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Aszendent Zauberhaft
Die Liebe steht in den Sternen, man muss nur genau hinsehen
Phoebe ist nicht zu beneiden. Kurz vor der Hochzeit ist sie von ihrem Fast-Ehemann verlassen worden und weiß nun nicht so recht, wie es weitergehen soll. Auch ihr attraktiver Nachbar Rocky kann da nicht helfen. Erst im lokalen Seniorenheim findet sie Rettung. Essie Rivers ist Astrologie-Expertin, und während Phoebe ihr eine schicke Frisur verpasst, erzählt Essie ihr von ihrer geheimen Geburtstagsformel. Angeblich kann man mit der den perfekten Partner finden. Klingt zu schön, um wahr zu sein, aber einen Versuch ist das allemal wert ...
Phoebe ist nicht zu beneiden. Kurz vor der Hochzeit ist sie von ihrem Fast-Ehemann verlassen worden und weiß nun nicht so recht, wie es weitergehen soll. Auch ihr attraktiver Nachbar Rocky kann da nicht helfen. Erst im lokalen Seniorenheim findet sie Rettung. Essie Rivers ist Astrologie-Expertin, und während Phoebe ihr eine schicke Frisur verpasst, erzählt Essie ihr von ihrer geheimen Geburtstagsformel. Angeblich kann man mit der den perfekten Partner finden. Klingt zu schön, um wahr zu sein, aber einen Versuch ist das allemal wert ...
404 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
2 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
Christina Jones
85 books192 followersI've written all my life, but only became a published novelist in 1997. Before that, I wrote short stories and newspaper articles for pin money while doing a series of naff jobs. In fact I've had twenty seven jobs and been sacked from nineteen of them for writing when I should have been working. I've been, among other things, a shop assistant, waitress, cleaner, secretary, factory worker, market-researcher, nanny, bookseller, night-club dancer, civil servant, blood donor attendant, fruit-picker and barmaid. I'm now, apparently, a Real Writer.
Writing for a living is wonderful - a dream come true - and I now manage to combine writing novels, short stories and articles with not doing the housework, not doing the gardening, not cooking much, but at least attempting to look after my husband - the Toyboy Trucker - and my daughter and our 17 rescued cats.
I was born in Oxford and have lived in Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Northumberland, London and Jersey. I blame my parents both for my itchy feet and my romantic soul. My Dad was a circus clown - Poor Billy, Prince of Laughter Makers - and my Mum who trained as a teacher, came from an army family, and had lived in six countries before she was 15. They met and fell in love while the circus was off the road and my Dad was working as Santa Claus in a department store. My Mum, at home for Christmas, was the fairy in his grotto. I was entranced by the way they met, that they were from such different backgrounds, and that their love for one another managed to survive every obstacle and objection thrown in its path. Every book I've written has their story at its core.
I grew up in a Berkshire village, in a tight, happy, secure and very working class community. My childhood was idyllically happy, and my friends from those days are still my best friends now. My novels reflect this community spirit, and all have small groups of people - crossing class, age and gender - who are friends and work together through the roller coaster ride of life. Also, because the women I grew up with were, by necessity, tough and go-getting with a sense of humour, my heroines are gutsy and strong. Real women in real situations. And the fact that the backgrounds to my books mirror my own past experiences is no coincidence, either.
My parents were great storytellers and avid readers, and taught me to read long before I started school, so I started writing my own stories at about five years old without thinking it in the least odd. Writing was an obsession, a friend, a way of life. I had my first short story published at 14, still blissfully unaware this was unusual. However, having a novel published was my life's ambition - and one that took another thirty writing years to achieve.
