Bell of Eternity

Celtic Legends #2

by Martina Boone

An island castle in Cornwall, dangerous secrets, a haunting historical legend and a delicious kilt-wearing chef cook up an enchanting, heartwarming, and suspenseful new love story from the award-winning author of Compulsion and Lake of Destiny.

Emma Larsen's mother may have been a best-selling romance novelist, but her own track record with relationships was a darker story. Emma has never believed in happily-ever-afters. But when her best-friend Treave proposes suddenly after her mother's funeral, she agrees to accompany him to a wedding at his family's island castle in Cornwall to try to see him as more than just a friend.

She falls in love with the wild, granite Cornish coast, a world rich with history, hauntings, and ancient superstitions. The failed romance of Tristan and Isolde hangs over the island and the lost abbey bell is said to ring when wishes will come true. As tragedy rocks the small community, though, it is family and courage that keep everyone together, and a handsome Scottish chef with a turbulent past and secrets he holds close is increasingly the one to whom Emma is drawn as danger swirls around them.

Caught between the two men and her own conscience, Emma begins to discover that the roots of childhood fears run deep. And sometimes, the people we think we know the best are the ones we can't see for who they are.

A timeless stand-alone romance in the Celtic Legends collection, filled with heart, food, intrigue, and magical Cornish legends. Perfect for fans of Poldark, Nora Roberts, Susanna Kearsley, Sarah Addison Allen, Susan Wiggs, and Susan Mallery.

Genres: Romance, Adult Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2017

About the author

Martina Boone is the award-winning author of romantic fiction set in magical places. Her latest book, the first in THE FIVE CROWNS series, is a slow-burn mythic Highland romantic fantasy available November 11, 2025. THE CROWN OF MOONLIGHT OUTLANDER meets the Otherworld, where a Highland woman uses forbidden magic to heal an immortal stranger bound by oaths that may force him to destroy her.

Martina's other books include the southern gothic Heirs of Watson Island series for young adults, starting with COMPULSION, the Celtic Legends Collection of novels set in Scotland, Cornwall, Ireland, and Wales, beginning with LAKE OF DESTINY, and the crossover contemporary LOVE FOR TWO LIFETIMES. She’s passionate about improving lives through literacy and the love of books.

She lives with her husband, Shetland Sheepdog Phinney, and an Izzy cat who loves to edit her work. When she isn’t writing, she loves travel, wildlife, wildflower meadows, horses, skiing, chocolate-flavored tea, Nutella, and men in kilts. (Not necessarily in that order.)

Reviews

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first in the series! It was such a treat to read and so much fun. I’m really glad it centred around Brando, he was my favourite character from the first book and it was really great to see more of him and his story. I also really enjoyed how food and cooking was a theme, it made this such a fun book to read!

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awwww Martina's books make me so happy! I love this new series of hers and this second book is just as good as the first! I already adored Brando from book 1 so I was happy he got his own story and Emma was perfect for him! My only complaint is I wish Martina would add a bit more steam since these are adult but I still loved it. I can't wait to see who the next book is about!

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martina Boone has an extraordinary way of transporting readers to the most beautiful settings and create characters with depth and heart that they will stay with you long after you finish the novel. I fell hard for this storyline of a family working hard to maintain their history, their family home, and provide for their community. The smoldering romance will leave you sighing with satisfaction!

FRTC.

Romance lovers, don't miss this series!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanna start by saying, 5 stars isn't enough for this book! This book is.. well it's basically flawless to me :)


My emotions we're running wild, this book was a rollercoaster of feels


I found myself loving all the characters, even the ones I was supposed to hate. Treave was who I wanted Emma to be with in the beginning.. it wasn't until a few chapters in that I realized he wasn't going to be the main love interest, I was a little disappointed at first until Brando worked his magic on her and me...


I still hope to one day see a HEA for Treave! But for now I'm just so happy with the relationships built in this book!

I can't wait to find out who the next book will revolve around, I'm sure it will be an epic read no matter who the MC is!

