Spirited Brides: One Touch of Magic and a Loving Spirit

By Amanda McCabe

In this beautiful omnibus, two heartwarming stories of magic and matrimony from popular Signet Regency author Amanda McCabe are brought together for the first time.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451227832
• ISBN13: 9780451227836
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Signet Book
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 4.1" x 6.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Spirited Brides

"One Touch of Magic" Lady Iverson had been working on the Viking village excavation since her husband's death, but when the land they are on is suddenly owned by someone else, she expects to be kicked out. The new marquis, Miles Rutledge, is not as scholarly as his predecessor and has plans for that land, plans that involve giving jobs to homeless war veterans. But when they meet, each one's plans go out the window as they try to find a way to both get what they want - as well as each other. "One Touch of Magic" was a very sweet romance, with just a small amount of paranormal activity in the form of a curse and a ghost. The two characters are both stand up people who each think they are right, while still respecting the other's principles. The attraction between them is instantaneous and the only mystery is how long it will take the two of them to realize they belong together. "A Loving Spirit" Cassie Richards is fascinated by the world around her, what can be seen and what cannot. While visiting her mother, she meets Phillip, Lord Royce, a scholar who is more inclined towards order and logic. But Cassie knows there are ghosts lurking around his castle and wants to show Phillip there is more to life than just books. Seemingly different, each one is drawn to the other, and not even the existence of ghosts can keep them apart. "A Loving Spirit" was heavy on the paranormal, with the ghosts in it talking and interacting with the other characters. This was also a sweet romance, nothing sexual beyond a few stolen kisses. I enjoyed the two main characters more in this book than the other, but the story was not as easy a read for me as "One Touch of Magic." Overall, these two books were fun, sweet romances with interesting characters and different dynamics in each one, making Spirited Brides a good read. Niki Lee Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

4 Hearts from TRS!

"At first, I found my attention to be slightly lagging, but then I realized I was looking for a romance story that was focused more on sex than actual romance. Once I realized that these stories are large on romance but without the overt sexuality, I redirected my thoughts and found myself enjoying the story immensely. These stories are exceptionally sweet. You must use your imagination if you are hoping to read about anything more than some long hot kisses. If you are looking for a good book to keep your attention while telling you all about magical curses and ornery ghosts, this is the book for you. Throw in a little mystery, phenomenal characters, and highly laughable scenes and you've got one winner of a book." - Jacquelyn R. Ward

4.5 stars total. 2 full novels in 1 book. Ghostly themes.

Book One: One Touch of Magic Sarah, Lady Iverson, is continuing the work of her late husband's. They, along with Mr. Neville Hamilton, have been excavating an ancient Viking village on the Ransome estate. They had permission from the old marquis; however, he has died too. The estate is inherited by the nephew, Miles Rutledge. Will the new owner allow the dig to go forward? Miles is no longer in the military. Since his return, Miles has seen how horribly the ex-soldiers are treated, especially the ones who have become handicapped while fighting. Miles is determined to give jobs and build cottages to house unfortunate former soldiers and their families. Problem is that the richest soil for growing crops is currently being excavated by a lady that he is growing very fond of. **** FOUR STARS! Though my synopsis mentions nothing about spirits or ghosts, rest assured they are in the story. A Viking witch, Thora, guards a cursed treasure. I admit that the only paranormal section that I found is near the end, but do not make the mistake of believing this tale to be boring or uninteresting. The romance between the two main characters is pretty straight-forward. There are no huge misunderstandings that will make you grit your teeth in frustration. And due to commotions caused by Neville Hamilton, his new bride (Emmeline), Sarah's sister (Mary Ann), and a former soldier (Patrick O'Riley), I found myself highly entertained. **** Book Two: A Loving Spirit Miss Cassandra "Cassie" Richards has lived the last fourteen years in sunny Jamaica. After the death of her parents, Cassie agrees to move in with Aunt Chat at her home in Bath. Her best friend and companion, Antoinette Duvall, goes with Cassie. Lady Willowby (Aunt Chat) hopes to perk up Cassie's mood by accepting the invitation of her friend, Lady Royce, to visit several weeks at Royce Castle in Cornwall. Cassie has always been fascinated with stories of ghosts and the ancient castle would be fun to explore. Phillip, the Earl of Royce, is working on a series about the wars of ancient Greece. Though he agreed to let his mother have visitors for several weeks, Phillip hopes he will not be forced to entertain them and lose precious work time. However, once Phillip meets Cassie, he finds that work often slips his mind. As for ghosts in his home, even though the young earl does not believe in spirits, the ghosts believe in him. These spirits decide that matching up such a "free spirit" as Cassie and a "stuffy scholar" as Phillip would be so much fun! ***** FIVE STARS! This story overflows with ghosts as well as romance. Not only does the author have an interesting plot or two, but she also lets readers experience interactions between the ghosts and the living characters. More than one sub-plot keeps events moving along at a steady pace as well. Fun, witty, romantic, and a bit of humor blends together to make this story into a capital read! ***** Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

fun Regency paranormal romances

"One Touch of Magic". Former British military officer Miles Rutledge plans to help veterans by using his uncle's vast estate that he will inherit. Last year, Sarah Iverson and her late archeologist spouse were working a dig of an eight century old Viking village on Miles' land that she wants to complete to honor her deceased husband. She is attracted to Miles and visa versa from first sight, but he has a different vision for his property than she has. "A Loving Spirit". With the deaths of her parents, Cassandra "Cassie" Richards accompanied by her friend Antoinette Duvall comes home. The BFFs and Cassie's "Aunt Chat" head to Royce Castle to stay with the Dowager Melinda Leighton and her son Phillip, an earl. Cassie and Antoinette relish that the five-century old Cornwall castle has ghosts. Cassie and logical Phillip are attracted to one another though they cannot find any common ground beyond their desire. These are two delightful reprints from 2003 of fun Regency paranormal romances starring a likable cast of characters including the ghosts that haunt each novel. Perhaps the only major negative is whether secondary characters especially sisters and best friends had their tales told in other historicals. Harriet Klausner