| Copyright © 2005, Alice
Blue, Sherry Derr-Wille, Christine DeSmet, Debbie Fritter, Liz Hunter,
Carrie S. Masek, Barbara Raffin, Jaye Roycraft, Julie Skerven, Jane
Toombs, Cassie Walder, Karen Wiesner
Published by Whiskey Creek
Press LLC
Reviews For TALES FROM THE TREASURE
TROVE - Volume 1 by Jewels Of The Quill
4 1/2 Stars! TOP PICK!
"From the enchanting Jewels of the Quill comes a delightful anthology
filled with a dozen short romances. From contemporary to western to
paranormal, there's something for every reader.
"Barbara Raffin kicks things off with a clever tale of reincarnated
love, "Jaded." An offbeat take on the popular vampire theme
is presented by Jaye Roycraft in "The Ruby Kiss." A bounty
hunter and his boss take center stage in "Peridot Moon," a
futuristic tale from Julie Skerven. Fans of mature heroines will enjoy
Sherry Derr-Wille's "Diamond Magee." And Carris S. Masek tell
"The Topaz Locket," from the perspective of an antiques dealer
whose every move is being haunted by a woman in a coma.
"The remaining seven stories--by
Christine DeSmet, Karen Wiesner, Debbie Fritter, Alice Blue, Cassie
Walder, Liz Hunter and Jane Toombs--are just as fun
"Jewels of the Quill founding member
Wiesner did well when she got these fabulous authors together. These
dames rock!"
~Karen Sweeney-Justice for Romantic
Times BOOKclub
4 stars! "Twelve stories from twelve talented authors. There are
stories with restless spirits reincarnated, suspense, and romance. If
you like historical romances, no problem. If you like modern contemporary,
it's in here. Want a bit of magic? This book will deliver. No matter
what type of romance you prefer, chances are that you will find it within
this anthology. As I finished reading I found myself wanting more. So
I visited the web site HERE to see if "Vol. II" would be forthcoming.
YES! The next volume is due September 2006, exactly one year from the
release date of the first volume. I can only hope that this will be
an annual collection with many years of releases. Many, if not all,
of the authors have several novels already in print. So do not think
you will be reading second rate stories. For example, I, personally,
have several books (Gothic Romances) on my shelf by author Jane Toombs.
So my advice is to get Volume One quickly. It may become a Collector's
Item someday." ~Detra Fitch for Huntress Reviews http://www.huntressreviews.com/especial.htm
These
talented authors have managed to compile a collection of contemporary,
paranormal, suspense, western, and futuristic tales that all have one
thing in common, romance. Whether down the road, on an unknown planet,
or in the past; these stories come to life with characters that have
a love to find. The use of jewels as an additional element to differentiate
each story and yet provide a consistent theme for the complete anthology
was exceptional. It was an added lure to an already outstanding read
to see how each author would incorporate her "jewel". Tales
from the Treasure Trove: Jewels of the Quill Anthology Volume 1 is not
to be missed and has this reviewer anticipating the next offering from
the dames from Jewels of the Quill. Reviewed by: Amanda 5 Angels
"Like
a box of chocolates, this wonderful anthology offers many different
and tasty treats. No matter what type of romance you like, you'll find
it here. Each story is captivating and well written, bringing you deep
into their characters' lives. This group of talented writers has created
a treasure filled with magic, love, and happy-ever-afters. Don't miss
adding this impressive lineup to your reading list."
Susan Biliter EcataRomance Reviews www.ecataromance.com
4 Stars
"TALES
FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume I, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology is
a glowing romance grouping with eclectic stories connected to gemstones.
Also, enjoy the sparkling secondary characters like the aunts, grandmothers
and housemates. Each story samples the author’s genre and there
is a little bit of everything in the pages. No two people are going
to enjoy this book in the same way and the reader should enjoy the stories
that are not their usual style." ~Love Romances
4 Cups!
""Garnet Lake" by Liz Hunter (Dame Garnet): The relationship
between LeeAnn and Mike contains a sense of poignancy that will touch
the emotions of many readers. The love between them is visible and viable.
