An empathic woman searching for safety. . . An architect yearning for dreams. . . And the ghost house that endangers them both Teddy Devine-Baker arrives in her childhood home of Hillvale with a box of crystals and an attitude. Her empathic gift has ruined one relationship and most of her jewelry business, leaving her determined to learn more about a talent she’s never properly respected. … she’s never properly respected. Unfortunately, her empathy fails to work on tall, dark, handsome and annoying Kurt Kennedy, the aloof architect who warmed her heart as a child.
Although his family owns most of Hillvale, Kurt avoids the eccentrics inhabiting the ghost town. . . until irrepressible Teddy waltzes in and lays claim to a jinxed and unrentable house that belongs to him. Now he’s being dragged into the emotional whirlwind he’s spent years training himself not to feel. Kurt’s plans for rebuilding the house — not to mention his future — will go up in flames if he heeds the intriguing redhead who claims to sense ghosts.
But when they find an actual skeleton in the attic, the two must work together to uncover a killer . . . assuming Teddy can apply her empathy and break down Kurt’s emotional barriers. If she can’t, she may wind up with only the family ghost for company and a murderer on the loose.
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Topaz Dreams by Patricia Rice
Crystal Magic #2
Do I really have to wait for book three in this series? I loved this book, love the series and have loved every book I have read by this author!
Teddy Devine-Baker arrives in Hillvale in a rusting van with two children and a huge dog in tow. Her keys don’t work in the family home abandoned years ago, there is a question raised about ownership of the abode and a whole lot of weird going on within said abode. I mean, who wants to live with a resident ghost? Well, Teddy is not going to let a little old thing like a ghost get her down, right?
In a town where there are “Lucys” and “Nulls” Teddy and her niece seem to fit in well with the Lucy-factor. She has senses she is coming to grips with and feels comfortable doing so in Hillvale. She finds that the crystals she works with to design jewelry can provide a whole lot more than color and is interested in learning just what the properties of the stones might be.
With a body soon found, a land dispute to deal with, an upset ghost in residence, an evil stalker after her cousin, a niece and nephew to protect and a Null male she is interested in there is a lot going on with a few mysteries to solve and a romance that sparks to life. Is Hillvale evil? Is there something in the land causing it? How do the crystals tie into issues related to the town? I don’t have all the answers but found out a bit more in book two and now want to read book three…though it is not ready for me…yet.
I loved Teddy. I wanted to hug Kurt and loved the way he began to change. I am interested in Kurt’s brother Monty and wonder who he will end up with. I wonder if Teddy’s sister will show up again in the series. I guess I am just enamored with the people in Hillvale and can’t wait to find out what will happen next. The romance? WOW – Loved Teddy and Kurt together and am so happy they found one another 🙂
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
I really liked it. After Sapphire Nights I was anxious to see if the Malcolm connection is deepened and Topaz Dreams delivered it – although the connection is dead, or seems to be. Perhaps we’ll see in book 3. Hillvale characters from Book 1 are re-visited and some from the past. A scorecard would be handy. Teddy seems to bring a jolt to the town and solutions are sought between the Lucies and the Nulls. Kurt, who I liked in book 1, gets his well-deserved happy end. Good reading.
I received a free copy and voluntarily read and reviewed it.
Crystal Magic.
Another intriguing story in Ms Rice’s new series. I was drawn into the the little town of Hillvale (though it’s not a place that I would want to live) and it’s array of characters. As well as the paranormal elements to the story, there is a murder to solve, an ex to bring to justice and a closed off man who needs to learn to open up to his emotions (the love interest). Recommended.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.