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Drake Sisters #includes #2
The Wicked and the Wondrous
Two romantic tales of dark forces and Christmas miracles... The Twilight Before Christmas Bestselling novelist Kate Drake, one of seven sisters with amazing powers of witchcraft, wants to open a bookstore in a charming but run-down mill in her California hometown. Decorated former U.S. Army Ranger Matt Granite, now a contractor, doesn't mind helping -- and getting closer to Kate. But when an earthquake exposes a crypt in the mill's foundation, a centuries-old evil threatens to destroy both Christmas and the gift of soul-searing passion Kate's hometown hero wants her to keep forever.... After The Music Terrified by mysterious threats, Jessica Fitzpatrick takes her twin wards to the island mansion of their estranged father, Dillon Wentworth, a famous musician who shut out the world after a fire claimed his wife's life and left him disfigured. With Christmas approaching, the spark between Dillon and Jessica might light the future, but the evil machinations of those who share his wife's love of the occult may plunge the family into darkness -- unless a Christmas miracle occurs.... Experience the magic!
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2004
252 people are currently reading
1447 people want to read
About the author
Christine Feehan
156 books52.9k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 100 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders, Torpedo Ink and her Romantic Suspense novels. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 21, 2009
The Twilight Before Christmas:
Finally I have gotten to read Kate Drake's story. So that leaves me one more Drake sister book to complete (Dangerous Tides--Libby's story). All in all, I found The Twilight Before Christmas to be a great story. I can't give it 5 stars, because it did drag a little in some parts. It's probably a 4.25 star story.
What I liked about it:
*Matt's adoration for Kate was very endearing. It was funny how he felt like he made a fool out of himself in front of her, and how she made this very physically-accomplished guy act clumsy and wreck three cars. I like that although he became enamored of her when she was fifteen and he was college age (I'm going to assume he was maybe 19 or 20), he didn't act on it, but left to her grow up. Plus he joined the military and Special Forces. Some might argue that this was just an infatuation, but the fact that he had these feelings for so many years suggests that this is not the case. When this book rolls around, Matt is in full hero-in-pursuit mode, although gentle and wooing about. Matt was a very nice guy.
*The humor in this story was great (which I alluded to above). Poor Kate thought that Matt's brothers were laughing at her, because she always felt clumsy and inadequate around Matt in their interactions. They were really laughing at their brother, and how stone cold cupid-struck he was for Kate. This story had lots of other family interactions that made me laugh. Christine Feehan really is a funny lady, for all the angst and darkness in her stories.
*Family and friends--always a good thing for this reader, although sometimes I get a little bored with some of the descriptions of various denizens of Sea Harbor. I like the Drake books best when they focus on the family and immediate friend interactions than talking about such and such and who did what around town. I felt a little cheated because we didn't really see too much Damon in this story. He's a cool character for me. What can I say? I love nerdy guys. And Damon, well, he's brilliant. Smart is sexy. So: I.Wanted.More.Damon! Loved seeing all the Drake sisters. What a cool bunch of women. Since I read Hidden Currents just before this book, it was nice to see the beginnings of the bond between Jackson and Elle. Sadly, no Ilya or Alexsandr :( I love me some Jonas, and he's in this one a lot. You can tell he has it bad for Hannah.
*Very cool gothic, scary, creepy angle. The ghostly villain, shall we say, reminded me of the creepy Old Man from Poltergeist II. It goes without saying that it was a bit scary in moments since I refuse to watch that movie since I saw it the first time. The backstory behind the haunting was very interesting, and Ms. Feehan utilized it very well to tell us a little about the history of Sea Harbor and a bit about the Drake ancestors who settled in this seaside town. The scary parts probably dragged out a little too long for me, but overall, I enjoyed it.
*Kate and Matt--Although I could see where Kate was coming from with her fears that she was a mis-match for Matt, the man was clearly in love with her and adored her. Say yes already! I doubt the man was going to change his mind after being in love with her for what I estimate is over ten years. So that part was a bit frustrating for me. Great love scenes (as usual).
All in all, a nice story, and just right for this time of year. I liked the message about religious tolerance and the fact that we can all be united in some way, even if we don't share the same beliefs.
