Lilac Meadows is a charming springtime collection of short stories by Fern Michaels, Carolyn Brown, and Lori Foster. I truly enjoyed all three stories. Each one was heartwarming and ended on a happy note, as you would expect from these beloved authors. They’re quick, enjoyable reads with just enough depth to leave an impression. Like most short stories I read, my only wish is that they were longer.

The stories were narrated by Natalia Payne. Her narration was expressive and engaging, making it easy to stay immersed in the stories.

Publication date- April 29, 2025
#LilacTime #NetGalley

I really enjoyed all three of these stories but The Memory Cabin by Carolyn Brown was my favorite. I was not expecting to cry today but that story really got me.

Lilac Time consists of novellas by Lori Foster, Fern Michaels, and Carolyn Brown. It is narrated by Natalia Payne.

It’s been a while since I read a Fern Michaels book. When I had the opportunity to listen to a novella by her and two other authors that were new to me, I couldn’t resist.

Sweet as Honey by Fern Michaels -3 stars
Natalie goes home to help after her father had a fall. I struggled with this as I found Natalie to be irritating and immature. A minor delay while honey was being delivered caused her to overreact whenever she heard the word “honey” or someone winked (honey logo). It end on too long and the romance was very rushed.

Everything She’d Ever Wanted by Lori Foster - 5 stars
Lori Foster is a new author to me. I absolutely loved this story. Annabeth watches out for her elderly next-door neighbor who happens to have a handsome nephew, Devlin. As you learn about both of their back stories you can’t help but root for the two of them to get together. I will definitely be looking for more books by Lori Foster!

The Memory Cabin by Carolyn Brown - 5 stars
Carolyn Brown was another author I was not familiar with. This story is both happy and sad and three friends get together at cabin to deal with tragedies that have happened in their lives. This time things are different. Has Jenna healed enough that she is able to move past her mother’s death and the end of her marriage and open her heart to love again? Another author whose work is now in my TBR pile.

I enjoyed Natalia Payne’s narration on all three stories and will look for more books narrated by her.

Thank you to the authors, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for the Advanced
Listener Copy (ALC) copy of these books and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

If you are a fan of short stories, you will enjoy this book which comprises of three (3) novellas. For me, every time I got invested into the story, it ended and then I wanted more. The narration of the audiobook could have been better as it did not help to bring the stories across effectively.

Overall, it was a nice, cozy read and if you’re looking for quick, feel-good love stories without too much drama, this book might be just right for you.

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ARC.

These were sweet short stories and I enjoyed them, thanks for having me as an ARC reader.
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Lilac Time is a bind-up of three connected small-town romances, and overall it’s been a mixed but rewarding experience for me.

The first story, Sweet as Honey, follows Natalie and is told in single POV. I struggled to connect with her, and the story felt very slow. It was especially frustrating that the love interest barely speaks to Natalie until the very end, even though it was set up as enemies-to-lovers. I did admire Natalie’s strong love for her parents and the cozy food descriptions, which brought some heart to the story.

The second story, Everything She’d Ever Wanted, was a big improvement. It’s told in dual POV between Annabeth and Devin, a single father. I really enjoyed the natural chemistry between them. Their relationship felt much more engaging and authentic, and it was refreshing after the slower pace of the first story.

The third story, Memory Cabin, focuses on Carson and Jenna. It explores themes of grief, healing, and falling in love while each of them is working through their own grief. Their story brings a deeper, more emotional tone to the collection, showing that love can bloom even after heartbreak.

Overall, Lilac Time is a cozy, heartfelt collection with some ups and downs, but it ultimately delivers a satisfying emotional journey.

Lilac Time
by Lori Foster; Fern Michaels; Carolyn Brown
Narrated by Natalia Payne

Three different authors and three different stories, one narrator.

SWEET AS HONEY - Fern Michaels **
Natalie Simmons returns to her hometown to assist her dad during his recovery from hip surgery. As a talented graphic designer, she relishes the freedom to work from anywhere, but her focus is on family during this challenging time. While volunteering at the vibrant local farmer's market, she crosses paths with Garrett and his spirited sister, Georgia, who passionately runs the Honey Business, known for its artisanal products. Initially, Natalie finds it difficult to connect with Garrett; their interactions are filled with tension and misunderstandings. However, as the adage suggests, love often emerges in the most unexpected circumstances, revealing that perfection isn't a necessity in matters of the heart.

