| Title | : | Thankfully in Love: A Thanksgiving Anthology |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | - |
| Publication | : | Published October 27, 2020 |
There's no place like home, especially during Thanksgiving. After spending ten years as an officer and analyst with a special division in a federal cyber-investigation, Tripp Atsilla is on the brink of burnout. Then he meets Parker Rutledge. Two years ago she changed her name and moved to a small town, hoping to leave the damage her ex-husband caused behind. Someone's found her; someone who wants to make her pay for her ex-husband's crimes. But can she trust Tripp? Can she trust anyone?
Miranda Cox isn’t looking forward to heading home for Thanksgiving. She’d raved to everyone that Matthew was the one; now she has yet another failed relationship under her belt. Despite working as a translator in Ottawa, and loving travelling abroad, she’s thirty-four and still single. When Miranda arrives at Union Station in Toronto, she’s surprised to see Taz, her childhood friend. Years earlier, they’d drifted apart. Miranda was so hurt over the loss of their friendship. She’s also shocked to learn that he’s divorced. Miranda finds herself inviting him and his sick mother for Thanksgiving dinner at her parents’ place. It is finally their time?
Chef Drew Barnett has been hired to create the perfect Thanksgiving for a potential restaurant investor, but a power outage has him scrambling to find a working kitchen. Jilted bride and food critic Claire Rothchild is pet-sitting a friend’s St. Bernard named Snowflake. She wants to hibernate for the holidays, but it turns out the guest house she’s staying in has power when the main house does not. Feeling uncomfortable for invading the privacy of his potential investor's guest, Drew doesn’t know what to make of a food critic in his kitchen, just as Claire doesn’t know how to stop interfering with his dishes and passing tidbits to a mooching pooch. Is this a recipe for a Dog-Gone Holiday? Or for love?
Born with a degenerative eye disease, photographer Kelsey Thomas knows two things: she will be legally blind within five years and her family wants to see her married and settled first. Then Kelsey's boyfriend breaks up with her one week before she planned to introduce him to her family at her grandmother's island commitment ceremony. At the resort bar, she meets Dr. Noah Lawson. He spends his life inside his lab developing cutting-edge techniques to slow the progression of vision loss. When he’s offered funding with strings—save the eyesight of the granddaughter of a wealthy investor—he’s reluctant to agree. Noah is smitten by Kelsey—so much so that he agrees to be her fake wedding date for the Thanksgiving holidays. Too late, he realizes her connection to his potential investor. Is this a set-up? Or fate?
Thankfully in Love: A Thanksgiving Anthology Reviews
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What a delight to find a book that features my favorite holiday: Thanksgiving! Not just one but FOUR short stories that center around Thanksgiving, families and love. Lest you think this is only for Americans, one of the stories takes place over the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday!
Written by four well known and well loved authors, each of the stories described below accentuate family, love and gratitude which we all need in abundance in this crazy Covid year!
No Place Like Home by Anna J Stewart is very family centric with a whole lot of romance thrown in for good measure
Second Chance by Kayla Perrin is about, yep, second chances at love. This one, with its wonderful repartee, was my favorite of the four
Dog Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis tells the story of a couple who is struggling during the holiday but find hope in one another.
Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb is your typical romance about two people brought together but who doubt the sincerity of one another.
While the anthology started out strong, the last story was not a favorite of mine. However, that is likely due to the fact that I'm not a big romance fan. I like them light and sweet and only during the holidays. Never-the-less, as a whole, I absolutely recommend Thankfully in Love to start off your holiday season with a grategul, thankful heart.
Thanks to each of the authors mentioned above, @Netgalley for my copy of this warm and entertaining book. -
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
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If you follow me then you know that I love reading anthologies. More so during the holiday where time is a factor. It's also a great way to find new authors. Authors you've wanting to try to but wasn't sure about.
For this book, I grabbed it for review because of Melinda Curtis. She's an author that I really enjoy and couldn't pass up. I've also read Perrin too so I really only had two newer to me authors.
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book. Each story is well-written and enjoyable. I can't that there isn't one that I didn't enjoy. I will say that Ann J Stewart had my favorite of all the stories. I would love more from this author. I will do a quick review of each of the stories.
No Place Like Home by Stewart is my favorite of all the stories. I loved the idea of it. Plus, I really enjoyed the Atsila family. I'd want more from this town. Second Chances by Perrin is also pretty good but my least favorite of the stories which means I still really enjoyed it but it wasn't a standout story. I didn't like what he did to her but it worked out for the best.
Up next, Dog Gone Holiday by Curtis. I so hated her ex. He is such a jerk. Love the family and how they came together for her. Even if she didn't think so at first. And finally, we have Love Guides the Way by Webb. Another author that I have read before. I really liked this one too. The whole idea about her going through what she was going through and the worry of her family really made for a charming, loving story.
I was so glad that I read this book. It's the perfect book to enjoy this Thanksgiving. I found two new authors and was able to enjoy two authors I have already read.
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ARC received for an honest review -
What could be more cozy and heartwarming than a romance set against a holiday that screams home and family? I've been meaning to try a couple of these authors and am always game to give new to me authors a go so pair them with Thanksgiving and I took up this collection of stories with delight.
I thought about doing mini reviews for each story since there are only four, but lazily decided to highlight them and briefly review the anthology as a whole, instead.
No Place Like Home by Anna J Stewart
Tripp Atsila is on leave from his FBI Cyber Crimes job to spend Thanksgiving with his gran and large family of siblings in a quaint, Northern California small town. He soon sniffs out trouble in his brothers' business manager's life and it becomes a suspenseful Thanksgiving for Tripp and Parker as they sort out her troubles and their feelings.
Second Chance by Kayla Perrin
Going home for Thanksgiving in Toronto after another relationship doesn't work out has Miranda in just the right place to see a second chance with high school crush Taz. And, with an ailing mom and his own stars aligning to spend time with Miranda, Taz takes little persuading.
Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis
Chef Drew is desperate to find a functioning kitchen when the electricity goes so he can show his mouth-watering Turkey Day stuff to a prospective client, but first he has to pay the toll for borrowing former food critic, Claire's kitchen by letting the woman and her St. Bernard into his kitchen and maybe into his heart.
Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb
Photographer Kelsey knows that the darkness is closing in as her degenerative eye disease runs its course. Her caring family wants her settled before that, but, unfortunately, a break up right before she plans to bring the boyfriend home to meet the folks is a set back and only a chance encounter with Noah offers her a replacement date. Only is Noah a chance encounter? Noah isn't so sure either when his wealthy backer who he is supposed to test his new technique places him in Kelsey's path, but he sure hopes it's fate.
Thankfully in Love presented four different romance situations set around the holidays. They were warm and sweet even with the suspenseful moments. They are shorter novellas so get to the point swiftly. I never felt that any were under-developed, but I did have moments when I saw how more page time would have given room for some quickly touched upon bits to get teased out better.
I had a few niggles in each of the stories like the first heroine's insistence to traipsing alone into a dangerous situation and the last heroine's family pulling an end around her wishes. But, for the most part, these were quickly to the conflict and quickly wrapped up because of their length.
They are perfect for a delicious dollop of Thanksgiving-style romance without the commitment of a longer read since they can be read as separate bite-size morsels. I found something in each story to want more from the authors and I will be perusing their backlists, but particularly I want more of that Atsila family in Anna J Stewart's romantic suspense story. The anthology met anticipations and I can recommend it to other contemporary romance fans who enjoy holiday, sweetly-toned romances.
I rec'd this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review. -
Home for the Holidays
Entering the Thanksgiving season, this collection of short stories by four top-flight authors is definitely a reason to give thanks. California author Anna J Stewart creates rich characters with life altering conflicts and sets them on their journeys of self-discovery to their HEA. Jamaican born Canadian author Kayla Perrin enjoys popularity on televisions shows and the press in addition to writing romance and suspense novels with a passion for inspiring people. Oregon author Melinda Curtis explored the corporate life before settling into her love for writing romance novels, some of which are becoming movies. South Carolina author Cari Lynn Webb employs the depth of family ties in writing novels that share that love isn’t always sweet and perfect but can be challenging and complicated and still resolve into HEA endings. All four of these talented ladies are USA Today best selling authors.
One of the many joys of reading this book is the fact that the stories can be read one at a time – prolonging the spirit of love before and into and after the titular season. Each of the stories features a disconsolate woman with past issues in the realm of love and each returns home for the traditional Thanksgiving celebrations where they find solutions in family support and discover new – or renewed – romance.
Very briefly, Anna J Stewart ‘s NO PLACE LIKE HOME is a light romantic suspense featuring Tripp Atsila, a burned out FBI agent looking for a change – and falls in love. Kayla Perrin’s SECOND CHANCES offers the still single at age thirty-four Miranda Cox returning to Toronto where she finds her childhood friend from school in a reuniting romance. Melinda Curtis’s DOG-GONE HOLIDAY involves a chef and a food critic sharing a living space – and a St Bernard during the holiday. Cari Lynn Webb’s LOVE GUIDES THE WAY relates the jilted, vision-impaired photographer Kelsey Thomas meeting a doctor whose emphasis is on vision research in a chance meeting during Thanksgiving.
Delivered with stylish zest and excellent character portrayals, each story explores the ambit of love, especially in that purview of past disappointments of misspent relationships. In all, this is a quartet of warm tales with happy endings, just right for complementing the flavors of the season. A 'hats off thank you’ to the ladies - and the editor Lezli Robyn! -
These stories in the compilation were so sweet, romantic and swoony. I loved all of them and seeing lovable characters find happy ever after was heartwarming.
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I got this book Thankfully in Love : A Thanksgiving Anthology as an Advance Readers Copy and the writers Anna J Stewart, Kayla Perrin, Melinda Curtis and Cari Lynn Webb. They are all fabulous stories but two of the authors became new to me and I enjoyed them very much.
Anna J. Stewart was No Place Like Home It was written in a hometown where Tripp had moved away to be a FBI Agent and did work with Internet Crimes Against Children he was so into his job that he was burned out. He was on a vacation but didn't want the family to know if or for how long. So he was helping Wade build a new Deli. Parker who ran the current one across the street who he liked and there was hidden past that nobody new about and she wanted to keep it that way. But Tripp had to deliver a letter to her and that was when she found out that she was going to be on the move again. Everybody thought it was because of Tripp so he was sent to straighten the mess out that is when he found out what was going on. But Tripp did what he did best and that was help people. This was one story I couldn't put down. Thank you Anna for your wonderful page turning story and one I couldn't put down.
Kayla Perrin is a new author to me and her story Second Chances really speaks for itself. This is definitely one story I could read over and over. Miranda is to go home for Thanksgiving with the guy she was seeing for 6 months. But when she comes home from a business trip and finds out he has blocked her on social media and his cell phone. She calls a friend and she can get through. Miranda has decided to go home and face the family alone and tell them there is no Matthew and there was no future for them. She goes out for drinks with her friends and they talk about and they come up with that Miranda has not been able to keep a relationship since high school. So Miranda goes to her parents and get to Union Station and isn't paying attention and run into her high school crush. They take a Uber to there parents house and then go out for drinks and catches up on the past. When Taz realizes that something from a long time ago. Her mother invites him and his mother over for Thanksgiving Dinner. When she tell her family about his mother's illness and how family and friends belong together on Thanksgiving. Then they spend time together before she goes back home. Then she get a call from him asking her to come back . This author who wrote a very tear jerking and heartwarming story.