After the Music:
After the Music was the second story in this volume. I loved it. Music is in my heart, and I am definitely getting the impression that Ms. Feehan is a big music fan. She really seems to get the power of it, and how it can consume a person, and how great it is when someone is gifted to bring music to life in a wonderful way.
This has a very prominent gothic theme to it. I'm not a big fan of romance stories where accidents happen and you spend the whole story trying to guess who the culprit is. But I think this one was well-done. By and large, I enjoyed the time spent sifting through the clues and trying to figure out who the villain was, and discarding suspects. It got a little frustrating when the mystery plot seemed to be a frequent cause of coitus interruptus in this story. As frustrated as this made me, I'm sure that it was worse for Dillon and Jess. Although I liked that there wasn't insta-sex in this story, and there were actually plenty of love scenes, especially for a short story. My one issue is that the kids were in the house and they knew what they were up to. Okay, I admit I'm a prude about such things (when it comes to unmarried couples)!
This story has some really dark elements in it. Dillon is a widower who lost his wife after she was shot with her lover, on a night in which their house burned down and killed seven others. Dillon was accused of the crime, tried, and acquitted. The worse part is all the people who died (including Dillon's wife) were involved in Satanic worship, drugs, and sexual orgies, and the ringleader actually grabbed Jessica and tried to use her as a sacrifice. Whew! What was really hard for me is to understand that all this was going on with kids in the house. I'm very particular about kids and what they should be exposed to. I admit I don't have any, but I do feel that kids should be protected from stuff like this. Dillon carries a lot of guilt because he felt he should have intervened more when his wife started this downward slide into addiction and dark religious practices and sex with other men. He was too busy traveling and performing and making music. Compounding his guilt was his fascination/fixation/love for Jess while he was married, which I want to make clear that HE NEVER ACTED ON THAT. They were really good friends, and they bonded in their mutual love for music and the kids.
Dillon is a bit on the tortured side, but it's not dragged out or annoying in how it's executed. He had been scarred horribly by the fire that happened eight years ago, which took his family (Jess and the kids away). He had some long years of recovering, and he has lost some of his dexterity in playing instruments, but decided to compose and sing when some of the old bandmates convince him to make another record to reinvigorate their careers. So the bandmates are in the house, along with Brenda (his dead wife's sister), and her husband. You have to decide which one of them is perpetuating the accidents that endanger the twins and Jess.
Dillon and Jess are one of those couples I really wanted to see together, which is why the coitus interruptus kept bothering me. And also why I could get pass the fact that they were having their interludes with young, impressionable kids in the house (thirteen year old twins.) I was rooting for things to work out for them because they were such a good couple and so in love. I think they were soulmates.
I won't keep blabbing on and on, since this is a short story. I liked the execution of this one, and the whole paranormal element was good. As I said earlier, I loved the music elements. Both Dillon and Jess are very talented musicians, which you get to see in this story. I thought the kids were fun and interesting. Their dialog seemed likely for kids that might be on the intelligent, more mature side. Jess and her mom did a great job raising them, because they were good kids. I liked how the bonds were rebuilt between Dillon and his kids. Although the gothic mystery romance genre is not my favorite (with a few exceptions, including Jane Eyre, and most books by Anne Stuart), I really enjoyed this one. I'd give After the Music five stars.
So my total rating for this collection is: 4.75 . It would have been higher if The Twilight Before Christmas didn't have the draggy parts.
Finally I have gotten to read Kate Drake's story. So that leaves me one more Drake sister book to complete (Dangerous Tides--Libby's story). All in all, I found The Twilight Before Christmas to be a great story. I can't give it 5 stars, because it did drag a little in some parts. It's probably a 4.25 star story.
What I liked about it:
*Matt's adoration for Kate was very endearing. It was funny how he felt like he made a fool out of himself in front of her, and how she made this very physically-accomplished guy act clumsy and wreck three cars. I like that although he became enamored of her when she was fifteen and he was college age (I'm going to assume he was maybe 19 or 20), he didn't act on it, but left to her grow up. Plus he joined the military and Special Forces. Some might argue that this was just an infatuation, but the fact that he had these feelings for so many years suggests that this is not the case. When this book rolls around, Matt is in full hero-in-pursuit mode, although gentle and wooing about. Matt was a very nice guy.
