Simply Magic

Rating:
Summary: A simply magical western romance
Review:

In 1875 Texas, former U.S. Marshal Riley Burnett assists a tinker with repairing a broken wheel. The strange individual tells him he will receive a gift that comes with a high price for his kindness. Riley thinks the man is a bit crazy and leaves.

In St., Louis, Phoebe Hightower meets a tinker, who grants her three wishes. Cold, hungry and worried, she wishes for a warm locale. She soon learns that she inherited half interest in a hotel and saloon in Rimshot, Nevada. Phoebe, accompanied by her butler, travels west. There they meet the other owner, the acrimonious Riley, and his little daughter. As Phoebe struggles to help Riley and his little girl, she falls in love with her partner. However, it will take the intervention of the tinker, her other wishes, and a miracle to awaken Riley to what his gift is.

Anyone who reads a Kathleen Kane novel knows that they are in for a thoroughly entertaining experience. Her latest historical romance, SIMPLY MAGIC, employs the trademark blending of the supernatural with a western romance in a humorous but poignant story line. Phoebe and Riley are an intriguing duo and the secondary characters augment the plot with warmth. As with all her superb novels (see A POCKETFUL OF PARADISE, STILL CLOSE TO HEAVEN, and THE OLDEST LIVING MARRIED VIRGIN), Ms Kane has succeeded once again with creating a necessary read for romance fans.

Harriet Klausner

Rating:
Summary: Be careful what you wish for...
Review: Phoebe and Riley learn the hard way that wishing isn't always the answer. I hope you enjoy this humorous look at what happens when someone is granted the ability to wish for a better life.

Rating:
Summary: Give me more...
Review: Simply magic is exactly why I read romance. If every book I picked up gave me even one tenth of the joys this book did, I'd never get a thing done. I highly recommend this book for lovers of romance...but beware: if you read this book, you'll expect this standard of excellence from every book you pick up!

Rating:
Summary: Charming Homespun Paranormal
Review: Take one charming small town, add a former lawman and a down-on-her-luck heiress. Add a mysterious tinker -- and of all things, a loyal butler.

This novel was funny and charming. What kept it from getting a better grade? For one thing, a hero who spent too long in "I'm not worthy" mode. Also, a mystery subplot that didn't jive with the overall charm, and yet another subplot that fizzled out completely.

I gave this book a C+ at All About Romance.