Everything She'd Ever Wanted - Lori Foster.
A sweet novella about a young woman, AnnaBeth, and her yearning for a family of her own. She grew up in foster care and never felt like she fit in anywhere until she moved next to a wonderful older man, Uncle Sony. Uncle Sony is funny and sees more than he lets on. His nephew and single father, Devlin, and his young daughter, Mia, visit Uncle Sony often to check on him. Something that AnnaBeth also does as his neighbor. She has secretly harbored a crush on Devlin and longed to be part of their little family. After spending more time together through circumstance, and how Devlin's daughter, Mia, had adopted AnnaBeth's dog Ruby, Devlin was finally able to share how he felt about AnnaBeth. She was cautiously optimistic since relationships never worked out for her. I really enjoyed this story and the characters. I highly recommend it. It is part of Lilac Time which is 3 novellas by 3 amazing authors!

I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest and unsolicited opinion.

If you are looking for something lighthearted to read this is it. These are some big hitting authors who have brought to us some quick stories with lots of heart.
I enjoyed reading this between some of my heavier reads as it brought a smile to my face.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Cute short stories. Dragged a bit in parts but all in all I liked the characters and of course loved the dog.

Lilac Time is a sweet trio of stories by fantastic authors.

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED by Lori Foster was a great read! I adore when a story is brought to life with the help of kids and animals, and this one had both! Annabeth has taken notice of her neighbor's nephew, Devlin and his adorable little girl. Devlin's daughter has taken notice of Annabeth's little dog. Devlin has definitely noticed his uncle's neighbor. Soon, they find their lives intertwined as their friendship develops.

This is such a delighful read that warms the heart.
 
SWEET AS HONEY by Fern Michaels

This is a cute and quick read. Natalie returns home to help her parents out while her dad is recovering from surgery. While home, she reconnects with old friends and makes new connections. After a less than ideal first meeting with the local beekeeper, she learns he's not so bad.

THE MEMORY CABIN * Carolyn Brown

This was a wonderful and emotional read. I loved how the main character was focused on moving forward while healing from the past. When Jenna learns this is the last annual gathering at her cabin with her friends, she finds it bittersweet. The promise of exciting days ahead arrives with a new park ranger.

Although it's a shorter story, the emotions of grief, uncertainties and new beginnings is weaved very well through the pages.

Three novellas by great authors. While I am not usually a fan of these short stories, as it feels the emotions go too fast from not meeting to the proposals, I did find my interest was kept for all three of these. Good authors. Would highly recommend.

Lilac Time contains three novellas, all of them heartwarming in their own way. In the stories, Fern Michaels, Lori Foster, and Carolyn Brown offer us a sense of family, neighbors, and long distance friends. There is an element of learning to trust again, working through grief in various aspects, secrets, and moving forward with life changes. And they all have animals in them! I recommend them for fun, easy reads!

This book is a collection of three heartwarming, entertaining romances. The real stars, of course, were the pets who somehow bring the couples together. Enchanting and charming, this is an easy-to-read go to for a feel-good story.

Three stories to read! And let’s be truthful, it’s all about the pets. In their own ways, they made the stories, at least for me.

Sweet As Honey by Fern Michaels: Great story about two people who are a little bit lost in life but finding each other makes it perfect. Natalie Simmons designs web presences for musicians and is owned by a cat. And she is a nature girl, though her solitary existence she’s come to realize, is limiting her joy of life. She runs into Garrett, the local beekeeper, and his dog Mr. Bumbles. Cute story, and dare I say...sweet.

Everything She’d Ever Wanted by Lori Foster: AnnaBeth Sanders and her Chiweenie dog, Ruby will melt your heart. To me, she was just a nice, caring, warm person who always looked at the bright side. She has a secret crush on Devlin Connely, the nephew of her next-door neighbor. And Devlin has a daughter Mia who not only stole AnnaBeth’s heart but her dog Ruby’s affections as well. So adorable! All the characters, including Uncle Sony, are just the best. AnnaBeth has a backstory that tugged my heart but it never gets her down. These four plus the pup make a perfect “family” and will warm your heart. I know they did mine. Loved it!

The Memory Cabin by Carolyn Brown: I started laughing at the first paragraph – Jenna Stewart came up with a great concept: birth certificates should come with the person’s “expiration date” so everyone can prepare. Now this was Jenna’s way to try to come to terms with her mother’s passing but the idea was still funny to me (not the actual death). She meets Carson Makay and his adorable dog, Bubba. Jenna has some lingering personal trauma from her past that she has to learn to deal with and Carson is the man to help. Great Southern-slant, sweet story and I enjoyed.

These are novellas about not related to each other, but with one theme. These stories are about three women who are not looking for love, but find it when they least expect it.

SWEET AS HONEY - Fern Michaels
Natalie Simmons thought she was right on track with a future with her boyfriend until he gives her the “we need to talk” line. She ends that relationship and with it her best friend.
She goes home to help her parents while her father recovers from hip surgery and suddenly realizes that happiness might be just where she is now. Having constant encounters with “the bee man” whom at first she found annoying,
Will being back home be the place to have a future? Will it include this new and interesting man?

