Product Description
These four complete comtemporary novels represent Yvonne's award-winning way of portraying real-to-life characters in search of lasting love.Titles include Mountain Man, Smoky Mountain Sunrise, Call of the Mountain, and Whiter than Snow. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Sweet Romance
If you like what we call the sweet romances (no sex, no violence), you'll enjoy these four novellas that make up the book Carolina. Lehman's vivid description of the southeast, especially the mountains, enables readers to be there. No travelogue information that feels as if the words came off a brochure, Lehman infuses just enough detail to make readers sense how it feels to wade in clear mountain streams or trek along the paths of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But above all, of course, these are four distinct and cleverly plotted romances.

FOUR TEMPTATIONS
CAROLINA is a collection of four Christian Romance novelettes. In each story a gutsy young, unmarried woman faces a crisis too big for herself alone. God she can count on. Less reliable are various romantically available males, female friends or rivals and sometimes overly detached family members. By the end of each of these notably well plotted morality tales,a bad situation and problems are largely resolved through a new supportive social constellation.

-- Backdrop of the four short novels is Asheville, North Carolina and environs with theirmountains, storms and vistas of the Southern Appalachians.

--MOUNTAIN MAN unfolds a family feud about property and deception that began withthe ecological tragedy of the American chestnut tree blight. --SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUNRISE tells how Rae pretends a romance which leads her to work one summer in a camp for boys. --In CALL OF THE MOUNTAIN, Beth pledges to become a single mother. For if she does not agree in advance to adopt, then her wayward sister's unborn child will be aborted.

--WHITER THAN SNOW tells what happens high on a mountain when severely injured Jennifer is trapped alone during the blizzard of the century. Her only hope for surviving lies with Rick, the guilt driven volunteer fireman whose reckless driving had caused her injuries.

--CAROLINA is four short novels about lusty men and women whose flesh wars daily with their spirits. Every tale supplies material that could be adapted for a television mini-series, feature film or opera in the spirit of WEST SIDE STORY or AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. ... Read more

Product Description
THE thing that I know least about is my beginning. For it is possible to introduce Ethel Rawdon in so many picturesque ways that the choice is embarrassing, and forces me to the conclusion that the actual circumstances, though commonplace, may be the most suitable. ... Read more

Product Description
Tattered lives are pieced back together in four romantic novellas. Chicopee, Massachusetts, in 1840, is immersed in the Industrial Revolution. Young women keep the textile mills running while their presence plays havoc with the pace of men's hearts. Featuring novellas from Susan Downs, Cathy Marie Hake, Kelly Eileen Hake, and Kathleen Paul. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

'WOVEN HEARTS' IS ONE OF BARBOUR'S BETTER ANTHOLOGIES!
The stories or four novellas in this anthology all deal with an orphanage and young women working in the town where The Steadman textile mill exists. I am enjoying this book immensely and hope you will as well! ... Read more

Product Description
This Christmas, cozy up with five all-new Regency tales!

From five award-winning and bestselling Regency authors comes an all-new collection of Christmas stories that capture the warmth and magic of the holiday season.

Sandra Heath
Carla Kelly
Edith Layton
Amanda McCabe
Barbara Metzger ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Signet always does these best!
Signet Regency Christmas collections are the best on the market if you like this sort of thing and I do - very much.However, this year's was not the best but, still, anything by Kelly, Layton and Metzger is a Must Read for me.They did not let me down.

Sandra Heath's contribution, "The Solid Silver Chess Set" irked me, sadly, although it was clever and amusing enough.I just don't like fantasy and especially not mixed with Regency fare.Sorry - this one gave me indigestion!Elves.Yeech!

Amanda McCabe's "Partridge in a Pear Tree" is better.She has used a tried and perfected "winner takes all format" where through the machinations of a rich elderly relative, a poor woman and a poor man trump everyone and walk away with the prize of the inheritance.Using a "scavenger hunt" (in England more likely to be called a treasure hunt) a couple win the ultimate prize as well as riches - true love.Well enough done.

Edith Layton's story is a reworking of the Scrooge story with a twist.A poor woman (and not in her first youth!) wins her love when she is set up by her particular Scrooge.There is sparkling conversation here and a fun few pages.Layton always does this sort of thing well.

You can rely on Barbara Metzger for comedy and wit.Here is a sample "His lordship (our hero) was known to be pockets-to-let, seeking to repair his tattered fortune with a dowry darning needle".And another:"She (our heroine) was used to Hanbury House and Ravencroft, not a ramshackle residence for rats and bats and down-at-heels aristocrats".Enough said - this story is delicious and peopled with amusing characters.Gregory and Claire deserve each other and it was fun to watch them!

