Published March 5, 2013 by Zebra
Genre: romance, contemporary romance novel, anthology, women's fiction, chick lit
Rating: 5 stars
"We took separate roads - but that doesn't mean we can't go back. No" - he shook his head - "not back. Forward. Life is still full of possibilities for us. And one of them is us, together." ROMEO & JULIET...AND JANE by Elizabeth Basset
YOU'RE STILL THE ONE by Janet Dailey, Cathy Lamb, Mary Carter, Elizabeth Bass
What I am reviewing today is an anthology co-authored by some of the most prominent names in the romance and women's fiction industry. Few authors have the ability to deliver a solid tale within the limited space of a short story without lacking intensity and emotional impact, or without rushing the narration through a poor world and character building. In this case, not only these fabulous storytellers avoided those flaws, they also succeeded in lacing the canvas of vastly exploited tropes such as star-crossed lovers and second chances with touches of humor and magic-filled serendipity. Bittersweet memories of an ill-fated love and regrets for what might have been haunt for years the protagonists of these stories, but be it a chance at love and family for a woman born on the wrong side of the tracks (The Apple Orchard), or a magic encounter in The Big Easy (A Kiss Before Midnight), a juvenile love blossomed on the stage of a high-school play (Romeo & Juliet...And Jane), or an ex-husband trying to sabotage his ex-wife's engagement to another man (The Devil And Mr. Chocolate) , true love is the undercurrent of electricity that defies time, misunderstandings, even magic spells, bringing soul mates and old flames back together. Of the four short stories featured in this lovely collection, two in particular impressed me for their originality, emotional poignancy and complex narrative structure: in The Apple Orchard by Cathy Lamb and A Kiss Before Midnight by Mary Carter, setup, conflict and resolution are more developed, emotions are more powerful.
"A short story is the ultimate close-up magic trick - a couple of
thousand words to take you around the universe or break your heart",
reminds us Neil Gaiman. Janet Dailey, Cathy Lamb, Mary Carter, and Elizabeth Bass didn't fail in this respect. You're Still The One is a heartwarming and uplifting celebration of love lost and regained.
*Review copy generously offered by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased opinion.
*Review copy generously offered by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased opinion.
GIVEAWAY
The publisher is graciously offering a copy of YOU'RE STILL THE ONE to a lucky US/Canada resident who will leave a comment about this review. Let me hear your thoughts about second chances in romantic fiction and please leave your email address in the comment section. Thank you and good luck!
Can't wait to read this book, love the authors...icing on my cake would be to win :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope you will, Christine! Thank you so much for stopping by. Please visit again and kindly let me have your email address. I would hate not to be able to reach you in case you win :)
DeleteI love second chance romances. Those are some of my favorites because usually they were too young before, but then the second chance to prove how much they do care/love them. This book sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletechristinebails at yahoo dot com
I do to, Christine! Somehow these stories can be even more romantic and hope inspiring. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and best of luck with the giveaway!
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ReplyDeleteI believe in second chances, and love second chance books. There is still a chance for that happy ending. I have a great time checking out new authors I haven't heard of before. Thanks so much Mina!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Erika. This is one of my favorite tropes. Good luck with the giveaway and thank you for visiting the blog!
DeleteI like to read about second chances.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
Then you will love this one! I highly recommend it :) Good luck and thank you for dropping by!
ReplyDeleteI love reading about second chances! It's always interesting to find out what actually makes the relationship work second time around!
ReplyDeleteehaney578 at aol dot com
Interesting point, Elizabeth :) Thank you for your comment. Good luck!
DeleteI love me some romance :-)
ReplyDeleteI too like to know what changed or what was missing in order to make the relationship work the second time.
mj(dot)emma64(at)gmail(dot)com
There is something so intriguing in seeing how the relationship between these "once-lovers" has evolved, Emma. It's an interesting dynamic, meeting someone you used to know and love, and yet get to know him/her again and falling in love again. Thank you for stopping by the blog, Emma. Good luck
DeleteHey Mina!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to get more into reading and this book sounds like one I'd be interested in. Who doesn't love to read about a second chance:)?
-Robin
ragrant925(at)yahoo(dot)com
This book would introduce you to four wonderful authors. Great way to start a reading habit, Robyn! Thank you so much for your comment and best of luck with the giveaway :)
DeleteSecond chances so romantic would love to read this book.lomazowr@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda! I agree with you and I hope you will manage to put your hands on this anthology. Thank you for visiting the blog and good luck!
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