Teresa Roblin is a fairly new author, but you cannot tell by her great writing style! I snapped up her first book because the synopsis appealed to me, and ever since I have been avidly watching for this tale to make its debut. You can be sure I laid my hands on it as soon as I could, and you should be sure to get your hands on this delightful duo ASAP, especially if magic and eccentric, elderly, spell casting aunts are a favorite of yours.

Sarah Santorelli has a problem. Her somewhat eccentric, spell-casting aunt has cursed her - from Sarah’s point of view, at least. It is her Aunt Lilley’s greatest wish to see her settled down with a good man, and since words have failed she has turned to a spell. It worked the last time when she cast a spell on Amanda, Sarah’s now happily married sister. Aunt Lilley is hoping that it will work this time, and she has a certain special candidate in mind already: Anthony Mancini.

Aunt Lilley and her best friend Emily, Anthony’s grandmother, want to go on a cruise. Sarah is all for their going, and her stubborn nature results in her accompanying them when Anthony seems determined not to allow them to go, only to go on the cruise with them himself. Sarah has a painful history with Anthony. She was once deeply in love with him, but the pain of always coming in second to his business broke her heart and drove her away. Now she is being forced into a weeklong excursion with him, but has every intention of keeping her distance. Only, right from the get go her attraction to him lands her in hot water, for her Aunt’s spell makes her clothes disappear any time she thinks of Anthony. Will Sarah manage to keep an emotional and physical distance from Anthony - and her clothes on - with or without the further interference of two well-meaning, mischievous, old ladies?

Anthony Mancini has worked hard to build his business and has only one regret: losing Sarah, the woman he loves. His friendship with her brother-in-law reintroduces them, and the cruise provides him with the opportunity to win her over. He uses her stubbornness against her to trick her into going on the cruise, then sticks close by throughout. Her defenses are staunch and not easily breached, but become easier when her Aunt’s spell kicks in and she begins to lose her barriers one by one. His determination to win her is stout, but with his business in trouble, will he manage to follow through on his intentions and win the lady of his heart? Will she give him a second chance and trust him again after the hurt he caused her, or is it already too late?

Teresa Roblin is a refreshing new author on the block, and I have quickly snatched up both her linked tales, Hocus Pocus and Now You See It…. Whilst Hocus Pocus will remain my favourite, Now You See It… has also been thoroughly enjoyable and will also retain a forever place in my e-book collection.

Sarah is a woman who hides her vulnerabilities behind a prickly, stalwart exterior, whilst Anthony is a determined man who works hard and has but one deep-seated regret. How they dance around each other and the experiences they go through will bring a smile to your eyes, as well as to your face. Aunt Lilley and Emily’s machinations will have you laughing, though glad you are not in Anthony and Sarah’s shoes. The characters are all well developed, and most of the novel’s setting is on a cruise, which is fairly unusual. There are some intimate encounters, which are described, but not in graphic detail, nor containing any potentially objectionable acts.

For a fun and hilarious read, pick up your copy of Now You See It… by Teresa Roblin today, but please read Hocus Pocus first for your enjoyment will be multiplied threefold.

Reviewed By Elizabeth
© April 2006