Melinda Curtis is Dog-Gone Holidays was where Claire is a food critic and lifestyle blogger and Drew is a Food truck vender. Claire is planning no Thanksgiving at all this year. She is going through to much in her life. She was staying with her sister when she lost power at the cabin she was staying at. They had a mudslide so she was stuck staying at the main house. Drew was always thought there was and some kind of chemistry between the two of them so he had to find out. When the where sitting on the couch her on one side him on the other they met in the middle and and kissed. They knew there was sparks between them because she didn't want it to stop. The next day was Thanksgiving she burned her wedding bouquet. This was one Thanksgiving is that was shown what the true meaning was. Melinda did an awesome job telling this Dog-Gone Holidays from the beginning it was a family that was looking out for each other and very compassionate and you never got lost where the story was going I felt like I was in the kitchen or where ever they where.
Cari Lynn Webb is a new author to me and I enjoyed her story very much. Love Guides The Way is a pretty much as the title is. I found that I was in the book as I was reading. Kelsey was going to go blind with in up to 5 yrs and she was done have trials and doctors. So while on vacation she met this guy named Noah didn't know what he did for work they just hung out and he got to know her and did and judgement if she was a candidate to his trial program. Well she got close and on there outings thing happened that confirmed she what a candidate. Then he decided that he would not that the money for the trial. No matter what her mom or grandmother did she wanted to prove she was a grown up. This last story was very touching in many ways tear jerking and show what she went with the problem she was having.
Thankfully in Love show 4 different stories of how Love is shared around Thanksgiving.
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It’s not often we get to read Thanksgiving stories and here we have four! For me, the holiday is all about family and friends and those we make part of our family and I think these stories do this, all in different ways.
In No Place Like Home by Anna J. Stewart, there was a family of brothers (the Atsilas) who pretty much tease each other from morning ‘til night. The thing that comes thru, though, is that they are there for each other and love each other and have each other’s backs. No matter what. Trip Atsila is home on a forced vacation from work and meets Parker Rutledge. Sparks fly – and I mean whoa. There is a problem, though. Parker has a secret which leads to heart pumping intrigue and action. Add in a family holiday and well, these two are perfect for one another…if only they had the time to figure that out. Really enjoyed it!
In Second Chance by Kayla Perrin, it’s another family holiday that pulls folks into the fold. Miranda Cox has (in mho) a hilariously nosy family but you read all about the love they have for one another. Miranda meets up with an old flame in her travels back to her family, and right away, she and Taz Morrison are pulled back together and into the family fold. Tax was a bit…forward to me but his actions made sense in the story. I really enjoyed Miranda’s no-filter family and Taz’s mom.
In Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis, a great story about Claire Rothchild and Drew Barnett but the character that stole the show, for me, was Claire’s son, Olly. That kid cracked me up! Claire has come to her sister’s home to figure some things out, at a time (Thanksgiving) that truly is a hurtful time for her. She and Drew both figure out what they want and need this holiday season and it makes for a good story.
In Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb, we have another family that is just too funny for me to try to describe! They are nosy and forward and in-your-face but they are only trying to make sure everyone knows they are loved and taken care of by the rest of the family. They cracked me up every time they were on the page. This story is about Kelsey (it’s her family that get together for the holiday) and Noah. I’ll let the author tell you their backstory but suffice to say, they have a meet-cute, a family member connection in common, and lots to personally work thru so they can get to their HEA. I liked Claire’s independence and strength as much as I loved Noah’s kind heart.
These stories were fun for the holiday and a quick read for me. Although I had two favorites, I did enjoy them all. -
I don’t often see stories written during Thanksgiving, so I was more than happy to read this anthology, filled with beloved and new authors. All stories are sweet, meaning behind closed doors love scenes, but this in no way means they are short on chemistry.
No Place Like Home by Anna J Stewart. Sexy FBI agent Tripp and Parker have that chemistry to spare in this story. She’s wary of him after learning about his job, since she’s not exactly who he and his family thinks she is. I love Stewart’s romantic suspense stories and although this one is short in length, it’s definitely full in content. My favorite of the set! Oh, and now I want a dog named Crowley!!
Second Chances by Kayla Perrin. She’s a new author to me, but I’m already checking out her other works. Taz and Miranda’s relationship is both a second chance and a friends to more story. Set in Canada during their Thanksgiving holiday, their chance encounter at the train station can change the way their high school friendship ended, if Miranda is brave enough to try. A bit more frisky with the foreplay, but it shouldn’t offend sweet romance fans.
Dog-Gone Holiday was a nice story with an old friend/nemesis theme, matchmaking dogs and possibly a touch of magic. Olly is adorable and Claire needs to to move on from her cheating ex and open her eyes to Drew as he stands in front of her. I also wouldn’t mind the recipe for this ginger cookies!
Love Guides the Way. Cari Lyn Webb presents a story of one woman’s determination to live with her diagnosis rather than continue to hope for a miracle. Kelsey meets Noah on an island while awaiting her family for the holiday and a wedding. They click right away, but he has more knowledge of her than she does of him. Her mother is a nervous nelly, which in turn makes Kelsey feel guilty and annoyed by her smothering. Noah seems to smooth out those feelings. Another great addition to this set.
Each story was engaging and a treat to read. I don’t always love every story when reading/purchasing an anthology but I did with this set. To play off the title, I’m thankful that I received it! -
Thankfully in Love is a collection of four short romance stories that centre around Thanksgiving written by a quartet of USA Today well-known bestselling romance authors.
The four stories in this anthology are sweetly romantic and enjoyable to read. They are fairly similar in terms of plot and all have a relaxed, easy-going tempo to the prose. It’s clear that all four authors have worked together to ensure that whilst they each retain their story’s identity; they also complement each other rather than compete. This does mean that the book is a little comfortable and predictable. However, it does not claim to be a cerebral, deeply profound novel but an enjoyable, happy ever after collection to curl up with and escape for a few hours and it certainly fulfils that brief.
