It's been a while since Angela Benson's last book. The holiday season is the perfect time to read her story, Friends and Lovers. It's funny and it's fun. It's my favorite in the collection. However, Rochelle Alers' Kwanzaa story and Shirley Hailstock's Christmas story will put you in the spirit of the season.

The three novellas make a perfect combination for the holiday season. Whatever your style, it was there -- Christmas, Kwanzaa, and the New Year. The Christmas novella "Invitation to Love" was a heartwarming story of renewing an old romance. It dealt with forgiveness as well as believing and trusting. "Invitation to Love" was a chance for Elizabeth and James to recapture the joy and romance that was shattered. It was a chance for Elizabeth to discover the love that she thought was buried with the death of her sister, Claire. "Invitation to Love" was right in tune with the Christmas spirit of love, joy, hope, and sharing. "Invitation to Love" was a beautiful and moving story.

What can I say about Aler's "First Fruits?" I love Rochelle Alers' books and this novella was no exception. It was rewarding to see concern for the younger generation and Marshall Graham's actions to steer the younger male in the right direction with the operation of Nia Academy for males. Marshall set out not only to have the academy in operation, but to cover all aspects of learning - academically, as well as socially, -- in learning english, math, history, art and dance. I praise Marshall for being the sort of guy set on making a difference and making it happen. Shelby Carter, Marshall's love interest, would handle the art aspect at Nia Academy. However, Shelby had not only captured the art contract, but she had also captured Marshall's heart. When first introduced by Marshall's aunt and Shelby's friend, Naomi Morrow, it was a love interest at first meeting for both of them. It was not easy and there were some misunderstanding, but eventually, their love did flourish and the romance came to harvest. "First Fruits" was a rewarding novella that was not only informing with the information about Kwanzaa and the Kwanzaa celebration, but it was a wonderful romance about two people deserving love and each other. Great story, Ms. Alers!

Angela Benson's "Friend and Lover" was my favorite. This was a hilarious story of two people with truly a loving friendship. Reed was a guy who knew how to take matters into his own hands. He moved into Paige's apartment after the Christmas holiday and before the New Year's holiday and into her heart for life. Paige was a wonderful girl, who agreed to play Reed's game of being engaged. But was this only for Reed's grandmother's sake, or did Paige really have a motive of her own? Was she missing something in her own life that she saw when Reed and Grandmother Lewis came to visit? Where was the spark between Paige and her fiance', Dexter? The sparks ignited when Reed kissed Paige or was near her, but she could not remember anything like that in her relationship with Dexter? If you have not read this one, then you must read it. It is not only funny, but touching. I am sure that you will enjoy it.

Great Read! I really enjoyed this book. It had everything, second chances, educational aspects, and it was very funny! I always look forward to one of Alers's books. She did not disappoint! Hailstock's novella was very heart felt. It is the kind of story that makes you smile at the end. And Benson, all I can say is I'll never see my best friend the same again ( of course he's male). I love this story the most. It had me on the floor laughing. I read it none stop!

The last book of the Hideaway Series was a very good read. Although it wasn't as spectacular as I thought it would be. I truly recommend this book and all of Rochelle's books.

I have really enjoyed the Hideaway Series. I did not want this novel to end. A great book from a great author.

I waited patiently for this book for a whole year. I knew the end was coming but still, I was looking forward to it like my very own family reunion!

Gabriel was everything that I thought he would be and more. He was sensitive, aggressive, talented and oh so sexy! Like the Cole men, Gabriel saw what he wanted and went after it! You gotta admire a man who goes after what he wants! Summer was a change from the usual "damsel in distress" Rochelle features in her other titles. Summer was independent and take-charge. She was anything but weak. Definitely, a strong woman.

Ms. Alers writing style is unique and very enjoyable. The characters will always be special to me. Yes, it is sad that this is the last book in the series. But like all good things, they must come to an end. This book was wonderful and the scenes with "our" family featured were very touching. Especially, the final one. Ms. Alers has kept us entertained with this book as well as the series: which has earned a special place in my heart.

