This Magic Moment

Magical Malcolms #4

by Patricia Rice

As a second son, Lord Harry Winchester indulges in a carefree, comfortable life—until the unusual death of his brother and father bestows upon him a dukedom plagued with a crumbling family manor and hungry debtors. What’s a desperate duke to do but marry the wealthy lady betrothed to him since childhood?

Lady Christina Malcolm Childe’s magical gift of reading auras reveals, to her dismay, that her laughing Harry has recently become a dark and bitter man. She must find out why... before the worm-eaten floors of his manor collapse beneath her feet. Until Harry learns to love her truly, this willful Malcolm refuses to consummate their marriage. No matter how tempting he proves to be...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Paranormal, Fantasy, Magic, Regency

483 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

With several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.

Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.

A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.

She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Malcolm magic

It took a little while for me to warm up to Christina. In previous books she came across as confident and adventurous, sneaking off, wearing breeches, and, apparently, not caring about any scandal she might cause. It came add quite a disappointment to discover how immature and naive she could be. However, that just made it all the more satisfying to watch her mature and grow into her role as duchess and Harry's wife. Harry, for his part, is just as delightfully clueless as all the other men who managed to snag a Malcolm wife. Luckily, he figures out how to value her unusual talents to give them both a happily ever after.

[Susan R. Lundine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victorian ghost buster

Our heroine sees dead people. Our hero thinks she's just really imaginative, and he's willing to overlook her eccentricities because he needs her money to save his impoverished estate... and because she's hot. However, she won't fall into his arms until he loves her, so she decides to chase the ghosts in his haunted house until he courts her. But someone's trying to kill her. And no one in town will talk to him. Our young lovers have quite a mess to sort out. And it's entertaining to see how they go about it.

[MELISSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming historical romance with magic attached as a new duke (Harry) discovers the utter indebtedness of his inheritance and additional complications adding despair and frustrations. Marriage and a hefty dowery would help and thus a quick marriage to Christina, his long-time betrothed. But his wife's quirky ghost-hunting behavior soon unearth's a devious mystery in the centuries old family estate needing the aid of Christina's quirky family's support. Ms. Rice adds this magical spice to what could have been a same-old-same-old historical romance which happily sparkled and entertained instead. Note: I listened to this with Audible with Gregory Wagland narrating. A fine job.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild, weird and delightful story. Betrothed pair Lady Christina and Lord Harry, must now marry. Having become Duke of Somerville upon the untimely death of both his father and elder brother, Harry needs Christina's dowry to save the Sommerville estates. Christina has no problem with that as she and Harry have been longtime friends since childhood. She has a problem with the man Harry has suddenly become, one bogged down with the huge burden left upon his shoulders. She refuses to share herself until the charming and fun loving man she once knew returns. When strange things begin to happen when they arrive at the Sommerville Estate, Christina has only the ghostly friends she has discovered to aide her in discovering what's going on and what happened to plunge the estate into such huge debt. Harry loves Christina but she drives him batty with her insistence that there are ghost inhabiting the estate. Though Christina was a bit annoying to me as a character, I still managed to enjoy this story.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine story in the magic series. An excellent audiobook to listen to as I swim and walk. I have been waiting for Christina's story and wondering about her betrothed, Harry Winchester, who she has been in no hurry to marry. Sadly, Harry's father and brother have been killed in an accident and Harry is now the Duke and also discovers he is bankrupt. Without telling Christina the reason, he tells her they must marry quickly (he needs her dowry to.pay off creditors) and they head off for his estate. That is the premise and Christina uses her aura reading gift to help Harry. I have always liked her and it was fun seeing her come in to her power. This book has a mystery ( though the villian wasn't hard to guess), there are ghosts, Christina's family shows up which is always fun, and of course, a happy ending. Now on to Lucinda's story.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The fourth in this series is about Christina and her fiance of five years, Harry. Christina comes off as a very young lady in the previous books and doesn't change much in this one. I kept waiting for her to grow up, so it was a bit frustrating as she blithely ignores everything around her while concentrating on her own pursuits. It was also frustrating to feel that the answer to Harry's problems was so obvious and no one was getting it, like they had blinders on. Christina's Peter Pan approach to life eventually improves a little, but I really couldn't get into her character.

