jjares reviewed on 8/11/2020 + 3414 more book reviews

Having fewer than 100 pages for each story must be a trial for an author. People are used to fleshed-out characters, understandable motivations, and believable actions -- all in a single story. I try not to compare an author's short stories with the regular-lengthed ones written. I purchased this anthology because I've read (and liked) books by Balough and Heath.

The Anniversary (Mary Balogh) --This reminded me of THE SECRET PEARL by this author. Because of a mistake they made, Hugh, Earl of Reardon has a wife and a new child. Hugh was a noted rake who'd never considered marriage. However, on the anniversary of 'their mistake,' he returns to Reardon Hall, hoping to make amends. He realizes he loves both his wife and his child and wants to be part of their lives. But the couple is severely estranged. Each person is deeply hurt by the other's past actions. Is there any hope? Well-written and believable.

The Wooing of Lord Walford (Anne Barbour) -- Charlie, the second son, needs money and has an opportunity to earn 12 thousand pounds by getting his best friend, Sally, to marry his close friend. Years ago, 12 friends put money together and decided to give it to the last one of their set to marry. There are only 2 left, Charlie and his best friend, Lord Walford. What's delightful about this story is that it moves naturally and everyone is quite likable.

Cupid's Dart (Melinda McRae) -- Unfortunately, the publishers placed this story just after the previous one and they are similar in some ways. Sebastian Cole has been snared into his sister-in-law's trap of a Valentine party for several couples. He hastily invites one of his dearest friends, Wilhelmina Lady Taunton, to the party, to protect him from attempts to marry him off. Willi and Sebastian used to be lovers but mutually decided that they'd prefer to keep their close personal relationship (and abandon the affair). This is a pleasant read; just not great.

Devil's Luck (Anita Mills) -- This story presumes that the reader can believe a father would put the future of one of his daughters into a poker pot because he'd already lost $2 thousand pounds. He rushes home and shares the bad news; none of his 3 daughters wants to marry Lord Trevaney because he is a noted rake and unfeeling person. However, the middle daughter, Melisande, loses the contest with the short straw. She meets the lord and makes a feeble offer; Lord Trevaney kisses her and refuses. He tells her he just wanted to teach her father a lesson; he wasn't interested in marriage to any of the girls.

Charlotte has silently been betrothed to someone who actually is a fortune hunter, but of course, she won't believe it. She runs away with him one night and Melisande gives chase. She runs into Lord Trevaney and he helps her snag Charlotte. When the betrothed finds out Charlotte has no money, he demands he's been tricked and withdraws the offer. Then the girl's father arrives and there is total chaos. Actually, I liked this story; it was original and unique.

The Imposter (Sandra Heath) -- This is a story of mistaken identity but it was too short to be realistic. Francis Vining, a philanderer, wants Felix Vestey to stop by his intended's manor and tell her (Jane Martin) that he has been detained (he's actually on his way to Bath to chase an actress). When Felix gets there, he falls in love instantly with Jane and assumes Francis' role. Of course, Jane falls for him instantly too (Jane sent a miniature to Francis, and Felix has seen it, so he knows who she is but she has not received a miniature from Francis and does not know what he looks like).

The order of the stories as I liked them (fave to least): Barbour, Balogh, Mills, McRae, Heath.

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