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Moonlight and Magic
A Basket of Wishes
Can love’s tender spell melt the icy heart of a duke?
Jourdian Amberville, the Duke of Heathcourte, is looking for the perfect bride. A practical and staid companion who will fit into his perfectly ordered life and never tempt him to fall in love. What he is not looking for is a violet-eyed sprite who tumbles right out of the sky to knock him off his horse.
Jourdian doesn’t know that Splendor is an actual fairy princess seeking the human mate she is destined to love. After they are forced to wed to avert a scandal, Jourdian realizes his new wife is no ordinary duchess, but a tender-hearted temptress who talks to animals and weeps diamond teardrops. The delightful chaos the mischievous beauty brings to his life threatens to make him lose not only his temper…but his heart.
If Jourdian is to keep Splendor, he must learn to surrender that heart to the strongest, most dangerous magic of all—the magic of true love.
Rebecca Paisley is the bestselling author of Diamonds and Dreams, The Barefoot Bride, A Basket of Wishes, Heartstrings, Bed of Roses, Moonlight and Magic, A Prince to Call My Own and Happily Forever After.
“A charmer…a delightful adult fairy tale…perhaps best read alone so one doesn’t have to explain having a laugh or even a bit of a cry over a fairy tale.”—Publishers Weekly
“Combines a dash of Rumpelstiltskin with a dose of The Little Mermaid and all the love, laughter, joy, enchantment, magic, and sheer pleasure you can get from reading an unforgettable romance. Rebecca Paisley spins a tale of such beauty, delight, tenderness, and humor that you will be captivated by her characters and the marvelous fairy-tale atmosphere she creates.”—Romantic Times
“Charm, imagination and laughter! All you need is Rebecca Paisley!”—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author
“Boldly goes where few writers go and she does it brilliantly!”—Eloisa James, New York Timesbestselling author
“Rebecca Paisley is the Queen of unique and charming love stories!” Jill Barnett, New York Times bestselling author
“Rebecca Paisley dazzles the heart!” Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author
“One of the most talented writers in the genre, Ms. Paisley is an absolute delight to read! Once you’ve read your first Paisley, we can guarantee it won’t be your last!”—Historical Romance Writers
Jourdian Amberville, the Duke of Heathcourte, is looking for the perfect bride. A practical and staid companion who will fit into his perfectly ordered life and never tempt him to fall in love. What he is not looking for is a violet-eyed sprite who tumbles right out of the sky to knock him off his horse.
Jourdian doesn’t know that Splendor is an actual fairy princess seeking the human mate she is destined to love. After they are forced to wed to avert a scandal, Jourdian realizes his new wife is no ordinary duchess, but a tender-hearted temptress who talks to animals and weeps diamond teardrops. The delightful chaos the mischievous beauty brings to his life threatens to make him lose not only his temper…but his heart.
If Jourdian is to keep Splendor, he must learn to surrender that heart to the strongest, most dangerous magic of all—the magic of true love.
Rebecca Paisley is the bestselling author of Diamonds and Dreams, The Barefoot Bride, A Basket of Wishes, Heartstrings, Bed of Roses, Moonlight and Magic, A Prince to Call My Own and Happily Forever After.
“A charmer…a delightful adult fairy tale…perhaps best read alone so one doesn’t have to explain having a laugh or even a bit of a cry over a fairy tale.”—Publishers Weekly
“Combines a dash of Rumpelstiltskin with a dose of The Little Mermaid and all the love, laughter, joy, enchantment, magic, and sheer pleasure you can get from reading an unforgettable romance. Rebecca Paisley spins a tale of such beauty, delight, tenderness, and humor that you will be captivated by her characters and the marvelous fairy-tale atmosphere she creates.”—Romantic Times
“Charm, imagination and laughter! All you need is Rebecca Paisley!”—Lisa Kleypas, New York Times bestselling author
“Boldly goes where few writers go and she does it brilliantly!”—Eloisa James, New York Timesbestselling author
“Rebecca Paisley is the Queen of unique and charming love stories!” Jill Barnett, New York Times bestselling author
“Rebecca Paisley dazzles the heart!” Teresa Medeiros, New York Times bestselling author
“One of the most talented writers in the genre, Ms. Paisley is an absolute delight to read! Once you’ve read your first Paisley, we can guarantee it won’t be your last!”—Historical Romance Writers
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1995
44 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Paisley
21 books63 followersI wanted to write things ever since I learned to write my name. I started with letters to my grandmother like: “Der Grammey, I went on the ralerode trax today and finded a big pees of gum by the raleing. I piked it up and ate it. It was bananna. I chwed it till it did not have inymor flaver in it. Aftr I swaloed it I kind of thot I had sum majic in me frum the persen who first ate it. Mama sayed wat I did was veree nasty but I beeleeve in that majic.”
To this day, I remember that gum and the way it made me feel. I continued to write about things that happened to me. Sometimes they were pure non-fiction. But other times they were invented, like when I wrote a one page story about my father being Superman. He was an Air Force Fighter Pilot and often had to leave on secret missions he was forbidden to tell us about. He told us his Superman costume was hidden in the flight bag he always took with him when he left. So I wrote a page about how he didn't need his jet on that mission. No, he flew in the plain air and directed the other pilots where to go. Because of his instructions, all the enemies scattered and were never seen again.
