in this continuation time travel romance and I enjoyed this Christmas-themed Victorian era story. However, I highly recommend "A Stitch in Time" to fully appreciate the complex murder/mystery, romance suspense, ghost time travel story which precedes this novella. It is a five-star read. With Ballgowns & Butterflies, she briefly introduced another intriguing mystery which I very much look forward to reading. ;)
This novella picks up where "A Stitch in Time" left off. Ms. Armstrong does a good job of giving it a brief set up and background in this continuation time travel romance and I enjoyed this Christmas-themed Victorian era story. However, I highly recommend "A Stitch in Time" to fully appreciate the complex murder/mystery, romance suspense, ghost time travel story which precedes this novella. It is a five-star read. With Ballgowns & Butterflies, she briefly introduced another intriguing mystery which I very much look forward to reading. ;)
November 22, 2020
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong
I always enjoy a time travel story. And even though this one takes place after what I assume is book one it works, they are together and happy now. I guess book 1 was about them finding love, but it does not matter. I'd still read book 1 and see the read these. Now instead we have a novella about a couple who lives in different times and they travel back and forth. She is worried about the timeline, but hey lady you are preggers, you already changed it.
Just a sweet novella at xmas time
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy
Not sure about what I assume is everyone kids hooking up with each other. Find some new blood guys! Lol.
Set 2 decades after the events in her previous series. The kids are grown up, and two are circling each other. Will they find they way back. Oh they totally will, but then it ends with a maybe cliffie. Something is brewing and that will be the new series. And see now all I wonder what is brewing? And I do not think book one will be about Rhy and Lena
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
I am intrigued by this series. A woman who can see ghosts, and is part ghost? Well something, and witch. And is engaged to a faery prince, but wants and does not want it. Oh and people are trying to get to her.
I am intrigued by book 1 and what must have happened there. This was a really good novella teaser that made me want more.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
Alas, with this one I felt lost. I did not understand the world, the people or the magic. Here I really felt that one should have read the previous books.'
Some woman treated as crap in caves, has bad magic, her dad left her there. Meets a guy. I just felt lost. So meh
I always enjoy a time travel story. And even though this one takes place after what I assume is book one it works, they are together and happy now. I guess book 1 was about them finding love, but it does not matter. I'd still read book 1 and see the read these. Now instead we have a novella about a couple who lives in different times and they travel back and forth. She is worried about the timeline, but hey lady you are preggers, you already changed it.
Just a sweet novella at xmas time
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic, by Jeffe Kennedy
Not sure about what I assume is everyone kids hooking up with each other. Find some new blood guys! Lol.
Set 2 decades after the events in her previous series. The kids are grown up, and two are circling each other. Will they find they way back. Oh they totally will, but then it ends with a maybe cliffie. Something is brewing and that will be the new series. And see now all I wonder what is brewing? And I do not think book one will be about Rhy and Lena
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
I am intrigued by this series. A woman who can see ghosts, and is part ghost? Well something, and witch. And is engaged to a faery prince, but wants and does not want it. Oh and people are trying to get to her.
I am intrigued by book 1 and what must have happened there. This was a really good novella teaser that made me want more.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
Alas, with this one I felt lost. I did not understand the world, the people or the magic. Here I really felt that one should have read the previous books.'
Some woman treated as crap in caves, has bad magic, her dad left her there. Meets a guy. I just felt lost. So meh
December 7, 2020
Under a Winter Sky:A mid-winter holiday anthology was a collaboration of stories by 5 authors.Honestly, I’ve never found any interest in reading a bunch of short stories by different authors. But the cover spoke to me. And let me tell you,I had the same reaction I had to finally trying Caesar dressing. For decades I avoided it because it sounded gross to me. This year I finally tried it and realized what I had missed out on this whole time. And that’s the same reaction I got with this book. Like how many other books like this have I missed out on because of my snobbery.⠀
This book was like an appetizer. Each story left me wanting more. I was introduced to different worlds and many characters. But I wasn’t left feeling overwhelmed like I thought I would. Instead, I left adding a lot of books to my TBR list. Because I need to be reunited with these characters. I also was introduced to a few new authors that Had me looking up their other books.⠀
⠀
All in all I gave this book 5 stars. And think if you were looking to read some holiday themed winter and Xmas stories this will definitely placate you like a plate of frosted sugar cookies.
This book was like an appetizer. Each story left me wanting more. I was introduced to different worlds and many characters. But I wasn’t left feeling overwhelmed like I thought I would. Instead, I left adding a lot of books to my TBR list. Because I need to be reunited with these characters. I also was introduced to a few new authors that Had me looking up their other books.⠀
⠀
All in all I gave this book 5 stars. And think if you were looking to read some holiday themed winter and Xmas stories this will definitely placate you like a plate of frosted sugar cookies.
February 28, 2021
I only read “ Ballgowns & Butterflies” by Kelley Armstrong. You do need to read A Stitch in Time first, despite what the author says in the preface. And honestly? I’d skip this. I’m still looking forward to Rosalind’s book though.
November 19, 2020
So far I read the first two stories and both are wonderful. Will update when I read more.
May 30, 2021
Under a Winter Sky consist of 5 novellas by different authors. The theme is Christmas and similar Winter holidays.
I have read 3 out of 5 stories, but two of them were directly connected to the plot of the series and I think you can miss something by skipping them.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong ★★★★☆
Sequel to the A Stitch in Time. Whatever the author's note say, I would not recommend reading this novella, before the novel, since the characters are the same. And why would you, when A Stitch in Time is a wonderful gothic paranormal romance. Read that, and then come back and read this story. :)
#TimeTravel #Ghosts #PNR #Christmas #MarriedCouple
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon by Jeffe Kennedy ★★★☆☆
This story is a prequel to Heirs of Magic - a new series by Jeffe Kennedy. I had no idea that it's set in twelve Kingdoms and will feature kids of the old characters from her previous series, so it was a pleasant surprise.
Cute story, but I didn't like the main couple featured in this novella. Looking forward to the others though. :)
#FantasyRomance #Shifters
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven ★★★☆☆
A short novella, connected to Wraith Kings series. I think it's actually a prequel to The Nomas King, but we will have to wait for the book to be published to be sure.
