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School of Magic #2
A Bewitching Governess
She’s the mistress of illusion; How can he trust her lessons on love?
Lady Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves is a viscountess, a widow, a governess, the adopted mother of a disabled toddler—but above all else, she is a survivor. When the father of the young children she’s been caring for arrives on Christmas Eve, drunk and ranting, his aura and her own sad experience tell her he’s dangerous.
Heart hardened after the murder of his beloved wife, Simon Blair is an industrialist who has no use for another psychic Malcolm. His late wife’s weird family is more than enough interference. But his twin daughters are talking to their mother’s ghost, his son and heir is floating objects that shouldn’t float, and he’s beleaguered by aristocrats who refuse to acknowledge his plebeian existence.
When Simon learns that Lady Olivia is in a position to help him obtain the land he needs for his business, and she recognizes that by helping him, she might regain the home she’s lost, they must fight their respective prejudices and forge an uneasy alliance. It might take a ghost, an army of children, and a criminal gang to force them to recognize that they want far more than real estate.
Lady Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves is a viscountess, a widow, a governess, the adopted mother of a disabled toddler—but above all else, she is a survivor. When the father of the young children she’s been caring for arrives on Christmas Eve, drunk and ranting, his aura and her own sad experience tell her he’s dangerous.
Heart hardened after the murder of his beloved wife, Simon Blair is an industrialist who has no use for another psychic Malcolm. His late wife’s weird family is more than enough interference. But his twin daughters are talking to their mother’s ghost, his son and heir is floating objects that shouldn’t float, and he’s beleaguered by aristocrats who refuse to acknowledge his plebeian existence.
When Simon learns that Lady Olivia is in a position to help him obtain the land he needs for his business, and she recognizes that by helping him, she might regain the home she’s lost, they must fight their respective prejudices and forge an uneasy alliance. It might take a ghost, an army of children, and a criminal gang to force them to recognize that they want far more than real estate.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
About the author
Patricia Rice
160 books515 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 40 reviews
May 19, 2021
Not as good as I was expecting after all the high ratings!
I think that the pacing is too fast and much confusing. All the characters were rushing things.
It could be because this is a second book and I didn't read the first one, but I was mostly turing my head here and there trying to understand what was happening and why!
I understood that the Malcolm family members are gifted. There are those who speak with animals, who reads auras, who moves objects, etc... And I also thought that they had to hide their abilitites, but then, suddenly, it didn't seem that way... And after a few pages it also suddenly did... and then not...
I just couldn't decided if the author wanted then to hide the gifts or not!!
Also they MCs wanted each other, lusted after each other, but didn't love each other until the very end! And they suddenly did...
There's a lot of "suddens" here... too much for my taste... and very much confusion too...Sorry...
I think that the pacing is too fast and much confusing. All the characters were rushing things.
It could be because this is a second book and I didn't read the first one, but I was mostly turing my head here and there trying to understand what was happening and why!
I understood that the Malcolm family members are gifted. There are those who speak with animals, who reads auras, who moves objects, etc... And I also thought that they had to hide their abilitites, but then, suddenly, it didn't seem that way... And after a few pages it also suddenly did... and then not...
I just couldn't decided if the author wanted then to hide the gifts or not!!
Also they MCs wanted each other, lusted after each other, but didn't love each other until the very end! And they suddenly did...
There's a lot of "suddens" here... too much for my taste... and very much confusion too...Sorry...
May 16, 2020
Series: School of Magic #2
Publication Date: 5/26/20
Number of Pages: 339
I have loved every book I’ve ever read featuring the Malcolms. What an intrepid and intriguing lot they are! In the first book, Lessons in Enchantment, we met most, if not all, of the characters in this book. I loved Olivia and Simon – she’s the calm port in his storm and he’s the strength and courage she needs. When you add all those lovely children into the mix, you have an absolutely delightful read. Additionally, we get to meet the stars of the next book – and that seems like a really intriguing match!
In the previous book, we learned of The Association and their controlling and manipulative ways. Nothing is beyond them – even murder and they wanted Letitia Blair and her children dead. When the Association managed to murder Letitia, Simon, her husband, went wild in grief and revenge. He placed his children in the care of his cousin Andrew and went about hunting down the murderers. Little did he know they’d still be coming after those babies. Simon, Andrew, and Phoebe (Andrew’s wife) stopped the villains but sent the children into the care of another relative until they could assure the children would be safe.
Things are safer now and Simon is collecting his children – and what a trip it has been. Then he meets the very disapproving governess and his temper flares. You see, Letitia had ‘gifts’ and she passed ‘gifts’ along to her children as well. Simon wanted to stamp out those gifts – deny them – but here was this governess teaching them how to use them. He certainly doesn’t want that wicked woman around his children.