And then I grew up and became a woman, but not before I wrote hundreds of stories. When I was about 28 or so, I wrote a very long historical romance…with my 2 year old son hanging on my leg the whole time. I sent that manuscript to every publishing house in NYC, and the editors rejected it every single time. You want to know why? Because I was writing what I thought the publishing houses wanted to buy. I was copying other authors’ styles. I didn't know any better.
After 17 rejections, I decided to write the book I wanted to read. Not a book for an editor or even readers. Freedom, at last! Freedom to invent characters that made sense to me. Characters whose thoughts mirrored mine, whose ways of doing things were my ways of doing things.
Whose hearts were offspring of mine.
I never thought to submit that manuscript to anyone. It was going to be mine, all mine, and no one else’s business because the heroine was so wild, so outrageous and different. She was not a romance heroine, Chickadee McBride. She defied every romantic heroine in the publishing rules.
But I did end up sending her and story in, and Avon Books bought her. The editor told me Chickadee McBride was a gamble, but Avon was willing to try her out. That book was THE BAREFOOT BRIDE.
After that sale, I never again wrote what other authors wrote. I stayed true to what I loved, what made me cry and laugh and be surprised. I never knew what my characters were going to do or why. I just wrote.
And eventually I became a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author, which gained me a place on Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll and the accomplishment of becoming a RITA finalist. I won Romantic Times’ Lifetime Achievement Award and Career Achievement Award as well as a Reviewers’ Choice Award for Historical Romance Fantasy and a Best Love and Laughter Award.
None of these things would have happened for me had I not decided to write a book that appealed to my quickness to laugh, my love for the outrageous, my deep sensitivity. . .
. . . or the belief that if I can dream it up, it can happen.
To this day, I remember that gum and the way it made me feel. I continued to write about things that happened to me. Sometimes they were pure non-fiction. But other times they were invented, like when I wrote a one page story about my father being Superman. He was an Air Force Fighter Pilot and often had to leave on secret missions he was forbidden to tell us about. He told us his Superman costume was hidden in the flight bag he always took with him when he left. So I wrote a page about how he didn't need his jet on that mission. No, he flew in the plain air and directed the other pilots where to go. Because of his instructions, all the enemies scattered and were never seen again.
And then I grew up and became a woman, but not before I wrote hundreds of stories. When I was about 28 or so, I wrote a very long historical romance…with my 2 year old son hanging on my leg the whole time. I sent that manuscript to every publishing house in NYC, and the editors rejected it every single time. You want to know why? Because I was writing what I thought the publishing houses wanted to buy. I was copying other authors’ styles. I didn't know any better.
After 17 rejections, I decided to write the book I wanted to read. Not a book for an editor or even readers. Freedom, at last! Freedom to invent characters that made sense to me. Characters whose thoughts mirrored mine, whose ways of doing things were my ways of doing things.
Whose hearts were offspring of mine.
I never thought to submit that manuscript to anyone. It was going to be mine, all mine, and no one else’s business because the heroine was so wild, so outrageous and different. She was not a romance heroine, Chickadee McBride. She defied every romantic heroine in the publishing rules.
But I did end up sending her and story in, and Avon Books bought her. The editor told me Chickadee McBride was a gamble, but Avon was willing to try her out. That book was THE BAREFOOT BRIDE.
After that sale, I never again wrote what other authors wrote. I stayed true to what I loved, what made me cry and laugh and be surprised. I never knew what my characters were going to do or why. I just wrote.
And eventually I became a Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author, which gained me a place on Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll and the accomplishment of becoming a RITA finalist. I won Romantic Times’ Lifetime Achievement Award and Career Achievement Award as well as a Reviewers’ Choice Award for Historical Romance Fantasy and a Best Love and Laughter Award.
None of these things would have happened for me had I not decided to write a book that appealed to my quickness to laugh, my love for the outrageous, my deep sensitivity. . .
. . . or the belief that if I can dream it up, it can happen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 24, 2019
A happy, "comfort read" romance, with a tiny amount of angst, that blends the regency historical genre with a little bit of fairy dust and fairytale magic.
This review is extremely overdue ( because I got lazy and started to procrastinate ) but I really enjoyed this book. I actually finished reading this in just two days, but have only just found the time to write this review. I read this novel after reading Diamonds and Dreams, by this author. And this one didn't disappoint either. Rebecca Paisley has such a quirky and cute style of storytelling. She always manages to infuse lots of humour, with just the right touch of sweetness and drama that kept me captivated all the way to the end.
Parts of this novel, especially the MC's interaction, reminded of one of my favourite TVLand classic sitcoms, I Dream of Jeanie. That's because our magical heroine, in her innocent cute efforts to please her H, kept doing a lot of silly things that made me laugh out loud so many times ! Some of the highlights of this book:
1. A fairy heroine, named Splendor, whose tears turn to diamonds and who can speak to animals ! Boy, did I wish I could have been in her shoes, so that Harold Mongrelpup could have long and interesting conversations with me. I am serious ! I would totally choose to speak to Harold over diamonds, any day.
This is Splendor, in her fairy incarnation:
And this is Splendor, in her human form:
2. A staid, buttoned up ducal H, named Jourdain, who is filled with a mixture of apathy and cynicism when it comes to love and who is searching for a bland, uninteresting duchess to do her duty to the duchy and for whom he would feel little deep affection.
This the H Jourdain, the Duke of Heathcourte:
3. A naughty, jealous, but not evil, fairy sister named Harmony who likes to do a little mischief but is really hoping to find true love herself. Harmony was kinda funny, even when she was being naughty and she reminded me a lot of Jeannie's wicked sister from the sitcom. In the sitcom, the wicked sister would cast funny and silly temporary spells on Jeannie's "Master" ( Major Nelson ) and in this novel, Harmony did the same a couple of times to the H, Jourdain.