This book has stolen my heart, gotten me out of my long reading slump and will be going on my favorite shelf!


Thank you Martina Boone for allowing me to read and review another one of your perfect stories! I hope I have the privilege of doing so again with any upcoming novel of yours!



*I received this book in exchange for an honest Review :)*

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this clean, heartwarming romance. Emma and Brando’s story is filled with sadness, love and hope for the future. I especially liked the singing cat! In keeping with the first book in this series, the author has made mention of the Beltane festival at the Lake, but in such a way as to not interfere with the legend of the Bell. Emma’s dream looks like it will come to fruition, only to have an unexpected setback with a trusted friend. I loved the entire story from start to finish, and only visitors stopped me from reading it in one sitting.

[Erin Cashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored BELL OF ETERNITY. Beautifully written, this heart warming romance is perfect for fans of Nora Roberts and Susanna Kearsley. With a wonderful cast of characters – including the vulnerable and charming main characters, Emma and Brando - the gorgeous setting of Cornwall, intrigue and romance, I fell into this book on page one and didn’t want it to end! I highly recommend it!!!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Charming Romance
A Cornish castle, romantic legends, atmospheric descriptions and a tribute to the brave men and women of the RNLI. A thoroughly enjoyable story in which Brando, who was a character in the first book, gets his romance. Emma's larger than life mother has died but not without trying to control her daughter from beyond the grave. She put her life on hold after her mother's car accident four years ago but now she is at a crossroads; does she go back to training to be a doctor, go into publishing (as suggested by her mother's book editor) or open an event catering business? Treave, Emma's best friend is not supportive about the latter idea and suggests she take time out to think over her options. Things are awkward, embarrassing even, now that Evangeline has suggested that Emma marry Treave in order to inherit her mother's money but she agrees to accompany him to a family wedding in Cornwall. There she meets, amongst others, a hot kilt-wearing chef but the waters are muddied when Treave announces that they are engaged.

Not sure why the National Trust would take on the maintenance of an ancient castle (which would be extremely costly) with only rental income from the incumbent family to sustain it but then this is a work of fiction. Note: the village of Mousehole has been altered to it's pronunciation "Mowzel" for an American audience.

I found the typos distracting but have contacted the author by email and hopefully corrections will be uploaded shortly.

[KarenJo Custodio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE Lake of Destiny so I was super excited when Martina Boone sent me an ARC of Bell of Eternity. Brando had already charmed me in every possible way, so I couldn't wait to get started on his book. I must admit...Lake of Destiny still takes the #1 spot in my heart... BUT Brando and Emma's love story definitely made me swoon. I only wish there had been more steamy moments between those two because I wanted more FEELS. Not that there weren't enough...I guess I'm just romantically greedy.. is that even a thing!? Did I just make that up... but really I just didn't want the swooning to stop. I don't want to give too much away and I'll be writing a longer review in a few days so just know that I honestly can't recommend this book enough... well actually this series. With gorgeous writing, breathtaking setting, heartwarming storyline, sweet romance, lovable characters, intrigue and a bit of mystery, Bell of Eternity will take a piece of your heart. Celtic Legends is definitely one of my favorite series ever and I absolutely cannot wait to read what comes next.

Full Review to come

Updated Review: 11/14/2017

4.5 ★ – Wonderfully Delicious Treat that Left a Sugary Sweet Mess in my Heart

I LOVE Lake of Destiny (LOD), so I was extremely excited when Martina Boone sent me an ARC of Bell of Eternity. Brando had already charmed me in every possible way in LOD, so I couldn't wait to get started on his book. I can honestly say that this book is a wonderfully delicious treat that left a sugary sweet mess in my heart.

