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Saturday, November 5, 2016

Romantic Stories Perfect Gift

Letterbox Love Stories
Authors: Jenny Twist, Lindsay Townsend, Cara Marsi, Marie Laval, Gemma Juliana, Helena Fairfax, Denyse Bridger, Rose Anderson, and Lynn Crain. 
Genre: Romance, anthology
ASIN: B01HJ41MKQ
Buy Link: myBook.to/LLS



Reviewed by Lynnette Sofras for Manic Scribbler



 Since I was already familiar with some of the authors featured in this anthology, I knew I could look forward to an entertaining read when I received this book, and I’m glad to say I wasn’t wrong.  It’s a diverse collection of stories ranging across genres, place and time and thematically linked by the arrival of a letter bringing unexpected news and adventures – what a great idea. 

There are too many to mention in one review, so I’ll just select the three most memorable.  Madeline Archer is a new author to me and her sweet historical fantasy ‘More than Wishes’ immediately transported me back to the childhood delights of first discovering the stories of the Arabian Nights. I found this story of sibling love and rivalry between twin Djin princes nothing short of enchanting.

Lindsay Townsend writes the most convincing and delightful historical fiction I’ve read in many years and her story set in mediaeval England, did not let me down.  This author has an assured sense of time and place and creates highly believable characters with very real struggles.  ‘Plain Harry’ is a compelling love story – faultless, different, and very satisfying.

Jenny Twist is one of my favourite modern authors, so I’m always eager to read anything new from her and ‘Minstrel Boy’ is one of the most powerfully evocative short stories I’ve read from her.  It concerns an idealistic young soldier-musician who goes off to fight for Spain in the Civil War, and the rather wonderful, feisty Rosa – a young Spanish woman who saves his life and steals his heart.  Beautifully told.  I want to read Rosa’s story and hope Ms Twist decides to write it. 

I could say much more about these stories.  They all demonstrate a very high standard of craftsmanship and I defy any reader not to find something they will love in this collection.  Each one is a substantial read, making the collection excellent value, and one I highly recommend.




ABOUT THE NEW BOOK REVIEW

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2 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity, Carolyn. We really appreciate it. Love Jenny

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such a wonderful review of Letterbox Love Stories. I'm so glad you enjoyed my More Than Wishes. Thank you!

    ~Rose/Madeline

    ReplyDelete

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