Olivia has fallen in love with the children in her care and wants very much to teach them how to control their gifts so they don’t harm themselves or others – and so they don’t inadvertently use them and call unwanted attention to themselves. What a drunken oaf their father is! How can she turn these lovely children over to him when he is in total denial of their gifts?
Simon and Olivia circle each other each bound and determined to have their own way. Then the trouble starts and things get dangerous. Can Olivia and Simon work together to keep themselves and the children safe? Can they thwart the villains? Can they prove that oil and water do mix? You’ll just have to read this delightful tale to find out that and more.
I highly recommend this author, this series, and this book. It is well-written, well-plotted, well-paced, and filled with delightful characters you’ll quickly love. I hope you enjoy 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: 5/26/20
Number of Pages: 339
I have loved every book I’ve ever read featuring the Malcolms. What an intrepid and intriguing lot they are! In the first book, Lessons in Enchantment, we met most, if not all, of the characters in this book. I loved Olivia and Simon – she’s the calm port in his storm and he’s the strength and courage she needs. When you add all those lovely children into the mix, you have an absolutely delightful read. Additionally, we get to meet the stars of the next book – and that seems like a really intriguing match!
In the previous book, we learned of The Association and their controlling and manipulative ways. Nothing is beyond them – even murder and they wanted Letitia Blair and her children dead. When the Association managed to murder Letitia, Simon, her husband, went wild in grief and revenge. He placed his children in the care of his cousin Andrew and went about hunting down the murderers. Little did he know they’d still be coming after those babies. Simon, Andrew, and Phoebe (Andrew’s wife) stopped the villains but sent the children into the care of another relative until they could assure the children would be safe.
Things are safer now and Simon is collecting his children – and what a trip it has been. Then he meets the very disapproving governess and his temper flares. You see, Letitia had ‘gifts’ and she passed ‘gifts’ along to her children as well. Simon wanted to stamp out those gifts – deny them – but here was this governess teaching them how to use them. He certainly doesn’t want that wicked woman around his children.
Olivia has fallen in love with the children in her care and wants very much to teach them how to control their gifts so they don’t harm themselves or others – and so they don’t inadvertently use them and call unwanted attention to themselves. What a drunken oaf their father is! How can she turn these lovely children over to him when he is in total denial of their gifts?
Simon and Olivia circle each other each bound and determined to have their own way. Then the trouble starts and things get dangerous. Can Olivia and Simon work together to keep themselves and the children safe? Can they thwart the villains? Can they prove that oil and water do mix? You’ll just have to read this delightful tale to find out that and more.
I highly recommend this author, this series, and this book. It is well-written, well-plotted, well-paced, and filled with delightful characters you’ll quickly love. I hope you enjoy 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.
June 11, 2020
A bewitching governess 4.5 stars
This was another very good read in this series. I love the different magical elements that appear in the story. Simon had been grieving over the death of his wife and had turned to alcohol. Olivia, was also a widow, and had difficulties with her in laws. Their first meeting was stormy but gradually their feelings changed. However, there are a number of villains who aim to deprive Olivia of her inheritance. I liked that Drew and Phoebe from the previous book made an appearance and how the family all worked together for a satisfying ending. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series.
This was another very good read in this series. I love the different magical elements that appear in the story. Simon had been grieving over the death of his wife and had turned to alcohol. Olivia, was also a widow, and had difficulties with her in laws. Their first meeting was stormy but gradually their feelings changed. However, there are a number of villains who aim to deprive Olivia of her inheritance. I liked that Drew and Phoebe from the previous book made an appearance and how the family all worked together for a satisfying ending. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series.
July 6, 2021
Olivia is a young widow. Her late husband was a viscount. He died young and shortly thereafter, she also lost their young son. Now she is a temporary governess to the family of a late cousin. Both women are from the Malcolm family. The members of the Malcolm family all have talents. No, not the talent to play a musical instrument. Members of the Malcolm families have abilities to see things that others do not see, move things without touching them, or even to read the thoughts of others.
Simon is the father of the young children who Olivia minds. He was married to a Malcolm and he has no time for any of the skills that run in that family. And he definitely does not want any of his children to have any talents that could be seen as witchcraft.
Olivia was cheated of her home by her late husband’s family. She is determined to get the property back. She plans to use any means available. She wants to make a home for herself and the toddler she has brought into her family.
She and Simon are immediately at odds. They are very different people. But, underneath everything, they do understand one another. There is also a great deal of attraction between the two.
Simon came from poor beginnings and has become a powerful man. He is a mine owner who has become wealthy. But, his greatest love is not his money, but his children. His son and twin daughters mean everything to him. He realizes that Olivia loves them as though they were her own.
Olivia does love Simon’s children and she understands the gifts each of them have. She is trying to get Simon to understand and value those gifts as well.
