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Myth and Magic
As children, they played games of myth and magic…
Veronica Kent fell in love with Caith Breckwood when they were children. As a teenager, she was certain he was the man she was destined to marry. But a traumatic event from Caith's past led him to fear a future together. He left Veronica, hoping to save her from a terrible fate. Twelve years later, Caith, now a P.I., is hired to investigate bizarre incidents at the secluded retreat Veronica manages. Returning to his hometown, Caith is forced to face his nightmares—and his feelings for the woman he’s always loved.
Then one day, the monsters became real.
After the callous way Caith broke her heart, Veronica isn’t thrilled to see him again. But strange occurrences have taken a dangerous toll on business at Stone Willow Lodge. Forced to work together, Veronica discovers it isn’t ghostly apparitions that frighten her, but her passion for a man she has never forgotten. Or forgiven. Can two people with a tarnished past unearth a magical future?
Veronica Kent fell in love with Caith Breckwood when they were children. As a teenager, she was certain he was the man she was destined to marry. But a traumatic event from Caith's past led him to fear a future together. He left Veronica, hoping to save her from a terrible fate. Twelve years later, Caith, now a P.I., is hired to investigate bizarre incidents at the secluded retreat Veronica manages. Returning to his hometown, Caith is forced to face his nightmares—and his feelings for the woman he’s always loved.
Then one day, the monsters became real.
After the callous way Caith broke her heart, Veronica isn’t thrilled to see him again. But strange occurrences have taken a dangerous toll on business at Stone Willow Lodge. Forced to work together, Veronica discovers it isn’t ghostly apparitions that frighten her, but her passion for a man she has never forgotten. Or forgiven. Can two people with a tarnished past unearth a magical future?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2015
26 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Mae Clair
23 books566 followersA member of the International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. Her preferred genre is mystery/suspense, though she flavors her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore.
Mae is married to to her high school sweetheart, lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Sign-up for her newsletter at https://maeclair.com/newsletter
You an also discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com
Finally, follow Mae on BookBub for more bookish recommendations and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mae-c...
Mae is married to to her high school sweetheart, lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats. Sign-up for her newsletter at https://maeclair.com/newsletter
You an also discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com
Finally, follow Mae on BookBub for more bookish recommendations and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/mae-c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 6, 2015
As children, they were best friends, like the Three Musketeers, two boys and a skinny girl who could run with the best of them. Their favorite game was playing myth and magic, she was the mermaid, they called her the sea monster, she could kick their butts, if given the chance. But the days of innocence ended when Caith couldn’t save his best friend from dying and the days of myth and magic died, too.
Veronica felt the loss, too, but she had been in love with Caith since they first met, and she thought her dreams had been answered as teens, when the quiet Caith finally shared himself with her, taking not only her heart, but her body. The next day he was gone, no word, no good bye, nothing, but she was ruined for any other man, they never compared to her young knight in shining armor. Fast forward, several years, As adults they are brought together when Caith is called back to the place and family he deserted when his expertise as a private investigator is needed to hunt down who or what was behind the a calculated plan to destroy the family run retreat, putting a blot on the family name. Will he find “the ghost” everyone is claiming exists or will he finally say goodbye to the ghosts I his mind?
Veronica is now the manager of the retreat and once again their paths cross, and the reunion only serves to open old wounds and create over the top friction between two adults who never should have been separated. But business is business and seemingly unrequited love is, well, painful. First things first, who is trying to destroy this mega powerful family? Why did Caith walk away from his name, his heritage and all he could have? Why did he walk away from Veronica? Are there real ghosts haunting the retreat? Has Caith been hiding more than his feelings for Veronica all these years?
Mae Clair can spin a tale of intrigue mystery and romance with the ease of a juggler with several balls in the air, bringing it all home and packaging it up in one beautifully wrapped package! With high energy, emotion and mystery, Myth and Magic will span years of pain, loss and grief with characters that come alive on the pages and scenes that will play in vivid colors in your mind. Hang tight to YOUR emotions, grab your specter detector, and enjoy the ride. Mae Clair is in the driver’s seat, once again!
I received this ARC edition from Kensington Books/Lyrical Press in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 280 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Veronica felt the loss, too, but she had been in love with Caith since they first met, and she thought her dreams had been answered as teens, when the quiet Caith finally shared himself with her, taking not only her heart, but her body. The next day he was gone, no word, no good bye, nothing, but she was ruined for any other man, they never compared to her young knight in shining armor. Fast forward, several years, As adults they are brought together when Caith is called back to the place and family he deserted when his expertise as a private investigator is needed to hunt down who or what was behind the a calculated plan to destroy the family run retreat, putting a blot on the family name. Will he find “the ghost” everyone is claiming exists or will he finally say goodbye to the ghosts I his mind?
Veronica is now the manager of the retreat and once again their paths cross, and the reunion only serves to open old wounds and create over the top friction between two adults who never should have been separated. But business is business and seemingly unrequited love is, well, painful. First things first, who is trying to destroy this mega powerful family? Why did Caith walk away from his name, his heritage and all he could have? Why did he walk away from Veronica? Are there real ghosts haunting the retreat? Has Caith been hiding more than his feelings for Veronica all these years?
Mae Clair can spin a tale of intrigue mystery and romance with the ease of a juggler with several balls in the air, bringing it all home and packaging it up in one beautifully wrapped package! With high energy, emotion and mystery, Myth and Magic will span years of pain, loss and grief with characters that come alive on the pages and scenes that will play in vivid colors in your mind. Hang tight to YOUR emotions, grab your specter detector, and enjoy the ride. Mae Clair is in the driver’s seat, once again!
I received this ARC edition from Kensington Books/Lyrical Press in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Print Length: 280 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 29, 2015
I was looking for something new.
This isn't my usual brand of story. I read widely, and this sounded interesting enough to give it a try. There is a nice mystery in here, tied up with a decent love story. Tension is doled out in just the right amounts for me to keep turning the pages. I'm sure to read this author again.
This isn't my usual brand of story. I read widely, and this sounded interesting enough to give it a try. There is a nice mystery in here, tied up with a decent love story. Tension is doled out in just the right amounts for me to keep turning the pages. I'm sure to read this author again.
April 20, 2015
Myth and Magic by Mae Clair, Ok I'll admit it I thought this book was a paranormal romance. Wouldn't you with a title like that? Regardless I loved this book! Veronica Kent and Caith Breckwood were childhood friends. Caith's family was wealthy and when Caith was a teenager he was kidnapped for ransom. Caith's friend, died trying to save him. Caith moves on shunning his family, childhood friends and becomes a successful Private Investigator. Now twelve years later someone is trying to shut down one of his family's businesses, called Stone Willow Lodge run by none other than Veronica. Can the two of them put their past behind them to solve this mystery? Who is behind the bizarre like hauntings and what do they hope to gain? This book is well worth the time reading, I couldn't but it down! I give it 5 stars. If you love this book please check out Mae Clair's website she does have a paranormal time travel romance section too and it is as equally enjoyable and well written.
p.s. I just want to say as I have in the past, that I love it when the covers are not of people. Too often the pictures don't even resemble the hero or heroine (i.e. incorrect colour of hair) and personally if I don't like the cover I won't even read what it is about. Authors and Publishers do yourselves a favour and use imagery more than models. Well, that is my two cents on the subject!
p.s. I just want to say as I have in the past, that I love it when the covers are not of people. Too often the pictures don't even resemble the hero or heroine (i.e. incorrect colour of hair) and personally if I don't like the cover I won't even read what it is about. Authors and Publishers do yourselves a favour and use imagery more than models. Well, that is my two cents on the subject!
