Divided sweethearts seek love and forgiveness in this collection of seasonal novellas.Forged for lovers, the Viking star ring is said to bring lovers together, no matter how far, no matter how hard.In eight stories covering more than a thousand years, our heroes and heroines put this legend to the test. Watch the star work its magic as prodigals return home in the season of goodwill, uncertain of … of goodwill, uncertain of their welcome.
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What a wonderful set of stories by remarkable authors this book is! I so enjoyed each story individually, each author did an awesome job of writing their own story about the very magical Viking star ring. Set in various eras, the ring brings couples together that are meant to be!! Thank you to the Bluestocking Belles for writing such amazing stories for us to read. May we all have such a ring!!
I LOVED this book. I often find that books with mutable writes I like some but not all with this one I LOVED every story. the bells have I life long fan in me now can’t wait to read more.
An Amazing Collection by authors also know as the Bluestocking Belles, who create stories that will warm your heart. I truly love each of them individually but in these seasonal novellas, a mystery is created around a Viking star ring that made it way through the centuries and touched each story. Intrigued?
One Last Kiss by Sherry Ewing
Scotland 1170 and USA present day.
Two people separated by centuries find their destiny through the magic of the ring. Tomas of Clan Kincaid has lived with distant relatives since his father disowned when he was given a ring by by him that he lost. Even then he had a vision of a girl named Jade who seemed to have a connection with him.
In present day USA, Jade Calloway is always alone except for her friend Zoe who predicts she will go on a journey as Christmas approaches. Then a ring with a star appears and as she puts in own, she starts to have visions as before and she sees Robert who seems to be calling her to come to him.
Can this really be happening? Can she finally be with the man of her dreams and find love?
Sherry Ewing always grabs my heart in her stories and does not let go until the end. I am drawn in by her characters and surroundings as she writes her marvelous prose. Loved it!
Nicole Zoltack
A Yule Love Story
Kattegut 839 As Sonja goes to the beach to wash her feet she comes upon a battle taking place with the two factions killing each other. All lay dead at the end, but she sees a movement and there is one Viking still alive. Her only option is to help, because she is a healer, just like her mother. That moment changed both of their lives forever!
What she does not realize is who he is, Anoundus, a former king of Sweden he shared with his brother. But he tells her he is Magni. I loved these two characters. They were brought alive with the descriptions by the author and I could visualize the surroundings. They seemed meant for each other with Sonya alone since her brother died and Anoundus having his own problems away from his home. Could these two from different lives grow to find love? Will Anoundus be able to not go back to his homeland and stay with Sonja?
At the end the he brought out his coin purse and held up a simple golden ring with a multi star on it his mother had given him years ago. Worn on her wedding day she passed it to him so he could find true love. But what power did the ring have?
Even though this is a novella, he really contained a great story and I look forward to reading more about these two!!
Rue Allyn
A Wish for all Seasons
A youthful love that never had a chance. Calibre left Scotland years ago and the girl he cared about, Aisla. But in a twist of fate Calibre finds himself frozen in a blizzard and Alisa is there to save and give him shelter. Ailsa still wears the ring around her neck that he gave her all those years ago. She gives it back to him and as he wears it, all the feelings between them come back. A story of love redeemed and a fated love. Wonderful
Jude Knight
Paradise regained
A love thought lost is regained in this wonderful story set in 1794 northeast or Iran. James has built a life with his wife Mahzad and they are rulers of their small kingdom. Now, having been together through eight children and over a decade, each feels the other does not love them anymore. Of course they might ask each other, but maybe afraid of the answer. But there seems to be a lot in their path to keep them apart and trying to regain that feeling. A well written story that brings the characters to life and the surroundings alive. Truly enjoyed this novella.
Lizzie Tremayne
Somewhere Like Home
Lairg Parish, Scotland Rob Gunn wants Sofia for his wife but her father refuses his request. If that were not bad enough, when he refuses to become a tacksman like his father, he is disowned and leaves to make his way but determined to return for Sofia. There are many so many trials to overcome. Take the journey to see how the two can ever be together and the emotions they go through to get there.
