A serene woman who calls to the elements with a thought. A man of youthful charm who carries healing in his touch. Both vowed to spend their lives alone and safe, until they’re brought together by the touch of Beltane magic. Can they survive their pasts to be together as they struggle to find a killer before the wheel turns again?
Jacqueline is a multi-published author of 'all things paranormal'. Her book list proves this is her niche with stories of witches, ghosts, psychics, shifters, and more now on the shelves. Her current genres are paranormal romance, paranormal fantasy, and paranormal romantic suspense.
Her books are available in many formats around the globe, including book/reading apps. Since adding them during the pandemic, her books have had over a million reads and her 'to be written' list is growing longer each day. She can't write fast enough.
Jacqueline began her writing career in 2006 (as a joke) and her first book was published in 2009. She hasn't stopped since then. She is an avid reader and will read 'anything with words', whether it's a novel, article, or even every sign she passes.
Jacqueline lives in Ontario, Canada in a small town that's part of the popular Georgian Triangle area. Even though she can see the mountains, she does not ski.
When she’s not in one of her writing worlds, she spends time with her grand-monsters. She has nine of them (so far) and looks forward to corrupting them in the years to come.
What a wonderfully magical story! Stories with witches and magical realism are my absolute favorites! Add to that a wonderful touch of romance and some mystery/suspense and I am sold. This book book delivered in spades. Eight friends reconnect at a gathering for Beltane and uncover much more than they could have anticipated--the bodies of two murder victims and the threat of more to come at the next ritual gathering. We not only have great magical elements from the start, but also eight solid characters (who I anticipate will be four couples by the conclusion of the series) who we bond with immediately.
Thus starts this great novel which incorporates not only an incredibly realistic portrayal of the very diverse pagan community and some of their traditions and rituals. It then goes a step further and makes you think...what if...as many of the potions, spells and rituals performed in the book result in enchantingly realistic and sometimes frightening magics.
At the books heart is also a very believable and sweet love story. In typical fashion each member of the couple must finally let go of his/her baggage and embrace new possibilities and the future to allow the love to flourish. The reader knows that these are merely a few bumps along the way and that ultimately love will win out as this couple is clearly "meant to be."
There were numerous typos and other such errors throughout the book. I kept wishing that I was reading a hard copy and had a red pen on hand. However these error do not really take anything away from the enjoyment of the story. I'd say they are a mild irritation at worst but a good editing would do wonders for this book.
Jacqueline's amazing storytelling more than makes up for any proofing errors. I was sucked in from the beginning and fell in love with all of the characters which is a credit to her character development skills as well. I can't wait to pick up the second in the series and see what happens at Solstice!
I didn't enjoy this series as much as Ms Paige's Animal Senses series. Liked the characters and what they could do but I felt the plot was weak and took to long to wrap up.
Another absolute favorite is mine is Cafe Serenity by J. Paige. I wish it was a series!
I’m very torn and decided on three stars. One entire star is because it’s a Canadian author.
I thought it was a good plot.
Strongly dislike the whole weak women angle. They’re strong yet, whenever something occurs each falls apart in their own way. Then there’s the overbearing male angle of needing to be the knight in shining armour every time something happens.
I get she was making these into a series. And I get that she named book one Beltane. Why then merely tease us with Solstice and leave a major plot line hanging?
Today's review is on Beltane Magic by Jacquelie Paige
Like the other books that I have read by Paige, Beltane Magic was just as hard to put down. The character's she creates in each book are easy to fall in love with, and the stories she tells keep me glued to my favorite reading spot until I finish the very last page. Their only downfall is the quality of the editing.
Leena Duncan returned to her small home town after a terrible marriage. Her then husband Tyler abused her physically, and at least once sexually. Since she's been "home", she hasn't let another man get close to her and that's just how she wants it. She can't let herself trust another man and risk getting hurt like that again. She has her job and her friends. She is even able to use her magic around them, as they too have magical abilities. She never thought that she would ever fall in love again until she met Owen; her high school crush, again at the Beltane celebration.
Owen Grey knows what it is like to be physically abused. He was beat as a child by his father. When he finally turned eighteen he left town and didn't come back until his father had died. Sadly his mother died shortly thereafter. The hate he feels for his father has caused him to make a vow that he would never marry or have children. Always afraid of becoming like his father he is thrown for a loop when he falls head over heals in love with Leena and begins to want those very things.
Not all is happiness and love however. Two women had been murdered at the Beltane celebration and the police have no leads. Through magical rituals, the group of friends is able to see that the murderer plans to kill again at the Solstice celebration. Can they thwart the killer before then? The answer will be in Book 2.
I loved this book, but just can't get over how many editing mistakes were throughout it. It really is a shame. A Really Good book gets bumped down to average because the editor did so poorly of a job.
Eight friends reconnect at a gathering for Beltane and uncover much more than they could have anticipated--the bodies of two murder victims and the threat of more to come at the next ritual gathering.
I love the portrayal of the Pagan community in this book. It incorporates their rituals and traditions. As a Pagan myself, this book was very true to life for me..making me wonder where the author got her spells from??? Very good job with being realistic with the Pagan community.
And who doesn't like a good love story?? I don't see any hands.... Even though the characters each come with their own sense of baggage that must be left at the terminal, I knew that with a little patience and determination that love was going to win out over all.
This book was instantly sold with the amazing storytelling and characters. I started reading and did not put the book down until I was done. I fell in love with all of the characters and can't wait to start the next one!
“Beltane Magic, exactly; magical in every way. From the intriguing glimpse of spells, fire lit dances to throbbing drums, and the enchanting journey of two lost souls who thought happily-ever-after was not meant for them. I absolutely loved and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the realistic world of magic Jacqueline Paige painted in this fascinating read.” Author S. K. Yule
Magic, sensuality, suspense, and a tightly written story that brings it all together? What more could you possibly ask for. I can't wait for the sequel in this amazing series!