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.

This collection of stories is a heartwarming escape into love, second chances, and fresh starts. I really love how the focus on emotional growth and connection shines through. Each story has a lighthearted quality that cleverly contrasts with deeper themes of healing, personal growth, and embracing change. It’s the ideal set of stories to turn to when you need a dose of warmth and optimism. The writing is engaging and heartfelt, with each author adding their own magical touch to the characters and settings. A perfect choice for readers who crave uplifting stories that not only bring a smile but also tug at the heartstrings.