Amy Quinton
The Umbrella Chronicles: James and Annie’s Story
When I read the title to this story, I knew I was in for a good story that would have me smiling. James Quill finally returns home after being gone over a decade. Winning a ring in a card game, he wants to go home and see if he can win Anne as his bride. But as you know, the matchmaking maven Lady Harriett Ross gets involved when James asks for her help. The plan was a good one for winning Annie over if her could just follow all the steps! A really fun story.
Caroline Warfield
The Last Post
A continuation of Caroline’s story in last year’s Never too Late anthology, we find Harry trying to find Rosemarie so they can marry. It had been a long time since he had seen her due to the war and many months since he had heard from her. Rosemarie was his everything that gave him strength to endure the horrors he saw in warfare. Unbeknownst to him, she was at her cousins farm waiting to hear from him. A heartwarming story that brings true love together when it needed to be found.
Elizabeth Ellen Carter
A Fine Chance
San Francisco 1922.
Helen Watson works at a factory and helps a soldier returning from the war gain employment with her workplace. Robert Fairmont has returned with a new name and wants the job at his father’s factor to help him possibly reconcile with him. He sees Helen as his miracle to his future, but he does not tell her his real name. Can she overcome his deception and can they find their happy ending? A wonderful story of hope and the chance to be happy.
Follow the star ring through each of these stories and see how it affects each of their lives.
A Yule Love Story by Nicole Zoltack
Kattegat, Denmark 839
Sonja is alone & whilst out looking for food stumbles across bodies on the beach. There is a lone survivor who she tends to & heals – her mother had been a healer. The survivor is Anoundus a banished king of Sweden. They spend time on a beached longship whilst Magni (Anoundus) heals.
An engaging read of two people finding themselves & learning what is important. I now need to fin out what happens in the second part of the story!
Paradise Regained by Jude Knight
Kopet Dag Mountains northeast of Iran, 1794
In discovering the mysteries of the East, James has built a new life he’s married to Mahzad & they rule their small kingdom together but after over a decade together and eight children, they each think the other isn’t in love any more. There are obstacles in their way, interfering fathers, a threatened invasion.
A lovely novella which I read in a sitting, James & Mazhad both desperate to be together but circumstances keeping them apart. As always great characters & a well written well paced story & I hope there could be another Redepenning novel to come?
Somewhere Like Home by Lizzi Tremayne
Lairg Parish, Scotland,
Rob Gunn sees people leaving as the laird wants the land for his sheep. Seven years later Rob asks Sofia Gray’s father for her hand but is refused. When Robbie reuses to become tacksman after his father he is disowned & leaves promising to return for Sofia. Things aren’t easy for Robbie & Sofia & they have many trials to overcome.
An emotional read that really made me feel for Robbie & especially for Sofia. I again read this in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. I would have liked an epilogue which dealt with Sofia’s mother & how they fared.
The Umbrella Chronicles: James and Annie’s Story by Amy Quinton
London & Bath, 1814
James Quill Duke of South Warkshire returns after a decade away. He wins a ring in a card game in an opium den & realises he needs to go home & hopefully win Anne Merryweather. He seeks professional matchmaker for matrimonial assistance.
A feel good story that had me chuckling at times the foolproof plan was meant to be followed step by step! I loved Jamie & Annie, again another novella I read in one sitting
A Wish for All Seasons:A MacKai Family Novella by Rue Allyn
Scotland, 1869
Caibre didn’t want to return to Scotland afterall he’s made a life for himself in America & has been successful. Aisla has been holding everything together since her brother Steafan was presumed dead. When two men end up on the doorstep Aisla’s life is changed.
A lovely story of love & forgiveness, great characters, well written had me enthralled from start to finish.
The Last Post by Caroline Warfield
Wales and France, 1919
The Great War is over, but how can they marry if he can’t find her? It was lovely to continue Harry & Rosemarie’s story which started in last year’s anthology. I just loved this story, the star in the set for me
A Fine Chance by Elizabeth Ellen Carter
San Francisco, 1922
All he needs is a fine chance Robert Fairmont has returned from the Great War with a new name, given a job at his father’s factory by Helen Watson all he wants is a chance to make amends.
Another captivating read which I read in a sitting
One Last Kiss: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time Novella by Sherry Ewing
Scotland & USA
Sometimes it takes a miracle to find your heart’s desire. Scotland 1164 Tomas is banished for losing the star ring & now serves at Berwyck Castle. Present day Michigan Jade Calloway is alone then she’s told by her friend Zoe that she’ll go on a journey, a ring appears as she sits on the sand in San Francisco & she dreams of a man.