*The humor in this story was great (which I alluded to above). Poor Kate thought that Matt's brothers were laughing at her, because she always felt clumsy and inadequate around Matt in their interactions. They were really laughing at their brother, and how stone cold cupid-struck he was for Kate. This story had lots of other family interactions that made me laugh. Christine Feehan really is a funny lady, for all the angst and darkness in her stories.
*Family and friends--always a good thing for this reader, although sometimes I get a little bored with some of the descriptions of various denizens of Sea Harbor. I like the Drake books best when they focus on the family and immediate friend interactions than talking about such and such and who did what around town. I felt a little cheated because we didn't really see too much Damon in this story. He's a cool character for me. What can I say? I love nerdy guys. And Damon, well, he's brilliant. Smart is sexy. So: I.Wanted.More.Damon! Loved seeing all the Drake sisters. What a cool bunch of women. Since I read Hidden Currents just before this book, it was nice to see the beginnings of the bond between Jackson and Elle. Sadly, no Ilya or Alexsandr :( I love me some Jonas, and he's in this one a lot. You can tell he has it bad for Hannah.
*Very cool gothic, scary, creepy angle. The ghostly villain, shall we say, reminded me of the creepy Old Man from Poltergeist II. It goes without saying that it was a bit scary in moments since I refuse to watch that movie since I saw it the first time. The backstory behind the haunting was very interesting, and Ms. Feehan utilized it very well to tell us a little about the history of Sea Harbor and a bit about the Drake ancestors who settled in this seaside town. The scary parts probably dragged out a little too long for me, but overall, I enjoyed it.
*Kate and Matt--Although I could see where Kate was coming from with her fears that she was a mis-match for Matt, the man was clearly in love with her and adored her. Say yes already! I doubt the man was going to change his mind after being in love with her for what I estimate is over ten years. So that part was a bit frustrating for me. Great love scenes (as usual).
All in all, a nice story, and just right for this time of year. I liked the message about religious tolerance and the fact that we can all be united in some way, even if we don't share the same beliefs.
After the Music:
After the Music was the second story in this volume. I loved it. Music is in my heart, and I am definitely getting the impression that Ms. Feehan is a big music fan. She really seems to get the power of it, and how it can consume a person, and how great it is when someone is gifted to bring music to life in a wonderful way.
This has a very prominent gothic theme to it. I'm not a big fan of romance stories where accidents happen and you spend the whole story trying to guess who the culprit is. But I think this one was well-done. By and large, I enjoyed the time spent sifting through the clues and trying to figure out who the villain was, and discarding suspects. It got a little frustrating when the mystery plot seemed to be a frequent cause of coitus interruptus in this story. As frustrated as this made me, I'm sure that it was worse for Dillon and Jess. Although I liked that there wasn't insta-sex in this story, and there were actually plenty of love scenes, especially for a short story. My one issue is that the kids were in the house and they knew what they were up to. Okay, I admit I'm a prude about such things (when it comes to unmarried couples)!
This story has some really dark elements in it. Dillon is a widower who lost his wife after she was shot with her lover, on a night in which their house burned down and killed seven others. Dillon was accused of the crime, tried, and acquitted. The worse part is all the people who died (including Dillon's wife) were involved in Satanic worship, drugs, and sexual orgies, and the ringleader actually grabbed Jessica and tried to use her as a sacrifice. Whew! What was really hard for me is to understand that all this was going on with kids in the house. I'm very particular about kids and what they should be exposed to. I admit I don't have any, but I do feel that kids should be protected from stuff like this. Dillon carries a lot of guilt because he felt he should have intervened more when his wife started this downward slide into addiction and dark religious practices and sex with other men. He was too busy traveling and performing and making music. Compounding his guilt was his fascination/fixation/love for Jess while he was married, which I want to make clear that HE NEVER ACTED ON THAT. They were really good friends, and they bonded in their mutual love for music and the kids.
Dillon is a bit on the tortured side, but it's not dragged out or annoying in how it's executed. He had been scarred horribly by the fire that happened eight years ago, which took his family (Jess and the kids away). He had some long years of recovering, and he has lost some of his dexterity in playing instruments, but decided to compose and sing when some of the old bandmates convince him to make another record to reinvigorate their careers. So the bandmates are in the house, along with Brenda (his dead wife's sister), and her husband. You have to decide which one of them is perpetuating the accidents that endanger the twins and Jess.
