I enjoyed these stories- they led me to looking for books by each of the authors that had stories in this collection.

Great collection of historical novellas about being reunited with first loves. Some favorite authors in this set made it a pleasure to read. The stories were entertaining and sweet, some with a touch of mystery. and all set in the late 19th to early 20th centuries which lends that old fashioned air. The stories incorporate a great deal of faith and the characters lean on God even when they fear the future or can’t see their way. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, and was under no obligation to leave a review.

The First Love Forever Romance Collection is a lovely collection of stories about couples getting a second chance with their first loves. I have come to appreciate that writing short stories is a skill and thoroughly enjoy the ones where the characters are relatable and well developed. This collection features all time favourite authors, as well as newly discovered favourites with a wide array of characters, I particularly enjoyed the story with the deaf characters as you don’t often come across such characters in stories. Each story also has an inspirational message that can encourage the reader.
Thanks to Netgalley and Barbour Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Yes I liked this book but did I love it??? its kind of a hard question. I was hooked by a few of the stories but most i felt were just the same story told over and over. I guess that should be expected since the them was first loves. I do like that its a novella collection and i could read a story and take a break or whatever

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

https://booksnbaubles.com/first-love-forever-a-novella-collection/

9 couples find love forever with their first love. Though the times and places change, it goes without saying, you never forget your first love.


First Things First

Georgie is pleased to find that her childhood friend, Ward, is back in town. But when she discovers that he is the lawyer representing the person suing her father. But when her brother is arrested, she doesn't know who else to turn to, as they work together they rediscover their friendship.

This was one of my favorite novellas, I liked that there is a lot going on with a mystery to solve, and many fun characters. I liked Georgie's big family and Ward's strong faith.



A Most Reluctant Bride

When Maggie's father dies, he leaves their horse ranch in financial trouble. Maggie's mother wants to marry her off, but Maggie makes a run for it. Her mother sends Zach after her and after they get caught in a storm, he offers a marriage of convenience. Will marriage have been the answer after all?



Weeping Willow

Willow is a Southern Belle, who grew up on a plantation. Her friendship with Julian has her rethinking many things about her way of life. As Willow's heart is changed, she waits for Julian to return from the war. I really liked how this book takes place over a span of time, realistically showing that Willow's maturity didn't come overnight.



His Anchor

Sadie has been raising her 3 younger sisters since the death of their parents. Sadie loses her job and is forced to take a position at the bar. Her friend Robert returns to town just in time to rescue her, when she is followed home by creeps who won't take no for an answer. He helps Sadie and her family get back on her feet, but does he offer more than friendship or is he just a really nice guy? This book has a lot of characters, and sometimes they are hard to keep track of, but it is an enjoyable read.



After the Ball

Chase would rather work on his grandfather's rach than join the family oil business, he has his eye on Susanna, the foreman's daughter. He knows that his mother doesn't approve of her. Susanna fears that she'll never fit in his world. But their love won't die if Chase's grandmother has her say. A fun western romance, I liked how Chase fought for a simple life standing up for his beliefs against his family's wishes.



Lighter than Air

Ella is the principle of a girls school, and when her childhood friend,Titus falls from his hot air balloon onto the school property and back into her life she gets to see him in a whole new light. This was one of my favorite stories, it had great characters, faith, and great chemistry.



In Due Season

It's been 15 yrs since Garreth left and moved on with his life, while Leah stayed and became the town spinster. Leah works for her father at his apothecary shop, but he is getting remarried, so she buys her own home. When Garreth comes back, he doesn't intend to stay long, but he does want to make things right with Leah. This was hard to read at times because it was just sad that it's been 15 yrs, and looking at how their lives turned out. This is a story of life and forgiveness.



Heartfelt Echoes

Another stand out in this collection, Travis rushes to Millie's side, when her mother asks him to come, even though they haven't seen each other in years. Travis and Millie became friends when they attended school for the deaf together. Millie has recently undergone a risky procedure, and as a result her face is scarred. I loved how Travis was patient, and slowly wins her trust again. Action packed, with great characters, and a unique storyline, I really liked this story, with its climatic ending!


Prescription for Love

Dr. Phin Mackenzie has a passion for helping people in the poorest places of New Orleans. He has a mobile office, but he needs a nurse. Natalie is a nurse, and previously served in Panama as a missionary, but while she was there she contracted yellow fever, and now they won't send her back. So Natalie signs on with Dr. Mackenzie's project. I really liked Phin's brother, Michael, and how he talks to them both and helps them sort out their past.



