"Great anthology"

The Trouble with Charlotte by Victoria Alexander. Widow Charlotte may have lost her husband at sea, but knows to remain safe she must remarry. However, as she decides who to wed, the reported death of her spouse proves exaggerated as Captain Hugh Robb comes home with a need to be with his wife.

Much Ado about Twelfth Night by Liz Carlyle. Just out of the military, Rythorpe is panicking because Grandmama expects him to wed Sophie shortly. He asks Oliver for help as he wants to enjoy some civilian time before marrying. In an ironic comedy of errors, Oliver understands until he meets Sophie and soon wants to be the groom to the woman he loves.

A Fool Again by Eloisa James. Widow Genevieve is unhappy because her late husband placed an undesired stipulation in his will. She must remarry in two years or lose everything. The weighty Tobias is beneath her station, but wants her, not her money, while Lord Felton is her equal but could use an influx of pounds. Which muckworm will she choose?

Nightingale by Cathy Maxwell. Cris has to be an idiot challenging Dane to a duel, as the latter is the best. Jemma knows she must plead for her brother's life, but she thinks Dane must hate her as she rejected his suit several years ago.

These four novellas are delightful historical romances starring likable protagonists who readers will enjoy as they ponder to be wed or not to be wed for love.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 21, 2004

Summary

He was the first ... he was the best ... He was the one that got away! Now he's back ... but do you still want him? Every woman remembers that one special man who slipped through her fingers, leaving her not only asking the question "What happened?" but also wondering aboutwhat could have been if she hadn't let him go. Now, four of today's bestselling historical romance writers -- Victoria Alexander, Liz Carlyle, Eloisa James and Cathy Maxwell -- show us what can happen when the man you thought was out of your life forever returns. In this stirring quartet of original novellas, four sets of star-crossed lovers are given the golden opportunity to relive the passion ... and set the past right. Fate has brought these couples back together, but only love can determine if each is just momentary madness or a reunion that will last for all time.