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School of Magic #1
Lessons in Enchantment
Can a straitlaced engineer, three psychic children, and a lonely witch find love?
The daughter of an earl, Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan has the ability to talk to animals. She longs to be a veterinarian, but education requires more coin than she possesses. When the walls of her home come tumbling down, she has to take two steps back—to servitude.
Inventor Andrew Blair keeps his nose to the grindstone, knowing his friends and family depend on his talent for turning machines into money. He is about to embark on his biggest investment yet—rebuilding crumbling tenements in Old Town Edinburgh— until his beleaguered cousin begs him to hide his precocious children from a killer.
When the School of Malcolms sends Lady Phoebe as governess for his wards, Drew's well-ordered beliefs are upended. Ladies don't live in slum housing like the one he's about to tear down, nor do they command ravens or encourage children to talk to dead mothers. It might take a vengeful ghost to show the disparate pair how to join forces, fight their fears and their enemies, and reveal a path to love.
The daughter of an earl, Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan has the ability to talk to animals. She longs to be a veterinarian, but education requires more coin than she possesses. When the walls of her home come tumbling down, she has to take two steps back—to servitude.
Inventor Andrew Blair keeps his nose to the grindstone, knowing his friends and family depend on his talent for turning machines into money. He is about to embark on his biggest investment yet—rebuilding crumbling tenements in Old Town Edinburgh— until his beleaguered cousin begs him to hide his precocious children from a killer.
When the School of Malcolms sends Lady Phoebe as governess for his wards, Drew's well-ordered beliefs are upended. Ladies don't live in slum housing like the one he's about to tear down, nor do they command ravens or encourage children to talk to dead mothers. It might take a vengeful ghost to show the disparate pair how to join forces, fight their fears and their enemies, and reveal a path to love.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2020
534 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rice
148 books514 followersWith several million books in print and New York Times and USA Today's bestseller lists under her belt, former CPA Patricia Rice writes emotionally-charged contemporary and historical romances which have won numerous awards, including the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice and Career Achievement Awards.
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
Her books have also been honored as Romance Writers of America RITA® finalists in the historical, regency and contemporary categories.
A firm believer in happily-ever-after for good reason, Patricia Rice is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. A native of Kentucky and New York, a past resident of North Carolina and Missouri, she currently resides in Southern California, and now does accounting only for herself.
She also writes under the pen name Jamie Quaid
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 10, 2020
Series: School of Magic #1
Publication Date: 3/24/20
Number of Pages: 326
OH! What a perfectly perfect read. This fast-paced, well written, well-plotted first book in the School of Magic series is filled with excitement, danger, and sigh-worthy romance. The characters are memorable and you’ll quickly come to love them. Each of the main characters is strong, independent, self-reliant, and very wrong about what they think they want in life. So, it is a good thing they are both open-minded and accepting of things that don’t necessarily fit with their version of ‘normal’. I have absolutely adored the Malcolm family through all of the various series and I know this one will just add to that – especially if this book is an example of what is to come. I did keep waiting for a member of the Ives family to make a showing, but they stayed hidden.
While Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan is the daughter of an earl, she lives in a tenement inside the medieval walls of the old town in Edinburgh. She has been living on her own for years – since her mother’s ill health caused her to move to France. Phoebe loves her life, loves the vibrancy of her neighborhood, and loves her neighbors. The only thing that would make it better would be for the veterinary schools to let her take classes. You see, Phoebe can communicate with animals and she is always rescuing them.
Andrew (Drew) Blair is an inventor, builder, and investor. He comes from very humble beginnings and has worked really hard to get to where he is in life. He made a good bit of money from inventing a few things for the railroads – and now he has a tidy sum of that money invested in a consortium that plans to rebuild the old town tenements into modern terraced buildings. However, Drew’s world has been flipped on end for most of the last year. His cousin’s wife died in an accident that almost killed his cousin and their children as well. Only, it wasn’t an accident. His cousin’s wife and three children have the Malcolm gifts – and now the three children are living with Drew. He knows nothing of children and he can’t seem to keep a governess/tutor for any length of time. Where can he find someone who can handle and be accepting of three small children who have special abilities?
