A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells Collection
by Lucinda Brant, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Lu Ann Brobst Staheli, Annette Lyon and Becca Wilhite

Summary from Goodreads:
Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells. Readers will love this collection of six historical novellas, all centered around the Christmas season with one thing in common: Romance.

In NY Times & USA Today’s bestselling author Lucinda Brant’s delightful novella, FAIRY CHRISTMAS, Kitty Aldershot is orphaned and forced to live on others’ charity. Offered a home under the generous roof of her relatives, the Earl of Salt Hendon and his countess, Kitty wants for nothing, not even the affections of Mr. Tom Allenby. But when Kitty stumbles across a letter written by Lady Caroline that reveals how Mr. Allenby would be ruined should he marry the likes of Kitty, she realizes she has been fooling herself all along. Kitty’s world crumbles around her as she recognizes she will forever be alone with no prospects at all.

Sarah M. Eden’s charming romance novella A CHRISTMAS PROMISE, Sean Kirkpatrick is trying to get to his new place of employment, Kilkenny Castle, in order to start as the new stablehand. His only requirement is to drive a team of high-spirited nags from Dublin to Kilkenny in a certain amount of time. Unfortunately he winds up in a muddy field, stuck, lost, and running out of time. He’s about to lose the job before he can prove himself capable of finishing his first assignment. When Maeve Butler arrives on the scene, Sean isn’t sure if she’s intent on rescuing him or bent on torturing him with her fiery wit and lovely dark eyes.

In Heather B. Moore’s enchanting novella, TWELVE MONTHS, Lucien Baxter’s best and most incorrigible friend, Will, dies unexpectedly, leaving behind his new bride and unborn child the week before Christmas. Will’s last request is that Lucien watches over Cora, not just as a benefactor, but as a husband. When Lucien does his duty and proposes to Cora, he’s turned down flat. But over the course of the next few days, Lucien discovers that marrying Cora wouldn’t be any sort of duty after all, but a matter of following his heart.

In Lu Ann Staheli’s sweet romance novella, A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS, Dick Wilkins and his best friend Ebenezer Scrooge have been looking forward to the annual Fezziwig Christmas dance for weeks. Ebenezer is practically engaged to Annabelle Fezziwig, and Dick hopes to start courting her younger sister, Pricilla. Once the dance starts, and Pricilla arrives, as pretty and charming as ever, Dick discovers that he’s not the only man vying for her attention. His best friend advises Dick that he has to win Pricilla’s heart, as well as her mother’s favor. Losing his heart has suddenly become very complicated.

A TASTE OF HOME, a captivating romance by Annette Lyon, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.

Becca Wilhite’s entrancing novella, MY MODERN GIRL, follows Margie, who lands her dream job as a clerk at Macy’s department store in New York City. Margie might be new in town, but she’s determined to succeed and prove to Henry that moving to the city was the right decision. As the Christmas season approaches, Margie realizes that being a “modern girl” might not be all she had dreamed of and Henry might have more to offer than she ever imagined. 

Read October 2014

4 Stars

Free ebook from author for an honest review

My Review:
Another anthology!  I love these anthologies.  Even though there is conflict, I always know there will be some sort of satisfying ending.  Sometimes I need to be swept away and know that everything will work out.  

This particular collection has nice conclusions.  However, I found the conflict in the stories more angsty than I usually find in the stories.  At times I wanted to get to the conclusion so that I would know everything would work out alright.  I don't usually have that feeling as I read the anthologies.  Even with that feeling, I still enjoyed this collection and would recommend it to those that like clean romance.

My favorites in this collection were A Christmas Promise and Twelve Months.  

Warnings: None

This is a clean read and my 16 year old would be able to read it.  However, the subject matter is a little grown up and I don't think she would enjoy it at this time in her life.

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Summary from Goodreads:
One war.
Too many deadly battles.
Can a king save his kingdom, when his own survival seems unlikely?

War has come to Carthya. It knocks at every door and window in the land. And when Jaron learns that King Vargan of Avenia has kidnapped Imogen in a plot to bring Carthya to its knees, Jaron knows it is up to him to embark on a daring rescue mission. But everything that can go wrong does.