This story is about love of family. Each of the leading people in the story care for one another. Olivia and Simon take in the illegitimate son of Olivia’s late husband. They hire servants in order to provide for them. They take in women who have have young children and all the children are simply added to their children. In fact, nearly every time a new character is added that character becomes a part of the household.
Olivia and Simon are very kind hearted, very intelligent and very much drawn to one another. Simon is a true hero. He is willing to do nearly anything to protect his loved ones. He will put himself in danger because he feels it is the right thing to do.
Olivia is as brave as Simon. She is more quiet in her courage, but she is open to facing danger in order to protect others. Olivia is generally patient in her dealings with others. She is also generous with her affection. She believes in drawing others into her circle in order that she might help them build better lives.
Plans are made to help Olivia return to her home. The plans become quite adventuresome. And each plan includes someone creating a situation which is quite out of the ordinary.
The story has humor and mystery and danger. Most of all the story is entertaining.
Ms Rice is a talented author. She creates characters who always draw me in and make me happy to spend time with them. This book is no exception to that. Olivia, Simon and even the villains are all interesting people.
There are secondary characters who add so much to the story. Every child, every servant and every villager made the story feel as though this reader were a part of the scene.
I enjoyed this book very much
Simon is the father of the young children who Olivia minds. He was married to a Malcolm and he has no time for any of the skills that run in that family. And he definitely does not want any of his children to have any talents that could be seen as witchcraft.
Olivia was cheated of her home by her late husband’s family. She is determined to get the property back. She plans to use any means available. She wants to make a home for herself and the toddler she has brought into her family.
She and Simon are immediately at odds. They are very different people. But, underneath everything, they do understand one another. There is also a great deal of attraction between the two.
Simon came from poor beginnings and has become a powerful man. He is a mine owner who has become wealthy. But, his greatest love is not his money, but his children. His son and twin daughters mean everything to him. He realizes that Olivia loves them as though they were her own.
Olivia does love Simon’s children and she understands the gifts each of them have. She is trying to get Simon to understand and value those gifts as well.
This story is about love of family. Each of the leading people in the story care for one another. Olivia and Simon take in the illegitimate son of Olivia’s late husband. They hire servants in order to provide for them. They take in women who have have young children and all the children are simply added to their children. In fact, nearly every time a new character is added that character becomes a part of the household.
Olivia and Simon are very kind hearted, very intelligent and very much drawn to one another. Simon is a true hero. He is willing to do nearly anything to protect his loved ones. He will put himself in danger because he feels it is the right thing to do.
Olivia is as brave as Simon. She is more quiet in her courage, but she is open to facing danger in order to protect others. Olivia is generally patient in her dealings with others. She is also generous with her affection. She believes in drawing others into her circle in order that she might help them build better lives.
Plans are made to help Olivia return to her home. The plans become quite adventuresome. And each plan includes someone creating a situation which is quite out of the ordinary.
The story has humor and mystery and danger. Most of all the story is entertaining.
Ms Rice is a talented author. She creates characters who always draw me in and make me happy to spend time with them. This book is no exception to that. Olivia, Simon and even the villains are all interesting people.
There are secondary characters who add so much to the story. Every child, every servant and every villager made the story feel as though this reader were a part of the scene.
I enjoyed this book very much
May 26, 2020
A Bewitching Governess by Patricia Rice
The School of Magic #2
A Father due home
Caught in a storm
Arrives Late
Horrifies his children’s governess
Misperceptions and Misconceptions
On both sides
By Industrialist and Governess
Can they overcome them
Do they even want to?
This is a tale of prejudice, bigotry, theft, loss, family, gifts, paranormal abilities, and romance. There are hurdles to overcome, rights to be wronged, children and adults to be cared for and a true love to be claimed. As expected, when picking up a book by this autho, I was pulled into the story, felt I was there and thoroughly enchanted.
What I liked:
* Olivia: Loving, kind, generous, caring, and capable of much. She saw to the needs of others and was not as docile as some thought she might be. She was perfect for Simon.
* Simon: Smart, focused, wealthy, passionate, and devoted to his children. He was perfect for Olivia
* The children: all of them. They added so much to the story
* The plot, story and writing
* The setting was perfect
* That both Olivia and Simon were adults and behaved as adults
* The dichotomy of viewpoints on paranormal abilities
* The animals that added as much as the children
* Growth that occurred in Simon
* Sinking into the story and savoring it – it was a great way to spend the day as I returned to see how the Malcolm family was doing
What I did not like:
* The bad guys…they were thoroughly reprehensible and deserved what they got.
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!
Would I read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The School of Magic #2
A Father due home
Caught in a storm
Arrives Late
Horrifies his children’s governess
Misperceptions and Misconceptions
On both sides
By Industrialist and Governess
Can they overcome them
Do they even want to?
