February 1992 - Berkley Diamond's publishing promotion for LOVING HEARTS: "Celebrating the most romantic day of the year, these four historical romances - skillfully woven by four of the romance genre's top authors - tell of reunited lovers, unlikely passions, unrequited love, second chances and undying love. A grand Valentine's Day collection that will steal the hearts of readers everywhere."
Book 1 -
Jill Marie Landis: "FAITHFUL AND TRUE." Rating: 4 stars. Grade: B-
Mini Synopsis:
From back cover -- It's been seven long years since Michael Shaughnessey last saw his one true love. Had she (Beth Waverly) left him because of his humble Irish heritage? Michael was about to learn the hidden secrets of a heart in love!
Reviewer's Comments:
Jill Marie Landis does a nice job with FAITHFUL AND TRUE. Her story is sweet and enjoyable. For those of you who like stories that allow two old lovers to have a second chance, then this one's for you.
Book 2 -
Jodi Thomas: "HEART ON HIS SLEEVE." Rating: 2 stars. Grade: D+
Mini Synopsis:
From back cover -- A Valentine's Day dance sparks an unlikely tryst between a handsome gunslinger (Clint Matthews) and a headstrong lady reporter (Amanda Hamilton)!
Reviewer's Comments:
I couldn't move fast enough when I saw the words "anthology" and "Jodi Thomas" on the cover of this anthology. From my experience, Jodi Thomas has written some very gratifying books. But upon finishing, HEART ON HIS SLEEVE, I found I hadn't enjoyed her story at all. Endless bickering and wooden characters completely ruined this romance!
Book 3 -
Colleen Quinn: "RIBBONS AND LACE." Rating: 4 stars. Grade: B
Mini Synopsis:
From back cover -- A creator of beautiful Valentines, Victoria (Wickersham) was falling helplessly in love with a romantic client (Clayton Girard) who hired her to write love poems -- for another woman!
Reviewer's Comments:
If RIBBONS AND LACE has a drawback, it may be that it is a little too sweet. However, if sweetness is for you, then this is a page-turner! Personally, I bobbed along pleasantly in Quinn's land of syrup.
Book 4 -
Maureen Child: "TEMPTATION'S BRIDE." Rating: 2 stars. Grade: D
Mini Synopsis:
From back cover -- Left standing at the altar months ago, Rachael (Hayes) returns to Temptation, California, to give her fiancé (Jake Travers) a second change. Maybe!
Reviewer's Comments:
TEMPTATION'S BRIDE wasn't great romance. A humorless tale about two dopey characters that spend far too much time arguing, begging, and then engaging in some ridiculous courtship -- simply not the way to spend valuable reading time!
Overall View:
Most times when an anthology draws me, it is usually because of a favorite author. Which in this case was author Jodi Thomas, but here she let me down! Moreover, there were no other fantastic stories in LOVING HEARTS.
MaryGrace Meloche.