Carla Kelly is simply one of the best in the business and she NEVER lets you down.Her story of Mary McIntyre, suddenly set adrift from all she has ever known, and Joe Shepard, a not-so-ordinary simple man from a humble background, is peopled by wonderful secondary characters all of whom add to the story in a tight-knit tale of love, greed, humility and acceptance - all in a few short pages which sum up so well all that is important about Christmas.This woman never ceases to amaze me with her huge talents.

A lovely Christmas holiday read; highly recommended particularly for the Layton, Metzger and Kelly contributions.

A real discovery: an anthology worth keeping!
This year Signet's Regency anthology is genuinely worth the cover price, despite the absence of stars from previous years such as Mary Balogh - but it does have Carla Kelly, and the Edith Layton's not bad either this time. Layton's anthology novellas have a tendency to disappoint.

We begin with Layton's The Amiable Miser. Joy, orphaned in her teens, has lived with her miserly uncle for several years, and she works in his bookshop, mainly because he realised that a pretty young woman would bring in customers. One of Joy's innovations is a romance section: Minerva Press books for the ladies, run as a circulating library. As a result, a number of local ladies meet there regularly to swap recommendations. The hero comes into the picture when Lady Gray, a regular, is ill and her nephew Niall returns a book on her behalf. Joy's uncle engages in a bit of matchmaking by ensuring that Joy and Niall have to spend some time in each other's company. This is an enjoyable little story, although I'm not really convinced that it's all that credible.

A Home for Hannah is second; Barbara Metzger borrows what is now a very over-used idea, that of the poverty-stricken hero. Gregory, Viscount Bellington, has inherited the family title and estates, but his late father and brother gambled all their money away. So he needs to marry someone wealthy in order to survive and rescue his estates. Unfortunately, his proposal to an heiress is interrupted by the appearance of a child who is Gregory's image. Everyone thinks that she is his illegitimate daughter; Gregory realises that she must be his brother's child from one of his many liaisons. The only person who will help Gregory with Hannah is Clare Haney, sister of a neighbour. Is it possible that together they could make a home for Hannah?

Amanda McCabe's A Partridge in a Pear Tree is an unusual and delightful short story. Lady Kirkwood is trying to decide which of her relatives to make her heir. So she decides to hold a house party, and to give the guests a challenge: find the gifts of the eponymous Christmas song. Allison Gordon and William Bradford form part of one of the teams, and come up with some extremely imaginative ways of meeting the challenge. The story is a lot of fun and has some delightful moments. The only thing which bothered me was that I really couldn't see Allison and her sisters leaving their mother alone in the family cottage for Christmas.

Sandra Heath's The Solid Silver Chess Set is the poorest of this collection. The chess set of the title is being carried by an elf as a gift from one elf lord to another, and the elf is present as part of the need for intervention between the two estranged lovers of the story, Philip, Earl of Allensmore and Julia Talbot. However, I found Philip and Julia - especially Julia - rather immature and unconvincing as lovers; both were too quick to jump to conclusions, and Julia especially came across as extremely fickle.

Finally, the gem of the collection is Carla Kelly's No Room at the Inn. Kelly specialises in unusual situations and heroines, and this novella is no exception. Having been brought up as the daughter of an earl, Mary now discovers that she was adopted shortly after her birth and is in fact the illegitimate daughter of a courtesan. The true circumstances of her origins having emerged because her grandmother traced her, Mary's adoptive parents had to tell her the truth - and effectively evicted her from their home. So she is now travelling to her grandmother's home, escorted by the family solicitor and his wife and children. Her new status is evident in the way the solicitor now treats her. Brought up as a lady, but now the bastard daughter of a nobody, where does Mary belong? But when her party is forced to seek shelter at the home of Joseph Shephard, son of her `father's' estate steward, she realises that there is indeed a place where she belongs.

With one excellent and three very good stories, this is a collection I'll certainly want to keep.

A Magnum of Holiday Cheer
This is the fourteenth Regency Christmas Collection issued by Signet. From the very first edition, the quality has always been high, although to be sure, some have been higher than others. To me, this one is the very best of the bunch. It is as though each author has gone a little beyond her normal wonderful skills, and created something a bit more special than usual for this year of 2002. Four of the authors are favorites from past years; Edith Layton was in the very first book, so it's only appropriate that she lead off. Sandra Heath, Carla Kelly and Barbara Metzger have each been in several of the books, while Amanda McCabe is a worthy newcomer to the collection.

In some years, the books have had a theme, but this year they're just wonderful, heart-warming stories. Edith Layton's "The Amiable Miser" gives us a different look at a miserly sort of fellow, but one with the proverbial heart of gold. And even though he didn't really have to spend any of his valuables, he was still able to provide his niece with her heart's desire.