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. Full of magic, romance, saucy heroines and handsome heroes. And an HEA for all. Better if read as a series. I think this original series is better than the Unexpected Magic series.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for relaxation

This book was a nice, light read to occupy my mind. If you're looking for entertainment with romance, mystery and ghosts, this is the book for you. Keep looking if you want deeper intellectual involvement

[H.M. Gooden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet historical paranormal. Not quite as riveting as the other one I’ve read in the series by this author but I think it was because I didn’t get as into the characters this time. Overall an enjoyable read

[Anastasia Abboud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this magical series. This Magic Moment is a sweet, unexpectedly emotional story. It seems that I like each story better than the last. I guess I’ll have to read all of them over again to see if that’s true.😉

Great characters, some mystery, heartwarming romance.

[Aloha4Ever · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring two dimensional characters. The ghosts were the only interesting part of the story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. Had a different feel to it because it wasn’t an Ives man and that was refreshing. I liked trying to figure out the ghost! Good hero and heroine for me at least!

[K Hancock · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked this one the least so far in the series.

[Melyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just OK. Still well written, but I felt like the author dragged this one out a bit too much.

[Lynn Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know where the story was going but I found it very enjoyable. I would recommend this one my favourite of the series.

[Jillianne Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I loved the ghost chases and the mystery. I would read this book again very soon

[Toni Stageman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical

Another great book I have bought all off them and can't wait to continue with this saga and what happens to the rest of the Malcolm's and Ives toni

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

Magic series book 4

This Magic Moment is book 4 in the Magic series but it is the first one that I have read. This book takes place in England 1743 starts. Thier is a set of books that follows these families in Modern times called California Malcolms series.

Thier are a lot of characters that I feel that they must have been in earlier books. A little bit lost but catch up on them. I want to go back and read the ones I have missed though. The Malcolms have special powers or gifts in thier lives. They grow more into thier powers when they marry.

Lord Harry Winchester is the second son so he never thought he would inhierit the family title and lands. A accident killed both his father and brother. So now his life has changed. Instead of being in politics he has to return to his family estate and find out how it could be broke. Someone says he owes so much money against his estate and will take it if he is not paid by certain time.

Harry has been promised to marry Christina for years and they were going to wait for a longer time but he now needs her dowry to help pay the estate debts. He can not see how his father spent all the money that was coming in each year. The villagers won't talk to Harry about why the village is so badly in debt. What has been going on while he has lived in London these past few years.

Harry's father has been adding on to his home. staircases go nowhere,doors in ceiling, secret passages plus the older part of the castle is in bad repairs. It is also full of ghosts, but Harry does not believe in ghosts.

Christina believes in ghosts. When she was younger she was warned away from danger by a ghost. She tells Harry about the ghosts and he thinks she is just make believing. Christina goes ahead and marrys Harry fast but wants to be courted by Harry before she will sleep with him.

Christina's father also tells Harry if he can't find where all the money went and looses the estate he will bring his daughter back home.

This story has romance,sex scenes,danger,mystery,ghosts,angry villagers, falling accidents that seem to follow and want to harm Christina only. Plus lots of Christina's family shows up at Harry's home.

I like Patricia Rice's characters,her stories. Not a fan of all the love scenes. I plan to read more books from her in the future.
I was given this ebook from Netgalley and asked to give honest review of it when I finshed reading,

04/02/2013 PUB Source books Imprint Sourcebooks Casablanca 384 pages ISBN 9781402251962


Description below taken off Netgalley


Christina Malcolm Childe always knew she would marry Lord Harry Winchester. So when Harry shows up demanding they take their vows as soon as possible, she agrees without hesitation. And though Harry has been a stiff and bitter duke lately, Christina's magical gift of reading auras assures her that he is still good. Christina is willing to do whatever it takes to turn Harry back into the man she once loved. Even if that means befriending the castle ghosts, the keepers of the darkest secrets of the Winchester home.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 stars: Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Full Review: http://www.twimom227.com/2013/04/revi...

In the early parts of This Magic Moment, we watch two characters who live their respective lives according to their own rules of what they feel is befitting of his/her station. As the new Duke, Harry has a sense of protectiveness and the need to take care of those around him. He is driven to save the estate, even though it appears mortgaged and impossible to keep without a large influx of funds. He realizes as the Duke, he can no longer afford petty disagreements nor fanciful ideas. The stress of holding it all together while maintaining the facade of calmness and trying to hide his financial state from Christina has made Harry a bit unfriendly and cold.

On the other hand, Christina is a carefree spirit who feels that she can demand true love and happy endings. She is blind to what is happening around her--more interested in chasing the ghosts that inhabit the Sommerset manner. Because she senses darkness within Harry, she pushes and commands him to change his ways without taking stock of what is at the root of the problem.

