The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes

June 4, 2007
For years, the three orphaned Fortune sisters, each endowed with a different magical ability, have been on the run from their evil aunt Xan. Dee, the oldest, is their shape-shifting protector; sullen middle child Lizzie has transmutative abilities (her latest aim is turning straw into gold); and self-satisfied Mare can move things with her mind. Aunt Xan, up to old tricks, uses a spell to send each girl her one true love—but if the sisters fall for these paramours, Xan will get her hands on their powers. What Xan doesn't count on is that the girls are wise to the plot and determined to beat their aunt at her own game. Unfortunately, the three novellas that spring from this solid premise are hobbled by too many characters (three sisters, three love interests, one freaky aunt) and too little space. As a result, exposition crowds out the story, giving each a rushed feel and a jarring conclusion. Despite the book's faults, it makes an enjoyable read; one hopes the authors' next collaboration will be on a single, full-length novel—or better yet, three of them.

June 1, 2007
Three top romance authors each tell about one of the three Fortune sisters, who have been hidingin small towns since their famous parents werekilled by their aunt Xan. Dee, an inspired artist working in abank to support her sisters, shape-shiftswhen agitated, usually taking the form of a bird.She now connects with a researcher for a famous best-selling author. Lizzie, whose attempts to transmute objects into gold instead turn forks into rabbits, is offered guidance by apowerful mage. And Mare, the youngest sister, is pining for Crash, who deserted her aftera horrible motorcycle accident, and fighting her sisters plans to send her to college. Earth-shaking sex and belly-shaking laughs abound.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)