Brighde Reborn

by Leslie Sommers, Janice Sommers

Bridget’s Senior Year Checklist

Hook the new guy, TripHang with newly discovered cousin, Cay aka the most popular boy at OCHSFind missing weather controlling AmuletPass SATsSave the world

In her quiet Jersey Shore town, high school senior Bridget MacNamara just wants to get a date with the strikingly attractive new kid, Trip, but fate and her lineage have other ideas. Things get weird when the most popular guy in school, Cailean "Cay" McKay, won't leave her alone. Turns out they're distant cousins and what's more—they're the descendants of twin Scottish goddesses, Brighde and Beira.

The sisters originally shared an amulet that controlled the weather, and its sudden disappearance has sparked betrayal and vengeance, dividing the once-close family into two rival factions for the last few centuries. Bridget finds herself thrown into a modern version of Scottish mythology when she learns she’s directly descended from Brighde, and Trip can be traced straight to Beira.

After a century of family warfare, Trip and Bridget are now a star-crossed couple, forced to fight both their families and each other in a race to find the missing amulet.

Wasn’t senior year supposed to be a breeze?

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2023

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Leslie and Janice’s writing style in this book. They hooked me from beginning to end! I loved the unfolding romance in the book and the twists that the authors provided!
5/5

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brighde Reborn is a delightful and captivating book. The authors do an excellent job of creating relatable characters and building a world where it feels like these events could take place - this is a rarity in fantasy books. The story combines elements of fantasy and adventure, creating an imaginative and fast-paced read that is sure to entertain. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with action and unexpected twists. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story.

[Merlin’s Cove · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read, mostly because not much happens sadly. It’s a perfectly fine fantasy for younger teens to enjoy, I’d think most older teens would be too mature for it. Hopefully the sequel will have some action and character development, with less teen angst!

I will definitely read the next one to see how the story unfolds.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brighde Reborn is the story of a girl finding out about and coming into her powers. I enjoyed the way the authors showed her trying to deal with that shocking revelation while juggling school and friendships.

The plot was good, and I enjoyed the magical elements.

The first half of the book was more like a teen romance than a fantasy novel. Bridget had a lot of nightmares, but they didn't feel scary when I was reading them. They just seemed like everyday run-of-the-mill dreams

I felt like not a lot happened to move the story along until the last 10-25% of the book. It was written in past tense, but the authors kept slipping into present tense.

Writing reviews is tough for me. I don't want to negatively influence a potential reader because not every book is for everyone. This one wasn't for me. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't give it a try, though.

[Shellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Brighde Reborn" by Leslie Sommers and Janice Sommers is the captivating first book in "The Amulet Series." This young adult novel follows Bridget MacNamara, a high school senior living in a quiet Jersey Shore town. Bridget's biggest concerns include getting a date with the new guy, Trip, and navigating the ups and downs of her senior year checklist. However, fate has other plans for her as she discovers her extraordinary lineage and becomes entangled in a world of Scottish mythology and family rivalries.

When Bridget learns that she and Cay McKay, the most popular guy in school, are distant cousins and descendants of twin Scottish goddesses, Brighde and Beira, her life takes a turn for the extraordinary. The sisters once shared a powerful amulet that controlled the weather, but its disappearance has caused a rift within the family, leading to centuries of betrayal and vengeance. Bridget soon realizes she is a direct descendant of Brighde, while Trip can be traced back to Beira.

Thrown into a modern-day version of Scottish mythology, Bridget and Trip find themselves in a star-crossed romance. They must confront their warring families and their own conflicting loyalties as they race against time to locate the missing amulet. What was meant to be a breezy senior year quickly transforms into a thrilling adventure of self-discovery, ancient powers, and the pursuit of truth.

"Brighde Reborn" blends elements of mythology, romance, and suspense to create a captivating narrative. The authors skillfully weave together the ordinary and the extraordinary, immersing readers in a world where ordinary teenagers are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Bridget's journey unfolds against the backdrop of family secrets, hidden powers, and the clash between love and destiny.

With engaging characters, a touch of Scottish folklore, and a race against time, "Brighde Reborn" offers a compelling start to The Amulet Series. Readers will be drawn into Bridget's quest to uncover her heritage, find her place in the world, and navigate the complexities of love and loyalty. Senior year may not turn out to be the breeze Bridget expected, but it promises an adventure that will shape her destiny.