Phoebe meets Drew after Drew writes to her aunt’s School of Magic and asks for a tutor for his wards. Phoebe is available because the entire front wall of her tenement building just crumpled and fell away leaving her and the other tenants with no place to live. Just as soon as she arrives at her aunt’s school, they send her out to act as an instructor for Drew’s wards.
I love the interactions between Drew and Phoebe. She is straight-forward, direct, and totally unintimidated by anyone or anything – yet she treats his wards with tenderness, understanding, and care. When danger rears its ugly head and the children are in danger, Drew discovers an appreciation for things he never thought he wanted in life.
I enjoyed this fun and exciting read so much that I couldn’t put it down and read it straight through. One of the very best things about the book – NO, none, nada, zip angst. Dear author, I thank you for that. I hope you love it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 3/24/20
Number of Pages: 326
OH! What a perfectly perfect read. This fast-paced, well written, well-plotted first book in the School of Magic series is filled with excitement, danger, and sigh-worthy romance. The characters are memorable and you’ll quickly come to love them. Each of the main characters is strong, independent, self-reliant, and very wrong about what they think they want in life. So, it is a good thing they are both open-minded and accepting of things that don’t necessarily fit with their version of ‘normal’. I have absolutely adored the Malcolm family through all of the various series and I know this one will just add to that – especially if this book is an example of what is to come. I did keep waiting for a member of the Ives family to make a showing, but they stayed hidden.
While Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan is the daughter of an earl, she lives in a tenement inside the medieval walls of the old town in Edinburgh. She has been living on her own for years – since her mother’s ill health caused her to move to France. Phoebe loves her life, loves the vibrancy of her neighborhood, and loves her neighbors. The only thing that would make it better would be for the veterinary schools to let her take classes. You see, Phoebe can communicate with animals and she is always rescuing them.
Andrew (Drew) Blair is an inventor, builder, and investor. He comes from very humble beginnings and has worked really hard to get to where he is in life. He made a good bit of money from inventing a few things for the railroads – and now he has a tidy sum of that money invested in a consortium that plans to rebuild the old town tenements into modern terraced buildings. However, Drew’s world has been flipped on end for most of the last year. His cousin’s wife died in an accident that almost killed his cousin and their children as well. Only, it wasn’t an accident. His cousin’s wife and three children have the Malcolm gifts – and now the three children are living with Drew. He knows nothing of children and he can’t seem to keep a governess/tutor for any length of time. Where can he find someone who can handle and be accepting of three small children who have special abilities?
Phoebe meets Drew after Drew writes to her aunt’s School of Magic and asks for a tutor for his wards. Phoebe is available because the entire front wall of her tenement building just crumpled and fell away leaving her and the other tenants with no place to live. Just as soon as she arrives at her aunt’s school, they send her out to act as an instructor for Drew’s wards.
I love the interactions between Drew and Phoebe. She is straight-forward, direct, and totally unintimidated by anyone or anything – yet she treats his wards with tenderness, understanding, and care. When danger rears its ugly head and the children are in danger, Drew discovers an appreciation for things he never thought he wanted in life.
I enjoyed this fun and exciting read so much that I couldn’t put it down and read it straight through. One of the very best things about the book – NO, none, nada, zip angst. Dear author, I thank you for that. I hope you love it as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 23, 2021
My goodness, I really do love the mayhem, humor, and heart that Rice pours into her Malcolms series. Rice has been on my shelf since I started reading romances decades ago and she remains a favorite, mostly for her Malcolms which now have spanned generations and countries.
This one had a fun match-up of a woman who can communicate with animals and an engineer with a huge heart who calls his cousin's children the "weans" but would protect them with his life. Phoebe and Andrew were both quirky and original (as Rice's characters typically are), but they somehow fit together so perfectly. I'm used to all the magic Rice throws into these stories, but if you are new to the Malcolms, you may have trouble at first following how these women with special gifts haven't all been burned at the stake. I feel that Rice has done a good job showing how the Malcolm women and their focus on family and connections has made them powerful over the generations and that has protected them. It works for me and I go with the antics and simply enjoy the ride.
It was fun having the setting of Edinburgh and its New and Old town. Having been there, I could really envision the streets and the difference in the areas. The setting played a big role in this story and Rice explored many themes of what home means in this tale.
