Review: Summer Heat Anthology ~ The World of LJ Harris

When I heard that three of my favorite authors, Forbes Arnone, M. B. Feeney and R. E. Hargrave were going to be publishing an anthology together, I just had to take a look.

I wasn't disappointed.

Here are my thoughts on the stories, each one unique and thoroughly captivating.

In my Mother's Footsteps by Forbes Arnone

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Anela Alborn's life is a lie. After growing up without the love of a father, her mother reveals his identity. Tragedy strikes and she sets off on an adventure that leads to more than she could ever imagine. Bumping into Christian Sivers distracts her from the real man of her dreams, her father. Will he live up to her dreams? And does she follow in her mother's footsteps?

REVIEW

When her mother passes unexpectedly, Anela is not only left alone, but she also discovers her father's identity.

Anela decides to follow her mother's footsteps and travel to the place where her father was last known to have lived. Against the backdrop of the Hawaiian landscape, Anela not only discovers a family she never knew existed, but learns to forgive and therefore heal.

The love story between Anela and Christian was sweet, and not without its challenges, and I found myself rooting for the two of them to work out. Though the tragic loss her mother ended a chapter of her life, it also cleared the way for Anela to start again, and this story showcased the importance of letting go of the past and moving on to a brighter future.

A great summer read.

Where to find Ms Arnone:

Just Like in the Movies by M. B. Feeney

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Ava Jones has settled for a life that she's not sure she wants anymore, but won't admit it. Her best friend, Erica Davidson talks her into taking a break on the Isle of Wight. Her days on the island are spent thinking things through, and arguing with Morgan whom she hates on principal.

Is it so wrong for her to want a life that follows the script of an honest to God romance film?

REVIEW

I had the honor of reading this story before publication, and from the very start, I was hooked. M. B. Feeney has always been a favorite author of mine, and with this latest offering, she didn't disappoint.

I loved the snarky banter between Ava and the man who seemed to be out to irritate the living daylights out of her, Morgan. Of course, it doesn't take long for the cocky jack-of-all-trades to find a way into Ava's heart, and thus solidify her decision to change her life.

As always, I really enjoyed the English flavor of the story, the sights and sounds and conversations making it brilliantly unique. The moments between Ava and the woman who encouraged her to take their holiday, best friend, Erica, were fantastic. A great read that not only had me in fits of laughter, but also drove home the ideal that nobody has to settle for a life of mediocrity.

Loved it.

Where to find Ms Feeney:

Facebook

B&N

Haunted Raine by R. E. Hargrave

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Distracted by the everyday routine of raising children, being a wife, and keeping a home, Lorraine Morrissey let life pass her by. Her wakeup call comes when she realizes that with their children gone, her husband Richard is rarely home, and she's filling her solitary days with trivial tasks. A crazy idea to save her marriage leads to a summer beach vacation unlike any she's ever taken; one that involves unknowingly buying a haunted house.

REVIEW

From the moment I read about Lorraine's life, I immediately related. So often when children come along we forget who we are...parenting taking priority over everything else, so much so, that when the children are gone, one can wonder what will remain.

Feeling the need to reconnect with her husband, Lorraine decides a change for them both is long overdue. When she and Richard head to the coast of South Carolina, they are instantaneously drawn into the world of the supernatural.

I absolutely devoured this story, and enjoyed the combination of mystery, intrigue and romance.

In a word, sumptuous.