Thanks for the memories, Rochelle! As the Gabriel Cole would say... "Usted hizo bien, mi amiga. Hasta su próximo libro..."

Translation: You did well, my friend. Until your next book...

Michelle W.
Brooklyn, NY

Four very talented and well know authors come to us again in the follow-up to Rosie's Curl & Weave.

Della's House of Style was a great treat. The four stories were well written.

Donna Hill's It Could Happen to You was excellent. I really liked Della finding a Love of Her Own. I was glad to see a soft side to the hero in this story. Della just seemed to bring out the best in him. Ms. Hill is a thorough writer and gave us a wonderful story.

Francis Ray's story A Matter of Trust was warm and very sincere. I liked the characters of Hope and Sebastian. Hope's son and landlord really rounded out the story.

Rochelle Alers' story Sweet Surrender was touching. Maria Parker a very young widow was afraid to love. She meets Mr. Cameron King, a man that looks tough on the outside, but is a sweet person once you get to know him.

Felicia Mason's story Truly, Honestly was great also. I think it shows you don't always choose who you fall in love with, sometimes it just happens. No matter where you come from and what you do in life, love should be the most important.

Each story held its own, but together they made a wonderful novel all surrounding Della's House of Style. Great job ladies!

Great follow up.
They have done it again. Francis Ray is my favorite author.
In Donna Hill's It Could Happen to You. Della finally found someone but the way they meet was very strange. In the end Della And Matt were finally together. She saved the shop and she was very happy.

In Francis Ray's A Matter of Trust the story was very warm. I really injoyed Hope, her son, and the landlady. Sabatian was ok but he was a little cocky in the beginning.

I enjoyed the other story's, Francis Ray and Donna Hill's really stoodout

Having always read novels by one author, I found it intriguing to read short stories by several different authors. The plots are simple and fast-moving. I loved this book. Each one of the four stories were well-written and intriguing. My favorite was the one with the IRS man (sorry, forgot which author!). Anyways, I couldn't put it down!

I found all of the plots too obvious. There was no mystery to any of the stories and none of the plots had any imagination. I was very displeased with the complete novel.

Once again, a collection of great authors creating works that are out of this world. All the stories were very well written. I really enjoyed all the authors' tales of the "Islands." Great work Ladies!

this was a good novel. ms. hailstock's story was the bomb she certainly know's the way to reader's heart. ms.mason story was a very compassionate one especially when it came down to regine and her friends helping their friend alicia in her time of trouble. my favorite story was from mrs.gamble raven and logan story was my absolute favorite thes to really put this book to good use.ms aler's story was also wonderful i loved the way she hooked up the senator with a woman who was just as delightful as himself.

Heroines: statuesque, plump, voluptuous, abundant

Four professional women of various ages and sizes try to find ways to fit love into their busy lives.

What worked for me:

It was a toss-up for me to choose my favorite, particularly between Donna Hill's joyful "Surprise!" and Francis Ray's well-written "Strictly Business", but in the end I give my vote to Donna Hill because the plot twist in her story was most definitely a surprise! Then too, there's the fact that the hero and heroine are a long-married couple. As a wife myself, I just adore stories about long-time twosomes who still have that magic spark!

What didn't work for me:

Short stories aren't my favorite format to read, mainly because the limited amount of space requires authors to heap background information on the reader in large clumps, which gives them a more contrived feel than that of a full length novel.

Overall:

Fans of contemporary short stories and African American romances are sure to enjoy this delicious collection about love, lust, and passion.

Warning: there are some steamy passages, an occasional coarse word, and one weight-loss scenario in this book.

If you liked "Living Large" you might also enjoy the "Tales from the Heart" and "At Long Last, Love!" anthologies.

Let me say off the bat, I am not a romance novel reader. For whatever reason, they aren't my type of reading; but, I don't knock those who do. My joy is seeing people read ... period.