Overall, I found the mystery with who was trying to harm the children, the question of what Andrew and Phoebe ultimately wanted from life, and the introduction of a fun cast of characters to all be engaging in this tale that was at times moving as well as humorous.
This is an author I'd highly recommend if you're looking for a quirky, lilting writing style that will pull at the heart strings one sentence while making you laugh the next. I will be eagerly reading more from this series.
This one had a fun match-up of a woman who can communicate with animals and an engineer with a huge heart who calls his cousin's children the "weans" but would protect them with his life. Phoebe and Andrew were both quirky and original (as Rice's characters typically are), but they somehow fit together so perfectly. I'm used to all the magic Rice throws into these stories, but if you are new to the Malcolms, you may have trouble at first following how these women with special gifts haven't all been burned at the stake. I feel that Rice has done a good job showing how the Malcolm women and their focus on family and connections has made them powerful over the generations and that has protected them. It works for me and I go with the antics and simply enjoy the ride.
It was fun having the setting of Edinburgh and its New and Old town. Having been there, I could really envision the streets and the difference in the areas. The setting played a big role in this story and Rice explored many themes of what home means in this tale.
Overall, I found the mystery with who was trying to harm the children, the question of what Andrew and Phoebe ultimately wanted from life, and the introduction of a fun cast of characters to all be engaging in this tale that was at times moving as well as humorous.
This is an author I'd highly recommend if you're looking for a quirky, lilting writing style that will pull at the heart strings one sentence while making you laugh the next. I will be eagerly reading more from this series.
May 29, 2020
I really love these stories by Patricia Rice that concern the Malcolms. This is the beginning of a new series and I’ve already got the next one lined up to read. The characters of Lady Phoebe and Andrew Blair were so engaging. Phoebe with her eccentric way of dressing and who has a special connection with the minds of animals, but is a very caring person. Andrew, a wealthy,self made man, who is from a poor background but is university educated and is a creative inventor. They have a strong attraction to each other but Phoebe wants to attend university and Andrew wants a quiet wife who will grace his dinner parties. Then there are Drew’s cousin’s children, who each have special qualities and there is a murder to investigate. If you enjoy a story with a magical quality, dangerous situations, as well as romance, then I can thoroughly recommend this book.
December 10, 2021
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ rounded up.
Well it’s a bit of a weird one with loads of going on but it was fast paced and diverting.
Well it’s a bit of a weird one with loads of going on but it was fast paced and diverting.
October 2, 2020
I love Pat’s “Magic” books, which always take us on enchanting journeys, whether they’re set in Regency, Victorian or modern times. And this one is a wonderful addition to her “Magical Malcolms” family tree. As usual, it has a cast of delightfully eccentric characters, and a heroine and hero who are stubbornly passionate about their own personal dreams—but even more passionate about protecting those who are vulnerable and seeing that justice triumphs over evil.
Lady Phoebe has a gift of communicating with animals, and dreams of going to university to study to be a veterinarian. Alas, poverty compels her to do the bidding of her aunts—who run the School of Malcolms—and serve as governess to the children who inventor Andrew Blair is sheltering for his cousin, whose Malcolm wife was murdered . . .
Little does Blair know that his household is about to be turned upside down . . . children who speak with ghosts and levitate objects that aren’t meant to float . . . a menagerie of animals who help guard the house from the villains seeking to kidnap the children for their nefarious plan. (I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book where a pine marten is one of the heroes!) And of course, a feisty heroine who somehow moves all the hidden levers to open his heart.
The story sparkles with wit and humor, and wonderfully explosive chemistry between Phoebe and Drew. Brew a pot of tea, bake some scones or oatmeal-raisin cookies and let the heartwarming story cast its spell over you!
Lady Phoebe has a gift of communicating with animals, and dreams of going to university to study to be a veterinarian. Alas, poverty compels her to do the bidding of her aunts—who run the School of Malcolms—and serve as governess to the children who inventor Andrew Blair is sheltering for his cousin, whose Malcolm wife was murdered . . .