Barbara Metzger turns from her usual menagerie to the 'infantry' in the delightful "A Home for Hannah". Hannah is an orphan, or so she and the rest of the world thinks, until one day in the park, she spies a likely candidate to be her new 'Papa', thus setting in motion all sorts of interesting activities. Her new Papa is a penniless gentleman who discovers that love can indeed conquer all.

"A Partridge in a Pear Tree" by Amanda McCabe proves that the eye of the beholder may not always see the same things as the rest of the world, but in the end, it is the one who sets the rules that wins the game. Simplicity is, in many instances, much better than grandiose ideas, as established by Lady Kirkwood with her competition. Of course, the Lady wins out, bringing together two young relatives, Allison and William, who discover the true meaning of Christmas.

Certainly there are elves afoot at Christmastime; if you have doubts, you need do no more than read "The Solid Silver Chess Set" by Sandra Heath. If you then still have doubts, you can have no heart, no soul, and no sense of humor, either. The trials of poor little Bramble Bumblekin will bring a smile to your heart if you will but let them, and your soul will be warmed by the reunion of the formerly-fickle Miss Julia and her erstwhile suitor, Philip. Even young Bramble's holiday is made brighter by the inventive imagination of the author.

And finally, Carla Kelly unveils the solution to a mystery in "No Room at the Inn", allowing the young Mary to find not only her identity but her family as well. Twice over, in fact, when Joe also settles her into a love-filled home she'd never thought to have.

Any of these stories will provide a magnum of holiday cheer; together they'll warm your chilly nights and make you think of happy holidays! Enjoy!

The review from Huntress Reviews IS for the October 2002
The reviewers may not get the ISBN or photo of the covers, but the review they wrote IS for the one above. I just purchased this book yesterday and IT IS THE SAME AUTHORS, STORIES, ETC.

She did not review the wrong book.

Christmas Warmth and Happiness
A book containing stories by my favorite authors makes for a wonderful taste of Christmas. All are beautifully written, as would be expected from five of the most experienced Regency writers around, and the feel-good factor is as plentiful as the holly and mistletoe. If I have to choose a winner, the elf gets to the line first! Sandra Heath's Bramble Bumblekin made me laugh while he played my heartstrings, but Amanda McCabe's partridge fluttered up fast on the inside rail, with the other three neck-and-neck for third place. ... Read more

Product Description
Linked by celebrations of German holidays, this collection starts in 1632 at Engelturm Castle in the Black Forest, follows a soldier to the American Revolution in 1776, returns to the Black Forest during WWI, and ends in Dinkelsbuhl for the 2002 children's festival which began in 1632. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

German Enchantment
German Enchantment is a collection of four romantic novellas: Where Angels Camp, Nuremburg Angel, Dearest Enemy and Once a Stranger. Each novella features some sort of attachment to the enchanting German castle of Engelturm.

Where Angels Camp was the first novella in the book and the earliest in time period. A knight and a lady meet, but the lady's family has an allegiance and she is to be a form of payment. The story is short and the romance is sweet, but I felt the characters were underdeveloped. I suppose this is to be somewhat expected as it is a short novella.

In Nuremberg Angel, Comfort, as her name implies, offers comfort to a Hessian soldier who her family is forced to provide housing for. Her own sentiments on the war lean toward the Patriots, yet, she still finds kindness in her heart to offer care to this unwanted man.

In Dearest Enemy, war and fear surrounds Brigetta Linder's life. When she discovers a wounded enemy soldier, she is understandably afraid. However, fear eventually succumbs to her guilt of leaving him to die. What follows is the story of her nursing him back to health and the predictable romance that blossoms. This was my favorite of the four novellas.

In Once A Stranger, Madeline Johns is beautiful, wealthy and enjoys traveling.Meeting Jacob Bruckner was not part of her planned excursion, but when attraction takes hold and Madeline is introduced to a very important part of his life, she finds it harder to leave than she ever thought it would be.There is an very adorable element involving children in this story that I particularly enjoyed.

Overall, German Enchantment is enjoyable if you are looking to read something light and romantic. The stories are pretty predictable, but that is probably the reason that people buy this type of book. I would recommend renting from the library before you buy.

