"A diverse anthology with something for everyone"

A MOTHER'S WAY includes four stories full of love, laughter, and meddling mothers. It begins with MOTHER, MAY I? by Lynsay Sands, a medieval tale of a knight commanded to marry -- and his mama. It's a sweet romance, with characters that seem to be well-matched. Plus, even though Jonathan's mother does unapologetically manipulate her child, he and Alice fall in love with each other quite naturally. In MOTHER, MAY I?, Sands has produced a nice historical romance that is well worth the read.

Next is BREEDING SEASON by Lisa Cach. Set in 1750, this tale is a bit of a gender-switcher, where a young lady is determined to "sow her oats" before her marriage -- not realizing that her mother has already decided that her time is up. In this story, the male is the shy, retiring type -- too much so for this reader. I also had a hard time finding any sympathy for Evelina (who began as a fashion-crazed brat) but other readers may find her more intriguing. All in all, I didn't find this story nearly as good as the others in the anthology.

SEEKING SINGLE SUPERHERO by Julie Kenner is a short story set in her popular Protector universe. Jenny has finally met the perfect mortal -- too bad he's a Protector in disguise. Kenner has done it again with her sexy superheroes. Starbuck isn't your typical hero, but he still saves the day -- and gets the girl! I was rooting for him the whole way! Also, for a short story, this was wrapped up beautifully. No loose threads, no hanging questions.

The final story is Susan Grant's THE DAY HER HEART STOOD STILL, where a woman falls in love with the alien who crashes in her mother's backyard. This was my hands-down favorite. Andie is a strong heroine, and her UFO-loving mother provides the perfect foil. Though this story seemed to be a bit short, it was still very thrilling. It was more tender than the others, in part because Andie and Zefer's love was so nearly impossible. Ms Grant ended it beautifully, though.

All four stories in the anthology were fun, and well linked to the theme -- mothers interfering in their children's romantic lives. The range of settings and times means that readers of both historical and contemporary romantic fiction can find a story to their taste. Sexuality- wise, it is very tame. I did enjoy the contemporary tales more, but it wasn't because the historical ones were badly written or boring, simply because Grant and Kenner, in my estimation, set a very high standard. A MOTHER'S WAY is recommended for any romance reader, and is definitely going on my keeper shelf!

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Posted June 6, 2002

Summary

Is it the king who commands Lord Jonathon to wed, or is it the diabolical scheme of his marriage-minded mama? After escaping her restrictive schooling, Miss Evelina Johnson wants to sow her wild oats. Mrs. Johnson plants different ideas. Andie never expects the man of her dreams to fall from the sky--but when he does, her mother will make sure the earth moves! Jennifer Martin has always wanted to marry the man she loves, but her mom knows the only ones worth having are superheroes. Whether you're a medieval lord or a marketing liaison, whether you're from Bath or Betelgeuse, it never hurts to have some help with your love life. Come see why a little meddling can be a wonderful thing--and why every day should be Mother's way.