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Reviews
Nov 24, 2010
4.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Read For The True Romantic At Heart, November 24, 2010
After having spent her entire lifetime pining away for all things Russian, Kate Barnes finally gets the chance to visit the storied land of her dreams. While on vacation in Moscow, Kate runs into the wealthy, distinguished Viktor Cherkasov - and much to the surprise of both of them, they soon fall deeply in love; however, with only ten days before Kate returns home - and Viktor's son, Alexei, determined to keep them apart - can the two fated lovers overcome the obstacles threatening to sever their burgeoning bond...?
Once Upon A Moscow Night is an enjoyable romance tale. In it, author Judith McGuiness takes you deep into the hearts and minds of her quite sympathetic protagonists - ensuring that you feel both their joy and pain in light of the love they share, as well as the challenges they're forced to overcome if they have any hopes of preserving it. As such, Once Upon A Moscow Night is the perfect read for the true romantic at heart, particularly those who staunchly believe that the power of love is ultimately strong enough to conquer all.
Renee Washburn
Apex Reviews
Nov 6, 2009
Decided Different
Reader Rating: 
Ms. McGuinness definitely has a unique style. She strays from the cookie-cutter romance novels and creates an adult fairy tale in Once Upon a Moscow Night. While it is at times predictable, it is still an enjoyable read for escaping on a rainy day.
Oct 8, 2009
Reader Rating:
Kate Barnes spent her isolated childhood developing a love for all things Russian. Time has now painted her as an unusual beauty, one that catches the eye of every man on the hunt. So, while Kate is living her dream of holidaying in Moscow and bumps into the eminent Viktor Cherkasov, there's no reason for her to feel any different about him than she has the men who have come before him. But Kate does. Can her love conquer a large age difference, cultural barriers and a venomous son determined to keep Kate and Victor forever apart? And can it do so in just ten days?
Once Upon a Moscow Night is a novel meant for the true romantic. Its pace is leisurely: you get to visit all the places Kate does, you're exposed to the thoughts and feelings of each player in the story and you're ever so gently pulled down into the romance until you have no choice but to see it through to the end. And, of course, the denouément includes perfect solutions to all problems, followed by the same gentle, even graceful, glide to the finish.
These are all good things. Or they could be. Judith McGuinness puts sentences together very well, and she cares deeply for her characters. I think, however, she should care as much for her readers. You see, Once Upon a Moscow Night is a story completely told by the blurb on the back cover. There are no surprises. One reads the book only to participate in a "knight on a white horse" love affair set in an exotic place. There's nothing else. Deep character development isn't possible, because there's no real conflict. Never, in the 243 pages of this book did I feel convinced the romance was truly in danger. The hurdles felt exactly as they were: contrivances.
If the author was doing her job, story movement, the ever-changing and unique actions of the characters would have defined specific feelings, morals, traits, etc., for us. Instead, the reader is too often fed repetitious actions, words and thoughts of both Victor and Kate. In my opinion, we're told of the romance more often than we're shown.
Let me put it this way: Once Upon a Moscow Night is the perfect, undemanding romance to transport you away from a dreary and boring afternoon. It's not a novel of substance.
Copyright © Clayton Clifford Bye 2009
Aug 26, 2009
Tell us about your heroine --- the female lead in your book.
What's her name?
Kate Barnes.
Why did you pick that name?
It seemed the perfect name for a very modern American woman; crisp and to the point, just like her.
Give us a brief description of how she looks.
Kate is in her twenties, petite but curvy. She has blonde hair that she usually wears in a ponytail, and she has sapphire blue eyes.
Is there anything unusual about her appearance?
Without meaning to be, Kate is innately sexy. Every guy she meets is instantly turned on by her, whether she wants them to be or not.
Who does she love? Why?
The love of her life is Viktor Cherkasov because he is so different from every other man she's ever known. He's mature, handsome, cultured, and a fabulous lover.
Does this person love her?
Most definitely, even though he doesn't tell her until near the end of the story.
Tell us about her family.
Kate is from a single parent home with no siblings. Her father abandoned them before she was born and because of this, her mother taught Kate not to trust men.