[Andhisnosestuckinabook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridget Is The POV We Follow And What An Interesting POV She Is To Be In The Mind Of. Going Into Her Senior Year She Wants Your Standard High School Experience And Lives An Ordinary Life, Imagine With The Arrival Of A Gorgeous Guy Completely Flips That Plan And Your Life Upside Down. Fate & Scottish Gods & Goddesses Have Higher Plans For Bridget And Those Involve A Lot More Then Scoring A Date! 😱

I Can’t Imagine Having Your Life Uprooted To The Extent Bridget Is Going Through When This Revelation Is Forced Into Her Life. Being In Your Final Year Of High School From My Own Experience Was Stressful Enough With Exams, Changes In My Body & Trying To Balance Everything. Bridget Demonstrates Remarkable Maturity & Strength With The Way She Adjusts To This Bombshell, Demonstrating Wisdom Beyond Her Years. She Is Human So Of Course Has Moments Of Panic, Frustration And Hurt, I Feel She Is Completely Justified & Realistic Feeling These Emotions. Not Only Have A Bunch Of People Dropped This Revelation But They Are Also Being Secretive With Harbouring Even More Secrets Making Her Feel Isolated From This New Found World. I Just Want To Wrap Her In A Massive Protective Cuddle! 🫂

I Love The World Building And Woven Atmosphere This Duo Have Created. It Being More Of An Urban Fantasy With Scottish Mythology Against The Backdrop Of The Jersey Shore Really Allows Us As A Reader To Be Grounded In A World Familiar With Us & Allow Us To Learn The Magic Hidden From Common Sight! 🪄

This Was A Fun, Fast Paced & Engaging First Instalment Of #theamuletseries & I Am Defo Keen To Find Out The Next Development In Bridget’s Destiny! 🌎

🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Emily | EMVZ.woodandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ɪʀᴏɴʏ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴄʀᴜᴇʟ ᴍɪꜱᴛʀᴇꜱꜱ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴛɪᴍᴇꜱ"

📿 High School Setting
📿 Chosen One
📿 Secrets
📿 Star Crossed Lovers
📿 Scottish Lore
📿 Cliffhanger

Easy, quick and delightful young adult fantasy debut! Not too complicated, but with the right amount of character and world building. We learn with Bridge as the story unfolds about her powers and all the secrets that revolve around her and Trip's family, which leads her romantic relationship with Trip is complicated, especially with the feud between their families. Also, every side character has relationships with each other to add to the depth of the story, too. The book ends with a small cliffhanger that seems to open the door for the next book.

Overall, it is a solid book that I would recommend to others! I look forward to reading the next book.

Thank you to the author, and Katie and Brey PA for an ebook copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Meigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRIGHDE REBORN was a fun and interesting YA fantasy steeped in Scottish mythology. High school student Bridget’s life is turned upside down when she’s plopped into a literal fantasy world where finding a magical amulet is the key to saving her family. ⁣
⁣
Filled with action, romance, and adventure, the authors’ writing just pulls you into the story and takes you on an adventure right alongside Bridget and her friends. I loved the world they created and how well they mixed the fantasy elements with the real world elements and made it so easy to get lost in the story. The characters were wonderful, the romance was sweet, and this was just an overall fun read from beginning to end. 4 stars.


*Many thanks to @bookandwinelovers and the author for having me on the review tour and gifting a digital arc.

[Cathryn Melani (cat.inspired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the BLURB of this book. I love a book that features a connection between times past, mythology and fantasy so was keen to read this.

I will say first this book is very YA, YA if that makes sense. Think sweet high school kids, high school hierarchy, dating, small town barbques and hanging out.

That being said, that can be what's needed sometimes. This was a cute, enjoyable read that was easy to get into and follow. A switch off, unwind, read when you need a book to zip throug.

It had a fun mix of characters and added in an interesting fantasy aspect with the element of magical powers and ancestral lines.

I'd definitely be keen to read the other books in the series to find out what happens next.

[Ashley Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book I have to say I really applaud the character development. The authors took their time to grow them, the arcs, as well as the plot and you watch these characters change and evolve with the story. The premise itself is a fresh and new take on a mythology not many write about. It was really refreshing to read about a god I haven't heard of before, and kept me wanting to learn more about her and the story behind the myth. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who had a love of mythology, fantasy and romance.

[Scott A. Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long-overdue review from me here, as I read it quite a while ago. Brighde Reborn is a great introduction to Bridget's world and the mythology. It's definitely an establishment of the characters, and the big mythology takes a backseat until closer to the end, but it's a really good balance and adds just enough to keep you wanting more.

While I typically fall into the Fred Savage "Is this a kissing book?" camp, I felt like there was nothing over the top about the romance, and it really cemented who these people are for me.

A sparkling debut, and I hope to dive into Book 2 soon!

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the story about NJ as the setting. I grew up in NJ and to hear about some of these places the author was talking about was fun. Also, I loved hearing about the character Bridget, she is an amazing character and soo detailed. I loved the high school atmosphere, and the Scottish Celtic mythology is amazingly told. I would love to continue reading the series in the future:)

I received an ARC from this author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Oldbookishwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one of a new series takes a look at Scottish mythology.Via a Jersey Shore High School. There are great touches with the world building, star crossed lovers and teen angst, betrayal, family ties. The pacing could be a little better but on the whole a worthwhile read, especially for younger teens who are just starting out in the style of book. Also I must credit whoever designed the cover it is absolutely stunning.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great start to The Amulet series, it had a great concept going on and I was invested in the main characters. I loved the Scottish mythology going through this book. It was a great concept for a high school novel and I enjoyed how good the characters were. I'm excited to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this YA book, which is full of twists and sweet romance. I thought at time that the writing was poetic, and I liked the characters and their development. Definitely an author to watch, and a series to eat up!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Without spoiling much anything it’s worth the read. Bridget and Trip are fun to read about. It had everything I look for. The love story plus the historical/ fantastical and angst aspect really pulled me in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hali · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun premise, and I liked the Scottish mythology angle. Unfortunately, the writing and the heavily YA aspect didn't work for me. I wanted more from the story - it ended much sooner in the story than I was expecting even though I obviously know it is a series, I thought we'd get a bit further. I think this would be enjoyable to for a younger audience though!

