Customer Reviews

More Than Words, Volume 6: Almost Lost\Sheltering Hearts\Safely Home\No Limits\The Princess Shoes

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"More Than Words, Volume 6", features five stories inspired by five real-life women who have made a difference in the world.

"Almost Lost" by Joan Johnston was inspired by Catherine Chon and her work with the Polaris Project which helps victims of human trafficking. In this story, Police Lieutenant Karen Toller gets involved with Miranda Burnett and her father Seth when Miranda's best friend Jackie disappears. Karen realizes pretty quickly that Jackie is in danger of becoming a sex slave and works fast to save her, while falling for Seth and his daughter. This is a nicely done romance despite the horrific premise. Johnston manages a happy ending for all, even Jackie. What happens to the young victims is explained, but not so much so that the story is hard to read. What really struck me about this story is that while we often hear about victims of online predators, predators are everywhere, even shopping malls.

"Sheltering Hearts" by Robyn Carr was inspired by the Zoe Institute, a resource center for single mothers founded by Rhonda Clemens. In this very cute story single mother Dory Finn has focused her life on raising her two children and her volunteer work with single parents. After a bad experience with romance, she's not looking for love, but her feelings begin to change when Clay Kennedy moves in next door and makes his way into both her heart and her children's hearts. Doriy must overcome the past in order to learn to love again. This was a nicely done and realistic romance that shows how hard some single mothers have to struggle just to feed their children. Carr does an excellent job showing how Dory is still dealing with the effects of an abusive relationship and how hard it is for her to learn to trust again. My only complaint about this story is that Clay is a little too good to be true.

"Safely Home" by Christina Skye was inspired by Partners in Care, Maryland, run by Barbara Huston, an organization that helps senior citizens. Sarah Winslow's sister Hannah has always been a bit of a free spirit, but it is not like her to disappear without a word and Sarah is worried when she goes to visit Hannah and she is nowhere to be found. Deputy Sheriff Jessie McCloud is also worried about Hannah's disappearance and the fact that Liz Stone is also missing. While Sarah and Jessie look for the missing women sparks fly between the even as danger looms. While I enjoyed the romance aspects of the story and the story had plenty of suspense, I thought "Safely Home" was the weakest story in the collection. It is the type of story that needed a longer format, and unlike the other stories in this book this story had very little to do with the organization it was honoring. Shortly there could have been a story focusing on the elderly and those that help them.

"No Limits" by Rochelle Alers was inspired by Clara Tavares, founder of The Sky's the Limit Youth Organization, which buys refurbished computers and gives them to students from under resourced communities. After a devastating accident ended her marriage Kendra Reeves threw herself into working at her grandparent's restaurant and running a literacy program. She thinks she's moved on with her life and is not prepared for the reappearance of her ex-husband Nathaniel and the feeling he stirs in her. "No Limits" was my favorite story in this collection for a number of reasons - the first being that it features an African-American couple rather than the lily white characters featured all too often in romance novels. Second, the romance between an ex-husband and wife is a unique touch and the chemistry between them is palpable. While Kendra and Nathaniel both have plenty of money, the story does a nice job of showing how tough life can be in poorer neighborhoods, and how something as simple as a used computer can make a huge difference in someone's life.

"The Princess Shoes" by Maureen Child was inspired by Roni Lomeli's work with Shoes That Fit, an organization that provides children with new shoes for school. Noah Fielding has buried his past while building up his business and thinks he has it all- until he meets single mother Annie Moore. She's his assistant and he's done his best to ignore how attractive she is but she and her daughter, Kara, are getting under his skin. When young Kara tries to help a friend who needs shoes both Annie's and Noah's eyes are opened to how poor some people are - so poor that they can't even afford shoes for their children. As Noan and Annie work towards changing the lives of poor people their feelings for each other are also changing. "The Princess Shoes" was a cute, short romance story. While Kara is the perfect cute little kid found in a lot of romance stories the story does have a nice sense of realism, as it describes how some families are struggling in today's economy. The romance between Noah and Annie is very sweet, and Noah is an especially well developed character in a relatively short story.