This is a tale of prejudice, bigotry, theft, loss, family, gifts, paranormal abilities, and romance. There are hurdles to overcome, rights to be wronged, children and adults to be cared for and a true love to be claimed. As expected, when picking up a book by this autho, I was pulled into the story, felt I was there and thoroughly enchanted.
What I liked:
* Olivia: Loving, kind, generous, caring, and capable of much. She saw to the needs of others and was not as docile as some thought she might be. She was perfect for Simon.
* Simon: Smart, focused, wealthy, passionate, and devoted to his children. He was perfect for Olivia
* The children: all of them. They added so much to the story
* The plot, story and writing
* The setting was perfect
* That both Olivia and Simon were adults and behaved as adults
* The dichotomy of viewpoints on paranormal abilities
* The animals that added as much as the children
* Growth that occurred in Simon
* Sinking into the story and savoring it – it was a great way to spend the day as I returned to see how the Malcolm family was doing
What I did not like:
* The bad guys…they were thoroughly reprehensible and deserved what they got.
Did I enjoy this book? Definitely!
Would I read more in this series? Without a doubt
Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
May 28, 2020
4 stars
This is the second installment of The School of Magic series. In this story, Simon Blair has done what he could to thwart the Association, which is responsible for the death of his first wife. Simon has left his children in the care of distant relatives and a governess for much of the past year, while he ties up loose ends with the Association and does everything he can to ensure the safety of his children. He has a precocious 6-year-old son, and two twin 4-year-old daughters. All three of them have special magical gifts that their present governess is teaching them to use. Simon is a day late and he’s had the worst luck trying to get home to his children before Christmas. He is half frozen and covered in mud when he walks in the door late on Christmas Eve. To stay warm, he had several sips from his flask, so he smells like liquor when he finally arrives. Olivia, the governess, is not impressed. She was raised by a man who drank too much and gambled, and is very sensitive to the way it changes people. She is worried about the safety of the children, and is afraid to leave them in his care. Olivia ends up going back with him to the village of Greybridge, where she used to live with her husband, before he died. Her estate was stolen from her under false pretenses by her in-laws, and it hurts her heart to see the shape that it is in now.
These characters are flawed, yet endearing. The children bring a lighthearted joy to this book, and the way they use their gifts and their intelligence to right some wrongs is a delight to read. There is a backstory that must be told, and there are events that have to unfold. The events portion moves somewhat faster than the backstory portion, but it is all pulled together perfectly by the end of the story. There is a strong sense of community in this story, and a sense of creating the family that you want if the one that you used to have is no longer possible. Both of these protagonists have lost their spouse through death, and both must come to terms with trusting and loving someone else. It’s a bumpy ride at times, and the reader is not at all certain how it will end up, but somehow Ms. Rice makes it work. Simon is afraid to risk his heart again, while Olivia won’t settle for anything less than love. This is a fun and magical story that will delight most readers.
This is the second installment of The School of Magic series. In this story, Simon Blair has done what he could to thwart the Association, which is responsible for the death of his first wife. Simon has left his children in the care of distant relatives and a governess for much of the past year, while he ties up loose ends with the Association and does everything he can to ensure the safety of his children. He has a precocious 6-year-old son, and two twin 4-year-old daughters. All three of them have special magical gifts that their present governess is teaching them to use. Simon is a day late and he’s had the worst luck trying to get home to his children before Christmas. He is half frozen and covered in mud when he walks in the door late on Christmas Eve. To stay warm, he had several sips from his flask, so he smells like liquor when he finally arrives. Olivia, the governess, is not impressed. She was raised by a man who drank too much and gambled, and is very sensitive to the way it changes people. She is worried about the safety of the children, and is afraid to leave them in his care. Olivia ends up going back with him to the village of Greybridge, where she used to live with her husband, before he died. Her estate was stolen from her under false pretenses by her in-laws, and it hurts her heart to see the shape that it is in now.
These characters are flawed, yet endearing. The children bring a lighthearted joy to this book, and the way they use their gifts and their intelligence to right some wrongs is a delight to read. There is a backstory that must be told, and there are events that have to unfold. The events portion moves somewhat faster than the backstory portion, but it is all pulled together perfectly by the end of the story. There is a strong sense of community in this story, and a sense of creating the family that you want if the one that you used to have is no longer possible. Both of these protagonists have lost their spouse through death, and both must come to terms with trusting and loving someone else. It’s a bumpy ride at times, and the reader is not at all certain how it will end up, but somehow Ms. Rice makes it work. Simon is afraid to risk his heart again, while Olivia won’t settle for anything less than love. This is a fun and magical story that will delight most readers.
