"Truly Magical"
New Orleans is magical, is it not? Why it simply oozes
paranormal what with vampires, voodoo, and haunted houses.
It should be no surprise to learn that a glorious silver
bowl, enchanted by the wizard Merlin, would find it's way
there - Its goal, to unite a worthy couple, who might
otherwise be unable to see past their differences, to find
the true magic, which is after all, Love. Ashley Douglas had grown up in the lap of luxury. She had
always spent lavishly until a near reversal of family
fortune had taught the family a valuable lesson. Ashley's
parents and older brother had learned the lesson well. But
Ashley, the baby of the family, had continued to spend like
there was no tomorrow...until her father had decided to
reinforce the lesson by cutting her off. Actually Ashley had done very well on her own, with only
minor lapses. She is good at her job, has gotten her own
apartment, and has taken to riding busses. Then on an
excursion to find a unique piece for her boss, an antique
silver bowl had called to her. Not only had she spent
money, needed to pay bills, on the tarnished item, but
she'd
gotten caught in the frivolous act, running into her
big brother Zach on the way home with her purchase. If that
wasn't embarrassing enough, the love of Ashley's life,
Jordan Bennett, had chosen that moment to return to town
after many years. If explaining to Zach wasn't bad enough
enough, Jordan's disdain was far worse. Zach and Jordan are best friends and nearly a decade older
than Ashley. Jordan had always thought of himself as her
other brother, but Ashley had had a terrible crush on him.
She'd declared her love at her sweet sixteen party,
Jordan had tried to let her down gently. Even if hadn't
been too old for her, the reversal of own his family's
fortunes had turned him into a miser. He would never be
able to cope with Ashley's free spending. Jordan had worked hard to achieved financial success,
but at thirty-one was still unwilling to part with his
cash. Zach is determined to keep the two apart. He loves
his sister and his friend, but knows that Jordan isn't the
right man for Ashley. Jordan agrees, but Ashley's
bowl has other ideas! The bowl, who calls "himself" Elvis, is enchanted. The
whimsical Ashley is taken aback when she realizes what
she's bought (or been compelled to buy) but soon readily
excepts the magical assistance. With the bowls
interference, Jordan finds himself the head chef of a hotel
restaurant with Ashley is his superior. Thrown together
constantly by Elvis, Jordan begins to find it
difficult to fight his true feelings for Ashley. He
realizes that Ashley has come a long way in curbing her
habits and that he too has a problem. If he can't get over
his fear of poverty, he will never be able to make Ashley
happy. Inevitably Ashley begins to take Elvis for granted, and is
taught a valuable lesson. In the end she realizes that she
must win Jordan's heart by her own merit. Will she succeed?
Will Jordan
learn that some things are more valuable than money? Ashley and Jordan's little mishaps partly instigated by
Elvis were a hoot. The wisecracking, blushing, bowl itself
was hilarious. If you enjoy a romance liberally sprinkled
with humor, Bedazzled is for you. Copyright 2001
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Posted August 23, 2001
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