Little does Blair know that his household is about to be turned upside down . . . children who speak with ghosts and levitate objects that aren’t meant to float . . . a menagerie of animals who help guard the house from the villains seeking to kidnap the children for their nefarious plan. (I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book where a pine marten is one of the heroes!) And of course, a feisty heroine who somehow moves all the hidden levers to open his heart.
The story sparkles with wit and humor, and wonderfully explosive chemistry between Phoebe and Drew. Brew a pot of tea, bake some scones or oatmeal-raisin cookies and let the heartwarming story cast its spell over you!
March 4, 2020
Once again Patricia Rice has intertwined life with science and magic and grabs you from the first paragraph Children exercising gifts that scare other people to an inventor who needs a new invention quickly, this Nanny has her hands full. Twin 4 year old girls who talk to their deceased Mother and a 6 year old who can move things with his mind and someone who isn’t who you think he is. If you’re a Patricia Rice fan like I am, you’ll love this one too. If this is your first book you’ll be a fan for life!
July 31, 2022
I hope Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan drowns in a vat of maple syrup.
I could not get past 15%. She is insufferable. As in I will suffer her no longer.
I could not even hate read the book because when she started dictating to Andrew how she was going to raise the kids (that she had no desire to Nanny less than 24 hours beforehand)...no matter what he (the man who has custody of those children) said, I had to go take out the trash because I was so angry I needed to not even be in the same building as my phone.
I hate. No. I loathe. I loathe characters like her. And I loathe how every bit of her is constructed out of flimiest sheets of feminist rhetoric. And I loathe how she thinks she is better than anyone else and that we are supposed to be charmed by it.
I could not get past 15%. She is insufferable. As in I will suffer her no longer.
I could not even hate read the book because when she started dictating to Andrew how she was going to raise the kids (that she had no desire to Nanny less than 24 hours beforehand)...no matter what he (the man who has custody of those children) said, I had to go take out the trash because I was so angry I needed to not even be in the same building as my phone.
I hate. No. I loathe. I loathe characters like her. And I loathe how every bit of her is constructed out of flimiest sheets of feminist rhetoric. And I loathe how she thinks she is better than anyone else and that we are supposed to be charmed by it.
July 21, 2023
A really fun read with plenty of plot, hilarious characters, sweetness and just the right amount of a paranormal bent to a great historical story. Drew and Phoebe were fun to watch fall in lust then love.
May 10, 2023
2.5 stars
Great idea for a story, bad execution. I had trouble finishing it. Meh.
Great idea for a story, bad execution. I had trouble finishing it. Meh.
March 4, 2020
Lessons in Enchantment
School of Magic
book 1
by Patricia Rice
This was a magical romance, I loved getting to know Phoebe and Drew. Phoebe is such a whirlwind she had poor Andrew spinning in circles. She really is what he needs even though at the beginning he was in denial about how she made him feel. Loved the paranormal elements to it, and the intrigue really had me turning the pages. Overall this was a fantastic read I truly enjoyed it and recommend this to anyone who loves romance with a twist of the paranormal.
I received a complimentary this is my honest unbiased opinion.
School of Magic
book 1
by Patricia Rice
This was a magical romance, I loved getting to know Phoebe and Drew. Phoebe is such a whirlwind she had poor Andrew spinning in circles. She really is what he needs even though at the beginning he was in denial about how she made him feel. Loved the paranormal elements to it, and the intrigue really had me turning the pages. Overall this was a fantastic read I truly enjoyed it and recommend this to anyone who loves romance with a twist of the paranormal.
I received a complimentary this is my honest unbiased opinion.
June 30, 2021
It's Patricia Rice. You want to read a romance? Some magic mixed in it? Descendants from the very big Malcolm family? Here you have it.
Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan talks to animals and wants to be a veterinarian, which is kind of difficult in England in the 19th century. Women are not allowed in the university. Then the walls of her home come tumbling down, literally, and she has to get a job as a governess for the nieces and nephew of Andrew Blair who is an inventor and owns the building where Phoebe lived. Guess who come together.
Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan talks to animals and wants to be a veterinarian, which is kind of difficult in England in the 19th century. Women are not allowed in the university. Then the walls of her home come tumbling down, literally, and she has to get a job as a governess for the nieces and nephew of Andrew Blair who is an inventor and owns the building where Phoebe lived. Guess who come together.
