Spellcrossed [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Ashford (Author)

Book Description

Release date: June 5, 2012

It's not easy losing the love of your life...

But when Maggie Graham freed Rowan Mackenzie from the curse that bound him to this world, she took the first step toward her new life as director of the Crossroads Theatre. As a hectic new season begins, magic takes a back seat to ticket sales as Maggie balances the demands of her interfering board president and a company of actors that includes bewildered amateurs, disdainful professionals, a horde of children, and an arthritic dog. But magic is hard to banish from the old white barn, where memories lurk like ghosts in the shadowy wings and the unexpected is as time-honored a tradition as the curtain call. And when the tangled spells of the past turn Maggie's life upside down, it will take more than magic to ensure the happy-ever-after ending she longs for.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There's a vast but little known overlap between fans of fantasy and fans of musical theater, and Barbara Ashford hits the sweet spot on both with Spellcast. It's warm, humorous, emotional, heartfelt, and full of magic. Curse you, Barbara, for making me cry! And for getting 'Some Enchanted Evening' stuck in my head all week."

(New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn )

"One of those rare gems...something completely unique in the pantheon of novels I have read over a lifetime. It is a love story, a fantasy, a mystery, and a theatre book all rolled up into one."

(New Myths (for SPELLCAST) )

"A charming fantasy novel [that] left me wanting more, in fine theatrical tradition."

(Locus (for SPELLCAST) )

"Barbara Ashford draws upon her own theater experience, pouring a bit of herself into Maggie Graham, and the resulting mix of musical theater and fantasy is nothing short of fantastic."

(New York Journal of Books (for SPELLCAST) )

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: DAW (June 5, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075640729X
• ISBN-13: 978-0756407292
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #637,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara wrote her first novel "Cherokee the Wild Pinto" when she was eight years old and prepared the final manuscript on her Tom Thumb typewriter. She abandoned a career in educational administration to pursue a life in the theatre, working as an actress in summer stock and dinner theatre and later, as a lyricist and librettist. Her years as an actress inspired her to create the Crossroads Theatre series - "Spellcast" and "Spellcrossed." Barbara lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband whom she met while performing in the play "Bedroom Farce." Visit her at www.BarbaraAshford.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The show must go on.. June 13, 2012

By Addicted2Heroines

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Fantastic sequel in a magical, emotional, heartwarming series.

Maggie Graham is making a life for herself in Dale, spending her time as executive director of the Crossroads Theatre and managing the newly renovated Golden Bough Hotel.

She's making attempts to move on from the loss of Rowan Mackenzie. Even after nearly 2 years apart, and despite the many distractions that the busy life of a theatre director provides, he still constantly invades her thoughts.

Luckily, the Crossroads family have fully embraced Maggie as one of their own and offer her the support that she needs, especially when she continues to doubt that the theatre can be a success without Rowan's magic. But the staff carries a little fae magic of their own and are still able to hold their traditional calling of the Mackenzies.

I found the diverse cast of secondary characters that Ashford has created to be just as entertaining and enjoyable the second time around. Mei-Yin, Reinhard, Hal, Janet, Bernie, and even the new board director Long, all bring something unique to the story.

Once we are eased back into Maggie's world and the story takes off, it becomes an emotional roller coaster full of surprises, both good and bad.

It's difficult to explore certain aspects of the story line without worrying that I'm venturing into spoiler territory. And honestly, I feel like the larger developments are better left a surprise. But what I will say is that two important characters enter Maggie's life, and while one you will want to hold and comfort, the other will leave you feeling incredibly frustrated. But I appreciated Ashford's ability to create a character who managed to be so aggravating, disappointing, and entertaining all at the same time.

Despite the cover and synopsis, you won't have to be a fan of the theatre to enjoy this wonderful series. If you're a fan of romance, vivid writing, well-crafted and relatable characters, then I suggest you give Ashford's series a try, starting with her debut Spellcast.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars She's Done It Again! July 25, 2012

By John DiLeo

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a big fan of SPELLCAST, I can only say that Ms. Ashford has surpassed herself with her sequel. Her imaginative storytelling powers are effortlessly sustained as she revisits the Crossroads Theatre for another season of summer stock. The book's theatrical know-how is the real deal (unlike the phony backstage dramas on TV's SMASH), and, as in SPELLCAST, Ashford brings rich insights to SPELLCROSSED's productions of THE SECRET GARDEN and INTO THE WOODS. I want to see these productions! This is also a very funny book, particularly with regard to some of the woes that befall the theatre's production of ANNIE. Perhaps this book's biggest strength is in its delicate, poignant depictions of relationships, and not just the central supernatural romance at the book's core. What will stay with me the most is the fragile coming together of an estranged father and daughter, the love and the pain, the joys and the limitations, the dealing with the past, the present, and the future. The magical aspects of this book are truly enchanting, but its most enriching rewards come from its author's willingness to delve deeply and honestly into the hearts and souls of characters she so obviously cherishes.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars And the saga continues in an excellent way! August 4, 2012

By Maureen Ross Gemme

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I was delighted to be able to have both books to read on my two week vacation this summer and I was anything but disappointed with this sequel. Barbara had me spellbound from the beginning. Maggie Graham is such a wonderful character and her wit is quick and quite funny! I laughed out loud quite a bit. I loved being present to witness the growth in Rowan, Maggie and experience the healing with her dad. I cried a bit during the story as well and totally enjoyed "the drama" of it all. Yes it was a fantasy but there is healing magic in the theater and in their everyday lives that rings true. The story was well written but the only thing I didn't like was at times it felt like there were too many characters and I got confused on remembering all of the cast people's names and who was with who. But still, I couldn't put it down, and I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. I'd like to see a sequel featuring their offspring! What kind of powers would their love child bring into the world? Go Barbara Ashford!