Dillon and Jess are one of those couples I really wanted to see together, which is why the coitus interruptus kept bothering me. And also why I could get pass the fact that they were having their interludes with young, impressionable kids in the house (thirteen year old twins.) I was rooting for things to work out for them because they were such a good couple and so in love. I think they were soulmates.
I won't keep blabbing on and on, since this is a short story. I liked the execution of this one, and the whole paranormal element was good. As I said earlier, I loved the music elements. Both Dillon and Jess are very talented musicians, which you get to see in this story. I thought the kids were fun and interesting. Their dialog seemed likely for kids that might be on the intelligent, more mature side. Jess and her mom did a great job raising them, because they were good kids. I liked how the bonds were rebuilt between Dillon and his kids. Although the gothic mystery romance genre is not my favorite (with a few exceptions, including Jane Eyre, and most books by Anne Stuart), I really enjoyed this one. I'd give After the Music five stars.
So my total rating for this collection is: 4.75 . It would have been higher if The Twilight Before Christmas didn't have the draggy parts.
April 2, 2019
This was actually two novellas in one book. The first one was centered around the Drake sisters series and the second one was all new characters. Both storylines take place around Christmas and have a supernatural aspect, romance, suspense or mystery and great characters. The first novella is also sold as a separate book and the second one is included in another Christmas related book so read the information provided on the book or retail sites to ensure it isn't something you have already read.
This author never disappoints me. I enjoyed both novellas and always look forward to a new book from her. They are always entertaining and both of these were filled with warmth, hope, and love.
This author never disappoints me. I enjoyed both novellas and always look forward to a new book from her. They are always entertaining and both of these were filled with warmth, hope, and love.
January 3, 2011
December: I reread the second story in this collection, After the Music. It's been quite some time since I read it, but I remember not loving it the first time around. I definitely enjoyed it more this time. I love novels based around music and Feehan writes some excellent ones. She really captures the passion behind creating music, which is lovely to read about. I like that teenagers are featured here in a flattering and believable way.
September: I only re-read the Drake story in this collection this time around. I do plan to re-read the other novella soon, though. I can't remember my feelings about this book the first time around, but I really enjoyed it the second time.
I love that Sarah and Matt have both been lusting after each other from afar for years, without the other realizing it. I also loved that each of them felt clumsy and silly around the other. It was cute watching Matt turn red and Kate stumble along.
The storyline was one I enjoyed as well. I like watching the sisters come together to fight evil, especially when it's really difficult for them. Yes, yes, I'm a sadist. I know.
September: I only re-read the Drake story in this collection this time around. I do plan to re-read the other novella soon, though. I can't remember my feelings about this book the first time around, but I really enjoyed it the second time.
I love that Sarah and Matt have both been lusting after each other from afar for years, without the other realizing it. I also loved that each of them felt clumsy and silly around the other. It was cute watching Matt turn red and Kate stumble along.
The storyline was one I enjoyed as well. I like watching the sisters come together to fight evil, especially when it's really difficult for them. Yes, yes, I'm a sadist. I know.
July 8, 2015
was a reread. Only read the story that was part of my series and moved on and forgot to review..sorry. Maybe next time.
on-kindle-to-read
May 16, 20175/15/17 Ammy sale .99.
December 20, 2022
5 stars
Two amazing Christmas stories of romance and miracles in the face of adversity. Paranormal occurrences add suspense but the mystery is solved with a happy ever after
Two amazing Christmas stories of romance and miracles in the face of adversity. Paranormal occurrences add suspense but the mystery is solved with a happy ever after
July 26, 2015
Kate Drake story.
Katie is a world renowned writer that feels the pull of home and decides to open a shop in Sea Haven. While riding she bumps into her childhood crush Matthew.
Matt realises noes the time to make a movie and show his true feelings for Kate.
But while checking out her new building an earthquake happens and opens a seal that has kept a angry spirt trapped waiting for the right Drake to bring him peace.
Kate thinks she the invisible boring sister that doesn't have much to give a strong sexy contractor but Matthew so her is so many ways that she's always been perfect for him and he's just been waiting for her to come back home.
Great HEA.
