Laced with Magic [Paperback]

Barbara Bretton (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 4, 2009

From "a master storyteller"(Booklist (starred review) comes more magic, knitting, and love in the delightful follow-up to Casting Spells.

Knit shop owner and sorcerer's daughter Chloe Hobbs felt the Fates finally got it right when she met Luke MacKenzie. And no one could have convinced her otherwise-including the trolls, selkies, or spirits who also call Sugar Maple, Vermont, home. But then out of nowhere Luke's ex-wife suddenly shows up, claiming to see the spirit of their daughter, Steffie-a daughter Chloe knows nothing about.

Steffie's spirit is being held hostage by a certain Fae leader. And if Chloe weaves a spell to free her spirit, her nemesis will also be free-free to destroy her yarn shop and all of Sugar Maple. But if she doesn't, Steffie won't be the only one spending eternity in hell. Chloe'll be joining her, cursed with a broken heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Half-sorceress Chloe Hobbs and policeman Luke MacKenzie, the only humans in the sleepy Vermont town of Sugar Maple, face worldly and unearthly challenges in this sweetly charming sequel to 2008's Casting Spells. When Luke's ex-wife, Karen, shows up in town claiming that their dead daughter is trying to ask them for help, Chloe must deal with smalltown gossip and fix her relationship with Luke while she battles her old Fae enemy, Isadora, over the child's spirit and the future of Sugar Maple. Bretton seamlessly blends a playful world of eccentric and meddling supernatural creatures living in the midst of New England with a warm, natural and romantic story and just a hint of mystery. Scenes in Chloe's yarn shop and helpful knitting tips hold extra appeal for yarn aficionados while never distracting from the plot. (Aug.)
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About the Author

Barbara Bretton is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling author of more than 40 books. She resides in New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; First Edition edition (August 4, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425227529
• ISBN-13: 978-0425227527
• Product Dimensions: 0.9 x 5 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #540,826 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

In the month of February 1982 I wrote and sold my first novel. And no, I wouldn't believe it either if it hadn't happened to me. I sent in my manuscript on Thursday February 21, 1982 and four days later the telephone rang and I heard the amazing words, "We want to buy your book." How I wish you could have seen me. I was standing by the kitchen door of our North Babylon house, the picture of cool sophistication, as I listened to Vivian Stephens explain the terms of the deal to me. You would have thought I'd sold a first book every single day of my life. Yes, I said. Sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for calling. I look forward to our association. That cool sophistication hung on until I hung up the phone, took a deep breath, then promptly threw up on my shoes.

I was thirty-one years old, unagented, unschooled, unfamiliar with anything to do with the business of publishing. To put it mildly, I was in shock. My husband was working in Manhattan at the time (and finishing up his degree at night) so it would be hours until I could break the news to him. This was too exciting to waste on a phone call. I wanted to see his face when I told him that my dream had finally come true -- and came with a $6000 advance!

He pulled into the driveway at midnight. I was waiting in the doorway, holding a bottle of champagne and two glasses. I didn't have to say a word. He knew right away and the look of joy and pride in his eyes warms me now, years later, long after the advance faded into memory.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A very good tale. August 4, 2009

By Detra Fitch

Format:Paperback

Once upon a time, Aerynn Hobbs cast a protective charm over the small Vermont town of Sugar Maple designed to keep it safe from the sharp eyes of the real world as long as one of her female descendants walked the earth. The town is made up of witches, ghosts, shapeshifters, trolls, vampires, and so much more. There are but two exceptions. The first is Chloe Hobbs, who is half-human and half-sorceress. She has only recently come into her powers and they are unpredictable. She is also the last female Hobbs descendant. The town keeps close eyes on her for that reason. Chloe is nearing the age of thirty and is still unwed. So the people of Sugar Maple are worried that Chloe may not produce an heir to the charm. The second is Luke MacKenzie, who is full-human and the acting chief of police. Though Chloe and Luke are in a relationship, it has not reached a serious level as yet. Worse, Luke really did not want kids.

Karen MacKenzie, Luke's ex-wife, arrives in Sugar Maple in a frazzled state of nerves. Their dead daughter, Steffie, has been calling her on her phone, reaching out for help. Isadora, a cruel Fae leader who has been banished from our dimension, is holding little Steffie's spirit hostage. Should Chloe help release Steffie, Isadora would also be freed.

**** FOUR STARS! The book is written in the first person. The first person view hops (very often) between Chloe, Luke, and Karen. Switching view points every few pages became irritating for me quickly, but the story was too interesting for me to stop reading. If you have not read the previous title, Casting Spells, you will still have no trouble enjoying this story. The author did a terrific job of giving new readers the back information needed in a way that will not aggravate those who did read book one.... To get that perfect amount of information takes major talent and Barbara Bretton makes it look easy.

The ending of the book will disappoint some readers. I like to warn readers whenever a story ends with a cliff-hanger, because many prefer to buy the full series (or trilogy) and then read them back-to-back when the entire saga has been published. (The main plot line in this book does have closure though.) This story is well worth your time and money. I enjoyed it very much. ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews. Read more ›

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Laced With Magic September 30, 2009

By P. Keeling

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book. However, it is certainly deeper material, and perhaps a bit better written.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Laced with Magic November 29, 2009

By M. Nix

Format:Paperback

Things are finally going right for Chloe Hobbs. Her latent sorceress powers have finally kicked in, she saved her town from being pulled beyond the mist, she banished the power-hungry Fae leader, Isadora, and best of all, she's in love with Luke Mackenzie, the town's chief of police and only resident full-blooded human. But Chloe's bubble of happiness is popped when Luke's ex-wife, Karen, shows up in Sugar Maple, claiming the spirit of Steffie, their dead daughter, is in trouble. Despite wishing Karen a thousand miles away, not to mention the shock of learning Luke had a daughter, Chloe can't leave Steffie's spirit in danger. Turns out, Chloe's old nemesis, Isadora, is the one holding Steffie's spirit hostage and will only release her if Chloe undoes her banishment. It's up to Chloe to rescue Steffie's spirit, save her town and her relationship with Luke before Isadora destroys all three.