June 9, 2015
Stone Willow Lake, according to an old legend, burns with fire when fate is sealed. And the lake burned with fire one magic evening, for Veronica. Yet, things had a different turn than the one she'd expected. Twelve years later, she’s skeptical regarding Caith arrival, yet questions the way her heart speeds when he looks at her.
Myth and Magic was a fabulous reading experience. Fast-paced and fluent, witty and moving, filled with twists Myth and Magic kept me hanging on to each word. It is filled with love, hope, and suspense.
A series of strange and shocking events – the ghost of a veiled woman, a severed hand in the fireplace, a butchered dog on the bed of a guests – lead to a two fold investigation: paranormal and detective.
But is the paranormal investigator really interested in finding out the truth, or are his motives for offering his services deeper and darker? As about the private investigator that has a connection to the place, his arrival at Stone Willow Lodge triggers a storm of feelings—suspicion, disdain, hate from some of the inhabitants, joy, tenderness and love from others.
Myth and Magic is a mix of detective story full of suspense, (some pages remind the reader about the atmosphere in Agatha Christie’s novels), with emotional romance. The suspicion that looms over many of the characters involved kept me glued to the pages and made me want to see what is the mystery behind the odd happenings.
A kidnapping went wrong seventeen years ago, at Halloween, will resurface at the anniversary of Trask’s death, and sets in motion a series of events culminating with a new kidnapping. I will not enlarge as it’s only fair for other readers to discover themselves who’s who in the story.
Apart from the sizzling romance between Ron and Caithelden, that at times had me eye-rolling with frustration and wanting to kick them, and apart from the odd happenings at Stone Willow Lodge, another interesting part is the atmosphere in Breckwood family. The author, Mae Clair, has this special gift of introspection into family life, and this makes the book an emotional story that has been cleverly crafted into an engaging and uplifting read. Caithelden, Aren, Galen and Merlin are interesting characters. Four brothers, named after knights and a wizard, who are as different as the fingers in one’s hand.
One of the themes in Mae Clair’s multi layered novels, and which I enjoy, is father – son relationship. The family dynamics is present in her previous books -- Weathering Rock ( Caleb DeCardian – Rick), in Eclipse Lake ( Dean – Jessese). In Myth and Magic it is a twofold relationship. Caithelden – Stuart, on the one hand, Caithelden - Derrick on the other. The relationship is deftly developed by the author, and shows the intricacy in family life, points to the generation gap that can be overcome if there’s a will.
I like books that make me think, the ones that make me work to understand the characters and what they go through, because you can’t really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. And Myth and Magic is one perfect example.
Myth and Magic isn’t just a contemporary romance, with detective threads, it is a story about life--its heartbreaks and celebrations. My rating: Five Stars
Myth and Magic was a fabulous reading experience. Fast-paced and fluent, witty and moving, filled with twists Myth and Magic kept me hanging on to each word. It is filled with love, hope, and suspense.
A series of strange and shocking events – the ghost of a veiled woman, a severed hand in the fireplace, a butchered dog on the bed of a guests – lead to a two fold investigation: paranormal and detective.
But is the paranormal investigator really interested in finding out the truth, or are his motives for offering his services deeper and darker? As about the private investigator that has a connection to the place, his arrival at Stone Willow Lodge triggers a storm of feelings—suspicion, disdain, hate from some of the inhabitants, joy, tenderness and love from others.
Myth and Magic is a mix of detective story full of suspense, (some pages remind the reader about the atmosphere in Agatha Christie’s novels), with emotional romance. The suspicion that looms over many of the characters involved kept me glued to the pages and made me want to see what is the mystery behind the odd happenings.
A kidnapping went wrong seventeen years ago, at Halloween, will resurface at the anniversary of Trask’s death, and sets in motion a series of events culminating with a new kidnapping. I will not enlarge as it’s only fair for other readers to discover themselves who’s who in the story.
Apart from the sizzling romance between Ron and Caithelden, that at times had me eye-rolling with frustration and wanting to kick them, and apart from the odd happenings at Stone Willow Lodge, another interesting part is the atmosphere in Breckwood family. The author, Mae Clair, has this special gift of introspection into family life, and this makes the book an emotional story that has been cleverly crafted into an engaging and uplifting read. Caithelden, Aren, Galen and Merlin are interesting characters. Four brothers, named after knights and a wizard, who are as different as the fingers in one’s hand.
One of the themes in Mae Clair’s multi layered novels, and which I enjoy, is father – son relationship. The family dynamics is present in her previous books -- Weathering Rock ( Caleb DeCardian – Rick), in Eclipse Lake ( Dean – Jessese). In Myth and Magic it is a twofold relationship. Caithelden – Stuart, on the one hand, Caithelden - Derrick on the other. The relationship is deftly developed by the author, and shows the intricacy in family life, points to the generation gap that can be overcome if there’s a will.
I like books that make me think, the ones that make me work to understand the characters and what they go through, because you can’t really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. And Myth and Magic is one perfect example.
Myth and Magic isn’t just a contemporary romance, with detective threads, it is a story about life--its heartbreaks and celebrations. My rating: Five Stars
June 8, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
WOW!! What an amazing book! There are not a lot of books that just grab me like Mae Clair's Myth and Magic did. It was everything a book should be.
Myth and Magic had drama, suspense, betrayal, denial, family dynamics, small town interactions, neighborhood grudges, redemption, forgiveness, love, passion and a wonderful mystery.
Veronica Kent had something of a unique childhood but fantasy, myth and magic played a huge part. She adored her best friends Derrick, Merlin and Caith.. Until tragedy hit and Derrick was killed, Caith withdrew and Merlin became a caricature of what he could have been. But Veronica held on and her love for Caith flourished. That is until he basically used and discarded her. It's been 12 years since Caith has been home and Veronica has built a life for herself as the manager of the Breckwood owned, Stone Willow Lodge. Things were going good until ghosts starting going bump in the night. A jealous small town reporter has it in for the Breckwoods and an incompetent Sherrie has all but accused Veronica of having an over active imagination. Now the Breckwoods are calling in the one person qualified to seriously investigate.. That's right Caith is coming home.
Caith Breckwood lived that magical childhood with Veronica. Doted on by his family, he had it all. Until he was kidnapped and his best friend died in his place. He never quite recovered and his relationship with his family seriously deteriorated. Then one passionate night with Veronica and his fears come rushing back. She could be in danger if she remains close to him. He ran, pure and simple and never looked back. Now the family needs him and he's determined to get to the bottom of things and return to the life he's built. Only his son has other plans and his feelings for Veronica have never really died.
And that's just the promise of what is.. As I said earlier, Myth and Magic has it all and is one of those rare books that demands a 5 plus star review.
Myth and Magic is like a black and white film noire movie.. Rich in texture and nuance. The romance builds and you can almost see the fog slowly start to rise, covering the story in a veil of well myth and magic.. Just brilliant.
While Caith and Ronnie's story is of course the center of this story, the intrigue, the fantasy, the promise dances around them. Each component moving in making a play then swiftly dancing away. A sensual delight.
The mystery? Well it wasn't a Scooby Doo adventure that's for sure. There was angst and adventure. Ronnie and Caith certainly had a mystery on their hand and no one was off the list of suspects. Well except Ronnie and Caith..
I am seriously hoping this is not a stand alone book because while this particular story told itself, there is so much more going on and I want to know more!