Katie is a world renowned writer that feels the pull of home and decides to open a shop in Sea Haven. While riding she bumps into her childhood crush Matthew.
Matt realises noes the time to make a movie and show his true feelings for Kate.
But while checking out her new building an earthquake happens and opens a seal that has kept a angry spirt trapped waiting for the right Drake to bring him peace.
Kate thinks she the invisible boring sister that doesn't have much to give a strong sexy contractor but Matthew so her is so many ways that she's always been perfect for him and he's just been waiting for her to come back home.
Great HEA.
August 8, 2015
Kate Drake story.
Katie is a world renowned writer that feels the pull of home and decides to open a shop in Sea Haven. While riding she bumps into her childhood crush Matthew.
Matt realises noes the time to make a movie and show his true feelings for Kate.
But while checking out her new building an earthquake happens and opens a seal that has kept a angry spirt trapped waiting for the right Drake to bring him peace.
Kate thinks she the invisible boring sister that doesn't have much to give a strong sexy contractor but Matthew so her is so many ways that she's always been perfect for him and he's just been waiting for her to come back home.
Great HEA.
Katie is a world renowned writer that feels the pull of home and decides to open a shop in Sea Haven. While riding she bumps into her childhood crush Matthew.
Matt realises noes the time to make a movie and show his true feelings for Kate.
But while checking out her new building an earthquake happens and opens a seal that has kept a angry spirt trapped waiting for the right Drake to bring him peace.
Kate thinks she the invisible boring sister that doesn't have much to give a strong sexy contractor but Matthew so her is so many ways that she's always been perfect for him and he's just been waiting for her to come back home.
Great HEA.
February 12, 2011
Drake Series #2 was great. Good building of charaters and constant suspense of the evil threatening Sea Haven. After the music was an easy read but spent alot of time on why the main characters could not be together and then, poof they were. The mystery part was a little underdeveloped too.
April 4, 2008
This was a gift, my first Christine Feehan book.
LOVE the Drake sisters, brings out the witch in all of us don't you think?
LOVE the Drake sisters, brings out the witch in all of us don't you think?
September 23, 2008
Gives a new idea about music and the soul.
January 16, 2010
I wasn't dissapointed reading this one. I still like all her books. The second story in this book - after the music - I really enjoyed.
August 27, 2012
I read this for the second story and it was good one. I had already the first story when I rad the Drake Sisters series.
January 5, 2017
Just reading the Drake sisters with my sister. I will be back to read After the Music though
August 11, 2009
Read as part of A Christine Feehan Holiday Treasury. Wonderful wonderful stories
July 19, 2017
THE TWILIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Book 2 in the Drake Sisters series.
4 stars. I have owned these books for ages and am reviewing them as I read them once again.
I am a big fan of Ms Feehan and give credit when it is due.
Whilst I really enjoyed this story it was not an I Love it one. The reason was the suspense promised in the blurb did not come through enough. A bit eerie but not scary.
Matt is so cute being tongue tied around Kate whom he has had a crush on for years. Now Matt is a decorated Army Ranger but he feels like a clumsy bumbling fool around Kate. I loved how stars in his eyes he was for her, a nice change in a book.
Kate is one of the seven witch sisters living at Sea Haven. Her life is quiet and she believes too boring to keep Matt’s interest as he has lived a life of adventure and risk. Kate loves nothing more than curling up with a book.
I loved how these two worked to become a couple.
When Matt gets the chance to help Kate do some construction work on her new building, he leaps in to spend time with her. Unknown to them a small earthquake has released a tortured spirit which stars causing havoc in town.
A very good read which brings all the wonderful inhabitants of town into play. I loved the carryon between Hannah and Jonas, heat is definitely brewing between them.
AFTER THE MUSIC
A short story that packs a hell of a lot into it.
This is an emotional read that focuses and revolves around a tragedy that happened several years earlier.
Jessica is one brave woman to return to where her nightmares happened. The fact it is also where her heart lies with world-famous musician Dillon helps make the decision to run there for safety part of her decision too.
Jess takes her teenage wards Tara and Trevor, who are also Dillon’s children, to the remote island mansion of their estranged father as strange things are happening and Jess believes her mother’s death to not be an accident. The police will not help as she has no proof.