A wonderful set of stories about people reconnecting and giving love a second chance. Great stories of family and faith. A very enjoyable read.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

It's always a treat for me to read a romance collection from Barbour books. 9 stories in one collection and usually a chance to discover at least one new to me author in these collections is a great bargain. This collection featured couples discovering their first love a second time, First Love Forever is highly recommended by me!
Pub Date 01 Apr 2018
I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Reading the nine romance novellas certainly makes this reader anticipate more from these authors! An enjoyable pursuit.
First things First: Prescription for perfect love in this quote from the book: " You're my best friend, my first love, and my last love."
A most reluctant bride: An impulsive proposal that solves Maggie's families money woes. For this reader - the most romantic story in the collection.
Weeping Willow: Story set amidst the US civil war - the heroine slowly grasps the truth that all people whether slave or not being equally valuable in God's eyes and sets out to make things right going forward.
His Anchor: While I enjoyed the love story, it was difficult to make sense of who the different characters were and their connections to each other.
After the Ball: A delightful story with southern overtones of Mama knowing best but true love overrules.
Lighter than Air: Years ago, two intellectuals and their academic pursuits parted a young couple in love. Touching with hints of humor.
In Due Season: A theme of forgiveness. Spinsterhood and the treatment of Tuberculosis feature in the story.
Heartfelt echoes: Deaf characters and their battle to communicate as they wish to and not how their family dictates added considerable interest to this love story.
Prescription for Love: First loves kept apart through the heroine's belief that "God's will" must keep them separated.

I love anthologies, and I love reading new authors. Normally I really like the romance collections, however, I did not like this one as much. The stories, while they are meant to be short, could use some better character development. They seemed fake, it really felt like I was watching something happen instead of living vicariously through the characters that were on the pages. Also the plots were not well thought out. The stories had a beginning, middle, and end. However, The middle tended to be the best part. The beginning did not draw you in and the end did not let you down easy. I think these authors have the makings of really good short stories. They did write decent stories, just nothing that I would want to add to my collection at this point. I am looking forward to reading more by these authors because I believe that each one of them has potential. I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this collection of stories. There are nine different stories about first love and each one is unique. Some made me laugh and a few made me cry, but each one is full of heart and faith. My favorite story in this collection was "Lighter Than Air" by Lorna Seilstad. She is one of my favorite authors. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys love stories.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed all 9 of these novella's. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite. All stories tell of a first love that was never really gotten over, and chance meetings at some point in the future. They move along at a good pace and have a plot points wrapped up by the end of the story.

First Love Forever Romance Collection Is 9 Novella's and boy are they fantastic. They are about re connection of love, marriage of convenience, slavery and the Civil War and the separation from that, hesitation in love, dual love( but of what you asked? That you have to find out) , love crashing in, forgiveness and learning to trust again, saving someone you love from something bad( What you asked? Again that is something you have to find out - it is heartbreaking ), A serious disease and love that comes from trying to heal. All of these are incredible and emotional the most of all full of Faith in CHRIST.

This was a pretty cute set of stories. I liked the premise of revisiting and rekindling first loves.
My favorite stories included "First Things First" by Susanne Dietze, "After The Ball" by Martha Rogers and "Lighter Than Air" by Lorna Seilstad. All in all, the stories were short, sweet and entertaining. All the stories are set in historical times and most if not all are companions to other books. So if you find one you really like, I'd investigate to see if there are more stories connected to it.

Barbour Publishing does it again! These nine love stories about first loves lost and found are all rather compelling for very different reasons. From hot air ballooning to slavery to Mackinac Island to yellow fever in New Orleans, each author had me thoroughly hooked. (A fun bonus is that a few authors here revisited characters about which they had previously written - it was nice to catch up).

I received an ARC copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Sweet stories of love and romance. Enjoyed reading each one! I recommend this book even if you have a little time and can read one story at a time! It’s definitely worth it and enjoyable!

When God puts his hand into reuniting First Loves Forever in romance lives are changed and love was never forgotten. First Loves Forever Romance Collection is 9 stories of couples finding their first love again. The book spans from the mid 1800s to the early 1900s in America. There are rancher & a lawyer, a doctor & a nurse, soldier & southern bell, boat captain & a struggling woman, teacher & a balloonist/professor, store & wheel maker, a rich girl & a livery owner, a rancher & want to be rancher and the rancher and foreman's daughter. Circumstances separated the would be lovers and divine intervention brings them back together so that the love they've always had for each other is made stronger.

