I found this selection of novellas an enjoyable read. Each novella is well written. If you enjoy historical romance that is clean and fast to read I recommend this book

I always have loved books like this and use to have a huge collection of them. I like that they are quick and to the point. I always fall in love with the characters and wonder about them later about how their lives went on.

Nine stories in this collection which I received free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review; thank you Netgalley! Each novella is reviewed below. Overall, an enjoyable read and worth the time. I agree with others in that it gets repetitive in some ways. Perhaps nine stories in one is too many. But for readers of sweet historical romance, this set fits the bill.

The Cost of a Heart by Amanda Barratt -- This story was a sweet, historical rendition of attraction between a newly-widowed individual with money and her long-time driver. I liked both of the main characters, including their dreams of teaching and aiding orphans. I hope they realize those dreams, but wonder how they will make it without her money. The parts about escaping expectations of others stayed with me. I would read a second installment of this storyline. 4 stars.

The Advocate by Lorraine Beatty -- Sweet story about falling in love with the sheriff. These characters were more one-dimensional than the first novella, and I was disappointed that the female lead was not actually a "reporter" with any experience or skill. Predictable. 2 stars.

Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull -- This one had several twists and turns but wasn't my favorite. I didn't connect with the lead characters, and didn't like Ambrose at all for his dishonesty. The story wrapped up too quickly, although I understand that that is common with novellas. I just didn't believe they had time to really come to love each other. 2 stars.

Love in Store by Anita Mae Draper -- This story was engaging and fun. I liked both lead characters and felt Adam's discomfort in dealing with people before he started to change. The poetry was cute and simple, appropriate for the "authors". Loved Adam's Bible connection and the pastor's gift. 5 stars

The Last Letter by CJ Dunham -- This was also an excellent story with quite a few twists and turns for a novella length. The characters were believable and likable. The imagery with the orange blossoms and scent was wonderful. The story had similarities to Hidden Places by Lynn Austin. 5 stars

The Outcast’s Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik -- Luke and Maisie are endearing characters. You really are rooting for them throughout the story. A happy change of heart for the sheriff. Vivid description of an unusual horse. An enjoyable story. 4 stars

Beside Still Waters by Becca Whitham -- Very honorable male lead; very hurt but courageous female lead. This story pointed out the rough conditions experienced by homesteaders trying to make a new start in Oklahoma, but left the reader with hope. The novella almost ended too soon -- I was going to recommend an epilogue, but I think this way leaves more open to imagination. 3 stars

The Princess of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo -- This story was somewhat unrealistic in how fast people changed their minds, even after lifelong bad decisions. I believe it would have been better as a full length novel, plus then the author could write each of the brothers' stories. 2.5 stars

Love from Afar by Penny Zeller -- This story was cute and I can easily imagine two pre-teens thinking up a ridiculous letter writing plan. Loved the miracle aspect with our male lead healing from childhood illness. Sweet ending and twists with several potential admirers. 4 stars.

Brilliant book. Excellent main characters and plot. I would recommend this book.

I received a free copy from NetGalley; this is my honest opinion.
From the start, the stories all fell off one stars for editing. When you get many authors put together to write about the same theme, you get all kinds of different genre or direction of a story. These are all inspirational but some authors push it too far as if they needed the extra words to reach their quota by putting full-length prayers or verses as fillers. I would have liked to have the synopsis of the story before each.
1. The cost of a heart ***: The story is sweet but predictable and unrealistic. There are too many prayers in this story, which I find in all of Barratt's books; the space could have been better used.
2. The advocate ****: Loved this story. Western, realistic, fun.
3. Too many secrets ***: Lots of prayers, a bit corny, predictable.
4. Love in store ****: Great story, great ending. Not too much prayers or sermon. Realistically repentant.
5. The last letter ****: Inspiring, poignant love story with a soldier.
6. The outcast's redemption ***: A real western with outlaws and cattle ringers. Realistic. Loved it.
7. Beside still waters ****: Great pioneers story. Loved it.
8. The princess of Polecat Creek ****: Cute, funny, sweet. Loved it.
9. Love from afar ****: Romantic and fun. Loved it.

My review:- I absolutely loved it. The collection was awesome with poignant and captivating plots,strong andengaging characters and a prose designed to hook the reader right in. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to everyone. The book is fabulous

The Secret Admirer Romance Collection
A wonderful group of authors gathered together to write this collection of Novellas. Each story is an independent, stand-alone story tied together with the theme of a secret admirer.
My personal two standout favorites in this collection are “Love in Store” by Anita Mae Draper. Janet & Adam’s story stood out to me because of the characters and their personal struggle. Free-spirited Janet grew up without a mother, sheltered by her older brothers. Adam hides a world of regret and heartache behind a silent, withdrawn façade.
“The Last Letter” by CJ Dunham is also a captivating story that takes place at the end of the Civil war and follows Emilia, a courageous young woman. Everyone she loved and held dear has died, however, she finds that she is stronger and more capable than she at first imagined and that God hasn’t left her and has a special plan for her life.
All of the short stories found in this collection are sure to entertain you. This is just the book to toss into your beach bag when looking for a short story to enjoy.

When you collect nine authors who tell nine stories, you get some of the same kinds of stories, but all from a different perspective, and all have the right length to allow you to get away for an hour in the afternoon and escape the real world.

The problem with this format of reading is that the authors. who are ultimately qualified to write these stories, are hamstrung by the length of the narrative. Few authors are able to develop a plot as well as the personalities that populate the plot.

Barbour Publishing has the knack of finding the best of the best who can achieve this nearly impossible task of great stories that only take an hour to read. Each of the tales in this olio involve someone loving another from afar and finally finding his/her own true love. Part of the time, I read this before falling asleep, part of the time I read while I was exercising on my stationary bike.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and an anonymous love letter.

My Thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

The Secret Admirer Romance Collection: Can Concealed Love Be Revealed in 9 Historical Novellas? is a historical collection of nine wonderful stories. These stories include:
The Cost of a Heart by Amanda Barratt
The Advocate by Lorraine Beatty
Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull
Love in Store by Anita Mae Draper
The Last Letter by CJ Dunham
The Outcast’s Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik
Beside Still Waters by Becca Whitham
The Princess of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Love from Afar by Penny Zeller
This collection is fabulous! There's only a couple of authors I have read before and have found many new authors to look forward to in the future. If I have to pick a favorite, it would be between Amanda Barratt's The Cost of a Heart and Kathleen Y'Barbo's The Princess of Polecat Creek.
Another great collection by Barbour publishing that I highly recommend.
5 plus stars.