I could go on all night but I would do the one thing I hate, give away spoilers.. so instead I am just going to say.. WHAT. A. GREAT. BOOK!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Myth and Magic, provided by the author and netgalley and is scheduled to be released on June 9 2015
WOW!! What an amazing book! There are not a lot of books that just grab me like Mae Clair's Myth and Magic did. It was everything a book should be.
Myth and Magic had drama, suspense, betrayal, denial, family dynamics, small town interactions, neighborhood grudges, redemption, forgiveness, love, passion and a wonderful mystery.
Veronica Kent had something of a unique childhood but fantasy, myth and magic played a huge part. She adored her best friends Derrick, Merlin and Caith.. Until tragedy hit and Derrick was killed, Caith withdrew and Merlin became a caricature of what he could have been. But Veronica held on and her love for Caith flourished. That is until he basically used and discarded her. It's been 12 years since Caith has been home and Veronica has built a life for herself as the manager of the Breckwood owned, Stone Willow Lodge. Things were going good until ghosts starting going bump in the night. A jealous small town reporter has it in for the Breckwoods and an incompetent Sherrie has all but accused Veronica of having an over active imagination. Now the Breckwoods are calling in the one person qualified to seriously investigate.. That's right Caith is coming home.
Caith Breckwood lived that magical childhood with Veronica. Doted on by his family, he had it all. Until he was kidnapped and his best friend died in his place. He never quite recovered and his relationship with his family seriously deteriorated. Then one passionate night with Veronica and his fears come rushing back. She could be in danger if she remains close to him. He ran, pure and simple and never looked back. Now the family needs him and he's determined to get to the bottom of things and return to the life he's built. Only his son has other plans and his feelings for Veronica have never really died.
And that's just the promise of what is.. As I said earlier, Myth and Magic has it all and is one of those rare books that demands a 5 plus star review.
Myth and Magic is like a black and white film noire movie.. Rich in texture and nuance. The romance builds and you can almost see the fog slowly start to rise, covering the story in a veil of well myth and magic.. Just brilliant.
While Caith and Ronnie's story is of course the center of this story, the intrigue, the fantasy, the promise dances around them. Each component moving in making a play then swiftly dancing away. A sensual delight.
The mystery? Well it wasn't a Scooby Doo adventure that's for sure. There was angst and adventure. Ronnie and Caith certainly had a mystery on their hand and no one was off the list of suspects. Well except Ronnie and Caith..
I am seriously hoping this is not a stand alone book because while this particular story told itself, there is so much more going on and I want to know more!
I could go on all night but I would do the one thing I hate, give away spoilers.. so instead I am just going to say.. WHAT. A. GREAT. BOOK!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Myth and Magic, provided by the author and netgalley and is scheduled to be released on June 9 2015
May 8, 2016
This is a charming, easy read, which is primarily a romance set against the backdrop of a mystery. Our lovers are Veronica and Caith, who have grown up together, briefly become lovers and then Caith has gone away to college and dumped Veronica by a letter. 12 years later Caith returns as a Private Investigator, at the request of his brothers, to find out who is trying to destroy the family business. Veronica is the manager of the business and so our two lovers are thrown together by events and we wonder if, despite their history, they will rekindle the love of their youth. You will have to read the book to find that answer but I will say it's a bumpy ride!
There is also a family saga at play with Caith not having spoken to his father for 12 years and not all his brothers are happy to see him return home. This was a grittier extra dimension to the story, which along with the mystery creates good suspense to sit alongside the romance.
I think most people will find something to enjoy in this well written book. I shall look out for more by the author.
There is also a family saga at play with Caith not having spoken to his father for 12 years and not all his brothers are happy to see him return home. This was a grittier extra dimension to the story, which along with the mystery creates good suspense to sit alongside the romance.
I think most people will find something to enjoy in this well written book. I shall look out for more by the author.
June 27, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. I rated it 3.5 out of 5 Stars.
A romantic suspense set in a small town in Pennsylvania, Myth and Magic by Mae Clair is filled with colorful characters, family drama and an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Good character development, plenty of physical action and emotional angst keep you turning the pages to discover what is really taking place at Stone Willow Lodge. Fans of mystery books with second chance romance and psychological twists will definitely want to give this book a try.
Ms. Clair does a good job introducing the characters, their back story and the current situation, which brings childhood friends back together, in the first couple of chapters of the books. While it was easy for me to connect with both main characters; Veronica “Ron” Kent and Caithelden “Caith” Breckwood, I have to admit that I had issues liking them both at the start of the book. There is an uncomfortable romantic relationship between Veronica, Ciath and one of his brothers (Veronica was with Caith first, then his brother, then Caith again), which I felt kind of detracted fro the story. However, as the story progressed and we learn more about a specific incident from the past, I found myself willing to overlook some of their quirks and liked how they dealt with their mutual attraction and the mystery of who and why someone was “haunting” Caith’s family’s lodge.
The secondary characters were well developed and I really enjoyed getting to know Caith’s family, his brothers Aren and Merlin in particular, and the citizens of Coldcreek, who added both color and drama to the events being investigated. The villains of the story, yes there is more than one, were colorful and had an interesting tie to both “Caith” and “Ron’s” past, and the numerous twists and turns the story takes made it difficult to discover who the real villains were – especially since ‘Caith” had so many issues from the past with his family that colored the investigation at first.
Will Veronica and Caith discover what’s really going on behind the “ghostly sightings” at Stone Willow Lodge before it’s too late and someone gets hurt? Will their second chance at love be more successful than their first? You’ll have to read Myth and Magic to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Clair’s work in the future.
A romantic suspense set in a small town in Pennsylvania, Myth and Magic by Mae Clair is filled with colorful characters, family drama and an engaging mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Good character development, plenty of physical action and emotional angst keep you turning the pages to discover what is really taking place at Stone Willow Lodge. Fans of mystery books with second chance romance and psychological twists will definitely want to give this book a try.
Ms. Clair does a good job introducing the characters, their back story and the current situation, which brings childhood friends back together, in the first couple of chapters of the books. While it was easy for me to connect with both main characters; Veronica “Ron” Kent and Caithelden “Caith” Breckwood, I have to admit that I had issues liking them both at the start of the book. There is an uncomfortable romantic relationship between Veronica, Ciath and one of his brothers (Veronica was with Caith first, then his brother, then Caith again), which I felt kind of detracted fro the story. However, as the story progressed and we learn more about a specific incident from the past, I found myself willing to overlook some of their quirks and liked how they dealt with their mutual attraction and the mystery of who and why someone was “haunting” Caith’s family’s lodge.
The secondary characters were well developed and I really enjoyed getting to know Caith’s family, his brothers Aren and Merlin in particular, and the citizens of Coldcreek, who added both color and drama to the events being investigated. The villains of the story, yes there is more than one, were colorful and had an interesting tie to both “Caith” and “Ron’s” past, and the numerous twists and turns the story takes made it difficult to discover who the real villains were – especially since ‘Caith” had so many issues from the past with his family that colored the investigation at first.
Will Veronica and Caith discover what’s really going on behind the “ghostly sightings” at Stone Willow Lodge before it’s too late and someone gets hurt? Will their second chance at love be more successful than their first? You’ll have to read Myth and Magic to find out, I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Ms. Clair’s work in the future.
November 3, 2015
Breckwood Industries is an influential company, especially in Coldcreek, where the Breckwood family lives. They own several companies and a business oriented lodge. The lodge is supposed to be a place of peace and Veronica manages this retreat. When they were children she used to be best friends with Merlin and Caithelden Breckwood. Now Caith is living somewhere else. Instead of joining the family company he's a private investigator in Boston where he's living with his son.