"More Than Words, Volume 6" is a nice collection of stories inspired by five women would have made a difference in this world. Proceeds from the sale of this book are reinvested into the Harlequin More Than Words program.

More Than Words Volume 6 is the second of these volumes that I had read. If you haven't read one of theses books then you should check them out. What I most like about these books is that they introduce me to some really great people all over the world, doing wonderful things like...Katherine Chon with the Polaris Project. The Polaris Project is an organization made up of volunteers, FBI, and other law enforcement groups, who help provide resources for stopping and locating children of human trafficking.

Each author introduces readers to a different person, who is doing something great like Katherine and then writes a short story based on that organization. The stories range from romance to suspense, based on the author's expertise. Some of the best selling authors today...Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers, and Maureen Child, join in Volume 6. Rochelle Alers and Maureen Child were both new to me authors. I did like their stories and plan to check out their full length novels. Though, I do have to admit that I found the real life stories a little more interesting then the fiction ones. While they were all good, I liked some better then others.

Original stories inspired by real women who've made a difference.

Almost Lost by Joan Johnston, Inspired by Katherin Chon, founder of Polaris Project

Lieutenant Karen Toller lost her husband on the job two years ago. So, she can sympathize with what Seth Burnett is going through to a degree. When Seth's daughter, Miranda, shows up at the precinct, Karen is on the case immediately. She specializes in missing children, and Miranda's best friend Jackie is missing. Miranda is afraid that Jackie went to meet an older girl named Susan at the mall, a girl who promised Jackie that her boyfriends friend would take care of her.

Karen suspects sex trafficking and doesn't want to waste a moment in the search for Jackie. Every minute is precious and the longer it takes to find her, the odds are that Jackie may never come home again. Fortunately, Polaris Project is an organization that helps find and rescue sex slaves from traffickers.

For the first time in a few years, Karen feels like a woman in Seth's presence, and for the first time since his wife's death, Seth feels the stone walls around his heart crumbling. A heart-warming romance blossoms in the face of horrifying circumstances. You'll smile at the romance, and cry for the circumstances. Sex Trafficking is a serious problem and you can help. Visit [...]

Sheltering Hearts by Robin Carr, Inspired by Rhonda Clemons, founder of Zoe Institute

Dory is a single mother of two young children. She works full time during the day, but she also volunteers at a single mother's support group. When she left her abusive marriage, the Zoe institute helped her, and she wants to give that back now that she can.

But a new hunky fireman has moved into the place next door, Clay Kennedy. Clay keeps asking Dory out, but she is terrified to get into another relationship. He builds her trust slowly and Dory finds her strong defenses crumbling around Clay. Together, they help out a single mom being abused, and his strong arms around her are comforting. Clay will have to take his time to convince Dory that he won't hurt her or her two kids.

There are millions of women abused everyday or single moms who just need some support. To find out more about the Zoe Institute, visit [...]
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Safely Home by Christina Skye, Inspired by Barbara Huston, founders of Partners in Care Maryland


Sara Winslow is taking some vacation time to see her sister, Hannah, but when she arrives at the remote cabin, Hannah is missing. Sara feels something foul is afoot, what with the cigarette butts all under a tree, and a bunch of footprints of high dollar shoes, not to mention the baby blanket stuffed in a rock crevice.

Deputy Sheriff Jesse McCloud was wounded when he was in service, so he walks with a limp, but that doesn't take away from his good looks and charm. Sara is instantly captivated with him, but she needs to find her sister. Jesse thinks it may be a crime of smuggling illegal immigrants, and even though he is highly attracted to Sarah, he wants to find her sister, and it seems local woman Liz Stone is missing too.

Liz and Hannah are trying to get a program up and running, one to help the elderly. But they need to live through it first, and hopefully Jesse and Sara can save them in time. Maybe while they are working together, they can let their hearts open up for love . To learn more about Partners in Care, visit [...].