Having won a couple of awards for my short stories, I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 1993, and was lucky enough to be voted runner-up for the New Writers' Scheme Award at my second attempt in 1995. Dancing in the Moonlight was published by My Weekly Story Library, and as it didn't have an ISBN wasn't classed as a novel. I was, of course, ecstatic at this literary elevation - and it was at the RNA Awards Lunch that I was approached by an agent who suggested I should try writing full length commercial fiction. Going the Distance was the result, and amazingly it was sold to a publisher straight away and then, equally amazingly, chosen for the 1997 WH Smith Fresh Talent Promotion - and I haven't (touch wood and fingers and all other extremities crossed!) - looked back since.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Writing for a living is wonderful - a dream come true - and I now manage to combine writing novels, short stories and articles with not doing the housework, not doing the gardening, not cooking much, but at least attempting to look after my husband - the Toyboy Trucker - and my daughter and our 17 rescued cats.
I was born in Oxford and have lived in Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Northumberland, London and Jersey. I blame my parents both for my itchy feet and my romantic soul. My Dad was a circus clown - Poor Billy, Prince of Laughter Makers - and my Mum who trained as a teacher, came from an army family, and had lived in six countries before she was 15. They met and fell in love while the circus was off the road and my Dad was working as Santa Claus in a department store. My Mum, at home for Christmas, was the fairy in his grotto. I was entranced by the way they met, that they were from such different backgrounds, and that their love for one another managed to survive every obstacle and objection thrown in its path. Every book I've written has their story at its core.
I grew up in a Berkshire village, in a tight, happy, secure and very working class community. My childhood was idyllically happy, and my friends from those days are still my best friends now. My novels reflect this community spirit, and all have small groups of people - crossing class, age and gender - who are friends and work together through the roller coaster ride of life. Also, because the women I grew up with were, by necessity, tough and go-getting with a sense of humour, my heroines are gutsy and strong. Real women in real situations. And the fact that the backgrounds to my books mirror my own past experiences is no coincidence, either.
My parents were great storytellers and avid readers, and taught me to read long before I started school, so I started writing my own stories at about five years old without thinking it in the least odd. Writing was an obsession, a friend, a way of life. I had my first short story published at 14, still blissfully unaware this was unusual. However, having a novel published was my life's ambition - and one that took another thirty writing years to achieve.
Having won a couple of awards for my short stories, I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 1993, and was lucky enough to be voted runner-up for the New Writers' Scheme Award at my second attempt in 1995. Dancing in the Moonlight was published by My Weekly Story Library, and as it didn't have an ISBN wasn't classed as a novel. I was, of course, ecstatic at this literary elevation - and it was at the RNA Awards Lunch that I was approached by an agent who suggested I should try writing full length commercial fiction. Going the Distance was the result, and amazingly it was sold to a publisher straight away and then, equally amazingly, chosen for the 1997 WH Smith Fresh Talent Promotion - and I haven't (touch wood and fingers and all other extremities crossed!) - looked back since.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 2, 2009
I just loved this book. It is my first ever Christina Jones and I picked it up from a bargain bin thinking that it looked fun. I was not disappointed. I have spent the whole day reading it outside in the sizzling hot sun - just perfect.
I understand that a lot of the characters have been introduced in previous books and that they are all set in cute little Berkshire villages with funny names so now I know this I can't wait to dive into the others. This story centres on Phoebe, a list-making, highly-oragnised, horoscope reading hairdresser who turned up for her immaculately planned wedding to discover that the groom hasn't. As Phoebe tries to come to terms with what's happened and carry on alone, she has to put up with the return of Rocky, her noisy, bad-tempered neighbour as well. Then she meets Essie, a glamorous pensioner who dabbles in something called Happy Birthday magic and that's when things take a turn...
What a wonderful, magical read. I adored all the characters and there is such humour and comedy moments that I laughed out loud in places. Loved, loved, loved it.
I understand that a lot of the characters have been introduced in previous books and that they are all set in cute little Berkshire villages with funny names so now I know this I can't wait to dive into the others. This story centres on Phoebe, a list-making, highly-oragnised, horoscope reading hairdresser who turned up for her immaculately planned wedding to discover that the groom hasn't. As Phoebe tries to come to terms with what's happened and carry on alone, she has to put up with the return of Rocky, her noisy, bad-tempered neighbour as well. Then she meets Essie, a glamorous pensioner who dabbles in something called Happy Birthday magic and that's when things take a turn...