When strange things are happening at the Stone Willow Lodge Caith's brothers ask him to come back home to investigate the case. Even though awful memories will come to the surface again Caith agrees to help. That also means he will see Veronica for the first time after he left many years ago. Are they both ready for it and who's behind the occurrences at the lodge? It's close to Halloween and things are getting more and more creepy...
Myth and Magic is such a great romantic, mysterious story. It's the perfect Halloween read. So many mysterious things are happening at the lodge and Caith has been hired to find an explanation. That means he'll have to spend a lot of time with Veronica and he has some explaining to do. I loved the chemistry between them. I immediately liked them both. Caith has to overcome so much to be back in Coldcreek. Slowly his childhood traumas are being revealed. I was curious to find out why he and Veronica didn't end up together and couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened in the past. I felt so sad for the young Caith. Mae Clair has done a great job making the story come to life.
Both past and present are important in this book. It was definitely gripping and I read it in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down, which is always a good sign. I also loved the large family aspect. I immediately liked the Breckwoods and enjoyed reading about all of them. Myth and Magic is such a great story. I highly recommend it, especially because of the Halloween aspect. It was both fun and well developed. The combination of crimes that need to be solved and a beautiful romance works really well. If you're looking for a good thrilling read, you should definitely get this book.
When strange things are happening at the Stone Willow Lodge Caith's brothers ask him to come back home to investigate the case. Even though awful memories will come to the surface again Caith agrees to help. That also means he will see Veronica for the first time after he left many years ago. Are they both ready for it and who's behind the occurrences at the lodge? It's close to Halloween and things are getting more and more creepy...
Myth and Magic is such a great romantic, mysterious story. It's the perfect Halloween read. So many mysterious things are happening at the lodge and Caith has been hired to find an explanation. That means he'll have to spend a lot of time with Veronica and he has some explaining to do. I loved the chemistry between them. I immediately liked them both. Caith has to overcome so much to be back in Coldcreek. Slowly his childhood traumas are being revealed. I was curious to find out why he and Veronica didn't end up together and couldn't stop reading until I found out what happened in the past. I felt so sad for the young Caith. Mae Clair has done a great job making the story come to life.
Both past and present are important in this book. It was definitely gripping and I read it in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down, which is always a good sign. I also loved the large family aspect. I immediately liked the Breckwoods and enjoyed reading about all of them. Myth and Magic is such a great story. I highly recommend it, especially because of the Halloween aspect. It was both fun and well developed. The combination of crimes that need to be solved and a beautiful romance works really well. If you're looking for a good thrilling read, you should definitely get this book.
July 9, 2015
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Normally, mysteries are around a three star event for me. I like them but they are not generally my favorites. There was some romance and suspense involved in this one, along with a Halloween setting, that helped boost up it's rating as far as I'm concerned.
Caithelden Lairen hasn't been back to his hometown in twelve years., ever since he left for college. Back then, he was a Breckwood. HIs father expected him to have his place in the family business, but Caith had other plans. Plans that changed when him and his best friend were kidnapped and held for ransom on Halloween when they were thirteen years old. That day still haunts him. He can't let go of the past.
Now, he's heading back to Coldcreek to hopefully solve the mystery behind the strange occurrences at Stone Willow Lodge, a property owned by Breckwood Industries. However, he didn't expect to be thrown back in the mix with his childhood friend and one-time lover Veronica. As things start to fall in place, Caith learns that sometimes you just have to face your fears and focus on the people around you.
I did enjoy this book, more than I thought would. Caith's mother sounds like a woman after my own heart with her fascination with fairytales and mythology. The corn maze and hay rides made me wish Halloween would hurry and get here. Just gives me that carefree feeling, the same way I feel when that holiday comes around.
The writing was lovely and nicely descriptive. The story jumps back and forth between the present and past but not too much, it won't be confusing. That "past" parts really add to the story and placed in the right intervals also.
This book can be read any time of the year, but it would be perfect for a little Halloween mystery! Recommended!
Normally, mysteries are around a three star event for me. I like them but they are not generally my favorites. There was some romance and suspense involved in this one, along with a Halloween setting, that helped boost up it's rating as far as I'm concerned.
Caithelden Lairen hasn't been back to his hometown in twelve years., ever since he left for college. Back then, he was a Breckwood. HIs father expected him to have his place in the family business, but Caith had other plans. Plans that changed when him and his best friend were kidnapped and held for ransom on Halloween when they were thirteen years old. That day still haunts him. He can't let go of the past.
Now, he's heading back to Coldcreek to hopefully solve the mystery behind the strange occurrences at Stone Willow Lodge, a property owned by Breckwood Industries. However, he didn't expect to be thrown back in the mix with his childhood friend and one-time lover Veronica. As things start to fall in place, Caith learns that sometimes you just have to face your fears and focus on the people around you.
I did enjoy this book, more than I thought would. Caith's mother sounds like a woman after my own heart with her fascination with fairytales and mythology. The corn maze and hay rides made me wish Halloween would hurry and get here. Just gives me that carefree feeling, the same way I feel when that holiday comes around.
The writing was lovely and nicely descriptive. The story jumps back and forth between the present and past but not too much, it won't be confusing. That "past" parts really add to the story and placed in the right intervals also.
This book can be read any time of the year, but it would be perfect for a little Halloween mystery! Recommended!
May 9, 2016
This is my first book by Mae Clair, and it's a pretty good introduction to the author. Veronica (Ronnie or Ron) and Caith have known each other their entire lives, which doesn't make their eventual happily-ever-after any easier to reach. But it does mean they know each other well. This is one of those stories that, while sweet in a small town friends, family, and lovers kind of way, was a tale of miscommunication, missed opportunities, and misunderstandings. So much could've been resolved with a few honest conversations, particularly on Caith's part. The absolute best part of the book was the wonderful father-son relationship between Caith and Derry. Caith worked so hard to get everything right with his son that he felt his own father had gotten wrong with him. That relationship was probably the best in the novel. Caith's past and the ramifications on his life was very well done. His emotional scars made a lot of sense, as did his guilt and irrational fears.
Veronica's character wasn't equally explored as Caith's, which would've added a nice balance to the story and a needed depth. Overall, "Myth and Magic" is an enjoyable novel.
Veronica's character wasn't equally explored as Caith's, which would've added a nice balance to the story and a needed depth. Overall, "Myth and Magic" is an enjoyable novel.
August 4, 2015
What a wonderful story, chock full of mystery and romance. The Halloween elements were great, particularly the cool Halloween party I would love to attend (and not just because the hero wears a highwayman costume!) I am always hooked by a "second chance at love" story. It's so romantic when a hero and heroine find a way to overcome what separated them the first time around. Here, the hero, Caith, has done his best to deal with a tragedy from his youth--the result of his family's wealth and status. Unfortunately his way of coping was to cut himself off from those he loves, even changing his name, in an attempt to keep all of them safe. Fortunately some spooky goings-on at a corporate retreat his family owns gives Caith plenty of opportunities to reconnect with his first love, Veronica, and it was a delight to watch them fall in love all over again. Definitely don't miss this one!
July 17, 2015
Okay...I have a little bit of time, I'll read just one chapter for now. No, wait...maybe I have time for just one more. Oh, my gosh, I can't stop reading here! And--I think you get the drift. Once begun, Myth and Magic was difficult for me to put down. I won't give away any spoilers but the mystery and suspense that engulfs Stone Willow Lodge and all those connected to it kept me turning the pages when I knew I'd have to pay for the indulgence later. The ardent romance begun in childhood between Veronica and Caith (of which the embers have never died) might have had something to do with that indulgence as well! I highly recommend this book to all of those who have a passion for family dynamics in need of redemption, mixed in nicely with mystery, suspense and a rousing romance!