March 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading this story. Good action, interesting characters, and a nice romance made this a fine and easy read. I did not put the book down until I had it out.
Patricia makes her characters very real. I liked de hero and de heroine very much. The secondary characters were also nice.
It was refreshing to read about a male who is willing to accept thinks that he does not understand and acts upon then. One who respect unusual gifts and talents. The heroine knows her own mind and is sure about the course she wants to take. She wants to use her gift to help others, and not hide it away. They are both strong and at the same time aware of their own weaknesses. We see their frustrations, fears, intelligence and determination to do the right thing. They are great together.
The setting of this series appears to be a few decades later in history than the stories of the series Unexpected Magic. Patricia weaves history nicely into the plot. The reader is taken in a world where the nobility, who thinks to be still powerful, along with the new rich industrialists, who owns theirs richness from the industry, mines and railways, are willing to do a great deal to protect their way of life against the average working man who seek his rights.
I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
Patricia makes her characters very real. I liked de hero and de heroine very much. The secondary characters were also nice.
It was refreshing to read about a male who is willing to accept thinks that he does not understand and acts upon then. One who respect unusual gifts and talents. The heroine knows her own mind and is sure about the course she wants to take. She wants to use her gift to help others, and not hide it away. They are both strong and at the same time aware of their own weaknesses. We see their frustrations, fears, intelligence and determination to do the right thing. They are great together.
The setting of this series appears to be a few decades later in history than the stories of the series Unexpected Magic. Patricia weaves history nicely into the plot. The reader is taken in a world where the nobility, who thinks to be still powerful, along with the new rich industrialists, who owns theirs richness from the industry, mines and railways, are willing to do a great deal to protect their way of life against the average working man who seek his rights.
I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
October 9, 2020
This is another bright book that has very few edges in it; it's sort of a pleasant romantic fantasy that sweeps along just fine, but leaves me wanting more.
The Lady Phoebe Duncan is a scion of a once quite wealthy (but no longer), quite magical (both then and now) family, living in genteel poverty in the slowly decaying remnants of an apartment building her family once owned. At least her housing is secure, due to a life estate clause inserted when the building was sold ... well, it was secure, until the building in its long-suffering state fell down around her. Thus, she is forced into action - while the courts might eventually award her damages or a new domicile, she must temporarily fend for herself; thankfully, connected cousins are able to procure her a temporary job as nanny to a rich industrialist who is momentarily in possession of nieces and nephews.
So, the essential setting is there for a typical romance; this adds in fantasy elements (unsurprisingly, Phoebe's magical ability to talk to animals is helpful, as there is a murder mystery at play and her new charges are in danger), a bit of independent spirit (the industrialist is an inventor bent on democratizing the world order while making money; Phoebe intends to become the unheard of, a woman veterinarian). The wicked are sufficiently wicked but not in a gory way; the good are all soon steadfast; the cast sprawls out like a comfortable dinner among friends.
So, a pleasant diversion, but nothing substantial here.
The Lady Phoebe Duncan is a scion of a once quite wealthy (but no longer), quite magical (both then and now) family, living in genteel poverty in the slowly decaying remnants of an apartment building her family once owned. At least her housing is secure, due to a life estate clause inserted when the building was sold ... well, it was secure, until the building in its long-suffering state fell down around her. Thus, she is forced into action - while the courts might eventually award her damages or a new domicile, she must temporarily fend for herself; thankfully, connected cousins are able to procure her a temporary job as nanny to a rich industrialist who is momentarily in possession of nieces and nephews.
So, the essential setting is there for a typical romance; this adds in fantasy elements (unsurprisingly, Phoebe's magical ability to talk to animals is helpful, as there is a murder mystery at play and her new charges are in danger), a bit of independent spirit (the industrialist is an inventor bent on democratizing the world order while making money; Phoebe intends to become the unheard of, a woman veterinarian). The wicked are sufficiently wicked but not in a gory way; the good are all soon steadfast; the cast sprawls out like a comfortable dinner among friends.
So, a pleasant diversion, but nothing substantial here.