The first tale, No Place Like Home, was probably the darker, it does have an unexpected twist. I thought it was nicely constructed and the dialogue, in particular, was good. Second Chances; I found the main character, Miranda, a little frustrating but I think this was probably the most linear, traditional story and for that reason, was my favourite. Dog-Gone Holiday did not take itself too seriously and there is a slight supernatural development part way through that I should have seen given the title but didn’t. It’s a technique that normally I would not be that keen on but it’s a fun touch and works with the light-hearted spirit of the tale. Love Guides the Way; I felt was a little rushed towards the end but I liked the change of scenery from the others; the premise does get a bit samey and this last tale provided a subtle difference that kept it fresh.
All four have the classic ingredients of break-ups, mixed messages, will they/won’t they, interfering families and get-togethers set against the late Autumn/early Winter backdrop. The Thanksgiving angle although clearly prevalent, is not overwhelming which is a clever move and means the book can be read at any time of year.
Overall, a heart-warming collection that delivers on the promise of good old-fashioned, easy to read, sweet romance. Well worth a look. -
Okay first LOVING the title. I mean really how often do you get a Holiday release around Thanksgiving? If they are out there I miss them. So that for me was an eye catcher. Next I LOVE the authors, every one of them has a unique voice and will keep you quickly turning pages eager to know what happens. Each story stands on it's own. But I loved the "Thanksgiving" theme through them. Thanksgiving isn't a big holiday in my family, we get together and eat but it's not a big deal. But after reading these we have to change that. I can see Thanksgiving now getting in on the Holiday Movie craze! I mean seriously I'd love to see Hallmark make these 4 stories into movies. They are that good. Fans of Hallmark Christmas movies want to grab this release and read these stories! If you aren't a fan, well you still need to grab this book! The stories will grab you from page one and leave you eager for more. The characters are engaging and well written. The authors do a great job of making you feel like you know the characters. I highly recommend this one to EVERYONE! Go get it now. I mean NOW.
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This is an anthology of four different romances surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday. Each story was unique and does not connect to the others. They are written by four different authors.
It's about women that have had a bad relationship and how they find love again. The stories were each interesting and enjoyable. But as a little warning the first two stories were a bit more "spicey". The last two were sweet romances, which is the type of romance that I enjoy. There is even some suspense.
These stories were nice enjoyable Thanksgiving stories of new love.
I received a complimentary book from an author. No review was required. All thoughts are my own. -
There are 4 good stories in this book. I have read some Christmas stories and am glad to get some Thanksgiving stories. It is full of family and love at Thanksgiving. I was glad to hear from Snowy again. There is something for everyone. Small towns, suspense, a cute dog and kid, even a medical problem. A good read.
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FREE today (November 23, 2020) on Amazon.
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
Four well written and easy to read stories, each with their own specificities and the common theme of Thanksgiving.
I liked that the stories in “Thankfully in Love – A Thanksgiving Anthology”, by Anna J. Stewart, Kayla Perrin, Melinda Curtis and Cari Lynn Webb, are all very romantic, featuring relatable characters fighting to overcome different kinds of problems and hurdles but always with a positive outlook of hope. There’s also a variety of tropes, characters and settings.
No Place Like Home - Anna J. Stewart – A burnt-out hero and a heroine on the run in an instant-lust romance in a small-town setting.
Second Chances - Kayla Perrin – A very sweet story about second-chances between childhood friends. Taz is such an endearing and sexy hero.
Dog-Gone Holiday - Melinda Curtis – Melinda Curtis is one of my favorite authors, and this story didn’t disappoint, it was such a delight to read! A bit of magic, fantasy, humor and craziness involving Snowy, the dog, and a toddler so true to life with his cute obsession about pirates.
The weight of life’s disillusionments doesn’t hinder Drew, a marvelous hero who has been steadily and secretly pinning for the heroine for years. The intensity of the longing was moving.
Love Guides the Way - Cari Lynn Webb – A heroine facing a grim prognosis meets a workaholic hero hiding some emotional scars. Both find healing. -
Okay, this is my first time reading these authors and I went into this with an open mind. The synopsis sounded really good and I had to give it a whirl. This first book was about Parker and Tripp. I really enjoyed this book but I also found Parker extremely frustrating! The choices she made towards the end drove me up the wall! But I do understand where she was coming from but she took some very dangerous risks that could have ended her life and got others hurt. I find that unacceptable. That being said I did thoroughly enjoy it! This book was a clean romance, meaning there is no nudity or foul language. That doesn’t matter to me. Although I’m used to the more mature romance books these are still good to read. As long as the story can support and interest me I could care less if we have descriptive sex scenes in the book. I’m not reading to satisfy myself like that. I love a good story and I don’t care if it has explicit sex or if it’s cleanly written. All I care about is romance, laughter, joy, togetherness and most important the sharing of love and family. I live in California (southern) and I worked EMS most of my life and my speciality is pediatric advanced life support so I’ve seen lots of death and sadness revolving around kids. I’ve seen the horrors of what people to do their kids and what life throws at kids and I feel Tripps stress and pain. I also suffer from ptsd the passing one of my twin boys and my wife of 20 years not being faithful to her vows which also led to me not being able to have contact with my 3 remaining sons. So I know pain, pain, pain. That suffocating pain, sleepless nights and days that never end... I know this very well. I’m glad Tripp found happiness and I too hold out for God to bless me with a special someone someday that I could rebuild a life with and maybe I too can be happy again. But this story was very enjoyable for me although it did have some triggers. It was very well written and had excellent world building. I will give this first story a 4.5