Blood Martinis & Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
Currently, I have too many series in progress, to start a new one, so I am going to skip this novella for now (it's 1.5 in series) and come back to it later.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
I have read the first book in Earthsinger Chronicles and did not wish to continue. So I am skipping this novella altogether.
I have read 3 out of 5 stories, but two of them were directly connected to the plot of the series and I think you can miss something by skipping them.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong ★★★★☆
Sequel to the A Stitch in Time. Whatever the author's note say, I would not recommend reading this novella, before the novel, since the characters are the same. And why would you, when A Stitch in Time is a wonderful gothic paranormal romance. Read that, and then come back and read this story. :)
#TimeTravel #Ghosts #PNR #Christmas #MarriedCouple
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon by Jeffe Kennedy ★★★☆☆
This story is a prequel to Heirs of Magic - a new series by Jeffe Kennedy. I had no idea that it's set in twelve Kingdoms and will feature kids of the old characters from her previous series, so it was a pleasant surprise.
Cute story, but I didn't like the main couple featured in this novella. Looking forward to the others though. :)
#FantasyRomance #Shifters
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven ★★★☆☆
A short novella, connected to Wraith Kings series. I think it's actually a prequel to The Nomas King, but we will have to wait for the book to be published to be sure.
Blood Martinis & Mistletoe by Melissa Marr
Currently, I have too many series in progress, to start a new one, so I am going to skip this novella for now (it's 1.5 in series) and come back to it later.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope
I have read the first book in Earthsinger Chronicles and did not wish to continue. So I am skipping this novella altogether.
January 13, 2021
4 Stars
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
This is the novella I read from the Under a Winter Sky Anthology. I tried to find the novella under Grace Draven's name, but it hasn't been listed by any of the GR librarians. I dislike getting credit for a whole anthology book when I only read 1 or 2 of the authors. I wish the librarians were required to break down all anthologies by author, title of novella and number of pages.
I liked A Memory of Summer and enjoyed the main characters. It said the novella was to be read before The Ippos King. Hope Emerence and Geares make an appearance in that book.
If I read another novella from an author within this anthology I will post it here. (and earn the pages I deserve to got credit for.)
A Memory Of Summer, a Wraith Kings Novelette, by Grace Draven
This is the novella I read from the Under a Winter Sky Anthology. I tried to find the novella under Grace Draven's name, but it hasn't been listed by any of the GR librarians. I dislike getting credit for a whole anthology book when I only read 1 or 2 of the authors. I wish the librarians were required to break down all anthologies by author, title of novella and number of pages.
I liked A Memory of Summer and enjoyed the main characters. It said the novella was to be read before The Ippos King. Hope Emerence and Geares make an appearance in that book.
If I read another novella from an author within this anthology I will post it here. (and earn the pages I deserve to got credit for.)
November 19, 2020
This anthology is a wonderful blend of magic, hope for a better future. Recommended for all fantasy lovers who are looking for a heart warming holiday treat.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
November 23, 2020
Originally published at Reading Reality
If it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays where you are, this collection is a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit. Or spirits, as the case might be, for multiple definitions thereof. It certainly made me shiver with the remembered chill and sparkle of the kiss of snow, even if we don’t get much of that around here.
There are five stories in this little collection, all featuring winter and some type of solstice or longest night type story, and all with just a little bit of something extra.
It could be those holiday spirits, although not necessarily Christmas or Yule, as not all of these stories take place on our Earth. These are all some variety of fantasy romance, so the world is not necessarily the world we know – at least not quite.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong is a bit of a time-travel story, and it is set in our world and does feature Christmas. But it isn’t quite the one we recognize – although it sorta/kinda is in a delicious way.
Because the Christmas that Lady Bronwyn Thorne is celebrating is an honest-to-goodness Victorian holiday, in the Victorian era where she spends part of her life. The Victorian Christmas celebration is the one on which many of our contemporary traditions, at least in Britain and North America, are based. As a historian, it’s the era that is nearest and dearest to Bronwyn’s heart – as is her husband who she met in that time period, but has married in both.
This was a lovely little story, and I enjoyed its evocation of the holiday spirit as well as feeling for Bronwyn’s time-travel dilemma. At the same time, this story feels like a coda to another, longer story, only because it is. This is the followup to A Stitch in Time, which is wrapped around the romance between Bronwyn and her Victorian-era husband William, and I very much wish I’d read that first.
Likewise, the only other story set at least partially in our world, Blood Martinis & Mistletoe by Melissa Marr, read like just the kind of urban fantasy that I love to sink my teeth into. But this was also part of the author’s Faery Bargains series, and I felt like I’d missed all of the setup which is in the first book in the series, The Wicked and the Dead. Which I now very much want to read because this seems awesome.
(Actually I bought the first books in both of these series because I was so intrigued.)
And now I have to confess two things before I get to my favorite story in the collection.
I didn’t read L. Penelope’s Earthsinger story because I haven’t read the series, and I just didn’t want to get teased yet again by a story that is even more bang in the middle of a series than the previous two.
And, as much as I was looking forward to reading the Grace Draven story, because I have read at least some of her Wraith Kings series, that story wasn’t included in my eARC. C’est la vie.
But, but, but, the story I got this collection for was definitely there. And I’m so happy about that.
I love Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms/Uncharted Kingdoms/Chronicles of Dasnaria mega-series, so I’m always up for more. And The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel for Heirs of Magic, her upcoming series set in the same world, certainly delivered.
Did it ever!
The story is “the Next Generation” of that long-running saga, taking place 25 years after the (final?) defeat of the evil Deyrr at the end of the (now we know it’s not) final book, The Fate of the Tala. Which I adored even though I was sorry to see the whole thing wrap up.
I always hoped the saga would continue, so this was a treat from beginning to end.
What’s lovely about this one is that we get to see everyone we met in the previous series, know that they are all doing well and that they have all managed to have their happy ever afters. HEAs that they all definitely earned.
But this story focuses not on the previous heroes, but rather on their children, all of whom are now adults – albeit some more mature than others. Then again, that’s kind of the nature of being in one’s 20s, figuring out who one really is and what kind of a future one is looking for.