May 25, 2020
This was a lovely story featuring Lady Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves and a mundane, Simon Blair. Simon is trying to get back to his kids, a set of twin girls and a boy, in time for Christmas a year after his beloved wife was murdered for her witchy Malcolm ways. Now, all Simon wants is normal. He's scared that the group that killed his wife and nearly him, will come after his children too. Lady Olivia has been acting as the children's governess for the past year and has not only been encouraging their gifts but helping them learn to use them wisely. Simon arrives at the castle drunk and Olivia has history with a drinker and decides she won't leave the children in his care. Needless to say, their first meeting is not a pleasant one. The next morning Simon awakens to find that Olivia has everything in hand for the trip north. There begins the slightest thawing in their fractious relationship. As the kids gifts come in handy and Simon has odd moments, Olivia starts wondering if he is a mundane after all. I have to say that the author writes the greatest kid characters ever. I love reading them. One thing I didn't care for, Simon would suddenly switch to a heavy brogue (which was hard to read due to odd phonetic spelling for certain words). Now, the brogue would be find if it had been explained that it happens when Simon gets upset (A mention was made of this but way too late in the book). So, I was trying to figure out why he would speak normally and then his dialogue was spelled weird, back and forth. So, if you know that going in, I think it will help.
May 22, 2020
I always enjoy reading about the Malcolms, but I was sort of disappointed with this book. It was just nog as good as the others from Ms Rice.
It is not paced or plotted like the original series, or the first book of this series. It took a long time to get the story gooing. For the first time reading a book of Ms Rice I look in the book further to the last chapters to check whem some action would take place. At the end the story was rushed up. It seems as if Ms Rice lately realised that the hero and heroine had show that they liked to make love to each other but had not fallen in love yet, and the book was almost finished.
I also did not found the main characters very much interesting. The most entretaining parts of the book are the ones were the secundaire characters appears.
This book is not one that I think I would read again.
I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
It is not paced or plotted like the original series, or the first book of this series. It took a long time to get the story gooing. For the first time reading a book of Ms Rice I look in the book further to the last chapters to check whem some action would take place. At the end the story was rushed up. It seems as if Ms Rice lately realised that the hero and heroine had show that they liked to make love to each other but had not fallen in love yet, and the book was almost finished.
I also did not found the main characters very much interesting. The most entretaining parts of the book are the ones were the secundaire characters appears.
This book is not one that I think I would read again.
I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
May 27, 2020
Book Two in the the School of Magic Series by Patricia Rice - A Bewitching Governess
Lady Olivia Malcom Hargreaves and Simon Blair find themselves at odds with each other from the beginning, yet they need to work together to get what they each individually need. Another spell binding book in the Malcom Family series. One of the things I love best about this author is you do not need to read earlier books in the series to follow the current book completely!
In this book characters from the first book are carried forward in a way that makes sense without the need to read book one first. Set in Victorian times, Olivia is a young widow who has been cheated out of her home. Simon, a widower with three young children who left them in the care of his cousin, comes to retrieve them, meets Olivia, who as been retained as their governess. In their first meeting, Simon presents himself drunk and dirty from his wet and wild travels, something Olivia can not tolerate due to her difficult past. Olivia refuses to give Simon care of his children in his current state and travels with him to his home, which she learns is in the same town as the home that was stolen from her. At odds with each other over everything from child care to neighbors, Olivia and Simon must find a way to work together.
No spoilers in this review, but I will say it was a book I could not put down! If you love magic, intrigue, romance, a bit of danger and an HEA, you will be sure to love this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Lady Olivia Malcom Hargreaves and Simon Blair find themselves at odds with each other from the beginning, yet they need to work together to get what they each individually need. Another spell binding book in the Malcom Family series. One of the things I love best about this author is you do not need to read earlier books in the series to follow the current book completely!
In this book characters from the first book are carried forward in a way that makes sense without the need to read book one first. Set in Victorian times, Olivia is a young widow who has been cheated out of her home. Simon, a widower with three young children who left them in the care of his cousin, comes to retrieve them, meets Olivia, who as been retained as their governess. In their first meeting, Simon presents himself drunk and dirty from his wet and wild travels, something Olivia can not tolerate due to her difficult past. Olivia refuses to give Simon care of his children in his current state and travels with him to his home, which she learns is in the same town as the home that was stolen from her. At odds with each other over everything from child care to neighbors, Olivia and Simon must find a way to work together.
No spoilers in this review, but I will say it was a book I could not put down! If you love magic, intrigue, romance, a bit of danger and an HEA, you will be sure to love this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 26, 2020
This is Book #2 of "The School of Magic Series" and Simon Blair and Lady Olivia (Liv) Malcolm McDowell's story. While Olivia and Simon do not start off with the best introduction, they realize they need to work together to get the kids safely settled in there old home which also happens to be the only town Olivia ever considered home. There is a lot going on in the story as Olivia's arrival stirs up mixed feelings with the town. It was nice to see Simon's kids again and see them reunited with there father Simon. This book takes a lot of twists and turns, but it has a satisfying ending.
