THE GIFT OF LOVE by Lori Foster, Jules Bennett, Heidi Betts, Ann Christopher, Lisa Cooke, Paige Cuccaro, Gia Dawn & Helenkay Dimon

Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date Published: June 1st, 2010
ISBN 978-0-425-23428-0
Contemporary Romance/Anthology
Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


A love of family is the central theme in this anthology by eight wonderful authors. Families come in different shapes and sizes and can mean many things. Within this anthology, the reader is treated to stories that encompass that theme and shows that love between families is universal.

Lori Foster delivers a stirring story of a widower who is raising a learning disabled daughter in For The Love of Wendy.

Heidi Betts delivers a stirring story of comebacks in Skindeep between a burned model and a photographer with an addiction.

Jules Bennett captures a heartfelt story of redemption and love in Ava’s Haven when a teenager’s phone call brings together two former lovers.

Ann Christopher steals the readers’ heart in Atticus Gets A Mommy about a disabled man who thinks the woman he loves needs someone healthy and whole and finds out she just needs him.

In The Redemption of Brodie Grant, Lisa Cooke has the reader melting with a story of one man coming home for his sister’s wedding and finding a love with the groom’s sister.

Paige Cuccaro delivers a paranormal story of werewolves and love with The Wolf Watcher’s Diet.

Gia Dawn captivates in her fantasy story, A Fairy Precious Love, of a fairy who lost her wings and her soul mate. Can a duty bound kind find a way to reconnect with his mate before all is lost?

Helen Kay Daimon delivers a story of love and forgiveness in Second Time Around when a man finds he is falling for his son’s teacher and needs to find a way to have her forgive him for his treatment of her when they were in school.

THE GIFT OF LOVE has different stories and a wide spectrum of genres to appeal to everyone as this collection of authors celebrates love in all its forms. Each story is a little bit different and showcases a form of love, be it a parent/child, former lovers reunited or first love relationship. It was well written and each author delivered a little different take on the many facets of love in this anthology. Some stories had me smiling and giggling while others had me wiping away tears as I flipped the pages. Each story touches on an emotion and leaves you believing in love in its many splendid forms. I loved the many different stories and felt each author delivered a wide spectrum of stories to enjoy.

THE GIFT OF LOVE is one book I found highly enjoyable and have to admit, one I have already read again. Each story resonated with me in some way and kept me glued to the edge of my seat as I flipped the pages. Some stories were a little predictable yet satisfying nonetheless. If you are looking for a feel good story with different forms of love being showcased, then grab THE GIFT OF LOVE. It will truly get you believing in love all over again.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of the book.

LOVES ME, LOVES ME NOT by Heidi Betts

Publisher: St. Martin
Date published: August 2009
ISBN: 978-0312946722
Contemporary Romance
Paperback
Reviewed by Susan




Jenna Langan and Gage Marshall’s marriage ended in divorce when Gage refused to have a child with her. Jenna’s wish for a child did not disappear with the divorce and she is feeling that all-powerful desire again. With the help of her two friends, Jenna plans her seduction of her ex-husband with a child as the end result.

Jenna is an extremely likable heroine. Although some readers may be taken aback by her “seduction” of Gage, it was a highly erotic introduction to the lead couple. Gage comes across as the strong, silent type with an emphasis on “silent”. His failure to communicate his fears results in a divorce. This reader enjoyed how the author slowly developed these characters and how they were able to “talk” by the end of the story. Jenna and Gage make a sizzling couple and it is apparent throughout the story that they are physically compatible. They will definitely capture the readers’ interest and keep the pages turning until the end.

Besides the lead couple, we have a great secondary storyline of Grace and her “unfaithful” boyfriend which I believe will be the focus of the next book in this series. Grace is one woman you do not want as an enemy as she takes her revenge against her two-timing ex.

LOVES ME, LOVES ME KNOT is the second book in this series by Ms. Betts and it is a winner on all levels. The characters are well-developed as we get into their thought process and the romance action is non-stop. I am totally looking forward to the next book!