Or, in the case of these seven princes, princesses and princelings, the kind of future that is barreling towards them at breakneck speed – even if they don’t know it yet.
So, on the surface, we have the story of the longest night of the year, coupled with a romance that could either be a second-chance-at-love or a story of two lovers who missed their chance and need to close that door before their future truly begins.
The question of which it is going to be is not quite answered by the end of this story about unfinished business and lost chances because a much more dangerous future rears its ugly head just as we think there might be a resolution.
All those delicious and perilous chances are left hanging off the edge of a sheer cliff when the interlude closes, leaving readers – especially this one – absolutely salivating for what is to come.
I can’t wait. Hopefully I won’t have to wait long, as the projected publication date in Goodreads says next month!
Howsomever, just like the other stories in this collection, The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon is not the place to start your journey with this fantastic series. Start with The Mark of the Tala and settle in for a wonderful reading binge.
Possibly a long enough – and certainly captivating enough – binge to carry you through until spring!
Escape Rating A-: I got this collection for the Jeffe Kennedy story, and I loved that story, so that makes the whole thing a win. I liked both the Armstrong and the Marr stories enough that I bought the previous books in their respective series’ so also a win. I felt the chill of winter snow even in the warm Atlanta fall weather so even more of a win for bringing me just the right taste of a season that I don’t have to experience too much of, definitely a win all the way around! If you are into any or all of the series featured in this collection, you’re in for a treat!
If it’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays where you are, this collection is a terrific way to get into the holiday spirit. Or spirits, as the case might be, for multiple definitions thereof. It certainly made me shiver with the remembered chill and sparkle of the kiss of snow, even if we don’t get much of that around here.
There are five stories in this little collection, all featuring winter and some type of solstice or longest night type story, and all with just a little bit of something extra.
It could be those holiday spirits, although not necessarily Christmas or Yule, as not all of these stories take place on our Earth. These are all some variety of fantasy romance, so the world is not necessarily the world we know – at least not quite.
Ballgowns & Butterflies by Kelley Armstrong is a bit of a time-travel story, and it is set in our world and does feature Christmas. But it isn’t quite the one we recognize – although it sorta/kinda is in a delicious way.
Because the Christmas that Lady Bronwyn Thorne is celebrating is an honest-to-goodness Victorian holiday, in the Victorian era where she spends part of her life. The Victorian Christmas celebration is the one on which many of our contemporary traditions, at least in Britain and North America, are based. As a historian, it’s the era that is nearest and dearest to Bronwyn’s heart – as is her husband who she met in that time period, but has married in both.
This was a lovely little story, and I enjoyed its evocation of the holiday spirit as well as feeling for Bronwyn’s time-travel dilemma. At the same time, this story feels like a coda to another, longer story, only because it is. This is the followup to A Stitch in Time, which is wrapped around the romance between Bronwyn and her Victorian-era husband William, and I very much wish I’d read that first.
Likewise, the only other story set at least partially in our world, Blood Martinis & Mistletoe by Melissa Marr, read like just the kind of urban fantasy that I love to sink my teeth into. But this was also part of the author’s Faery Bargains series, and I felt like I’d missed all of the setup which is in the first book in the series, The Wicked and the Dead. Which I now very much want to read because this seems awesome.
(Actually I bought the first books in both of these series because I was so intrigued.)
And now I have to confess two things before I get to my favorite story in the collection.
I didn’t read L. Penelope’s Earthsinger story because I haven’t read the series, and I just didn’t want to get teased yet again by a story that is even more bang in the middle of a series than the previous two.
And, as much as I was looking forward to reading the Grace Draven story, because I have read at least some of her Wraith Kings series, that story wasn’t included in my eARC. C’est la vie.
But, but, but, the story I got this collection for was definitely there. And I’m so happy about that.
I love Jeffe Kennedy’s Twelve Kingdoms/Uncharted Kingdoms/Chronicles of Dasnaria mega-series, so I’m always up for more. And The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel for Heirs of Magic, her upcoming series set in the same world, certainly delivered.
Did it ever!
The story is “the Next Generation” of that long-running saga, taking place 25 years after the (final?) defeat of the evil Deyrr at the end of the (now we know it’s not) final book, The Fate of the Tala. Which I adored even though I was sorry to see the whole thing wrap up.
I always hoped the saga would continue, so this was a treat from beginning to end.
What’s lovely about this one is that we get to see everyone we met in the previous series, know that they are all doing well and that they have all managed to have their happy ever afters. HEAs that they all definitely earned.
But this story focuses not on the previous heroes, but rather on their children, all of whom are now adults – albeit some more mature than others. Then again, that’s kind of the nature of being in one’s 20s, figuring out who one really is and what kind of a future one is looking for.
Or, in the case of these seven princes, princesses and princelings, the kind of future that is barreling towards them at breakneck speed – even if they don’t know it yet.
So, on the surface, we have the story of the longest night of the year, coupled with a romance that could either be a second-chance-at-love or a story of two lovers who missed their chance and need to close that door before their future truly begins.
The question of which it is going to be is not quite answered by the end of this story about unfinished business and lost chances because a much more dangerous future rears its ugly head just as we think there might be a resolution.
All those delicious and perilous chances are left hanging off the edge of a sheer cliff when the interlude closes, leaving readers – especially this one – absolutely salivating for what is to come.
I can’t wait. Hopefully I won’t have to wait long, as the projected publication date in Goodreads says next month!
Howsomever, just like the other stories in this collection, The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon is not the place to start your journey with this fantastic series. Start with The Mark of the Tala and settle in for a wonderful reading binge.
Possibly a long enough – and certainly captivating enough – binge to carry you through until spring!
Escape Rating A-: I got this collection for the Jeffe Kennedy story, and I loved that story, so that makes the whole thing a win. I liked both the Armstrong and the Marr stories enough that I bought the previous books in their respective series’ so also a win. I felt the chill of winter snow even in the warm Atlanta fall weather so even more of a win for bringing me just the right taste of a season that I don’t have to experience too much of, definitely a win all the way around! If you are into any or all of the series featured in this collection, you’re in for a treat!
