The latest Insecure Writer's Support Group anthology was released on September 6, 2022.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts.
Escaping into a light-hearted book that raised my spirits was exactly what I needed.
It was a delight, as sweet and comforting as Officer Gina McAllister's
favorite raspberry cream doughnuts, but without the calories.
Typically, I don't read romance books.
I'm more into science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, and historical fiction,
but I read the six previous IWSG anthologies, and I wasn't going to miss the seventh.
The ten IWSG authors wrote engaging stories set in a variety of places and times,
and they showed that you're never too young or too old to experience a first love.
******
The Ten Stories:
Story #1:
"The Art of Making Doughnuts" by Linda Budzinski
Could a fiercely independent cop’s heart be stolen
by the guy who makes her favorite doughnuts?
This story deserved the honor of being featured on the cover.
It is sweet perfection with fun characters, a strong narrator's voice,
and a tight, well-integrated structure.
Definitely cops and doughnuts go together.
The surprise was jigsaw puzzles and Impressionist art.
Story #2:
"My Heart Approves"
by Melissa Maygrove.
Will a maid who used deceit to snare a mail-order husband
get a dose of her own medicine?
A suspenseful and funny story, with an unlikely couple wed by proxy
after a long correspondence. Can Abby and John find love together?
Story #3:
"How to Save a Princess"
by Katie Klein.
Can her handsome neighbor rescue a modern-day "princess" from a tenacious ex-boyfriend??
This over-the-top hilarious story with an unusual love triangle
kept me laughing from beginning to end.
Story #4:
"My First Love(s)"
by Templeton Moss.
Do you remember your first love?
A married couple reminisces about theirs. Two distinct voices
and an unexpected twist make this story memorable.
Story #5:
"The Real Thing"
by Sammi Spizziri.
Can two strangers in a ride share be honest enough to fall in love for real?
You can change your life by taking a risk.
"The real thing" hits Lola when she least expected it,
and it is someone she would never have anticipated.
Story #6:
"Paper Faces"
by Sylvia Ney.
Can this journalist get the story or will her big heart get in the way?
An awkward position confronts Helen when her employer instructs her
to get the information to bury an up and coming politician.
A fun story with a good ending.
Story #7:
"Oliver’s Girl"
by Michael Di Gesu.
Will star-crossed sweethearts find a way back to each other?
Olivia spends an afternoon with her great-grandfather and learns some surprising things.
This is a poignant and uplifting story.
Story #8:
"Clyde and Coalesce"
by Kim Elliott.
Can an unexpected collision and some embarrassing assessments lead to true love?
Lizzie knows she lost the right guy for her, and she worries she'll never find love again.
This is a relatable and engaging story with a satisfyingly sweet ending.
Story #9:
"Marmalade Sunset"
by Denise Covey.
What is his grandmother up to a grandson wonders when she invites him
to accompany her on an-end-of-life trip to Greece.
This moving love story is set on the beautiful island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea.
It is well-written with a strong sense of place.
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Story #10:
"The Castle of Ohno"
by S.E. White.
Can two lonely, even desperate, people risking everything
for a chance to improve their lives find love?
This atmospheric story set inside the formidable Castle Ohno
is a fitting end to the First Love anthology.
I was racing to the end of the story wondering how this possibly could end well.
******
If you're looking for an enjoyable book to curl up on a quiet evening,
this one will touch your heart and bring back memories of your first love.
First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
The sweetness of first love…
Could a fiercely independent cop’s heart be stolen by the guy who makes her favorite doughnuts? Will a maid who used deceit to snare a mail-order husband get a dose of her own medicine? Can her handsome neighbor rescue a modern-day “princess” from a tenacious ex-boyfriend? Can two strangers in a rideshare be honest enough to fall in love for real? Can you remember your first love? How about your second? Third? Fourth?
Featuring the talents of Linda Budzinski, Melissa Maygrove, Michael Di Gesu, Sylvia Ney, Katie Klein, Kim Elliott, Templeton Moss, S.E. White, Denise Covey, and Sammi Spizziri. Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will touch your heart and rekindle lost feelings. Prepare to return to that first love…
Print ISBN – 9781939844880, $14.95
eBook ISBN – 9781939844897, $4.99
Romance - Clean & Wholesome / Contemporary / Historical
186 pages, Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Founded by author Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group offers support for writers and authors alike. It provides an online database; articles; monthly blog posting; Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram groups; #IWSGPit, and a newsletter.
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo /Goodreads /
“…a refreshing read! This is a gem of a book that I highly recommend.” - Rebecca Boerner M Ed., reviewer
“…this collection nailed the little bites of cute romance… recommend to anyone looking for an uplifting collection of sweet romance to fill an evening.” - Hayley Reese Chow, author
“This was a sweet, warm collection of love stories.” – Angie Titus, author
******
Up, Up, and Away!
February 22, 2022
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved
Please Note:
I had no idea when I signed up to do a review of First Love, that I would be flying today.
Furthermore, I'll be without my computer until I arrive home late this afternoon.
I look forward to reading your comments.
I will be late responding, but I'll reply to each and every one!
Till next time ~
Fundy Blue
https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com
My next post will be on Friday, September 23, 2022. 🤞
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