Action, danger, and a surfeit of magic blend together as things take a dark turn in this sequel to Casting Spells. Laced with Magic is even more engrossing than its predecessor, though the joy and energy that came from the first book is markedly lessened by the desperate situation the characters are in. Chloe and Luke remain incredibly likeable as, to my surprise, was Karen. These three endeared themselves to me in part because of Barbara Bretton's use of the first person. The story switches from each of their perspectives (clearly labeled, which I appreciate), giving me a more intimate inroad to their thoughts. Because of my attachment to these characters, I couldn't put Laced with Magic down because I wanted to see everything work out for them.

I was delighted to return to the town of Sugar Maple once more in Laced with Magic.... Chloe's store, Stick & Strings, continues to be a knitter's dream, and the town itself a fascinating one. The other residents of Sugar Maple, from faeries to vampires, werewolves, and so forth remain interesting, but I am sad to report they are less likeable than in Casting Spells. Still, I was captivated by Laced with Magic and, given the cliffhanger Ms. Bretton ends the story with, am on the edge of my seat for the next Sugar Maple book.

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Funny and Magical Tale August 28, 2009

By Cinnamon Brown

Format:Paperback

LACED WITH MAGIC by Barbara Bretton was a beautifully light tale of magic and romance. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked up LACED WITH MAGIC, but this book exceeded that. The story was fantastic, the suspense full and captivating, and to top it all off the romance was completely delicious. If you're looking for a good Romance with a nice touch of magic, LACED WITH MAGIC is it.

Readers were first introduced to Chloe, part sorceress and knit shop owner, in Bretton's first book, Casting Spells. Now, in LACED WITH MAGIC we find Chloe still managing her knit shop and her romantic relationship with the hunky Officer Luke. If only he weren't a human, life would be so much easier! Finally accustomed to Chloe's fits of magic, Luke has managed to find a place for himself in the magical town of Sugar Maple. Many accept him, some tolerate him. Regardless of their feelings about Luke, all want him to hurry up and get Chloe pregnant already. Chloe's ancestors are the key to upholding the spell that protect Sugar Maple and if Chloe leaves the realm without providing a female heir to carry on the protection, Sugar Maple will be lost.

With pressure growing to protect the town, Chloe has a lot on her plate and really doesn't need any more. Of course, right at that point we meet Karen, Luke's ex-wife. Spouting stories of hearing her dead daughter's voice on her cell phone and seeing her in the playground, Karen hunts Luke down and pleads for his help. Anyone that has experienced a new relationship will know that having the focus of the old relationship in close proximity usually leads to some form of drama. Chloe and Karen certainly don't disappoint. While the three try to figure out the relationships among them, a darker force is gaining power in Sugar Maple.... If Chloe can't gain control of her powers and banish this force forever, Sugar Maple will surely fall.

Bretton wrote a really fantastic story. This isn't necessarily an epic story or a dark thriller. I wouldn't place it with Lord of the Rings although the magic and romance do come close at some points. LACED WITH MAGIC is different in that it isn't very dark. The book has a very light, ethereal quality to it. Perhaps it's the way Bretton instilled humor in the form of Chloe and her magical mishaps, or Karen and her fairly bratty attitude. Maybe it's the way she gives all of her characters some sort of realistic quality. Midge the vampire is short and chubby with a perm that might make you cringe. Bretton creates a world where although it is highly magical and supernatural, we could actually visualize driving through on a quiet Sunday morning and being none the wiser.

The characters in LACED WITH MAGIC were just wonderful and really helped to make the book something special. LACED WITH MAGIC is riddled with suspense and tension and could easily have become dark and bogged down. Instead, the characters kept the feel of the book fairly upbeat and added life to the story. These are characters that I would love to know. Normally, a story is a story and although I may get a ton of enjoyment out of it, it's still just a great story written by a talented author. In this case, I fell in love with Bretton's characters. It's obvious that Bretton puts a lot of love into her writing and developing her characters. From just having read LACED WITH MAGIC and experiencing Bretton's storytelling, I would immediately and without question pick up any of Bretton's other past or future works.

Finally, I love how Bretton instilled the book with knitting tidbits. Chloe owns the knit shop and is a voracious knitter so Bretton does throw quite a few knitting terms out there. Although I have only dabbled at knitting and crocheting myself, it's obvious that Bretton knows her stuff. I would warn readers however, I had to look up some of the knitting terms that Bretton uses. If you don't know what she's talking about, it's not really going to affect the story much so I wouldn't let it detract you from giving the book a try.

Fair warning time: There are a few adult themes and adult scenes. Bretton doesn't really describe too many body parts so I would give this a sensuality rating of 3.5.

LACED WITH MAGIC has to earn top marks. The story was wonderfully constructed and the characters made the whole thing lift up off the page. I think the best way for me to describe LACED WITH MAGIC would be to say that it is a stroke of sparkly, brilliantly colored paint on a black background. The story stands out and in a world of intense Paranormal Romances it brightens the field with its lighter nature. Read more ›