Highly recommended reading.
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A century ago Rory MacKenzie's Scottish ancestor let the people in his village talk him out of marrying the rumored-witch Lili Lockhart. Until then, visitors from all over the globe came to ride Drummond MacKenzie's Immortal Classic Carousel. The village thrived. But when Drummond broke his engagement to Lili, and she fled to America, Drummond broke up the set of zodiac figures on his carousel too. Heart broken, he shipped the carousel's Aquarius unicorn to Lili. Even though the mechanics of the carousel were perfect, it never worked again. The village went into decline. Legend says that only the unicorn's return will cause the carousel to work. Until then, the village will not recover.
Because of Drummond's actions in the past, Rory is a hermit, disliked by the locals. Rory has long dreamed of bringing the unicorn back to Scotland, restoring the carousel, and becoming the village hero. But no one knows where the unicorn is. Then Rory sees it on television. It stands in a vintage dress and curio shop in Salem, Massachusetts. Rory sets out for Salem, determined to fight for the village's treasure.
Lili left a key to her female descendants a century ago. Each lady has tried to open the antique wardrobe with the key, only to fail. Family legend says that only the daughter who inherited Lili's magic can open the wardrobe and complete her spell. Victoria Cartwright is shocked when the wardrobe opens to reveal the most beautiful unicorn she's ever seen. Her friends have told her for years that she is a witch. But Victoria does not believe that she one. Yes, she often finds herself muttering rhyming wishes out loud, usually without even realizing it. But that is NOT why the things happen almost instantly. It is just coincidence! Now people came from all over to view the unicorn in her shop. Other than the burden of debt from her Nana's recent death, everything is wonderful for Victoria - until Rory shows up with all his secrets.
***** Here is an enchanting story that made me actually believe in magic! (At least for a little while. Hey, what can I say? The author's writing makes it seem so REAL!) Victoria and Rory are perfect for each other and emotions run high when they are together. The story holds several humorous touches as well, such as Victoria's psycho cat, Tigerstar. This A.D.H.D. feline has the stripes of a tiger, the coloring of a zebra, and a star to mark the point that the strips all come together at.
Just as wild as three new characters, introduced as Victoria's half-sisters (triplets). Harmony, Destiny, and Storm embrace their magical gifts. More than anything, I would love to see these three get their very own stories told. (Author Annette Blair, that is a huge hint!) Highly recommended reading!) *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
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