If you are new to the "Magic" series, you can read this book without too many spoilers. If you prefer to start at the beginning, please check out Andrew Blair and Lady Phoebe Malcolm Blair's story in Book #1 "Lessons in Enchantment". Both are great introductions to the "Magic" series that I am sure will lead you to want to read the rest of the "Magic" series.
If you are a fan of the "Magic" series, this book does not disappoint. It is unique and fresh with just the right hints and references to know these characters are linked to the "Magic" characters that came before.
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DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
If you are new to the "Magic" series, you can read this book without too many spoilers. If you prefer to start at the beginning, please check out Andrew Blair and Lady Phoebe Malcolm Blair's story in Book #1 "Lessons in Enchantment". Both are great introductions to the "Magic" series that I am sure will lead you to want to read the rest of the "Magic" series.
If you are a fan of the "Magic" series, this book does not disappoint. It is unique and fresh with just the right hints and references to know these characters are linked to the "Magic" characters that came before.
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DISCLAIMER: I received an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author in exchange for a fair, objective, and honest review.
May 18, 2020
I love every Malcolm tale. This is set in Victorian times and is a continuation of sorts of Book 1. That is not to say that it cannot be read as a stand alone. The main characters are Simon Blair , a widower and wealthy industrialist, his twin girls Clare and Cat, his son Enoch and Lady Olivia Malcolm McDowell Hargreaves. If you are familiar with the series, you know when you see the name Malcolm,you know there is some kind of the "supernatural" to appear. To add to the the drama, Simon's late wife was also Malcolm , so her children also have "powers". Olivia is displaced or rather thrown out of her home on the death of her husband. She is now governess to Simon's children.
Most of the plot involves Simon and Olivia's attempts to restore her good name and her home.
There are ghosts, schemes, poison, a big reveal and a whole host of other goodies in this page turning romance with a big dose of "magical" through in. (I couldn't stop reading!!) Can't wait to see if there is something in store for Simon's sister-in-law Emma down the road.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Most of the plot involves Simon and Olivia's attempts to restore her good name and her home.
There are ghosts, schemes, poison, a big reveal and a whole host of other goodies in this page turning romance with a big dose of "magical" through in. (I couldn't stop reading!!) Can't wait to see if there is something in store for Simon's sister-in-law Emma down the road.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2020
A Bewitching Governess by Patricia Rice (School of Magic # 2)
My thoughts:
When I heard the next book was coming out in this series, I re-read the previous book in this series "Lessons in Enchantment" to refresh my memory so I would not miss any of the subtle references that would turn up in this book.
This story is about Viscountess Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves, who was intimidated and treated unfairly by her late husband's family and Simon Blair, industrialist, widower with children with special gifts. We met Olivia, Simon and the children in the previous book as supporting characters to Phoebe and Drew's story. In this book Phoebe and Drew appear as supporting secondary characters and we get more insight into the events that lead to Letitia's death. I liked the romance, the twists along the way and the general quirky-ness that always plays such a big part in Patricia Rice's books.
This is another great read, it can be read as a stand alone book. Happy Ever After Ending. 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My thoughts:
When I heard the next book was coming out in this series, I re-read the previous book in this series "Lessons in Enchantment" to refresh my memory so I would not miss any of the subtle references that would turn up in this book.
This story is about Viscountess Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves, who was intimidated and treated unfairly by her late husband's family and Simon Blair, industrialist, widower with children with special gifts. We met Olivia, Simon and the children in the previous book as supporting characters to Phoebe and Drew's story. In this book Phoebe and Drew appear as supporting secondary characters and we get more insight into the events that lead to Letitia's death. I liked the romance, the twists along the way and the general quirky-ness that always plays such a big part in Patricia Rice's books.
This is another great read, it can be read as a stand alone book. Happy Ever After Ending. 4 stars.
Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
A Bewitching Governess is another visit to all things wacky and magical that follows the unusual Malcolm family. Lady Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves lost her husband, then her rightful home followed by the death of her son. Olivia is now an adoptive mother to a special little girl and governess to a group of extraordinary children with some unusual abilities. Simon Blair is a widower who knows that the fear of the extra that his wife and children are apart of, led to his wife's death. He wants his children to grow up normal but his governess has other ideas. Olivia is teaching the children how to use their powers and winds up teaching Simon a thing or two. Olivia and Simon take on the tasks of getting back Olivia's rightful home, the land Simon needs, and taking down some really bad guys in the process. A little slow to start but woah doggies does it draw you in when the action begins and Olivia and Simon find their hearts back on the line. Sweet and action backed, the story brings everything I love about the Malcolms. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy.
