On The Silver Edge of Time by Ciara Gold

Title: On The Silver Edge of Time  
Author: Ciara Gold

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Publisher: Champagne Books

Genre: Historical/Paranormal/Romance

Length: 244 pgs.
Reviewed by: BettyJean Pryor

RATINGS FOR:

Cover:  4

Presentation: 4

Editing: 5

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating:   

About The Book:   An eclipse yields a powerful force, an energy harnessed by those with magic in their souls. When the sun disappears behind the shadow of the Earth, a mighty wizard evokes the elements of nature. With ancient, Celtic incantations, he sends a mighty Viking jarl soaring through time to bring home his destiny.

Erik Lotharsson is sent forward in time to find the mate his people have chosen. He has no idea the journey he travels will be one of heart and soul. Nor can he imagine the trials he must face in taming a modern woman to his point of view.

Keelin Haverland has experienced dreams of a Viking lover for several years and fixates her attention on an acquaintance with a striking resemblance to her dream lover. She soon discovers her dreams are of another, of a man who claims to be from the past. The magic of an eclipse transports her to another time where modern conveniences no longer exist, and love is but a heartbeat away.

The Review:

This book is a page turner. 

Have you ever dreamed of being able to travel to a different time?  This book will definitely allow you to do that.   

Keely is a college student, on her way to graduation and grad school, studying art. Her erotic dreams have her attracted to a very sexy man. She finds out that the man that she thought was the target of her dreams may not actually be the one. When she goes back with Erik, she finds out that all the things she believed about her life are not as she thought.

Erik is the leader of Njord and is sent forward in time to find Keelin and to bring her back with him. He arrives in the 21^st century with no knowledge of English or all the changes over 11 centuries. While in this time, he finds out truths about his life that had been hidden from him.

There are many twists and turns that occur throughout the story. Just when you think that you have things figured out, Ms. Gold throws a curve ball. All of the characters interact very well. 

I believe that, whether male or female, the reader will connect with one of the characters in this book. The author does a great job making the hero and heroine seem very real. 

On The Silver Edge of Time is a combination of romance and suspense with a dash of science fiction/magic thrown in.

Pagan Elements: Yes, there is some discussion of Pagan beliefs and many references to magic and Pagan gods/goddesses.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Adrian's Angel by Angela Ashton

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title:  Adrian’s Angel
Author: Angela Ashton   

Author Site: http://angelaashtonbooks.com/

Buy Link: http://www.champagnebooks.com/
Publisher:  Champagne Books

Genre: Historical/Paranormal Romance (time travel)

Length: 374 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4 (Simple mistakes, like confusing bizarre/bazaar, threw/through, surly/surely, should have been caught by an editor.)

Story: 5

Writing Ability: 5

Overall Card Rating: 

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Plagued by baffling circumstances surrounding the loss of his childhood sweetheart, Adrian Birichino has spent the last twenty years trying to forget. When fate forces him to return to the town he loathes, his pervasive nightmares turn alarmingly real as a luminous angel steps out of thin air, inducing an accident that leaves his life in familiar hands. Real or not, she feeds a need burrowed deep in his soul. But if she’s just a figment of his hyperactive imagination, how had she managed to leave behind tangible evidence of her existence?

Having been catapulted to a sinister spot in time, Riley Gail must find a way to convince Adrian she is real and living in the heart of the infamous witch-hunt…else resign to be immortalized in the pages of history as one of Salem’s accused forevermore.

The Review: Adrian’s Angel stands out in a vast sea of novels involving the Salem Witch Hunts as one of the most refreshingly original works ever written. Ms. Ashton uses the tragic events as both a character and a plot device in her fast-paced, adventure-filled tale of two soul mates ripped from one another by fate. She does a wonderful job of using the hunts effectively without letting them overshadow the real story.

I couldn’t help but fall in love with both the tormented hero, Adrian, and the feisty heroine, Riley.  Both were dealt more than their share of heartache and tragedy before they reached their teen years.  It only got worse for them after that.  Yet each of them displayed an indomitable spirit that made them interesting and worthwhile characters.  Ms. Ashton’s skill at building characters is amazing.  From the first page, I never doubted that any of them were real people.  Even when she recreated historical figures, she made them real while still maintaining accurate portrayals.