Where is she from?
New York City.
Does her hometown affect her behavior, thoughts and attitude?
Being a New Yorker made her savvy in the ways of the world at an early age. Kate knows what she wants and goes after it. She's also a good judge of character, especially when it comes to men.
What does she want out of life?
Kate wants to enjoy life to the fullest. She sees everything as a grand adventure, an opportunity to experience new things and to meet new people.
What's her biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)
Even though she's a modern woman, Kate wants a fairytale romance. She wants to be swept off her feet and carried away by her knight in shiny armor.
Did you write more than one story about her?
No. The story of Kate and Viktor fit very nicely into one book.
How would she describe you?
Kate would say that I like to write reality into my stories. Fantasy romances are fun, but you sometimes need to read a love story that might actually happen to you some day.
Is there anything else about your heroine that we need to know? Feel free to share.
Kate hopes that you enjoy her book.
Please provide your website link.
www.judithmcguinness.com
What is the link to buy your book?
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Once-Upon-A-Moscow-Night/Judith-Mcguinness/e/9780595492404/?itm=2
It was wonderful to meet her. Thank you for bringing her to meet us.
Okay -- its time to tell us about that hunky hero in your book.
What's his name?
Viktor Cherkasov.
Why did you pick that name?
It's a good, sturdy Russian name for a good, sturdy Russian character.
Give us a brief description of how he looks.
Viktor is in his early fifties, but he is still conscious of how he looks so he keeps in shape. Tall and solidly built, he has salt-and-pepper hair, a full beard, and steely grey eyes. He favors dark colors for his clothes and would never be caught dead in a pair of jeans.
Is there anything unusual about his appearance?
Most people are intimidated by his intense, commanding presence.
Who does he love? Why?
Viktor met Kate Barnes while she was vacationing in Moscow. Her exuberance for life completely rocked his world, and it was love at first sight.
Does this person love him?
Most definitely, but she doesn't say it to his face. She was waiting for him to make the first move.
Tell us about his family. Are they important to him?
Family means everything to Viktor, but he hasn't been lucky enough to have a good family life. His wife left him to be with someone who could lavish her with material objects. His older son, Eugeny, was killed while serving in the military, and his other son, Alexei, favors the company of criminals to spite his father.
Where is he from?
Moscow, Russia
Does his hometown affect his behavior, thoughts and attitude?
Very much. Viktor grew up during the Communist regime and it had a very important part in molding his life. It made him cold, stern, and unable to express his emotions verbally even when he wants to do so.
What does he want out of life?
A comfortable life surrounded by a loving family.
What's his biggest secret? (Only share if it isn't a spoiler in the story.)
Viktor is not comfortable with romance and finds himself tongue-tied when trying to express his feelings.
Did you write more than one story about him?
No.
How would he describe you?
Viktor would say I create characters that could jump off the pages and live in today's world.
Is there anything else about your hero that we need to know? Feel free to share.
Please provide your website link.
www.judithmcguinness.com
What is the link to buy your book?
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Once-Upon-A-Moscow-Night/Judith-Mcguinness/e/9780595492404/?itm=2
It was wonderful to meet him. Thank you for bringing him to meet us.
Macy is sexy, sweet and satisfying
Reader Rating
Posted on Barnes&Noble.com April 16, 2008, 10:20 PM EST: Like one's favorite dessert, Macy is a slightly guilty pleasure. The poignant story lines of longing, lust and loss, as well as loves lost and found, are coupled with a generous sprinkle of paranormal panache, to foment a charming, brash and complex tale. Set in New Orleans, the reader is engulfed in the mystique and menace of the bayou, while being offered an exciting glimpse into the heart and soul of Bourbon Street. The characters, some of whom have endured unbearable psychic and physical pain, together find the strength to carry on, gaining insight from their pasts and hope for their futures. Macy is heart-warming and heart-wrenching, with a compelling and unusual romantic twist. Ms. McGuinness has a refreshing style and free-wheeling voice. I highly recommend this book and look forward to many more from this author.
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