For all of us who've read our horoscopes while enjoying our morning coffee (or tea) and hoped those star-inspired words might hold some truth comes a series of two-story anthologies by Liquid Silver Books each containing themes of one of the twelve zodiac signs.

Since her grandmother's death, Belle Garrett, heroine of Alyssa Brooks' "Blessed Doom", has spent more time with the characters in her head than trying to get on with her life. When her horoscope promises major changes in her life – beginning with a phone call – Belle laughs it off.

Her luck changes when the phone call arrives and Belle discovers she's inherited not only Rosewood Plantation, but five hundred thousand dollars from an aunt she's never known. In her excitement to embark on a new chapter in her life, Belle rushes in the middle of the night to South Carolina.

Upon her arrival, Belle finds herself attracted to Noah Carver, the sexy and mysterious caretaker of Rosewood Plantation. Without hesitation, Noah takes her in and introduces her to his passion – her. When she discovers she's living in the midst of an old family curse guaranteed to change her life forever, will it tear her and Noah apart?

Ms. Brooks presents a fascinating premise that brings together two vastly different characters in Belle and Noah and does an outstanding job of keeping them together. Belle's strength pitted against Noah's self-assurance provides a great deal of inherent conflict that drives the story forward. The love scenes are sizzling, convincing and full of emotion. Overall, "Blessed Doom" was a satisfying read as the first story of this anthology.

Rosewood Plantation is the setting of Melissa Schroeder's "Sweet Patience", the second Cancer offering. Patience Sawyer convinces Chance MacGuire, head chef at the Atlanta hotel where they work, to pitch in money for the two of them to purchase the abandoned Rosewood Plantation at an auction. She has plans to reopen the grand old house as a bed and breakfast. Patience, a woman of lists and goals, finds Chance attractive but has no place in her carefully scripted life for a love relationship. The risk of losing her heart is akin to losing control – not something Patience cares to risk.

When Patience asks him to go in on purchasing the antebellum mansion for her bed and breakfast dreams, Chance doesn't hesitate. Patience is attractive, hardworking and knows what she wants – precisely the type of woman he avoids in his personal life. Young and interested in a good time with no attachments, Chance doesn't see himself settling down with anyone who wants anything different than that. When push comes to shove and their attraction comes to a head, will Chance leave Patience high and dry or change his mind about what he really wants?

Ms. Schroeder rounds out the Cancer anthology with a well-written story populated by strong, believable characters. Patience' struggle between following the rules and listening to her heart brings her to life on the page. Chance's willingness to ignore his fear in the face of immense conflict at declaring his love for Patience is filled with emotion worthy of his hero status. The intimate love scenes add an element of emotional depth to their relationship that rounds out the story well.

Overall, the Cancer Anthology from Liquid Silver Books is an enjoyable read. The shared setting of Rosewood Plantation weaves a uniting thread through the entire book and brings both stories together. If you like a little mystery and a lot of sizzle, check it out.

Reviewed By: Sashi Ketsel
© September 2005