Okay! Okay! Book two was fabulous! But I’m starting to see a trend with these women! They’re dumb! Lol. I mean hello, Mcfly? Hello? Wake up! Ground control to Major Tom! I mean even her friends told her how foolish she was being. Taz was going through so much with his mom and I’m sure the way she treated him just destroyed him. I see her point and all but get over it, it was years ago and lik everyone she knows has told her...she never spoke up either and Taz and made it clear on multiple occasions how he felt. So I feel for the guy. Give my dude a break! With that out of the way the schmooze was off the charts in the one! I absolutely loved it! It was such a sweet and cute read! This one really sucked me right in and really had me smiling until she got into her head with her silliness and second guessed everything. Ugh, I hate that stuff. I mean go out on a limb here! Have a heart as well! Try to think of the other persons feelings and look at the whole picture and from both perspectives! With that being said though I still can’t stop smiling! I loved this story so much between Miranda and Taz. This had such family closeness and kinship and fellowship. I loved it so very much. I know I said that a bazillion times but it’s the truth. This story was just honest and heartfelt and true. This kind of thing can totally happen and I bet it has happened to someone many times in the world. I’m sure some reading this can relate in some way, shape or form. There has been a trend though with these two stories and that’s been a love of family and sharing of happiness and of Gods grace and goodwill towards one another. I love that they mention prayer. This was yet another clean romance story although it had a tad bit more racy scenes than the last book but this one was done oh so well. This one definitely gets 5 cosmic stars from me 💥💥💥💥💥
Okay, I need to get this off my chest. I really disliked Olly. Sorry, that kid chapped my hide BIG TIME. Also, snowy.... no one explained that... like, what the hell twighlight zone did I wake up in? The thing is I absolutely LOVED Claire and Drew! Goodness there were so cute together! I loved their chemistry and the perfect amount of snark! I couldn’t stop smiling! Only when Olly wasn’t in the picture. I swear, that kid was obnoxious. Okay, enough of Olly... back to the main story at hand here. The chemistry was smoking hot through the roof and the plot was totally plausible. I despise cheaters and I’m glad Claire was able to get her HEA. She truly deserved it and Drew, he had a great head on his shoulders, his priorities were on point....I just wish he had more courage and confidence in his self and his abilities to be able to pull his dreams off....I mean after all Claire’s job goes hand in hand with his goals. They would make an excellent power couple and would have such a perfect team. I’m glad they cleaned Luke up... he may have been a chauvinist but at least he wasn’t worse (spoiler warning 😅🤐). This book I gave 4.5 stars. This story had me grinning so much. It was like a Hallmark movie!
The last book in the anthology I did not finish. I do not read books that start with the main male lead being deceitful and lying to the female love interest and then they’re suppose to fall in love eTc eTc. So that one was a DNF for me. This might be some people’s cup of tea and they don’t mind this kind of plot but I do not like liars and dishonesty. I don’t like relationships like that. How can a relationship form and be built on a lie. How can trust be gained. I’m sure he will fix her right up in the end but I do not like that at all. Overall this anthology gets 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me just because the last book was a DNF for me. Sorry for the harsh criticism but this is my tastes and my opinions. Please don’t pass this book up though. It was very enjoyable and who knows if you have no issues and qualms like I do you just may fall in love with story #4.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. -
There are four stories in this one book. I traditionally avoid anthologies because I have a hard time writing reviews for them. However, I saw Anna J. Stewart was one of the authors and since she’s one of my favorites, I was compelled to break tradition.
Book one: No Place Like Home by Anna J. Stewart
I can testify that the first story was amazing. I read it super-fast and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The romance story is between Tripp Atsilla and Parker Rutledge. It’s the perfect damsel in distress scenario who is saved by a gorgeous hero. Tripp Atsilla comes from a wholesome family who all love and accept Parker as one of their own.
The suspense comes from those who put Parker in danger and Tripp is more than equipped to save the day. But how he does it is worth the read.
There were several plot twists that were unpredictable and the chemistry between Tripp and Parker was sensual and breathtaking. I really enjoyed the entertainment value and consider this story totally worth my time.
Book two: Second Chances by Kayla Perrin
Second Chances was quite enjoyable. This was my first book written by Kayla Perrin and I was pleased. This love story was between Taz and Miranda. The title of this story was appropriate since that is exactly what Taz and Miranda were all about. They knew each other in the past but the timing wasn’t right then. Years later they get a second chance to make the timing right and it’s a heartwarming story. Miranda’s family was wholesome and friendly. Taz’s mom was endearing. Everyone, including myself, was cheering for Miranda and Taz to give true love a chance. It was a great read.
Book three: Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis
This was a cute story about second chances. This plot was very similar to book two. In this one, the hero, Drew, and the heroine, Claire, knew each other in their past but things didn’t work in their favor. Apparently, they were too young to communicate the first time and honestly, they each still have personal struggles to resolve including their shaky communication skills. They were reunited with the help of Claire’s sister and a talking dog. The personal conflicts they had to deal with were Drew’s struggles to open his own restaurant, and Claire being in the midst of a divorce settlement. The talking dog was far-fetched but can be accounted for saving my attention when the characters lost it. While I appreciated the attempt at creativity and originality, I wasn’t a huge fan of this one, especially since the previous story had a similar narrative. Still, it was cute.
Book four: Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb
I’m happy to say that Thankfully in Love / A Thanksgiving Anthology ended strong with the fourth and final book. The heroine, Kelsey, is a strong leading lady and she has to be because she is going through a health scare. The hero, Dr. Noah Lawson, is Dr. Mcdreamy and has the potential to possibly help Kelsey. Kelsey’s family is overpowering but in a loving way. I loved the setting where this story took place. I felt this was a heartwarming story to remind us that life is precious and to cherish every moment. The chemistry between Kelsey and Noah is sweet. I really liked reading this one.