[K.N. Timofeev · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book read a lot like a typical coming of age teen romance, but once the magic started to flow, I couldn't stop. I love a good Hatfield and MaCoy style conflicts. Especially when I have the sneaking suspicion that neither side has the whole story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Brandon Hoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physical book. 4.5 stars.

Really well written! I thought the characters were great and dialogue was smooth. The authors did an awesome job making the character a reluctant hero. It was a lot more YA than I anticipated. I knew they were in high school, but I anticipated them going beyond that. Looking forward to reading book 2 and seeing where it goes!

[Shreyoshi Chakraborti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. The book is a perfect combination of fantasy and love with a touch of teenage adventure. I loved the plot and the way the book is written. I highly recommend you reading this book.

[Charlotte]

Quick read that sets readers up for a fabulous continuation of the series. A great YA fantasy inspired by Celtic folklore with its own spin for those looking to dip their toes in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The unique plot kept me invested that I finished it within 2 days. I wasn't fond of Trip and the whole lying thing, but it is a YA. Teenagers are notorious for fibbing.
Overall, this was an excellent book in the series!

[C.K. Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun story and a nice break from the sad and dark times we are experiencing. The main character experiences much teenage angst as she learns about her powers and destiny. It reminded me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer! I'm eager to read the second book in the series.

[Andrea Nourse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Leslie & Janice’s storytelling. The lore and mythology woven into the book were fascinating.

[Marianne Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A YA fantasy book that kept me engaged. 3.5 rounded up to 4. Characters were good. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Candace Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great introduction to a new author for me. I loved the world building. And the character banter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Catina Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the lore and the way the book is written. It is a great young adult read. I love how the story takes place in NJ and gives a fantasy twist to it. So you get the best of both worlds.

Bridget is a girl in her senior year just looking to survive and live her best life. Then a new guy Trip comes to own and she falls fast head over heels. Magic, romance family feud between Trip’s family and Cay family. The secrets, the attraction, and these weird dreams about some amulet she has no idea about. Bridget is in for a wild ride!

[Madison Drumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴…. 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.” 

4.5/5 ⭐️ 
Here I am sitting in my bed, crying, trying to figure out how to write this without spoiling anything. This book had me in a ᴄʜᴏᴋᴇʜᴏʟᴅ from the start. I finished it in less than a day and I wish I wouldn’t have, because then I wouldn’t be dealing with this heaviness in my heart right now.  
I have mixed feelings about these characters. You don’t know who to trust, so you are on the edge of your seat throughout the entirety of the book. Hell, I 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 don’t know who to trust. I’ve said a good book is going to give you at least a little anxiety. Joke is on me because my anxiety reached a new level.  
I love Trip. He is sweet, caring and so frustrating. It genuinely enraged me that he didn’t know how to communicate. 𝙄𝙏’𝙎 2023 𝙏𝙍𝙄𝙋, 𝙄𝙏 𝙄𝙎 𝘾𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙀𝘿 𝘼 𝙏𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙈𝙀𝙎𝙎𝘼𝙂𝙀. Or an email! 𝙎𝙝𝙞𝙩 a carrier pigeon would suffice! Punching him in the face would be a cathartic release for me. And yet, I still want him. Honestly, I could say the same for Bridget. She is sweet and slightly naive, but that girl is forgiving 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵. She handles things maturely, whereas I would have raised 𝕙𝕖𝕝𝕝. I was hurting so much for her throughout this book. I have to give her credit. She really knew how to bounce back. Her friends are so fun. Cay? 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐲. I want to say more, but it would give things away.
I wish this was a dual POV. I would have 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 to know what was going through Trip’s stupidly cute infuriating head. I think it would have helped me with my feelings for him, but alas, I will forever be tortured by the fact that I will never know what he was thinking. I am praying that the next book is dual because I 𝙉𝙀𝙀𝘿 to know what he thinks. It would be nice to have his perspective. I do wish I got to see more into their relationship, but I suspect the next one is going to make up for it. 
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I 𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦 rollercoasters, but it’s one I’d happily get on again.

[IngeT (inge1970reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author. Thanks Leslie.
I really loved the cover #coverlove So I was interested in the interior too.

It is a great YA novel with Celtic Sottish mythology and folklore influences. An interesting read for sure. A lovely lovestory. The dreams are so cool. Love the writing style. The characters are so nice and real, I can relate to them. Although I sometimes wanna scream at them for the choices they make. They feel like friends after you read the book. The world building is both fantasy but also feels kinda real. Makes it very interesting. It has some great fantasy action scènes. Love to see that evolve. A lovely enemies to lovers and coming of age story. "With great power comes great responsibility."

I am really interested in the rest of the series. I hope they are at least as good as this one is.