TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume II
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume III
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume IV
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume V
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume VI
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume VII
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TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume V
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The Big Love & Murder Shilly-Shally in Moonstone (A Mischief in Moonstone Story, Book 6)
{romantic comedy mystery} by Christine
DeSmet (Dame Moonstone): What is the wife of the former mayor doing shilly-shallying with a much younger man on the local cruise boat during the funeral wake for her husband? Has she unwittingly provided an alibi for the dashing Julien-Paul Vandermeer--accused of committing the perfect murder below deck during the party? Moonstone's maven, Tootsie Winters, finds herself in the middle of unexpected romantic mayhem.
Return to Lake Aquamarine (Aquamarine Series, Book 2) {romantic suspense} by Dee Lloyd
(Dame
Aquamarine): Nita McCulloch fled small town Aqua to pursue her successful singing career. Twelve years later, she jumps at the chance to come back to perform at Scott Jameson's Aquamarine Lodge, an upscale tourist complex on the shores of Aquamarine Lake. Although the brief, intense affair with Scott ended badly, it's all in the past. At the moment, she craves serenity. Four months ago, accompanied by her father and Karen, her manager, she'd been leaving the casino where she was singing when someone shot at them. Her father was killed, Nita seriously wounded. Now Karen, who arrived at Aquamarine Lodge a few days ahead of Nita, has disappeared.
Nita is in serious trouble. She suspects Karen's disappearance is connected to her father's murder. And she realizes the moment she meets Scott's cool, dark brown eyes that she's dealing with something much more dangerous than the warm ashes of an old love. How could she have thought she was over him?
Lunch at the Topaz Diner {mainstream} by Carrie S. Masek (Dame Topaz): After nearly dying in an accident on the San Francisco Bay Bridge, Sarah Sloane is determined to regain control of her life by abandoning regret and reclaiming all her missed opportunities. She makes a checklist and is down to the next-to-last entry--coax a kiss Ty Stuart, her high school crush. Using their upcoming twentieth high school reunion as an excuse, she arranges to meet him at the Topaz Diner. Seeing Ty reignites feelings she thought long dead and gives her the chance to move beyond her list and on with her life...but only if she can first summon the courage to confront her deepest fear.
The Turquoise Heart (North of
Nonesuch Series, Book 7) {romantic saga} by Jane Toombs (Dame
Turquoise): When Milo Saari inherits half of a turquoise heart, she knows the odds are stacked against her ever encountering the man who has the other half. And, even if she did, they'd have no way to recognize each other. Are the two halves doomed to forever remain unattached?
Woman Freed From Amber (The Amber Chronicles, Book 2) {a love story} by
Janet Lane Walters (Dame Amber): As a child Kriston was fascinated by the amber globe belonging to his grandfather. He vowed when he grew up he would find a way to free Emme for love. As the youngest of the princes, he has done little with his life. His oldest brother, the new king, has asked Kriston to marry for land and profit. But Kriston remembers the woman inside the globe. He recalls his childhood vow and leaves the palace, this time as a man determined to free the woman cast in amber.
Behind Amethyst Eyes (Kaleidoscope Series, Book 3) {contemporary romance} by
Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst):
Kaleidoscope Office Building provides employment to nine hot, young
singles--all about to make a love connection. Working 9 to 5 has never been
so complicated...or so much fun!
Amethyst-eyed, bespectacled Aimee Cooper has had a secret crush on muscle-bound accountant Rob Channing for years--even while one of her best friends dated him. When Aimee's father dies after years with Alzheimer's, she's left to mourn and sort out the complicated mess his estate has fallen into. In life's strange serendipity, this tragedy gives her an "in" to get close to the man of her dreams. But what does a life-long, freckle-faced wallflower know about capturing the interest of a bean-counting playboy?
Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace {light mystery} by C.J. Winters (Dame Tanzanite): Jeremy Farrier, middle-aged and divorced, lives contentedly on his inheritance and income as a prestigious interior designer in a mid-western city. The light of his life is his Boston Terrier, Princess, who wears a fabulous tanzanite necklace as part of Jeremy's promotional strategy to attract new clients. His comfortable little world is rocked when Princess and the necklace are kidnapped and held for ransom. A rough female P.I. shakes it even more when he hires her to find his Princess.
Reviews for TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume V:
5 stars! "TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume V, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology contains a collection of seven short stories written by women, including Connie Severson's final story, Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace, written before she passed away in January 2009. In this collection, each of the short stories features a precious stone. The stories are surrounded by excitement, including mystery, seduction, and true love. The reader will be delighted and intrigued with Jewels of the Quill’s fifth installment of their Tales from the Treasure Trove volumes. Seven stories focus on women who solve mysteries [Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace by C.J. Winters], overcome physical disfigurement [Lunch at the Topaz Diner by Carrie S. Masek], find their other half [The Turquoise Heart by Jane Toombs], dally with a much younger man [The Big Love & Murder Shilly-Shally in Moonstone by Christine DeSmet], find that who they expected to fall in love with was not who ultimately belonged with them [Woman Freed From Amber by Janet Lane Walters], escape attempted murder [Return to Lake Aquamarine by Dee Lloyd], and step beyond timidity to interest that man she’s had a crush on for years [Behind Amethyst Eyes by Karen Wiesner]. While the stories are varied, they all revolve around strong independent women with a tale to tell. I found the reading quite entertaining and can't wait to read the sixth installment!" ~Lynn for ReviewYourBook.com http://reviewyourbook.com/component/simple_review/?review=1761-Tales-From-the-Treasure-Trove-V-A-Jewels-of-the-Quill-Anthology
4 cups! "Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace” by C.J. Winters: What cute story. This is a twist on the same old story of women carrying little dogs with them finally a man going gaga over one. Lunch at the Topaz Diner by Carrie S. Masek: This is a great story showing love and compassion can make no time limits. It takes you through rough patches and back out the other side with a new outlook on things. The Turquoise Heart by Jane Toombs: This is a sweet love story that has an old legend of a young love passed through the years and fates of time to bring another couple together. The Big Love & Murder Shilly-Shally in Moonstone by Christine DeSmet: Lots of mystery in this quick yet fun whodunnit. Enjoy your ride through this maze of questions and lies. Woman Freed From Amber by Janet Lane Walters: Entertaining, this story is like listening to an old folklore. It proves there can be a true love for everyone even a formerly spoiled witch. Return to Lake Aquamarine by Dee Lloyd: This is another wonderful story of the power of love the connection a couple feels to hold them together forever. Great excitement and easy to like characters are what you find in this story. Behind Amethyst Eyes by Karen Wiesner: This is another sweet story of the underdog finding love when they feel they never will. A perfectly fit couple and great friends make this a feel good read. This collection of love stories all show different genres and many different sides to love and that love can be obtained even with the worst obstacles in place. Each author has shown their talent by adding their story to make up a selection that will leave you with a smile. Kudos to each Dame on another well compiled group of stories." ~Matilda for Coffee Time Romance & More http://www.coffeetimeromance.com
4 stars! "Seven stories by seven authors guaranteed to satisfy no matter your taste. This anthology has something for everyone. Comedy, suspense, fantasy, mystery, and contemporary are all present, but every story has romance at its core. I hope you enjoy the anthology as much as I did." ~Detra Fitch for Huntress Reviews www.huntressreviews.com
