“Secret Recipe” tells the story of Mr. July, Scott O’Malley, whose sister is taking the pictures for the fundraising calendar. He falls hopelessly for a woman named Lexie Cooper who stars in a television cooking show and who authored a cookbook. Problem? She cannot cook at all!

“Mr. December” features Troy O’Donnell sister, Tessa, the photographer who is adverse to people who have everything handed to them and the grandson of the owner, and the manager of Bryant Department Store, Jason Bryant (J.B.) Troy was to play Santa the day after Thanksgiving at Bryant’s, so Tessa wanted to give him a little ‘grief.’ However, Troy was sick and J.B. was incognito!

“Can’t Buy Me Love” features another firefighter, Gordon Mullen, Mr. February. Since his divorce, he has lived close to Zoey’s Events, a catering business owned by Zoey Massey, who struggled daily just to pay the bills. She is wonderful at her work, but the business end is about to ruin her operation.

These six characters, of course, meet and fall in love with each other; however, they do face mishaps and challenges along the way. Each couple survives obstacles and as we read, we are drawn into their lives even more. It is impossible not to love all the characters.

I absolutely loved this trilogy! Ms. Johnson takes everyday occurrences and intertwined them into a trio of stories which convince the reader to continue until all the stories are told. I had a hard time putting this book down. It gives an obvious “feel-good” sentiment which is not always present in other books. These stories intermingle so well and present the whole picture by continuing to weave these characters together throughout the book. I loved it. This is one I would read more than once! It definitely is a keeper!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
November 23, 2006