4. Some endearing and lovable ducal servants whose working routine is thrown into chaos when the heroine enters the mansion with her eccentric, magical pet called Delicious, that loves to take on the form of lots of animals during the course of one day ! One minute he is a pig, then he is horse, then he is swan etc. It was so funny reading how the poor beleaguered butler thought that he was going crazy, when he had to keep chasing after a pig that eventually turned into another animal and so forth...
5. A baby pact that must be kept: the heroine has been sent by her father, the fairy king, to conceive a child with the H and then return to Pillywiggin ( aka Fairyland ). The terms of the pact state that the heroine will die if she fails to return to Pillwiggin after her months with her H are over. The only way that Splendor will be able to break the pact, is if the H falls in love with her. If his love is honest and true, then she'll be able to live on earth as his duchess and have her happy ever after.
This is a story about two MC's who were destined, by the forces of Fated Fairy Magic, to be together. Their union was predestined, generations before their birth, when a grieving young farmer named Virgil Trinity called upon The Wee Folk ( aka the fairies of the forests ) to save his pregnant wife and child. Wisdom, the King of the Fairies granted Virgil's wish, with the following stipulation:
“In return for the lives of your wife and child,” the voice finally said, “I demand a betrothal. One of your descendants must wed one of mine. Do you agree to these terms, Virgil Trinity?”
Rebecca Paisley. A Basket of Wishes (Kindle Locations 140-141). Amber House Books, LLC. Kindle Edition.
Virgil was too traumatized to think of the consequences of his pact, so he agreed. It so happened that Virgil's wife gave birth to a baby girl, who grew up to be such a beauty that she ended up marrying a duke - an ancestor of the novel's hero. The fairy king didn't rush to fulfil this pact, but waited until the H was an adult who had just decided that it's time he found himself a wife. Jourdain had been a lonely little boy, with no siblings and selfish parents who preferred to leave him at their country estate, while they travelled all over the world.
Unbeknownst to the little boy H, however, there was a special magical little fairy girl ( the heroine ) who found him cute, adorable, developed a little girl's crush on him and spent a lot of time watching out him and saving him from his boyhood mishaps: the little fairy girl, Splendor, looked out for the little ducal heir and saved him from being bitten a snake, from having a heavy branch fall on his head and from being injured when he participated in rough boyish games with his cousin Emil.
Splendor was like Jourdain's own special guardian fairy. She helped him so much, without his knowledge: when his parents died and the ducal estates were nearing bankruptcy, she guided him with his investments and soon he grew so rich that other aristocrats in the Ton said he had the Midas touch. Splendor didn't know, then, that she was in love with him but she would wait for the days when he returned to his country estate, just so she could gaze on his awesome manly hotness:
Breathing deeply of the cool, woodsy air, she couldn’t suppress a shiver of excitement.
“He’s going to be near today, Delicious,” she murmured to her enchanted pet. “That handsome human who makes me glow!”
Rebecca Paisley. A Basket of Wishes (Kindle Locations 396-398). Amber House Books, LLC. Kindle Edition.
Jourdain must've had some strong pheromones to have such an effort on a heroine who wasn't even human.
Splendor makes a dramatic entrance in Jourdain's life, when her father sends her down to earth to fulfil the terms of the pact. The H is riding his stallion on the outskirts of the woods when a beautiful, naked, violet eyed redhead falls out of the sky and lands right on him ! And he's mesmerized the minute he gazes into her pretty eyes:
He thinks she's a provincial country girl who's lost her memory so he takes her back to his mansion and orders his servants to care for her. Little did he realize that Splendor was not the type of docile heroine who will be ignored. She follows him around, asking strange questions and weaving her seductive spell upon him. He knows he's supposed to be looking for a boring, proper wife so he tries to ignore her. But Splendor's the kind of girl that's impossible to ignore - especially when she hates to wear normal gowns and walks around in bits of muslin looking like an enchantress straight out of his wet dreams.
A jealous rival called Lord Percival causes mischief for the H when he spreads rumours about the heroine living at the ducal estate without a chaperone. Lord Percival was very competitive and envious of the H's wealth and the fact that a certain lady called Marianna, had the hots for the H. Lord P thought that he'd be able to get Marianna for himself if gossip and rumours destroyed the H's reputation. Percival wanted to marry Marianna but she had been chasing after Jourdain, without success, for many years. The rumours and subsequent gossip created such a mess for the H, that he was forced to marry Splendor.
At the time of the marriage, the H didn't know that Splendor was actually a magical fairy with super powers. When she told him, he was so stunned and annoyed that it caused some significant setbacks in their relationship and led to the postponement of their first sex scene. I guess the H got filled with minor trepidation because he'd never been near to a real magical vagina before ! But eventually, he found it impossible to stay away from Splendor and they had some super magical lovemaking; it was so awesome, that the heroine's body ( which was still entwined with, and lying under the H's ) actually levitated all the way up to the ceiling ! LOL
Time starts to run out for Splendor, though, because our stubborn H refuses to open his heart to love. She's already in love with him and she's dreading the possibility of a future without him. She tried to get him to talk about his feelings, but he closes up on her every time:
Her silver stars of magic glittered as brightly as her tears as she changed herself into her original form.
“Why can you not love me? What is it about me that keeps you from feeling the emotion for me?”
