Monday, May 2, 2016

The Buzz on THE MAGIC TOKEN

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.

For my “What if” scenario, I used: What if a golden coin had the power to change one's fortunes?


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?

Print book available (2002 edition) at www.susanneknight.com/orders.htm

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?


This book is part of the Elegant Regencies line.


Here are some fabulous reviews:

FIVE HEARTS! The supporting characters are very good. I love Dona Ines weaving in and out of the story along with Pritchard, Nannette, Gregory and most especially Duca di Maggiore. Ms. Knight has given us a truly fun story! I enjoyed how she wove the magic into this, and that coin was just great! Another thing I liked about her story is the little pieces of history she added, like the line about the Marquess of Londonderry…of course, I’m a complete period geek and had already looked this up years ago. This is such a good read! I especially liked the epilogue where we see who Amanda passes the coin to for it’s next magic turn! Oh, and yes, I have read at least one other story by Ms. Knight (which I liked) and now I have to find her other work since I loved this story!--The Romance Studio

FIVE STARS! Another fine book from Ms. Knight! Her meticulous research into this period piece shines throughout this wonderful story. From beginning to end, her words paint the scenes with rich visuals which enrich the story line of the two main characters. You will be invested in this story after just a few pages and will not want to put it down. This book deserves its place among the other novels of Ms. Knight.--Visionary Insight Press

THE MAGIC TOKEN is gloriously magical and loads of fun! Susanne Marie Knight has taken a magical plot device 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 sprightly romp with makes for a blast of a read!--Sime-Gen Reviews

4 Roses! Ms. Knight weaves a tale of magic. The golden coin is suppose to bring the person good fortune but seems good fortune for the book as well! This was a very lighthearted read and very easy to finish in one sitting--so be prepared to spend time with this story from beginning to end!--A Romance Review

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.--PNR Reviews

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

THE MAGIC TOKEN has Knight’s usual boisterous extended family, lonely child with a flighty mother and spunky heroine who wins the hero’s heart without even trying to. The characters are vivid and sympathetic, and the story rolls along nicely. There are hints of true magic in the story--the good luck charm is depicted as a token with real power--but the romance and most of the story itself rests on the usual day-to-day lives of the characters. Knight writes Regency romance well, her language and the concerns of the characters clearly reflect the culture they are living in.--PNR Reviews

OH … MY … GOSH!!! I just finished The Magic Token! I loved it! LOVE LOVE LOVED it! You are such a gifted writer … l love how you wove the story in and out of all the different real historical facts. And the coup de grace was Charles Darwin – and how you read about his mentioning he had a gold coin … wow, too cool! And I loved the comeuppance of Nanette … LOL … I just loved the book … and Gregory! I loved your line about how she looked in Marcus’s eyes, then they became the eyes of a stranger! It was great! Love love loved it!--N. G.

My family loved THE MAGIC TOKEN. It's a charming Regency imbued with magic and lots of wonderful characters. Once I opened the book, I left all my troubles behind and had a lively adventure with Amanda, Marcus, and company. Isn't that what reading is all about? My heartfelt thanks to Ms. Knight. I'm one of her fans! --Reggy, on Amazon.com

Enjoyed it very much. This is a page-turner!--B. B.

Fans of Susanne Marie Knight will enjoy THE MAGIC TOKEN!--C.B.

Leave all your cares away and enter an exciting new world. Live the dreams and enjoy all that you read--problems are forgotten and love, romance, excitement and live a life not only different, but one you could never believe you could. Reading is in fact another world--it affords you an escape and entertainment too easily left behind because of television and movies. They can never give you the true entertainment and excitement a good book does. Read one of [Susanne Marie Knight's] books and compare--you will not be sorry.--R. D.

A charming Regency with the intrigue of magic twisted with the fortunes of fate played out with wonderful characters.--M.H.
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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?

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I hope you enjoy Amanda and Marcus’ story.

Happy reading,

Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!