I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

This Time Around was a fun contemporary romance collection. I absolutely loved the first novella - it grabbed my attention right away and was such a good read! The characters were great and I could feel for the heroine. Perfect read for a summer road trip. ;)

The second novella was fine, but just didn't connect with me. I felt like the heroine was a little too quick to rush to conclusions. It was written well, but just not a favorite.

I liked the final novella. It wasn't as good as the first, but it was enjoyable. I liked seeing the heroine finally get her happily ever after.

All in all, a good summertime read. I recommend the audio version and it was read very well.

*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/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and 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.*

Due to a personal difference in beliefs (WITH THE PUBLISHER) I will not be reviewing this book outside of Netgalley nor do I plan to support Thomas Nelson in the future due to their decisions of late and the lack of fiction with good Biblical values.

This does not mean I do or do not like the book, it just means I will not be reviewing books for this publisher anymore as I do not care to support them when I do not agree with the way they have left their former standards.

Three different stories about second chance.
All of them are pretty fast faced romance with HEA.
I enjoy the first one the most.
A Summer Detour by Denise Hunter, Pining for you by Melissa Ferguson and He loves me, he loves me not by Kathleen Fuller.
It's pretty clean second chance story between three couples. If you are into short, sweet and clean romance, this would do it. Feels more like three novellas.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for ARC.

This Time Around

by Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson, and Kathleen Fuller

This Time Around is a collation of three second chance romances by three popular romance authors. I am posting my notes on each one. If you are interested in novella length romances to mix up your reading from some other genre, this would be the perfect book for you.

Denise Hunter has written a sweet second chance romance entitled A Summer Detour. Allie is free spirited and in her late twenties. She is painfully aware that her parents view her as irresponsible. Sadly, her boyfriend Luke ditched her right before the senior prom in her high school days, and the two have not connected since. When Allie makes a commitment to drive her grandparents’ 50th anniversary gift, a refurbished classic car to their party, she encounters a major hurdle and doesn’t know anyone to call on except Luke. It looks like a reconciliation could be in their future when a totally unpredicted hurdle throws everything off course. This is a short, enjoyable read with all the loose ends tied up nicely.

Told in the third person, Pining for You by Melissa Ferguson varies its focus from chapter to chapter between the two main characters, childhood friends Theo and Skye. When Theo went off to college, it was hard to maintain their blossoming romance. Fourteen years and a few misunderstandings later, can the successful financial advisor and established artist find their way back to each other?

In Kathleen Fuller’s He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not, Sophie Morgan at age 35 finally has her floral business well established and is ready to start dating. There are only two bachelors in Maple Falls. What are the chances they would both show up on her doorstep on the same afternoon inviting her on a date? Landon is a good looking lawyer, but seems a little slick. She has known Joe since Kindergarten, but has never really noticed those football coach biceps. Is it too late for Sophie to find love?

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Romance

Notes: Includes discussion questions

Publication: July 13, 2021—Thomas Nelson

Memorable Lines:

Who would choose to cocoon themselves into sleeping bags like saucy enchiladas for every Lyme-disease bearing tick, leg-amputating brown recluse, rattlesnake, mountain lion, bear, or serial killing maniac to discover? Someone needed to write that condition in the book of psychological disorders.

“I once left you unattended in Dad’s toolshed and came back to find you’d reorganized the whole thing alphabetically.” “So? I like organization. Everybody like organization.” “Yeah, well, we were six,” Skye replied.

The man deathly afraid of snakes had stepped into striking distance to save her. Was willing to put himself in front of his greatest fear in order to help her escape. It was touching. Absolutely crazy and ridiculous and paranoid, but also…touching.

Looking for your next sweet romance read!? Let this be it. I absolutely loved each of the three stories by the three fantastic authors that make up This Time Around! The individual stories were chock full of humor, hope, and heart and collectively made for a light and cozy reading experience that I just couldn’t put down!

I honestly cannot say enough good things here. I so appreciated how each story had something special and unique to offer the reader, the way that each author’s voice came through within their own pages, and yet somehow they all flowed together while being completely separate in storyline. I thought I would end up with a favorite of the three and that simply wasn’t the case as I truly loved them all, and it’s a testament to the way that each author’s lovely writing complemented the others. I fell in love with each and every character I met along the way and found that each story swept me off my feet. Have I gushed enough yet!?

Refreshing, light, and just an all around gem, I will be singing this books praises from the rooftops! I highly, highly recommend any and all romance lovers pick this one up.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy.