While LOD still takes the #1 spot,  Bell of Eternity (BOE) definitely had me enthralled the entire time. The plot is fast-paced, intriguing and suspenseful with a few nice surprises that kept me on my toes. The mystery and drama definitely had me glued to the pages and I loved it. The characters were quirky, interesting and for the most part very likable. The setting - the castle and the island -  was insanely beautiful and breathtaking that I wanted to stay there forever. Bell of Eternity is absolutely charming and sweet and I’m so hopelessly in love with Boone’s novels. Her writing is undeniably gorgeous, incredibly creative and ridiculously captivating that I always feel like I’m part of the story.

I truly adored Emma and Brando and thought they were just adorable together. Emma’s such a great character and I admired that she wanted to pursue her own dreams. She’s also very passionate, caring, and understanding. I love that she always tried to see the good in people. Then there’s my gorgeous Brando. He’s definitely more than just a charmer. He’s fascinating, talented, supportive and made me hungry for more than just food. I also swooned over the way he cared about Emma and wanted what was best for her. Seriously shipped these two so hard and loved their amazing chemistry!

Brando and Emma's love story made me smile and swoon and have those fuzzy warm feeling in my tummy. I just wish there had been a few more steamy moments between them because I wanted more FEELS.  Not that there weren't enough...I guess I'm just romantically greedy.. is that even a thing!? Guess I was just starving for something sweet, a little bit spicy, and totally scrumptious... I honestly didn't want the swooning and butterflies to stop. What can I say... I'm a romance addict! (SorryNotSorry)

With a heartwarming storyline, breathtaking scenery, intrigue, and a bit of mystery, Bell of Eternity is absolutely irresistible and deliciously fascinating from start to finish. While Lake of Destiny filled my heart with so much happy, Bell of Destiny left me positively satisfied, but craving for more. I’m so happy I took a bite of this lovely romance. Boone definitely knows the way to my heart and I cannot wait for the next book in the Celtic Legends Series.

PS – While this is the second book, you can definitely read it as a standalone. I do however recommend reading Lake of Destiny first so you can see the connection… and it’ll totally make you swoon even more.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To read more of my reviews, visit Sincerely Karen Jo

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Martina Boone's writing is like silk on your skin -- so fluid and gentle that it's easy to get swept up in the story and lose track of time and reality. The intricate weaving of legend and history grounds the story, allowing the romance to overwhelm you and carry you away into a fictional world. A perfect romantic story, even better than the first book (which I also loved!) I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Emma couldn’t deny that fairy tales sometimes did come true. Maybe not because you wished on a stone or a star, but because you simply believed in the outcome so hard that you made it happen. Wishes could too easily turn to dust, but belief created its own reality. Fear, after all, wore many masks, and caution was one of them."

Thank you to the author for giving me a review copy in exchange for my honest review!

I read Boone's YA book compulsion (still need to read the rest of the series) and really enjoyed it, so when I saw she had a adult/na clean romance I was really intersted in reading it.

Bell of Eternity didn't dissapoint. Emma is a young woman who has taken a break from her own life/ambitions to take care of her sick mother, but now that her mom has passed away, she has to figure out what she wants to do now along with her mom leaving her some expectations in order to get her inheritance.

"Fortunes took ages to build, an instant to vanish."

The expectations though is one that Emma doesn't want right now for good reason. But with Treave who is someone that has helped her with her mom over the past few years also in her life and having expectations for her as well, things get complicated.

“People think cooking is easy, but it takes understanding thousands of different ingredients and their properties, knowing what happens when you heat them, or cool them, or combine them. Cooking is chemistry and physics and psychology and pure backbreaking work done at breakneck speed,"

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It was a really quick read for me and even though it is a little bit out of my comfort zone with it being a romance book, I really liked that it was clean. As for the characters, I really loved Emma. We get to see her grow from being this person who was always in her mother's shadow to someone that is finally starting to live out her own dream and figure out what she wants to do with her life. She also stands up to someone that is incredibly overbearing and forces her into an uncomfortable situation.

"between Treave and Brando, it was Treave she associated with temper while Brando made her think of fire, of passion. Not only for food and cooking, but for life."