August 20, 2023
I couldn’t finish after chapter 10. I’m not sure exactly what the problem was but it was a little bit of a struggle even getting to chapter 10. I don’t know if it was slow or lacked life or chemistry or what. It’s hard to put my finger on but it almost felt like a chore to want to read. But I wanted to see how the relationship would play out. Phoebe and drew don’t have much chemistry except to make off handed inner monologues about their slight attraction to one another. I like phoebe. She’s different and unique but for some reason the author didn’t really bring her to life. I think it was just because of the story telling in general. Drew was okay. I liked him too but again I’m just not seeing life or chemistry or just whatever it is that keeps you engaged. But the nail on the coffin was the first kiss. When things come out of nowhere it is such a disappointment. The build up and “foreplay” Is the best part. There was no sexual tension at all. It didn’t feel romantic or sensual or anything. Like the rest of the book, it lacked everything. So this is the jumping off point of their relationship and it feels jostling and disappointing.
February 25, 2024
A lot of craziness happens when Phoebe and her family are involved. Phoebe's home collapses. The front just falls off. Now what can she do? Her aunts have a position that might suit her as a governess. The three children are gifted and their father's cousin, who they are staying with, has no idea how to handle them. Phoebe understands, but she isn't sure that she can handle them. Andrew has taken his cousin's children in after his cousin's wife died. The children could be in danger from the people who killed their mother. Their father has gone off the deep end and is drinking heavily. When Phoebe shows up, her animals are put on alert to help protect the children. Andrew has been looking for a wife, but Phoebe has some strange ways, and he isn't certain that any woman would want to be in his household. The more Andrew gets to know Phoebe, the more he believes that she can really talk to animals. Can they catch the men who are after the children?
April 11, 2020
Library Thing selected me to be an ARC reviewer, so here it is!
Patricia Rice writes very well. Phoebe Malcolm is not your average woman. She can communicate with animals. She can make children mind her. She has dreams of being a veterinarian (which is not the norm for this particular era).
Andrew Blair is an inventor. He's not really good with kids. He's better with machines. Enter Phoebe. Suddenly, his life has been turned upside down, or maybe right-side up? Phoebe is not a traditional governess. She has her own way of doing things and it works for her.
Love isn't really on their checklist. It just happens.
While the book is well-written, it's just not something I would go out of my way to re-read. It is light. It is fluffy. It's nothing terribly intense, so it may be a perfect weekend read for you.
Patricia Rice writes very well. Phoebe Malcolm is not your average woman. She can communicate with animals. She can make children mind her. She has dreams of being a veterinarian (which is not the norm for this particular era).
Andrew Blair is an inventor. He's not really good with kids. He's better with machines. Enter Phoebe. Suddenly, his life has been turned upside down, or maybe right-side up? Phoebe is not a traditional governess. She has her own way of doing things and it works for her.
Love isn't really on their checklist. It just happens.
While the book is well-written, it's just not something I would go out of my way to re-read. It is light. It is fluffy. It's nothing terribly intense, so it may be a perfect weekend read for you.
February 28, 2020
Loved this latest tale of “magical “ Malcolms.
This once takes place in Victorian England. The Malcolm is Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan . Her ability to communicate with animals is her inherited “ magical trait. Due to a series of unfortunate events she is sent to the home of Andrew Blair, an inventor and engineer to serve as a temporary governess to his wards ( his cousin’s children) who all hAve magical abilities.
Drew and Phoebe ultimately have to solve a murder mystery.
There is a pine marten, a raven and a ghost among other oddities that fill out this satisfying read.I enjoyed this book which I received As an advanced copy for an honest review .
I loved all of Patricia Rice’s previous MalColm Ives takes.
This once takes place in Victorian England. The Malcolm is Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan . Her ability to communicate with animals is her inherited “ magical trait. Due to a series of unfortunate events she is sent to the home of Andrew Blair, an inventor and engineer to serve as a temporary governess to his wards ( his cousin’s children) who all hAve magical abilities.
Drew and Phoebe ultimately have to solve a murder mystery.
There is a pine marten, a raven and a ghost among other oddities that fill out this satisfying read.I enjoyed this book which I received As an advanced copy for an honest review .
