Contemporary Romance

BET/Arabesque

Various Authors

1-58314-389-0

April 2003

(4+) Wayne Jordan

PLOT SYNOPSIS: 

Three beloved romance authors offer a heartwarming collection of stories about three single mothers who each win a beauty makeover and a blind date . . . and a chance at everlasting love.

REVIEW: 

I am not a big fan of anthologies, preferring the longer leisurely stroll of the full 250 – 300 words of a novel, but I’ve always enjoyed the BET/Arabesque Mother’s Day anthologies This year, the editors at BET/Arabesque have outdone themselves with three stories that are equally moving, touching, and celebrate the spirit of motherhood. It’s difficult to say which story I consider the best, as I found each story to be well-written and equally entertaining.

In the first story, Deidre Savoy’s “FAIRY GODFATHER” (4+), which sets up the premise of the anthology, Alonzo Clark, comes up with the idea of a Mother’s Day contest to help his young friend, Nicholas Johnson, give his mother a special gift for that day.  The host of a morning radio show, he convinces the producers to sponsor a contest asking kids across the country to send in letters saying why their moms should win.  When the producers of the show suggest that he offers himself as one of the blind dates, his initial reluctance quickly changes when he realizes that there’s something very special about Nicholas’ mom.

Jacqueline Thomas’ “THE PRICE OF A MOTHER'S LOVE” (4+) focuses on the importance of forgiveness and second changes.  Kree Mansfield’s life has been a hard one.  With the death of her parents, she has had to take on the responsibility of caring for her younger brother and sister.  Her husband, Stone, leaves her when a careless accident leaves their son, Korey, paralyzed, and she refuses to give up caring for her siblings.   When Korey hears about the Alonzo Clark contest, he enters, putting into motion a series of events he hopes will bring his mother and father back together. Ms. Thomas has created a truly heartwarming story.

And finally, relative newcomer, Karen White-Owens pens a touching story about a young boy aching for the attention of his father and the love of a mother.  Since his wife’s death, Dane Harris finds comfort in working long hours not realizing that he has been neglecting his son, Scott, who is also missing his mother.  Ashleigh, Scott’s teacher, realized that her young charge is hurting, and makes it her business to speak to the father.  Unfortunately, they clash, but Scott is more than convinced that they belong together, and prays for Ashleigh to become his mother.  Things become a bit magical when Tony, Scott’s guardian angel, comes to offer his help and advice.  It’s enough to say that what happens is not only hilarious, but moving and truly magical.  “A MOTHER FOR SCOTT” (5) is sheer perfection.

As perfect as a mother’s love, TO MOM, WITH LOVE, takes the reader into the lives of very special characters that make you laugh, cry, and laugh again.  Each story speaks to the heart and embraces the spirit of motherhood.  TO MOM, WITH LOVE, in its special hardcover edition, is the perfect Mother’s Day gift.

wayne@romanceincolor.net (25th April 2003)