Another brilliant story, I really felt I was with them.
Each year the Belles produce an amazing anthology & this years is brilliant the mix of stories, eras genres all mesh together to form a lovely set of novellas & of course there’s the star which has the characters needing to go home.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
These stories were great reading. There is happiness and the plots keep your attention from the first part to the last word.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An Unusual Anthology from a Talented Group of Writers
What an intriguing collection of novellas! There are eight novellas in this anthology of varying lengths, though the entire length of the book is approximately 650 pages; so some of these are quite short. Interestingly, the stories are all connected to a Viking ring that shows up in every story. The eras spanned by these novellas are surprising, going from Dark Age Viking times to the modern age (though that one is a time travel book). Some stories are the more typical historical romance kind of books, like the one with a matchmaker at its heart. But a few are very unusual, especially the one where the Englishman has a Persian bride and they rule over a fictional kingdom. If you enjoy historical romance, there is bound to be at least one novella about your favorite time or place. As one who enjoys historical romances of all types, I found this collection to be an absolutely delightful one.
I received a free copy of this anthology, but that did not affect my review.
FOLLOW YOUR STAR HOME A BLUESTOCKING BELLES COLLECTION” by RUE ALLYN ELIZABETH ELLEN CARTER SHERRY EWING JUDE KNIGHT AMY QUINTON LIZZI TREMAYNE CAROLINE WARFIELD NICOLE ZOLTACK is a collection of tales of Love penned by the Authors known as the Bluestocking Belles…all these stories are enchanted by the legend of the Viking star ring which re-unites lovers wherever and however they may be separated. In this seasonal collection there are eight tales of Love throughout the centuries….from Denmark 839 to the present day. My favorite being “Paradise Regained “ by Jude Knight, but all of them were wonderful. Read and See! Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book
I enjoy reading these authors individually, but look forward to the Bluestocking Belle Anthologies. They never let me down and this collection was no exception.
Although I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, the overall reading experience was enjoyable. I found the stories to be engrossing and the characters strong.
I highly recommend the purchase of this collection of wonderful romances from some of the best Regency Era authors around today.
Thank you to the Bluestocking Belles and BookSprout for allowing me an advance copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A span of 8 different stories over years tied together. Liked the variety of characters and stories. Entertaining and magical to read. Would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Follow Your Star Home is another installment of the Bluestocking Belles Collection, by different authors. All the eight stories are related to a Viking star ring, believed to bring lovers together, no matter how far they are.
The stories describe how couples separated by fate and/or their own stupidity have to go a long way before getting reunited, ranging from Denmark in 839 to San Francisco in 1922.
I enjoy reading the book, especially the following stories, the ones who kept me reading on through the night: “A Yule Love Story” by Nicole Zoltack, “Paradise Regained” by Jude Knight, “Somewhere Like Home” by Lizzi Tremayne, and “The Last Post” by Caroline Warfield. I can’t wait to read a new installment by the Belles, since they’re getting better and better in the way they weave their tales using a common element,
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a wonderful collection of sweet romances written by a group of very talented authors. The storylines center around a mystery that is created around a Viking star ring and touches each of the. I am familiar with the work of one of the author’s in this group but the rest are new to me. I am glad I picked this one up because I know have 7 new authors to follow! Each one did a fantastic job with providing vivid descriptions and interesting plots. The storylines were all artfully crafted with well defined characters and kept me hooked until I finished. I had to pace myself as I wanted to read all in one sitting! This is truly a gem of a collection and if you love historical romances, you definitely will want to add this to your collection!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this boxset via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story lines caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
These five Romances span the ages from 839 to modern-day and suitability from family-friendly to Young Adult.
