The idea for THE MAGIC
TOKEN, my reader favorite Regency romance, came from a desire to combine a
Regency with a touch of magic--the kind of magic where you might wonder, is
this a coincidence or is it magic? Coincidentally (or was it?!) during my
research for this book, 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.” While his friends didn’t believe him, I did! THE MAGIC
TOKEN soon took shape.
A
MAGICAL TOKEN--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 fortunes. But then the very man who captured her heart years ago suddenly
appears. Is it destiny or cruel fate? Does he even remember her? She
desperately needs the position he offers as governess, but how can she endure
being near to a man so beyond her reach?
A
DIFFERENCE IN RANK--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.
THE MAGIC TOKEN was quickly
picked up by LIONHEARTED PUBLISHING where it grew to best-seller status, along
with earning 5 star reviews from Amazon.com, Visionary Insight Press, and The
Romance Studio. My novel also was an EPPIE Finalist for Best Historical
Romance.
An old woman
gives skeptical Amanda a magic coin. It couldn’t possibly work, but how else
can she explain her sudden good fortune?
When the contract ran out,
my publisher, Uncial Press, republished THE MAGIC TOKEN, where it continues to
flourish today. In fact, one reader posted this comment about my Regency on a
blog: “The book THE MAGIC TOKEN by Susanne Knight would also make a good
musical.” Wow! I’m still flattered!
After receiving a gold coin,
Amanda suddenly becomes governess to the sister of a duke. Is her good fortune
a coincidence, or is it Fate?
As for a real life
connection to this book, along with Amanda Barclay, I too have an interest in
healing. Although I don’t use healing remedies on people in my “village” as
Amanda does, I do have a Masters of Science degree in Natural Health.
Here is a passage from the
beginning of THE MAGIC TOKEN where a young Amanda first meets Marcus--inadvertently
and unexpectedly--in the woods on midsummer night’s eve.
Marcus must have
noticed Amanda’s melancholy. A strange, hungered expression overtook his face.
“Don’t ever change, sweet Mandy. I can tell you are one in a million.”
Clearing his
throat, he gave her the basket. “Well, my moppet, you best be getting home.
Shall I escort you?”
“No, thank you
kindly, Marcus. I should return by myself. But what about you?”
“Ah, I am doomed
to wander the woods ‘til sleep comes to claim me. You see, dear Mandy, I suffer
from insomnia. That is why I happen to be out at this ungodly hour.”
He took a step
away from her, then bowed. “‘Tis of no import. My thanks for a diverting
evening.”
An unfamiliar ache
settled over her heart. She did not understand it; nor could she explain it.
For some unknown reason, she did not want Marcus to leave. “Wait! I have
something that might help you.”
Reaching into her
basket, she pulled out a small linen pouch filled with the herb chamomile.
“Here, steep this in boiling water to make chamomile tea. It will let you
sleep.”
Marcus’ grin made
him appear younger than his years. Laughing, he shook his head. “What’s this?
Are you a traveling apothecary? My wondrous Mandy.”
She liked being
his wondrous Mandy, but his admiration made her uncomfortable. “I want to heal
people when I grow up,” she mumbled at her bare toes. Her friends usually
laughed at her when she told them her ambition.
He accepted the
pouch, then lifted her chin. “A noble aspiration. However, I do believe you are
already grown up, while I, on the other hand, have a long way to go.”
Once again, two strangers
meet by chance. Or is it something more, is it... destiny?
I
hope you enjoy Amanda and Marcus’ story.
Happy
reading,
Susanne
Marie Knight
Read
outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!
