A collection of love stories for readers to enjoy on Valentine’s Day...or any day of the year!

4 1/2 Hearts! "This Valentine’s Day celebratory anthology is a fresh, entertaining look into six great authors’ visions of a fabulous festivity for the greatest /love/ day of the year. These authors, Jewels of the Quill, offer diverse stories with varied degrees of romantic interest. There truly is something for everyone in this book. A little paranormal slant was evident in “Magic Kisses” by Carrie S. Masek. Even if that is not your preferred genre (like me), you will truly enjoy watching neighbors learn to deal with each other. Second chances are always fun to read, and “Telephone Tag Winner” by Dee Lloyd was no exception. Anyone who has ever been involved with a “non-romantic” guy will certainly understand Nancy Pirri’s “Winning Sylvia’s Heart.” “The Third Kiss” by Jane Toombs offered another look at the magical superstition of love. Karen Woods presented a second-chance look at love when she wrote “Atop a Wedding Cake.” And the final novella by Karen Wiesner, “In Cahoots With Cupid,” rounded out this wonderful selection of stories with a nostalgic look at returning to the old hometown and finding something she left behind years ago. These authors have given me several hours of pleasure. The stories were all good though they were each vastly different from the others. This diversity in both writing style and content created a book that is great reading and would make a terrific gift. Valentine’s Day themed books are easily made into cookie-cutter offerings. This selection is definitely not like that. I found each unique book to grasp and hold my attention. These characters are appealing and vary as do the authors. The storylines are all strong and enjoyable. It would be hard to pick a favorite because I thoroughly enjoyed them all. I strongly encourage you to read this book and make your own comparison. I challenge you to pick a favorite. Just know that whatever your interest, you will find it here. Kudos to the authors, all six of them.” ~The Romance Studio http://theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/magicalkissesjotq.htm

4 Books! “In this Valentine’s Day anthology, six authors have created stories that are sure to warm the heart. Up first in the anthology is Carrie S. Masek’s “Magic Kisses,” a delightful story in which a young woman sets out to play matchmaker for her new neighbor, but the two find that fate is a funny thing. This was a highly entertaining story with an interesting plot and likeable characters. Cynical Brett believes that Eliza is a bit flaky upon first meeting her when she offers to read his palm and I enjoyed watching as these two very different people found love despite Eliza’s attempts to set him up on some very interesting dates. Next in the anthology is “Telephone Tag Winner” by Dee Lloyd, a charming story in which a series of unfortunate events on Valentine’s Day, including an auto accident and a misdialed phone number, leads to a reunion between two former flames. This was a bit of a suspenseful tale but in this short story it all felt a bit rushed. I do wish that a bit more attention had been paid to this aspect as I found it to be quite interesting. As for the romance of the story, I enjoyed the relationship between the main characters as what could have been a disastrous Valentine’s Day turns into the best thing that could have happened for the heroine. “Winning Sylvia’s Heart” is Nancy Pirri’s entry in this anthology and it was truly a sweet and fun story. When Sylvia breaks up with her fiancé, her neighbor Jack sets out to woo her with the most romantic Valentine’s Day she can imagine. This was a very sweet and fast-paced story and I fell in love with Jack as he was quite the gentleman and very romantic. Jane Toombs’ “The Third Kiss,” the next story is quite interesting. In the story Gail learns as a child from her grandmother that the third kiss is quite magical, provided it comes from the same man who gave you your first kiss. The short story follows Gail as she receives her kisses and finds love when she least expects it. This was a highly romantic and sweet story, but it was a bit too short for my tastes. I would have loved to have seen more of Gail and Augie’s life as time went by rather than the brief glimpses this short story provides. But despite this, I loved the whole concept. The next entry, “Atop the Wedding Cake” by Karen Woods proves that love knows no age limits as Cathy Baker, a widow, prepares for her daughter’s wedding and finds herself falling for her daughter’s soon-to-be father-in-law, who just happens to be Cathy’s brother’s good friend. I really enjoyed this sweet story and the relationship between the main couple. It was refreshing to see two people who both had happy marriages with their deceased spouses find love for a second time. The final story of the anthology, “In Cahoots with Cupid” by Karen Wiesner, is a bit more complex and heartbreaking than the other stories. Kiowa Mackenzie has been in love with Angela for years, but she is reluctant to get involved with him because of their age difference and a bad marriage that has soured her on love. But when Angela returns home for a wedding, Kiowa decides to take steps to win her over. This was an interesting story and not quite as lighthearted as some of the other stories in the anthology, but it was no less romantic or enjoyable. Angela has faced a painful past and I truly felt for both her and for Kiowa as he longed to ease her pain and love her if she would only let him. Overall, this was an enjoyable anthology featuring a variety of characters and romances all centered around Valentine’s Day. While I do wish that many of the stories had been a bit more developed and perhaps even longer, I still enjoyed reading this anthology. From reuniting with an old flame to falling for a neighbor to finding love with a good friend each story and relationship proved that love can be found when and where you least expect it.” ~Lilac for Long and Short Reviews http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/magical-kisses-jewels-of-quill.html