I loved all of Patricia Rice’s previous MalColm Ives takes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
Enjoyable, quickly read romance, with a touch of mystery and fantasy, set in Victorian Edinburgh. With the loss of her old apartment, Lady Phoebe Malcom Duncan seeks help from her aunts, who run a sort of a school for family members, most of whom have magic powers of some sort or another. Phoebe, for instance, can communicate with animals, and therefore wants to study veterinary medicine in order to help them. Her aunts find her a position as governess to three youngsters, who late mother, Letitia, was a distant relative. Since Letitia's death was perhaps not an accident, if it vital to protect the children. Misunderstands, mishaps, and humor abound in this romp of a story. Recommended.
February 24, 2020
Lessons in Enchantment (School of Magic # 1) by Patricia Rice
A charming historical romance novel with paranormal twists, this time set in Edinburgh. I liked how the interactions between the main characters of Lady Phoebe and Andrew Blair was portrayed, the gradual realisation from both characters that they are falling in love. Patricia Rice is a great story teller and like her other books the story flows effortlessly. The characters and setting kept me engaged with the story till the very last page. Another great read. This is a stand alone book with a Happy Ever After ending. Some characters introduced in this book will appear in the next book. 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
A charming historical romance novel with paranormal twists, this time set in Edinburgh. I liked how the interactions between the main characters of Lady Phoebe and Andrew Blair was portrayed, the gradual realisation from both characters that they are falling in love. Patricia Rice is a great story teller and like her other books the story flows effortlessly. The characters and setting kept me engaged with the story till the very last page. Another great read. This is a stand alone book with a Happy Ever After ending. Some characters introduced in this book will appear in the next book. 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 29, 2020
Pure romp-like entertainment with a hint of paranormal. With three young children running wild, a resident friend/business associate Hugh and his disorderly workroom, Andrew Blair's chaotic household brings Magic in the Stars to mind. Enter a homeless Lady Phoebe Malcolm Duncan, who can communicate with animals wild and domesticated as governess, and the stage is set for interesting and humorous happenings. There is a bit of mystery to uncover regarding Andrew's cousin's mine and a resurrected association.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
I read a free advanced copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
I read a free advanced copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
March 24, 2020
Patricia Rice has done it again. She has written a fun Regency Romance that captures your attention and brings you enjoyment to read to the very last word written...Lessons in Enchantment is so good. This book is charming, intriguing and a delightfully entertaining book. Patricia Rice has developed wonderful characters like a pesky ghost (who scares the help away)-- a sweet Witch who wants to be a Veterinarian for the heroine {who drives the hero a little crazy while he falls in love with her}--3 loving children missing their parents and full of fun mischief and lots of animals...Loved this book and one I will want to reread again and again.
May 26, 2020
What a great story! PR just keeps getting better and better! I have to admit to being confused about a reasonably well-heeled mother who leaves her daughter in somewhat substandard housing with no companion. That part bothered me. However, I was "enchanted" with how well the children were written. They talked like children and they acted like children. Phoebe and Drew are much like us in that they don't necessarily know what's going to be the best things in life; like most us, they can't seem to envision any change. I love ALL the critters. I can't wait to read the next one. And, unlike one reviewer on this page, I particularly LIKE plenty of heat and sizzle!
April 6, 2020
Slow start, but picks up steam
I truly wasn’t sure about this one and was sort of disappointed—I thought about stopping reading, actually. It felt like the characters were interesting but not very well developed and the next thing they were kissing without any romantic build up and I was just sort of scratching my head because I love the Malcolm and Ives books. I decided to keep reading and things began to warm up, characters started to make more sense, and it turned into a much more enjoyable book.
I truly wasn’t sure about this one and was sort of disappointed—I thought about stopping reading, actually. It felt like the characters were interesting but not very well developed and the next thing they were kissing without any romantic build up and I was just sort of scratching my head because I love the Malcolm and Ives books. I decided to keep reading and things began to warm up, characters started to make more sense, and it turned into a much more enjoyable book.
December 14, 2020
I really enjoy this author’s Malcom series, and this was the beginning of a new sub-series within the umbrella of the larger series from what I understand.