His friends are flung far and wide across Carthya and its neighbouring lands. In a last-ditch effort to stave off what looks to be a devastating loss for the kingdom, Jaron undertakes what may be his last journey to save everything and everyone he loves. But even with his lightning-quick wit, Jaron cannot forestall the terrible danger that descends on him and his country. Along the way, will he lose what matters most? And in the end, who will sit on Carthya's throne?

Rousing and affecting, Jaron's adventures have thrilled and moved readers in The False Prince and The Runaway King. Journey once again with the Ascendant King of Carthya, as New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen brings his story to a stunning conclusion with The Shadow Throne.

Read April 2014

5 Stars

Library Book

My Review:
What a fantastic end to this fun trilogy!  If you enjoyed the other 2 books then you won't be disappointed with this one.  The story continues with the same feel as the other books.  Jaron is snarky, brave, makes mistakes, and fools you with what he is doing.  The secondary characters continue to develop and I enjoyed seeing them grow in their own ways, especially Roden.

This is a satisfying conclusion.  

Warnings: None

I would let my 16 year old read this book.  In fact, my 13 year old read the book before me and she loved it.

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection by Carla Kelly, Sarah M. Eden, Liz Adair, Heather B. Moore, Annette Lyon, Marsha Ward

Summary from A Timeless Romance Anthology Blog:

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Old West Collection. Readers will love this collection of six historical western novellas, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Break a Leg, a charming story by two-time Rita Award winner Carla Kelly, hospital steward Colm Callahan is ready to move away from army life at Fort Laramie. His only regret is leaving behind exotic Ozzie Washington, easily the prettiest woman on the post. As a maid to the lieutenant colonel's wife, Ozzie is no wilting flower when it comes to hard work. When the post surgeon leaves for an extended week, Colm must handle several medical emergencies on his own. He pleads for Ozzie's help at the hospital. While they spend long days and nights working together, Colm, a shy man, realizes he can't hide the truth of his feelings for Ozzie. He needs a little help, though. Enter from stage left, Lysander Locke, Shakespeare tragedian on his way to Deadwood.

The Soldier’s Heart, an enchanting novella by Sarah M. Eden, follows Gregory Reeves has fallen in love with a woman he’s never met. Her brother’s dying wish is that Gregory checks on his family, and after the war, Gregory is only too happy to meet the woman he’s been dreaming about. Helene mistakes him for a hired hand and sets him to work immediately. As time passes, Gregory finds it more and more difficult to reveal his true connection to her family, fearing that a woman who loathes liars will turn her disapproval on him.

Hidden Spring is an enthralling novella by Liz Adair, in which Susannah Brown is just getting her life back together after becoming a widow. She still misses Wesley with a fierce longing, but when she meets his half-brother, Douglas, she learns her heart is not completely dormant. Over the next several weeks, Douglas helps Susannah with repairs on her small ranch in exchange for supper. The exchange becomes more and more meaningful as Susannah realizes that Douglas might be the one to finally heal her heart.

The Silver Mine Bachelor, by Heather B. Moore, is a sweet romance between an unlikely pair. Lydia Stone has a checklist for men who qualify as the eligible bachelors in the mining town of Leadville, Colorado. Her new boss, Mr. Erik Dawson, is about to be struck off the list when she sees him coming out of the town brothel. Lydia doesn’t know that Erik Dawson’s sister has been living the brothel lifestyle for years, and he’s set on redeeming her soul. When Lydia discovers Erik’s secrets, she learns that life is not as black and white as she thinks.

In Annette Lyon’s delightful story, The Sweetest Taste, Della Stafford hates being a farm girl in the tiny town of Shelley, Idaho. She’ll do anything to live in a big city and experience real city life. Her only regret is that she’d have to leave Joseph behind, the young man who makes her heart flutter. But she's convinced that moving away is for the best; her dreams and Joseph's dreams are too dissimilar. Then Della takes a job as a maid in Los Angeles and must face the truth that what she thought would make her happy and what really will are totally different things.