Intriguing
At first I wasn't sure how I would like the book, I typically shy away from novellas, but this book kept my attention the whole way through. The authors weave stories rich in history and tradition. I enjoyed learning about the different roles of the Germans in the wars over the centuries. My interest was kept in the book because of wanting to know more about the family and where they would end up.The stories take you through time from the time of knights and ladies to the time of vacations and ice cream.
The first story is about Christian, a medieval knight in need of an armorer, who sets off on a quest to retrieve an armor for his services. When the armorer's family is placed in danger, Christian puts himself in harms way in hopes of saving the armorer's family and winning the heart of a certain armorer's daughter.
Nicholas is a Hessian soldier who is sent to America to aid the British in war.When he arrives he is sent to live with a family whose son is off fighting the same war. The tension is high as the family is forced to care for him, but will the tension ease as the family grasps the meaning of the love God was asking them to give their enemy?
Brigetta has grown up loving her castle on the hill. It lights up beautifully in the night sky looking as if angels surround it. The castle provides the solitude and relief she needs in a desperate time of war. One day she discovers a stranger in her castle and realizes he is the enemy. Will her heart harden because of the pain of war or will she remember to "feed the enemy when hungry and give him water when he thirst?"
In the final story we meet Madeline who is on a pre-paid vacation to Germany.There she meets Jacob who has dedicated his time to the local orphanage.When the orphanage is in trouble they search together to find an answer.Will God use the search to bring them together and save the orphanage?

Sweet set of Stories.
German Enchantment is an endearing book set mostly in Germany. It is about a beautiful castle and the stories that happened within and around it.

In "Where Angels Camp", Amelia is the daughter of a famous armorer. When Christian comes, a Knight who needs her father's talent to create armor for his men, Amelia finds out she will be traveling to Christian's castle to help her father. Although they must leave her brother behind, Amelia comes to love Christian and continues meeting with him secretly inspite of her father's disapproval. When danger comes to the city where Amelia's brother stayed behind, can Christian find the courage to save him and earn Amelia's hand in marriage?

"The Nuremberg Angel" is the only story in this book located in America. Nicolaus, a German soldier receives orders to stay with an American family during the war. In this home, he meets Comfort a young girl who has disguised herself to look older so that the soldiers would not harm her. While Nicolaus is there Comfort finds out that he is different from all the other soldiers and she comes to the realization that she must do as Jesus says, and be kind to her enemies. As Nicolaus and Comfort come to know and love each other they try to find a way to be together even though they are enemies. When Nicolaus becomes injured will Comfort find a way to help him even endangering her own life for love? Will they find a way to be together? (This one was my favorite!)

In "Dearest Enemy" Brigetta has come to love the castle in Germany near her house. Brigetta goes to the castle often to think and to get away from the horrors of war, but one day she finds an injured American soldier hiding out there. Brigetta, is angry at first and does not want to help him, but she remembers Jesus saying be kind to your enemies and she goes back to help Joseph the American Soldier. During her days of sneaking food and clothing to the castle to help Joseph, she comes to love him. But can she keep the secret to herself and keep her family and Joseph out of danger?

"Once a Stranger" takes place in Germany many years after the war. American-born Maddy has come to Germany to vacation after earning her Master's Degree. In Germany, she meets Jacob who is also American but comes from a long line of German Ancestors. Jacob is like no one she has ever met. He is kind and gives most of his time to helping children at the local orphanage. Because of Maddy's wealthy background she is intrigued by Jacob's orphanage work and agrees to go with him to the orphange. While visiting the orphanage and some of Jacob's German relatives, Maddy discovers some secrets and some things about herself. In this adventure Maddy will find herself, and fall in love with the handsome Jacob. Will Maddy be able to help save the castle that has been there for centuries? Will the orphanage be able to stay open without any money?

Although I enjoyed the stories, at times I found the book to be a bit boring and slow, and I struggled to finish it. It was still a very sweet book full of many historical and colorful stories!

A Fascinating Read!
This is one of the best romance collections I have ever read. All of the stories were fascinating, and none of them followed what I call a standard romance format. The greatest thing about it was that the first story was written about a certain area in Germany during medieval times, then each story progressed forward to contemporary times, still centered around the same area. Wonderful premise! The characters were believable, and the history was excellent. There were facts included that I had never heard, especially about the German participation in the Revolutionary War. I chose this book because I really enjoy books that are set in countries other than the US, and I was not disappointed with it on any front. ... Read more

Product Description
African-American Birmingham attorney Jillian Newman has spent her life fighting for the downtrodden and playing watchdog over the local police department. When Jillian witnesses a terrifying murder in the midst of a violent thunderstorm, she becomes the hunted. After an attempt is made on her life, she is forced into police protection. Detective Harrison Blake, a hotshot Italian detective, is appointed her guardian. Although prepared for anything when it comes to murder, the last thing he expects is to fall for the woman at the center of his newest assignment. To make matters worse, she is the ex-wife of his nemesis, the district attorney. However, neither the difference in their races nor the scars of the past can keep their feelings caged. When another attempt is made on Jillian's life, Harrison will risk it all to save her. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Great Story with a Twist
This is the first book I've read by this author and it was outstanding.The characters were believable and the story was interesting enough to keep me reading.The writer did a great job conveying the true depth of feelings the characters developed for each other.The subject of interracial relationships was handled with great care and sincerity.The romance was believable and the mystery carefully developed.I didn't see the twist ending coming so it made the book one of my new favorites.It's a repeat read! Definitely want to read more by this author if it's anything like this book.