September 17, 2015
Being a fan of the supernatural, I found the premise of this book intriguing. This is a story of loss, love and redemption. A fun read and an ending that grabbed my heart and made me want to cheer. I did not see that save coming. Loved it!
August 8, 2021
Caithelden Breckwood is a tortured soul, carrying the weight of guilt for the death of his best friend. But they were only kids and all because of his family wealth and family name. Now he's an adult with a set of steel bars around his heart and a new last name leaving behind all association to the Breckwood family. The only one he lets in is his young son, Derrick. He's fiercely protective, determined that what happened to him will not ever happen to his son. However, when he is hired as a Private Investigator to get to the bottom of who and what is sabotaging Stone Willow Lodge, he comes face-to-face with his past including the one woman he has always loved. Veronica is not prepared to face Caith again. The wound he left on her heart is permanent. As the events that occur at the lodge escalate into an all-out attack, Caith and Veronica are swept into a nail-biting journey that also finds them still deeply attracted to each other and often winding up in each other's beds. The child, Derrick, plays a big part in helping each of the adults in this story heal and forgive. I loved all of the characters, but especially Caithelden's mother, Morgana, who is fascinated by myth and magic. The family drama that unfolds is believable as personalities clash and old issues arise. I rooted for Caith and Veronica all the way. That kind of love cannot be denied. The book came to a more than satisfactory conclusion. If you love a good mystery mixed with a steamy romance, you will love this book. I highly recommend it!
March 9, 2021
In Mae Clair's Myth and Magic, PI Caithelden "Caith" Lairen has been hired to unravel odd, maybe paranormal, events that take place at his family's retreat, Stone Willow Lodge, in the woods of northwestern Pennsylvania. The retreat was known as the Warren Barrister House, where Mr. Barrister brutally murdered his wife and children on a winter night in 1873. Now, in present day, dead animals are found on guests' beds. Ghostly apparitions appear in hallways and walk the grounds. Though Caith is estranged from his family, hasn't had any contact for a handful of years, he's still the best choice because he knows the most about the building's background. The retreat is run by Veronica Kent, a high school friend who he once hoped would become much more until events conspired against them. Caith didn’t want to take the job but is persuaded to do so primarily by his son who would like to get to know his relatives. Caith decided he could be an adult, treat this simply as a job, but the deeper he digs into the mysterious happenings and his family’s power over the small town that is home to the retreat, he realizes there is a lot more going on than he originally thought. For one, Veronica is dating Caith's brother Merlin who has never recovered from feeling intimidated by Caith.
If you like paranormal mystery with a generous helping of romance, you’re going to love this book. With an average Amazon rating of 4.5, a lot of people agree with me.
If you like paranormal mystery with a generous helping of romance, you’re going to love this book. With an average Amazon rating of 4.5, a lot of people agree with me.
August 30, 2015
Another great read by Mae Clair.
If you want a detail commentary of this book, you won't find it here. I will however, tell you what I thought and felt as I read this book. If you want details, that is what the synopsis is for :)
Anyway, this book had a lot. There was mystery, suspense, intrigue, revenge, redemption, heartache, hope, self loathing, even some violence and mayhem. But best of all, there was love, romance, and a well deserved HEA. Was it an easy journey? Heck no! That would be boring anyway. I was taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I had heart twinges (those heart flutters when you feel so sorry for the character), a few he he he moments, and yep even a few teary eyed moments. I didn't full out cry but my eyes did get misty.
This story sucked me in. Mae has a way of writing a story that makes you feel as if you are a part of it. Written as a multi pov. I hope there are going to be more stories with these characters. Caith has 3 brothers (1 that is married) so they could make great stories as well.
Caith and his son Derry go back to his home town after many years of being away. We get to watch Caith go through the turmoil of why he left in the first place. We get to see flash backs of past events that helped explain the inner workings of Caith. They were well placed and well written and added greatly to the story.
Veronica (Ron) grew up with Caith, Merlin and Trask. She always harbored a secret crush for Caith and one fateful night, her dreams finally come true only to have those dreams dashed a few weeks later when she got the dreaded Dear Jane letter. Ron pulls herself up by her bootstraps and makes the best of her situation. She doesn't let herself feel emotions, she stays in a uncommitted relationship to keep her heart safe from ever being destroyed again.
When Caith and Derry come back into her life, she can not stop the flood of emotions that makes the world tilt off it's axis. She so desperately wants to forget Caith but he finds a way to wiggle back into her heart. Love is a double edged sword. Caith feels emotions that he thinks he shouldn't feel because he doesn't want to put anyone else in danger like so many years ago. He fights with himself, running hot and cold leaving Ron even more confused. Ron doesn't want to let herself fall in love with Caith again, knowing that it will only end in heartache once again.
This story takes you on their journey. It is well written, the storyline is great, the dialogue between characters is entertaining and the descriptions to details are done well. All in all a great read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
If you want a detail commentary of this book, you won't find it here. I will however, tell you what I thought and felt as I read this book. If you want details, that is what the synopsis is for :)
Anyway, this book had a lot. There was mystery, suspense, intrigue, revenge, redemption, heartache, hope, self loathing, even some violence and mayhem. But best of all, there was love, romance, and a well deserved HEA. Was it an easy journey? Heck no! That would be boring anyway. I was taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. I had heart twinges (those heart flutters when you feel so sorry for the character), a few he he he moments, and yep even a few teary eyed moments. I didn't full out cry but my eyes did get misty.
This story sucked me in. Mae has a way of writing a story that makes you feel as if you are a part of it. Written as a multi pov. I hope there are going to be more stories with these characters. Caith has 3 brothers (1 that is married) so they could make great stories as well.
Caith and his son Derry go back to his home town after many years of being away. We get to watch Caith go through the turmoil of why he left in the first place. We get to see flash backs of past events that helped explain the inner workings of Caith. They were well placed and well written and added greatly to the story.
Veronica (Ron) grew up with Caith, Merlin and Trask. She always harbored a secret crush for Caith and one fateful night, her dreams finally come true only to have those dreams dashed a few weeks later when she got the dreaded Dear Jane letter. Ron pulls herself up by her bootstraps and makes the best of her situation. She doesn't let herself feel emotions, she stays in a uncommitted relationship to keep her heart safe from ever being destroyed again.
When Caith and Derry come back into her life, she can not stop the flood of emotions that makes the world tilt off it's axis. She so desperately wants to forget Caith but he finds a way to wiggle back into her heart. Love is a double edged sword. Caith feels emotions that he thinks he shouldn't feel because he doesn't want to put anyone else in danger like so many years ago. He fights with himself, running hot and cold leaving Ron even more confused. Ron doesn't want to let herself fall in love with Caith again, knowing that it will only end in heartache once again.