I suprisingly really liked her friendship into romance with a certain someone as well. It did happen rather fast, but it felt natural for a change and you could tell they really did care for eachother and were planning a possible future with one another. Also I found him fascinating with how he was able to turn his life around for the better.

"That’s what you do when you love someone. You trust and you protect, and you give them room to fly while doing everything you can to make sure that they don’t fall."

All of the side characters I did find a little confusing, but I think that had more to do with me not having read the first book before this one. I was still able to understand what was happening and enjoy all of the side stories and the friendships they all shared.

“Changing for the worse is easy. People slide into that without realizing they’ve done it. Changing for the better requires the desire to change, and understanding why you need to. Understanding why you have to for survival, sometimes. Even then it’s hard.”

As for Treave, I found him to be one of the most unlikeable character ever. Not only was he incredibly overbearing towards Emma, but he was just rude as well among several other things. I am so happy with the way this book ended and how he finally got put into his place.

I really want to read more of Boone's work now and I can't wait to get back to her YA trilogy!

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[Erin Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bell of Eternity is the second book of the Celtic Legends series by Martina Boone and while I enjoyed this one, I think I liked the first one a bit more. Don’t get me wrong, Brando and Emma’s story was great so definitely read this if you enjoy a good romance (and really…who doesn’t??).

Emma has spent the last few years taking care of her mother and has basically put her life on hold to do this. When her mother passes away, Emma finds out that she put a stipulation in her will stating that in order for Emma to get her inheritance, she had to get married. Enter Treave…one of Emma’s good friends and someone her mother trusted and cared about. After the funeral, Treave tells Emma he would be willing to marry her so she could get her money and while Emma loves him as a friend, she isn’t quite sure she could feel more for him. To give them time to connect, Treave invites Emma to join him on a trip to Cornwall for a family wedding and she jumps at the opportunity.

When Emma and Treave make it to the island we are introduced to Treave’s family and if you have read book one of this series, you will remember Brando. I liked him in that book but after learning more about him and seeing him interact with Emma in the kitchen, I liked him even more. Their trip starts out pretty bumpy not only because Treave introduces Emma as his fiancé. A storm hits the island and things take a turn when everyone jumps into action to help. As Emma tries to figure out how to balance Treave’s actions and reactions, she also finds herself drawn to Brando.

As I mentioned, Brando was great in this book. He always seemed to be there for Emma when she needed a shoulder or someone to bounce ideas off of and talk. He wasn’t going to pressure her for anything or even push her to change her mind on her relationship with Treave no matter what his fate is supposed to be. Regardless, they are both drawn to each other and as they spend more time together in the kitchen, their relationship takes a turn toward more than friendship.

So the piece I haven’t mentioned yet is that Treave is up to something and his personality shifts drastically when they hit the island. He becomes more secretive and a bit shifty and Emma is determined to figure out what is going on. I have to admit, I wasn’t really a fan of Treave, even before they hit the island. I know Emma enjoyed and appreciated his friendship but there was something about him I didn’t care for.

Overall this was a great story. While I would have liked a bit more steam and swoon between Emma and Brando, I thought their friendship and then romance was developed well. The history of the island and the superstitions play a big role in this story and I loved how it helped move the story forward but also added something to the story that you don’t necessarily find in other books. While this is a book two, you could definitely read this as a stand-alone if you haven’t checked out book one but trust me, if you are going to read these, you should read book one. I will be watching for more books from Boone in the future.

Thank you to the author for a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Texas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lake of Destiny #1 - This story has it all: romance, intrigue, traditions and excitement. Although this book has 338 pages, the pages just flew by as the story progressed. A well written, intriguing suspense with a surprise revealed at the end. The plot is well thought out and the characters are believable and realistic. Not all is sugar and spice, there are some rotten apples in the bunch. The descriptions are so well done the reader experiences everything and easily visualizes the area the story is set. This is my first book by the author and I will happily read anything else she writes. I received this book through the APX website. 5*