May 16, 2020
Simon Blair thinks he'll never marry again as he already lost the love of his life when his wife Letitia died. But he is strongly attracted to the young widow Olivia, Viscountess Hargreaves.
Olivia is very protective of children, especially those with special talents or needs. In her grief after her husband's death, she allowed herself to be driven from her home by her in-laws, to her regret. With Simon offering his assistance, she is determined to correct that error, especially when she learns of the fate of those she left behind. She becomes a formidable fighter.
There are some surprises for Olivia and the readers along the way.
I enjoyed reading the all the sneaky, little tricks she, the children and servants employ in her bid to outwit her adversaries at Hargreaves Hall. Many scenes with the children are especially amusing.
I read a free advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
Olivia is very protective of children, especially those with special talents or needs. In her grief after her husband's death, she allowed herself to be driven from her home by her in-laws, to her regret. With Simon offering his assistance, she is determined to correct that error, especially when she learns of the fate of those she left behind. She becomes a formidable fighter.
There are some surprises for Olivia and the readers along the way.
I enjoyed reading the all the sneaky, little tricks she, the children and servants employ in her bid to outwit her adversaries at Hargreaves Hall. Many scenes with the children are especially amusing.
I read a free advance copy; the thoughts expressed are my own.
May 27, 2020
A Bewitching Governess
School of Magic #2
by Patricia Rice
This is the second in the School of Magic series by Patricia Rice and I can tell you it’s magical writing! Patricia Rice has brought this story to life. We finally get Simons HEA and it’s a well deserved one. After his wife’s untimely death he needs someone to take care of his rambunctious children.
Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves is a widow and a Viscountess, but her late husband’s father treated her unfairly. In her grief and worried for her small son she takes a position as governess, but Simon wasn’t what she expected he was a whirlwind that just pulled her in! Looking forward to Emma’s story!
An enjoyable read that didn’t disappoint! This is my honest unbiased opinion freely given. Copy gifted by the author.
School of Magic #2
by Patricia Rice
This is the second in the School of Magic series by Patricia Rice and I can tell you it’s magical writing! Patricia Rice has brought this story to life. We finally get Simons HEA and it’s a well deserved one. After his wife’s untimely death he needs someone to take care of his rambunctious children.
Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves is a widow and a Viscountess, but her late husband’s father treated her unfairly. In her grief and worried for her small son she takes a position as governess, but Simon wasn’t what she expected he was a whirlwind that just pulled her in! Looking forward to Emma’s story!
An enjoyable read that didn’t disappoint! This is my honest unbiased opinion freely given. Copy gifted by the author.
May 15, 2020
Another quirky story from Patricia Rice with a HEA ending which although part of a series can be read as a standalone. Both Olivia and Simon have known loss of loved ones and injustice. They come to an arrangement, he will help her reclaim the home her husband left her and she will sell him land allowing access to a new mine he wants to dig. However there are all sorts of obstacles, intrigue and danger; plus a sprinkling of mischief and the use of special ‘gifts’ before the pair also come to realise that they are in love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2020
When Vicountess Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves loses her husband, a child, and her home, she teams up with Simon Blair. Simon is an industrialist who wants to purchase her land if she can ever get it back from scoundrels. Olivia is a strong woman even though she thinks herself a rabbit. Simon needs his drink to steady himself and is also recovering from the loss of his wife as well as trying to keep his household magic under control. I really enjoyed this book because it was full of fun, magic, romance and light suspense.
I always enjoy books written by Patricia Rice. I love the Malcolm series. Keep them coming!
I always enjoy books written by Patricia Rice. I love the Malcolm series. Keep them coming!
June 24, 2021
A romantic romp, with touches of mystery and fantasy. the widowed Lady Olivia Hargreaves was born a Malcolm, with the ability to see people's auras — though it always gives her a headache. Since she was left homeless after her husband's death, she is now working as a governess, taking care of Simon Blair's motherless children. Since Simon's late wife was also a Malcolm cousin, the children have inherited their own various abilities — abilities Simon would like to be able to ignore. He is also determined never to love again, despite the attraction he feels for Olivia. Very fast paced and hard to put down. Recommended.
May 17, 2020
When the Malcolms are involved, it is bound to be crazy. Olivia is taking care of Simon's children and teaching them. Teaching them their lessons, but also teaching them to use their gifts. Simon doesn't want any part of the gifts that his children have because that is what got his wife killed. He tries to resist Olivia, but he can't. She can't be with someone who doesn't love and respect her. She is gifted and he can't accept that. It had disastrous consequences for his wife and he can't go through that again. Olivia doesn't want to leave Simon and his children, but she has to.
