Moonlight and Mistletoe

"Moonlight and Mistletoe" is Arabesque's 1997 year-end holiday collection. There is something for everyone: a Christmas, a Kwanzaa and a New Year's story. The collection holds together very well. The writers and their works are evenly matched. Adrienne Ellis Reeves' Christmas story, "Keepsake," is a sweet story. But Reeves' fans have come to expect that from her. As in her novels, "Change of Heart" and "Heaven Knows," this story has all of the full-bodied warmth of romance and love without all the steam. Reeves dislikes loose ends. Characters from other works who don't quite live happily ever after are not forgotten. They get their own stories. "Keepsake" is the story of divorced father Gary Raeford whom we met in "Heaven Knows." He has moved past his attraction to Glennette Percy in that novel to pursue the widow, Kimberly Williams. "Imani" is Bridget Anderson's Kwanzaa story. Can a girl from Atlanta--with an unfulfilling job and an abusive, philandering ex-boyfriend--find happiness in a small town with a sensitive hunk? Just watch her! "A New Year, A New Beginning" is the tender story of love among the 40-somethings, a rarity among romance novels. Candice Poarch has crafted a funny, grown-up story about a widow and her husband's best friend and business partner. This is not "old folks at home." It's a mature story about timeless love, realization, priorities and new beginnings.

I thought Moonlight & Mistletoe was an excellent read. Keepsake by Ms. Reeves was a wonderful story about Gary and Kim. Gary who was much older than Kimberly. But, he proved to be just what she needed. It was a tender story that kept you turning the pages. Next was Imani by Ms. Anderson. I think this was my favorite. It spoke about abuse and healing. A city girl found just what she needed in a small town. Her boyfriend was a jerk in the biggest sense of the word. It didn't know what I don't want to see you anymore meant. Lastly New Year, New Beginning by Ms. Poarch. It thought this story was really good also. A woman found herself in love with her deceased husband's best friend. She found that her life could go on. All the stories were beautiful. It you have not read this wonderful book, I suggest you do.