Bell of Eternity #2 - After reading Lake of Destiny, I was hooked on this author and had to read more of her books. I contacted the author to review anything she had available. This is a well written, intriguing romance with interesting background material to make the story flow along, while being a substantial read. The interesting characters draw the reader into the story with their actions, reactions and believable dialog. The plot has a twist and turn, also, keeping the reader immersed in the story, along with the author's gift for descriptions. I've always loved books about the Cornwall area, fiction and nonfiction, and this book is among the best of them. It was interesting to learn of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the history behind the volunteers. 5*

Magic of Winter #3 - Another well written, intriguing romance set the Cornwall area with our favorite and not so favorite characters. A second chance at love fraught with problems, both with the romance and a dying father. The characters are well thought out with realistic dialog and a willingness to communicate. The descriptions by the author are vivid and the plot is interesting and both help keep the reader immersed in the pages. I've read all three books and while this one isn't my favorite (it is good), all three were well done and the author is an interesting storyteller. Reading all three in order just makes a continuing story, but they can be read in any order, but why? 5*

Echo of Glory #4 - This story fits well into the series. Complete with history, romance and intrigue. Well written, lovable characters with realistic dialog and a storyline that holds the reader's attention until the end. Ms. Boone does a great job with her vivid descriptions and the history of the people and times are always an added bonus that strengthens and adds substance to the story.

[Macy Klingerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly thought that no book could ever make me as hungry as Lake of Destiny did, but I was proven wrong. Very wrong. This book may or may not have prompted a trip to the grocery store. Honestly, just don't read this on an empty stomach. You'll regret it.

My forays into the adult genre have been very few and far between, despite me technically (somehow?) being considered an adult. Something about adult novels, particularly romance, have always daunted me. Growing up, I was always exposed to them. My mom owns everything Nora Roberts has ever written. For those of you who actually know how many books Nora Roberts has put out, I'll give you a second to let that sink in. With that said, I've always had a bit of a hard time getting into the genre, with my attempts always ending with me putting the book down and moving on to something else.

Martina Boone's Celtic Legends series has been one of the first series that I've not only been able to get through, but absolutely loved. This series is starting to change my mind about the genre as a whole, which is basically a miracle at this point. Seriously, this series has me eyeballing my mom's Nora Roberts books, contemplating a second chance for a few of them. I reviewed Lake of Destiny a while back, and I'm happy to report that I loved Bell of Eternity even more. There's something about Bell of Eternity that just felt so warm and inviting, even when the events of the story were just the opposite. It's a novel about finding yourself, finding love, and accepting possibilities that you never even considered in your wildest dreams.

I connected with Emma so deeply, even though our situations are wildly different. There was something about her situation, her feelings of "well, what now?" that resonated so deeply with me and made me feel for her. She spends so much time allowing other people tell her what she wants, and watching her finally put her foot down and figure out what she thinks is best for her own self was empowering in a way. I think that Emma is a character that so many twenty somethings can relate to and find themselves in. It didn't take long for me to start rooting for her.

As for the romance, there's not much I can say without gushing. There's absolutely no question in my mind that Emma and Brando are meant to be. Their relationship was so well written, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. The romance felt natural, not forced at all. It was so great to see Brando finding love in his own story.

I give Bell of Eternity 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance.

[Sonya Wasden · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this story. This is the 3rd of this series that I have read. I read them out of order, reading #3, then #1 and now #2. Brando was in all three of these books and I loved to finally realize he had found his happy place.

Emma's mother had died and her best friend, Treave, had invited her to his brother's wedding on a small island in Cornwall. Treave had proposed suddenly to Emma, supposedly because her mother's will would leave her nothing if she didn't marry Treave. She loved him as a dear friend who had helped her through some very difficult times but she didn't feel the kind of romantic love for him that would entice her to marry him, even for the money. She didn't want to fall victim to her mother's manipulations, even beyond the grave.

Once they arrived on the island, Emma was introduced to the brother of her sister's wife, Brando. Brando was a Scottish highlander who wore a kilt and was a very handsome Michelin starred chef. Emma had always wanted to start her own catering business so she was excited to learn from Brando's skills and knowledge. The more time they spent together, the more drawn to each other they were.

