Legendary Regency author Mary Balogh inspired this
anthology with her belief that four authors given the same
plot premise would turn out very different and unique
stories. There would be no collaboration between authors.
The premise is a man and woman meeting at an inn after 10
years of not seeing or hearing from one another and in 24
hours their lives dramatically change. Ms. Balogh is proven
right as each story is as distinctive as each individual
author.
THE FALL OF ROGUE GERRARD is a spirited and sensual
romance from Stephanie Laurens' pen. Lady Lydia
contemplates sneaking into the neighboring estate to
retrieve indiscreet letters written by her sister. She
encounters Robert Gerrard at the inn taking refuge from the
storm. Robert gave Lydia her first kiss 10 years ago. The
passion and innocence of that kiss scared him beyond reason
and he fled. Now Robert and Lydia join in an adventure and
revisit their unresolved feelings.
Mary Balogh writes a bittersweet tale of betrayal
and innocence in SPELLBOUND. Nora Ryder makes her
way to the stagecoach after an argument with her employer
leaves her jobless. At the inn, Nora sees Richard Kemp,
Lord Bourne, the man she eloped with 10 years ago. Both
were young and innocent when they unwittingly let
themselves be Nora's father's pawns. At this accidental
meeting, they might have a chance for a new beginning if
they have the courage to admit their mistakes and love in
this charming heartwarming story.
In Jacquie D'Alessandro's ONLY YOU, Cassie
returns to the inn where her childhood playmate, Ethan, is
innkeeper. She loved Ethan but she fulfilled her duty and
married an aristocrat. Now, after her disastrous marriage
has ended with her husband's death, Cassie is back and
willing to do anything to convince Ethan to marry her.
Ethan wants the best for Cassie and believes she'll regret
leaving a life of luxury behind. ONLY YOU is a poignant and
deeply moving story.
In Candice Hern's FROM THIS MOMENT ON, fate
gives old lovers a second chance. Wilhelmina, the Duchess
of Hertford, crosses paths with Captain Sam Pellow. The
past was not kind to them. Sam was pressed into the Navy,
leaving Wilhelmina without resources. She survived but lost
Sam when he returned and condemned Wilhelmina for the
choices she made. Older and wiser, they've come full
circle. Ms. Hern explores forgiveness in this tender and
touching novella.
Ms. Balogh proves her point. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT has the
same premise, but each author puts a different spin on the
plot. A wonderful anthology that should not be missed.