What a wonderful, magical read. I adored all the characters and there is such humour and comedy moments that I laughed out loud in places. Loved, loved, loved it.
January 6, 2011
Jones seems to have really created a wonderful quiet English village in these books that marry magic and romance. This story has a lovely cast of characters. I especially love how she makes her stories revolve around both young and old characters. Rory the hero is scrumptious too.
January 26, 2009
Another light, fluffy, magical read! Does exactly what the blurb says...a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
December 14, 2011
Another magical gem from Christina Jones. I loved reading of the romance between Essie and Slo. I never thought I'd see the day where one of the Motions cousins broke the status quo. If that doesn't intrigue you, then I don't know what will!
December 15, 2010
Someone referred this book and I am so happy that I read it.. Christina Jones is now one of my favourites authors.. I will read all books by her.. Such a great story..
March 7, 2011
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. As it says on the cover "A magical romantic comedy"
June 2, 2011
This book was a good book, it was funny, it had good characters very
easy to follow, I would recommend this book.
easy to follow, I would recommend this book.
October 14, 2018
Christina Jones is a marvel in magical realism. This is another page Turner by her read in a matter of days. All her characters have a comedic edge to them. This writer really knows how to cheer me up. Shame her books don't go to print anymore.
January 21, 2023
Nice easy read. Not challenging. Endearing characters!
March 25, 2016
Arme Phoebe. Nach 15 Jahren Beziehung kommt sie im schicken weißen Kleid zur Kirche gefahren, wo ihre beste Freundin auf sie wartet, um ihr zu sagen, dass Ben – der Verlobte – nicht da ist und auch nicht kommen wird. Für Phoebe bricht eine Welt zusammen, sie zieht zu ihren Eltern, nimmt Urlaub auf der Arbeit (naja, den hatte sie ja eh, weil Honeymoon) und heult sich die Augen aus dem Kopf. Als sie nach 3 Wochen in die gemeinsame Wohnung kommt, hat Ben alle seine Sachen bereits ausgeräumt, sich aber immer noch nicht bei ihr gemeldet. Die Hausverwaltung teilt ihr mit, dass er den gemeinsamen Mietvertrag schon rechtzeitig vorher auf ihren Namen hat umschreiben lassen. Anscheinend hat er es geplant.
Nach langem hin und her beschließt sie, in der Wohnung zu bleiben, doch dann kommt der Nachbar Rocky nach langer Abwesenheit zurück und Phoebe erfährt, dass er im Gefängnis war.
Um die Miete allein aufbringen zu können, nimmt Phoebe als Friseurin Abendtermine im örtlichen Altersheim an und bessert sich so ihr Gehalt auf. Sie fängt außerdem an, dort Tarotkarten zu legen und Horoskope zu erstellen und was die Astrologie sonst noch so bietet. Darüber lernt sie Essie kennen (nicht beim Haare machen, wie amazon schreibt). Essie, die Roma-Vorfahren hat und über ein sensationelles astrologisches Wissen verfügt, inklusive des Geburtstagszaubers mit dem man Paare für immer zusammen führen kann.
Die Idee ist ja eigentlich ganz super, die Umsetzung irgendwie nicht. Es ist alles zu perfekt, zu passend und manchmal auch einfach nur an den Haaren herbei gezogen.
In diesem Buch gab es erstaunlich viele Stellen, an denen ich gedacht habe „wie unlogisch istn das jetzt?“ oder „hier müsste man mal nen Kommentar mitm Bleistift dranschreiben und das Buch weitergeben“. Wenn jemand Interesse hat, ich bin gern bereit, das Buch vollzukritzeln und weiterzugeben…
Nach langem hin und her beschließt sie, in der Wohnung zu bleiben, doch dann kommt der Nachbar Rocky nach langer Abwesenheit zurück und Phoebe erfährt, dass er im Gefängnis war.