Enjoyable.
I found myself reading this book in one sitting.I truly enjoyed the story even though I am a little put off by the fact that in almost every IR novel the WM always falls in love at first sight.That aside, it was an interesting and touching love story as well as a good mystery. It was my first novel by Giselle Carmichael.I liked it so much that I ordered her previous books.

Great Mystery
I'm beginning to really like Giselle Carmichael's style of writing.I've read one other book by her which was the Politics of Love.I enjoyed that book very much as well.I read where another reviewer stated that this book was predictable.I didn't find that to be the case.Giselle had me guessing who the culprit was that was trying to kill Jilian up until the person was revealed.I was totally blown away by the plot twist and who the culprit was.It was definitely a page turner for me and I enjoyed the story tremendously!The main reason why I liked this book as well and Giselle's other book was because its really nice to read about heroines without all the insecurities. They may question their attraction for the hero but they don't dwell on it and make it an issue throughout the book.I hate the, I don't think he loves me or he can't love me blah blah scenarios.They really grate on my last nerves.I've noticed so far that Ms. Carmichael doesn't use that in her story line and I'm grateful. It is not that difficult for a white man to be attracted to a black woman.There are many white men who love black women.Yeah it is not as common as the BM/WW scenario, but it does exist.I really enjoy Giselle Carmichael's style of writing and I'm looking forward to reading her other books!

BTW the couple on this particular cover don't match the description of the characters in the book.I believe the latest edition of this book does however.

I really enjoyed this book
When it comes to interracial romance; Giselle Carmichael is one of my favorites authors. I really recommend this book.

A MUST READ!!!
Wow what a love story.This book has romance, suspense, action etc.I truly enjoyed this book.Its a keeper... will read again!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The past lives on in these four full-length inspirational romances: When Comes the Dawn, by Brenda Bancroft; Shores of Promise, by Kate Blackwell; The Sure Promise, by JoAnn Grote; and Dream Spinner, by Sally Laity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Enjoyed this book
Shipped quickly in good condition.Read these authors before and was glad to find them again.Nice Christian stories.

This is the Greatest of the series
I've read this book several times it was the first of the Collection that i read. My Grandmother sent it to me for my 16th birthday. i didn't read it for a while because i thought it looked corny. well i eventually started reading it, and once i started i couldn't put it down. i read the whole thing in 2 days. Then i started it over again. I have now read most of the collection. This book was i must say my favorite. My second favorite was The Historical Collection part 2. After that it would be Texas.

Historical novels
I wasn't sure if I would actually enjoy a historical novel. However, I loved this novel!All of the stories captured my attention, except for the last. However, you might enjoy it!

Couldn't put it down
This is a wonderful collection of stories.They each have a great plot with a little twist just to keep you reading.These types of books are escpecially good if you only have short times to read (has 4 stories). ... Read more

Product Description
Analisa Marconi has lost her family--for the second time. First, as a child named Isabella Maria Aguilada, when her birth mother gave her up for adoption. Then as a young woman, when her adoptive parents perished in a plane crash she alone survived. Devastated, feeling lost and rootless, Analisa returns to her native Santo Sangre in search of her birth mother and siblings. But, this tiny island nation is a dangerous place for young women who were born there, but escaped lives of destitution through adoption. Thrust into this unwelcoming environment, Analisa struggles against life-threatening obstacles to find links to her past and future. In the process, she discovers the meaning of unconditional love. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Couldn't put it down...
In this fascinating novel, A.J. Garrotto provides a richness of description of both characters and location that drew me into the action throughout.What was the most fun for me were so many dramatic connections between what was happening now with what had happened already, as the grand adventure of Analisa unfolded.Most helpful were the great authentic insights in how Analisa and Father Dave dealt with their growing relationship.On the other end of love relationships we see how depraved they can become when entangled in the political intrigue of desperate people.Garrotto has mastered the art of suspense.He builds excitement in our confronting one new twist after another in the grand adventure of love and the grimmer realities of the human search for personal meaning in our lives.

unforgettable images
What an incredible and wonderful story. The people and places are fresh and new. Tension builds... You know how you want the ending to come out and still its a surprise. This is a great book.

