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
5
Stars!! A Real Page Turner! 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!--R.O.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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!
