Multiple Blessings by Candace Colt
Does their love stand a ghost of a chance?
In 1943, a World War II bomber on a training mission crashed in a marsh near Cat's Paw Cove. According to local legend, on every Winter Solstice, mysterious lights appear near the crash site. If budding photojournalist Casey Blessing can dig a story out of this myth, it could be the career boost she needs. But she can't do it alone. She partners with Thomas Hudson who claims to be an aviation historian. Casey is attracted to the enigmatic stranger, but his uncanny knowledge of the crash can't be just coincidence. Could she be falling in love with a ghost?
Good story. College professor Thomas Hudson came to Cat's Paw Cove looking for the truth about his grandfather's death. His grandmother insists that he was shot down, while the army says it was a training accident. Complicating matters, Thomas has vivid nightmares about his grandfather's last flight. He meets Casey, whose sister Theo (Familiar Blessings) helps ghosts with their problems. Theo asks Casey to help Thomas.
Thomas was woefully unprepared for a place like Cat's Paw Cove. I had to laugh when he freaked out over Theo's comment that she talked to his grandfather, then discovered that he was talking to a ghost, too. Casey isn't magical herself, but she knows enough to be able to work with him. Though initially reluctant to get involved, once she hears why Thomas is there, Casey is determined to help him. I enjoyed the journey of discovery as they talked to people who witnessed the crash and discovered discrepancies in the explanations of what happened. I ached for Thomas over the bad news he received from home and loved how Casey challenged him to finish what he started. The ending was fantastic and emotional and a testament to lasting love.
Neither Thomas nor Casey expected the sparks that flared between them. They both fought it for a while, believing that nothing could come of it. I liked how Thomas helped Casey with her photo project, encouraging her to think outside the box. Meanwhile, I liked how Casey supported Thomas's dream and guided him to believe in the magical. The scene on Guinevere Island was great. I ached for them as they prepared to part ways until they received some surprising advice from a very unexpected source.
A Fae's Wishmas by Kira Nyte
All it takes is one wish.
Niera has a special Fae power that has dubbed her the Mystical Matchmaker, but despite helping others find their happily-ever-after, she lacks hope of ever finding her own. Until she arrives in a small town, is adopted by a magical cat, and dares to make a holiday wish
Good story about opposites who turn out to be the perfect match for each other. Niera is a woodland fae who has the magical ability to identify an ideal match. But she has been so busy helping others that she hasn't found a match for herself. She just found out that there is a time limit for facilitating one hundred matches, and she is about to run out of time. She has two days to find her last match or be cursed with being alone forever. She heads for Cat's Paw Cove to confirm her best friend's match and is forced to face her greatest fear. Being near the ocean drains her magic and threatens her life. She doesn't expect to meet her perfect match and have him be a man of the sea. How could they ever be together?
Alistair was banished from his ocean home by a vengeful sea fae when he inadvertently interfered with a fae and his cousin's match. He's been stuck on land and prevented from returning to the ocean and breaking the curse, thanks to some interfering cats. When he meets Niera, he is drawn to her, but getting involved with a land-bound fae is not an option.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Alistair and Niera. The attraction between them is powerful, and though they tried to resist, Niera's cat excels at pushing them together. As they get closer, the feelings between them grow stronger. I loved the discovery that they can help each other break their curses, but will something still come between them? The ending had some tense moments, but I loved how it turned out.
Chanukkah Melody for Two by Abigail Sharpe
Music can make magic!
Quiet and introverted Elayne Fico wants to surprise her mom with songs her Nana used to play for Chanukkah, so she enlists the help of local music teacher, Bartholomew Pelfrey. Elayne doesn't believe in Cat's Paw Cove's alleged magic, but there's something about her piano teacher that's conjuring some serious sparks.
Barly Pelfrey knows something big is going to happen when a Sherwood cat seeks him out. After his divorce and figuring out life with his two girls and an ex, he's ready for another chance at love. When he meets Elayne, he doesn't need Pascal to show him the way. But when Elayne reveals that romance isn't in the cards for her, he has to prove that love is its own special kind of magic.
Good story. Elayne is a woman with a practical, mathematical mind. She doesn't believe in magic at all. When a Sherwood cat adopts her, Elayne just sees a kitty. However, when she decides she needs a piano refresher before Chanukkah, Pascal leads her to Batholomew. Barly is a divorced father of two who is ready to open himself up to love again.
I loved the quick friendship between Elayne and Barly. She isn't a social person, but talking to him is easy. She never believed that love was in her future until she spent time with Barly. Under their solid friendship simmered sparks of attraction that eventually came to the surface. I enjoyed seeing the romance develop as Elayne and Barly grew closer. But a comment about Pascal's role in their romance stirred up Elayne's insecurities, and she pulled away. I ached for Barly as he wondered what happened and if she would be back. Once again, Pascal went to the rescue, though I'm still not sure if Elayne accepted the magic. I think she needed a dose of the magic elixir from Guinevere Island!
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