A Message for the Heart
This book is even better than Al's first novel, which touched me too.I can feel the characters' pain, excitement, curiosity -- everything.It's a marvelously honest introduction into the world of foreign adoptions, a"must read" for everyone entering the process.I'm lookingforward to Al's next work of the heart. ... Read more

Book Description
This contemporary collection of four full-length inspirational novels will please readers with every turn of the page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice stories.
Enjoyed this book.Have read these authors before and was glad to find them again. Shipped quickly too.

DON'T MISS THIS BOOK! WHAT A GREAT READ!!!
I wish I could give this book more than five stars! All four stories in this anthology are perfectly enjoyable and leave you with that "feel good" ending! "A Whole New World" finds Amber Jennings leaving her small town job for the glamor of a big city modelling agency. "The Fruit of Her Hands" finds "Henry" (Henrietta) at a loss when homefront domestic skills are needed and she is in charge of estate settlements at a major bank. Her attempts at cooking are rare bits of great humor! "A Matter of Faith" finds Rachel Peterson helping a widower while she still struggles from her own loss while trying to raise a young daughter. "Eagles For Anna" finds Anna Giles searching Tennessee backroads for her roots, waking up in a rented motor home and frightened by a bear who wants in! If I had a daughter I'd recommend these stories to her and share my enjoyment! Don't Miss This One!!! -Deborah S. Embree in Nashville.... ... Read more

Product Description
Freedom and love reign at four historical Fourth of July celebrations. Journey back to the infancy of our country, and celebrate patriotism as characters seek love as well as freedom. Featuring novellas from Paige Winship Dooly, Kristy Dykes, Pamela Griffin, and Debby Mayne. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

SWEET LIBERTY - A HAPPY AND THOUGHTFUL ANTHOLOGY OF NOVELS!
I enjoyed SWEET LIBERTY even more than I thought I would. Each story carries its own weight - Freedom from Servitude in Colonial America, Freedom from slavery on a plantation, Freedom to choose a marriage partner, and freedom from life's decisions through prayer - each inspirational story is separate and done well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

a compelling emotional journey
When a white woman and an African-American man fall in love in rural Michigan, a lot of trouble can happen.Although Amy and Cord have corresponded for years as business associates, their meeting face to face for the first time sets them on an explosive path of events.The romantic tension surrounding their first meeting had me turning the pages right away.The first love scene happened kind of soon for me, but as I read further, I understood it needed to happen when it did because it forced them to decide whether or not to enter into an open relationship.I was practically biting my nails, wondering what Amy would do and feeling her love for Cord through her emotions.

This book really opened my eyes to the difficulties experienced in interracial relationships.I thought the fact that some family members were supportive of the union made the story seem very real.I also like how Jeff Delaney is not just the bad guy but a very real character who grows over the course of the book.I really enjoyed this book and got wrapped up in the passion and emotions the characters experienced.I was sorry when it was over and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Sherri Neilson

Surprisingly Real Romance
I read this book because in the author's newsletter she stated due to many reader request that her next novel, The Next One Is White, would be picking up on 2 characters from Meant To Be, Jeff and Leah.I'm glad I did!Not only are Cord and Amy a wonderful couple and so typical of life in the US today but I could see potential for Leah and Jeff.Now I can't wait to read the follow up.

Interesting
I was pleasantly surprised. My only question is, will there be a sequel? I see interesting prospects for Leah and Jeff....

I loved reading this book so much!!
My boyfriend bought me both From the Ashes and Meant to Be for my birthday and I read them both within two days! I couldn't put them down! They were wonderful! Can't wait for the next one to come out! You have such a unique writing ability! I have never read any books quite like these! They are wonderful, interesting, well written, captivating, and intriguing!! Thank you for the unique pleasure in being able to read such fasinating books! You and Kathleen really did a superb job in co-writing From the Ashes which I know has to be hard to write any book with someone else, but you sure pulled it off beautifully! Meant to Be made me relate so much to my own situation cause I met my boyfriend on the internet and got to know him more for himself than his looks or anything else before we met!! I am so looking forward to reading more books by Jeanne and Kathleen!! Thank you again for the wonderful adventure!!

Deliciously Different
The cover of the book attracted me.It was obviously a biracial relationship with the herione as white.I haven't seen many of those so I picked up the book.Gosh, it is a wonderful love story.The author portrayed the emotions with such intensity that I could feel every jolt the hero and heroine took.If you want to read about true love this is the story to read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Add this one to the keeper shelf--Very highly recommended
THEN HE KISSED HER brings together three of the strongest historical romance authors of our times, showcasing their unique voices. Authors Kate Donovan, Lori Handeland and Julie Moffett combine secret passage ways, hidden treasure and outrageous antics in a collection historical romance about governesses that fans will adore. Add this one to the keeper shelf!