Rebecca Paisley. A Basket of Wishes (Kindle Locations 5709-5711). Amber House Books, LLC. Kindle Edition.
Jourdain's biggest fear in life is to end up as a besotted and bankrupt husband, like his late father. He has deep feelings for Splendor, loves engaging in sex that leads to orgasmic levitation but cannot open his heart to her. And the heroine, who is bound by the terms of the old pact, cannot tell him that he will lose her if he is unable to feel true love for her.
But the good hearted Splendor, doesn't allow her personal romantic malaise to stop her from doing some good deeds for a few deserving servants. She developed a fondness for the bald butler Ulmstead and a shy young maid who is very insecure because of an unsightly birthmark that covered half of her face. The heroine couldn't just cast a spell or throw some fairy dust and make these problems disappear for these folks, because problem solving in the fairy world doesn't work like that. The only way that Splendor could give Ulmstead a full head of hair and remove the maid's birthmark, was if she found a couple of truly evil persons to transfer them to.
Percival and Marianna kept doing so many horrible things that eventually the kind hearted Splendor lost her temper and decided it was time for such fairy retribution !
That ended up being the funniest and one of the best parts of the novel. The two evil and extremely malicious characters, Lord Percival and Lady Marianna, ended up receiving Ulmstead's bald head and the maid's unsightly birthmark. It was such a fantastic comeuppance for villains, while providing great happiness to deserving characters like Ulmstead and the maid. The author provided a lot of funny, semi slapstick humour during this part of the story, especially after the vain Lord P had to resort to wearing turbans like an old dowager ! Lady Marianna, on the other hand, decided to stay hidden in her parents home, especially when her most recent suitor withdrew his marriage proposal after he saw her new face.
While all this was happening, another romantic storyline was developing between Splendor's sister Harmony and Jourdain's roguish cousin, Emil. Harmony and Emily got their HEA before the MC's because the H was still too obstinate to admit that he loved Splendor. When Splendor's time on earth came to an end, she was forced to return to Pillywiggin, pregnant and with a broken heart. She didn't reveal her pregnancy to Jourdain because she'd wanted him to declare his love of his own accord. After she left him, he becomes so depressed and tormented that he can't live without her. It's takes him a couple of months to realize, finally, that the pain he's feeling is really love !
That's when he makes his big, dramatic and chivalrous gesture by going into the woods to seek out the fairies and beg for the return of his duchess. King Wisdom refuses to allow Splendor to return to live on earth with the H, because she's his eldest child and the throne of Pillywiggin will one day be hers. Our lovesick H offers to make the grandest sacrifice in order to regain his beloved:
“I will give up everything I own,” he announced, his voice ringing loudly and clearly through the cool, dark woods. “My estate, my fortune… I will relinquish my place in the human world for Splendor.”
He paused for a moment, his next words coming straight from his heart.
“Your Majesty, I will give up my own title so that she may retain hers.”
Splendor gasped. “Jourdian, you cannot—”
“I can,” he cut off her protest. “And I will.”
The rustle of the leaves was the only sound that could be heard as every gaze rested on the king, and all waited to hear his response. The king stared at Jourdian. “You love her,” he whispered. “You truly love her.”
“I do,” came Jourdian’s quick reply.
Rebecca Paisley. A Basket of Wishes (Kindle Locations 6115-6122). Amber House Books, LLC. Kindle Edition.
The H's selfless offer and sincere declaration of love melted the crotchety, cold heart of King Wisdom and he allowed Splendor to return to earth and get her HEA with Jourdain. In the sweet and charming epilogue, the heroine has just given birth to their son. The H is filled with curiosity to know if his heir has inherited any of mommy's special fairy powers and this is answered in the affirmative when the little baby's tears turn to diamonds !
“It looks as though he’s going to cry.”
“Cry,” Splendor said.
“Cry,” Jourdian repeated.
In breathless anticipation, they watched their son. The baby flailed his arms and legs, and wrinkled his nose and forehead. His face reddening, he opened his mouth and began to wail. His little tears rolled off his plump cheeks, splashing upon his pillow. And there, upon the white satin, gleaming like wishing stars in the sky, lay a sprinkle of tiny diamonds.
Rebecca Paisley. A Basket of Wishes (Kindle Locations 6221-6225). Amber House Books, LLC. Kindle Edition.
Safety: No cheating, no OM, a wannabe OW and both MC's are celibate during their short separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2018
No había leído un libro más fantasioso, divertido, tierno y sensual en todo el año.
Me encantó. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😅
A ver, que si a ti no te va la onda bella durmiente con magia y deseos y hadas y poderes este no es tu tipo de libro.
Pero para mi fue un grato descubrimiento. Nunca había leído romance histórico con una mezcla tan profunda de fantasía.
Y debo decir que adoré cada segundo, cada palabra de ello.
Los personajes están tan bien trazados, sus personalidades se complementan tan bien que el amor que se da de manera imposible es hermoso. Y en todo su esplendor. ❤️
Al principio me costó un poco agarrarle la onda al estilo de la autora pero una vez que le encontré el modo todo fue un NO PARAR DE LEER.
Hay miles de emociones y sentimientos aquí. Amor, tristeza, pasión. Dolor...
Me la pasé llorando todo el capítulo 24 y no sé si fue porque todo era tan triste y estaba tan ofuscada/enojada con él o si fue porque ando hormonal y ya me va a bajar. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Lo que fuera... Me encantó. Me divertí a más no poder con las ridiculeces de todos los personajes. Esplendor y Armonía fueron geniales. Y la segunda pareja es tan interesante como la primera pero sin robar protagonismo.
