by: Linda Mae Baldwin

Dancing Word Reviewer

Title: The English Garden

Authors: Jill Stengl, Gail Gaymer Martin, DiAnn Mills

and Kathleen Y’Barbo

Publisher: Barbour Publications, Inc.

ISBN: 1-586-60389-2

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance

The very nice thing about anthologies is the ability to read a complete, satisfying story in one sitting. And, the thrill of knowing you’re not finished with the book yet.

Of course, on occasion, an anthology comes along where one story propels you to the next and before you realize, it’s early morning and you’re turning the last page of the last story. This was the case for me when I read The English Garden .

Two of my favorite authors have novellas in the book so I already had a special treat. Upon completing the other two stories my list of favorite authors expanded.

DiAnn Mills tells a sweet British WWII love story involving RAF pilots Margaret and Andrew, in "A Flower Amidst the Ashes."

Margaret is bound to remain just friends with any man during the war, as she realizes it’s imperative to keep focused on winning the war. When Andrews’s beautiful garden drawings stir her soul, she’s drawn to him in, and he to her. But can it last the ravages of war? "A Flower Amidst the Ashes" is a story of courage, honor and love.

Gail Gaymer Martin tells us a story set in the Victorian garden of Hampton Manor, where Sarah has run to hide from society and her mother. There she meets John Banning, the orchard keeper.

These two would never mingle if they played according to society’s rules, but they don’t play according to the rules and Sarah soon finds that she’s fallen for the orchard keeper. Will their love, started in the Victorian garden, bloom healthy enough to withstand all that is against them? "The Apple of His Eye" is definitely a satisfying read.

In "Robyn's Garden" Kathleen Y’Barbo takes us on a journey through the historic gardens of Lowinham Manor, where docent Robyn Locksley is faced with a robbery that leaves the children whom she cares for with no money for their special trip.

American, Travis visits the mansion and manages to buy one of the family heirlooms; Robyn is left with a dilemma. Does she try to get the heirloom back, as it was sold by mistake, or keep the money to replace the trip money that was stolen?

On top of her other troubles, Robyn finds herself drawn to this mysterious American and he seems to share those feelings. Can she trust him with her heart and her prize possessions? Life in these historic gardens brings suspense and surprises!

Jill Stengl's "A Woman of Valor" introduces us to Helen Walker and the gardens at Marston Hall in 1631, where she has come to care for the three neglected children of her cousin Cyril. She is ill prepared for what greets her when she is unceremoniously dumped from the coach, onto a muddy road, miles from her destination. In her desperation she is relieved to see a horseman approach, until she realizes this gruff man means to deliver her, without her trunk of belongings, to the manor, on horseback!

Is it possible that these two will ever come to agreement in anything? Or will his belief that he is too good for her forever block the way of any relationship development? That is the beginning of this very enjoyable read.

It is impossible to do anthology’s justice in a review because to do it in detail would be quite wordy. I hope I’ve given a good enough taste that you want to finish each of these stories. You will leave your walk in the garden satisfied.