Love Passages by Kate Donovan: After his adult sister's antics, Ryan has no patience for his three young charges or the new governess, Miranda Kent, who is much too young for the position. Rather than sending her packing, however, he agrees to give her a trial period to prove her abilities. It does not take long for Miranda to learn of the secret passages and lovers trysts, or for her own heart to long for what she does not have. Marvelous characterizations bring this novella vividly to life.

When Morning Comes by Lori Handeland: A friendship torn apart by the civil war has unexpected outcome when Yankee soldier Seth Torrance "inherits" his best friend's five children and property in Virginia. Out of desperation, he appeals to neighbor Ella Fontaine for help. However, Ella resents his taking over the children she has been caring for and his Yankee heritage. The children of this story add unexpected delight to a powerfully told tale.

Her Kilt-Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett: After ten years, Genevieve Fitzsimmons recalls her coming out in London and her interlude with Connor Douglas. He broke her heart once and she does not intend to give him the opportunity to do so again, even if she has come to the Scottish Highlands to become the governess of Ewan, Connor's son. Shocked by rumors that Connor murdered his wife and by his son's outrageous behavior, Genevieve becomes all the more determined to succeed. Little does she suspect the depth of Connor's feelings or how their lives will be transformed. Cultural clashes and old wounds provide impetus for new beginnings.

3 novellas in the 1700s & 1800s
Love Passages by Kate Donovan
When Miranda is sent to Ryan Collier's home to be the governess to his three cousin's children, she fears she won't get to position because he thinks she's too young. He agrees, though, to give her a trial run with the two 'barbarian' boys, and the angel of a little girl. But what he doesn't know is that in the secret passages in the house lie his sister's lover and the cousin who was accused of stealing a diamond necklace, the same cousin who's children Ryan is guardian to. What he also doesn't know is that Miranda does know!
This was probably my favorite novella. This story was cute, to say the least. In the beginning, these two are unfailingly polite and aloof with each other. As the story goes on, however, I thought that Ryan turned an about-face too quickly, going from mean ogre to kindly Prince Charming. After this abrupt change, though, I liked him a lot. My favorite cahracter was Nick, the cousin accused of stealing the necklace. He was so funny and an unexpected change.

When Morning Comes by Lori Handeland
When Seth receives a letter from a lawyer informing him that his friend Henry Elliot has been killed in the Civil War and that his wife has died as well, AND that they have a child Henry wanted him to look after for him, he rushes to Virginia to see to it. Little does he know that there aren't just one but five children of various ages to look after. Add to that the southerner Ella, who was best friend to Henry's wife, will not allow a Yankee soldier to care for the precious children she loves as her own.
The only thing I didn't like about this story was that Ella left him on the first day alone with a hungry baby, an angry twelve-year-old boy, two young girls and another little boy just to show him how unskilled he was, and that he should go back to Boston where he came from. That wasn't too smart on her part.

Her Kilt-Clad Rogue by Julie Moffett
When Genevieve arrives in Scotland to take care of childhood friend Connor's eight-year-old son, she doesn't expect the coldness of the boy, or the determination of the man. Nor does she expect Connor to have been accused of murdering his wife!
This one was a little of a disappointment. Ewan, the son, was a little brat, to say the least. He had never even met an Englishwoman, yet he condemned Genevieve for something he knew nothing about. Connor, however, was a great hero. Wonderfully sexy and determined to remind Genevieve how much she loved him.

All in all, this set of stories was entertaining and a great light read. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not an interracial romance! Still a good romance story.
I did enjoy the book, however, I was disappointed that it was thrown in the interracial romance category.I could not figure the interracial tie-in, unless it was because Mas was part Mohawk and Carmen's description led me to believe she was white (emerald eyes with peaches and cream complexion and chestnut brown hair).So if you are like myself and an avid fan or collector of interracial romance then you will be disappointed.

Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I will describe the book for others who enjoy reading romance stories.