Garnet Lake is a place that I would love to while a way many an idle
summer hour, if only I could. "The Turquoise Cat" by Jane
Toombs (Dame Turquoise): This tantalizing tale is set in Michigan's
Upper Peninsula, which is an area with which I have some familiarity.
The setting is an appropriate background for this plotline. Sightings
of cougars and other large cats are a part of Michigan lore that enhances
the mysterious atmosphere of this paranormal story.
"For the Love of Sapphire"
by Nancy Pirri (Dame Sapphire): "For the Love of Sapphire"
is a sweet and tender romance set in Victorian times. Readers who prefer
emotionally poignant tales that are not as explicit will relish this
particular story. Love lost and found again makes for a gratifying story
that I found thoroughly enjoyable.
"The Amethyst Star" by Karen
Wiesner (Dame Amethyst): Futuristic plotlines are among my very favorites
and "The Amethyst Star" has most of the elements that I enjoy
about this particular genre. The unique world Ms. Wiesner has created
is enchanting. Randolf and Sher exhibit intriguing traits as they go
about their daily lives and deal with the attraction that sparks between
them. The storyline is enhanced by a prophecy that one hopes will be
fulfilled before the end of the story.
"Heart of Obsidian" by Michele
Bardsley (Dame Obsidian): A ghost is a unique way to elicit positive
results from a tragic situation. Sophie's choice to help her siblings
find love touched my soul. The machinations she uses to reach her goal
are quite inspired. Ms. Bardsley's gift for reaching the reader's emotions
is sure to win her many new readers.
"Misbehavin' in Moonstone"
by Christine DeSmet (Dame Moonstone): "Misbehavin' in Moonstone"
is a rollicking romp through small town Wisconsin that really captured
my attention. Ms. DeSmet is able to use wit and humor in a thoroughly
entrancing way. It is not easy to predict what will happen from one
moment to the next, which makes for some very interesting reading. This
story is the perfect way to round out a volume of appealing tales sure
to end up on many a reader's favorites list."
~Susan for Coffee Time Romance
"TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE,
Volume II is one outstanding book of short stories that readers will
love. Laugh, cry, set off on an adventure; this book has it all. Six
great romances, six great authors come together to create one magnificent
read." ~MyShelf.com
"In the anthology TALES FROM THE
TREASURE TROVE – VOLUME ONE, the characters, unique to each of
the stories they inhabit, come alive for the reader. The various styles
of the twelve writers in this book give the reader a wide range of stories
– paranormal, ghost, futuristic, contemporary, historical, etc.
all with heartwarming romance.
These accomplished writers have joined together to create a book to
read without putting down. After a cover-to-cover read, you'll want
to pick it up and read it again and again as times goes by. This is
a book to be prized for your library of “keepers”."
5 Books! Reviewed by Camellia, The Long and Short Of It Reviews
Sample Chapter For TALES FROM
THE TREASURE TROVE - Volume 1 by Jewels Of The Quill
-THE BEST KIND OF OPALS by Alice Blue
western romance
The Bayer folks have sent their three sons to Utah
in search of a rare, precious gem--the opal. As soon as they step
off the train and find themselves in an unexpected fist-fight, Luke
Bayer realizes that Ma and Pop have something sneaky up their marriage-minded
sleeves. The only opals in sight are of the warm-bodied persuasion:
Opal Louise Ness, Deena Sue Opalla and Melinda Opal Cooke. The Bayer
boys' are about to discover which opals are the kind worth pursuing.
-DIAMOND MAGEE by Sherry Derr-Wille
over-the-hill romance
Diamond Magee, Di to her friends, has returned to Minter
after 30 years. Kate is more than willing to set Di up with her brother-in-law,
Mel, on a blind date. When Di takes over Mel's Christmas shop to be
run year-round, the fur flies.
-SEX WITH THE MAN IN THE MOON by Christine
DeSmet romantic suspense
The night is cold and his "family jewels"
are hot. During a white-out on Christmas Eve in the remote wilderness
of northern Wisconsin, young widow Claire Mickelson finds bloodied,
frozen Jack Eberhardt dumped in a snow bank near her cabin. Unfortunately
she's taken in what appears to be a notorious, murderous jewel thief.
And while he thaws out, he asks her to thaw a little toward him. And
his jewels.