I’ve tried delving into Fern Michaels' works before, but they never seem to resonate with me. This time, I decided to explore one of her audiobooks, hoping for a different experience. While it was an enjoyable listen, it ultimately didn’t captivate me as I had hoped.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED - Lori Foster **

Annabeth often finds herself captivated by her neighbour Sony's striking nephew, Devlin, who juggles the challenges of single fatherhood with grace. His life may seem chaotic, yet it radiates a warmth and joy that she has always yearned for, having grown up in the uncertainty of foster care. The vibrant bond between Devlin’s spirited little girl, Mia and Annabeth’s feisty dog, Ruby, blossoms unexpectedly, hinting at the potential for more than just a delightful friendship. While the narrative unfolds sweetly and follows a predictable path, it ultimately lacks the lingering impact I had hoped for.


The Memory Cabin - Carolyn Brown ****

Jenna Stewart is a painter whose vibrant colours often reflect the turmoil of her life. After enduring a tumultuous decade marked by divorce papers arriving just as she lost her beloved mother, Jenna's world turned grey. Yet, amidst her grief, she found solace in two kindred spirits: Amber and Kelly, whom she met during grief counselling. Together, they forged an unbreakable bond, meeting each year at Jenna's serene lakeside cabin in Texas, where the gentle lapping of the water and the scent of pine invite them to reminisce and heal.

Carson Makay, after completing his military service, returns to his hometown to take on the role of park ranger, stepping into the shoes of his uncle Victor. Haunted by the shadows of his own emotional journey, Carson grapples with reintegrating into civilian life. Yet, as he reconnects with Jenna and witnesses her resilience, their friendship deepens. The warmth of their shared moments begins to transcend their pasts, revealing an unexpected and profound connection between them.

This beautifully woven tale explores the themes of healing, the power of friendship, and the courage to move forward, reminding us that even in our darkest times, light can break through and lead us to new beginnings.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to both the Publisher and the Author for generously providing me with a complimentary audio Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel through NetGalley. This review is my sincere, unbiased reflection of the book, shaped solely by my own thoughts and experiences.

Love is in the Air! Three wonderful romance writers equals three short romance novellas. I couldn’t tell you which one is my favorite. The stories are not interwoven but each MC is a woman who isn’t looking for love, but love finds them away. Plus there is a beloved pet in each story. The narrator did an excellent job, so much so that I listened to the entire book in one day. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC, also #RB. All opinions expressed are my own.

This trio of love stories was just the ticket, I loved them, but I've realised more of a long format girlie, the only drawback that I could see to the stories was that they had to finish just when I was more invested into what was happening to each couple.

If you personally like short stories, this would be perfect, because in no more than 7h, you've got enemies to lovers, sweet single dad getting a new lease on life and more.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

When I first read the description for Lilac Time, I was excited—it sounded like the perfect, sweet collection of stories to ease into spring and summer. With authors like Lori Foster, Fern Michaels, and Carolyn Brown, I had high hopes for a cozy, heartwarming listen.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t even make it halfway through the first book. The narrator’s voice was so distracting that it completely pulled me out of the story. I’m sorry to say, but the voice sounded like a heavy smoker robot—monotone, raspy, and mechanical. It made it incredibly hard to connect with the characters or enjoy the atmosphere the authors were trying to create.

Normally, I don’t post reviews for books I DNF, but since this was an audiobook, I feel it’s important to mention that the narrator plays a huge role in the experience. No matter how good the writing might be, the voice delivering it has to match the tone of the story—and sadly, that just wasn’t the case here.

I’m giving Lilac Time two stars, mainly because the idea and authors still deserve some credit, but I truly couldn’t get past the narration.

Lilac Time is a story collection with entries by Fern Michaels (Sweet as Honey), Lori Foster (Everything She’d Ever Wanted), and Carolyn Brown (The Memory Cabin). Each story finds a young woman at a crossroads of sorts, whether returning home, searching for her place in the world, or making peace with loss. As she seeks answers, the question she wasn’t asking is the one that gets answered.

Each is a sweet story with a feel good conclusion. I did enjoy this collection and would recommend it to those interested in this genre.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audio version. First off I didn't care for the narrator, I am not sure who thought it would be okay to hire a woman that sounds like a smoker voice to narrate was just not a good idea.