Fortunately, the truth about the family estate’s financial problems comes out at about the halfway mark. I’m glad that the pretense did not carry on throughout the entire story. Harry’s brutal honesty (I married you for your money) was harsh, but once the truth was revealed, things could only get better. This is when Christina really came through. I was extremely glad that she was wise enough to realize the truth in Harry's heart rather than complain and lament “woe is me.” Her self-reflection after Harry’s admission was touching and heart-warming, as was her determination to help him and her understanding of the issues. This part of the story was well done and perfectly timed. 

Interlaced within the romance is the mystery of what happened to the manor and Harry’s inheritance. It becomes apparent over time that Harry’s father was not the (sole) cause for the current financial situation. Christina enlists the aid of the manor’s ghosts to help her figure out who is behind the shenanigans, which makes her a target. As the story moves towards its climax, there is quite a bit of suspense, and I have to say my heart was racing. The plot line was exciting and well played. 

This Magic Moment is a wonderfully written, delightful tale. The phrase “happily ever after” befits this historical fairy tale about friends that had gone their separate ways only to find love amidst death, ghosts and poverty. I adore how both Christina and Harry each looks hard at their situation and identifies how they can be a better partner rather than set in his/her own ways. Their mutual joy and love is heart-warming. I really enjoyed this magical story.

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

3.5 Solid Stars!

This Magic Moment is the fourth book in the magic series, and although I did not yet read the other three, as a stand alone it was quiet fun.

Harry and Christina have known each other for years. Christina is one of the special Malcolm women that possess a bit of their own individual magic. Christina's special gift is that she can see ghosts. Though the two are engaged, neither had any intention of marrying until their very late age, enjoying the life they each led now. When Harry receives the title of the Duke, he didn't expect to get all this debt on the estate with it. Now with creditors threatening to take everything that his late father and brother had worked for, Harry must find a big chunk of money to pay for everything. He pushes for the wedding to come early, much to Christina's disagreement, in order to use her dowry as a payment on the loan.

I really enjoyed this read, even if it did become quiet predictable by the first half of the book. I enjoyed the ghosts and Christina's interaction with them. The fact that she was so free-spirited and stubborn. When they moved into their old home, she had a hard time listening to Harry when he had warned her to stay away from the old wing that claimed his father and brothers lives. Of course Harry is not the Harry Christina knew. With the ability to also read aura's Harry's aura has been murky for a while and she doesn't even feel that he loves her. Christina doesn't know that Harry has financial issues, and it something he keeps putting away instead of telling her through the book, even in his pursuit of a heir.

I found Christina's personality a bit strange at times. She was kind of flighty and aloof. Every time she saw a ghost, despite Harry's warnings and almost getting killed – she would chase it down wherever it was leading her within the house including old wing. Which in turn made me want to scream at her myself heh.

But the story was sweet, the romance was slow but eventually built into love. I love that Christina wanted Harry to love her before she jumps into bed with him and I loved that through the plot and the characters around them they two found ways to trust each other. That Harry finally let down his thick walls and let Christina in, and started to believe in her. Wonderful magical story that was a lot of fun, filled with ghosts and a bit of paranormal and it set in a historical setting.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry never thought he would inherit the family title. What with his father and elder brother assuming the role of the responsible ones. But when both die suddenly, Harry finds himself in a tough situation. With the luxury of being a carefree and jovial individual out the window, he now must be the leader and behave as Duke should. With the estate penniless, he starts by calling him his life longer betrothal to an equally carefree and spirited woman from a wealthy family. He only can hope to properly care for her else fail horribly as a new husband.

Christina has never stood on ceremony and honestly, has little to no desire to be Duchess. But when marrying her childhood friend comes with a haunted castle, Christina is overjoyed at the chance to finally speak with ghosts. Her new husband is a changed man who is suddenly very stern and prone to shouting fits- something she had never thought to be in Harry’s character, and he obviously hates their situation. Yet she is happy in their ‘ruins’, and so would he be if he would only count his blessings. Yes, the estate is having financial problems but the answer to who’s responsible for stealing the money can be found with the help of the spirits who linger there. And Christina can help save her new family but using the gift she was born into.

The first half of the book I absolutely loved. I enjoyed Christina’s doe-eyed innocence and exuberance for life. She definitely had a personality that could get on your nerves but who could fault her when she is so full of life and happiness? Even when she routinely finds herself in trouble of her own making. Harry was first portrayed as an equally jovial lad who looked upon Christina antics with fondness. But when responsibility came down upon his shoulders, he became harsh and obviously stressed beyond belief.

The second half of the book was where I began to lose interest. Mainly because it became very repetitive. Harry would threaten to sell the house, Christina would wonder off and find herself in a dangerous situation, Harry would find her, scold her and then rinse and repeat. It honestly became very boring and I began to lose fondness for Christina’s childness behavior. The house is dangerous and is crumbling around them yet a well-bred lady would climb into attics and fall through the floors. It was annoying.