En fin, altamente recomendado si te va la onda de un romance histórico con una gran dosis de fantasía.
Me encantó. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😅
A ver, que si a ti no te va la onda bella durmiente con magia y deseos y hadas y poderes este no es tu tipo de libro.
Pero para mi fue un grato descubrimiento. Nunca había leído romance histórico con una mezcla tan profunda de fantasía.
Y debo decir que adoré cada segundo, cada palabra de ello.
Los personajes están tan bien trazados, sus personalidades se complementan tan bien que el amor que se da de manera imposible es hermoso. Y en todo su esplendor. ❤️
Al principio me costó un poco agarrarle la onda al estilo de la autora pero una vez que le encontré el modo todo fue un NO PARAR DE LEER.
Hay miles de emociones y sentimientos aquí. Amor, tristeza, pasión. Dolor...
Me la pasé llorando todo el capítulo 24 y no sé si fue porque todo era tan triste y estaba tan ofuscada/enojada con él o si fue porque ando hormonal y ya me va a bajar. 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Lo que fuera... Me encantó. Me divertí a más no poder con las ridiculeces de todos los personajes. Esplendor y Armonía fueron geniales. Y la segunda pareja es tan interesante como la primera pero sin robar protagonismo.
En fin, altamente recomendado si te va la onda de un romance histórico con una gran dosis de fantasía.
December 5, 2022
Read: 4/16/21
This book, I imagine, is a hit or miss for most. For me, I Ioved it! A friend's review stated it reminded her of Jill Barnett's Bewitching. That is the only reason I tried the book out and I'm glad I did. Though one had witch and this one had a fairy. The former better!
This was just a silly, cute read! It was very predictable, but I didn't care bc it made me smile through the whole book. I treasure a book that can make me laugh, even if it's ridiculous.
If it didn't have sex scenes I'd reccomend it for teens.
This book, I imagine, is a hit or miss for most. For me, I Ioved it! A friend's review stated it reminded her of Jill Barnett's Bewitching. That is the only reason I tried the book out and I'm glad I did. Though one had witch and this one had a fairy. The former better!
This was just a silly, cute read! It was very predictable, but I didn't care bc it made me smile through the whole book. I treasure a book that can make me laugh, even if it's ridiculous.
If it didn't have sex scenes I'd reccomend it for teens.
December 15, 2010
If you are looking for a pick-me-up kind of book and don't mind a little silliness this is the one to find! I absolutely loved this story about a whimsical fairy princess who is destined to marry a human in order to save her race from possible extinction.
Splendor, the fairy princess of Pillywiggin, is thrilled to learn from her Father that Jourdian, the Duke she has been admiring & watching over since childhood, is the chosen human to sire the first half human/half faery child. All Jourdian ever wanted was a plain, boring wife, one who would bear him children and cause him no trouble. Then Splendor and her magic enters his life and Jourdain's safe orderly world is suddenly turned upside down. The only hitch is that Splendor only has three months to convince Jourdian to marry her and conceive before she must return to Pillywiggin or else she may die . . . unless she convinces Jourdian to fall in love with her.
This is a magical story that put a smile on my face and had me laughing out loud. Trust me, I never do that kind of thing. Splendor's innocence and antics are adorable, sometimes silly and always hilarious, I've never read another heroine quite like her. Anyone who loves a pure romantic fantasy, lots of humor and a sensual love story should read this ASAP.
Splendor, the fairy princess of Pillywiggin, is thrilled to learn from her Father that Jourdian, the Duke she has been admiring & watching over since childhood, is the chosen human to sire the first half human/half faery child. All Jourdian ever wanted was a plain, boring wife, one who would bear him children and cause him no trouble. Then Splendor and her magic enters his life and Jourdain's safe orderly world is suddenly turned upside down. The only hitch is that Splendor only has three months to convince Jourdian to marry her and conceive before she must return to Pillywiggin or else she may die . . . unless she convinces Jourdian to fall in love with her.
This is a magical story that put a smile on my face and had me laughing out loud. Trust me, I never do that kind of thing. Splendor's innocence and antics are adorable, sometimes silly and always hilarious, I've never read another heroine quite like her. Anyone who loves a pure romantic fantasy, lots of humor and a sensual love story should read this ASAP.
June 11, 2020
If one hangs on through some truly outlandish and cutesy stuff, this book delivers a good story layered with sweetness, heart-wrenching emotions, angst, some ROFL moments and a satisfying romance.
February 16, 2015
This book is the reason I love to read romances. It is a heady aroma of words. Rebecca Paisley takes a simple idea that has been done before. This time it is about two adults, one human and one a fairy, that melt with need. Splendor, what a name(!), for she is indeed a splendor. Patient, giving and funny is part of her nature and you love her for it. Jourdian Amberville is the 'Trinity' and our hero. Handsome in looks with a wealth that is unlimited but a personality that reminds me of a well; he is both deep and dark at times. Three traits that heroes in other stories have had but he is the balance to Splendor. If you are like me you'll become frustrated with him but his flaws are necessary to the story. He is the ying to Splendor's yang.