December 17, 2020
This anthology is a fantasy lover’s dream. It has a little of everything: High Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Time Travel. Each story takes place around a winter holiday, not necessarily Christmas.
LONG NIGHT CRYSTALLINE MOON
by Jeffe Kennedy https://jeffekennedy.com/home
Rhyian is the shapeshifter son of Queen Andromeda of Annfwn. He is promised to the Goddess Moranu. Salena Nakoa KauPo is the daughter of King Naoka KauPo of Nahanau. She is a weather sorceress. Rhyian and Salena are forced to attend The Feast of Moranu, which also happens to be the anniversary of High Queen Ursula’s reign. Can Rhyian and Salena put their differences behind them? Will Salena finally let go of the past? What revelations will Rhyian discover?
Salena is a perfect mixture of her parents. I like that she is not afraid to spend her time in the library like her mother. Rhyian takes after his Tala father in temperament and attitude. I understand his desire to escape Moranu’s notice.
THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOON is a prequel novella of Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy romance series, HEIRS OF MAGIC. This series ties with her other series, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS and THE UNCHARTED REALMS. I love how this new series focuses on the Twelve Kingdom’s next generation.
This story is the main reason I picked up this anthology. Jeffe Kennedy is my “go to author” for fantasy romance. I cannot wait to re-visit the Twelve Kingdoms!
BALLGOWNS & BUTTERFLIES
by Kelley Armstrong http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/
Bronwyn Dale Thorne is a professor and historian, one who specializes in the Victorian era. Lord William Thorne is Thorne Manor’s rightful owner in his time period. When Bronwyn returns to England, William whisks her to his time to enjoy the holidays. Can Bronwyn overcome her trepidation of causing a butterfly effect? Can William help her find a suitable compromise?
I admire Bronwyn’s desire not to change history. She does not want her presence or decisions to cause cataclysmic harm. Sometimes Bronwyn over obsesses it. I adore how William willingly braves two time periods to be with Bronwyn. He is extra careful on how he uses the information from the present in the past.
BALLGOWNS & BUTTERFLIES is the second story in Kelley Armstrong’s time-travel Victorian gothic series, THORNE MANOR. I have heard about this author. I just never tried any of her books until this novella. It did take me a while to assimilate to the first-person point-of-view.
BLOOD MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE
by Melissa Marr http://www.melissamarrbooks.com/
Geneviève Crowe is half witch and half draugr. She hunts and slays evil draugr. Geneviève is also proficient in necromancy. Eli Stonecroft is an exiled faery prince living in New Orleans, Louisiana. Geneviève needs to find a way out of their betrothal without losing Eli. However, danger follows her every step. Can Geneviève find a loophole to escape their engagement? What else will she discover about her dual heritage?
Something about her demeanor just did not click with me. I understand and respect Geneviève’s stance about not having children. However, the repetitious mentioning of her reasons got annoying. Eli is amusing! I love how he used desserts as pet names for Geneviève. I found it so unique. What I like most about Eli is his loyalty and protectiveness towards Geneviève.
BLOOD MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE is a part of Melissa Marr’s Urban Fantasy series, FAIRY BARGAINS. I have not read the previous story, so there were key parts about the characters and situation I felt lost on. The novella did not really clarify what exactly a draugr is, so I hope the first book does.
Melissa Marr is a new to me author. It did take me a while to adjust to the first-person point-of-view.
ECOHES OF ASH & TEARS
by L. Penelope https://lpenelope.com/
Mooriah is an outsider among the Cavefolk. She hopes by being an apprentice to the shame will secure a place among the clan. Ember is the chieftain’s son. He and his brother vie to be the clan’s next chief. Ember approaches Mooriah for help with his affliction with blood. However, another outsider threatens trouble for the Cavefolk. What trials do both Mooriah and Ember face? Will Mooriah choose the outside world or her clan?
ECHOES OF ASH & TEARS is a part of L. Penelope’s series, EARTHSINGER CHRONICLES. The storytelling and characters remind me of Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W Michael Gear’s PEOPLE series. I use to love reading those books as a teenager.
A MEMORY OF SUMMER
by Grace Draven https://gracedraven.com/home
Emerence Ipsan is a Beladine merchant’s spinster daughter. She helps manage both of her father’s shops. Gaeres is a Quereci nomad. He is the fifth son of the Kakilo clan’s chieftain. When a drunkard threatens not only Emerence but her apothecary shop, Gaeres steps in to dissuade the man. Will Gaeres change Emerence’s mind about marriage? Can she overcome their age difference? What else will stand in their way?
I adore Emerence’s stance on marriage. She prefers to find a man she loves than marry because it is expected of her. Emerence also does not let public scrutiny bother her. Gaeres is a perfect match for Emerence. I love how age does not dissuade his interest in her. Gaeres sees the real person within the outer shell.
A MEMORY OF SUMMER is a part of Grace Draven’s series, WRAITH KINGS. I am unfamiliar with this series, regrettably. Hopefully, I can rectify that soon. However, I adore Grace Draven’s THE FALLEN EMPIRE series. She is the second reason I picked up this anthology.
There are some big-named authors featured in this anthology. Each novella is different and unique. It is a great way for people to try other genres of fantasy in just one book.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
LONG NIGHT CRYSTALLINE MOON
by Jeffe Kennedy https://jeffekennedy.com/home
Rhyian is the shapeshifter son of Queen Andromeda of Annfwn. He is promised to the Goddess Moranu. Salena Nakoa KauPo is the daughter of King Naoka KauPo of Nahanau. She is a weather sorceress. Rhyian and Salena are forced to attend The Feast of Moranu, which also happens to be the anniversary of High Queen Ursula’s reign. Can Rhyian and Salena put their differences behind them? Will Salena finally let go of the past? What revelations will Rhyian discover?
Salena is a perfect mixture of her parents. I like that she is not afraid to spend her time in the library like her mother. Rhyian takes after his Tala father in temperament and attitude. I understand his desire to escape Moranu’s notice.
THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOON is a prequel novella of Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy romance series, HEIRS OF MAGIC. This series ties with her other series, THE TWELVE KINGDOMS and THE UNCHARTED REALMS. I love how this new series focuses on the Twelve Kingdom’s next generation.
