Skip to main content

Featured

The Castle in the Bay by Margaret Amatt #Review #BarraSeriesBook1

  We are travelling to the beautiful island of Barra for Margaret Amatt's new Barra Series, The Castle in the Bay. The first in this new series was published on 12th April by Leannan Press .   What if the castle has the key to mend their broken hearts? After a miserable few years, fun-loving Iona McKenzie tossed her corporate job to the wind, swore off long-term relationships, and escaped to the Hebridean island of Barra to teach water sports. Recently dumped by an ex who labelled him 'boring', Monty MacNeil is having a tough time. When he's tasked with carrying out his late father’s last request to scatter his ashes at Kisimul Castle – the famous castle in the bay – he doesn't expect his trip to Barra to begin by running smack bang into a feisty and gorgeous woman, knocking her off her bike, and almost dropping his father’s urn into the sea. Iona turns out to be the person he needs to take him over to the castle, but Monty soon sees another way she ca...

Midsummer Magic at Miss Moonshine's Emporium by Mary Jayne Baker, Sophie Claire, Jacqui Cooper, Helena Fairfax, Kate Field, Melinda Hammond, Marie Laval, Helen Pollard and Angela Wren #Review #Anthology #MissMoonshine

 

Today I am welcoming not one but nine authors to the blog for their collection of short stories all set around the mysterious Miss Moonshine. Published on June 21st, Midsummer Magic at Miss Moonshine's Emporium is the third in a trilogy.

Are you ready to meet Miss Moonshine? Life may never be the same again…

It’s summer in Haven Bridge and Miss Moonshine is getting ready for a busy season. From the window of her Wonderful Emporium, at the heart of the pretty Yorkshire town, she watches and waits, weaving plans to bring happiness to all who step through her door. For Miss Moonshine is no ordinary shopkeeper. She may not have what you want, but she will always have what you need…

Nine romantic novelists from Yorkshire and Lancashire, including best-selling and award-winning authors, have joined together to create this anthology of uplifting stories guaranteed to warm your heart. This magical collection of contemporary romances will make you laugh, cry and wish for a Miss Moonshine in your own life.

My Thoughts

This is charming collection of short stories which all contain a mixture of romance and magical realism. Varied in their characters and story lines, they all have the same air of whimsy and a whiff of destiny. It is invidious to choose a favourite amongst the collection. Writing a short story requires a different skill in some ways to a full length story. The characters have to be clear from the start, as does the setting. They need a concise story arc and you need to be able to pick up on the details in the story without long descriptions. They have to be economical  and clear in style. I must say, all these stories lived up to this for me. 

    

The community of Haven Bridge emerges from this collection as a warm, caring, place to be with a down to earth air and a knowing smile when it comes to Miss Moonshine. I always like to dip in and out of an anthology and this one feels like a welcoming friend when you open the page. From time travel, alleged ghosts to mysterious objects and family legends, each story is a standalone tale. Tying then together is Miss Moonshine and her marvellous Emporium and the feeling that people will find what they need there, even before they know what it is!

In short: Warmth, wit and magic wrapped in romance.
 

About the Author

 

The nine Miss Moonshine authors – Mary Jayne Baker, Sophie Claire, Jacqui Cooper, Helena Fairfax, Kate Field, Melinda Hammond, Marie Laval, Helen Pollard and Angela Wren – meet up regularly in the little mill town of Hebden Bridge, on the border between the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire – hence their group name, Authors on the Edge. This picturesque town, home to many writers, artists and musicians, was the inspiration for their magical character Miss Moonshine, and their uplifting series of anthologies featuring romance and happy endings.

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 

 

Thanks to Authors on the Edge and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
 
Check out these great bloggers!
 

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe by clicking here

  

 

 

 

Comments