AFFAIRS OF THE HEART
CHRISTMAS KISSES
AFFAIRS OF THE HEART - by Candace McCarthy, Stobie Piel, Laurel Collins (Zebra - 1999) (4+)
The common denominator in this compilation of American historical tales is a Valentine's Day in the past, and even though each varies in regard to setting and story line, I found all three to be very enjoyable.
"Mountain Bride" by Candace McCarthy:
Maggie Wolcott is a wonderful teacher, beloved by her students and well thought of in the small Pennsylvania town where she lives. But life suddenly takes a downward spiral when a disgruntled suitor starts a very dark rumor about her. The harsh response of this small-minded community sends Maggie fleeing from her home to take up residence in another state. It is in the mountains and forests of Preston County, West Virginia where Maggie finds a new job and an unexpectedly warm attraction develop for the hard-bitten, dour widower Jake Severn. Jake had lost his own "Valentine" years before...and wasn't looking for another one, thank-you-very-much. When the past eventually catches up with the lovely schoolmarm, however, Jake and Maggie suddenly realize they might lose everything they've found together if she gives in to the overwhelming urge to run away again. This beautifully told, bittersweet love story really tugged at my heartstrings.
"Apache Valentine" by Stobie Piel:
Heather McLaren's widowed father is a Colonel in the United States Army. His command post is Fort Bernard in Louisiana, and when he brings Heather to the fort from her home in Massachusetts, the plan is to utilize her sharp mind and gift
for organization in order to integrate the members of a
displaced Apache tribe into the white culture. From the very beginning, however, Heather doesn't see the members of the
ragtag band of Indians—especially the renegade chief, Jacob—in the same light everyone else at the fort does. When she
attempts to use a Valentine's Day celebration to further her father's goal, Heather is unexpectedly taught a lesson. In a wonderful story that had the power to bring smiles and tears,
the author chronicles a very special love that springs up
between two completely disparate individuals.
"The Secret Heart" by Laurel Collins:
Reclusive Emily Holcolm hides a lovely body beneath her late father's work clothes, quotes Shakespeare, and chats with her animals like they were family. When Ben Thatcher, editor of the weekly newspaper in Pine Springs, Colorado prints a love poem to Emily in his paper, what started out as a practical joke turns into something very different when Emily comes to town to take him to task for his supposed cruelty. In order to ease his conscience because of the role he unwittingly played in the situation, Ben convinces her that she does have a secret admirer, and makes matters worse when he leaves anonymous gifts on her doorstep. But just as the little caterpillar is finding her wings as a beautiful butterfly, the town has a Valentine's Day celebration where Emily learns the truth about her secret admirer. "The Secret Heart" is a sweet story that provides a fitting end to an anthology about the sweetest of all holidays, Valentine's Day. ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
CHRISTMAS KISSES - by Christine Cameron, Jill Henry, Tracy Sumner (Zebra - 1999) (4+)
"A Highland Christmas" by Christine Cameron:
Angry and churlish, the English Baron, Drake Bancroft, arrives
at Sedgewick Castle in the Scottish Highlands to take over the land and its mistress, Lady Cassandra MacIntyre. They were
given to him by King George in return for his loyalty; however, the Baron wants ownership of his own home, Wellington, which was given to his younger brother instead. Drake and Cassandra are married on Christmas Day and they are immediately drawn to one
another, but Drake doesn't want a real marriage. He's
determined to get an annulment and return home. Cassandra,
on the other hand, feels his attraction through her gift
of sight and is resolved to win his love. Can these two
strong-willed people find what their hearts desire and survive
the neighboring clan's treachery?
"Sara's Gift" by Jill Henry:
Newly-widowed Sara Mercer was forced to give up her newborn
daughter for adoption. Now, at Christmastime four years later, she is on her way to Missoula to be a seamstress in her aunt's shop when she decides to stop in Moose Creek to get a glimpse of her daughter. But a blizzard strands her train. When men arrive to rescue the passengers, Sheriff Gabe Chapman gives her a
sleigh ride into town. Coincidentally, the sheriff and his wife had adopted Sara's child, but he's not aware he has just rescued the child's natural mother. Since there are no rooms available in town, he takes Sara to his sister's home where his daughter Mary is staying. There, Sara learns that Gabe is a widower and she falls in love with him and Mary. But what will happen when he discovers who she is? And how can she say good-bye to Gabe and her child after they've become so important to her?
"When All Through The Night" by Tracy Sumner:
Kat Peters and Richmond newspaperman Tanner Barkley became lovers, but they were torn apart by well-intended lies, as well as a series of articles in Tanner's paper and some poorly explained backtracking. Now, almost two years later, they meet again at Christmas in Edgemont, South Carolina. Kat is there helping her mother with her bonnet shop's books, and Tanner has come to visit his good friend Adam and warn him about a
dangerous situation. The attraction between Kat and Tanner is still strong, but can these two ex-lovers overcome past
deception and misunderstandings...and find true love once again? Characters from Ms. Sumner's novel, CAROLINA ROSE, play
important secondary roles in trying to bring Kat and Tanner together again.
I highly recommend this holiday collection of historical romances. Each story is fast-paced and sensual, with vivid characters and plenty of CHRISTMAS KISSES to warm readers' hearts! ~Sharon Laird for Bookbug on the Web
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