In the captivating novella, Faith and the Foreman by Marsha Ward, Faith Bannister is forced to travel west to earn a living as a school mistress in Arizona Territory. Faith soon learns that living the frontier lifestyle of a single woman has many harsh challenges. But when she meets Slim McHenry, she discovers that life doesn’t have to be so lonely. Unfortunately the dangerous Rance Hunter stands between her and Slim, and she must act with courage before everything is lost.

Read June 2014

4.5 Stars

Ebook from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.

My Review:

It is no secret that I love these collections of stories.  I have read every one that has been put out and plan on reading any that the publishers put together.  One of the things I really like is that I am introduced to new authors through these anthologies.  

I love historical romance.  It really doesn't matter what time period or location.  I like being carried away to another place.  The Old West is no exception.

This collection starts out with a story that takes on a controversial subject matter for the time period, inter racial relationships.  As much as I love the happy and romantic stories that have come out of the anthologies, I really like that some of the stories have some edge.  I like getting caught up in the fun and sweet, I admit it.  But I am glad that some of the stories make me think as well.  

Warnings: None

I would let my 16 year old read this collection of stories.

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer in New York Collection

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer in New York Collection
by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Luisa Perkins, Sarah M. Eden, Annette Lyon, and Lisa Mangum

Summary from Goodreads:
In USA Today bestselling author Janette Rallison’s delightful novella, JOB HAZARDS, Lydia Robinson is posing as a prostitute. Undercover of course. Lydia’s job as a police officer hasn’t reeled in her prince charming yet. That is, until Harrison Aldridge, old high school flame, pulls up to the corner to rescue the fallen damsel. Lydia can’t exactly give Harrison the truth without blowing her cover, and it takes a series of mishaps and another whole set of misunderstandings before Lydia will even consider letting Harrison back into her life. 

In Heather B. Moore’s enchanting novella, A TASTE OF SUN, Winona Grant embarks on a summer-long visit to NYC to house-sit for her great-aunt after a nasty break-up with her boyfriend Paul. But when her aunt commissions neighbor Steve Monti to tour Winona around, they strike a deal. Winona has too many deadlines to play tourist, and Steve is looking for a distraction from his looming gallery opening. So Steve goes on the tours by himself, and Winona reports back to her aunt as if she’d gone too. The longer this happens, the more Winona wants to change her mind. Seeing the city with Steve might be the perfect solution to forgetting about Paul. 

In Luisa Perkins’s sweet romance novella, DULCE DE LECHE, Marisol is desperate for another nanny job after being unfairly fired from her previous position. She has only two more semesters of college, but she’s too proud to ask her wealthy parents for financial help. When her potential new employer, a single father working long hours as an anesthesiologist, decides she’s too young and pretty to hire, she practically begs him for the job. Darius finally agrees, and as he watches her work miracles with his Asperger’s son, he realizes there is much more to Marisol than he first believed. 

In TAKE A CHANCE, a captivating story by Sarah M. Eden, Miguel Santos has a stopover in New York. When the announcement of delayed flights comes over the PA system, Miguel is looking at spending several hours at the airport. Determined to get comfortable for the long wait, he’s surprised when he spies a familiar face amongst the stranded passengers: Jane Schoonenburg, the last person he expected to see. Three months have passed since he asked Jane to marry him—three months of misery. And now he knows that he must talk to her, if only to find out why she broke his heart. 

Annette Lyon’s entrancing novella, FIRSTS AND LASTS, begins with Dani’s last week in New York. She’s failed in her dreams to catch a break as an actress and is now ready to return home and dust herself off. As she visits the places on her final to-see list, she meets Mark, another New York City transplant with big dreams. Except Mark hasn’t given up on his. As they spend the day together, Dani realizes that even though she hasn’t hit the “big time” she might be living her dream after all. Only problem: she has a one-way ticket back home. 

In Lisa Mangum’s whimsically titled story: &, Lucy is riding a wave of success at having found a bestselling novel in the slush pile at an exclusive New York publishing house. If only her personal life was storybook perfect as well. Her relationship with Devon is on the rocks, and even though she's been put in charge of the house while her boss is gone on business, Lucy isn't sure she's up to the task. It will take a chance encounter with a handsome wordsmith to help Lucy claim the courage that has always been a part of her heart.