I won't give away the story, but there is tragedy, suspense, love and romance. Like the other books in the series, I was sad when I finished the book because I had become so connected to the characters. Martina Boone is a very talented writer who has the ability to draw you in to her stories, to picture the scenery and to feel the emotions of the characters. Well done!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was delightful! This book was able to pull me out of a book slump of just re-reading some of my favorites over and over! And that says a lot about this book by Martina Boone. I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and devoured it quickly.

The characters were relatable, likable and exciting. I love it when a book is filled with characters I can relate to or feel as if I could be friends with. I wanted to see how the story would progress and what would come next. I shed some tears; the conflict at the beginning of the book was written realistically enough that it drew me in and I felt what the characters were going through. I don’t genuinely cry at many books.

I had not previously read any of Martina Boone’s books and I immediately downloaded the Celtic Legends book 1 to start once I was finished with this one. I can’t wait to read more!

This was a contemporary and fun, clean romantic fiction. I love that there was no language or any other adult content in the book. The story was amazing! It was a whirlwind of an adventure set in a beautiful land.

I would recommend this book (and have recommended it!) to friends. I typically read more time period, historical or fantasy fiction, but this story was a wonderful addition to the authors and books I typically read.

Martina Boone is a very talented author who has a beautiful way of writing. Descriptive, concise and it truly draws the reader in. Happy reading! Definitely read this book!

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the author offered me a Kindle copy of her latest book to review, I immediately agreed as I loved book one of this series. I already loved Brando from book one and had secretly hoped he'd have his own story and Martina didn't disappoint! I was caught up in this book from page one and not only loved the castle setting, but the characters. The romance is clean and swoony, just how I like my romance books best. Emma and Brando not only make a great romantic couple, but they also work together well and share the same interests in cooking.

This story goes beyond just relationships, as it has suspense, mystery, and family issues/relationships that kept me reading. Seeing the main characters interact with family gave me even greater insight into the hearts of Emma and Brando. Emma has to learn to deal not only with her mother's death from the start of her story, but also struggles to trust herself and what she wants out of life. Brando has past emotional scars that need healing and I loved this part of both of their stories.

I can't wait to read more books by this author.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanted isle with a castle, shipwrecks and more
So well written it just flowed, which made it such an enjoyable read, I was engaged from begging to end. A wonderful story that weaves together a little magic, mystery and romance along with some real history and legends of the area. There were a lot of interesting details of the area including some history of the volunteer lifesaving coast guard, you really feel like you are pulled into and become a part of the story.
From the very beginning you are wondering about Treave and what he is about, but then enters Brando. I just loved Brando from the first book, Lake of Destiny-which I loved too and I am so glad to see him get his own story, he certainly deserved one and this one did not disappoint. This story adds a little suspense to the plot, not as much details with recipes that I loved from the first book, but the cooking was still a strong part and very interesting, I actually learned a thing or two. I definitely will be reading more Martina Boone books.

[Savsandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance on the Cornish Coast

My first encounter with Martina Boone’s richly written “Bell of Eternity” will not be my last. Her complex and compelling plot kept me enthralled as did her descriptions of the rugged Cornwall coast. Add in a healthy dash of mystery and intrigue, mix well with characters that stir your soul, and you have the makings of a damned fine read.

Emma Larsen’s famous mother just died and as her sole caregiver, Emma is alternately relieved and feeling guilty. She is at loose ends, not quite knowing what to do with her sudden freedom from what was often an overbearing and thankless burden. Following the reading of the will and then the funeral, her longtime friend, Treave Nancarrow proposes marriage but Emma isn’t in love with him. However he does convince her to accompany him on a two week trip to the ancient castle where he grew up with his two half brothers.

Emma is captivated by the Cornish coast with its storied past, ancient legends and mysteries and its rugged beauty. And then she meets Brando MacLaren. Who could resist a hottie Scot in a kilt who could cook for the gods? Their mutual attraction enrages Treave and he reacts by behaving like the truly spoiled, entitled man-child that Emma has never let herself see.