EVERYTHING SHE EVER WANTED - Lori Foster
This one is at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming.
AnnaBeth Sanders has finally found her happy place in her new house and a wonderful friendship with her next door elderly neighbor Sony. She’s also fallen in love with his granddaughter MIa and maybe even the little girl’s father, Devlin.
Devlin, a widower, is a man who truly sees AnnaBeth and wants to show her she really is worthy of love.
Hankies might be needed with this one.

THE MEMORY CABIN - Carolyn Brown
This was another sweet and touching story. Jenna Stewart’s life hasn’t always been easy. Ten years ago she lost her mother and her boyfriend broke up with her, but thanks to a grieving group, she gained two wonderful friends. Friends that for the last ten years, have come to visit her once a year at her cabin, making it “the memory cabin”. One where good memories are held.
When the new park ranger comes to town, an immediate bond and attraction occurs.
This is also the year that things will end and new ones will blossom. Will Jenna be able to let go of the past, and embrace her future? One that might include Carson Makay?

I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Kensington Books. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Sweet As Honey by Fern Michaels

While I did enjoy this story, I was a little disappointed in how long it took for the 2 MC's to actually meet face to face. They didn't have much conversation or getting to know each other before the story ended. I also was looking forward to meeting Garrett's dog, but we didn't get to, only heard about him a little bit.
There was a lot with Natalie and her parents which was a great relationship and let's not forget Natalie's cat Mr. Meower...a true lover all things nap and watching birds.
I was hoping to see Garrett's side of things and get to know him in his own voice.

Everything She'd Ever Wanted by Lori Foster

This story had me smiling from the very beginning.
Annabeth has a cutie pie dog named Ruby. Ruby's love for Mia, who is Devin's young daughter and Mia's for Ruby is adorable.
They are inseparable and in love with each other. Annabeth is ok sharing Ruby which is great because Ruby is a lady who knows what she wants.
Annabeth's attraction to Devlin is very understandable as is his attraction to her even though she doesn't see it. Then you have Devin's Uncle Sony who is a hoot, matchmaker and sometimes trouble make, in the best way.
Devin is a very attractive man, amazing dad and nephew.
Annabeth is a loving, giving and caring woman who doesn't realize just how great she is, but Devin, Mia and Uncle Sony do.
The dynamics of how these characters become a family, while having tragedy on both sides, is so well written that I couldn't help but to fall in love with them all and enjoy the journey.
I absolutely loved this story.


The Memory Cabin by Carolyn Brown

This story was great.
For me it was about great friendships born from tragedy but turned into amazing connections and lifelong friends.
Carson and Jenna are both kind of relationship shy due to past relationships. Thankfully they don't let this stop them becoming friends and then more.
The Memory Cabin is what Jenna, and her friends call Jenna's home.
There they get together for a week every year to talk about memories, both good and bad.
They have known each other for ten years. They met at a grief counseling and became fast friends.
They look forward to the yearly week get together.
Kelly and Amber are wonderful characters. They each have a surprise to tell Jenna. I love how they teased her in some parts and in others had her back and lifted her up when she needed it. Not to mention them nudging Jenna in Carson's direction.
Life is changing but not in a bad way for any of them.
I really liked how the author brought Carson and Jenna together.
I loved the addition of Bubba the kitten into Carson's life.

3 stories by 3 different authors. Natalie, Annabeth, and Jenna all living their lives and find happily ever afters without trying. Loved all three books. Great book!

What a wonderful story! The love and family bond was apparent, and fun to read. Oh Mia, she was too cute! I loved little Ruby, too.

A nice novella in a terrific anthology! What a trio.

This is my honest review of an ARC.

AnnaBeth is a person that I would like to have met. She is a kindhearted soul. Devlin and Mia thought so too! Ruby loved Mia as well, it just took AnnaBeth to realize how lovable she is.
With spring blooming Devlin bought a Lilac tree for AnnaBeth and she was sold. She had wanted a family of her own for so long, and thought maybe Devlin really liked her, but sometimes it’s hard to believe, until it hits you. It is said Spring brings new beginnings. Let’s hope so!

EVERYTHING SHE’D EVER WANTED by Lori Foster

After losing her parents at a young age and finding herself growing up in the foster care system, Annabeth Sanders is hesitant to become attached to another person fear of being left behind again. But having a family of her own is something she has secretly always longed for, even if she doesn't know quite what she'd do if she actually found it. Good thing she has a fairy god mother of sorts in her corner that's ready and willing to help her along...

Everything She'd Ever Wanted is a wonderfully penned story of hope, love, family, taking chances and friendship. Between the pages of this one we meet a woman who has lived a very lonely life and always let her fear of rejection keep her from becoming attached to anyone who comes into her life. She gives her love and care freely, but accepting it from others is something she really struggles with. What if she returned it and they left or better yet didn't want to keep it? But what if they stayed?