This story takes you on their journey. It is well written, the storyline is great, the dialogue between characters is entertaining and the descriptions to details are done well. All in all a great read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
January 9, 2017
This was a book full of intriguing contrasts. The harsh reality of family tragedy was interspersed with the light-hearted whimsy of mythical tales. The fallout of survivor guilt was intermixed with both long-standing character flaws and honest and loyal love. The mood of the mystery ranged from reminding me of the fun I had as a child, watching Scooby and the gang solve cases, to an intense thriller/suspense that had me on the edge of my seat. The romance had me disliking the main male character, Caith, at times (mainly in the beginning), and occasionally rooting against the couple, to finding new respect for him and cheering them on to a happily ever after (mainly toward the end). I hummed and hawed between a rating of 4 and 5. What threw me over the edge toward the higher rating was the amount of time I spent thinking about themes of the story, long after the final page was read. Childhood tragedy does, indeed, include long-term fallout, some of which can be quite psychologically devastating. If you don't understand the reason behind unsavory behaviors, it is easy to have little patience for them. Ms. Clair did a masterful job of slowly unraveling the mystery of character personality/family dynamics, while simultaneously unraveling the mystery of "paranormal" activity at Stone Willow Lodge. I'm glad she didn't "spoon-feed" us the family back-story in the beginning. It forced us readers to form opinions of characters based solely on current behaviors (not history). With this approach, the story acted as a great reminder that if you are turned off by someone's behavior (including your own), with a little detective work (especially when mixed with some open communication), you can sometimes dig out the root cause of those frustrating behaviors, and work on healing/improvement from there. I thank Ms. Clair for that important reminder, and for the creative way in which she reminded me!
July 9, 2015
Romance against the backdrop of a haunted hotel
It’s no coincidence that “Mae Clair” rhymes with “great flair”, because this author clearly had a great flair for description and drama.
Mae Clair has hit her stride with this romantic suspense novel set at a haunted hotel at Halloween time. A pro at setting mood, Clair brought me right into her world. Sights, smells, character feelings, it was all there as odd things begin happening at Stone Willow Lodge and manager Veronica must get to the bottom of it or else see the Lodge permanently closed.
Veronica has more at stake than just her job when the private investigator hired to help her turns out to be a former lover…who broke her heart.
Every character is given realistic problems they must overcome. Even the secondary characters are fleshed-out and complex in all the right ways. I read this book every evening this week and had a hard time putting it down. Once the book was down, I had a hard time not thinking about the mystery presented and the lovable characters.
Clair also does a great job at reminding me what it was like to be a teenager. The protagonists are adults now, but their teenage pasts come into play as old friendships and rifts make everyone a suspect in the mystery that must be solved: who or what is behind the occurrences at the Lodge. As each character remembers vibrant bits from their past (some beautiful, some brutally painful), the story of the present becomes even more richly layered.
This one is a keeper for me. I’ve already recommended it to my friends and family and can’t wait to talk about it with them!
If you like mood-setting description, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and swoon-worthy romance, You Gotta Read Mae Clair’s Myth and Magic.
This review appears on You Gotta Read Reviews
It’s no coincidence that “Mae Clair” rhymes with “great flair”, because this author clearly had a great flair for description and drama.
Mae Clair has hit her stride with this romantic suspense novel set at a haunted hotel at Halloween time. A pro at setting mood, Clair brought me right into her world. Sights, smells, character feelings, it was all there as odd things begin happening at Stone Willow Lodge and manager Veronica must get to the bottom of it or else see the Lodge permanently closed.
Veronica has more at stake than just her job when the private investigator hired to help her turns out to be a former lover…who broke her heart.
Every character is given realistic problems they must overcome. Even the secondary characters are fleshed-out and complex in all the right ways. I read this book every evening this week and had a hard time putting it down. Once the book was down, I had a hard time not thinking about the mystery presented and the lovable characters.
Clair also does a great job at reminding me what it was like to be a teenager. The protagonists are adults now, but their teenage pasts come into play as old friendships and rifts make everyone a suspect in the mystery that must be solved: who or what is behind the occurrences at the Lodge. As each character remembers vibrant bits from their past (some beautiful, some brutally painful), the story of the present becomes even more richly layered.
This one is a keeper for me. I’ve already recommended it to my friends and family and can’t wait to talk about it with them!
If you like mood-setting description, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and swoon-worthy romance, You Gotta Read Mae Clair’s Myth and Magic.
This review appears on You Gotta Read Reviews
October 22, 2015
Okay, so I normally try to stay as far as I can away from spoilering a book; unless its something big that happens in the first couple chapters. But I really feel that this is something that needs to be said. I saw this book cover, read the title and then the blurb and thought Paranormal Romance. Bring it On! Um, yeah, not so much. This is a Romantic Suspense; especially as there is no real paranormal activity. That's right, those "ghostly apparitions" in the blurb will all be explained away. I'm still a bit perturbed that it wasn't the genre I thought it was.
Having said that, it was an excellent Romantic Suspense. I remember thinking at about the 53% mark that I totally knew who the bad guy was. Yeah, not so much. The author managed to completely twist things just enough that I was caught as shocked as Caith and Ron (Veronica) were. And didn't that cause my mouth to drop open in shock and awe! It is rare that I am completely blindsided by an author's tricksy clues and red herrings. Although I shouldn't be surprised, it's words like Myth, Magic, and Monsters that led to my mistaken identity of the book's genre. So of course she managed to slide the bad guys right by me, like a magician setting up the big finale. Hmmpf.
Needless to say, if you are a fan of really good Romantic Suspense novels, you should check this one out. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and it had a nice mix of action and dialogue. The plot kept a nice pace, moving me inextricably along it's path of duplicity to the wrong conclusions. (Tricksy author!) I gave this book 4 stars and am adding the author as one to watch for.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington and Goddess Fish for the opportunity to read and review the book.
Having said that, it was an excellent Romantic Suspense. I remember thinking at about the 53% mark that I totally knew who the bad guy was. Yeah, not so much. The author managed to completely twist things just enough that I was caught as shocked as Caith and Ron (Veronica) were. And didn't that cause my mouth to drop open in shock and awe! It is rare that I am completely blindsided by an author's tricksy clues and red herrings. Although I shouldn't be surprised, it's words like Myth, Magic, and Monsters that led to my mistaken identity of the book's genre. So of course she managed to slide the bad guys right by me, like a magician setting up the big finale. Hmmpf.
Needless to say, if you are a fan of really good Romantic Suspense novels, you should check this one out. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and it had a nice mix of action and dialogue. The plot kept a nice pace, moving me inextricably along it's path of duplicity to the wrong conclusions. (Tricksy author!) I gave this book 4 stars and am adding the author as one to watch for.
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington and Goddess Fish for the opportunity to read and review the book.
October 26, 2015
3.5 stars - I liked it a lot
Myth and Magic is a stand-alone romantic suspense and mystery by Mae Clair. Do not be fooled by the title, this is not a fantasy novel. Also be warned that there is a strong romantic element, with non-graphic but passionate sex scenes.
The story line is complex. The investigation of mysterious seemingly supernatural happenings is the initial premise, however the focus swiftly shifts to the effects of post traumatic stress disorder in a teenager and the way they shaped his relationships and his life. Family life, personal relationships, insecurities, beliefs and greed are all explored.
The third person narrative switches between the points of view of the two main protagonists, Ron (Veronica) and Caith (Caithelden) Breckwood. Italicised flashback sections are also used very effectively to reveal Caith's past.
The writing style is evocative, with smells, colours and moods, yet not overly descriptive. The characters are vivid and well developed, and so is each aspect of the storyline; romance, mystery and intrigue are a constant and all is fully explained and resolved in the end.
On a few occasions I found the narration a little repetitive, and I felt that some trimming could have been beneficial.
Overall, this was an engaging, intelligent and entertaining read, and I would not hesitate to read further works by Mae Clair.
[ARC received via Netgalley]
BooksChatter
Myth and Magic is a stand-alone romantic suspense and mystery by Mae Clair. Do not be fooled by the title, this is not a fantasy novel. Also be warned that there is a strong romantic element, with non-graphic but passionate sex scenes.