First Things First by Susanne Dietze Wildrye South Texas Spring 1877
Georgia and her father are headed to court when her old friend Ward. Unfortunately Ward is recently returned to town and the lawyer for the neighbor in the suit. After hearing the grievance Georgia's father puts a stop to the proceedings. Ward and Georgia get to know each other again. He takes on the case of her younger brother who was arrested. Working together to find the truth brings Ward and Georgia together even though she's trying to protect her heart. Georgia and her youngest brother are on a ride when they hear cows that she thinks are the ones that have gone missing from their ranch for months. Georgia and Ward become closer and find the rustler and free her brother. The realize that they never stopped loving each other and a proposal is made and accepted.

A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia hickey Ozark Mountains Arkansas 1880
Maggie is trying to keep the family ranch going but her mother wants to marry to save the ranch. When Zach is asked to come look at horse he's pulled into the whole affair. Maggie has been ignoring him for years after the disaster of her asking him to marry her when she was 14. not able to take her mother any more Maggie takes off and her mother sends Zach after her. He blurts out a marriage proposal to help save the family ranch. Maggie agrees to a marriage of convenience but all the while they are keeping secret their feelings for each other. When the former foreman takes Maggie hostage to get back at Zach for firing him they realize how they feel for each other and a true marriage begins.

Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver Port Royal Virginia 1858
Willow has always been in love with Julian. Julian always treated her like a little girl. When Julian returns from West Point just before the start of the Civil War he realizes that she needs to hear the truth about slavery & it upsets her but makes her pay closer attention to the people around her. When Julian heads off to war they have gotten closer and write. She invites her old nemesis who has become her friend for Christmas only to be surprised by an injured Julian. Both men go off to war and letters are exchanged. When their friend comes home for good injured about brings news that Julian is missing, Willow's world falls apart. When years go by and everyone has given up Julian for dead Willow hasn't. She finally gives in to pressure decides to marry her friend. Shortly before the wedding Julian returns and almost leaves thinking that Willow has moved on until a former slave says different and brings Willow to see him. A proposal is made and accepted with plans made for the future.

His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels Mackinac Island Michigan June 1894
Sadie is struggling to keep her and her sister's lives from getting worse that it's gotten. After her father goes missing and her mother dies its up to Sadie to keep them going. About to loose their rooms at the boarding house she takes a job at the local tavern. When the owner won't pay her saying she was working off her father's debt Sadie has know idea what's next. Back into her life comes Robert the uncle of her best friend who she's loved since she can remember. She doesn't want to take his help but does for her sisters. Robert has changed and realizes he's in love with Sadie and wants her in his life. Sadie doesn't want to give in to feelings. Sadie goes to work at the local hotel and becomes a personal maid to a young lady and helps her get the man of her dreams. A fire destroys their apartment and they move in with Robert's family. News comes of Sadie's father. Sadie and Robert are brought together at a ball and their feelings are declared and a proposal made,

After the Ball by Martha Rogers Dallas Texas June-August 1900s
Chase has always wanted to go back and live on the family ranch. his mother has other ideas. Hoping to change his situation on his annual trip to the ranch for the summer he talks with his grandfather. He's been in love with Susannah for a long time and with his plans hopes to propose. Susannah has loved Chase for a long time as well but knows she's not like the society women in Dallas. They become closer while working together, Chase asks Susannah to a ball honoring his father and to the Fourth of July festivities. She says yes. His grandfather agrees that he should become a partner in the ranch. At the ball he has a talk with his parents and his mother isn't happy that he brought Susannah and that he wants to go to the ranch. Meanwhile Susannah over hears some society women talking about her and leaves the ball. Chase finds her and explains his situation and feeling are shared.

Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad Rural St. Louis, Missouri April 1900
Ella is teaching a painting class at the school she runs when they see a hot air balloon crash. Ella's not pleased to see the pilot because it's a man from her past. Titus has always brought trouble into her life. Titus is injured and has to stay. Ella begins to realize that he's changed and the old feelings are still there. Ella asks Titus to teach some science courses to her students. A student's mother doesn't like that Titus is there and starts causing trouble. Titus saves the school and the girls twice from disaster. Ella tries to keep her distance but helps Titus to repair his balloon. When the mother causes more trouble Ella needs to decide how she feels about Titus and him leaving. She decides that Titus is the priority. When the school's owner and the parents show up, Ella thinks she's going to be fired instead the owner surprises her. Ella and Titus get married.