Read July 2014

4 Stars

Ebook from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review

My Review:
I have read all of the Anthologies published so far.  I have enjoyed reading each set.  Because they each have a different theme to their collection, they each have a different feel to them as well.  The same holds true with this collection in which each story takes place in New York City.

When I think of New York City, I think of people on the move, I think of beautiful architecture, I think of expensive stores and hotels, I think of historical landmarks.  I think of New York City as a grown ups city.  I can't imagine children there.  I know children live there, of course they do.  But for some reason I see it as a city full of adults.

I found this collection of short stories to be more adult than the others I've read.  Of course, all of the stories from each collection have adults in them.  But for some reason these stories seem to deal with more grown up issues.  I like historical fiction, it takes me away to another place.  I like contemporary fiction occasionally if it's happy.  What I like about the anthologies is that they are happy.  These are romances to make you smile.  This particular collection is a bit more "edgy".  And I put "edgy" in quotes because many would laugh at me for using that word in relation to these stories.  But, compared to the other collections, I found this one a bit more adult and "edgy".  

Having said all of that, the stories appeal to me.  I like the setting of New York City because it took the collection away from a specific time period (Old West) or specific theme (Love Letters) and made the collection based on location.  I like seeing the different perspectives of New York through the different stories.  And, of course, I like the romance.

Warnings: None (although it is a bit more mature in the way it talks about some situations)

I would let my 16 year old read this collection based on it being clean, but I don't think she would appreciate the stories as they are more grown up.

As You Are by Sarah M. Eden

As You Are by Sarah M. Eden

Summary from Sarah M. Eden's Blog:
A horse breeder by trade, Corbin Jonquil is more at home in the stables than in the ballroom of his sprawling estate. Corbin is the quietest of the Jonquil brothers and has always faded into the background, contentedly unnoticed. When a mysterious young widow, Mrs. Clara Bentford, moves into the neighborhood, however, Corbin quickly comes to realize that being noticed has its advantages. But how to catch the eye of the lady? According to his brothers, Corbin need only make a few simple changes to transform himself into the object of any woman’s desire—dubious advice, indeed. Following a series of misadventures, Corbin and Clara slowly lower the facades behind which they’ve been hiding, leaving Corbin shocked by the horrors that haunt the woman he’s coming to care for so ardently. When the menace of Clara’s past threatens to tear them apart and tensions mount, will the couple have the courage to fight for the promise of forever?

Read May 2014

5 Stars

Inter-Library Loan, clean historical romance

My Review:
Have a mentioned how much I love Sarah M. Eden's writing?  I LOVE HER BOOKS!

This book is no exception.  Sarah M. Eden has been writing several stories that have the Jonquil Brothers as main characters.  These men are so fun to read about.  I especially liked reading this one, as it had a different feel to it.

Many of the Jonquil Brothers are gregarious and we know a lot about them by what they say and do.  However, even though Corbin has been included in previous stories, we don't know a lot about it.  This story gives us insight in to his character as a quiet, compassionate, and upstanding gentleman.

Although I think it is worth reading the other books first, this book could be read on its own.

The previous books which are worth reading are:
The Kiss of a Stranger (this book is not about the Jonquil Brothers, but is where we are introduced to them)
Friends and Foes
Drops of Gold

Honestly, I wish I could read a book about each of these brothers.  Hopefully Ms. Eden will keep writing about these fine, funny, and very handsome men.  Gotta add the handsome, right?!

And, as a side note, Ms. Eden recently introduced this new t-shirt for those that love the Jonquil Brothers like I do.  Very cute.

T-shirt

Warnings: None

I would let my 16 year old read this book.