This is a collection of three great short romances from Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson and Kathleen Fuller. All three stories are about reconnecting with someone from their past, a past love, crush or friend. The stories are a quick read and all have a happy ending. The stories are clean and wholesome to read and enjoyable for anyone who loves a happy conclusion.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

#This Time Around is a collection of three romance stories. I'm a lover of short stories. While waiting at appointments they make the time go right by. This is a novella collection all about second chances.....
Thank you for the advance copy,
#Netgalley, and #Thomas-Nelson Publishing 💜🐾🐾

This is a sweet collection of engaging stories. The first two were enjoyable, but my favorite of them all was He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not. It's set in the small town of Maple Falls and is connected to her Maple Falls series which each feature a character from a group of friends who have businesses that are working to revitalize their community. In this novella, Sophie runs the flower shop (which is my fantasy job) and is looking to date one of the slim pickings of single men in the area. She has a rocky history with Joe, which makes her write him off at first, but I loved the way he persevered and proved himself to her. Overall, the stories in this collection are a well-balanced blend of relationship angst, gentle humor, and sweet romance.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

I loved this anthology - read it in one night and was entertained by each and every short story. If you enjoy sweet romance, you'll enjoy this book.

Romance, sweet, fiction, novella collection
Lovely sweet novella collection. Loved this collection of novellas. "Summer Detour" was a fun second chance romance with a couple that had lost touch due to a misunderstanding. The family dynamics, the car, the things that happened on the trip, and of course the anniversary party. Family, friend, and a beautiful coming together as their hearts softened to each other. "Pining for You" was my favorite of this collection. Theo's hope to finally heal the rift with Skye was funny, witty, sweet, honest, and so beautifully drawn. True portrait of family, of character, and healing, along with the sweet romance with alternating points of view. "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" was a lovely fall with two characters hoping for romance in their life that have a few obstacles including another man. Sophie and Joe weren't obvious at first to Sophie, but her growing attraction to Joe, his character, charisma, and his caring for her and for others was so tenderly, and carefully drawn that it was a lovely read.
Many novella collections fall short of the final details that make for a complete 'story', often feel rushed. These were so well done, I just wanted to read more about these characters, while enjoying the stories the authors created. Loved this collection!
Some fantastic characters, and my favorite part is getting to know some new to me authors along with one I already love.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.

What a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Three different stories from three different Authors.
Stories are very Hallmark-ish which is great because they are free, light and easy, charming stories.
A definite change from my usual genre.
Thank you to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson books and the Authors Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson and
Kathleen Fuller for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

*Warnings*
#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Stars: 3.5

Synopsis: This collection is comprised of three novellas about rekindling lost love and gaining a second chance at romance!

All in all, this is a sweet and clean collection of romantic novellas. The settings are all unique and all the premises have great promise—however, a couple of the stories just weren’t executed well for a novella; they needed to be lengthened and developed more.

Also, my only real qualm with the collection as a whole is that none of these stories have anything to do with God or Christianity—a very sad thing, considering Denise Hunter writes Christian fiction, Kathleen Fuller writes Amish fiction, and I’m sure Melissa Ferguson is a Christian herself...not to mention this was published by a Christian publisher.

So, yeah, that was a bummer. I would’ve liked just a hint, even, of God, considering I could easily read Mormon fiction with more Jesus and Godly values presented than in here. Otherwise, I’mma give a brief review of each individual story!

***

A Summer Detour – Denise Hunter – 4 stars – Allie Adams calls upon her ex-boyfriend and family friend Luke Fletcher in her desperate time of need...for a driver. She only needs him for a day to deliver her grandparents’ anniversary gift of her grandfather’s old Chevy. As soon as the anniversary party is over, they’ll go their separate ways again. Right?

I’ve heard a myriad of good things about Denise Hunter—particularly from my friend Sophia, who has absolutely fabulous taste—so I actually decided to read this collection because of her. What better way to get acquainted with her work, eh?

And, believe it or not, Hunter is also the only author in this collection I’d like to read more of! Her story was well-developed and flowed smoothly despite its length, and the premise was both unique and realistic!

Allie and Luke weren’t as fleshed-out as they would’ve been in a novel, yes, but they didn’t fall flat. And Hunter’s writing? Y’all, she actually surprised me! I was honestly expecting a more women’s fiction style, so when I noticed a bit of sarcasm and wit, I was pleasantly shocked! Hunter managed the perfect balance of authorly maturity and contemporary flair in her prose, which I loved!

All in all, definitely my favorite of the collections and a great glimpse into Hunter’s writing! I’ll certainly be reading more of hers!

***

Pining for You – Melissa Ferguson – 2.5 stars – Skye Fuller was supposed to never see her ex Theo Watkins again...but when she moves back home to help her parents and her father has an accident and her mother calls Theo (who just so happens to be the owner of the Christmas tree farm her father manages)...well, let’s just say she runs back into her childhood best friend and the man who broke her heart, and it ain’t pretty. (There’s mud. And snakes. And possibly a bear or two.)

It breaks my heart to not be able to say the same for Melissa Ferguson, however. I’ve heard just as many good things, but unfortunately, this story totally missed the mark! I’d expected something quirky and funny; instead, I was left with an undeveloped and rush story that inspired more quizzically raised eyebrows than hearty chuckles.