As events unfold we readers are captivated by characters we can believe, in a setting most of us will never visit but we see it through Boone’s eyes. Can Emma trust her heart to Brando or will she let self-doubt creep in and rob her of happiness before she’s had a chance to embrace it?

With all I loved about this book, Emma’s chase across rooftops lacked credibility, especially when done barefoot. That smacks too much of a Wonder Woman stunt rather than a woman who loves to bake and wants to start a catering business. That bit of divergence was jarring so I have to go with just four stars.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK So I am a sucka for this type of love story. She gave up on her dreams to return to an unrelenting, unforgiving, rude, and inconsiderate soul who needed her. She worked all of her life to be agreeable and not cause problems, apologizing for living, for being a bother. He had spent 10 years trying to deal with the anger and disappointments of youth, his loss and anger, others disappointment in his actions. When Fate has determined the outcome how can you fight fate? The lake has shown Brando a face and he has never forgotten it. Now all he has to do is make sure Emma doesn't get away.

Awesome story of overcoming fears and restrictions imposed by others, standing firm and fighting for your own happiness. This author does an amazing job of showing her character's vulnerability to make us care, as well as their strengths to give us a reason to cheer them on. It's makes for some really good reading.

[Ballet in AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell of Eternity by Martina Boone (5 stars)

Wonderfully written book in her Celtic Legends collection. This is the second book in the series and it is every bit as gripping as the first. Her characters are complex and damaged. Even her villains are conflicted and not totally evil; more realistic renderings than are available in so many romance novels. Also, there's a slight element of magic mixed with pragmatism. (And side-characters that round out and complete the story.)

The love story is clean and I literally couldn't get enough of Brando and Emma's interactions! There's nothing like a powerful man in a kilt, who looks at a girl with intense passion and complete understanding.

Lots of researched details to create locations that are intensely realistic.

Martina Boone is such a talented author! I highly recommend her books!

My personal rating scale: *poor, ** ok, ***good, ****very good, *****something special

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What's wrong with being, what's wrong with being, what's wrong with being CONFIDENT?" makes me think of Emma's journey in Bell of Eternity. Emma struggles with being confident in her abilities—a direct result from years of her mother's harshness. Slowly but surely, Emma gains confidence, a man, and a life plan from her two week visit to Cornwall with Treave. The Cornwall setting gave the story a haunting atmosphere with a touch of hopefulness. Emma finds her hope with a little help from Brando (from Lake of Destiny). Brando opens Emma's eyes to the possibility of love, and he encourages her to pursue her catering dream. I loved getting to hang out with Brando again. He is a fun, manly and sweet character who deserves to find his true love. I also enjoy how seamlessly Ms. Boone weaves some mystery with her romance. Bell of Eternity wouldn't work without the shipwrecks, ghost stories, Tristan and Isolde legend, castle prowlers, Treave's odd behavior, and the lovey dovey stuff.

[Elissa Mahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and I have chosen of my own volition to share this review with you!

The Celtic Legends series continues with the Bell of Eternity. The legend is that if you peer in the lock on a certain day; you will see the face of your true love. Is this possible? What does it mean if you see a face that you have never seen before? What happens when you finally meet the person that you saw in the lock? Is this possibly true love, or just a game?

The characters are well-developed. The story line ends predictably, but has many twists and turns in the pursuit of that ending! The characters are life-like and easy to relate to. Overall this was a great read. This book can stand alone, or be read as part of the overarching series. I can't wait for the next book in this series!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit from the Celtic Legends series. Ms. Boone weaves a fantastic story of love, heartbreak and ancient lore to create a masterpiece. And one of the main characters is the man I personally was most interested to read more about from book one. (This book can be read as a standalone in my opinion, but I highly recommend reading book one first.) Channeling the likes of Maeve Binchy, we are brought the character of Emma, a lost soul who doesn't seem to belong anywhere. When she is given the opportunity to vacation in land full of legend and lore, she agrees. Being raised on the great Gothic novels, her heart cannot say no. Little does she know just how much she is getting into and how much of an impact this little vacation make actually make in her life.