Sad that the story and characters had to drop off near the end but overall, it’s not a bad book.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by: Allison
Book provided by: NetGalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Put together a sigh-worthy hero, a free-spirited heroine, mix in some ghosts and a mystery in a Historical Romance, and you have the makings for an enjoyable read.

The book started out a bit slow with a prologue set when the heroine, Christina, is a child. But it establishes that this is no ordinary historical romance when we learn that our future heroine can see a person’s auras.

Harrison Winston Somerset Beaufort Winchester, the new Duke of Sommersville, (aka Harry) is in dire financial straits. He’s inherited the dukedom from his suddenly deceased father and older brother, and must marry into money to set things right at his manor and in the village.

Christina just wants to find and be able to speak with ghosts. She has spent her entire life tromping about town searching for ghosts. She agrees to marry Harry, but will make him wait for a true wedding night until he loves her. In the meantime, she has a spooky old castle and manor to search for ghosts.

Christina is stubborn and willful, and I wasn’t sure how much I liked her until she suddenly grew up and took her marriage vows seriously. I really liked Harry, and felt for him in his trials and tribulations.

Both characters had a good arc – they had much growing to do until they learned to trust and depend on each other.

The setting of a spooky castle and manor with the resident ghosts was wonderful, and I’m now a big fan of Patricia Rice’s. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series about Christina’s sisters and their magical abilities.

[Shelby Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has it all! Love, historical flair, ghosts, mysteries, and humor. I smiled quite a bit and giggled several times while reading it. It is one of those books you do not want to read in a waiting room, because other people will look at you like you've lost your mind. This book is part of a series, but is a great stand-alone. In the earlier books, it is mentioned that Christina is betrothed to Harry and you sort of feel sorry for her. However, her own book shows the background of the betrothal and how their friendship and sense of respect grew. The scene that describes their first kiss is sweet and hilarious! Christina is a character! (Ha! See what I did there?!) She is so funny. Rice's books always have great characters and moments of humor, but she really upped her game on this one. I highly recommend it.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina and Harry

Christina sees auras and ghosts, not that Harry really believes that. He has known her and been betrothed to her for years. But he needs to marry her immediately when he finds that his Dukedom is tottering into bankruptcy. Her dowry will buy time for him to find out what has happened to the formerly prosperous estate. Of course his castle is haunted, what else could you expect with Christina and the Malcolm family involved. Great addition to the series. Nice development for Christina from a young immature girl who is clueless about the darker realities of life, into a capable woman who is a true Duchess. Nice.

[Anabella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me gustó, es una histria muy bonita pero no tan romántica ni especial como lo fue la de Felicity; tiene demasiada, exagerada descripción de una mansión de los tiempo de la Reina Elizabeth y otros elementos de arquitectura que es imposible comprenderlos si no se conocen; pocos diálogos. el romanticismo viene al final, medio complicada la historia pero por el exceso de descripción de la mansión; no tan hermosa como sus antecesoras novelas; sin duda "The trouble with magic" ha sido el mejor hasta ahorita.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt like we had to wait forever for Christina's story, but it was worth the wait. This is such a fun and unique Malcolm story. Ultimately, the story is about the true meaning of love and friendship. There are so many fun and funny scenes in this book that I cannot pick just one. If you are a fan of Christina Dodd and Kasey Michaels historical stories, this book is right up your alley. The cast of characters and story will pull you in from the first page and you will not want to put the book down. If you are like me, you will come back to this story over and over to revisit old friends.

[Ballerina60 · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love PR's "magic" series. she can just keep writing them 'till the cows come home'. there was a small blip towards the end... he did not tell her how he knew she was "in trouble". when he realized it was a cool place in the book. i like ghosts/guardian angels. i really like this author's "take" on magic!

[NorthernLightsGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Duke Harry of Sommersville needs a wife. He has been betrothed to Christina Malcom Childe. She has a magical gift of reading auras and she feels that Harry has become a dark and bitter man. She decides not to consummate the marriage until Harry learns to love her truly.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

book in a series
Duke Harry has inherited large debt. He is betrothed to Christina and she comes with a dowry.
Of course Christina has other gifts such as the ability to speak with ghosts.
They investigate what happen to his inheritance and of course fall in love.
All ends well.

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, I am not a big fan of supernatural stories, but this sounded cute so I decided to give it a try. It really was a cute, story with likeable characters, etc. But I need to stick to my non-magical stories in the future.