This story is the main reason I picked up this anthology. Jeffe Kennedy is my “go to author” for fantasy romance. I cannot wait to re-visit the Twelve Kingdoms!
BALLGOWNS & BUTTERFLIES
by Kelley Armstrong http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/
Bronwyn Dale Thorne is a professor and historian, one who specializes in the Victorian era. Lord William Thorne is Thorne Manor’s rightful owner in his time period. When Bronwyn returns to England, William whisks her to his time to enjoy the holidays. Can Bronwyn overcome her trepidation of causing a butterfly effect? Can William help her find a suitable compromise?
I admire Bronwyn’s desire not to change history. She does not want her presence or decisions to cause cataclysmic harm. Sometimes Bronwyn over obsesses it. I adore how William willingly braves two time periods to be with Bronwyn. He is extra careful on how he uses the information from the present in the past.
BALLGOWNS & BUTTERFLIES is the second story in Kelley Armstrong’s time-travel Victorian gothic series, THORNE MANOR. I have heard about this author. I just never tried any of her books until this novella. It did take me a while to assimilate to the first-person point-of-view.
BLOOD MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE
by Melissa Marr http://www.melissamarrbooks.com/
Geneviève Crowe is half witch and half draugr. She hunts and slays evil draugr. Geneviève is also proficient in necromancy. Eli Stonecroft is an exiled faery prince living in New Orleans, Louisiana. Geneviève needs to find a way out of their betrothal without losing Eli. However, danger follows her every step. Can Geneviève find a loophole to escape their engagement? What else will she discover about her dual heritage?
Something about her demeanor just did not click with me. I understand and respect Geneviève’s stance about not having children. However, the repetitious mentioning of her reasons got annoying. Eli is amusing! I love how he used desserts as pet names for Geneviève. I found it so unique. What I like most about Eli is his loyalty and protectiveness towards Geneviève.
BLOOD MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE is a part of Melissa Marr’s Urban Fantasy series, FAIRY BARGAINS. I have not read the previous story, so there were key parts about the characters and situation I felt lost on. The novella did not really clarify what exactly a draugr is, so I hope the first book does.
Melissa Marr is a new to me author. It did take me a while to adjust to the first-person point-of-view.
ECOHES OF ASH & TEARS
by L. Penelope https://lpenelope.com/
Mooriah is an outsider among the Cavefolk. She hopes by being an apprentice to the shame will secure a place among the clan. Ember is the chieftain’s son. He and his brother vie to be the clan’s next chief. Ember approaches Mooriah for help with his affliction with blood. However, another outsider threatens trouble for the Cavefolk. What trials do both Mooriah and Ember face? Will Mooriah choose the outside world or her clan?
ECHOES OF ASH & TEARS is a part of L. Penelope’s series, EARTHSINGER CHRONICLES. The storytelling and characters remind me of Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W Michael Gear’s PEOPLE series. I use to love reading those books as a teenager.
A MEMORY OF SUMMER
by Grace Draven https://gracedraven.com/home
Emerence Ipsan is a Beladine merchant’s spinster daughter. She helps manage both of her father’s shops. Gaeres is a Quereci nomad. He is the fifth son of the Kakilo clan’s chieftain. When a drunkard threatens not only Emerence but her apothecary shop, Gaeres steps in to dissuade the man. Will Gaeres change Emerence’s mind about marriage? Can she overcome their age difference? What else will stand in their way?
I adore Emerence’s stance on marriage. She prefers to find a man she loves than marry because it is expected of her. Emerence also does not let public scrutiny bother her. Gaeres is a perfect match for Emerence. I love how age does not dissuade his interest in her. Gaeres sees the real person within the outer shell.
A MEMORY OF SUMMER is a part of Grace Draven’s series, WRAITH KINGS. I am unfamiliar with this series, regrettably. Hopefully, I can rectify that soon. However, I adore Grace Draven’s THE FALLEN EMPIRE series. She is the second reason I picked up this anthology.
There are some big-named authors featured in this anthology. Each novella is different and unique. It is a great way for people to try other genres of fantasy in just one book.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
December 7, 2022
Ballgowns and Butterflies - this is why I borrowed this book from the library. I thought it was a long epilogue to A Stitch in Time, which wasn't a bad thing.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon - the title of this story is way too long. Never understood where the long night came in. This story ends with questions/cliffhanger. Wasn't thrilled about that. Also, it's the typical 'supposed' unrequited love story.
Blood Martinis & Mistletoe - started it, but DNF. I think it's a .5 of a series and even in the first couple chapters I missed too much to continue. Like why she was so tired, maybe it came out further in the book, but after the Crystalline Moon and the unrequited love (as this one was also) I was at max with this type of story.
I stopped reading and didn't finish or even try the last two stories.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon - the title of this story is way too long. Never understood where the long night came in. This story ends with questions/cliffhanger. Wasn't thrilled about that. Also, it's the typical 'supposed' unrequited love story.
Blood Martinis & Mistletoe - started it, but DNF. I think it's a .5 of a series and even in the first couple chapters I missed too much to continue. Like why she was so tired, maybe it came out further in the book, but after the Crystalline Moon and the unrequited love (as this one was also) I was at max with this type of story.
I stopped reading and didn't finish or even try the last two stories.
January 31, 2021
My sole interest in this anthology is Kelley Armstrong's novella, Ballgowns & Butterflies, a continuation of her book A Stitch in Time issued in 2020. We get to see a bit more of Bronwen and William as they continue to explore the Stitch that enables Bronwen to experience a Victorian Christmas celebration in William's time. There are also hints as to who will be the protagonists in the next novel in this series. Looking forward to reading A Twist of Fate when it comes out later this year.
November 22, 2020
4.5 stars - I enjoyed all the stories and several well enough to pick up the full books that these stories tease.