The story's secondary characters are as amusing to read about as our hero and heroine's adventures. 'Delicious', that supplies surprises when you least expect it. Emil (Ms. Paisley's real-life father's name), the cousin, with his sage advice and easy temperament that pull at you. Harmony, Splendor's sister, and her counter-balance. Impatient, often jealous and hurtful but you love her for it. When was the last time you loved a villainous person? Even the household staff are people you will care about. Ms. Paisley draws you into this adult fairy tale and, oh, how much fun you will have reading their story!
The author adds so many infusions of humorous moments that I caught myself grinning or breaking out in laughter when I thought something else might happen. Be sure and read her memories of her Uncle Van before the story starts and you will understand where Ms. Paisley got some of her comical propensities from; the man who made her dare to be the woman she became. A BASKET OF WISHES won the 1995 RRA Best Love and Laughter award and 1995 RT Reviewers' Choice—Historical Romance Fantasy distinction. If you love romances as I do and want something special to read try Ms. Paisley's A BASKET OF WISHES.
The story's secondary characters are as amusing to read about as our hero and heroine's adventures. 'Delicious', that supplies surprises when you least expect it. Emil (Ms. Paisley's real-life father's name), the cousin, with his sage advice and easy temperament that pull at you. Harmony, Splendor's sister, and her counter-balance. Impatient, often jealous and hurtful but you love her for it. When was the last time you loved a villainous person? Even the household staff are people you will care about. Ms. Paisley draws you into this adult fairy tale and, oh, how much fun you will have reading their story!
The author adds so many infusions of humorous moments that I caught myself grinning or breaking out in laughter when I thought something else might happen. Be sure and read her memories of her Uncle Van before the story starts and you will understand where Ms. Paisley got some of her comical propensities from; the man who made her dare to be the woman she became. A BASKET OF WISHES won the 1995 RRA Best Love and Laughter award and 1995 RT Reviewers' Choice—Historical Romance Fantasy distinction. If you love romances as I do and want something special to read try Ms. Paisley's A BASKET OF WISHES.
dnf
February 13, 2021DNF @ 47%
I got this book off of a GR list called “angsty historical romances” but it was just silly so far. I went back to confirm that it was on that list and saw that it was also on a few others for funny hr too, so I think that explains a lot. I’m not sure where and when the angst comes in, but I just wasn’t feeling it. The h was a fairy that was sent to the H because of a deal his grandfather made with her people for their arranged marriage and conception of a child to strengthen the fairy line. The storyline actually intrigued me and I don’t feel as though that was the issue. The h and H just weren’t connecting. I wasn’t connecting with them individually either. It wasn’t bad or anything, but I was bored and struggling to continue reading.
I got this book off of a GR list called “angsty historical romances” but it was just silly so far. I went back to confirm that it was on that list and saw that it was also on a few others for funny hr too, so I think that explains a lot. I’m not sure where and when the angst comes in, but I just wasn’t feeling it. The h was a fairy that was sent to the H because of a deal his grandfather made with her people for their arranged marriage and conception of a child to strengthen the fairy line. The storyline actually intrigued me and I don’t feel as though that was the issue. The h and H just weren’t connecting. I wasn’t connecting with them individually either. It wasn’t bad or anything, but I was bored and struggling to continue reading.
April 8, 2021
I didn't like the writing. It felt way too contemporary and unrealistic for the time period. I skimmed through the book. I was hoping for some angst, but there were mostly shenanigans after shenanigans that got tiring.
July 4, 2013
What a fun read!! Where has this author been hiding?! This was so good.. So so good.. It's got a grumpy duke, a fairy princess, a great best friend, a misunderstood sister, a butler losing his mind, a shape-shifting pet, fairy dust, fairy magic, and wishes on stars.
It's nonstop chaos and madness and I loved every minute of it.
If you're looking for out-loud laughter then this is the book for you!
It's nonstop chaos and madness and I loved every minute of it.
If you're looking for out-loud laughter then this is the book for you!
June 21, 2014
You know how there are books that don't have enough dialogue? Well, this one has too much. I feel like I was talked to to death. My ears actually hurt. Otherwise an entertaining read.
March 14, 2018
OMG!!!!!! This book so so GOOD!! Man how a laughed. I think my mouth is gonna break from how Hard I was smiling!!
August 13, 2016
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!
What a truly wonderful book. I laughed so hard so many times and I really, really, really believe this book should be on audible and should be narrated by Susan Duerden. A stupendous book and a marvelous narrator.
Splendor was absolutely wonderful (a fairy with hair down to her ankles) and Jourdain was simply made for her (a Duke afraid to love). I had to laugh every time she called him “My Grace.” And I just loved the swan, the hog, the donkey, the seal, the rooster, the slug, the porcupine, the llama, the lizard, the baby elephant, the skunk, the bat, the sand crab, the beaver and the chimpanzee. They were all Splendor’s ONE pet (named Delicious), who could shapeshift into anything he wanted but was never in his true form: a cockroach.
I loved the servants: Ulmstead, Mrs. Frawley, Hopkins and Tessie.
And the jerks who got what they deserved? Reverend Shrewsbury, Percival Brackett, Niall and Marianne.
Harmony (LOL..Splendor's "evil" sister) and Emil (the Duke's incredible cousin) were just terrific, too.
Liked King Wisdom and Queen Pleasure and their little kingdom of Pillywiggin.
I was surprised at the explicit sex in this book but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. She was so innocent, it was just hilarious the things she said and how she acted during sex.
I saw this book mentioned on Facebook and went and had a look and bought it immediately. What a wonderful read. I know I'll read it again one day.