In Due Season by Connie Stevens Whitley Kansas May 1901
Leah was left at the alter 15 years ago. She's been helping her father in his apothecary since. When he announces that he's remarrying Leah takes that as a sign to buy a little cottage. Meanwhile Gareth is working in Kansas City and finds his mother who is dyeing. He receives news that his father has died and heads back to his home town to sell the family farm. Needing to see Leah he stops by the store to apologize and ask forgiveness. They realize that they still have feelings for each other. Leah can't go through the heart ache again and tries to keep her distance. Gareth says good bye this time but can't promise to return like Leah would like. Gareth returns to Kansas City to take care of his mom and bring her to God before she dies. A letter arrives from Gareth but Leah can't open it and hides it. Deciding to do a little speaking with God in nature Leah goes for a walk. She return and finds a bouquet of daisies. She hears a sound and goes t investigate and finds Gareth planting daisies. They declare there feeling and Gareth is forgiven.

Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik Virginia City, Nevada October 1875
An urgent plea from the mother of the woman he loves brings Travis back to a place he never wanted to be. Arriving at the mansion he talks with Millie's mom and agrees to help with Millie's birthday surprise. Millie's mom thinks she's dying and wants Travis to take care of Millie. Millie has changed in the 5 years they've seen each other both physically and emotionally. Travis runs into trouble from the beginning in the form of 2 bodyguards her stepfather has with her. They knock him out and Travis ends up in the last place he wants to be his real father's place. Travis and Millie get closer. Travis accidently sees a meeting between her stepfather and his goons. Reading their lips he thinks that Millie's mom is being poisoned. When he is kicked off the property a maid warns of danger and after he is engaged to Millie Travis starts to investigate. Meanwhile Millie tries to keep her stepfather from giving her mother food because it just makes her sicker. Realizing the same thing that Travis did. When Millie confronts her stepfather he beats her and she's taken away from the house. Travis and his father join forces to find her and save the mother. Millie rescues her self and meets up with them. They go to his father's house where the stepfather confronts them. Their are surprises in store for Travis and Millie.

Prescription for Love by Erica Vetsch New Orleans, Louisiana June 1905
Natalie is wanting to go back to Panama to do missionary work and keep the vow to her father. Phineas is trying out a new mobile doctor clinic for underprivileged people. Natalie can't go back to Panama until she's fully recovered and is sent to help Phin with his clinic. They're surprised to see each other. The feelings are there from the beginning but they won't show them to each other because of the refused proposal years ago. Phin and Natalie work together to try and help New Orleans to get through a Yellow Fever epidemic. As the full force of the disease takes shape they become closer. Natalie is Phin's right hand and when brother comes down with the disease they fight together to save him along with everyone else. Phin's brother has a talk with him and while recovering a talk with Natalie. Coming back from a meeting Phin tracks down Natalie and takes her for a walk to talk about his feelings. They realize they feel the same way and a proposal is made and accepted. They go right back to working their mission.

Nine stories of never falling out of love with your first love and that if its meant to be God with show you the way back to each other. These couples learn that you can't fight what is meant to be and no matter the situation love and understanding with solve all. These stories were emotional and uplifting and show that a first love can change your life. I was entertained and moved with emotion by each story.

First Love Forever Romance Collection: 9 Historical Romances Where First Loves are Rekindled

I enjoy reading Christian historical fiction novellas, and the era the authors’ write about. I always learn something of our history, so they are, in effect, an enjoyable “history lesson”. Each novella is as unique as the 9 gifted writers in this collection and spans the years of 1865-1910. The story-lines are a little different than the mail-order brides novellas, (which I also enjoy), in that the heroine and hero knew each other sometime in their past and lost contact for whatever reason or were estranged. Now, they have been brought “back together” through life's circumstances and changes. Not always a pleasant experience at first...there are challenges to overcome, hurt feelings to resolve, reconciliations, learn to trust...each other as well as God and His plans for them and forgiveness that must take place in each heart before they can renew their friendship and possibly find love.

1...First Things First by Susanne Dietze
1877, South Texas…Georgie Bridge certainly got a surprise when her first love, Ward Harper, now a lawyer, returns to town after being gone for some years. That was surprise enough but to have him as the opposing counsel against her father, that was an even bigger surprise. I wasn’t too sure about Ward as a lawyer at first but he soon showed his worth in many ways...not saying how. Georgie is an independent woman who I really liked and wanted to see her and Ward together, but things did not look like that would ever happen. There are other surprises in the story that I was happy to see. A cute story about second chances, love of family, trust and putting first-things-first...priorities.