I picked up LIVING LARGE because of its unique theme that the main female characters in each story were plus size. This book is complied of short stories written by some of the busiest black authors in the romance field. While I won't go and give a descriptive synopsis for each story, I will say that I found something positive in each one.

If I had to choose a story as a stand out it would be STRICTLY BUSINESS by Francis Ray. Her writing is crisp, clear, and concise. I related to the main character and found her to be approachable and realistic. Coupled with the fact that to me she was the one, out of all of the main characters in the stories, who most fit the description of a full figure person. Being an avid reader, so often you get a little tired of the main characters being "perfect" in all different ways. So it was refreshing to see the stories written from a different angle.

I can only hope that this is the beginning of a trend, where the main characters represent the many different makeup of people .... Pus size, small, corporate, blue collar, etc.

This anthology is a reality check and addresses that fact that all women are not small and petite and just because they are living large does not mean they do not deserve to be loved-as is. These women are living large but they are also beautiful women who carry themselves well.

Reunion by Rochelle Alers*****
Another great love story giving us the awareness that love can be found at any age. Too bad her ex-husband did not realize he had a good thing until it was gone. Oh well, more room for the Scientist to make her aware of his attraction.

Surprise by Donna Hill****
Imagine being over 50 and pregnant, my goodness. Though the road gets rocky, this couple is so in love with each other after 30+ years of marriage, that they can handle any surprise.

Bare Essentials by Brenda Jackson*****
Best out of the four short stories. Jordan Prescott saw what he wanted and went for it. Wow!!!! Jogging in park for Judge Kincaid was nothing like having a personal trainer.

Strictly Business by Francis Ray****
This story was good but could have been better; it just took too long for Monica to give Garret the benefit of the doubt. He's a real gentleman, very open with her and determined to have her inspite of her desire to keep things strictly business.

I DON'T SEE HOW PEOPLE COULD GIVE THIS BOOK AT LEAST 3 STARS. I WAS VEEEEERY DISAPPOINTED. READING THE EXCERPTS GAVE ME FALSE HOPE. THIS WAS NOT A ROMANCE BOOK. IT IS ABOUT A WOMAN WITH MANY ISSUES. PLUS, SHE CRIED TOO MUCH. I'VE HEARD THAT MRS. ALERS WRITES GOOD BOOKS. WELL, THIS WAS THE FIRST BOOK OF HERS THAT I HAVE READ. THIS MUST NOT HAVE BEEN HER BEST. I'M GLAD THAT I RENTED IT FROM THE LIBRARY. THIS MAY SEEM LIKE I'M A VERY RUDE PERSON. I'M JUST OUT-SPOKEN. WELL, READ IT FOR YOURSELF. YOU MIGHT LIKE IT. MIGHT.

It took me to get to chapter 4 before I realized I read this book before. I read this book back in 1989 when I picked up my first African-American romance. I am an avid reader and I also collect books. I have my original copy of this book with a different cover. Back then I honestly believed that white writers were writing these books because the format that was followed was similar to Harlequin Romances. Everyone knows that a Harlequin had a guy, a girl, and an unlikely situation. The whole romance was based on a look, a one time kiss, or reactions and dialogue that was way over the top and supposed to pass for sensuous. This was the type of African-American romance that made me not want to read any romance that was supposed to have African American characters in it. I didn't pick up another African-American Romance until 1995. Overall, I absolutely love Ms. Alers later stories the Hideaway series and her Anthologies but as for this story and Gentle Yearnings they are not what I would call hot, sexual, or sensuous stories. They are luke warm like older Harlequins they leave you wondering why you wasted your time.