4 books! "In Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace, Winters hooks us from the start with Princess, a Boston Terrier, who is such a great character in her own right. Jeremy Farrier establishes himself as a real charmer, right from the get-go because of his relationship with ‘Princess.’ This one is just plain charming. Lunch at the Topaz Diner is a little gem, as is Masek’s main character. Our curiosity is engaged throughout. Next comes The Turquoise Heart and Toombs’ romance is all that a romance should be. The world of the Yuppers becomes oddly exotic. Toivi, there at the punch bowl, seems pretty exotic too– and dear old Dock is intrigued at once. Their immediate banter is more than light-hearted, and we suppose things will go along in a predictable fashion. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Toombs has a humorous, but subtle turn of phrase. After the dark moments in the previous story, The Big Love & Murder Shilly-Shally in Moonstone seems positively slapstick. Tootsie, sparkling with spangles from the get-go, is utterly implausible and impossibly fun. DeSmet has created this one character with such depth and breadth she almost obscures even the handsome Jules. A very fun read. In Woman Freed From Amber Walters drops us into a medieval-like landscape, full of royal duty and magic. This story has a ton of appeal, especially to those who enjoy fantasy. One has to note the amazing world created for this and the appeal of descriptions. Lloyd’s Return to Lake Aquamarine is another that brings beautiful background into focus. This one keeps you guessing. Behind Amethyst Eyes is a great one to wrap up this anthology. Main character Aimee Cooper is easy to identify with– from her less than total confidence to her desperate attempt to totally recreate herself. Rob’s point of view really gives the reader another whole view: this one is all romance. TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume V makes a nice bedside reader. The stories within are just the right length– and each different enough from the next to be a fresh start. While some are part of series (appearing in similar anthologies) each stands alone as a story, so you need not have read earlier version. The quality of the writing is consistent throughout, making this a very pleasant read indeed." ~Snapdragon for LASR http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/09/tales-from-treasure-trove-volume-v-by.html
"Since this is a anthology with several different authors, I am going to review each story on its own merit. Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace by C. J. Winters: Rating: You Need to Read. I am an animal lover, so this story really struck home for me. The thought of one of my babies being kidnapped kept racing through my mind as I read. It made this story more real for me and very relatable. I really like the character interaction in this story. Each has their own motivations and personalities that make the cast colorful and alive. Lunch and the Topaz Diner by Carrie S. Masek: Rating: You Want to Read. We all have regrets in life, but few of us are willing go out on a limb and fix those mistakes. It is a scary prospect to be sure. And when that missed opportunity involves another person, the stakes feel even higher. Everyone has had a moment when they had to face their fears, and that is what makes this story so relatable. Sarah’s fear is almost tangible as she faces the last of biggest regrets. But with the strength of an old friend, she finds the courage she needs. The Turquoise Heart by Jane Toombs: Rating: You Want to Read. Well written and well thought out. The Big Love & Murder Shilly-Shally in Moonstone by Christine DeSmet: Rating: You Want to Read. This story is good, if a bit far fetched, and I enjoyed it a lot. Woman Freed from Amber by Janet Lane Walters: Rating: You Need to Read. What a fun, sweet story. While not a deep story, the characters are each unique and consistent in their roles and reactions. Return to Lake Aquamarine by Dee Lloyd: Rating: You Want to Read. A fun mystery and suspense story. Behind Amethyst Eyes by Karen Wiesner: Rating: You Want to Read. This story is still sweet and I enjoyed reading it." ~Janelle for You Gotta Read http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com
"This was an interesting read because I didn’t know what I was going to get in each story, and, let me tell you, there is something in here for everyone. It is a bit like a Greek Meze or a Spanish Tapas--something for every taste. Often in anthologies you get one sub-genre or theme. In this one there is fantasy, crime, lost love and more. Some of these stories are quirky, others light-hearted. There is an older woman/ younger man romance and also, in Princess and the Tanzanite Necklace, a most unlikely and intriguing couple... On top of the variety of plots and genres, you get variety in writing styles and length. I think this book is great if you’re feeling experimental or if you like surprises mixed in with your conventional romance. Every one of these stories manages to be believable, no matter how short it is, and all without taking you beyond the bedroom door. A good mix of stories and authors that make a very readable, intriguing whole. In fact, this is a great buy for a Christmas treat either for yourself or a friend." ~Vasiliki Scurfield for WRDF Reviews http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2009/10/31/wrdf-review-of-tales-from-the-treasure-trove-volume-v.aspx
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