Includes the RITA Award finalist story for excellence in romance fiction, “In His Arms” by Jules Dixon. Welcome to quaint Monroe Falls, Vermont. Get ready to embark on a journey of unexpected love that won’t be forgotten. Who’s keeping secrets with the power to destroy everything? Who can’t let the past go? Who regrets returning but just can’t leave? Who’s had love staring them in the face for years, but never had the courage to make a move? Will their chance at love be stolen away? Seven authors join to create heartfelt, interwoven romance stories. Come fall in love! Between the Lines by Kristin Cox Pretending an impetuous NYE kiss was nothing tortures him. Can he help her see their love might be the best story ever written? The Secret of Us by Wynter S.K. One unforgettable weekend changed them forever. Can they help his best friend—her brother—see it’s true love? Take My Hand by Nikki Hyson He thought coming home, facing a past tragedy, would be his hardest lesson. He didn’t know she’d be there, willing to teach him how to love. Hooked On You by Jacqueline Winters Sky is the first woman to catch Carter’s eye since his wife passed. Will he reel her in? Or will she be the one who got away? The Road to Us by Sandra Falk Interior designer Louise finds inspiration in local butcher, Mason. Can love sketch a new future when the past painted disappointment? Autumn Renewal by M.A. Jewell Can a jaded nurse dare a renewal with her high school love despite the cloud of suspicion surrounding him? In His Arms by Jules Dixon Carelessly written words force Kiera home to protect others’ secrets while hiding her own. Will she be forgiven or forgotten?
Jules Dixon enjoys entertaining her Omaha, Nebraska, neighbors by dancing while mowing her lawn and is an annoying but lovable online distraction to her writing friends. She quite possibly eats her own body weight of Gummy Bears, Hot Tamales, and Red Vines, every year. She is addicted to everything related to the amazing emotion of love, and has been referred to as “terribly optimistic” which she took as a compliment, but may not have been, and she’s okay with that.
Jules explores the rich psychology of sexuality, choices, and conflicts of high school, college, and young adult characters in her novels and novellas.
This is only a review of the RITA finalist novella, In His Arms by Jules Dixon. This was a likable story, but I had some complaints about it. First, there was just too much content for a short story. We had a cancer survivor, a family secret, mean girls, an alcoholic friend, and a biracial hero. The hero has loved her for 10 YEARS, but never did anything about it. The heroine is a physician's assistant, but we never learned why and what was the connection to her cancer story. Add a really blah sex scene and this story just didn't work for me.
Each of these writers from the first story to the last gives you a great love story with all of the small town feel. I really enjoyed how the stories included characters from the story before it. A very cohesive Anthology!