No Limits by Rochelle Alers, inspired by Lara Tavares,, founder of Skys the Limit Youth Organization


Kendra and Nathaniel got divorced after their daughter Natalia drowned. Nathan blamed Kendra, even though he says he didn't, and Kendra left him. Now, she waits tables at her grandparents restaurant, and several evenings a week, she tutors high school drop outs at her church so they can earn their degree.

But then suddenly Nathan returns, and they realize they still love each other, but are slow on the uptake. One of Kendra's students is trying to get her GED but has lost computer access. It starts a new journey for Kendra, trying to become a nonprofit agency so she can get donated and refurbished computers for those students who need them and can't access them. Along the way, Kendra and Nathan try to be friends, but can they work past their past issues and grief to a new beginning?

To learn more about Skys the Limit Youth Organization, visit [...] @

The Princess Shoes by Maureen Child, Inspired by Roni Lomeli, founder of Shoes that Fit


Noah Fielding owns several stores, and he is thrilled with his success, but something is missing. He just isn't sure what it is. And his new secretary is too distracting. Annie does a great job, but she's so pretty and kind. But when Annie's daughter is caught stealing in one of Noah's stores, things change.

Kara just wanted a pair of shoes for her best friend Gracie. Gracie had to wear shoes too large to school because her family didn't have any money. And when the shoes fell off, all the kids laughed at her. Kara hated to see Gracie cry, so she stole them. But Noah is going to let Kara work for the money to buy the shoes, a generous offer that surprises Annie.

But Annie learns there is more children out there without shoes that fit, and does some research. She convinces Noah to help her build their own chapter of Shoes That Fit, the organization that helps kids with shoes, backpacks and school supplies. And long the way, Noah finds what he is missing, if he can just convince Annie.

To learn more about Shoes That Fit, visit [...]
MORE THAN WORDS is more than a romance anthology. It's filled with romance and inspiration that warms the heart. I found it educating to learn about so many different organizations and inspiring to see women out there, not only taking care of home and hearth, but helping one another, being kind and loving. A satisfying and fulfilling story about real women who make a difference in our world. I highly urge you to pick this one up today. As a bonus, if you do purchase the book, proceeds from the sale are reinvested in the Harlequin More Than Words program. It's a win-win situation!

The "More Than Words" series is a group of books that feature organizations founded by women to ameliorate a situation they have become aware of in their communities. The authors are chosen by Harlequin and are asked to write a story based around the themes and the organizations. The readers become informed about some wonderful organizations, are led to websites that feature the organizations, and then are treated to an entertaining story. I urge you to get all of the books in the "More Than Words" series and to help support any of the organizations that resonate with your interests.

I purchased this book specifically because I'm a Robyn Carr fan and her contribution to the book is said to be part of her Virgin River series. For Carr/Virgin River fans, you should know that this story does not actually take place in Virgin River, but in Fortuna. The only connection to the series is that Mel Sheridan, Paige Middleton, and Corsica Rios make minor appearances. You will not be missing anything important in the series by skipping this volume. Carr's story was cute but very short, and the romance doesn't develop very far by the end. I think she did a great job portraying the type of organization she was asked to write about (the Zoe Institute) and her writing is engaging as always, but the story itself just doesn't develop into much. It could be a great pre-cursor to a full-length novel.

Overall, I like the concept of the More Than Words series and I'm glad the cost of the book goes to a good cause. I have not read the other stories in the book yet, but am anxious to see if the other stories are better and inspire me to seek out more work by those authors.

[...]


More Than Words is an anthology that uses, as its inspiration, the good deeds of women-created non-profit organizations and builds fictional stories that tug at the heartstrings.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. I tend to prefer longer stories, but this book didn't disappoint me in the plots or characterizations in each story. They're prefaced by a page or two about the real life story behind the charity they represent, and I was inspired by both the non-fiction and fictions stories in this book.

I'll admit, I cried more than once.

