"Fine anthology"

Pieces of Dreams by Jennifer Blake. In 1843 in Good Hope, Melly looks forward to marrying Caleb until she meets his twin brother, Conrad. Attracted to Conrad, she wonders if she is marrying the wrong sibling. The blacksheep Conrad knows the consequence of stealing his brother's fiancé, but he is in love with Melly. This is a strong historical romance that readers will appreciate as it is enhanced by vivid descriptions of life along the Mississippi.

Liar Moon by Kristin Hannah. In 1890 Russelville, Washington, Julianna should be elated that her long time pen pal Nicholas is coming for a visit. Instead she panics because Nicholas believes she is wealthy from their meeting in San Francisco and her letters. When he arrives he will know she is a liar who is a dirt poor farmer who also loves her pen pal. This is a powerful tale starring two delightful protagonists whose lifestyles provide an intriguing look at the Northwest during the Gay Nineties.

A Midsummer's Day's Dream by Linda Lael Miller. In 1993 England Francesca attends a medieval fair but when she puts on her costume she soon finds herself not in the twentieth century. She is transported back to the fourteenth century. While the peasants superstitiously sneer at her, Lord Braden keeps her safe in his abode Sunderlin Keep. As they fall in love she knows she is not born for another six centuries. This is a fine time travel romance that will please the audience though Francesca adapts a bit too easily to the past

Readers will enjoy these three reprints of novellas from the 1990s that were part of other anthologies.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 29, 2003