The stories were okay.. I am usually not into short stories. They often feel very very rushed but the first story just was slap in your face all about climate control. I think that the MFC was just annoying and I felt like the romance just literally happened at the last few sentences and it felt just off and sudden. The other stories were okay also. I mean if you are looking for a fast summer read that is perfect to kill time traveling in the car or plane or by the pool you will like this if you like short stories. It was just okay for me.

Sweet collection of three novellas, headlined by one of my favorite authors…that I’ve been reading for MANY years, Fern Michaels!

Three very different short stories revolving around friends, families, couples, vacations, small towns, and who you can really depend on when you are in a funk. OR, celebrating. OR, need someone to talk to. OR, need some advice. OR, need a hug.

Started with the Fern Michaels story, which I adored… add in bees.🐝… and beekeepers…and you have yourself a very different take on storytelling!

We also have stories by Carolyn Brown and Lori Foster. Once again, very different stories, but with great character building and deep roots. They make you want to get to know the people in the books… and actually make them your friends! Oh… and there’s dogs… and cats!

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#LilacTime by #FernMichaels, #CarolynBrown and #LoriFoster. Narrated nicely by #NataliaPayne.


Thanks so much to #NetGalley and & #RBMedia for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

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These were good short stories that I really appreciated because they got straight to the romance. Nothing about them wowed me but they were really sweet stories that made me smile. I feel like they are more realistic with how people meet and don't have some drama keeping them apart.

The last story though with the girl that looks like her mom gave me chills though!

“Lilac Time” gives you three novellas, three different flavors of emotional mess, and one very strong urge to hug a pet with a ridiculous name. The premise is solid: women at crossroads, small-town backdrops, and enough lilacs and lemonade to wallpaper a Hallmark set. But let’s be real — this collection is less about the flowers and more about women trying to figure out how to live after the rug’s been yanked out from under them.

In “Sweet as Honey” by Fern Michaels, Natalie Simmons heads home to help her dad recover from hip surgery and maybe avoid making eye contact with her romantic past. She’s a web designer for rock stars (which feels extremely unbothered of her), but she trades in the city for farmer’s market booths and food pantry shifts while she stays with her parents — and also while dodging a complicated emotional rebound. The real plot starts buzzing when she meets Garrett, a grumpy but golden-hearted beekeeper who initially comes off like the human equivalent of a wet newspaper. He and his sister Georgia run a small honey company, and while Garrett clearly wants nothing to do with this rom-com energy, their slow-burn bickering builds into something sweet. Mr. Meowser (her cat) and Mr. Bumbles (his dog) obviously steal the show. There's a Fourth of July Jamboree, because of course there is. And while nothing in this story breaks new ground, the cozy small-town energy is so strong you can practically smell the honey sticks.

“Everything She’d Ever Wanted” by Lori Foster is a different kind of soft. Anna Beth Sanders has no family — not really. She grew up in foster care, she lives alone with her very emotionally intuitive Chiweenie named Ruby, and her version of human connection is hanging out with her elderly neighbor Sony and pretending not to be crushed by how lonely she is. Then comes Devlin — Sony’s nephew — and Devlin’s five-year-old daughter Mia, who Anna Beth can’t help but adore. Mia and Ruby are instant soulmates. Anna Beth and Devlin… not so much. At least not at first. But Sony is a seasoned chaos agent and determined to play matchmaker. It’s sweet, it’s slow, and it’s less about sweeping romantic gestures and more about what it means to belong — to a person, a community, maybe even a future. This one’s the only story that brings a little heat — like someone finally remembered grown adults have hormones and unresolved tension. Also? The grandma drama is peak meddling energy, and you’ll want to throw something at her. In the best way.

Carolyn Brown’s “The Memory Cabin” is all about emotional rubble. Jenna Stewart gets hit with the double whammy of a marriage falling apart and her mother dying — on the same damn day — and it sends her straight back to the lake cabin she grew up in. She paints. She processes. She meets Carson Makay, the soon-to-be park ranger with a conveniently tragic backstory and a history with Jenna that goes back fifteen years. But this story isn’t just about the romance — it’s also about friendship. Jenna’s annual grief-counseling weekend with her two best friends (Amber and Kelly, forever iconic) adds warmth and grounding to a story that otherwise could’ve tipped into melancholy. There are secrets, shared memories, and that very specific kind of love story that only happens after everything else falls apart. Carson doesn’t save her. He just shows up — and lets her choose what comes next.

