The Magic Token

ISBN 1-57343-044-7 (Paperback)
ISBN 1-57343-043-9 (Ebook)

A Romance Review - Four Roses

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When Amanda Barclay receives a magic token as a gift from a stranger, she is more than skeptical about whether this gold coin can change her life. But then the very man who captured her heart years ago suddenly appears. Is it destiny or cruel fate? Does he even remember her? Circumstances obligate her to accept the position he offers as governess, but how can she endure being near a man so beyond her reach?

Marcus Hamilton, Duke of Yarborough, is a man burdened by family and political responsibilities. He does not have the time nor the inclination to dally with women beneath his station. But a chance meeting throws him together with Mandy, the engaging young sprite from his past, causing him to reevaluate his beliefs. For once in his life, the call of love beckons far stronger than the duties and obligations of his position.

Book Reviews

Romance Reviews Today / Jane Bowers
On Midsummer's Eve in 1802, young Amanda Barclay crept from the cottage to the River Windrush to cast a spell in hopes of seeing the image of the man she would someday marry. She saw a face all right, but it was the reflection of the haughty young man who rode up behind her. The interlude was one Amanda never forgot during all the years that followed, years in which she studied and applied the curative powers of herbs.

Amanda had been away from Swinbrook for the past five years nursing her aunt; now she is back and living in the vicarage with her brother and his wife Lydia. While in town, Lydia and Amanda chance upon an elderly Portuguese lady passing through. Dona Inês gives Mandy a gold coin, telling her "This is a magic token. Starting today, it will change your fortunes!"

Marcus Hamilton, Duke of Yarborough is visiting Swinbrook and his old friend Roderick, Squire Pritchard's son. He experiences an unusual sense of homecoming for the place he hasn't seen in sixteen years. Perhaps it's because it's only here that he ever met a female who didn't know who he was, but seemed to like him just for himself--even though she was but a fey young girl. A chance encounter with Mrs. and Miss Barclay in town offers a solution to one of the several family tribulations that beset Marcus: his need of a governess for his six-year-old half sister Daphne, badly neglected by her self-centered mother Nanette.

Amanda recognizes Marcus immediately, though he appears to have forgotten her. She's reluctantly persuaded to move to the Pritchard manor to take charge of Daphne. Her fortunes have certainly changed in a hurry! Could it be the token? Her last foray into magic showed her Marcus's face--a man too far above her in station to ever be her husband. Or is he?

Amanda is a likable heroine caught between two worlds. She's of the gentry, but her family holds no wealth or position in society, while Marcus has both and moves in governmental and diplomatic circles. Readers will recognize far sooner than he that Amanda is the one for him. Meanwhile, there's a secondary romance and some unconventional characters to provide additional entertainment.

Susanne Marie Knight is a talented, versatile author whose e-books run from this light traditional Regency with a magical element, to timetravel, sci-fi romance, paranormal romantic suspense, mystery, and contemporary romance.

A Romance Review - Four Roses
Do you believe in magic? Amanda Barclay was skeptical to say the least, but she did try when she was 12 to see the face of her future husband. Lyddie, Amanda's friend, said the ritual was only to be preformed on Midsummers Night Eve. Amanda did see and talk to Marcus Hamilton. And what she saw was a bored and lonely young man looking for love and acceptance.

One faithful day, Amanda meets Dona Ines, a Portuguese grandmother who gives Amanda a golden coin and tells her the coin is magical and with it, her fortune will be good.

Amanda meets Marcus again, as the Duke of Yarborough. Marcus needs a governess for his sister Daphne and it just so happens that Amanda needs a job, so she accepts. Aside from the fact that Amanda had the good fortune to be offered a job when she needed it, the golden coin proves to be useful in other ways.

Although Marcus does not like to be lied to, he concocts a story that forces Amanda to go away with him to Cheltenham to visit the mineral springs, by pretending that Daphne is suffering from ill health. Daphne, a precocious 6 year-old, was in on the fib and plays her part to the hilt.

Amanda is attracted to Marcus but knows that they cannot be married, with him being a Duke. Marcus at first thought the same, but all those years ago he knew Amanda was special and she had stolen his heart. The attraction and love between Marcus and Amanda grows regardless of their differences. When Daphne actually becomes sick, Marcus and Amanda rush home from a ball to see what they can do to help her. That same evening, Marcus finally confronts Amanda about what is happening to them. After waiting sixteen years, Amanda and Marcus' first kiss is sweet and magical.