The story line is complex. The investigation of mysterious seemingly supernatural happenings is the initial premise, however the focus swiftly shifts to the effects of post traumatic stress disorder in a teenager and the way they shaped his relationships and his life. Family life, personal relationships, insecurities, beliefs and greed are all explored.
The third person narrative switches between the points of view of the two main protagonists, Ron (Veronica) and Caith (Caithelden) Breckwood. Italicised flashback sections are also used very effectively to reveal Caith's past.
The writing style is evocative, with smells, colours and moods, yet not overly descriptive. The characters are vivid and well developed, and so is each aspect of the storyline; romance, mystery and intrigue are a constant and all is fully explained and resolved in the end.
On a few occasions I found the narration a little repetitive, and I felt that some trimming could have been beneficial.
Overall, this was an engaging, intelligent and entertaining read, and I would not hesitate to read further works by Mae Clair.
[ARC received via Netgalley]
BooksChatter
September 5, 2015
There is so much going on in this story--mystery, romance, murder and family betrayal--that it would be hard to keep up if the pieces weren't so expertly woven together. A good read from start to finish.
The story is helped by the relatively small list of characters so you are never confused as to who is doing what when. Caith and Veronica make a wonderful couple at the center of the story with their young love gone astray and the haunted past that they share. Caith is an easy hero to love in spite of him being rather quiet and closed off in general. The author does a wonderful job of making sure that you know what he is thinking and feeling even if he doesn't talk much. And Veronica, "Ronnie," is strong in her own right, but not afraid to offer love and support to Caith and his family, which she is truly a part of. And Derrick is such an integral part of the story and it was refreshing to see a kid written in with such care and attention to detail.
The plot itself is a wonderful blend of mystery and romance, love lost and found, young love that has never died. The way that the mystery was woven into the story was intriguing...you are finding the clues along with Caith and it really draws you in.
I also like the setting of Stone Willow Lodge. It becomes a character of it's own as all of the creepy happenings seem to be generated from the house itself. Is it really haunted because of it's evil past or is someone just trying to make it look that way? Honestly, I wouldn't have minded spending a few nights there myself!
The story is helped by the relatively small list of characters so you are never confused as to who is doing what when. Caith and Veronica make a wonderful couple at the center of the story with their young love gone astray and the haunted past that they share. Caith is an easy hero to love in spite of him being rather quiet and closed off in general. The author does a wonderful job of making sure that you know what he is thinking and feeling even if he doesn't talk much. And Veronica, "Ronnie," is strong in her own right, but not afraid to offer love and support to Caith and his family, which she is truly a part of. And Derrick is such an integral part of the story and it was refreshing to see a kid written in with such care and attention to detail.
The plot itself is a wonderful blend of mystery and romance, love lost and found, young love that has never died. The way that the mystery was woven into the story was intriguing...you are finding the clues along with Caith and it really draws you in.
I also like the setting of Stone Willow Lodge. It becomes a character of it's own as all of the creepy happenings seem to be generated from the house itself. Is it really haunted because of it's evil past or is someone just trying to make it look that way? Honestly, I wouldn't have minded spending a few nights there myself!
November 9, 2015
This book caught me a bit off guard. I found it though Book Bub and I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but it sounded good enough to give it a shot. I really, REALLY enjoyed how this story line played out.
Caith was a broken man who was having trouble reconciling his current life with things that happened in his past. Veronica was the girl who's loved him her whole life. Neither were willing to budge when Caith first returned, but their stubbornness actually helped them become friends, and then lovers, again as adults. Caith broke her heart in high school and she never got over the hurt.
I also found myself rooting for the secondary characters and how they help Caith stop running from his past and embrace his future. The way that Mae Clair gave the reader just enough to know that something super bad happened to Caith without giving all of the details to the reader until the very end kept me guessing the whole time about what really happened and what hole Caith was leaving out when he was narrating.
This is the first book that I've read by Mae Clair, but it definitely won't be my last. Her gripping storytelling ability sucked me in completely and I couldn't put this book down. I started it one morning and stayed up that night to finish it because I couldn't fathom going to sleep without knowing how the story ended.
This is really a 4.5 star book for me and I can't wait to jump into another Mae Clair book!
Caith was a broken man who was having trouble reconciling his current life with things that happened in his past. Veronica was the girl who's loved him her whole life. Neither were willing to budge when Caith first returned, but their stubbornness actually helped them become friends, and then lovers, again as adults. Caith broke her heart in high school and she never got over the hurt.
I also found myself rooting for the secondary characters and how they help Caith stop running from his past and embrace his future. The way that Mae Clair gave the reader just enough to know that something super bad happened to Caith without giving all of the details to the reader until the very end kept me guessing the whole time about what really happened and what hole Caith was leaving out when he was narrating.
This is the first book that I've read by Mae Clair, but it definitely won't be my last. Her gripping storytelling ability sucked me in completely and I couldn't put this book down. I started it one morning and stayed up that night to finish it because I couldn't fathom going to sleep without knowing how the story ended.
This is really a 4.5 star book for me and I can't wait to jump into another Mae Clair book!
September 3, 2015
Legends, myths, ghosts and a mystery make this an exciting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Stone Willow lodge is building that has a past shrouded with violence, legend and myths. When strange things start happening in the present its time for the prodigal son to return home. Caith left home 12 years ago running from a past he could never forget. Called home to solve a mystery he is forced to face his demons before the past repeats itself. Veronica loved Caith from the first time she met him as a child. When he walked away from her 12 years ago her world fell apart. Now he is back and she is determined to not let him know how much he hurt her. I found this to be a well developed storyline with complicated characters and a great mystery. Once you think you may have figured it out you encounter a twist or a turn that shoots your theory down. The interactions between the characters is snarky, filled with emotion and several are very heavy. I think my favorite scene is when all the brothers are playing ball in their parents back yard. Even with all the distance between them they still were able to come together and laugh like children. If you like books about second chances and facing up to your past this is a great choice. Its easy to read, keeps your attention right up to the end and is sure to become one of your favorite reads.
October 7, 2015
Veronica has always loved Caith. Caith left his hometown long ago amongst a lot of strife. But, when strange things start happening at the lodge that Veronica runs for Caith’s family he is called back to investigate. What he doesn’t expect is to feel as strongly toward Veronica as he did before he left. Can Caith figure out what is causing the problems in the lodge and avoid Veronica? Will the past collide with the present in a tragic way?
This was a really good novel. The story of Caith and Veronica’s friendship turned more really added depth to a novel centered around two mysteries. I loved how this book was written with the flashbacks to the one incident that changed his life forever. All of the characters are well written and developed. It isn’t until Caith’s return to his hometown does he truly develop and become more than his past. Within the pages of this book you will discover mysteries and tragedies that effected an entire family. Redemption finally comes to those that want it. The question is what will happen before the past can be left there and one can move forward. Mae Clair does another fantastic job telling a story with aspects that have you questioning reality and convincing yourself that it is entirely real. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Mae Clair book.
This was a really good novel. The story of Caith and Veronica’s friendship turned more really added depth to a novel centered around two mysteries. I loved how this book was written with the flashbacks to the one incident that changed his life forever. All of the characters are well written and developed. It isn’t until Caith’s return to his hometown does he truly develop and become more than his past. Within the pages of this book you will discover mysteries and tragedies that effected an entire family. Redemption finally comes to those that want it. The question is what will happen before the past can be left there and one can move forward. Mae Clair does another fantastic job telling a story with aspects that have you questioning reality and convincing yourself that it is entirely real. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next Mae Clair book.
