THE GIFT OF LOVE, edited by Lori Foster, is a collection of short stories by Ms. Foster and eight other authors. I love anthologies because they give me a chance to sample new authors without committing to a full-length novel.

When I was reading this entertaining anthology, I was impressed by how each author was able to give me a completely charming story in a few short pages.

I have to admit that there was one story, The Wolf Watcher's Diet by Paige Cuccaro, that had me wanting to give up on the anthology because it is a shapeshifter story. I am firmly entrenched in being a reader of either contemporary romance or romantic suspense. Fortunately, Ms. Cuccaro's writing had me continuing to turn the pages. I found myself totally engrossed in the story and rooting for Ella, Luke, and their path to true love. My enjoyment of The Wolf Watcher's Diet took me totally by surprise, and I will be watching for other short stories by Paige Cuccaro.

The Redemption of Brodie Grant by Lisa Cooke is a historical romance, another a genre outside of my comfort zone. The Stovers and the Grants had been "feuding" for years. Now Sara Grant is marrying Leo Stover and Brodie is back in town to celebrate the wedding. Will the marriage help to settle the feud, or will it take something else? Ms. Cooke's story had me turning page after page wanting to see what was going to happen, and how Brodie would be redeemed.

Helen Kay Dimon closed the anthology with Second Time Around. A story of unrequited first love turning into something special as adult love.

Overall, as anthologies go, THE GIFT OF LOVE is a great choice as a gift for a loved one, or just a treat for yourself. The fact it benefits a charitable organization is just the icing on the cake!