The Apple Orchard by Cathy Lamb:
“It had always been like this between us. Raw, amazing honesty.”
Allie and Jace fell in love during a summer in Yellowstone in their very early twenties. They both had a troubled 
childhood and found solace in each others arms sharing their hopes, dreams and future plans. They lost touch when they went back to college and unfortunately Allie went through a traumatic experience with her father. Again. She runs in to Jace by chance after several years and surprisingly the sizzle is still there.
They must decide if they can recapture what they once had or if there are too many secrets and hard feelings for them to overcome.
A Kiss Before Midnight by Mary Carter:
Rebecca Ryan finds herself going back to New Orleans on vacation two decades after her first life-altering trip. She intends to track down two people…the voodoo priestess who put a curse on her, and the man with whom she shared an incredible night so long ago. Musician Grant Dodge is over the moon on opening night of his jazz club in the French Quarter. And although he knows it will be an amazing night, he never expects the love of his life to literally fall into his arms.
Rebecca and Grant can still feel their connection after all those years but too many things may have happened for them to reclaim their past.
Romeo & Juliet…and Jane by Elizabeth Bass:
Jane Canfield and Roy McGillum fell in love while playing Romeo and Juliet in their high school production senior year. Their relationship lasted through college but they found themselves going their separate ways due to their career choices. When Roy returns home to sell his mother’s house, he runs into Jane at the vet clinic where she works. After their brief and less-than-stellar reintroduction to each other they realize their mutual attraction hasn’t dissipated in the least. Try as they might they still feel and act like teenagers when they are together much to the town’s amusement.
They both must face life changing decisions if they wish to move forward and not just dwell on the past.
The Devil and Mr Chocolate by Janet Dailey:
“Why is it ridiculous? After all, it’s better the devil you know than the Mr Chocolate you don’t.”
Artist Sebastian Cole and his ex-wife (and gallery owner) Kitty Hamilton still have undeniable chemistry together. She is a bit impulsive when it comes to romance and has fallen in love with Belgian chocolate maker Marcel. When her fiance finds her in a rather compromising position with Sebastian, he starts to question her on her decision to let her ex keep his studio on her property. She finds herself running to Sebastian after an argument with Marcel and realizes how easy it is to fall back into old habits.
These are four romantic stories with four equally charming couples. They are all so different yet they meld together beautifully being written with the recurring “second chances” theme. Cathy Lamb wrote an inspiring story of two people overcoming incredible odds to make their dreams come true. Mary Carter used the mystique that is New Orleans to throw two music lovers together under incredible circumstances. Author Elizabeth Bass created a situation based in a small town full of humor and romance. And Janet Dailey used the magic of Santa Fe and art as her backdrop for a steamy rekindling.
All four authors did a wonderful job with the theme.I would definitely recommend this collection.
Rating:
Book Info: Kensington Zebra Books (March 5, 2013)
A knowing wink. . .a smile that tugs at the heartstrings. . .a mind-blowing kiss. In this unforgettable collection of stories, four women have a second chance to rekindle an old spark. . .
The Apple Orchard by Cathy Lamb
When an injury lands Allie Pelletier in the emergency room, she comes face-to-face with the only man she’s ever truly loved–Dr. Jace Rios. But can Jace also mend their wounded past and show Allie they’re destined to be together?
A Kiss Before Midnight by Mary Carter
Rebecca Ryan has never forgotten the magical night she spent in New Orleans with musician Grant Dodge. Now twenty years later, Rebecca is reunited with Grant. Their attraction is as electric as ever–and they have more to catch up on than either imagined. . .
Romeo & Juliet. . .And Jane by Elizabeth Bass
When veterinarian Jane Canfield’s first love, Roy McGillum, returns to town, memories of their high school performance as Romeo and Juliet–and their real-life romance–come rushing back. And when Roy shows up at Jane’s window, she’ll have to decide if it’s time for an encore. . .
The Devil And Mr. Chocolate by Janet Dailey
Art gallery owner Kitty Hamilton is newly engaged to a delicious Belgian chocolatier. But her artist ex-husband, Sebastian, is determined to sabotage her plans with an even more tempting indulgence–the irresistible chemistry they still share.