What a truly wonderful book. I laughed so hard so many times and I really, really, really believe this book should be on audible and should be narrated by Susan Duerden. A stupendous book and a marvelous narrator.
Splendor was absolutely wonderful (a fairy with hair down to her ankles) and Jourdain was simply made for her (a Duke afraid to love). I had to laugh every time she called him “My Grace.” And I just loved the swan, the hog, the donkey, the seal, the rooster, the slug, the porcupine, the llama, the lizard, the baby elephant, the skunk, the bat, the sand crab, the beaver and the chimpanzee. They were all Splendor’s ONE pet (named Delicious), who could shapeshift into anything he wanted but was never in his true form: a cockroach.
I loved the servants: Ulmstead, Mrs. Frawley, Hopkins and Tessie.
And the jerks who got what they deserved? Reverend Shrewsbury, Percival Brackett, Niall and Marianne.
Harmony (LOL..Splendor's "evil" sister) and Emil (the Duke's incredible cousin) were just terrific, too.
Liked King Wisdom and Queen Pleasure and their little kingdom of Pillywiggin.
I was surprised at the explicit sex in this book but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. She was so innocent, it was just hilarious the things she said and how she acted during sex.
I saw this book mentioned on Facebook and went and had a look and bought it immediately. What a wonderful read. I know I'll read it again one day.
February 26, 2011
This was recommended to me via Twitter. I struggled to get into this book during the first few chapters. It was pretty over-the-top campy. Once I accepted the fact that it was going to be a slapstick comedy, I fell into it. The romance was very well done. I truly enjoyed it. Plus, the antics of the heroine, her sister and the other cast of characters were very entertaining. An excellent read.
Read
December 12, 2015This book is whimsical, clever, and delightful. On a gloomy day when you're feeling just a little down, this book will take you away, make you laugh, and renew your belief in magic.
April 5, 2017
3/3.5 magical stars
This had such a strong fairytale, dream-like aura about it. I loved that!
I enjoyed the characters, especially the side-romance. Who doesn't love a love story within a love story? *sigh* So much love ...
A light, fun read :)
This had such a strong fairytale, dream-like aura about it. I loved that!
I enjoyed the characters, especially the side-romance. Who doesn't love a love story within a love story? *sigh* So much love ...
A light, fun read :)
April 13, 2016
3.5 stars...
Firstly, it was one of the unique story I've ever read in fantasy-romance genre.
Author's imagination was very nice but not much very quirky. I can say that she almost remained faithful to the classic fairy faith. What makes the story special or good is well-characterization of protagonists, especially hero and well developed plot about his needs of love with through magic. She's also good on progressing the story with hilarious banter, funny dialogue and scenes, and both pure and hot sexy scenes. Also, it surprised me to read description of heroine's nakedness, yet she handled it very well that based on it to her being fairy and her pure way of thinking. Therefore, imo, love making scenes were quite sensual and magical. :)
There were some implausible things too, such as they rose up to the sky and hero touched the moon scene... I couldn't help but thought about pressure difference or air temperature, much less impossibility of being that high. :)
Because of this was a fantasy and romance genre, I suspense my disbelief and kept reading.
I want to thank you to Linda for recommended the book to me.
Firstly, it was one of the unique story I've ever read in fantasy-romance genre.
Author's imagination was very nice but not much very quirky. I can say that she almost remained faithful to the classic fairy faith. What makes the story special or good is well-characterization of protagonists, especially hero and well developed plot about his needs of love with through magic. She's also good on progressing the story with hilarious banter, funny dialogue and scenes, and both pure and hot sexy scenes. Also, it surprised me to read description of heroine's nakedness, yet she handled it very well that based on it to her being fairy and her pure way of thinking. Therefore, imo, love making scenes were quite sensual and magical. :)
There were some implausible things too, such as they rose up to the sky and hero touched the moon scene... I couldn't help but thought about pressure difference or air temperature, much less impossibility of being that high. :)
Because of this was a fantasy and romance genre, I suspense my disbelief and kept reading.
I want to thank you to Linda for recommended the book to me.
March 7, 2017
This was one of the first romances I ever read, and thanks to the fabulous ladies at the Old School Romance Book Club on Facebook who helped me figure out the title, I was able to enjoy it once again!
I can see why I fell in love with this story as a starry-eyed teenage girl. The heroine Splendor is a fairy princess. A Basket of Wishes is whimsical, funny, and there are some pretty steamy love scenes. (Splendor's habit of floating when she has an orgasm was the one thing that stood out in my mind all these years, lol)
I love the cover also (the original cover from 1995). Jourdian looks absolutely besotted with Splendor, as well he should be. ;)
A very enjoyable trip down memory lane!
I can see why I fell in love with this story as a starry-eyed teenage girl. The heroine Splendor is a fairy princess. A Basket of Wishes is whimsical, funny, and there are some pretty steamy love scenes. (Splendor's habit of floating when she has an orgasm was the one thing that stood out in my mind all these years, lol)
I love the cover also (the original cover from 1995). Jourdian looks absolutely besotted with Splendor, as well he should be. ;)
A very enjoyable trip down memory lane!
June 13, 2019
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book like Basket of Wishes. Not necessarily a bad thing. I loved Splendor (strange name). Jourdain was annoying with his aversion to love and it went on a little too long. Overall, this was a great book. Different from any other historical fantasy romance (is that even a genre?) or any HR book I’ve ever read. Kept my interest throughout the entire book. I’ll read more by Rebecca Paisley.
July 20, 2015
Beautifully written! I loved it!