For starters, the general idea was way too similar to Hunter’s story just before. I mean, childhood friends fall in love, guy goes off to college and they drift apart, girl moves away, girl comes back and ends up reconnecting with the guy when her family needs help. Like...seriously. I know all the other elements and the characters were vastly different, but I still can’t get over how they used the same relationship model there.

Unfortunately, Ferguson didn’t pull it off as well. The beginning was really confusing, and the rest of the story seemed so rushed! I felt like Theo and Skye’s one day of reconnecting wasn’t enough to get Theo to break things off with his “perfect girlfriend,” and of course the ending was too cliché and still too rushed. I needed more substance, I suppose, and something to connect me with the characters.

Speaking of, I wanted to like Theo. I wanted to like him so bad, and I think his character was supposed to be unique and hilarious, but y’all. He was not hero material. I mean, within his element, yes, but outside of it as the butt of several jokes? No. I just couldn’t connect with him or feel for him what Skye did...and Skye herself was kind of annoying.

Had this been longer, it probably would’ve been much better. I mean, a Christmas tree farm is a pretty epic setting, and I think had Ferguson had more length to work with, she could’ve developed Theo into the character he was meant to be.

But alas, such was not the case.

***

He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not – Kathleen Fuller – 2.5 stars – Independent small business owner Sophie Morgan is finally entering the dating scene. For the first time ever. And within the first day, she’s already got two offers—her dream guy who promises her a lifetime of wining and dining, and the burly high school football coach who is everything she’d never want in a man. One date is a disaster...and the other one is, well, just as disastrous, but suffice to say there ends up being many more not-so-disastrous dates after it.

I’ve already sworn off Kathleen Fuller, but apparently I’m a glutton for punishment. I should have known not to read anything else by her again...but I did. Her story did break the mold—it was nothing like the first two, and it was interesting and different enough to have probably been really good.

But y’all. First off, way too rushed. Like, the premise she chose shouldn’t have even been an option for a novella. She ended up skipping through so much critical information/scenes and leaving us with a threadbare plot and very little development. That in turn made the story seem so unrealistic.

And seriously, I would give anything for a nice slow-burn romance right about now, because the way Fuller wrote Sophie and Joe’s whole falling in love process was so dumb. Like, how realistic is it for you to all of a sudden feel all mushy-gushy for someone you’ve known all your life but never saw in a romantic light? And then to run off and marry them two months later?

Yeah, I don’t see that marriage lasting.

I totally understand suddenly being physically attracted to someone or developing romantic feelings for someone you’d not previously felt said feelings for over a period of time...but just up and OH! I’mma date somebody for the first time in all my thirty-five years (or, in Joe’s case, since my wife left me), and it’s gonna be YOU, because I just LOVE you and you have got insane biceps and dude, let me just pant over you and drip slobber all over your shirt.

Admit it, it’s unrealistic. Had, say, Sophie and Joe dated through high school or been best friends before Joe married Jenna, then they drifted apart, but now circumstances have brought them back together and they have a second chance at love, I would’ve believed ya. But I guess that wasn’t what Fuller was going for. I get that. Just...save that idea for a full-length novel, and please, I BEG YOU, add some emotional depth to the romance. The characters MUST connect on an emotional level before they can even consider being romantically involved. And I don’t mean the emotional connection between a random person and a stray kitten...I mean an actual binding connection over shared experiences, values, opinions, interests...something that allows them to have a conversation with each other rather than them just standing there gawking at each other.
I’m not even asking for spiritual connections any more. I know I’m not getting that from Kathleen Fuller, so the least anyone can do is provide me with some emotion.

Anyway. Yeah, a full-length novel might have sold me. Unfortunately, this plot (especially the whole deal with Landon) was just way too much for something so short, so the execution was way off.

***

Short stories short (yeah, that makes no sense, but “long story short” wouldn’t really fit, now would it?), this collection is perfect for a few quick, short romantic reads! However, only one of them hit it home for me, because the other two seemed to try and jam too much into such a short story, so keep in mind that things may be a little rushed and unsatisfying. The stories are all still fun and sweet, though!


Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

All three of these stories were amazing! I almost always have a favorite in anthologies but these were equally well written and captivating. Every element of the stories--from the plot, to the characters, to the settings--were so well developed and drew me in from the first page. Well done!

Three couples get a second chance at finding a lasting love.

A Summer Detour by Denise Hunter
Allie struggles to be taken seriously by her family, so when the opportunity comes up for her deliver her grandparents vintage Chevy as an anniversary surprise she takes it. But she can't drive stick, she she asks her former high school flame for help.