For those you love Maeve Binchy, Nora Roberts, and romantic, mystical stories, this book (and series) is definitely for you!

[Ashley Goldsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. After meeting Brando in Lake of Destiny, I was thrilled that he got his own book and romantic adventure in this book. I loved Emma and her broken past, coming to Cornwall with her baggage, including a fake fiancé. Emma was a strong heroine, shown to be caring and naive, as well as broken. She experiences growth in the novel, breaking out of the shadow of her mother and pursuing her own dreams. I loved the setting and the supporting characters, especially Shipwreck, who all enhanced the atmosphere and local flair of the story. Martina Boone has become one of my favorite authors, and I would highly recommend Bell of Eternity.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell of Eternity by Martina Boone is the second in her Celtic Legends series. After reading this book, I again want to go visit the area she describes so well. There are new people and places to fall in love with. The island might be small but the characters have big personalities that you come to love with all of their quirkinesses. I was so happy that Brando had his story after reading the first book, Lake of Destiny.
This isn't simply a romance story; there are family secrets, legends, cooking and so many people to learn about along the way. The story line is good and the characters are developed. This is another winner in my extimation. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I can't wait for the next one!

[Shelby Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Lake of Destiny I had really been hoping for a book with Brandi as one of the main characters and apparently Martina Boone read my mind. He's a cook in a kilt and just an all around great guy and I'm super happy he got a book! The main character of this book is Emma. Her mother, a famous romance author, just died leaving Emma with a confused mind and an ultimatum. Emma doesn't get any of the money her mother left her unless she marries her friend Treave. She decides to go with him to his family's island for a wedding to see if her feelings for him can change. From there it's a great story full of romance, adventure, and a bit of suspense! I absolutely loved it!!!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a darker romance than Lake of Destiny with ghosts and a cat that predicts shipwrecks and death. The danger, suspense, and mystery of who or what is behind all the strange happenings at St. Levan's Mount drew me in. Emma's mother was a bitter, selfish character who manipulated her in life and death with the clause that she must marry within a year to inherit. Emma discovers that greed and the opportunity for easy money can make some people a little crazy. I loved the idea of creating a cookbook using fictional characters and Cornwall. I was looking for some of the recipes at the end. Nice romance with plenty of history and suspense.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Brando in Lake of Destiny and was looking forward to his story. It did not disappoint. Emma and Brando in the kitchen together was very natural. Although there was not much in the way of courting due to Treave (boo, hiss) when they were together I liked the rightness of it. Loved meeting his family members and Tamsyn is a favorite of mine even though she is grumpy. Reading about the history and stories passed down for the island was a plus. Very interesting about RNLI and the lifeboat saving that has been handed down through the families. I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad that Brando from Lake of Destiny gets his own story in Bell of Eternity.
Emma Larsen has a famous romance novelist for a mother. Her mother dies and Emma's friend Treave convinces her to accompany him to Cornwall for his brother's wedding.
Emma and Brando meet and there is fairly instant attraction.
Treave is in trouble and it becomes more apparent as the story continues. Emma has to work through her past and guilt over becoming her own person and standing up for what she truly wants in life.
It is all wrapped up beautifully with Perrin and Christina's wedding.
Self-discovery and love are good themes for this story.

[Amy Mockridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delicious follow up to the first Legends book, Lake of Destiny. (I was happy to discover little references to people and places from book one that made me feel like an insider as a reader.) I was ecstatic to see Brando MacLaren return in this novel and watch as his romance with Emma heats up in the kitchen of a Cornwall castle. There is something sexy about good food, and Martina Boone knows just how to mix mouthwatering delicacies with a tasty love affair. I thoroughly enjoyed this second escape into the Legends world and can't wait for the next book!