As described by previous member, Carmen is the department head of the MedicalPhtography Department at Royal Hospital(Canada).Her comfortable work is threatened, however, when downsizing expert Max Devereaux announces his plans to shut the deaprtment down in cost-cutting measure. When Camren finds out and storms into Max's officer to demand he reconsider, he is so impressed with her spirit and drive the does-somewhat. He gives her one week to convince him to leave the department open (this is directly from the back of the book)

Carmen decides to make Max fall in love with her and hopes this will sway him to her side.Max has a reputation as a womanizer and is "rumored" to have slept with women from other companies in the same situation as Carmen.He is supposedly the most ruthless downsizing expert in his field. I did like the interplay between Max and Carmen, she did not give in easily, he had to win her over.One of the most poignant moments of the book is after Max discovered he and Carmen lived in the same neighborhood, he made a picnic basket for two and took it to Carmen's place.He had not eaten and was hoping Carmen would invite him in to dinner, however, she did not and took the basket.She felt guilty after she realized that there was food for two in the basket and Max had to retreat to his home with no dinner.He did not want to "impose".I thought that was a truly nice touch.

There is also the element of Max's desire to protect Carmen after her office and studio are broken into and she is threatened.Max wants to protect Carmen and she wants to protect her heart.Throw in Carmen's messy ongoing fight with the Chief of Staff, his attempt to smear her reputation and get her fired, you have a recipe for interesting politics.

If you are looking for comtemparary romance, then this is a good book and fast read.

LOVED IT!
Carmen Day has a job she loves in the medical Photography Department at Royal Hospital.Her comfortable work is threatened, however, when downsizing expert Max Devereaux announces his palns to shut the departmentdown in a cost cutting measure.When Carmen finds out and storms intoMax's office to demand he reconsider, he is so impresses with her spiritand drive that he does-somewhat.He gives Carmen one weel to convince himto leave the department open.

Carmen's best friend gives her what soundslike sound advice:Make Max fall in love with you and your job will besaved.However Carmen loses her heart in the process and she finds outthat Max has romanced every woman that he has fired in the past.

HasCarmen really won Max's heart or will she be just another statistic in theledger of "Max the Axe".

One of the reasons why I liked thisbook was because of the tension and the conflict between Max and Carmen. It was so tense and real that a real live person could relate.Carmen is asassy heroine and Max is her equal counterpart.I really recommend thisbook for anyone who wants a few hours of enjoyable reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Heart Warming
Ties That Bind is a story written from the heart.I could tell because it pulled at the strings on mine.It is a wonderful love story, a story that I wanted to keep reading.I am sure you will love it too.

Moving
I just read Ties That Bind.It was a very moving story since this same adoption situation happened in my family.I cried and laughed, but most of all I loved the characters!thank you Kathleen Suzanne for writing a storyso close to my heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Promises To Keep
I enjoyed all three stories, but I must say I really enjoyed Patricia Waddells, "PROMISES TO KEEP".It was a wonderful story that was truly realistic in how love can pop up unexpectedly. I would defintely recommend this book to anyone.4 stars for sure.

An A+ read
The stories in this book are all very good, but "Promises to Keep" by new author Patricia Waddell is an A+ read.A strong believable plot, good characters, and a passionate romance with delightfully sensual love scenes makes the book worth buying.

Stories to please every reader
Bride and Groom offers three entertaining stories to please readers of historical romance.The mixture of timeframes and setting works wells.I especially enjoyed Patricia Waddell's PROMISES TO KEEP.It's sensually and deep emotions will keep your turning the pages.Reading this book for that story alone will be worth your while. ... Read more

Product Description
No one in the tiny western Washington hamlet of Hope realizes that a child's faith in his town is destined to change lives, especially their own. Many who respond to a simple advertisement for an old-fashioned Christmas celebration will find love, joy, and renewal of their faith in God. In four interwoven novellas by authors Renee DeMarco, Colleen L. Reece, Birdie Etchison, and Janelle Burnham Schneider, Homespun Christmas chronicles Hope's wondrous effect on both citizens and visitors as a special effort is made to bring the town back to its original glory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Keeping the Traditions of Christmas a live in a Small-Town Named Hope
This book is a Christian Inspirational Romance, it is written in Novella format (f short stories, about 90 pages each). The collection of four relate to the same little town called "Hope" that because of an endangered owl, the town's logging business is closed, leaving the town worried that they soon will have nothing left in Hope and need to move elsewhere. A six year old boy gives them the idea that they can make their town into a tourist attraction during the Christmas season because they way they celebrate Christmas is "old-fashioned," "simple," and "homespun."

The four stories each ahve a different couple as the main characters, these couples find things they have been looking for in Hope, in the "Homespun Christmas," and the town strives to work together to save it from being no more.

I enjoy reading Christian Novellas, this one surprised me because I was expecting a historical novel and it was contemporary.The message was nice and I wish that I could live in a town that celebrated Christmas and was as united as Hope was. I give the book four stars because the plot focused so much on the town and townspeople you lost a little bit of the characters and I would have liked to see their development and personalities more. ... Read more