"Again the magic" is a phrase often used to describe certain moments or experiences that bring back a sense of wonder and enchantment in our lives. It refers to those instances when we are reminded of the beauty and mystery of the world, and we are filled with a sense of awe and amazement. These moments can happen in various aspects of life. It could be witnessing a breathtaking sunset, walking through a lush forest, or even reading a captivating book. It is when we are able to escape the ordinary and experience something extraordinary. In these moments, time seems to stand still, and we are able to appreciate the magic of the present moment.
Series Rating:
Something you might not have realized the heroine s of this book are the sisters of Lord Marcus Westcliff, who gets his story in It Happened One Autumn, the second book of the Wallflowers series. Is it because Kleypas suspected or knew that the conflict and flimsy storyline for the primary couple was a uninteresting b shallow c void of purpose beyond a quickie.
In these moments, time seems to stand still, and we are able to appreciate the magic of the present moment. We are reminded that there is so much more to this world than what meets the eye. It is a reminder to embrace our sense of wonder and curiosity, to seek out new experiences, and to see the world through fresh eyes.
Author Spotlight Review: Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas
Reviewer: Holly
Again The Magic by Lisa Kleypas
Series: The Wallflowers #.5
Also in this series: The Devil in Winter, Scandal in Spring (The Wallflowers #4), A Wallflower Christmas
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: October 13th 2009
Genres: Fiction
Pages: 416
Add It: Goodreads
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Series Rating:
She gave him her innocence . . .
Lady Aline Marsden was brought up to marry a man of her own class, but from the moment she meets John McKenna, she risks everything to be with him.
He gave her his heart
Although their love is forbidden, McKenna's passion for the beautiful Aline is too compelling to deny.
When their secret is discovered, their world is shattered. McKenna is forced to leave forever, unaware that the only reason Aline has given him up is to save him.
Now McKenna has returned, a powerful man determined to take revenge against the woman who broke his heart. But the magic between them burns as fiercely as ever . . . and as McKenna uncovers Aline's deepest secret, together they discover a love that will defy Fate itself.
The blurb of this book is kind of misleading, so I’m going to give you a better summary. Please be advised that the summary and my review will contain mild spoilers (things that are discovered early on in the book).
Aline and McKenna grew up together. He was taken in by the housekeeper and given work in the stables as a young boy, and he and Aline quickly became best friends. As they grew older, the feelings between them changed into something much deeper and more mature. McKenna knew they couldn’t be together, but Aline desperately tried to change his mind.
They were seen kissing (the farthest McKenna would let things go) and Aline’s father banished McKenna from the estate. Aline knew McKenna wouldn’t leave her unless she made him believe she didn’t love him. So she lied and told him she’d never cared for him and had only been playing with him. Shortly thereafter she’s involved in an accident and her legs are severely scarred in a kitchen fire. As a result she never married, or really ever even left the country estate.
Years later McKenna returns to Stony Cross Park, a wealthy American. He’s made a fortune and has now come to seek revenge on Aline for destroying him as a young boy. But he couldn’t have predicted how the sight of her would still leave him breathless and wanting. And before long he’s just as captured by her as he was in his youth.
One of the things I love best about this book is that it deals with the powerful emotions we deal with in our youth. I can remember my first love, and how devastated I was when it ended. Although I don’t still pine for him (I have an amazing husband, one that outshines everyone and everything in my life), I could really understand the pain both Aline and McKenna carried with them.
I love McKenna. Even when he was dead set on revenge I was drawn to him. As a boy he had no ambition and was content to work in the stables and spend his free time with Aline. After her betrayal (or what he felt was her betrayal) he became driven, and eventually made a fortune as the business partner of an extremely wealthy American. As a man he isn’t anything like the boy he was. He’s cold and cynical and jaded, and his only thoughts are to make Aline pay. But we, as the reader, can see he just needs the right incentive to love as he once did.
I understood the reason Aline sent McKenna away, even as my heart broke for both of them. But I became extremely annoyed with her later in the story, worrying so much about something she had no control over. Because her legs are scarred, she feels no man, especially McKenna, will want her. So she continues to push him away. This didn’t bother me as much the first time I read the book, but this time around I wish she’d put more faith in him. As the story wore on she seemed more and more like a spoiled child. Aside from that, I did like her character. I just wish she’d been honest sooner.
I adore the secondary romance between Livia, Aline’s younger sister, and Charles Shaw, McKenna’s business partner. Shaw is an alcoholic and Livia has been living in self-imposed exile since a scandal hurt her in the past. Watching the two of them overcome their demons and fall in love really worked. Especially because falling in love wasn’t the end of the story for them.
Although I had more issues with the story this time around, I’d still say it holds up.
This book is available from Avon. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
Something you might not have realized: the heroine(s) of this book are the sisters of Lord Marcus Westcliff, who gets his story in It Happened One Autumn, the second book of the Wallflowers series. Marcus Westcliff is also featured in Worth Any Price, the third book in the Bow Street Series.
Tonight, however, I had a completely different experience with Lisa Kleypas’ Again the Magic. I love Kleypas–she’s the best, and I would read just about anything by her. I’m trying to read off my shelves of books I already own, and last weekend I chose Again the Magic at random. I fell in love with the story and read about 70 or so pages a day until yesterday, when I put it down until I picked it up again today. And it was completely different. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I suddenly saw all the flaws, among them:
"Again the magic" is a call to reconnect with our inner child, who saw everything with a sense of fascination and delight. It encourages us to let go of our skepticism and cynicism, and to allow ourselves to be captivated by the wonders of the world. Whether it is watching a shooting star, hearing a moving piece of music, or falling in love, these moments remind us of the magic that is always present in our lives. They serve as a reminder to appreciate the beauty in the world, to cherish the fleeting moments of joy and wonder, and to never lose sight of the magic that surrounds us. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, "again the magic" is a reminder to hold onto hope and to find solace in the simple pleasures of life. It is an invitation to embrace the magic that is always there, waiting to be discovered. So let us open our hearts and minds, and invite the magic back into our lives, once again..
Reviews for "The Power of Spells: Harnessing Magic for Positive Change"
1. Julia - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Again the Magic". The characters were one-dimensional and the story was predictable from beginning to end. There was no depth to the romance between the main characters and I found myself not caring about their relationship at all. Overall, I found the book to be dull and unengaging, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and compelling historical romance.
2. Michael - 1 star - "Again the Magic" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was mediocre at best and the plot was incredibly cliché and unoriginal. The characters were shallow and lacked any real development, and I found myself rolling my eyes at their interactions. The pacing was also very slow, making it a struggle to get through the entire book. Overall, I was extremely disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating romance novel.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Again the Magic" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt overly melodramatic and I found it hard to connect with the characters. The main romance felt forced and lacked chemistry, making it difficult to root for them as a couple. Additionally, the repetitive and predictable plot made the reading experience tiresome. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. John - 2 stars - "Again the Magic" did not live up to the hype for me. The characters felt flat and uninspired, with little growth throughout the story. The dialogue was often cheesy and unrealistic, making it hard to take the romance seriously. Additionally, the plot dragged on and lacked any real surprises or excitement. Overall, I was disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to fans of the romance genre who are looking for a more compelling and well-written story.