Ball gowns and Butterflies - a little follow on to Kelley Armstrong's Stitch in Time. 4 stars - A nice little holiday peek into the HEA for the starring pair of the previous story - which was a enjoyable time travel Gothic mystery romance.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.6 stars - I haven't read the series that this story begins the spin off to (I've only read this author in anthologies like these), but I am intrigued by this beginning. This was a well done carve out of a short, the festival event was a great setting for the new beginnings and the intro to the cast gave a good sense of sense of who they are.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr - 4 stars - I liked this one so much that I ordered the first book in the series that this belongs to - a nice little mid winter interlude with the leading lady who is a witch and drauger - with necromantic powers - and her Fae fiance.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope - 4 stars - I am completely new to this series, so can't say how it fits in, but this was another well done short story complete with world building and characters that that had depth as well.
Memory of Summer by Grace Draven - 5 stars - A truly lovely little short to tease Gaeres' story. I am really looking forward to this book, I liked both him and the leading lady a great deal.
Ball gowns and Butterflies - a little follow on to Kelley Armstrong's Stitch in Time. 4 stars - A nice little holiday peek into the HEA for the starring pair of the previous story - which was a enjoyable time travel Gothic mystery romance.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon, a prequel novella to Heirs of Magic by Jeffe Kennedy - 4.6 stars - I haven't read the series that this story begins the spin off to (I've only read this author in anthologies like these), but I am intrigued by this beginning. This was a well done carve out of a short, the festival event was a great setting for the new beginnings and the intro to the cast gave a good sense of sense of who they are.
Blood Martinis and Mistletoe by Melissa Marr - 4 stars - I liked this one so much that I ordered the first book in the series that this belongs to - a nice little mid winter interlude with the leading lady who is a witch and drauger - with necromantic powers - and her Fae fiance.
Echoes of Ash & Tears, an Earthsinger Chronicles Novella, by L. Penelope - 4 stars - I am completely new to this series, so can't say how it fits in, but this was another well done short story complete with world building and characters that that had depth as well.
Memory of Summer by Grace Draven - 5 stars - A truly lovely little short to tease Gaeres' story. I am really looking forward to this book, I liked both him and the leading lady a great deal.
November 18, 2020
A compilation of exciting and magical worlds created by brilliant authors that will leave you wanting more!
November 19, 2020
Rating for "Ballgowns & Butterflies" by Kelley Armstrong. Have not read the other novellas so far.
December 24, 2020
I've only read "Ballgowns and Butterflies" by Kelly Armstrong so the raiting is just for this story alone.
November 13, 2021
Memory of Summer 3 stars, 4 star writing but story left unfinished.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon 2 stars at best.
I didn't read the other short stories.
The Long Night of the Crystalline Moon 2 stars at best.
I didn't read the other short stories.
June 7, 2024
This rating is, again, just for Grace Draven’s story. The only reason this is not five stars is because the ending is open ended. It was still a very sweet story.
November 26, 2020
That was such a nice and fun Anthology. I only knew Grace Draven and Kelley Armstrong but I will be checking the books of the other authors. <3 I enjoyed this so much
March 22, 2021
The rating is only for Ballgowns And Butterflies ❤❤
November 19, 2020
First and foremost, that cover is absolutely GORGEOUS!!! There are 5 stories in this book that you absolutely DO NOT want to miss. You'll either find new favorites or new worlds of old favorite authors, but you will find yourself engrossed in the books and loving every second!! This collaboration is an absolute POWERHOUSE!! Before I picked up this anthology, I'd only read books by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong, but I can say for absolute certain that I LOVED the works included by Jeffe Kennedy, L. Penelope, and Grace Draves as well and will be looking into more of their books ASAP!! 5 stars and 2 thumbs way way up!!!
#Faeries, #witches, #vampires, #timetravel, #magic, #fantasy, #faeriebargains #necromancy, #holiday, #love, #romance, #Fey these books have everything you didn't know you needed this holiday season! #NowLive #booksyoudontwanttomiss #anthology #kelleyarmstrong #melissamarr #JeffeKennedy #LPenelope #GraceDraves #underawintersky #books #bookshelf #fantasybooks #booknerdigans
#Faeries, #witches, #vampires, #timetravel, #magic, #fantasy, #faeriebargains #necromancy, #holiday, #love, #romance, #Fey these books have everything you didn't know you needed this holiday season! #NowLive #booksyoudontwanttomiss #anthology #kelleyarmstrong #melissamarr #JeffeKennedy #LPenelope #GraceDraves #underawintersky #books #bookshelf #fantasybooks #booknerdigans
November 16, 2020
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntarily, honest review of it.
(When I got this ARC there were only four stories in it. Grace Draven’s story wasn’t included yet.)
The first time that I saw the cover of this anthology I just fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful cover and has a magical, fairytale and Christmas-like atmosphere about it. And when I read the blurb of the stories, I got even more curious about it. So I was very happy when I got the chance to read it. Kelley Armstrong was the only writer whose books I had read before, the other 3 writers were new to me.
This anthology reminded me a bit of the anthologies that I read when I was younger, where there were only 4 or 5 stories in an anthology and not 10 or more like I see more and more the last few years. Just a few novella length stories that are well developed and can be read as a standalone (even when they are part of a series) and with a happy ending. Those are my favourite anthologies.
‘Under a winter sky’ is definitely a fantasy anthology, filled with stories about time-travel, faeries, magic, shapeshifters and other paranormal events. The novella stories are all part of a series but can easily be read as standalone stories. Each of the writers did an excellent job of putting the necessary information into their story. Although I wouldn’t really call this a ‘Christmas’ anthology (only the first story had a Christmas theme in it) it still had a sort of Christmas atmosphere to it. Maybe because in each story there was some celebrating going on and some magic. I enjoyed this anthology very much.
Below you can find a review for each story separately.
BALLGOWNS & BUTTERFLIES BY KELLEY ARMSTRONG (5 stars)
This story is the second book in the ‘Thorne manor’ series, that is a gothic time-travel series. The first book ‘A stitch in time’ Is about Bronwyn Dale and William Thorne. Both are owners of Thorne Manor. Bronwyn is the current owner in the present time and William owns it in the Victorian times. They meet as young children when Bronwyn time-travels to William’s time. But then they lose contact through circumstances but later as adults they reconnect. They marry and Bronwyn even gets pregnant.