-EMERALD by Debbie Fritter
contemporary romance
Emerald Braun won't settle for the Knight in Shining
Armor and white picket fence. As a young songwriter, she wants to
have a hit song. The only way to get her lyrics out there is to pick
up and move to Nashville. Utah Sheridan has lived in the shadow of
his famous father for most of his life. When his band, the Night Ramblers,
get an invitation to perform at the Opry little does he know that
on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium is a treasure he never wanted,
or expected to find.
-GARNET'S LIGHT by Liz Hunter
romantic suspense
Heir to a manufacturing fortune, Miriam Hubbard loses
her parents in a boating accident and receives a diagnosis of a debilitating
illness. A long-time friend talks her into attending a masquerade
ball and, in the antique store where she searches for a costume, she
finds a stunning garnet. Does it really have magical powers that can
cure her disease? And is the charming stranger in town the love of
her life, or a con man intent on possessing that magnificent jewel?
-THE TOPAZ LOCKET by Carrie S. Masek
paranormal romance
Will Connor, a cynical antiques dealer, buys a stolen
locket and discovers the picture of a beautiful woman inside. She
haunts his sleep, becoming more vivid with each dream. Driven to meet
her in person, he tracks her down only to discover she's hospitalized
in a deep coma, the victim of an apparent mugging. Convinced the attack
was no random act of violence, Will must hunt down her assailant before
he can strike again.
-JADED by Barbara Raffin reincarnation
romance
With the help of doomed, eerily familiar lovers from
days gone by, Hannah Calder and Jake Griffin learn that scars don’t
need to wall a person off from life and that it takes more than wealth
to create happiness. This time around, they ignore the nay saying,
and the rich man and the waitress take a leap of faith beyond their
fears and prove that love can overcome all.
-THE RUBY KISS by Jaye Roycraft
contemporary vampire romance
Radio intern Alena Grace would rather spend Halloween
with friends, but she has no choice but to participate in the station's
annual Halloween scavenger hunt. Even more dismaying is being partnered
with "the spook," late night DJ Ray McClay, who's given
her chills since her first day on the job with his pale skin, blond
hair, and yellow-green eyes. Designated as the "Vampire Team",
Alena and Ray battle each other and the elements to be the first to
locate all the items on their list of treasure, including the mysterious
Ruby Kiss.
-PERIDOT MOON by Julie Skerven
futuristic romance
Tabitha King travels to Mine #12 in search of one of
her least reliable bounty hunters. Laurent Fox hasn’t checked
in for three days. Now she’s determined to retrieve him and
bounce him from the corporation. However, when she arrives she discovers
that Laurent is injured and just barely holding off poachers. When
they find a lode of pure peridot in an old, played-out shaft things
get hotter. Can Tabitha trust him? Will Laurent see her as something
other than the stiff beaurocrat he remembers? Will they find love
under the Peridot Moon?
-THE TURQUOISE MASK by Jane Toombs paranormal
romance
An unexpected inheritance plunges Jamie Lowell into a
dark whirlpool of danger as she follows clues left by her father to
where a treasure is hidden. Can she trust Zach Tregath to help her survive
the dance of death that waits for her, or is he part of the evil?
-BLOODSTONE CURE by Cassie Walder
paranormal romance
Jason, from an ancient race of shape-shifting dragons
on the planet Sauria, is dying. In order to save his life, he must
find the legendary stones bloodstone and fluorite. On Earth, he must
also locate a female Kindred Soul, a member of his race who has been
assimilated into human society and he must make her fall in love with
him as part of his cure. Orphaned at an early age and raised in foster
homes, Melissa has always felt different from those around her. Jason
immediately recognizes her as the Kindred, but will she love him when
she learns what he is and what he needs from her?
-THE AMETHYST ANGEL by Karen Wiesner
traditional romance
Elena Lopez’s father has decided to play matchmaker
with his long-time friend and neighbor, Marta Delgado, when Marta’s
nephew comes to town. Elena has a secret, though: She’s always
loved Marta’s own son Pablo. An amethyst angel belonging to
a dying boy reminds Elena that spending her life waiting for something
to happen isn’t living and that love must be shared. Can she
take the risk of telling Pablo her feelings even if he doesn’t
share her love?
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