Five unique and heartfelt stories are found in this anthology." The Lace Thief" by Charlotte Raby involves time traveling. Aveline Halifax is losing her home. At seemingly the wrong time, she is catapulted through time where she meets the handsome Nathaniel Boettcher, who pulls her into the crime he's investigating. Can Aveline help Nathaniel solve the crime he's investigating or will love get in the way?

"A Heart for a Heart" is written by Cheryl Pierson. A contemporary romance set in Oklahoma, Sam Tiger returns home from Iraq only to find his nephew in the care of one of his tutors, Keira Lesile. Does Sam dare to let his attraction grow for Kiera?

"Time Dancers" is written by Christine E. Schulze. A fantasy piece, Princess Calina is given a magic mirror as an engagement gift. However, her betrothed is twice her age and Calina is not attracted to him. Her world turns upside down when she steps into the mirror and meets the handsome Aarwyn. Who will she chose - or will duty come before her heart?

"Growing in Love" is a contemporary story written by Evie Alexis. Lissandra never had a "good " Valentine's Day, but Oliver is always there to save the day. When will Lissandra allow her heart to see what's right in front of her?

"November Rose" by Rob Shelsky is set in London during World War II. Rosalie is blinded in an air raid, but it's the intriguing Derrick who comes to her and not her fiancé, Thomas. Who will Rosalie give her November rose to?

Readers who enjoy short stories about the holidays.

All the stories were very creative. I especially liked "The Lace Thief."

find out more about the individual authors.

It made me believe in the magic of Valentines.

There are 5 authors. Raby, Pierson, Schluze, Alexis, and Shelsky.

Raby's "The Lace Thief" shines with snappy dialogue and a clever plot. Raby uses a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures of Aveline's world. Both Aveline and Nathaniel are interesting characters. Aveline's curiosity had me on the edge of my seat.

Pierson tugs on the reader's heartstrings with "A Heart for a Heart." Sam is torn between two honorable decisions. Pierson demonstrates the power of love will always guide the heart to make the right choice.

Schulze's "Time Dancers" shines with imagination. Her fantasy world is easy to get lost in. Schulze's writing style engages the reader, leaving them to wonder about Lopez and his motivations. Calina's growth at the end moves the reader.

"Growing in Love," by Evie Alexis has the reader cheering for Oliver from page one. Lissandra is quirky, yet an everyday girl we can all identify with. Alexis' light-hearted writing style points out the foils and obstacles of young love and demonstrates that given time, true love always prevails.

Rob Shelsky's "November Rose" leaves the reader breathless. Shelsky's writing is easy to read and pulls the reader into Rosalie's world effortlessly. Rosalie suffers from a serious injury, but it's Derrick with his heroic actions who has earned the right to claim her heart. War, however, has a way of throwing one's life a curve ball.

The novel has a dynamic ensemble of love stories that appeal to the romantic in all of us. The stories are "sweet" with couples exchanging a kiss or a gentle carress. This anthology is a heartwarming read for a cold winter's weekend.

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Created Jan 31, 2012 at 5:05pm • Submit your own review...