Overall, I enjoyed the anthology. It was entertaining to read four stories about second chances, overcoming bad dating experiences, and love and/of family during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Each book is a complete standalone read. I always like to be exposed to new authors especially since each writer has their own style which is great because no two readers are the same. If you are curious, you can find detailed plot summaries for each story on Amazon.
I’d recommend this anthology if you’re in the mood to feel that wholesome Thanksgiving spirit. -
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an early copy of this anthology!
This is an indie-published collection of four short holiday romances set at Thanksgiving (one is Canadian Thanksgiving, which is this weekend!). They're all contemporary and closed-door heat level. Overall this was not really my cup of tea, but I think readers of sweet romance should give this a try, especially for people who love holiday romances.
No Place Like Home by Anna J Stewart -- this is a romantic suspense set in a small town in northern California. I didn't particularly like the way the heroine was introduced -- the hero's brother is all like "hands off my assistant manager" in a very objectifying way, and then there's some "not like other girls" stuff about how she's wearing sneakers and not very much makeup. I also didn't like how abrupt the sex scenes were (the first is right after they're talking about horrible stuff that happened to him and his former partner!), or how the heroine goes off to see the bad guy alone because...the plot needed it? Finally, there was a weird side note about how the pregnant sheriff doesn't have a ring on her finger, "not that it mattered these days" which came off as very sniffy and moralistic even if I think the intent was the opposite? Anyway, there were plenty of things about this story that just didn't fit my taste, but I did like the mystery, the police dog, and the sweet epilogue.
Second Chance by Kayla Perrin -- this is the story with Canadian Thanksgiving, and it was my favorite of the collection. I immediately sympathized with Miranda and her very bad day, and I loooooved the rom-com hugely coincidental meeting between Miranda and her high school friend/crush, Taz. This one had a lot of family that I really loved--Taz's mom is sick and Miranda invites them over to her family's for Thanksgiving and Taz and Miranda fall head over heels for each other so quickly, it's all just really cute and lovely. There were just two side notes that rubbed me the wrong way, one aside about how Miranda's friends tease her that she must be gay because she's never interested in any guys, and another anecdote about how the evil ex-girlfriend was probably lying about a pregnancy and subsequent miscarriage. Besides those two little things, I really enjoyed this book, and this one definitely gave me "warm fuzzies."
Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis -- I was just never able to identify with the heroine, who is a former food critic turned lifestyle blogger who makes money off of posting pictures of her 4-year-old on the internet and is sad that her ex-husband is critical of this fact. (You can probably tell from that sentence where I side on the subject, haha.) Some of the descriptions of clothes were also really head-scratching, like "a fancy pair of sweats and sneakers with rhinestones" or "pumpkin-colored slacks and cream-colored sweater" as two example of things that women wear? I think maybe these characters are all just a lot older than I am? There's also some stuff with the kid and the dog that were way too saccharine for my taste.
Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb -- I really don't know how to feel about this book, as the conflict is largely about the heroine losing her vision and is coming to terms with it, and her family and love interest trying to trick her into participating in a clinical trial to cure her blindness. I would be very interested to hear what reviewers with disabilities think of this.
So yes. Ultimately I'm going to say this collection was just ok for me, but I appreciate the work of the authors for this indie book and I think some other readers may really enjoy these stories. -
A great change from Christmas titles
I love to read Christmas romances every year, but rarely find Thanksgiving titles. I also love finding anthologies that introduce me to new authors as THANKFULLY IN LOVE did. I had not read any of these authors before, but plan to visit the backlists of each.
These four titles were varied and each kept me engaged.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME by Anna J. Stewart was a delightful mystery featuring a tough FBI agent facing burnout and the woman who catches his eye and is holding a dangerous secret. Parker Rutledge is a strong woman who’s had to watch her back for too long. Given past interactions with law enforcement, she finds it hard to trust Tripp Atsila.
In a short number of pages, Stewart drew complete and complex characters. I was left wanting to spend more time with them. The resolution to the mystery made sense but wasn’t a giveaway from the beginning.
In SECOND CHANCES by Kayla Perrin, Miranda Cox is headed home for the holiday and suddenly finds herself sans the boyfriend her family expected to meet. This isn’t a “pass off a stranger as a beau” plot, however. Instead, Miranda meets Taz Morrison, her high school crush, and discovers that what she thought she always knew may not be the truth.
I loved these two characters as they shared their past and considered their dreams for the future.
DOG-GONE HOLIDAY by Melinda Curtis is a magical story that took me a little bit to get the “joke.” I won’t spoil it for you. Suffice it to say that Claire Rothchild and her son are delightful, as are the various ways fate (and others) conspire to throw Claire together with Drew Barnett, a high school friend who has always “hated” her. Again, past truths may not be what they seem.
I finished this book wishing I could join the family around the Thanksgiving table and enjoy the feast — and the good vibes!
Finally comes LOVE GUIDES THE WAY by Cari Lynn Webb where we find Kelsey Thomas facing the reality of a horrible medical diagnosis surrounded by a family who means well but smothers her. She’s ready to face what the future brings and is tired at their refusal to let her. Enter Noah Lawson, who helps Kelsey embrace the independence she craves — until she discovers the secret he’s keeping from her.
I completely got Kelsey and felt everything she felt. I also enjoyed Noah, even as I could see his choices spinning the web tighter and tighter.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Anna J. Stewart in exchange for an honest review. -
First let me say that I have read books by all these authors but Ms. Perrin.
This book of anthologies was beautifully written. In each I laughed and cried. They all were filled with joy, happiness, and sadness.
In the first one written Ms. Anna J. Stewart- No Place Like Home.. Parker is trying to turn her life around. Soon she feels it isn’t meant to be, because Tripp brings her a note. Tripp knows he has upset her, and his brother makes it clear he needs to make it right with her. She works for Brothers Deli, and it’s there family business. Tripp works for the FBI, but Parker doesn’t know who she can trust. Will she take a leap of faith and trust Tripp?