This emotional page-turner hit me straight in the heart, I couldn't help but feel for our heroine and the life she had been dealt. Watching her find her happy was so uplifting, my heart soared right along with hers... it was such a beautiful journey. Highly recommend you pick this one up, it's words will touch your heart and leave it soaring!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

One of my favorite type of reads is getting several short stories from different authors in one book. Not only are the books good for beach reads or travel but a reader can get a feeling for new authors. This book is a major hit with three outstanding authors delivering stories that simply warm the heart. Each story captures a different twist on the importance and desire for family. The animals are too stinkin’ cute and made me want to run to the shelter and adopt every single animal. A great author always delivers on strong stories and plots; but, these authors also educate on important topics. There’s a bit of everything; environmental concerns, ecosystems, grief, elderly care, depression, pets, counseling, romance. You even get a delicious recipe!

Sweet & Emotional Romance Set. I enjoyed reading and getting to know all the characters in these heartfelt romance stories. Short, fulfilling and sweet, love them all!
Sweet as Honey-Fern Michaels**** Sweet and hilarious story with great characters and a buzzing romance in the air.
Everything She'd Ever Wanted-Lori Foster*****Sweet, slow burn with the challenges of life and juggling the consideration of love and relationship.
The Memory Cabin-Carolyn Brown*****Love the supportive girlfriends, and the magic of Jenna's blossoming and rekindling her heart to new love and experiences with an array of emotions, tearjerker.

Growing up in the foster care system, AnnaBeth Sanders has never had a family to call her own. She desperately wants a family to love but at the same time is terrified to put herself out there for fear of rejection.

AnnaBeth and her chiweenie, Ruby, moved in next to a sweet elderly man, Sony, who is regularly visited by his widowed nephew, Devlin and his five year old daughter, Mia. AnnaBeth has fallen for the whole family but is hesitant to get herself too involved for fear of getting a broken heart. Devlin and AnnaBeth have to learn together that it’s ok to risk their hearts when the reward is everything they could ever want.

This is another winner by Lori Foster. This story is funny, real, warm and full of love and family.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.*

So I've never read anything by Fern Michaels before and I might look into what else she's written after this. Since this was a short story I'm not sure if it's connected to anything or just a standalone but I did enjoy it.

I absolutely loved AnnaBeth, Devlin, Uncle Sony, and precious little Mia! Ruby's attachment to Mia was absolutely adorable and I loved the way she would lick anyone who got too close while Mia was holding her! Lori Foster has created yet another heartwarming story that gave me all the feels and left me a big smile.

Carolyn Brown is another author I've never read before now and I think I need to see what else she's written too. It definitely kept my attention and didn't leave me unsatisfied when I finished the story.

Everything She Ever Wanted by Lori Foster
Losing her parents at a young age and growing up in the foster care system, AnnaBeth Sanders’ fragile heart is searching for a family to call her own, but is hesitant to throw her emotional well-being out there for fear of rejection. With Ruby, her cuddle bug Chiweenie and trusty sidekick, AnnaBeth gives her all to those she cares for, but doesn’t know what to do when the feelings are reciprocated.
Cue AnnaBeth’s sweet, elderly neighbor Sonny, his widowed nephew Devlin, and Devlin’s daughter, Mia! This ready made family is full of love and hilarity! With a bit of help from matchmaking Sonny, Devlin and AnnaBeth come to realize opening their hearts may not be so bad after all.
This story is the shortest in the anthology. I wish there was an extra chapter or so to expound on Devlin’s background a tad bit more, but I’m happy with what’s given and the story is full of Foster’s trademark warmth, friendship, found family, and the cutest Chiweenie antics! AnnaBeth’s emotional fears were relatable and Devlin’s patience and steady support was heartwarming.

The Memory Cabin by Carolyn Brown
Jenna has been stuck in an emotional rut since her momma passed and her waste of space, now ex-spouse served her divorce papers…on the same day! She’s looking forward to seeing her two friends, Amber and Kelly, for their yearly memory week-an exchange of bad and good memories they learned to do during grief counseling—but she’s not at all prepared for the news they bring. Will the changes be enough for Jenna to realize she hasn’t lost all hope and her heart is ready to love again?
Carson has mustered out of the military and is replacing his soon to be retired Uncle Victor as park ranger. He’s not only dealing with the loss of a close friend while taking on a new job, but having to say goodbye to his only relative can be tough. Falling for the lovely next door neighbor he’s seen a couple of times over several years…could this be their time?
This was my favorite story of the set. Jenna’s emotional journey —grief, happiness, friendship, support—you name it, and I’m pretty sure Brown covered it! Everything culminated for a very moving storyline. I found myself rooting with Amber and Kelly for Jenna to see what happiness she and Carson could bring to each other.

Sweet As Honey by Fern Michaels
I didn’t finish this story. It wasn’t my cuppa.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley/Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lilac Time published by Kensington Publishing is a compilation of three best selling authors, containing Sweet as Honey from Fern Michaels, Everything She'd Ever Wanted from Lori Foster and The Memory Cabin from Carolyn Brown. Three novellas/ shorts from three of my fav authors - yay- sign me up.
Recommend and give 5 stars.