A terrible occurrence happened which was started by Jessica’s nightmare ordeal and that ended in a house fire which claimed several lives, including Dillon’s wife and left him with the most horrendous burns ending his musical career.
Ever since the fire Dillon has shut out the world which included his children and Jessica. He is attempting to write and compose an album with his old band over the Christmas period.
Now that Jessica and the children have come back into his life, someone with evil intent will continue to make their move against Jessica to gain what they want.
4 stars. I have owned these books for ages and am reviewing them as I read them once again.
I am a big fan of Ms Feehan and give credit when it is due.
Whilst I really enjoyed this story it was not an I Love it one. The reason was the suspense promised in the blurb did not come through enough. A bit eerie but not scary.
Matt is so cute being tongue tied around Kate whom he has had a crush on for years. Now Matt is a decorated Army Ranger but he feels like a clumsy bumbling fool around Kate. I loved how stars in his eyes he was for her, a nice change in a book.
Kate is one of the seven witch sisters living at Sea Haven. Her life is quiet and she believes too boring to keep Matt’s interest as he has lived a life of adventure and risk. Kate loves nothing more than curling up with a book.
I loved how these two worked to become a couple.
When Matt gets the chance to help Kate do some construction work on her new building, he leaps in to spend time with her. Unknown to them a small earthquake has released a tortured spirit which stars causing havoc in town.
A very good read which brings all the wonderful inhabitants of town into play. I loved the carryon between Hannah and Jonas, heat is definitely brewing between them.
AFTER THE MUSIC
A short story that packs a hell of a lot into it.
This is an emotional read that focuses and revolves around a tragedy that happened several years earlier.
Jessica is one brave woman to return to where her nightmares happened. The fact it is also where her heart lies with world-famous musician Dillon helps make the decision to run there for safety part of her decision too.
Jess takes her teenage wards Tara and Trevor, who are also Dillon’s children, to the remote island mansion of their estranged father as strange things are happening and Jess believes her mother’s death to not be an accident. The police will not help as she has no proof.
A terrible occurrence happened which was started by Jessica’s nightmare ordeal and that ended in a house fire which claimed several lives, including Dillon’s wife and left him with the most horrendous burns ending his musical career.
Ever since the fire Dillon has shut out the world which included his children and Jessica. He is attempting to write and compose an album with his old band over the Christmas period.
Now that Jessica and the children have come back into his life, someone with evil intent will continue to make their move against Jessica to gain what they want.
December 19, 2022
Heartbreaking
I have read All of her stories Everyone is heartbreakingly beautiful. There's so much passion and love. There's a huge number of scary things Of evil But in Every story So much to love. In each book that Christine Wright's. Everyone perseveres There are so many life lessons in the stories And so much love. I love this book both stories I give it 5 stars.
I have read All of her stories Everyone is heartbreakingly beautiful. There's so much passion and love. There's a huge number of scary things Of evil But in Every story So much to love. In each book that Christine Wright's. Everyone perseveres There are so many life lessons in the stories And so much love. I love this book both stories I give it 5 stars.
February 3, 2018
Loved the whole thing especially when Christene Feehan is involved
May 28, 2018
Great entertaining beach read on a rainy day!
June 30, 2019
Concept was great, characters were great, I struggled to see past the horrible writing style.
October 8, 2021
Read these stories before, but enjoyed reading them again.
December 14, 2021
I read and love all her books!
I have recommended Christine's books to everybody for years. I love her characters and the Sr
Tories she weaves around them. They are all a treasure.
I have recommended Christine's books to everybody for years. I love her characters and the Sr
Tories she weaves around them. They are all a treasure.
January 21, 2023
Great Book, could not put it down till I was done!
Very well written!
Very well written!
February 7, 2023
classic XMAS tale
Murder mystery and romance. Realistic musicians and their crazy ways. Madcap teenagers. Finding love and renewal. Solving mistakes and hurts.
Murder mystery and romance. Realistic musicians and their crazy ways. Madcap teenagers. Finding love and renewal. Solving mistakes and hurts.
April 6, 2023
Really cheesy! 2 novellas - read the first; not motivated to read the second.
December 22, 2024
Wonderful
As with all Christine Feehan books this was a treat for Christmas. Both stories gave us rich characters plenty of twists and turns and the all important HEA.