A definite keeper!
5++++++ stars!
A definite keeper!
5++++++ stars!
April 21, 2018
This was such a beautiful story. A Duke withdrawn of Love. A fairy, a wish granter and not knowing the emotion of love. Will not spoil the contents, but such a wonderful storyline.
This is innocence at its best. A heartfelt storyline revolving mainly around Jordan and Splendor. The whole story makes one wish and feel that fairies may exist. I have rea$ other books by Rebecca Paisley before and have thoroughly enjoyed her work. Though I have also read this book before, this is the 1st review left by me. If you are looking into reading heartfelt stories, do not skip this one and other titles by Rebecca Paisley.
This is one of those reads that you go back to when you feel like an uplift and refresh to other genre in your library.
This is innocence at its best. A heartfelt storyline revolving mainly around Jordan and Splendor. The whole story makes one wish and feel that fairies may exist. I have rea$ other books by Rebecca Paisley before and have thoroughly enjoyed her work. Though I have also read this book before, this is the 1st review left by me. If you are looking into reading heartfelt stories, do not skip this one and other titles by Rebecca Paisley.
This is one of those reads that you go back to when you feel like an uplift and refresh to other genre in your library.
May 27, 2020
it was entertaining, more than a little silly, but the had issues with it than its silliness.
just as side note, as a person who stutters giving someone else a character's stutter as punishment is really offensive. its like giving away a part of their identity, because like it or not our stutter is part of who we are. we might improve on it, undergo therapy but treating a part of our identity as a burden or a punishment to pass on others who are "bad" and therefore "deserve it" is really shitty.
also it might seem wrong to ascribe this standards to a book published so long ago, but trans people have existed before that, genitalia ≠ gender
just as side note, as a person who stutters giving someone else a character's stutter as punishment is really offensive. its like giving away a part of their identity, because like it or not our stutter is part of who we are. we might improve on it, undergo therapy but treating a part of our identity as a burden or a punishment to pass on others who are "bad" and therefore "deserve it" is really shitty.
also it might seem wrong to ascribe this standards to a book published so long ago, but trans people have existed before that, genitalia ≠ gender
September 8, 2022
I think if you've already read Jill Barnett's Bewitching then you don't really need this one. For me, 1 paranormal chick loving a duke is enough - I need not 2.
And the fairy chick's vernacular was a tad medieval for me here.
But I must say, it was so ridiculous that it boarded on being hysterically funny in some instances. I laughed out loud a lot. So if you like a farcical kind of HR then this is for you.
Oh and they bone quite a lot in this, if that's a make or break it point for you. Fear not, His Grace is very much ruled by his loins :)
And the fairy chick's vernacular was a tad medieval for me here.
But I must say, it was so ridiculous that it boarded on being hysterically funny in some instances. I laughed out loud a lot. So if you like a farcical kind of HR then this is for you.
Oh and they bone quite a lot in this, if that's a make or break it point for you. Fear not, His Grace is very much ruled by his loins :)
August 21, 2024
If after more than 20 years, January 2002, I still remember this book with fondness, it is a good work.
Yes, it is silly and full of fantasy, but it made me keep a smile on my face.
I still remember that Splendor wasn’t able to feel strong emotions without popping through air. And her husband was all the time waiting patiently for her to return at his side. And she isn’t depicted as a shallow or simple-minded character. She was just… a fairy!
Yes, it is silly and full of fantasy, but it made me keep a smile on my face.
I still remember that Splendor wasn’t able to feel strong emotions without popping through air. And her husband was all the time waiting patiently for her to return at his side. And she isn’t depicted as a shallow or simple-minded character. She was just… a fairy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2021
Just OK
The last three chapters saved the book for me. The hero acted like a jerk most of the times and the heroine was almost like a doormat. I liked the secondary characters i.e. Emil and Harmony much more. And I got irritated by the obvious errors of addressing the duke i.e. your Grace as opposed to my Lord 🙄
The last three chapters saved the book for me. The hero acted like a jerk most of the times and the heroine was almost like a doormat. I liked the secondary characters i.e. Emil and Harmony much more. And I got irritated by the obvious errors of addressing the duke i.e. your Grace as opposed to my Lord 🙄
August 28, 2021
Magical story!
What a beautifully written magical story!!! A real page turner and once started I didn’t want to put it down until the end! Splendor is a wonderful person and so much of who we all need a little (some a lot lol) to be like!! Beautiful and giving only wanting to bring joy!! A must read!!!
What a beautifully written magical story!!! A real page turner and once started I didn’t want to put it down until the end! Splendor is a wonderful person and so much of who we all need a little (some a lot lol) to be like!! Beautiful and giving only wanting to bring joy!! A must read!!!
April 9, 2021
Most time when a heroine is just so good it's aggravating but she was sweet. She just wanted him to be happy. She was innocent in her goodness and she recognized it. I like that Emil got his happy ending too. I would love to hear about their descendants.
November 22, 2021
As compared to Diamond and dreams this book was fun to read. The secondary characters were also entertaining. Heroine was cute and funny 😃. One thing I didn't like about the book was nakedness of both females characters. In my perspective it was not compulsory...
April 10, 2020
So silly and fanciful. The concept was just too much for me to find the romance believable or root for the characters.
October 20, 2023
Me encantó, no estaba muy convencida de leerla, pero me he reído mucho y encuentro entrañable a la protagonista.
December 1, 2025
This book is unrepentantly cheesy, and has some unresolved plot elements, but I still liked it.
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