But let's not forget that Amanda still has the golden coin – and since she has benefited from it, she must now pass it on to someone else. Only time will tell if Susanne Marie Knight continues the story as the gold coin passes from one person to another.

Ms. Knight is able to weave a tale of magic. The golden coin is suppose to bring the person good fortune but it seems good fortune for the book as well! This is a lighthearted read and very easy to finish in one sitting – so be prepared to spend time with this story from beginning to end!

Sime-Gen Reviews / Nan Doporto - Four Stars
The Magic Token is Gloriously Magical and loads of fun.

When one has invoked a spell to see who your true love is, what is a little magic token? Well, it involves Amanda Barclay and a wee adventure when she runs into Marcus Hamilton, the fifth Duke of Yarborough once more. Marcus had come to visit his old friend to escape matchmaking mamas. When he meets Amanda for the second time, he finds his heart is engaged but how can he convince her that he is sincere? Perhaps a bit of propinquity would work, so he engages Amanda to help with his sister. Thus begins a magical romance. Amanda must decide if love achieved through magic is truly love.

Susanne Marie Knight has taken a magical plot devise and whipped up a charming tale in The Magic Token. Her characters are full blown and interesting, while the minor characters add spice. Ms. Knight's writing is bright, and full of that Regency flavor readers enjoy. A spritely romp which makes for a blast of a read!

Paranormal Romance Reviews / Marlene Breakfield
Amanda Barclay was twelve years old when she first met Marcus Hamilton. Marcus came upon her one night when she was trying out a spell given to her by her friend, Lydia. The spell, which foretold your future spouse, was in progress when Marcus came up behind her. Seeing Marcus's reflection in the river, she wonders if he is her destiny. Eighteen-year-old Marcus tells Amanda that he is staying with Squire Pritchard's son and is wandering around because of insomnia. Amanda, who is interested in the healing arts,gives Marcus a pouch of Chamomile tea to ease his insomnia and he departs.

Sixteen years later, Marcus, now the fifth Duke of Yarborough, returns to visit the squire's son and brings his six year old half-sister. His sister is a real handful, because of the neglect of his selfish step-mother. Marcus needs a governess immediately.

Amanda, who has just returned home after nursing a sick relative, aids an elderly Portuguese woman. The woman gives Amanda a French coin, which she says is magical. Amanda takes the coin but is skeptical about its magical properties.

Amanda and Lydia meet Marcus and the squire's son on their way home. Marcus, on the recommendation of the squire's son, asks Amanda to be his sister's governess. Amanda remembers Marcus and is still drawn to him; so is reluctant. Marcus, who has always remembered Amanda with fondness, tries to convince her. After Amanda meets Marcus's sister, she agrees to become hergoverness, because she can not turn her back on such a needy child.

The Magic Token is an enchanting take on the Cinderella fairytale, complete with an evil step-mother and fairy godmother. This is a well-researched, well-written story with wonderful characterizations. The duke, who has overcome his abusive childhood, is a great hero and Amanda is a caring and compassionate heroine. There was, also, a very pleasing secondary romance between the squire's son and the Portuguese woman's granddaughter. The Magic Token was a great regency read, with some magical elements. If you like fairytales, give The Magic Token a try.

Susanne Marie Knight
Being a writer means first being a reader. My love of books started at the age of nine, when I devoured science fiction books, especially stories by Isaac Asimov. In high school, I began reading Regencies by Georgette Heyer. The tone and the language of the era fascinated me. Where else could you refer to a drunken man as someone who was "chirping-merry, three parts disguised," or "a bit bosky"? From avid reading, I graduated to writing. I wanted to combine fantasy with my own particular kind of reality: romance writing with a twist.

The idea for The Magic Token came from a desire to combine a Regency with a touch of magic. I came across this sentence in a biography on Charles Darwin: "[Charles'] friends enjoyed his tall stories, he claimed to one that he owned a Roman coin." The rest, as they say, is history!

When I'm not writing, editing newsletters, maintaining websites, or working for a fitness program shown on public television--I sleep! Oh, I also received my Master of Science degree in Natural Health, play computer games, swim, and watch Star Trek.

I love to hear from my readers. My website is www.susanneknight.com and my email address is s.christina@susanneknight.com.