“Stolen Pleasures,” by Christine DeSmet, was a detailed, suspenseful story about Iris Beale, owner of a store on Main Street; her boyfriend, Calvin, an insurance salesman, was murdered last night. Her friend, Anna, had brought an expensive painting into her store to hide it from her husband, from whom she was getting a divorce. That night, a burglar broke into her store; she then met Officer Jonathan Sparrow. That antique portrait was more important than its half-million dollar price tag!

Linda L. Lattimer’s “Summer Breeze” presented an especially poignant story about a young woman whose father had died; during the accident, she had lost her legs. Her mother had been “sickly” since the accident. Sophia (22) and her mother, Cheryl (45) summered in Key West each summer. Scott Duncan, a local young man, had taken a photograph of Sophia when she was 17. He had carried it with him since—this was the year he found the nerve to pursue his life’s love.

“Life’s Choices” was Patricia E. Gitt’s story about an extremely talented professional woman who had risen to the top of her profession; however, she was lonely until she took a vacation at her partner’s home and met Jack Lawson! This encounter forced Elizabeth to face the possibility of love and the necessity of making her life choice for more than work-related reasons.

“Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box” was a light-hearted look at unrequited love in which Ms. Karen Michelle Nutt reunited two people who had spent a weekend together and then he disappeared—years before. Her encounter with the magic box was supposed to show her soul mate! Aubrey Jules went to the bed and breakfast as a reporter to write an article about the box; her previous “man” happened to be Mr. Grady’s grandson.

And finally, “Double Booked” is a delightful story by Courtney E. Michel which involved a single mother, Mina Tracey, her 2-1/2 year-old daughter, Lauren, her brother, Garrett and his girlfriend, Christi, who tried to encourage her to go with them on vacation. She refused to go until July 4th, but would then bring De Dame Kapitien, her boat. In the meantime, the owner of the home had double booked the house, and this young couple really liked Cullen Porter so they invited him to stay with them. It was a poignant story which was certainly unpredictable!

It has been my honor to review The Object of Romance Anthology. These authors took five ordinary objects which then became extraordinary and focused on undying love. I gladly recommend this as a wonderfully quick read which left this reviewer wanting to read non-stop. It is a perfect pick-me-up which is bound to find a place on my “keeper’s list!” Run; don’t walk, to grab this off the shelf at your favorite bookstore!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet/Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
July 23, 2007