A Yule Love Story by Nicole Zoltack: Allow a full day for this YA tale set in Kattegat, Denmark in 839, when Sonja Eld, the orphaned healer, discovers a stranger on the beach in the depths of winter. This is Part One of a two-part story. 5*
Paradise Regained by Jude Knight: This well-written, family-friendly tale of Europeans in the Middle-East in the late eighteenth-century takes only a couple hours. I look forward to reading more by this author. 5*
Somewhere Like Home by Liza Tremayne: This PG13 tale of the Scottish Clearances in the early 1800s takes about a day to read. 5*
The Umbrella Chronicles: James & Annie’s Story by Amy Quinton: This PG15 yarn courtesy of Lady Harriet Ross, an old woman with opinions on everything and Wielder of the Infamous Umbrella, takes place around Christmas 1814 and can be read in a long afternoon. 5*
A Wish For All Seasons by Rue Allyn: Set at Dungarob Harbor, Northwest Scottish Coast in December 1869, this PG15 second chance romance takes about two hours to read. 5*
The Last Post by Caroline Warfield: Set during and just after WWI, this PG13 tale of separated lovers is another two-hour read. 5*
A Fine Chance by Elizabeth Ellen Carter: Set in San Francisco in 1922, this family-friendly Cinderfella about a returning soldier can be read in a morning. 5*
One Last Kiss by Sherry Ewing: Spend a pleasant couple of hours with this family-friendly tale in which orphaned Jade travels time from present-day USA back to Scotland in 1182. %*
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a magical romance collection that span from time of Vikings to present day. The male leads were scoundrels who were redeemed by the women they fell in love with. There was a magical ring that traveled throughout the stories, imaginary realms, and a time travel romance. Some stories and characters I like better than others.
Over centuries, a magical ring brings couples together in true love.
From a deposed king who has been raiding villages, gets in a skirmish and all of his men are killed but him. A local healer saves him and over the next year he lives like a normal person, working for a wage, and falls in love with the woman who saved him. But can he truly turn over a new leaf and leave raiding and violence behind?
An Englishman was betrayed by his father, sent to the middle east, captured, saved by a middle eastern woman and married her daughter. Years later he has a chance to return to England, but to do so he would have to leave his wife and children. Is his love for her strong enough to say no to his old old life and stay in the east with her?
The third story was so sad. A young man loves a woman and she returns his feelings but her mom has other ideas, and tells the young man he isn’t good enough for her daughter. He leaves to make his fortune and his beloved promises to wait for him but neither are aware that her mother sold her to the laird and his son. What follows is several years of misery and abuse for her at the hands of the laird’s son, before the young man rescues her.
A Duke who has loved his best friend and neighbor Annie, makes a mistake and becomes enamored of the pretty new young woman, loses his best friend and over the next ten years lives a sorry life, of addiction, women, and almost dies several times. And then something makes him decide to turn his life around. But is Annie still available and will she forgive him?
Scottish sweethearts separated when the man thinks he’s not good enough and goes to America to seek his fortune. When he comes back for a short visit, he has a mission to right the wrong his father did and a second chance to get the woman he loves.
Sweethearts who met during World War I have to find each other after the war. But with Europe destroyed and a shortage of food and shelter, the American leiutenant with have a tough time finds his true love.
A young man coming home from the war, is afraid to go home to his family. Instead he lives at the YMCA and does a menial job. But when a young woman befriends him and gets him a job, she doesn’t know that has just gotten him a job at his family’s factory. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
A great collection.
I particularly enjoyed Jude Knight’s contribution Paradise Regained. It was imaginative, intriguing and packed a punch in a novella.
I also enjoyed Sherry Ewing’s entry because I do so love me a time travel read.
Recommend.
Eight stories covering more than a thousand years, all of them by different Authors and are well written. Some authors I have read and some are new to me, I want to read this set again. The Umbrella Chronicles: James and Annie’s Story by Amy Quinton had me laughing as I read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great set of books by eight very talented authors! Some of the authors I was familiar with and I enjoyed reading the books they had contributed. A number of authors were new to me and I was happy to discover them and their wonderful books! The descriptions in each book were so vivid I became immersed in the time period being portrayed and felt like I could have actually been there right along with each character. Very good indeed!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The set of books was so, so good. I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them. I voluntarily read and review this book in exchange for a free copy.
A ring with a star.
There is so much in this collection a banished king, a queen without her king, a soldier with a secret that may cause him to lose everything, two souls separated by war, and a time-travel romance and that is just the tip of the iceberg. This collection will touch you in so many ways fear and hope, sadness and joy, loss and love, and anger and forgiveness all in well-written stories by the Bluestocking Belles. High praise to each author and their tale and combined this is one outstanding group of books. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.