"This anthology came out just in time for Valentine's Day. Each story includes some kind of magical kiss, from silver-wrapped chocolates to the unexpected kiss at just the right moment. The stories are all fun, character-driven, and ultimately happy. While each has some kind of conflict, it's resolved by the end, and the main character or characters usually end up stronger and happier for having gotten through the difficulties. While, the style and voice varies with the different authors, the writing is consistently good throughout the anthology. This would, indeed, make good Valentine's reading." ~Hope Evey for TCM Reviews http://tcm-ca.com/reviews/2660.html

4 Stars! "Once again the Jewels assemble their award-winning talents for this sextet of enchanting stories that capture the essence of Valentine's Day. Each offering is delightful; there are quirky characters and laugh-out-loud scenes as well as some poignant moments." ~Donna M. Brown for RT Book Reviews http://www.rtbookreviews.com

“Magic Kisses: Eliza is quirky, flaky, and adorable. She and Brett are like flip sides on a coin, and balance each other perfectly, if they can get over their preconceived notions about love. This story is fun and full of life, a joy to read. Telephone Tag Winner: A summer romance, a tragic twist of fate, and two souls that have finally come full circle. Ryan and Rina are a delight to get to know, and their story is one that will light up the day. Winning Sylvia’s Heart: A fantastic read with great characters, and a fabulously witty storyline. The Third Kiss: This tale is sweetly romantic, and wonderfully written. Atop a Wedding Cake: I love reading stories with mature characters that do not give up on the chance for love later in life, and this is no exception. In Cahoots With Cupid: True love endures time and distance for Ki and Angela. He is her lifeline, even is she does not see it. The love Ki has for Angela is all encompassing, and their story is a delight to read. The magic of these stories is in the kiss. Each one highlights the kiss, from the explosive power of a first kiss to the slow burn of a kiss shared by lifelong friends. They all have a wonderful set of characters, and each storyline is unique and memorable. The authors in this anthology showcase their talents and artistry by delivering stories with intelligent dialogue and clever plots. I enjoyed each one, and recommend this to all romance lovers.” ~Lototy for Coffee Time Romance & More http://www.coffeetimeromance.com

“Magic Kisses: A charmer. Telephone Tag Winner: Amusing. Winning Sylvia's Heart: A special story. The Third Kiss: Poignant. Atop a Wedding Cake: Very funny. In Cahoots With Cupid: Very moving. These are six entertaining often amusing contemporary romances starring charming lead characters as each author exceeds the high expectations of the Jewels of the Quill and Valentine's Day.” ~Harriet Klausner http://genregoroundreviews.blogspot.com/2009/02/magical-kisses-jewels-of-quill-st.html

“Magic Kisses: Eliza’s friends are a strange bunch of folks. My mother always said surround yourself with a lot of people with different personalities. Carrie Masek succeeded in giving me just that in this story. Not to mention I love Hershey Kisses a whole lot more these days. Telephone Tag Winner: Out of tragedy romance blossoms. I love the twist of fate love stories and Telephone Tag Winner, didn’t disappoint. The characters Ryan and Rina are interesting and their story, a definite attention keeper. Winning Sylvia’s Heart: Jack is a man who loves romance, what woman wouldn’t fall for him? He’s the answer to any woman’s dreams. Sylvia’s heart wasn’t the only heart won. The Third Kiss: Who hasn’t had thoughts of the “one” linger in their head every now and then? The Third Kiss is a beautifully written romantic piece. You’ll want to be a believer in the power of the third kiss. Atop A Wedding Cake: Who says when we grow older we have to give up on love? Cathy and Trey find each other at the perfect time in their lives. Mature couples in love, very refreshing to read. In Cahoots With Cupid: Love stronger enough to surpass time apart. It’s beautiful when it happens and Ms. Wiesner set it up perfectly. Ki’s strong love for Angela is powerful and their story an enjoyment to read. The authors of Magical Kisses: A Jewels of the Quill Valentine's Day Anthology offer writing styles in varying ranges to bring you stories in this anthology that contain something for every reader. The stories are entertaining and the characters well written, all tied together by the magic of a kiss. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an anthology with a different flavor for every taste.” ~Amon for Joyfully Reviewed http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Feb09/magicalkissajewelsofthequillvalentinesdayanthology.ANTHO.html