The Fortune Cafe (A Tangerine Street Romance) by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson, and Heather B. Moore

The Fortune Cafe by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson, and Heather B. Moore

Summary from Goodreads:
Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Fortune Café, situated in the middle of this charming collection of shops and cafés on Tangerine Street, is a Chinese restaurant unlike any other because, well, to be honest, the fortunes found in the cookies all come true…

MIS-FORTUNE: Emma, a waitress at The Fortune Café will do anything to avoid opening a fortune cookie. Each fortune is rumored to somehow magically come true. Being a girl grounded in reality, she doesn’t have time for that kind of nonsense. But when trying to prevent a food fight at the café, Emma accidentally cracks open a fortune cookie: “Look around, love is trying to catch you.” If there is one thing that Harrison, her former best friend in high school is good at, it’s catching her unaware.

LOVE, NOT LUCK: Lucy has always been lucky . . . until her parents meet her fiancé’s parents at a disastrous lunch at The Fortune Café, and she breaks her lucky jade necklace. Even worse, her fortune cookie reveals that “True love is for the brave, not the lucky.” How is she supposed to read that? She’s always considered how she met her fiancé lucky. But after breaking her necklace, Lucy’s luck takes a dive. And when her fiancé dumps her, the only person she can turn to is Carter, the unluckiest guy she knows. 

TAKEOUT: Stella is content in her new life of taking over her mom’s jewelry shop. No more boyfriend to worry about, and as long as she stays busy, she doesn’t have to dwell on her non-existent love life. When Evan comes into the shop with his young daughter, Stella is charmed. But she is reluctant to complicate her straightforward life, so when she reads her fortune after ordering takeout from The Fortune Café, she completely ignores it. After all, how can a fortune as vague as “Do the thing you fear and love is certain,” apply to her?

Read April 2014

4.5 Stars

Collection of contemporary romance novellas, received an e-copy from one of the authors for an honest review.

My Review:
This collection of novellas are all connected by The Fortune Cafe.  This is no ordinary Chinese Restaurant.  I loved reading about the quirky characters that work at The Fortune Cafe.  The setting of this restaurant and the folks that work in the area and, of course eat at The Fortune Cafe, are what make these 3 stories work.

I like that although the stories are written by 3 separate authors, they work together.  I don't feel like I'm jumping in to a completely different world.  That being said, the stories are separate and each would do well on its own.  

The stories are clean, fun, and of course, full of romance.

Warnings: None

I would let my 16 year old read this collection.  

I also read this book as part of the Summer Book Trek on newldsfiction.com.  Check this blog out!  I love it.

Falling for You by Krista Lynne Jensen

Falling for You by Krista Lynne Jensen

Summary from Goodreads:
Jetsetter Elizabeth Embry is the toast of the town. A rising star in the fashion industry, she has traveled the world and lived a life of glamour and fortune. But beneath her carefree façade, Elizabeth is running from a past that won’t let her rest. When a former colleague reaches out with a job offer in the sleepy town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Elizabeth feels a spark of hope—perhaps this drastic change of scene will finally allow her to slow down. Envisioning an idyllic getaway at the mountainous bed & breakfast that has been arranged for her, Elizabeth is caught off guard by her immediate attraction to the aloof innkeeper. Ryan Brennan is certainly handsome, but what secrets hide behind that withdrawn exterior? Surrounded by people bent on playing matchmaker, the stage is set for a picture-perfect romance. But as past heartache threatens to overwhelm them both, can Elizabeth and Ryan let go of their pain and grab hold of a promising future together?

Read March 2014

5 Stars

I was blessed to win this book in a contest held by the author, Krista Lynne Jensen.  She is so sweet.  Not only did she send a signed copy of the book, but she also included a handmade scarf!

My Review:
First, how cute is the cover of this book.  It makes me want to curl up with hot cocoa and watch the snow falling outside.

The setting of this book is terrific.  I have only been to Jackson Hole once, but I can picture the town in my mind as I read.  I can imagine the Inn and the boutiques.

The characters are flawed.  They each have their own issues, but they are each trying to be better.  They are doing the best they can, day by day.  That includes the main characters as well as the supporting characters.

I like the theme of forgiveness in this book.  I am especially impressed with the theme of forgiving oneself for mistakes we have made.  What a powerful message for each of us.  And, one of the things that makes this possible is the love we have for each other and the love we have for ourselves.

Warnings: Some adult themes

I would let my 16 year old read this book, but not my 13 year old.