2...A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey
1880, Ozark foothill ranch…Maggie Spoomore is grieving after the death of her father. Zach Colton, her father’s former foreman, and Maggie marry...however, Maggie is not sure why Zach married her...was it for her inheritance or does he truly love her? I really like Maggie and Zach and their interactions as they learned to live as husband and wife. There was a certain person that I wanted to tell Maggie to be wary of as they were up to no good. They face some challenges on the ranch and in their personal lives. A cute story about dreams, working hard, trust and faith.

3...Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver
May 1861, Port Royal, Virginia…Willow Bates and Julian Finney are long time childhood friends but Willow longs for Julian to see her as more than a “friend”. The country is on the verge of Civil War and Julian decides to enlist. When Julian goes missing and is presumed dead, will Willow give in to her mother’s pleading and marry another or will she wait for him to return? Slavery and the treatment of slaves is touched on and Willow’s heart for all people….slave or free. A touching story of heartaches, loss and sorrow, loyalty and hope, faith and love.

4...His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1894, Mackinac Island, Michigan…Sadie Duvall is one of my favorite characters in this novella. She does not have an easy time of it as her father has left her siblings in her care, for how long she does not know….nor does she know where he is or if he plans on returning. She longs for things to be different and for love. Her boyfriend is not all he appears to be...or who she hopes him to be...but she soon learns his true character. Will she ever find someone to love her?

Robert Swaine is another favorite character. As a ship’s captain he has been away from Mackinac Island for long stretches at a time. There seems to be a mystery of some sort as to why he stays away. He returns at the right moment to save Sadie from a bad situation...whew, I am glad he showed up when he did! I like the interaction between Sadie and Robert as they figure out exactly where their relationship is headed...if anywhere. But there are challenges they both face and need to overcome. Sadie is an overcomer and a strong woman, stronger than she thinks she is. Robert is an honorable man of integrity and strength.

I enjoyed the author’s notes at the beginning of the story giving some information about the history of Mackinac Island and Lake Michigan, etc. It also explains the relationship between this novella, His Anchor, and the author’s book, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring…great book! I like that some of the characters from Maude’s Mooring appear in His Anchor...especially young Jack! A heartwarming story of second chances, forgiveness, love of family and caring for them, hope, faith and love. I appreciate the elements of faith woven within the story-line and characters lives.

5...After the Ball by Martha Rogers
1910, Dallas, Texas…Oil man Chase Thornton would rather be a cowboy on his grandfather’s ranch than in a big city office behind closed doors. Can he convince his father that is where his heart is? In addition to the ranch, his heart is set on Susannah King, who is not one of the many “high-society ladies” his mother has chosen for him. Will he go against his mother’s wishes and marry the woman he loves or give in and marry someone of his mother’s choosing?

Susannah is not so sure Chase will ever leave the big city behind and stay on the ranch for good. So, she sets her heart to be content with the few months each summer he works on his grandfather’s ranch. But as her love grows, will her heart be broken if he decides he really prefers the city to the ranch…and her? I really like Susannah and Chase as a couple and hoped they could work things out. A cute story of knowing and following your heart, hope, faith and love.

6...Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad
1900, St. Louis, Missouri…Ella Mason is the headmistress of an exclusive girls boarding school, and propriety must be maintained at all times. Even when a hot air balloon comes crashing onto the grounds of the school property...along with a man she loved long ago. What a shock that must have been to her heart. I could hear the young girls snickering in the background, as young girls are wont to do.

What a surprise Titus Knott received when his hot air balloon crashed and the woman who stole his heart all those years ago stands before him. Will they work out their differences of the past as he repairs his balloon or does she still see him as “all hot air”? Will Titus and Ella allow God to show them the path He has for them?
We are in the flight path of hot air balloons and often see them fly over my house, sometimes so low I can see the people in the balloons and wave to them. So, I enjoy reading stories with hot air balloons like this one.

7...In Due Season by Connie Stevens
1901, Whitley, Kansas…I enjoyed Leah Brown and Gareth Shepherd’s story. Leah has accepted her role as spinster...I am not sure she likes it, but she has come to terms with it. Then Gareth waltzes back into her life...the man who jilted her. Well now, she has a choice to make, can she forgive him? And what of Gareth, why does he come back now and what does he expect? A cute story of loss and regret, second chances, choices, forgiveness, hope, love and faith.