Three stars. The pacing is uneven. Some emotional arcs get microwaved. And a couple of the romantic pairings go from "who are you?" to "I’d die for you" a little too quickly. But there’s real charm here. This is a collection about second chances — not the dramatic kind, but the quiet, hopeful ones. The ones that sneak up on you at a farmer’s market or in the middle of painting a lake at sunrise. If you need a reset, a warm hug of a read, or just a book where people have actual conversations and nobody gets ghosted or murdered? “Lilac Time” delivers.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for an advanced audiobook.

A compliation of three books by three different authors brings some healing stories and romance. Fern michaels story Sweet as honey Natalie Simmons is a graphic designer and works online designing and maintaining websites for bands and recording artists. After a relationship with her boyfriend, Alec, ended, she gladly returns to her hometown to help care for her dad who had hip replacement surgery. Everything she ever wanted - Anna Beth Sanders has never had a "family". Her parents died when she was very young, and her childhood was spent living with one foster family after another. Anna Beth lives with her Chiweenie dog, Ruby. She watches over her elderly neighbor, Sony, who lives alone. She enjoys spending time with him. To her he feels like family. The Memory Cabin - Carolyn Brown Jenna Stewart loves to paint and works online with art galleries. On the same day that her husband of 11 months handed her divorce papers, her mom's housekeeper called to tell her that her mom had died suddenly of an aneurysm. These are stories of healing from loss and trauma and finding your path forward back to love by still being yourself. Definitely great for the beach as well as quick reads recommend to the light reader. Thanks to Netgalley. the authors and publisher.

This is three books in one and I think they all deserve a separate breakdown.

Book one: sweet as honey
The main character Natalie has broken up with her boyfriends and in typical romance way something happens that causes her to move back in with her parents. In this case, she moved back in to help with her father.
Small town, typical romance, literally almost bumped into a guy and she can’t get him off her mind. While going about her life, she is constantly thinking about him. She ends up, designing a website for his business, and we assume happily ever after.
I can’t remember the title, but this was basically a Christmas book. I read a few years ago. Different characters, different setting same story though.
2/5 stars just not creative. The best part was the cat Mr. Meowser.

Book 2: Everything she’d ever wanted
Annabeth and Devlin cute love story Devlin’s wife died he has a small daughter and him and Annabeth have had feelings for each other for a long time. They are finally opening up to those feelings and to each other. Annabeth truly cares for his family and is unlike other girls. I wish this story was longer it was so cute and touching to read.
I really related to Annabeth not having family of her own, as well as Mia losing her mom at such a young age.
4/5

Book 3: The memory cabin
A group of friends that get together at the cabin in the summer, but they are all moving on with their lives. Different from the other 2 books as this one is a group of friends rather than one lead female. It’s typical group getting together looking back and moving on. With romance involved. There really isn’t a whole lot to say about it.
2/5

I wanted to listen to this audiobook because of one of my favorite authors, Lori Foster and it was just a bonus to get two more authors novellas as well. Lori Foster once again proved why she has become a favorite. I absolutely adore the single dad trope. Plus she really pulled on my heartstrings when our h was an orphan who gets a family in her happily ever after. Loved it! I’m also happy to get a taste of two new to me authors. I enjoyed both and plan to check out more by both of them. I must also mention the narrator did a great job with all three novellas.

Th stories were fine but not the greatest. All kind of a little boring.
The narrator really took me out of the stories. Definitely not a good fit.

I find books that are a compilation of short stories to be very relaxing at the end of a long day and these three all star authors and a great narrator feed my soul. First up is Fern Michaels', "Sweet as Honey. "Natalie and Garrett's story is all about building expectations until the very end. The plotting was so unique and had me using my imagination to guess what would happen in their future.
Next up is Lori Foster's, "Everything She'd Ever Wanted." I read everything Lori Foster writes and this story truly warmed my heart. Annabeth is someone you can't help but fall in love with and she deserves all the best things in life. Devlin and his family have the ability to make all of her wishes come true. I didn't want this HEA to ever end!
The grand finale is Carolyn Brown's, "The Memory Cabin." A sweet, slow burn romance about three friends discovering their second chance at happiness. A testament to never give up!