ISBN: 978-1-4391-0801-7
Graduate student Gemma Ranford wants the job cataloging the documents of one of Edilean’s oldest families so much that she is ready to do battle to get it. Desperate to finish her dissertation, she’s sure that investigating the Frazier family history will yield new information to invigorate her research. But she is surprised to find among the papers references to the legend of the Heartwishes Stone, a magical talisman said to grant wishes to anyone named Frazier. And as she spends more time with the family in their small Virginia town, she realizes that the most secret wishes of each of the Fraziers are coming true—and that she’s falling hopelessly in love with Colin, the Fraziers’ eldest son.
But now that the Stone’s powers have been awakened, so have the designs of an international thief. Gemma and Colin must find the Stone before it can be used against the family but not before each of their deepest desires is fulfilled. . . .
What can I say about Heartwishes?
It’s addictive, charming, loving, sweet and, to sum it up, a masterpiece.
I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve read it. The citizens of Edilean are a part of my life and I jump at the chance to delve into theirs. From the moment I picked up Heartwishes I couldn’t wait to see how Colin and Gemma would finally get together. I was hooked from the moment Colin stood in the doorway taking notice of Gemma to the moment they finally got their happily ever after.
I’ve tried to pick just one scene to call my favorite, but that’s been impossible. I love the second-time they made love (we all know what happened the first time)- from the furniture shopping to the “stolen pie on the window sill”. I can vividly picture the scenes at dinner at Merlin’s Farm when Gemma finally reminded Colin of what he had “forgotten.” I especially love how my favorite couples (Joce & Luke, Tess and Ramsey, and Sara and Mike) were all together.
The connection between Colin & Gemma was undeniable. The story has romance (of course), some suspense, and a chuckle or two. Readers get just enough background on the characters to connect to them. The climax was unusual, but welcome, the flow easy, the pace good.
Put the dog out, grab your favorite drink, and find a comfy place to sit.
Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest, you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 0 cups of coffee
Today’s trivia:
What did Rachel tell Gemma is Colin’s favorite type of pie?