The second by Kayla Perrin Second Chances- Miranda Cox is going home to her family for Thanksgiving minus the man she told her family she was going to bring. But what she doesn’t expect is to bump into is the boy she was best friends with in high school..and that is Taz Morrison. When they get together because he’s in town to spend the holiday with his mom things get interesting between them, and she finds out something he never told her back then. Have tissues when reading this one.
3rd by Melinda Curtis: Dog-Gone Holiday..this was so sweet. Claire is heading to spend Thanksgiving with her sister and brother in law. Her and her son Olly need some time. Her ex fiancé has left them in a lurch with so much she needs to straighten out.
She’s a food critic, and does blogging. What she does not expect is her ex fiancé’s best friend Drew catering her sisters dinner party. Plus a sweet furry dog name Snowflake. It seems like he knows what there thinking, but she tries to deny it. Only Olly seems to understand. So many laugh out loud moments.
4th Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb..Kelsey just wanted her family to stop pestering her over something that was inevitable. But they wouldn’t stop. The whole family is on an island for her grandmas wedding. When she meets Dr. Noah Lawson, but she doesn’t really know who he is only his first name. A tear jerker to say the least.
Buy this it’s release date is October 27th, 2020 -
While Christmas stories abound and are a staple in pretty much every genre in some form or another, Thanksgiving stories are much less common. However, that just makes the announcement of a collection like this a welcome one. And despite not being familiar with any of the authors, I was curious to see what new perspectives they could bring to the table, especially since I learned a couple of the authors were Canadian, so it wasn’t exclusively focused on the American observance.
“No Place Like Home” by Anna J. Stewart
3 stars
I’d have liked to see this one fleshed out more in a longer story. There are some good ideas here, from the sweet romance to the thread of suspense that I feel could have benefited from being explored more deeply.
“Second Chances” by Kayla Perrin
5 stars
This one was so wonderful. I love friends with a romantic spark, parted for years, and later given a second chance at it. It was sweet seeing Miranda open her heart to Taz again, especially when she was hurting after a heartbreak.
“Dog-gone Holiday” by Melinda Curtis
5 stars
This one was dog-gone cute! I loved this one, with a chef and a food critic finding themselves spending the holiday together in the sweetest way. And Snowflake the St. Bernard absolutely steals the show!
“Love Guides the Way” by Cari Lynn Webb
5 stars
As someone who also has a condition that impacted my vision (although not to the same extent), I appreciated this story for providing such a compassionate portrayal of potential blindness and the choice to live with one’s diagnosis vs. hoping in vain for a cure. I love how that was navigated as chance seemingly threw Kelsey and Noah together, with Noah having come up with potentially revolutionary techniques that could save her vision.
***
This is a charming collection, and I really liked that it varied thematically, in spite of the common thread of Thanksgiving as a celebration. I really enjoyed this collection, and would recommend if you’re looking for something fun to read leading up to (American) Thanksgiving. -
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Thankfully In Love is a holiday anthology of short stories for the one holiday that kicks-off the season yet often gets overlooked as far as Romance stories go. I can think of only about a dozen or so specifically Thanksgiving stories I can remember – but tons of Christmas ones… just saying it’s about time this holiday gets some love.
Told by four popular, well-loved authors that you might already know, this anthology is pretty much described in the Cover Description Blurb. To go into much more details would be giving away more of the stories than I’m comfortable with… but the story title and a line or two, that I can do. So, in Thankfully In Love you’ll find:
No Place Like Home by Anna J. Stewart – Do you love a tight-knit family that’s always in your business whether asked or not? Then you’ll have fun with this one as Tripp meets Parker who really doesn’t want anyone up in her business since she’s running from her past. Loved this one.
Second Chance by Kayla Perrin – I adored Miranda’s family and their lively banter make this story one to enjoy. A second chance to get love right? Yes, please.
Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis – Holidays can be painful times for some people and we’re about to meet a couple that finds what they each need most is each other.
Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb – Sometimes something amazing comes with strings, and that’s exactly what Noah is afraid of when he realizes who the tantalizing woman he recently met really is. Too good to be true, or fate?
I enjoyed each story in different ways, but overall I had a festive, fun time with Thankfully In Love. In the mood for a turkey holiday tale? Then you should be checking this one out for yourself.
I own a Kindle edition of this anthology.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* -
No Place Like Home- Anna J Stewart:
Sometimes coming home is all you need and I think Tripp found that out in this story. He was hard headed and burnt out but also ready to take on what was given. Parker is a fighter and also ready to take on what is handed to her. Over al this story was super cute a no a quick read
Second Chances- Kayla Perrin:
This story why it’s totally predictable it’s so cute. Remembering your first love and wondering what could have been. I liked Melanie she was your typical nosy sister but also wanted what was best for Miranda. Taz came off a bit intense but he seem to have a huge heart. Cute story over all!
Dog-Gone Holiday- Melinda Curtis:
I mean dogs can talk and we can hear right?!! I loved Olly he was so cut and so full of personality for sure. I liked Drew he kept sticking his foot in his mouth but he was always fun to laugh with. Claire just wanted what was busy for Olly and you could tell her love for him throughout the story. This story was a clean read and fun!
Love Guides the Way- Cari Lynn Webb:
Nothing good comes from keeping secrets and Kelsey's family seems to have a big one in this story. I liked Kelsey she faced life without her vision and she took the time she had left to enjoy life through the rest of her vision. I liked Noah he had a big heart and wanted to help everyone he could not matter what. I loved Gam she got her way not matter what a was a pistol if we all could be like her when we get older. Over all this story was super cute and a fun read.
I think the only thing I didn't like about all these stories where they were too short and I was left wanting so much more. Over all this was a fun story and I could not put it down so worth the read and will put you in the thankful spirit. -
Enjoyable Romances set over Thanksgiving (all though would have benefited from an epilogue).