As with all Christine Feehan books this was a treat for Christmas. Both stories gave us rich characters plenty of twists and turns and the all important HEA.
June 24, 2016
The Twilight Before Christmas - 4 Stars
This book is also part of the Feehan Christmas Stories, the second book, but I decided not to put that in the title because I don’t like having my titles that long.
Now it wasn’t quite the mystery that After the Music was but it was way more supernatural, of course it is the second book of the Drake Sisters so it’s expected to be quite different.
Even though it’s a rather short book it does run a little long for me and I just want to smack some sense into Kate every once in a while.
The mystery here isn’t as deep as the other Christmas Stories in this little series but a mystery nonetheless, I just didn’t get a chill down my spine. I really love the poem at the beginning and I also love the fact that parts of it start off the chapters so that the reader kind of knows what’s going to happen. Maybe that’s why the mystery isn’t as deep as the other mysteries.
Not one of my favorites of the Drake sisters but still a good one. The writing hooks me when it introduces Matt and I just love the awkwardness, it’s too cute and I’m still loving the fact that the stories are introduced with the love interests, it really helps to build a connection with the men before the readers get to the sister.
There’s really no mystery as to who will be Hannah and Elle’s love interest, although Elle’s isn’t nearly as obvious as Hannah’s.
The pace just seemed a little slow to me, the chapters taking a little longer than they needed to be. I still really enjoy the Drake sisters getting together and the hard time they give Jonas, although they really need to pay more attention to Hannah.
This is a sweet, yet creepy tale that would be a nice read around Christmas time.
After the Music - 5 Stars
I love this book and kind of wish that it had been longer but I’m also fine with how long it is. This Christmas novella always sends a shiver down my spine. The mystery here just reminds me of an episode of Case Closed, one that really gave me the creeps and while the story isn’t nearly as gory as that episode, I feel like reading this novella on a dark, stormy night will have the readers jumping at every sound and making sure all the lights are on.
Now, I haven’t read this book in a long while but I feel like it’s one of those that you don’t think about after awhile but you don’t forget it either. When I first read this book, I had no idea of the person behind the threats and I was shocked at who it was.
I really love the fact that the author kept that little bit of the paranormal here when she could have just made it a realistic romantic mystery.
The writing just sucks you in and I connected with the characters almost right away, especially Dillon. I loved that he wasn’t just a doom and gloom alpha who didn’t know how to smile. I noticed that I spent the whole book just wanting to see him smile again.
The back story is intense and really adds to the mystery and it helps to see how much these characters have grown since their past and to see how much growth is in this little book is amazing.
Thank you for reading my reviews.
-Sam
This book is also part of the Feehan Christmas Stories, the second book, but I decided not to put that in the title because I don’t like having my titles that long.
Now it wasn’t quite the mystery that After the Music was but it was way more supernatural, of course it is the second book of the Drake Sisters so it’s expected to be quite different.
Even though it’s a rather short book it does run a little long for me and I just want to smack some sense into Kate every once in a while.
The mystery here isn’t as deep as the other Christmas Stories in this little series but a mystery nonetheless, I just didn’t get a chill down my spine. I really love the poem at the beginning and I also love the fact that parts of it start off the chapters so that the reader kind of knows what’s going to happen. Maybe that’s why the mystery isn’t as deep as the other mysteries.
Not one of my favorites of the Drake sisters but still a good one. The writing hooks me when it introduces Matt and I just love the awkwardness, it’s too cute and I’m still loving the fact that the stories are introduced with the love interests, it really helps to build a connection with the men before the readers get to the sister.
There’s really no mystery as to who will be Hannah and Elle’s love interest, although Elle’s isn’t nearly as obvious as Hannah’s.
The pace just seemed a little slow to me, the chapters taking a little longer than they needed to be. I still really enjoy the Drake sisters getting together and the hard time they give Jonas, although they really need to pay more attention to Hannah.
This is a sweet, yet creepy tale that would be a nice read around Christmas time.
After the Music - 5 Stars
I love this book and kind of wish that it had been longer but I’m also fine with how long it is. This Christmas novella always sends a shiver down my spine. The mystery here just reminds me of an episode of Case Closed, one that really gave me the creeps and while the story isn’t nearly as gory as that episode, I feel like reading this novella on a dark, stormy night will have the readers jumping at every sound and making sure all the lights are on.
