To give a justified review of each story, I am only going to give a paragraph to each. I could go on for days why this collection was my favorite to date, but we don’t want you to miss out on your reading time!

Love in the Crossfire by Lauralee Bliss – Trenton, New Jersey, 1777: Um, the setting and era was my favorite hands down. Yes, this Montana gal loved her Montana stories, but take me back to the East coast, where the nation was just starting and you pretty much win in my book. Love beyond the line of fire, and enemies is a big part of the story. I was thrilled to see the relationship build, and grow with the characters. Each had their own need for that second chance.

Daughter of Orion by Ramona Cecil – New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1859: The title alone for this story was amazing. I really enjoyed the whaling details as this was a huge economic asset during this time. This story had me smelling the salty air with Matilda, she was just a female on a mission to keep her own property. Now, that’s a gal we can all love. Trust me you will want in on this story.

The Substitute Husband and the Unexpected Bride by Pamela Griffin – Washington Territory, 1864: I really liked the twist to this story. Not what the characters were expecting and yet just what they needed. I felt like it was a refreshing moment to hop to the West coast and see new sights. I felt the humor to the story with making it seem like they both were applying for the job of a life time. It really was too.

The Prickly Pear Bride by Pam Hillman – Little Prickly Pear Creek, Montana Territory, 1884:  I stated in a review how much I loved the use of Montana in this story. But what was the coolest part? She had the female lead working as shepherdess. This was a long forgot passion for many in Montana. I felt like it was a breath of fresh air for a Montana story.

The Widow of St. Charles Avenue by Grace Hitchcock – New Orleans, 1895: Okay, young widow with a lot of money to offer. Can you see her situation? Well, let me tell you this strong minded young lady knew what she had on her hands and she gave me many moments of inner smiling. I felt like it was a great setting in NOLA, giving away to many southern charm moments.

Married by Mistake by Laura V. Hilton – Mackinac Island, 1902:  I love the island as a setting and have been visiting it through many different books. I was very happy with reading this story then, as I was in a need for another visit. The author’s descriptive language will transport readers.  The humor of the situation doesn’t go unnoticed and readers will be chuckling that they end up this way.

Fanned Embers by Angela Breidenbach – Bitterroot Mountains, Montana/Idaho border, 1910: I will never get enough of this author, and yet I see new reasons to fall for her stories each time I read one. One aspect of the Montana history was very well done in this book, and the characters made me smile throughout.

From a Distance by Tiffany Amber Stockton – Breckenridge, Colorado, 1920s: Can’t help but saying this story made me cry! The end. No really it is a great setting and a perfect read but definitely needed the tissues. 

What the Heart Sees by Liz Tolsma – Hartford, Wisconsin, 1944: Another favorite era, and this one has a great twist. Not set in the war, but in America. It was nice to have a new perspective into this time period. The author gave this reader many happy moments through the story and reminded me that we all need to look a second time.

Overall, this collection is by far a great success. I couldn’t have paired better stories together, or with better authors. Each provided meaningful and heart warming stories that remind us all love comes at different times, and for each other differently.

Do you have a story of second chances? Share below!