May 27, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Malcolm story!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
I absolutely love the characters in this story - from the children to adults! Each adds something particular to the story. The story is well written with plenty of twists and obstacles to overcome to reach the HEA. I really like how the series is so connected, having read the first one, but I believe it could also be read as a stand-alone as enough background is given. I recommend this to everyone! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2020
I absolutely love the characters in this story - from the children to adults! Each adds something particular to the story. The story is well written with plenty of twists and obstacles to overcome to reach the HEA. I really like how the series is so connected, having read the first one, but I believe it could also be read as a stand-alone as enough background is given. I recommend this to everyone! I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
July 25, 2020
Book 2 Viscountess Olivia and Simon
Simon brother of Andrew Blair in book one, has to retrieve his Children from the Malcolm Castle where they were sent to for safety. He unfortunately runs into serious problems on the trip and arrives in terrible shape to the dismay of Viscountess Olivia. She can't let the children go with a man like that! So she decides to accompany them home to make sure all is well. Simon has quite a few surprises coming up. He's just taken on another Malcolm, like his deceased wife before. Great series.
Simon brother of Andrew Blair in book one, has to retrieve his Children from the Malcolm Castle where they were sent to for safety. He unfortunately runs into serious problems on the trip and arrives in terrible shape to the dismay of Viscountess Olivia. She can't let the children go with a man like that! So she decides to accompany them home to make sure all is well. Simon has quite a few surprises coming up. He's just taken on another Malcolm, like his deceased wife before. Great series.
May 25, 2020
Patricia Rice continues the magic in this second book. Olivia is acting governess to Simon’s children and distant cousin to his late wife. Both Olivia and Simon’s children have psychic “talents”. Simon looks upon these as abnormal and the reason his wife was killed. All the characters are very well written. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
May 25, 2020
I just love all of the Malcolm series and this one is no exception. I also love that it's set in the Victorian era, which provides so many fabulous opportunities for "magic" to interact with "technology" and all of the fun combinations that provides. I also like the continuity of characters from book to book, which makes it feel like you can really get to know the family and the communities in which they live. If you haven't met the Malcolms yet, you really should give them a try.
May 26, 2020
Reading this the author brings two contrary people together with the man's Malcom talented children is fascinating. His son's ability to levitate and his daughters insistence she is talking to her Mothers ghost add to the mix. The adults are trying to protect the children from men against their father embracing the industrial growth. Lots of side issues such as women's issues and children born in of wedlock are mixed in effortlessly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2020
I love this series! Though characters from the previous book appear, this is a stand alone book.
Olivia and Simon are very different but have common goals to work towards. As they do so, they build a bond. There is lots of action as well as romance and even humor. This book does have magic as part of the plot which only enhances the story.
I highly recommend this book!
Olivia and Simon are very different but have common goals to work towards. As they do so, they build a bond. There is lots of action as well as romance and even humor. This book does have magic as part of the plot which only enhances the story.
I highly recommend this book!
May 27, 2020
Great story about Simon Blair, his three children 6 year old son Enoch and 4 year old twin daughters Cat and Clare. Lady Olivia Hargreaves is the children’s governess. His wife and the governess are kin to the Malcom family and have special powers.
Different events happen that the story should be read and enjoyed.
HAPPY READING!!!!
Different events happen that the story should be read and enjoyed.
HAPPY READING!!!!
June 2, 2020
Lady Olivia Malcolm Hargreaves has suffered serious losses in the last two years but she will make sure that Simon Blair's three gifted children are well cared for and so agrees to return to their estate in her former hometown. Simon does not want to be attracted to another woman with magical powers but Olivia has the ability to smooth his troubled spirit. The household continues to grow as new servants come over to work with Olivia instead of the present Lord Hargreaves. Olivia is very resourceful and does learn to stand up for herself and be brave against great odds.
This is the second story in a new series, but can be read easily as a standalone story.
This is the second story in a new series, but can be read easily as a standalone story.
May 26, 2020
Absolutely loved this! I jump at the chance to read this series. Just enough of the supernatural to entertain and be believable. Passion , adorable kids and romance who could ask for more. Highly recommend she a wonderful author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
Review
Thank you for your imagination to be able to create such wonderful stories with great characters! I enjoy everyone of the mysterious plots that blend with each book in the series!
Thank you for your imagination to be able to create such wonderful stories with great characters! I enjoy everyone of the mysterious plots that blend with each book in the series!
January 28, 2021
Enchanting!
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to all readers who love historical paranormal fiction. The Malcomb characters are endearing and enthralling. Their misadventures are thrilling. Enjoy!
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and the series in which it is to all readers who love historical paranormal fiction. The Malcomb characters are endearing and enthralling. Their misadventures are thrilling. Enjoy!
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