This was a longer novel, and the plot was full of riveting twists and turns.  Many characters added their viewpoints to build an intricate web of truths and lies.  Ms. Ashton expertly wove everything together in a time-travel adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat with wanting to know what happens next.  I am looking forward to reading more stories by this amazing author.

Pagan Elements: Though the story has an overtly Christian backdrop (it was Puritan times,) several characters use magic in order to grow as people.  Adrian must learn to forgive and let go of his hate.  He is aided in this by Fannie, the ‘real’ witch in the story, through the performing of several Pagan rituals.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Battlesong by Allison Knight

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title:  Battlesong
Author: Allison Knight

Author Site: http://allisonknight.blogspot.com

Buy Link: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-battlesong-446500-161.html
Publisher:  Champagne Books

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 209 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4

Presentation: 5

Editing: 4 (some errors)

Story: 4

Writing Ability: 4

Overall Card Rating: 

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Their marriage begins with a lie. Tricked into wedding young Laren Blair, the daughter of a Scottish laird, Arthur ap Brynn Ffrydd, an English baron, abandons her at his keep. When he finally returns six years later she has won the affection of his people but all he sees are the changes she has made. Their battles begin.

She fears her life will be as miserable with Arthur as it was with her cruel father. He envisions losing his property to her Scottish clan. As they learn to tolerate each other, desire draws them together. When Laren is kidnaped and Arthur is wounded in battle they realize they love each other. Reunited, can their love withstand the strain of another lie?

The Review: Ms. Knight just keeps getting better. Battlesong is the follow-up to Heartsong, though one doesn’t have to read Heartsong to fully enjoy Battlesong. From the second I picked it up, I was whisked away to Medieval England. It’s a dangerous, romantic time that Ms. Knight vividly and expertly recreates.

The characters are fully realized and full of life. Laren is a woman to admire. Her grit and strength create sparks in any setting, but especially in this one where women were considered property. Arthur is rash, headstrong, handsome, and true to his values—a perfect recipe for a hero.

Battlesong is an enjoyable, relaxing read that provides the perfect escape for a rainy afternoon. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance.

Pagan Elements: N/A

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Druid Bride by Cornelia Amiri

THE PAGAN & THE PEN BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Druid Bride
Author: Cornelia Amiri   

Author Site

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Publisher:  Eternal Press

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 176 pgs.

RATINGS FOR:

Cover: 4.5

Presentation: 4

Editing: 3

Story:  4

Writing Ability: 4.5

Reviewed by: Yadira

About The Book: She carried the seed of rebirth, so what had fallen would rise again. The ghost of her ancestor sent Druidess Tanwen from Britannia to the strange foreign tribe of the Caledonii to wed Brude, son of the chief. But Brude is not about to marry a druidess, even though she has the most beautiful body he’s ever seen. Never mind if his blood boils and he can’t stop thinking of her. He will not wed her. Yet the fate of Caledonia rests in the hands of the Warrior and the Druidess. Will they put their differences aside to fulfill their destiny?

The Review: Cornelia Amiri takes us back to 1^st century A.D. Scotland with a tale interwoven of love and magic. The settings, characters, and rituals are richly vivid with detail that it makes you feel as if you were there. The reader is able to immerse themselves in the culture and daily life of the Celts. It really took me back to a time that I’ve obviously never experienced but now I feel like I kind of have.

Tanwen and Brude do a lot of maturing as the story progresses. It frustrated me to no end with the two of them going back and forth on their feelings for each other, but when the going gets tough these two come together united under one common goal which inevitably brings them together personally as well. The rest of the Caledonii tribe were likeable and unwaveringly faithful to their gods. When Tanwen was the ‘newbie’ in town, they still listened and heeded the word of an unknown druidess. It’s that kind of trust and faith that brought the tribe many victories against their enemies. If ever I found myself back in 1^st century A.D. Scotland, this is the tribe I would seek.

I didn’t mean to read this during the time when the actually Lughnasa festival is to occur, but I was pleasantly surprised when I read the story and found out what this ritual is all about. I learned a lot while reading this book and you can tell Cornelia Amiri takes great pride in her research in both the mythological and historical aspects of this book. My only drawback is that the ending left me wanting more and I most definitely would not be opposed to a sequel.

