First Love Forever Romance Collection

I normally am not a huge fan of these types of stories (where the couple was together and then comes back after many years), but the ones I've read so far in this collection have been great. I especially loved the first story. Coming from a past of having an abusive alcoholic dad and being judged from that, I could really relate to the hero of this story. I loved seeing this romance come together.

First Love Forever Romance Collection by various authors shares stories of love revisited and commitments renewed.
There are nine original stories in this collection by well-known authors such as Susanne Dietz, Carrie Fancett Pagels and Erica Vetsch. The stories are set in the 1800 and 1900’s. They all reflect a first love that has been lost due to some misunderstanding or circumstance not known to both parties. When circumstances bring the couples back together much prayer and forgiveness becomes necessary. Will forgiving lead to a new relationship or will friendship ensue? I found this collection very endearing and enjoyed every story. Each of the author’s unique styles keeps their story interesting and keeps the reader wanting more. I like this format as I can often finish a story in one sitting. I give this book a 5 of 5 stars and recommend it to everyone who loves Christian romance stories.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

A collection of nine novellas about first loves rekindled. Wonderful stories of faith, family, hope, courage, strength and love. The authors weave God's wondrous words and love along with lessons about trusting God while navigating through trials and tribulations. These stories are a good reminder that if we wait upon the Lord, He will provide for us. Patience is a hard thing for many of us. We try to hurry things along when God is telling us to wait and trust Him.

This collection of love stories are sweet, clean, and heart-warming, Each story is written by an excellent author, and you’ll love the characters and settings in each one. These are stories that I’ll be reading again. The length of each story is perfect for an afternoon’s light, enjoyable reading, You’ll have fun reading this collection.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. I was not required to to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.

What is sweeter than a first love? Finding them again and still feeling it! I liked that this collection covered men and women. I enjoyed this selection of love stories and the diversity of this collection. The characters and situations are so real, reading each story in one setting was a must! If you like sweet romance.. you should like this collection!

What’s better than another fabulous romance collection from Barbour Publishing? How about one that’s full of stories of one of my favorite romance threads? Second chances at first love.

There are nine (yep, you read that right, NINE) novellas in the First Love Forever Romance Collection. And yes, I could review all nine, but we’d be here a while so instead, I’ll highlight a few of my favorites.

“A Most Reluctant Bride” by Cynthia Hickey was probably my favorite out of the nine (but it was a very close race between three of these stories for that top spot. In this story, Maggie Spoonmore marries a man she had a major crush on as a girl. As Maggie and Zach spend their days together as a married couple, her feelings return. Unfortunately, Zach only married her for the ranch. Maggie and Zach are great together. Zach respects and understands where Maggie’s talents lie (which is not in the running of the house) and wants her by his side.

Jennifer Uhlarik takes a bit of a different approach with a hearing-impaired hero and heroine in “Heartfelt Echoes.” A misunderstanding has kept distance between these two but when Millie’s mother sends for Travis McCaffrey, he wastes no time in coming to Millie’s rescue. But she’s not the same girl he remembers from school and something sinister is going on at her home.

Appropriately titled “First Things First,” as Susanne Dietz’s novella is the first in the collection, when Ward Harper returns to town, Georgie Bridge is both shocked and dismayed. Shocked because Ward is back, dismayed because he’s representing a man in a case against her father. With plenty of brothers and one of them in trouble, the Bridge’s turn to Ward for assistance. Can Ward crawl out of the shadows of his parents and be the man Georgie deserves?

That’s only a third of the stories in this collection. Each novella is on the longer side but still the right amount to kick back and finish in in one evening. It may introduce you to a new author and it could even re-introduce you to some characters you’ve seen before (as is the case with the stories from Carrie Fancett Pagels and Erica Vetsch).

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.