Now in this story ‘Ballgowns & Butterflies’, we get to see how Bronwyn and William celebrate their first Christmas together and they do this in William’s timeline and thus they have a Victorian’s Christmas. The main characters were both great. I especially appreciated the fact that they were in their late thirties that gave the characters more depth, I think. They have had some tragedies in their life so they appreciated this special thing between them more. And their relationship was a very loving one! They enjoyed teasing each other and William may be more modern then the men of his time area but in some ways he was still a Victorian gentleman. I liked it that the story started in this time and then continued in the Victorian’s time. The story is told from Bronwyn’s POV. I really enjoyed and loved this Christmas story.
(I haven’t read the first book yet but that wasn’t a problem for reading this novella.)
THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOONE BY JEFFE KENNEDY (3 stars)
This story is the start of the new ‘Heirs of magic’ series. A story filled with magic, shapeshifters, queens, princes and princesses.
If it was up to Prince Rhyian (Rhy), he would have been anywhere else then at this ball celebrating the quarter-century anniversary of High Queen Ursula’s reign (his aunt). Especially because the celebration takes place during the longest night of the year, on the Feast of Moranu. But when your mother, also your queen, makes it a royal command you have to obey, even if you are her son. So here he is, the positive side of it is that he will see his childhood friends again, his cousin Astar and his niece Stella (who are a twin) and his friends Jak, Zeph and Gendra. The negative side is that she will be there too, princess Salena (Lena), also a childhood friend of his but also so much more. Once there were a time when they became more then friends but then he did a terrible thing and hurt her. That was the last time he saw her. Now years later, they will meet again. How will she react to him and how will he react when he sees the one girl that he ever cared about. This night will be emotional and painful but will also be about friendship and celebrating the longest night.
I had a bit of mixed feelings about this story. This story is the prequel to a new fantasy series so there was a lot of information to process, which was understandable but did prevent me from getting really into the story. Because I was trying to keep up with all the names, characters, areas, figuring out the connection between all the characters and all the special qualities that the characters possessed, some could do magic or shapeshift. So it took me awhile to get into the story. And the obvious past between Rhy and Lena (and their friends) made me sometimes wonder if I had missed some story before. But very slowly and sentence by sentence I discovered more about their shared past and what happened to their young love and friendship. And there lays a bit of the problem with me personally. Rhy had done something wrong and even after all these years he didn’t really know why he had done it, except that he panicked?! And with that in my mind, I couldn’t really connect with the ‘reunion’ of this ‘couple’ but maybe it will be explained more in the next book. The story was told from both POV’s and I liked that. The writer created a magical world here and I’m sure that this world will become more magical with further books.
BLOOD MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE BY MELISSA MARR (4,5 stars)
This novella story is part of the ‘Fairy bargains’ series and is the continuing story of half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe and fae prince Eli Stonecroft. Their story began in ‘The wicked and the dead’ but you don’t have to read that book first before reading this one. I didn’t and I had no problem getting into the story.
This story takes place in future New Orleans where there are fae, magic, witches, humans and dead people (draught). Geneviève Crowe is something special. Thanks to her special heritage, she can call up the dead and even if she doesn’t want to, her blood and energy attracts them. So she made a living of her ‘special talent’. Her ‘job’ isn’t always safe but luckily, she has the fae prince Eli to keep her safe or tend to her wounds. A very handsome and mysterious fae prince. In the first book she was trick into an engagement with him and now she’s trying to avoid marriage with him. Not because she doesn’t like him but because marriage is a big commitment, something that she doesn’t want but Eli is a faery and those are never straightforward so she has to be careful.
I really enjoyed this story. It took me a little bit to figure the world out but not too long. Geneviève was a sassy, strong, independent woman and Eli was this mysterious faery, you could feel that he cared much about Geneviève. He was a warrior when needed but he was never overbearing. He was protective and gentle with Geneviève. I love the interaction between them, the humour in the story and the world created. The fact that we only got Geneviève’s POV, meant that Eli remained mysterious. I liked that! This novella certainly made me very curious to read more of this couple.
ECHOES OF ASH & TEARS BY L. PENELOPE (3,5 stars)
This novella is part of the ‘Eartsinger chronicles’ series but it can be read as a standalone. The couple in this story are new. Mooriah possesses a powerful and deadly power, she controls dead. You can imagine that that made her feared by her parents and her people but instead of killing her, her father brought her to the Cavefolk, people who are immune to her deadly power. Now years later, she’s one of two apprentices of their shaman. Mooriah hopes to not only become a shaman one day but also a clan member. So she works hard for that and how to control her deadly power. Everything is going well, until the moment that she discovers that the chieftan’s son Ember hides a secret. He’s afraid of blood, he’s very ashamed of this because blood ceremonies are very important in the clan. So he enlists the help of Mooriah but he is not the only one who needs her help. Danger is coming from different sides and soon Mooriah and Ember will have to make difficult decisions about their future.
This was a quick and good read. I had a few little questions about some things but nothing really big. Mooriah and Ember were cute together and they both wanted the best for their clan. Both worked very hard to be the best that they could be. Ember was really a good guy and although Mooriah was considered an outsider, he never looked down on her. Mooriah was a strong character, she was helpful, kind and powerful. You got both POV’s in the story.
(When I got this ARC there were only four stories in it. Grace Draven’s story wasn’t included yet.)
The first time that I saw the cover of this anthology I just fell in love with it. It’s such a beautiful cover and has a magical, fairytale and Christmas-like atmosphere about it. And when I read the blurb of the stories, I got even more curious about it. So I was very happy when I got the chance to read it. Kelley Armstrong was the only writer whose books I had read before, the other 3 writers were new to me.
This anthology reminded me a bit of the anthologies that I read when I was younger, where there were only 4 or 5 stories in an anthology and not 10 or more like I see more and more the last few years. Just a few novella length stories that are well developed and can be read as a standalone (even when they are part of a series) and with a happy ending. Those are my favourite anthologies.
