MORE THAN WORDS (Volume 2)

Author: Debbie Macomber, Sharon Sala, Jasmine Cresswell, Beverly Barton, & Julie Elizabeth Leto ISBN: 0373835809 10/2005 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: HARLEQUIN

Every day, women across North America reach out and change lives in their communities. Five have been selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award — and five New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling authors have generously given their creative energy, writing original short stories inspired by these real-life heroines. Because of the commitment and determination of this year's award recipients, girls from New York's most deprived neighborhoods are dancing their way to self-esteem. A safe haven awaits women ravaged by life on the streets. Women who never had a chance are now dressing for success. Seniors are proving we're never too old to dream. And a mother honors her daughter's dying wish by helping other teens with cancer.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This worthy collection of short romances is a fundraiser for the Harlequin More Than Words program. The stories, written by top-notch romance authors, are heartwarming and creative.

The recipients of the most recent More Than Words awards inspire the five stories, which illustrate the organizations that these women founded. There is something for everyone in the collection.

The first story introduces Melissa's Living Legacy Foundation, and is a moving tale of teenage friendship in the face of cancer. Macomber, as always, excels in writing about relationships. We also get to visit with some of the characters from her knitting shop novels.

The second gives us a fictional example of what might happen when a senior receives a Second Wind Dream. When dreams are fulfilled, more than just the dreamer can be motivated to build a better life.

The third story loosely relates to Dress for Success Los Angeles and tells us about a woman who has worked hard for what she has before being betrayed in a way that we are all susceptible to, thereby illustrating the kind of situation that might cause a woman to need Dress for Success's services.

Fourth, we have a fictional shelter similar to Street Haven at the Crossroads. This story makes the point that we can rise above the past, and earn self-esteem regardless of mistakes we've made.

Lastly, we have a story set at Groove With Me. The studios create a fun locale for a family reunion and love story with a Southern and Hispanic flair. I enjoyed all the stories very much and recommend the book highly.

Heather Hiestand