September 1, 2015
Myth and Magic is the second work by Mae Clair that I've read, and in my opinion, they just keep getting better. This book is packed with intrigue, suspense, second chances, and letting go of past fears and hurts. There's so much to love in this story. I loved the back story of four childhood friends setting out on so many adventures, it brought me back to my own youth and running wild with my friends.
I could feel the pain and despair Caith held on to for so long, I mourned how much of himself, his family, and his life he lost by being consumed by the past. Yet I reveled in the mythical aspects of the story and the family dynamic. At times I didn't like Merlin and Galen, and at the end of the story, I was still on the fence about Galen, but Merlin won me over.
The second chance story of Veronica and Caith was sweet and didn't overshadow the mystery to the story. The tension and the romance was present, and sex was alluded to, but done tastefully behind doors.
I loved the setting of the story, the legend of the lake, and the history of Stone Willow Lodge. There was magic there, of so many kinds.
Overall, I think this is a great read for romance and mystery lovers. You can't go wrong with this book!
I could feel the pain and despair Caith held on to for so long, I mourned how much of himself, his family, and his life he lost by being consumed by the past. Yet I reveled in the mythical aspects of the story and the family dynamic. At times I didn't like Merlin and Galen, and at the end of the story, I was still on the fence about Galen, but Merlin won me over.
The second chance story of Veronica and Caith was sweet and didn't overshadow the mystery to the story. The tension and the romance was present, and sex was alluded to, but done tastefully behind doors.
I loved the setting of the story, the legend of the lake, and the history of Stone Willow Lodge. There was magic there, of so many kinds.
Overall, I think this is a great read for romance and mystery lovers. You can't go wrong with this book!
October 24, 2015
Veronica Kent is still interested in Caith Breckwood. Oh, yes she is! But he broke her heart years ago and she can’t go through that kind of heartbreak again. But, whether she likes it or not, she has to work with him. She’s managing Stone Willow Lake Lodge where some very strange and scary things have been happening. Caith is now a PI and the CEO of the company for Stone Willow, Caith’s brother, has called him to investigate the goings on.
Even though Caith still feels a strong attraction to Veronica (Ron), he really did not want to return to Stone Willow. It was where he’d lost his best friend, Trask, seventeen years before when a kidnapping went terribly wrong. The anniversary of that event is now coming up. Do the happenings at the lodge relate to the past?
This story makes the reader curious to know not only about the investigation about the strange occurrences but also about the secrets of the characters from the twelve years since they’d been together. There is a strong Breckwood family connection, but there’s also a lot of strife. The story combines mystery and romance, and both are done well. There are several flashbacks to the time when they were all kids and teens living in and around the area. Rating: 4 out of 5.
Even though Caith still feels a strong attraction to Veronica (Ron), he really did not want to return to Stone Willow. It was where he’d lost his best friend, Trask, seventeen years before when a kidnapping went terribly wrong. The anniversary of that event is now coming up. Do the happenings at the lodge relate to the past?
This story makes the reader curious to know not only about the investigation about the strange occurrences but also about the secrets of the characters from the twelve years since they’d been together. There is a strong Breckwood family connection, but there’s also a lot of strife. The story combines mystery and romance, and both are done well. There are several flashbacks to the time when they were all kids and teens living in and around the area. Rating: 4 out of 5.
March 23, 2016
Myth and Magic had me hooked and entertained from the first couple of pages until the end. The characters are engaging and believable. It not only has a romantic and compelling mystery, but also deals with many other issues we can all relate to … love, loss, betrayal, guilt and estrangement from family. I think that is one of the reasons I fell in love with this story, because all of the characters interactions and emotions felt real, not contrived.
There are ghoulish and disturbing happenings at Stone Willow Lodge and a private Investigator is hired to figure out who or what is responsible. This brings Caith, the PI hired for the job, back to his hometown and to his wealthy family whom he has been estranged from for years. He is also forced to face and work with Veronica, his former life-long friend and love who he betrayed. Time does not heal all wounds and confronting past emotions and tragedies can be unbearable. The family interactions were both warm and heart-wrenching.
The mystery unfolds at a good pace and clues are uncovered that bring suspicion on several different characters and keep the reader guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and could relate to many of the themes. I highly recommend this novel. I will be reading more from Mae Claire.
There are ghoulish and disturbing happenings at Stone Willow Lodge and a private Investigator is hired to figure out who or what is responsible. This brings Caith, the PI hired for the job, back to his hometown and to his wealthy family whom he has been estranged from for years. He is also forced to face and work with Veronica, his former life-long friend and love who he betrayed. Time does not heal all wounds and confronting past emotions and tragedies can be unbearable. The family interactions were both warm and heart-wrenching.
The mystery unfolds at a good pace and clues are uncovered that bring suspicion on several different characters and keep the reader guessing. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and could relate to many of the themes. I highly recommend this novel. I will be reading more from Mae Claire.
October 9, 2015
I don’t often read spooky stories, much as I love suspense when the plot goes into the area of ghosts and things that go bump in the night, I tend to avoid them.
Mae Clair caught my interest with the amazing cover first and then the blurb for Myth and Magic.
Love and danger intertwine
AS CHILDREN THEY PLAYED GAMES OF MYTH AND MAGIC
Then I opened the book and the first sentence was:
“Stone Willow hounded by dead dog.”
Okay, that doesn’t sound too scary. :)
I gave the book a try and am glad I did. The author uses many fresh turns of phrase and is a master at setting a scene.
I liked the interactions between Ron (Veronica) and Caith, but have to admit I fell for Caith’s never-do-well- brother, Merlin, who almost steals the show on more than one occasion.
The reader is left guessing who is committing the acts of vandalism that terrorize the guests of Stone Willow Lodge until the very end.
This book is a recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery romance with a paranormal twist.
I give this read: 4 lovely kisses- first posted on http://jacqbiggar.com
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
Mae Clair caught my interest with the amazing cover first and then the blurb for Myth and Magic.
Love and danger intertwine
AS CHILDREN THEY PLAYED GAMES OF MYTH AND MAGIC
Then I opened the book and the first sentence was:
“Stone Willow hounded by dead dog.”
Okay, that doesn’t sound too scary. :)
I gave the book a try and am glad I did. The author uses many fresh turns of phrase and is a master at setting a scene.
I liked the interactions between Ron (Veronica) and Caith, but have to admit I fell for Caith’s never-do-well- brother, Merlin, who almost steals the show on more than one occasion.
The reader is left guessing who is committing the acts of vandalism that terrorize the guests of Stone Willow Lodge until the very end.
This book is a recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery romance with a paranormal twist.
I give this read: 4 lovely kisses- first posted on http://jacqbiggar.com
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
September 10, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this gripping novel by Mae Clair. This tale of second chances was filled with myth, magic, suspense and romance. I'm usually pretty good about solving a mystery early, but in this tale, Clair kept me guessing until the very end. Veronica "Ron" Kent has remained in her hometown, making a success of herself, but has run into problems she can't seem to solve. Mysterious things have been happening at the lodge she manages, and the owners step in and suggest hiring private investigator, Caith Lairen. That the PI they want is their brother, and the only man Ron has ever loved drives the romance as they rediscover each other. Caith abandoned Ron right after high school, fearing a ghost from his past will rise up and pose danger to Ron. But he has never stopped loving her either. Through in someone who wants to ruin the lodge and the intrigue deepens.
This story has something for everyone. The writing is superb, tight and evocative. Clair's gift for description draws the reader deeper into the story. You cannot go wrong with Myth And Magic.
This story has something for everyone. The writing is superb, tight and evocative. Clair's gift for description draws the reader deeper into the story. You cannot go wrong with Myth And Magic.
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