‘Under a winter sky’ is definitely a fantasy anthology, filled with stories about time-travel, faeries, magic, shapeshifters and other paranormal events. The novella stories are all part of a series but can easily be read as standalone stories. Each of the writers did an excellent job of putting the necessary information into their story. Although I wouldn’t really call this a ‘Christmas’ anthology (only the first story had a Christmas theme in it) it still had a sort of Christmas atmosphere to it. Maybe because in each story there was some celebrating going on and some magic. I enjoyed this anthology very much.
Below you can find a review for each story separately.
BALLGOWNS & BUTTERFLIES BY KELLEY ARMSTRONG (5 stars)
This story is the second book in the ‘Thorne manor’ series, that is a gothic time-travel series. The first book ‘A stitch in time’ Is about Bronwyn Dale and William Thorne. Both are owners of Thorne Manor. Bronwyn is the current owner in the present time and William owns it in the Victorian times. They meet as young children when Bronwyn time-travels to William’s time. But then they lose contact through circumstances but later as adults they reconnect. They marry and Bronwyn even gets pregnant.
Now in this story ‘Ballgowns & Butterflies’, we get to see how Bronwyn and William celebrate their first Christmas together and they do this in William’s timeline and thus they have a Victorian’s Christmas. The main characters were both great. I especially appreciated the fact that they were in their late thirties that gave the characters more depth, I think. They have had some tragedies in their life so they appreciated this special thing between them more. And their relationship was a very loving one! They enjoyed teasing each other and William may be more modern then the men of his time area but in some ways he was still a Victorian gentleman. I liked it that the story started in this time and then continued in the Victorian’s time. The story is told from Bronwyn’s POV. I really enjoyed and loved this Christmas story.
(I haven’t read the first book yet but that wasn’t a problem for reading this novella.)
THE LONG NIGHT OF THE CRYSTALLINE MOONE BY JEFFE KENNEDY (3 stars)
This story is the start of the new ‘Heirs of magic’ series. A story filled with magic, shapeshifters, queens, princes and princesses.
If it was up to Prince Rhyian (Rhy), he would have been anywhere else then at this ball celebrating the quarter-century anniversary of High Queen Ursula’s reign (his aunt). Especially because the celebration takes place during the longest night of the year, on the Feast of Moranu. But when your mother, also your queen, makes it a royal command you have to obey, even if you are her son. So here he is, the positive side of it is that he will see his childhood friends again, his cousin Astar and his niece Stella (who are a twin) and his friends Jak, Zeph and Gendra. The negative side is that she will be there too, princess Salena (Lena), also a childhood friend of his but also so much more. Once there were a time when they became more then friends but then he did a terrible thing and hurt her. That was the last time he saw her. Now years later, they will meet again. How will she react to him and how will he react when he sees the one girl that he ever cared about. This night will be emotional and painful but will also be about friendship and celebrating the longest night.
I had a bit of mixed feelings about this story. This story is the prequel to a new fantasy series so there was a lot of information to process, which was understandable but did prevent me from getting really into the story. Because I was trying to keep up with all the names, characters, areas, figuring out the connection between all the characters and all the special qualities that the characters possessed, some could do magic or shapeshift. So it took me awhile to get into the story. And the obvious past between Rhy and Lena (and their friends) made me sometimes wonder if I had missed some story before. But very slowly and sentence by sentence I discovered more about their shared past and what happened to their young love and friendship. And there lays a bit of the problem with me personally. Rhy had done something wrong and even after all these years he didn’t really know why he had done it, except that he panicked?! And with that in my mind, I couldn’t really connect with the ‘reunion’ of this ‘couple’ but maybe it will be explained more in the next book. The story was told from both POV’s and I liked that. The writer created a magical world here and I’m sure that this world will become more magical with further books.
BLOOD MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE BY MELISSA MARR (4,5 stars)
This novella story is part of the ‘Fairy bargains’ series and is the continuing story of half-dead witch Geneviève Crowe and fae prince Eli Stonecroft. Their story began in ‘The wicked and the dead’ but you don’t have to read that book first before reading this one. I didn’t and I had no problem getting into the story.
This story takes place in future New Orleans where there are fae, magic, witches, humans and dead people (draught). Geneviève Crowe is something special. Thanks to her special heritage, she can call up the dead and even if she doesn’t want to, her blood and energy attracts them. So she made a living of her ‘special talent’. Her ‘job’ isn’t always safe but luckily, she has the fae prince Eli to keep her safe or tend to her wounds. A very handsome and mysterious fae prince. In the first book she was trick into an engagement with him and now she’s trying to avoid marriage with him. Not because she doesn’t like him but because marriage is a big commitment, something that she doesn’t want but Eli is a faery and those are never straightforward so she has to be careful.
I really enjoyed this story. It took me a little bit to figure the world out but not too long. Geneviève was a sassy, strong, independent woman and Eli was this mysterious faery, you could feel that he cared much about Geneviève. He was a warrior when needed but he was never overbearing. He was protective and gentle with Geneviève. I love the interaction between them, the humour in the story and the world created. The fact that we only got Geneviève’s POV, meant that Eli remained mysterious. I liked that! This novella certainly made me very curious to read more of this couple.
ECHOES OF ASH & TEARS BY L. PENELOPE (3,5 stars)
This novella is part of the ‘Eartsinger chronicles’ series but it can be read as a standalone. The couple in this story are new. Mooriah possesses a powerful and deadly power, she controls dead. You can imagine that that made her feared by her parents and her people but instead of killing her, her father brought her to the Cavefolk, people who are immune to her deadly power. Now years later, she’s one of two apprentices of their shaman. Mooriah hopes to not only become a shaman one day but also a clan member. So she works hard for that and how to control her deadly power. Everything is going well, until the moment that she discovers that the chieftan’s son Ember hides a secret. He’s afraid of blood, he’s very ashamed of this because blood ceremonies are very important in the clan. So he enlists the help of Mooriah but he is not the only one who needs her help. Danger is coming from different sides and soon Mooriah and Ember will have to make difficult decisions about their future.
This was a quick and good read. I had a few little questions about some things but nothing really big. Mooriah and Ember were cute together and they both wanted the best for their clan. Both worked very hard to be the best that they could be. Ember was really a good guy and although Mooriah was considered an outsider, he never looked down on her. Mooriah was a strong character, she was helpful, kind and powerful. You got both POV’s in the story.
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