Paranormal/Futuristic
Beltane
By Katherine Petersen
May 18, 2009 - 12:42:23 PM

Allegra (Allie) Van Zandt, a pagan priestess, believes she has met the man of her dreams and she and her twin sister, Zenobia (Zen), a witch with the gift of empathy are finalizing details for the wedding. But the girls’ foster mother, on whose farm the wedding will take place, comments that she doesn’t think Paul Phillip is the right man. Zen takes a reading on his feelings and agrees. But soon Zen has her hands full with her own love issues. She finds herself falling for Orlando Parisi, who has just found out that his wife, Catherine, has cheated on him with his best friend, and he doesn’t know if the son he’s raised is his.

For Pagans, Beltane celebrates birth and growth. Celebrants dance around the maypole and then the May king and queen make love in the fields—as do many other couples—to ensure a plentiful harvest. And the author doesn’t stint on the sizzling details. But can these two twins find their soul mates and what role will Beltane play in their quests?

This is the first book in Erin O’Riordan’s proposed 12-book PAGAN SPIRITS series. The story takes place in the Midwest which is a nice change of pace from all the urban fantasy novels based in New York and Los Angeles. She has written a solid story and moves the tale forward at a steady pace. She includes details about pagan rituals that lend authenticity to the book and will make the curious seek out additional materials. The story also delves into the special relationship shared by sisters.