8...Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik
1875, Virginia City, Nevada…I enjoyed this story for various reasons. I like that the heroine and hero both are overcomers despite their deafness. Millie Gordon and Travis McCaffrey are favorite characters in this novella. I like the spunk, bravery and faith that Millie shows in the face of harsh circumstances at home. I love that Travis comes running to her rescue when he receives an urgent letter saying she is in danger. I did not care for his estranged father at first but as the story develops I see a change in him and find that I like him after all. This change shows the power of God’s love and Grace in ones life turned over to Him. I like the way communication between Millie and Travis; their families, friends and businesses was shown (this is before ASL...American Sign Language...is widely used) and the difficulty and challenges they faced. I took several years of ASL, had a childhood friend who was deaf and have family members who are deaf or hard of hearing, so I was drawn to this story. A heartwarming story with second chances, new beginnings, life turned over to God and His leading, sacrifice and love.

9...Prescription for Love by Erica Vestch
1905, New Orleans, Louisiana...I enjoyed Natalie Morrison and Dr. Phineas Mackenzie’s story. I can imagine the surprise for both Natalie and Phin when they realize they would be working together. But as professionals, they put their past aside...as much as they can...during working hours caring for the sick. However, after hours they had to deal with the hurtful past and the resurfaced feelings swirling around. When an epidemic hits they soon loose themselves combating yellow fever. Can they keep it from spreading? What of their future...is there one for them? What plans, mission field does God have for Natalie? Will she head His calling on her life? As a retired RN, I enjoy reading about the medical field of the early 1800-1900’s and the treatments of illnesses and epidemics. A fun story dealing with forgiveness, hopes and dreams, missions and callings on ones life, restoration, love and faith.

~I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author/NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of novellas! Each story was sweet and unique in it's own right, some bringing laughter, some bringing tears, all with the connecting thread of being first loves.

What I loved: I particularly loved Heartfelt Echoes, Lighter than Air, and After the Ball. Each story had its own merit, and who doesn't love with those first crushes become long-lasting relationships that hold through the test of time.

Favorite Character: I really loved Travis and Millie from Jennifer Uhlarik's story Heartfelt Echoes. The obstacles they overcome and the relationship they share makes my heart swoon.

Who would like this:  Anyone who likes quick historical romance reads. Each story took me a little over an hour to read, which made the weeks when I didn't have time for a full-on book at least bearable. 

Rating and Why: I gave this a three-and-a-half star rating because while I did really enjoy several of the stories, there were also two that I really just did not enjoy at all. And in a rare exception, I completely skimmed one and never read the whole story. With all collections, you have a mix of writing styles and skill levels, but this one had more than I am accustomed to as far as did not appeal to me.  Reading is completely subjective so you may disagree once you dive in. I do still recommend it, if only for the few mentioned in What I Love. 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher/author. I was in no way required to leave a review, and the above review is my honest opinion.

The first story is First Things First by Susanne Dietze. This story grabbed my attention from the very start. Georgie Bridge loved Ward Harper. He left for five years and she she thought she would never see him again. Then life throws a curve. Ward returns to town as a lawyer opposing her father. Would they get together. You will have to read the book to find out. I loved everything thing about this story.

The second is a Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey. This was another great story that had me from the beginning. Maggie and Zach Colton marry to protect her reputation and each thought it was just a marriage of convenience, but could there be true love for both. I fell in love with these characters.

The third is Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver. This story takes place during the Civil War, This was a good story as well. It was well written.

The fourth is His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels. This was another story that had my attention from the very start. This one takes place on Mackinac Island, Michigan in 1894. I loved these characters. This story also takes place around the time of another book by Carrie Pagels. My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island. The two stories work great side by side. I loved this one so much. I knew the writing would be great. The characters are well developed.

The fifth is After the Ball by Martha Rogers. It was a fun story. Based on a young man deciding if he wanted to be a wealthy oil man or a rancher. I fell in love with these characters.

The sixth is Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad. This one has to do do with a hot air balloon and a boarding school. It is well written

The seventh is In Due Season by Connie Stevens. A great story of forgiveness.

The eighth is Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik, This story takes place in Virginia City, Nevada. It is also a wonderful story.

The last is Prescription for Love by Erica Vetsch. Another great story. This one about a doctor and nurse getting a second chance at Love.

This collection is about first loves that didn't work out and are getting a second chance. Each story has a the history of each couple and the reasons they separated. It gives you hope for each one as you read their stories . These couples each have gone through a lot to be where they are. Each story is a short story but they are all touching and have a lot packed into them. I enjoy short stories like these when I have a busy schedule. I hope if you choose to read this book enjoy these stories of these couples as they work their way back to each others hearts.