Now, I haven’t read this book in a long while but I feel like it’s one of those that you don’t think about after awhile but you don’t forget it either. When I first read this book, I had no idea of the person behind the threats and I was shocked at who it was.
I really love the fact that the author kept that little bit of the paranormal here when she could have just made it a realistic romantic mystery.
The writing just sucks you in and I connected with the characters almost right away, especially Dillon. I loved that he wasn’t just a doom and gloom alpha who didn’t know how to smile. I noticed that I spent the whole book just wanting to see him smile again.
The back story is intense and really adds to the mystery and it helps to see how much these characters have grown since their past and to see how much growth is in this little book is amazing.
Thank you for reading my reviews.
-Sam
September 7, 2015
I got this book because I though I needed to read Drake Sisters #2. As it turns out this ended up being a re-read. I still give this story 4 stars. The 2nd story in this anthology After The Music surprised me because it was so dark. I liked this story too and am giving it 4 stars as well. It had great scary moments and wonderful chemistry between characters.
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Spoiler
Note to self:California
The Twilight Before Christmas [Drake Sisters #2]
Kate Drake(Bestselling novelist,one of seven sisters,witch,new bookstore owner)+Matthew Granite (Matt,former U.S. Army Ranger,contractor,bro,pal),Daniel Granite(bro,Danny)+Trudy Garret(gf, waitress)&Davy G.(her 4yo son),Sarah Drake(sis,witch)+Damon Wilder(national defense system designer),Hannah Drake(younger sis,witch),Abigail Drake(Abbey,sis,witch),Joley Drake(sis,pro band singer,witch),Libby Drake(Dr.,sis,healer,witch,center of Disease control employee),Elle Drake (youngest sis,witch,physicist),Jonas Harrington(sheriff,ex-U.S. Army Ranger,pal),Jackson Deveau (ex-U.S. Army Ranger,pal,deputy),Victoria Granite(mom)+Harold G.(dad).
After The Music
Jessica Fitzpatrick(Jessie,25yo,sound designer,guardian)+Dillon Wentworth(famous musician, disfigured in fire,widower,dad,pal),Tara W.&Trevor W.(twin wards,13yo),Toby(his guard dog),Brian Phillips(band drummer,pal),Brenda Berg(kids aunt,pal)+Robert Berg(pal),Don Ford(band keyboard player,pal).
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Spoiler
Note to self:California
The Twilight Before Christmas [Drake Sisters #2]
Kate Drake(Bestselling novelist,one of seven sisters,witch,new bookstore owner)+Matthew Granite (Matt,former U.S. Army Ranger,contractor,bro,pal),Daniel Granite(bro,Danny)+Trudy Garret(gf, waitress)&Davy G.(her 4yo son),Sarah Drake(sis,witch)+Damon Wilder(national defense system designer),Hannah Drake(younger sis,witch),Abigail Drake(Abbey,sis,witch),Joley Drake(sis,pro band singer,witch),Libby Drake(Dr.,sis,healer,witch,center of Disease control employee),Elle Drake (youngest sis,witch,physicist),Jonas Harrington(sheriff,ex-U.S. Army Ranger,pal),Jackson Deveau (ex-U.S. Army Ranger,pal,deputy),Victoria Granite(mom)+Harold G.(dad).
After The Music
Jessica Fitzpatrick(Jessie,25yo,sound designer,guardian)+Dillon Wentworth(famous musician, disfigured in fire,widower,dad,pal),Tara W.&Trevor W.(twin wards,13yo),Toby(his guard dog),Brian Phillips(band drummer,pal),Brenda Berg(kids aunt,pal)+Robert Berg(pal),Don Ford(band keyboard player,pal).
April 25, 2007
Christine Feehan has potential in her subject matter, but I'd say she falls far short of what could be. She tries for strong female characters, but then they all end up more or less dominated by the male lead that is "destined" for them. The only reason I've read as many as I have is hope for improvement, because there is some interest in the paranormal aspect, and because the characters have somewhat interesting lives, and you actually start to care for them since she tends to families/groups that show up in other stories. I finally have had to say enough is enough, NO MORE! I feel I wasted enough time on something that is really not changing or evolving, and is developing into nothing remotely near what it could be.
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