I haven’t read them in awhile, and I liked the set up, but there were parts where I wanted more. I mean, it was not that the story was lacking, but I just wanted more (laugh). Honestly, I’d read the 600 page book. Definitely looking forward to the next one. The characters have the perfect amount of quirky characteristics to keep it light while mixing in the magic.
I haven’t read them in awhile, and I liked the set up, but there were parts where I wanted more. I mean, it was not that the story was lacking, but I just wanted more (laugh). Honestly, I’d read the 600 page book. Definitely looking forward to the next one. The characters have the perfect amount of quirky characteristics to keep it light while mixing in the magic.
January 27, 2021
Magical read!
I highly recommend this extraordinary book and the series in which it is to all readers who love reading about formidable paranormal characters, industrious people creating marvels of invention, adorable, wunderkind children & animals, ghost, and well written plots.
I've long be a huge fan of Rice, and the magical Malcomb family characters that bring life to her books. If you like reading historical paranormal fiction, you will be very pleased with this series, and the prior series that inspired it. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this extraordinary book and the series in which it is to all readers who love reading about formidable paranormal characters, industrious people creating marvels of invention, adorable, wunderkind children & animals, ghost, and well written plots.
I've long be a huge fan of Rice, and the magical Malcomb family characters that bring life to her books. If you like reading historical paranormal fiction, you will be very pleased with this series, and the prior series that inspired it. Enjoy!
March 4, 2020
What an amusing and enjoyable read. I think that this was the best book written by Patricia Rice that I have read and I have read quite a few. Lady Phoebe is a true Malcolm with all the eccentricity we have come to expect and the children are a delight. Poor Drew doesn't know what has hit him when they descend on his masculine preserve but quickly realised he can't live with Phoebe.
The characters are so well described that I can picture the activities of the animals defending their mistress. Maybe I should encourage the move and pigeons instead of discouraging them
The characters are so well described that I can picture the activities of the animals defending their mistress. Maybe I should encourage the move and pigeons instead of discouraging them
March 7, 2020
Lessons in Enchantment (School of Magic, #1)
Patricia Rice
A wonderful, whimsical magical mystery from Patricia Rice! The characters are always interesting and enjoyable. This story is very well written and I truly was completely immersed within the first page - it just draws you in and captivates you. I definitely recommend this book, and any other by this quality author! I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Patricia Rice
A wonderful, whimsical magical mystery from Patricia Rice! The characters are always interesting and enjoyable. This story is very well written and I truly was completely immersed within the first page - it just draws you in and captivates you. I definitely recommend this book, and any other by this quality author! I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
July 23, 2020
Book 1 continues the Malcolm Saga
Hooray! Another Malcolm Magic Series continues with the next generation on Queen Victoria's time. Phoebe gift is the ability to talk to animals which turns out to be very useful when she unexpectedly ends up as a governess to 3 small talented Malcolm children. She also ends up at odds with the handsome Scottish inventor who's their Uncle. I love this series and the Malcolms.
Hooray! Another Malcolm Magic Series continues with the next generation on Queen Victoria's time. Phoebe gift is the ability to talk to animals which turns out to be very useful when she unexpectedly ends up as a governess to 3 small talented Malcolm children. She also ends up at odds with the handsome Scottish inventor who's their Uncle. I love this series and the Malcolms.
August 6, 2020
I love Magic books from Patricia Rice, there is romance and mystery and you meet new characters and visit old ones. This is an interesting story about how to teach young children about there powers and plus with men who are trying getting rid of information. School of Magic is interesting because almost everyone has a different power, talking to animals, making items rise and plus talking to ghost. If you have read a magic book you need too.
June 20, 2021
Delightful mish mash of characters and plot
The main character is a young woman who comes from a long line of Scottish witches known as Malcoms. Her unusual magical gift is the ability to communicate with and direct small animals. Add in some children with "talents," an active ghost, some hot sex scenes and several evil bad men and you have a story that will easily hold your interest.
The main character is a young woman who comes from a long line of Scottish witches known as Malcoms. Her unusual magical gift is the ability to communicate with and direct small animals. Add in some children with "talents," an active ghost, some hot sex scenes and several evil bad men and you have a story that will easily hold your interest.
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