Pagan Elements: Many rituals and chants are performed throughout the story.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & the Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Heartsong by Allison Knight

                                                    PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title: Heartsong
Author: Allison Knight

Author Site

Buy Link 
Publisher:  Champagne Books

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 248
Other: M/F

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: Desperate and proud, Rhianna ap Brynn Ffrydd, a Welsh princess, is captured by a hated Englishman, Baron Garrett deShay, an agent of Edward I of England. Despite the passion he arouses in her, Rhianna must find a way to return home to her younger half sister, whom she's raised since birth. Garrett, emotionally scarred but intent on gaining the respect of his monarch by surrendering a member of Welsh aristocracy, fights an overwhelming attraction and the need to protect this woman, despite the charge of witch that hangs over her head. Can the two lovers conquer the cruelties awaiting them and their own natural animosity, to accept a forever kind of love?

The Review: There is something about historical romances set in the U.K. before it was united that speaks to my soul. The first pages of Heartsong describe a typical conflict—a Welsh princess is hiding from an invading English lord in a cave, protecting her younger brother who is heir to the kingdom. The plot is dramatic, but not original. Rhianna and Garrett are separated by a number of barriers, first because they are enemies and she is his captive. After they fall in love, all the usual things happen. Her brothers come to rescue her. Garrett sends her away to hide her. Someone bad tells Rhianna that Garrett has died.  She’s pregnant, etc. 

Because the characters are so well developed, it doesn’t really matter that there are no surprises. I enjoyed my time with both Rhianna and Garrett. Ms. Knight’s friendly writing style allowed me to experience the highs and lows with them. The romantic elements were tasteful and heartfelt. Overall, I recommend this story to anyone who loves a good, old-fashioned romance.

Pagan Elements: At one point, Garrett’s enemies try to have Rhianna declared a witch.  A bishop comes to declare her innocence. Besides a respect for life and the use of herb for healing, there isn’t anything Pagan about it.

Cover (Rated 1-10): 9-The eyes in the sky hovering over the castle caught and held my interest. I would have picked this up in a heartbeat based on the cover.

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & The Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.

Angel and the Unforgiven by Melissa Blue

PAGAN & PEN REVIEW

Title:  Angel and the Unforgiven

Author:  Melissa Blue  

Author Site

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Publisher:  Champagne Books

Genre: Historical Romance

Length:  243 pgs.

Other: M/F

Pagan & Pagan Elements: n/n

Reviewed by: Violet Harper

About The Book: When murder suspect Cadence Jamison disguises herself as a boy and stows away aboard the Heavenly Mistress, Captain Curtis Langston may find his two past occasions for rescuing her more than he bargained for.
Bitter and cynical after service in the Confederate Army, Curtis believes himself no more deserving of another's love than capable of returning it. Content to drift through life free of emotional and romantic complications, the once carefree and mischievous rogue may be forever gone. But when Cadence appears in his life, Curtis finds himself smiling, dreaming, and feeling more like himself than he has in five years. Drawn to the sweet and innocent goodness Cadence offers, Curtis struggles to resist the pull of what a life with her could be like.
Can Cadence show this wounded soul how to love again? Or is he doomed to be forever unforgiven, haunted by the ghosts of his past?

The Review:

Curtis is a man tortured by his past and searching for forgiveness. Cadence is a woman on the run for a crime she didn’t commit. Melissa Blue set up a conflict ripe for some brilliant lines that brought humor and heart-wrenching emotion to the scene. Although the head-hopping and vacillating emotions got to be a bit much sometimes, the characters were complex and likable. I found myself rooting for Cadence and marveling at the patience and perseverance that helped her heal the soul of a man broken by the horrors of war.

Some of the plot elements were weak—he stared at her for fifteen pages and then he didn’t recognize her onboard his ship—and some of the action elements were told in retrospect and through dialogue rather than bringing the reader into the tense situations. The speech patterns of the characters this historical (post-Civil War) romance tended to be modern, but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the novel. The writing style was friendly and warm, inviting the reader closer to the hearts of Cadence and Curtis, and the realistic characterization is really what makes Angel and the Unforgiven interesting.

Pagan Elements: Brief discussion of shipboard superstitions.

Cover (Rated 1-10): 6--Clean lines and bold colors always catch my attention, though I would have liked to see faces, especially Cadence’s violet eyes that so captivated Curtis. 

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Disclaimer: Due to FTC regulations, any book reviewed on this site was sent for free by the author to The Pagan & the Pen. We are not paid to give reviews by Author or Publisher. Once review has been made, said books are deleted.