A sweet story about reconnecting high school sweethearts, and the road trip that brings them back together. My heart went out to Allie who was trying her best to prove to her family that she could be trusted with the big things. I liked that Luke owned up to the fact that he hadn't treated Allie well in the past, and wanted to move forward. A quick read about giving love another chance.


Pining for You by Melissa Ferguson
Theo Watkins drops everything for the chance to win back the girl that got away, but can he get Skye to look past his big city ways.

Theo is a man who has it all, except for the one that got away. Theo is a sweet man, though timing isn't always his friend. Skye is skeptical of the big city businessman that she once knew so well, I loved her parents and how much they love what they do. A second chance romance in a picturesque mountain town. A fun clean read.

He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not by Kathleen Fuller
Sophie Morgan has spent years building her business, letting her dating life go by the wayside. Suddenly she has two men vying for her attentions.

A cute romance about jumping back into dating after a long time off. A fun read, entertaining and humorous. I liked Joe, he's just as awkward as she is. And I thought it was a unique spin on the second chance at love theme.

A fun collection of novellas, with great characters!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An enjoyable collection by three authors I enjoy. Denise Hunter's book are always delightful and swoon-worthy.

This was such a fun collection by very talented authors. I especially enjoyed Melissa Ferguson's story since I had already met some of the characters in another book. I recommend this book for those who enjoy short, light hearted romances. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

These are each reunion romances, thus the collection’s title. I enjoy watching characters have a second chance at love.

The heroine in A Summer Detour must prove herself to herself and to her parents. She takes on a too-big task and of course runs into tons of trouble along the way. A humorous and light summer read. The heroine can’t let her family down, and the hero can’t either, as they are his honorary family. That tie-in compelled these two to work together, which led to the romance. A couple of unfortunate ingredients: predictability, shaming, rushed romance. However, this was my favorite novella in the group.

In Pining for You, our hero is a “fish out of water,” which was a fun twist. Plenty of humor making for another light read. One of this novella’s themes was the heroine learning to do what she chose, without letting other’s opinions paralyze her. Readers may relate as many of us worry about what others think. Another theme was facing one’s regrets with courage and hopefully, victory. I like that element. A touch of critique: Seattle isn’t on the coast, it is not oceanfront. Seattle is on Puget Sound and Lake Washington. There were several POV missteps in the advanced reader copy that may have been addressed in rewrites. I also felt I was missing something from not having read an earlier series, maybe?

I found more humor early in He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. Sometimes it’s the random elements that make readers chuckle. I’ll be honest and say I didn’t get too far into this third story. Juvenile and contrived aspects kept me from engaging. Perhaps her full-length fiction connects to this novella?

Overall, a light, romantic summertime collection. Well-read fans will likely connect easily with these novellas.

I wish these authors all the best.

I picked this one up because I read everything that Denise Hunter and Kathleen Fuller write. I've only read one of Melissa Ferguson's books - The Cul-de-Sac War - but was excited to see her included with the other two in this collection.

This Time Around is all about second chances - grabbing them when they come around, and hanging on for dear life, even fighting for them when they do come. Three sweet romances + three awesome authors = one very happy, satisfied reader!

Denise Hunter's, A Summer Detour, introduces Allie Adams and Luke Fletcher. Allie feels like her family's perpetual screw-up. Baby of the family, she feels like no one takes her seriously, or trusts her with important things. When the opportunity arises to show how responsible she can be by driving her grandfather's restored '57 Chevy to their 50th anniversary party, she jumps on it. She is stymied however, by the fact that the car has standard transmission, and she never learned to drive a stick. She needs a driver, fast, but the only one available is Luke, the boy next door who stole her teenage heart one day, then crushed it by leaving without a word the next. Can they survive a 10-hour road trip with their hearts intact?

Melissa Ferguson takes readers to a Christmas tree farm in Virginia, where owner Theo Watkins returns to find his childhood best friend helping her parents, and living across the road. He's more Tesla than tractor, and she's the girl he left behind. Can he win her back, despite the buried secrets keeping them apart?

Kathleen Fuller returns to Maple Falls, AR, where Sophie Morgan owns the town's successful flower shop. She's 35, and has spent years pouring herself into her shop at the expense of a personal life. Determined to change that, she decides she needs to go on a date and immediately has two men expressing an interest. Which one will win her heart?

I loved these stories! I was pretty sure I would because I have never been disappointed by these authors, but oh, my! Each is a fairly fast read, so they're more like a snack than the main meal, but together, they were an enjoyable way to spend a couple of afternoons! I absolutely recommend! #ThisTimeAround; #NetGalley

~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~

I really enjoyed this collection of 3 short (clean) romances. I always like a good Denise Hunter book and found a couple new-to-me authors now, too- this is a collection of great group of authors! I think my favorite story was the last one, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not by Kathleen Fuller, but all of them are good and quick reads. This Time Around was a perfect book for a cozy, autumn evening!! I definitely recommend!