No Place Like Home by Anna J Stewart. Family - suspense - romance. Can a woman on the run, trust a Fed on the edge of burnout? Someone believes she has the answer to where $2 million is hidden; her plan is to run once again when the past catches up with her but Tripp Atsila persuades her to make a stand. Loved it.
Second Chances by Kayla Perrin. After agreeing to come to a Thanksgiving celebration with her parents, Miranda’s boyfriend without a word of explanation, suddenly blocks her on his phone and social media - what a douche! But on returning to her hometown she runs, literally, into Taz, the boy, now a man who she had a serious crush on fifteen years earlier and who broke her heart when he got married. Now divorced, a much more confident Taz pursues her, but how can she believe it is real? Will he break her heart again?
Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis. A talking dog, a failed relationship but the prospect of a new one, come together over the preparation and eating of Thanksgiving Dinner.
Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb. Kelsey will be blind in five years but she doesn’t want to spend those five years, chasing cures and participating in trials only to be constantly disappointed. She’s had enough and bans her family from talking and badgering her for the week they are on holiday. Unfortunately her family had already approached Noah about his new prototype and he is also at the resort. When he meets Kelsey socially he keeps quiet about his job, how will she feel when she discovers the truth?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from one of the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own. -
Seen this went on sale and couldn't help myself! T-Day books are a rare and I was super intrigued. I really should read more anthologies.
Story 1 - No Place Like Home by Anna J Stewart
I struggled really bad with this one. I couldn't tell you why. It has everything I love. Good characters. Drama. Food. Small town. A bad ex. I just couldn't connect and I found myself skimming this one. Gah. Not a great way to start these stories.
Story 2 - Second Chance by Kayla Perrin
Love me some good second chances! These two really deserved love. I loved them and watching them fall in love. It took a min for the stars to align, but it was perfect. I loved it. I think this was my favorite. So yayy!
Story 3 - Dog-Gone Holiday by Melinda Curtis
This one had me chuckling. Chef Drew is desperate to find a function kitchen so he can cook his butt off. His only hope is Claire....who is a former food critic. What a great TDay romance!! Nom!!! And that puppers was adorable.
Story 4 - Love Guides the Way by Cari Lynn Webb
I really liked this one. I do think that this needed to be longer. Maybe a full book? The two have a lot to deal with it and it all happened SO quickly. Too quickly I feel. I get it's a shorter story, but there is a lot of baggage these two have. Especially when she realizes that he is a Doctor and she told her family NO MORE DOCTORS. She wants to just live her life and she has accepted her eye disease is rare and there is little to be done. This needed more, but I liked what I had.
Overall
This was a pretty good TDay collection. Some good....some I was a little meh about, but I'm glad I bought this. Maybe I'll reread it for next year since TDay books are rare. I'll overall stamp this with 3 stars. -
This is a collection of four Thanksgiving stories.
#1 by Anna J Stewart
This story is a romantic suspense themed read. I loved the close family dynamic of the story. The fact that the heroine is on the run from those hunting her for something her ex- husband had done, and an agent on leave. Add break- ins and danger makes for a good read.
#2 by Kayla Perrin
Second chances is exactly what this book is about. Taz and Miranda were best friends in highschool, but drift apart and go their separate ways. Add years later and Thanksgiving to an accidental bump into literally and you may find a truly second chance. Good read, my first read by Kayla 👍.
#3 by Melinda Curtis I love stories about Chefs. Claire and Drew are trying to make it through Thanksgiving. Claire's favorite holiday until her jerk of a fiance dumps her on her wedding day. Throw in a mudslide, a fake power outage and a meddling sister. You have a Dog Gone Holiday. I loved when Claire burns her dried up bridal bouquet...my favorite part. Thanks for another great read Melinda.
#4 Cari Lynn Webb
This is Noah and Kelsey's story. Going blind and loosing a boyfriend at Thanksgiving is just bad. Noah needs to finish the research he has been doing and needs a subject for the research. Can Kelsey's eyesight be saved and can Noah find a patient to complete his research? Good job Cari, I enjoyed this story. -
The Review
This was a heartwarming, emotional, and entertaining read. Each author did an amazing job of blending their individual tales into the overall theme and setting of the anthology, while still retaining originality and great character development in their narratives.
The thing that stood out to me as a reader and an author was the way each author was able to bring to the table their own unique spin on the theme by incorporating different genres into the narratives. The first story of this anthology becomes a mystery-thriller with a romantic twist, and then the next becomes a heartwarming tale of nostalgia, and two people who believed their love for one another was unrequited. It was a fun and excellent way of keeping each author’s voice distinct and keeping the stories from blurring between one another.
The Verdict
Passionate, emotionally-driven, and brilliantly executed, “Thankfully In Love” is a must-read anthology this holiday season. An evenly-paced collection that captures the closeness and family-driven holidays, each story brings about tales of hope, passion, and brewing romances that reignite the heart and drive us all forever onward. If you are a fan of holiday romance stories, then don’t miss out on this amazing anthology today! -
Thankfully in Love is a Thanksgiving anthology by Anna J. Stewart, Kayla Perrin, Melinda Curtis, and Cari Lynn Webb. Highlighting this wonderful holiday is what these stories do. I especially liked thoughts of gratitude are part of the Canadian Thanksgiving meal in the story, In Second Chance by Kayla Perrin.
Some of the stories are contemporary romance but also elements of suspense are in In No Place Like Home by Anna J. Stewart. There are past break-ups for some of the character but the future looks bright as they find new relationships in which to give thanks. Family, friends, and an attitude of gratitude are at the center of each.
Each novella is complete without being connected. So they may be read between holiday events or preparations when you have a moment but time for a long novel is not available. Easy to read, easy to enjoy and easy to remind us that there is still much to be grateful for in this life.
An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