In Almost Lost by Joan Johnston, we learn about The Polaris Project [...]
and the slave trade that still goes on daily, here on the streets of American. Teens lured into prostitution: imprisoned, isolated, beaten and raped until they are so emotionally destroyed they don't even think about trying to leave their situation - the very thought of it horrified me. She realistically portrayed how any young girl might end up having this happen to them, and how tough it is to find them and get them back out. The story has it's lighter moments, too, with the romance that grows between the police officer assigned to the job, and the father of one of the girls involved. Ms. Johnston's writing didn't pull any punches and drew me right into the story. Her characters were real, the emotions strong, and the story believable.

In Sheltering Hearts by Robyn Carr, we find out about the Zoe Institute [...]
and how it addresses the needs of single mothers in America. The story follows one such woman who left an abusive marriage with her children and herself mostly intact. She's still a little fearful, a bit over protective and mistrusting, but who could blame her? And when her too-good-to-be-true handsome neighbor starts helping her without asking, mows her lawn, plays catch with her son, puts her garbage on the curb she's concerned. She doesn't trust her intuition anymore, and tries to push him away. I have to admit, this was my least favorite story in the series because I just couldn't understand why our hero kept pursuing a relationship with this woman - she was a little crazed at times, screaming and accusing. This may be completely in character for a woman recovering from abuse, but I didn't find it believable that he would continue trying to break through her defenses. However, when he succeeded, their relationship was sweet. And she, as a volunteer for the Zoe Institute, really showed us how there are many women in different situations that can use their help.

Safely Home by Christina Skye discusses the needs of senior citizens and one organization who helps them help themselves. Partners in Care [...]
lets senior partners offer their skills in trade for the skills of others. The story deals with the kidnapping of two women, one of whom is a tough old bird, and we get to watch the sister of the other lady, and the deputy sheriff of a tiny town learn to trust and love each other while they search for the two missing women. This is a fast-paced, edge-of-your seat story, you won't regret reading. I only wish it had been longer!

No Limits by Rochelle Alers addresses a timely issue: the needs of pretty much everyone to access to a computer in order to do even day-to-day things. She spotlights The Sky's the Limit [...] which provides refurbished computers to kids who need them for their schooling. Having a computer is something most of take for granted, and because of this many things are built around that - including schools tests and assignments. Our story revolves around a woman who's a former elementary teacher, recently divorced from her husband, who is now teaching a literacy class to adults. She's approached by a former student who asks her help to study for the GED. When she tells the girl that her work will be done over the internet, she comes to find out that her student doesn't have her own computer. With the help of her ex-husband, who'd like to ditch the "ex" part, she establishes her own version of The Sky's the limit and shows us what can happen with determination, support and love. A very sweet story.

The anthology ends with The Princess Shoes by Maureen Child. Her tale highlights the need of many children here in America who don't have basic necessities like shoes that fit. Shoes That Fit [...] is an organization who helps address this need. Our story stars a widow and her young daughter, and begins with the daughter being accused of shoplifting. We find that she's tried to steal a pair of shoes for her best friend who doesn't have properly fitting ones. The story touches the heart of the widow's boss, and the previously stand-offish man begins to get involved with life. He helps the girl earn money to buy the shoes for her friend and then, after seeing the reaction of the little girl who received the shoes, helps organize a local Shoes that Fit chapter. This story made me cry more than once. I absolutely fell in love with every single one of the characters, and my heart broke for a little girl who wanted to help her friend. My favorite story in the book, this was a fabulous way to end my journey.

Each of these stories was wonderful. Each made me see how small things make a big difference. Each one highlighted a wonderful organization and made it real through a fictional story with well-drawn characters, a strong plot and - best of all, a happy ending.

If you're looking for a feel-good anthology with a touch of romance that supports worthy causes, then you need to pick up your own copy of More Than Words. I know I'll treasure my copy.

It is not enough to be a book where the monies go to charity, the book has to be exceptionally well written. These authors certainly deliver in this anthology. Some of them bought in places or characters with which we have a familiarity. They all pay tribute to the women who inspired them with a steady hand. The stories draw you in.