FLAMES OF GOLD by Leanne Borroughs, Amy Blizzard, Patty Howell, Judith Leigh, Amber Dawn Bell

Publisher Highland Press Publishing
Date published October 2008
ISBN 978-0981855059
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie



A New Tradition by Leanne Burroughs

Abigail Sommers is helping out a friend by waiting tables. It’s hard work and she has to disguise herself as a boy because in this day and age, it is unheard of for young ladies to actually work. Times are changing and the voices of women’s liberation are getting louder and louder. Morgan Leighton watches Abigail and is not taken in by her disguise. He would like to know the lady better and hear why she works. The opportunity soon arises and they find they have to learn to compromise their ideas and views of life in order to smooth the path to a happy ending.

This is a delightful story that I really enjoyed. Leanne Burroughs takes her readers back in time to the original woman’s liberation movement and the way different people thought of these ‘new’ ideas. It’s all very well to follow an ideal, but one must be sure to not lose one’s own ideals and opinions and to be open-minded. I loved these two characters. Abigail is a spunky blue-stocking character and Morgan is a handsome man who falls completely in love with her. I enjoyed the way Ms Burroughs tackled this theme this is an all round, warm-hearted story that is sure to keep your winter nights cozy.

The Snowflake Ball by Amy Blizzard

Dr. Chloe Miller doesn’t enjoy Christmas very much. Especially in the ER where carolers are throwing up and people are coming in with minor injuries. Then she meets Woody, a fire fighter who cut his hand in the kitchen. Now, Woody is full of Christmas cheer and he wants Chloe to feel the same. The plot thickens when Chloe is roped into playing Ms. Santa for the children’s ward and needs a Mr. Santa, and Woody agrees to help out if she will come with him to the Snowflake Ball. Chloe soon learns that Christmas is indeed merry and miracles can happen.

This is a story that will send shivers down your spine as emotions run high. It almost brought me to tears a few times and certainly made me feel all cozy and warm. Amy Blizzard knows how to capture her readers and provide an entertaining story that is infused with humor, wonderful characters and heart-warming moments. Chloe is not quite a grinch, but because of a traumatic experience in her life, Christmas just doesn’t hold its appeal anymore. Woody is wonderful! I’d love a man like him for Christmas! Another wonderful story in this, so far, great anthology.


Entertaining Angels by Patty Howell

Gwen gets a surprise when Branson shows up to take her home instead of her expected boyfriend. There are more surprises in store when she finds out that Branson is her boyfriend’s brother, he’s an FBI agent and her boyfriend has gone into a witness protection program never to be seen again. Well, she wasn’t in love with the guy, but Branson sure makes her heart go pitty pat. Then a stray child shows up in the equation and it’s going to take a lot of love, prayer and God’s guidance to help Nicky.

Now this story had me reaching for the tissues. It is captivating with a large dose of faith in God, heart-warming and very emotional. I was drawn in with the characters and the plot. I loved the fact that the heroine had a strong faith in God and that the hero and little Nicky were able to sample some of God’s miracles. Patty Howell is an author I would definitely like to read again and this story is just perfect for this anthology which is so far very good.

Chance For A Merry Christmas by Judith Leigh

Sue Johnson is visiting Mistletoe and is very surprised by the friendly people and the freezing temps. But when she meets Chance, her blood heats up quite dramatically. Chance is on leave from Iraq with an injured shoulder and survivor’s guilt. He’s falling for Sue and she loves him too, but will she agree to be his wife before he has to report back for duty?

Another heart-warming story from a talented author. Judith Leigh knows how to write a heart-felt story with characters that come alive. These are characters that you can relate to, who find a way into your heart and who you can root for. I really enjoyed this story very much and hope to read more from this author. Another perfect story to keep those winter nights warm and cozy.

A Christmas Flame by Amber Dawn Bell

Angel McKenzie has lived with guilt for the past three years. She feels she is to blame for the death of her husband and child. Jacob Campbell has lived with guilt for the past three years. He feels he is to blame for the death of Angel’s family. When these two meet, there is a lot of guilt to clear away before the path of true love can be cleared. With God’s help and the realization that life goes on, these two special people will find their own special Christmas.

Wow, this one grabbed me and squeezed me so tight! I had a lump in my throat the whole time while reading this wonderful story. Amber Dawn Bell knows how to masterfully pour on the emotions and pull at your heart until tears of joy fall. Her characters are multi-dimensional and the plot reads well. This is a great story to end this anthology with and I know that fans of sweeter romance, with characters who have faith in God will really enjoy this anthology. Just right to remember that miracles of love abound.

NO LAW AGAINST LOVE 2 by Zoe Archer, Amber Dawn Bell, Gerri Bowen, Candace Gold, Patty Howell, Kimberly Ivey, and Lee Roland

Publisher: Highland Press
Date issued: July 2008
ISBN: 978-0981855004
Romance Anthology
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie



I’m sure you’ve heard about some of those silly laws, right? Well, this anthology shows us that sometimes those silly laws can bring just the right people together.

Buon Anno - Zoe Archer – In California you need to be careful how you clean your car. At least this is what Marcus finds out after he catches Bianca writing on his car with her lipstick. All a big misunderstanding, but, well the road to true love can be dodgy at best.

This is a cute, sensual story that I really enjoyed. This author certainly knows how to capture her readers and give them an entertaining tale with two well written characters. This is an author I want to read again.

Purrfect Companion - Amber Dawn Bell – We are now in England, 1715 and Angelique has been arrested because her cat Lancelot has had intimate relations with a royal cat. The King decides to put her under the guard of Damien. But she may be in even more danger.

Oh, this was a very exciting story. Amber Dawn Bell gives her readers a heroine who can talk to animals and has preternatural powers and Damien is a yummy, scrummy vampire. This is a dark story, sensual and seductive and I liked this one the best.

Ice Capade - Candace Gold – In Wyoming it is unlawful to have sex in a walk-in freezer as Jake and MaryAnn find out while hiding from some unsavoury characters and needing to get warm.

This is a heart warming story about two very ordinary people. Candace Gold writes a great story that certainly warmed my heart and gives her readers hope for the most desperate case.

Street Manners - Patty Howell – Lisa didn’t know it was against the law to ride her bike in skimpy clothes until she is pulled over by a cop one day. But the cop has an ulterior motive.

I liked this story. It was cute, sassy and funny. Patty Howell gives her readers great characters and a great story too. I’m sure you will enjoy this one.

That’s A Croc - Kimberly Ivey – Eden’s got a shop to clean up, a sheriff hitting on her and a hunk of a contractor who has come to give her an estimate on the damage. Then, the stupid sheriff arrests her for putting crocodiles in her bath.

This was a great story which I really enjoyed. I loved the characters. Loved the interaction, wanted to hit the sheriff over the head and fell in love with the hero. Kimberly Ivey has written a well-rounded story that you’ll love.

Something Wild - Gerri Bowen – All males over the age of fourteen must practice the longbow under the tutelage of the local clergy. But the law is being enforced to force Madeline to marry. Then a man from her past shows up.

This is a sensual story set in historical England. I loved Madeline, woman who tries to hide her wildness under a demure and gentle facade. The hero is just that, her hero to save the day.

The Lawyer and the Amazon - Lee Roland – Tucker meets the woman of his dreams handcuffed in a police station. She’s caused harm to a fountain, and that’s just against the law.

Another great story in this stunning anthology. Lee Roland is a talented story teller who entertains her readers with great characters and a good plot.

I can highly recommend this anthology. Each story is a gem and each author has certainly given their readers value for money.