5 Wings! “These six stories are about Magical Kisses that happen on Valentine’s Day, sweet stories of love found in the most unexpected places at the holiday every romantic celebrates with joy and excitement. “In Cahoots with Cupid” by Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst): This last story is about two people who have known each other most of their lives and is the second story in Karen’s Kaleidoscope Series. He has loved her since he was 7 years old and she was 11. He has been her most comforting friend, always there for her. But she had unwisely loved another and now feels she is unworthy. A great story with wonderful characters you really get tied up in. I loved this anthology and felt, for the Valentine season, it was a delightful read that proved very enjoyable.” ~Melissa for Classic Romance Revival http://www.classicromancerevival.com/blog/?p=1087

Black Seal Rating (fantastic Read; definitely stays on my shelf) "The authors of this anthology are true “jewels” of romance. A perfect Valentine read, this collection of six amazing MAGICAL KISSES will make you laugh, will make you cry and the heroes will definitely make you fall in love. While I liked all the stories, my favorite was "The Third Kiss" by Jane Toombs (Dame Turquoise), perhaps it was the fact that its my birthstone that made me prejudiced but the cute story of the magical third kiss from the person who gave you your first kiss sure caught my fancy more! It was heart warming reading about how the opposite sex goes from being obnoxious to someone we really can’t live without. "Magic Kisses" by Carrie S. Masek (Dame Topaz) was also pretty cool, and the author and the heroine puts those blissful Hershey kisses to great use, and they definitely epitomize the best and most cost effective Valentine gift, not to mention the guarantee for a happy future in this tale. Basically this anthology by the Jewels of the Quill is about second chances at finding the love of your life…the perfect romance! Reading MAGICAL KISSES makes one feel reassured that it really is never too late for love. So this anthology would make a great Valentine gift for yourself…enjoy…Happy Valentine’s!!!" ~Raakhee Suryaprakash for WRDF http://blog.lyndacoker.net/2009/02/05/wrdf-review-of-magical-kisses-anthology.aspx

“Magic Kisses is the first delightful story in the Valentine’s Day Anthology. Carrie S. Masek has given readers a wonderful idea for Valentine’s Day. The idea of using chocolate candy kisses to attract a mate is unique. The second story is Telephone Tag Winner: This is a story about lovers who get a second chance at the love they lost due to deception. I enjoy a good story that gives couples a second chance and this is one. Winning Sylvia’s Heart is a heartwarming story that gives women in a going-nowhere relationship the courage to get out of that relationship and find one that will be fulfilling. The Third Kiss is my favorite in this anthology. I could connect personally to this story because I also married a man after our third kiss that was years later after kiss one and two. Atop a Wedding Cake is the fifth story in this anthology. A terrific tale about a man who makes a mistake, is willing to admit it, and finds true love. In Cahoots with Cupid is the last story in this anthology. This is a heartbreaking tale about a daughter who believes her father will choose her ex-husband over her to love. Believing this, she stays away from her mother and home. Also, the one man who loves her cannot break her belief that she is too old for him. I love the single mindedness of Kiowa Mackenzie. He makes up his mind and nothing or no one can change it. He is willing to wait for who will complete his life. This is a lesson that we all need to learn. I did think it was sad that Angela waited so long to go home and make peace with her father. Too many times that is exactly what happens in real life.” ~Dawn Myers for Writers Unlimited http://www.writersunlimited.com

5 Stars! “Magic Kisses: I will never look at a chocolate kiss the same again. Eliza was a bit quirky, but she was not nearly as quirky as her friends. Magic Kisses is a delightful read. The characters have their own special bit of uniqueness. The plot was almost mystical yet humorous. Telephone Tag Winner: Dee Lloyd filled her delightful short story with romance and suspense. The plot is interesting. Telephone Tag Winner would make a great full-length novel. Winning Sylvia’s Heart: Nancy Pirri offers readers the man of their dreams, Jack. His character is romantic. Winning Sylvia’s Heart is sure to win the heart of readers. The Third Kiss: I love this tale. It reminds me of my husband and me. The characters are delightful. The plot is sweet and romantic. This tale is sure to please readers. Atop A Wedding Cake: The best thing about Atop A Wedding Cake is the acknowledgement that romance does not end with 50. I love this short story. In Cahoots With Cupid: Karen Wiesner, you did it again! You made my heart swell and tears come to my eyes. “In Cahoots With Cupid” is a sweet story. Ki and Angela are both delightful characters. The reconciliation was heartwarming. The common factor in Magical Kisses is romance and Valentine’s Day. I love it! This is one of the Jewels of the Quill’s best anthology. Ladies, please keep writing. Fans of romance this is a must-read.” ~Readers Favorite http://readersfavorite.com/review/654

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