I really enjoyed this book. Nicholas Bradshaw was something else, he made my blood boil in more ways then one. But I think Dyana handled him very well. The book was really good, a must read!Much love to Ms Alers

I have rarely read a book I disliked more than Gentle Yearnings. Not only was the writing trite and overdone, the plot was just plain silly. As soon as Rebecca discovered herself pregnant, I knew immediately what the twist was. And who would believe that it wouldn't occur to Daniel or Rebecca? No one! Further, I thought it was unnecessary to villify Michael. It was all right that Daniel and Rebecca turned to each other in their need to grieve and share. And it would have been believable and acceptable that they had never gotten past their love, even during all her years of marriage to Michael, except that one does believe very quickly that it was nothing but lust that pulled the two of them together. This book is an absolute failure from page one to the end. I think this is a poor example of Black fiction, and hope the publisher will rethink putting out books that depict this culture in such a shabby light.

NOW I KNOW WHAT THE KIDS MEAN WHEN THEY COIN THAT PHRASE!!.

COULDN'T PUT THIS ONE DOWN AND FINISHED WITHIN 4 HOURS.

GIRLFRIEND ALERS CERTAINLY KNOWS HOW TO GET THE HEART PUMPING. SHE HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE YOU BOND SO MUCH WITH THE CHARACTERS THAT YOU RIDE THE ROLLER COASTER OF EMOTIONS WITH THEM.

HER LOVE SCENES ARE INCREDIBLE, AND SHE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US IN THIS ONE. DANIEL IS THE MAN TO DIE FOR. HE SURELY KNOWS HOW TO MAKE A WOMAN OUT OF A GIRL.

KEEP IT UP MS ALERS AND GIVE US SOME MORE!!

All of the other books I've read by Ms. Alers have been sensational. I haven't read this one yet, but I expect it to be UP THERE with the others. I disagree with the story-bashing by certain others. As for the review from the model on the book's cover...you got a paycheck didn't you...Please show some class...you never know if or when you'll need Mrs. Alers. Love your books Ms. Alers!

All of the characters in all four stories are bland, one-dimensional, simple, and really just pathetic. (However, two of these short stories were just scanned.) The main characters do not seem to understand their own feelings and motives for anything they do.

Much of the writing is redundant, and therefore, unnecessary. Poor Ms. Aimee Fisher, on several pages, (paraphrased) "just can't understand the emotions she has for Leland."

In another story the characters are so unrealistic that it is ridiculous. John's mother, a sixty-something year old woman, needs Toni, the main character, to help her tell her son that "she wants to go home!" Ple-e-e-a-se!! There is no literary aplomb in any of these short stories. Well, I really just glanced through Ms. Mason's and Ms. King-Gamble's works because I was really too "afraid" to read them.

Some of the novellas were ok. Ms. Alers story was good. I like reading that one.

"From the Heart" by Rochelle Alers. Leland lives in an antebellum mansion on Georgia's St. Simons Island where he finds historic documents. Curator Aimee visits Leland to catalogue the discovery. They fall in love, but he lives on an ocean island while she resides in inland Atlanta, making a relationship seem impossible. Though the excuse seems feeble in this world of commuter marriages, fans will enjoy this well written contemporary.

"An Officer and A Hero" by Marcia King-Gamble. Reticent Kitt goes on a Caribbean cruise where she cannot compete with the women participating in the Miss Black Universe contest for the attention of cruise ship employer Jared. Still they fall in love, but several contestants want him too. This is an amusing fairy tale.

"Our Secret Affair" by Carmen Green. Though they work for the same company, Toni and John are competitors. Toni is the top salesperson while John is second. During the company's annual retreat, they fall in love, but they compete for a promotion that will lead to the lay off of the other. Though the premise of firing your top guns seems improbable when there are lesser talents available for downsizing, readers will like this dueling duo.

"Heart's Desire" by Felicia Mason. Single father David takes his three children on a Bahamas vacation where he meets Lucia. They are attracted to one another, but she played the role of stepmother once before and vowed never again. Though matchmaking children have become trite, the two adults make for a fine reading experience.

Some of the premises are weak, but the stories entertain and are fun to read so kick off your shoes and enjoy ISLAND BLISS.

Harriet Klausner