 Contemporary Romance |
CANDLELIGHT AND YOU Esdaile/Shuster/Walters BET/Arabesque January 2003 (3+) Debra Ross |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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Three beloved Arabesque authors contribute to this enchanting collection of stories filled with love and passion, set on the most special day of the year--Valentine's Day.
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REVIEW: |
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“Valentine’s Love” (4) by Leslie Esdaile is a warm, funny story and a winning start to this anthology. Denise Blake is a gift shop owner who at 32 has resigned herself not to get caught up in the “Hallmark” hype of Valentines Day. Brandon Thornton is a 35 year old advertising account executive, who although thoroughly enjoys women, is very career oriented. While Brandon is working on a Valentine’s Day promotional assignment in the mall, he and Denise see each other and are instantly struck by cupid’s arrow. Denise thinks Brandon looks too good to be true. Brandon playboy image prevents Denise from giving him a chance. Thanks to some well meaning friends, the two finally get together with very funny and satisfying results.
Ms. Esdaile has a talent for writing likable, no nonsense, mature heroes and heroines. Denise and Brandon are no exception. As a reader you want them to get together. The secondary characters add a lighthearted comic relief to this heartwarming story. It’s wonderful to watch a self assured, mature hero go after the woman he wants by laying his heart and soul on the table. “Valentine’s Love” is another winner for Ms. Esdaile.
In “Wait For Love” (3+) by Melanie Schuster, interior designer Janice Van Hook’s newest client is Detroit Piston coach, Curt Bowden – the same man she believes stood her up at her college dance 12 years ago. Curt, however, believes that it was Janice that stood him up that fateful night. Once these two get over their past hurt, and realize that evening was engineered by a jealous third party, they remember the sincere feelings they once shared.
Janice and Curt have both grown into successful, productive adults. Janice has adopted three children, and is raising them as a single mother. Once the children decide they want Curt as their father these two don’t stand a chance. “Wait for Love” is a charming story about second chances, family values, true love and trust. I enjoyed watching this family come together and I look forward to more good things from Ms. Schuster.
In “Seventy-Two Hours and Counting” (2+) by Linda Walters we attend an out of town, weekend conference with Morgan Collins and Danton Yearwood. Morgan has been involved with her current boyfriend for two years, but something is not quite right. Morgan and Danton are colleagues, and although attracted to each other keep their distance, for both professionalism and due to Morgan’s current involvement. However, when Morgan boyfriend comes to the conference and their relationship problems become more apparent, Morgan hastily accepts a dinner invitation from Danton.
During dinner Morgan and Danton develop strong feelings for each other, and act on them. Their only problem? – Morgan’s boyfriend. This was my problem with the story. I was a little put off by a heroine that became so easily involved with a man while still technically in a committed relationship with another. I would have had more respect for Morgan had she ended her relationship with her boyfriend before getting involved with Danton. Even though the boyfriend was painted in an unflattering light, Morgan character was only a notch better. A lot of the romantic aspect of the story was lost due to this fact. I expect fidelity in a romantic story and when it’s missing the romantic quality falters.
CANDLELIGHT AND YOU is a nice mix of romantic/relationship stories by three talented authors. |
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debra@romanceincolor.net (31st January 2003) |
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