Um die Miete allein aufbringen zu können, nimmt Phoebe als Friseurin Abendtermine im örtlichen Altersheim an und bessert sich so ihr Gehalt auf. Sie fängt außerdem an, dort Tarotkarten zu legen und Horoskope zu erstellen und was die Astrologie sonst noch so bietet. Darüber lernt sie Essie kennen (nicht beim Haare machen, wie amazon schreibt). Essie, die Roma-Vorfahren hat und über ein sensationelles astrologisches Wissen verfügt, inklusive des Geburtstagszaubers mit dem man Paare für immer zusammen führen kann.
Die Idee ist ja eigentlich ganz super, die Umsetzung irgendwie nicht. Es ist alles zu perfekt, zu passend und manchmal auch einfach nur an den Haaren herbei gezogen.
In diesem Buch gab es erstaunlich viele Stellen, an denen ich gedacht habe „wie unlogisch istn das jetzt?“ oder „hier müsste man mal nen Kommentar mitm Bleistift dranschreiben und das Buch weitergeben“. Wenn jemand Interesse hat, ich bin gern bereit, das Buch vollzukritzeln und weiterzugeben…
July 16, 2012
This was a lovely story and I quite enjoyed it,
Phoebe Bowler has planned her wedding down to the last, using her belief in astrology and the cards to help her planning. She turns up on her wedding day to find that her fiance Ben, her boyfriend of 15 years has stood her up. It gets worse though, she finds that he had been planning this for awhile when she finds out that the rent on their flat has been paid for the next few months. This of course upsets Phoebe even more.
Her upstairs neighbour Mindy is moving out too, leaving her boyfriend Rocky to his own devices. Phoebe is not happy when Rocky tells her he has been in jail and she thinks the worse.
Phoebe finds she needs some extra money to help with her bills so she finds work at Twighlights, a nursing home where she does some hair dressing and then she starts telling fortunes. Here she meets Essie Rivers and through Essie she gets the full story on Rocky.
Essie has been getting into a lot of trouble at the nursing home for all sorts of things but especially when she uses her Happy Birdthday formula on couples who are meant to be.
It was all a bit of fun.
Phoebe Bowler has planned her wedding down to the last, using her belief in astrology and the cards to help her planning. She turns up on her wedding day to find that her fiance Ben, her boyfriend of 15 years has stood her up. It gets worse though, she finds that he had been planning this for awhile when she finds out that the rent on their flat has been paid for the next few months. This of course upsets Phoebe even more.
Her upstairs neighbour Mindy is moving out too, leaving her boyfriend Rocky to his own devices. Phoebe is not happy when Rocky tells her he has been in jail and she thinks the worse.
Phoebe finds she needs some extra money to help with her bills so she finds work at Twighlights, a nursing home where she does some hair dressing and then she starts telling fortunes. Here she meets Essie Rivers and through Essie she gets the full story on Rocky.
Essie has been getting into a lot of trouble at the nursing home for all sorts of things but especially when she uses her Happy Birdthday formula on couples who are meant to be.
It was all a bit of fun.
October 26, 2010
Ein schönes Buch für gemütliche Herbstabende und lange Zugfahrten.
Read
August 6, 2011A light holiday frolic involving some old friends and some new ones. I enjoyed this and found it hard to put down but it was not the best I have read by Christina Jones.
October 27, 2011
Predictable yet warm, well written, loaded with sparkles and magic and joy!! Perfect happy-ending kinds book! Loved it!!
February 24, 2012
A really fun enjoyable read. Would have been five stars but there were just a few too many mad characters with odd names for me. Well written and alovely read.
March 10, 2012
a very interesting love story with a little touch of magic :)
April 28, 2013
okay but not her best.
Read
May 18, 2013I thought it was really funny and romantic, just my kinda book :-) really had me giggling in some parts xx
July 19, 2013
Light and easy to read. Likeable characters made for an enjoyable read.really enjoy this author
June 13, 2014
Wie alle Bücher der "Magical Village" Reihe war auch dieses Buch einfach zauberhaft
June 2, 2015
Fluffy and predictable.
April 29, 2012
Predictable but a lovely read
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews