Love at Large
By Elizabeth Angus, Judy Bagshaw, Jennifer Harrington, Nancy Trausch, and Eileen Wilson.
Draumr Publishing trade paperback and ebook, 175 pages. 2004.
Contemporary.
Three Checks.
This is a clever theme all stories written about large-sized women in romantic situations. Members of the BBW Romance Writing Group have written these stories the last one a collaborative story by all the members. You will find these stories amusing and fun good light reading.
Illustrated Woman
By Elizabeth Angus.
34 pages. One Check.
Well-rounded Remy has just turned 30 and decides to finally have that tattoo she has always wanted but been putting off. She goes to Rip's Parlour where Rip, a handsome man with a ponytail, does her tattoo in two stages. She falls for him before he finishes and then returns for a second one and a chance of seeing him again.
I am not enchanted by a man with a ponytail who does tattoos, sorry to say. Nor do I care much for tattoos even, so this colored my opinion of the whole story. It does have it's moments, tho, and is amusing in places.
A Work of Art
By Judy Bagshaw.
20 pages. Two Checks.
Darby Marshall has been talked into displaying her art at a community craft show and is not selling any of her unusual art called fractal art, which is done by using a computer. She is anxiously watching the clock so she can leave when a man comes to her table, admires her work, and buys two of her pictures. He expresses an interest in learning how to do this type of art and she begins private lessons with him at her studio.
Darby has already had her work sold and displayed in various places and has done a variety of artwork in other mediums and taught different art classes.
After the art classes, Martin convinces her to come to the Griffith Gallery, a prestigious place, with her work, where she has an unexpected surprise waiting her.
This is a cute little story, much enjoyed.
Dirty Laundry
By Jennifer Harrington.
30 pages. Two Checks.
They meet in the laundry room of their apartment building. Lauren Giles notices what a hunk he is and gets flustered. Her red thong panties end up in his hands as he returns them to her with an amused smile. After he leaves she notices the book he has left behind.
Lauren finishes her laundry and gets herself cleaned up and takes his book to his apartment a floor above hers. There they introduce themselves and he invites her in and she stays for the dinner he cooks. His name is James Brandt, but is called Jamie. They share a wonderful evening together and even dance before he escorts her to her place.
A well-done short story that is heavy on romance.
A Change in Direction
By Nancy Trausch.
34 pages. Three Checks.
Jade Reynolds is taking the computer plane over to Mackinac Island where she has a job assisting at a new gift shop and where she will live for the whole season. The pilot of the plane is a handsome guy named Rick Montgomery and they get to talking. He visits her at the shop and promises to be back when he has more free time. When he doesn't return as expected she worries. He has been in a car accident and is recovering from his injuries, but she can't reach him.
Liked this one a whole lot. Well-done romance and not too hokey. Very believable.
An Unforgettable Kiss
By Eileen Wilson.
34 pages. Three Checks.
Fallon O'Shea listens to a disk jockey dedicate the show that day to people's first kiss and it gets her to thinking back to hers, which was just wonderful. She and Marcus Carson had drifted apart gradually as they attended different schools and she regrets that that happened.
Not far away, Marcus listens to the same show and shares the same thoughts as Fallon has. That evening, they attend the same place a Karaoke bar she with a group of girl friends, and he with his best friend. They re-meet after all those years.
Nice story and a lovely ending.
Passion Unmasked
By the writers at BBW Romance Eileen Wilson, Nancy Trausch, Judi McCoy, Jennifer Harrington, Heather Donovan, Pat Ballard, Judy Bagshaw, Elizabeth Angus and Rida Allen.
14 pages. Three Checks.
Francesca (Fran) D'Amore works at an officer where one female and her friends constantly make fun of her weight. There is one man who goes out of his way to be nice to her. Jake McCabe is handsome and much sought after, especially by Tiffany, the leader of the group that chides her.
There is an elaborate costume ball that Fran attends. There, Tiffany continues to do what she always does at the office put Fran down for her weight and aggressively go after Jake. But Jake only has eyes for
the shapely Fran and their relationship goes to a new level.
This was nice, uncomplicated and sweet romance.
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"Wow, we loved it! Just the kind of romance we have waited for all our lives. Average woman, who just happens to be plus size, attracted to a regular guy...and he wants her just as much! This is how the world should be, people are people and love comes in all sizes. Thanks for showing the world we are beautiful no matter what size we are!"
Cher Rue and Lisa Marie Garbo from The Big Girls Show - 10/04
"I loved Love at Large...the stories were amazing. The characters' wit, charm and honesty hinted at my life and that of my friends. The book featured such a wonderful, uplifting, inspiring collection of authors and size positive stories."
Tracy Bass from Big Beautiful Atlanta - 11/04
LOVE AT LARGE
by Anthology
November 2004
ISBN: 1-933157-00-3 Draumr Publishing, LLC
Trade Paperback
Rating:
Buy it from Amazon
The Illustrated Woman, by Elizabeth Angus--Remy Martin decides to celebrate the big three 0 by getting a tattoo. The decision was far from spontaneous. Remy gave it a great deal of thought before she made her way to Rip's Parlor. Only she didn't expect to find the man of her dreams in the owner of the tattoo parlor.
Both short and sweet, Ms. Angus' contribution to the Love at Large anthology is nonetheless quite satisfying. Readers are sure to be charmed by the talented Elizabeth Angus.
A Work of Art, by Judy Bagshaw--Accomplished artist Darby Marshall is impetuous. Which is why she finds herself sitting at a craft sale as a favor to her parent's neighbor. When a customer saves Darby from the arrogant woman by purchasing a few of her creations, she is surprised when he asks for art lessons. Surprises are not all that is in store for Darby where Martin Thomas is concerned.
Author Judy Bagshaw offers her own work of art in this second part of Love at Large. A strong heroine and an intriguing hero are the showpiece that will enchant the reader.
Dirty Laundry, by Jennifer Henderson--Too many people had treated Lauren Giles badly in her thirty years, including her ex-husband. When a 'stepped-right-off-of-a-romance-cover-god' walked into the laundry room of her apartment building Lauren was inspired to throw caution to the wind and take a chance on Dr. James Brandt.
Ms. Henderson brings a delectable apéritif to the scrumptious feast. A heroine we can all relate to and a hero we all dream about are the sweet indulgences every reader of romance orders.
A Change in Direction, by Nancy Trausch--Jade Reynolds is beginning a new chapter in her life on Michigan's Mackinac Island. Rick Montgomery is the pilot taking her there. He'd hung up his dating hat two years ago after his wife passed away. Falling in love again was not in his schedule. Then he met Jade and his intentions took a turn in another direction.
Author Nancy Trausch has added a heartwarming tale to Love at Large. Readers will enjoy this journey of the healing power of love.
An Unforgettable Kiss, by Eileen Wilson--A radio deejay has Fallon O'Shea thinking of her first kiss and the one who shared it with her: Marcus Carson. She couldn't help but wonder, what would he think of the grown up Fallon?
Marcus heard the same deejay and the same memories flooded through his mind as those that were filling Fallon's. Where would they be now if he and Fallon had kept in touch?
Unforgettable is a perfect word to describe Eileen Wilson's donation to this highly enjoyable anthology. Every reader has their own 'what-if' that haunts their memories, which is why this story is sure to touch the hearts of those who read it.
Passion Unmasked, by BBW Romance Writing--Francesca D'Amore has an opportunity to shine at a Colonial Ball and there is one man in particular she wants to see in attendance. Jake McCabe has every woman fawning after him, but there is only one woman he desires.
Love at Large is an anthology of plus-sized women finding their true loves. The authors offering these wonderful installments prove that when it comes to matters of the heart love has no measure.
Reviewed in November 2004 by Rho.
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Dear Ms. Allen,
Thanks so much for the chance to read the anthology LOVE AT LARGE. I'm happy to give it a quote, as follows:
"A refreshingly delightful and different anthology that shows love comes in all sizes and forms. LOVE AT LARGE is a treat."
Barbara Samuel
THE GODDESSES OF KITCHEN AVENUE
All my best,
Barbara Samuel
ElegantPlus.com Curvy Preview
Book Review
Our very own curvy novel reviewer, Jen Henderson, contributes to this delicious romance anthology featuring leading ladies with voluptuous, full-figured curves.
Editorial Reviews
Liz Fielding, author of The Bridesmaid's Reward
"In turns funny, touching and joyous as the 'stick insects' meet their match and the big girls get their man."
Description:
Love at Large is a courageous book of charming romantic stories; each one a celebration of the lives and loves of full-figured women. It is a book of fiction featuring real women searching for real love and finding that men do indeed send long-stemmed red roses to women with double digit dress sizes.
Within the pages of Love at Large, you will find spunky, attractive, sexy, and smart heroines. These are women who love, are loved, and make love. They are all that and a bag of chips; and they make no apologies for not being the fat-free variety.
The Love at Large Anthology contains six sweet contemporary romance short stories by six terrific authors, plus one bonus story written as a round robin by a variety of writers at the BBW Romance Writing group.
Love At Large
by Sue Ann Jaffarian, Judy Bagshaw, Nancy Trausch, Eileen Wilson, Jennifer Harrington
Reviewed by Chamein Canton of ElegantPlus.com
Before I begin this review I must admit that over the years I've gotten away from romance novels. I don't know whether it was the book's covers or the fact that it seemed to be the same type of woman (with long raven hair, a barely there waistline and enough cleavage to choke grown men). Perhaps it was a combination. Nevertheless I must say my faith in romance has been restored by Love at Large.
The contributing writers including our own Jen Henderson spun tales of love from different perspectives, but what I truly appreciated was how the full figured woman got the guy of her dreams without settling for less. Although their styles were different the reader feels like you're sitting down with your best girlfriends listening to them regale you with the lush, romantic and sexy details of their love lives without the telltale corn ball I've seen in so many other romantic stories.
With titles like "Love Bytes" by Jen Henderson; "The Illustrated Woman" by Elizabeth Angus; "A Work of Art" by Judy Bagshaw, "Dirty Laundry" by Jennifer Harrington; "A Change in Direction" by Nancy Trausch; An "Unforgettable Kiss" by Eileen Wilson and "Passion Unmasked" the BBW Romance writers (who contributed a story written by the collective) there is something to suit everyone's fancy.
They are all wonderful writers and I look forward to seeing more of their work published on a larger scale. Maybe it's the literary agent in me, but I think these ladies' stories have Lifetime written all over it! In fact I think these writers have big screen potential to spare.
I give Love At Large ***** (5 stars) Excellent!
© 2005 Chamein Canton
Heart-warming must-read!
Anthology: Elizabeth Angus, Judy Bagshaw, Jennifer Harrington, Nancy Trausch, and Eileen Wilson
A guest review by Jenn Bennett
Heroines: varied
Six generously proportioned ladies find love when they least expect it.
In one story we meet a woman who is buying herself a tattoo for her 30th birthday and winds up gaining more than just the body art. In another we find a gal at the beginning of a new adventure in her life when she moves to an island paradise near Lake Michigan. Let's just say the pilot of her flight plays a key role in her future. Still another interesting tale involves two people who meet in their apartment building laundry room of all places. (I've always heard doing laundry is a great way to meet men, now that idea is truly validated for me.) As the collection continues more romance blossoms between an artist and an admirer not just after her art, and sparks are rekindled between two old friends. The final fable in the book about an office costume party is a delightful surprise because it is a collaboration by all of the authors.
What worked for me:
This anthology was truly a great read. I enjoyed the stories, some more than others, but all were intriguing and inventive.
I loved the fact that the women were strong and independent. When the men came into their lives, it enhanced them but none of the ladies were desperate to meet a man. Moreover, these women were comfortable with themselves and felt worthy of love. That was especially important since most of the women had had previously serious relationships. I felt that the book sent the message that women should be happy with or without a man and when you find love it just enriches what is hopefully an already good and happy life.
Size-wise the women are comfortable in their own skin. The fact that they are fuller figured is a focus point of the book, but not that big of a deal to the women themselves. I, however, was pleased that the women varied in size and shape. All of them were plus-sized but there was diversity within their voluptuousness.
What didn't work for me:
I wanted more. More stories and I wanted to learn more about all of the leading ladies. I thought that many of the tales could certainly be turned into full-length romance novels. Because of the abbreviated length, the love scenes were not as steamy as I like them to be, but nevertheless they were eloquently written and well thought out.
Overall:
"Love at Large" is a must-read. There is something for everyone in this anthology. Each author is talented and brings to us a heart-warming love story. I eagerly await the next collection.
If you liked "Love at Large" you might also enjoy the "Living Large" or "At Long Last, Love!" anthologies.
"...big-hearted...proudly trumpets the fact that big is beautiful."
"...a quick, entertaining read that defies the norm."
Love at Large by Elizabeth Angus, Judy Bagshaw, Jennifer Harrington, Nancy Trausch, Eileen Wilson
(and featuring a collaborative story by the writers at BBW Romance Writing)
Draumr Publishing; 2004; Trade Paperback; ISBN 1-933157-00-3
Genre: Anthology, Contemporary
Order this book directly from the publisher
Plus-sized heroines are the subject of admiration -- as well as the recipient of a heart-stirringly handsome hero's regard -- in Love at Large, a big-hearted romance anthology from Draumr Publishing. A true collaborative effort, this collection of stories proudly trumpets the fact that big is beautiful; indeed, the more voluptuous, the better! The heroines represented in this anthology are unapologetic about their abundant curves, even though they've been subjected to baseless ridicule in the past and present.
It's a wonderful thing, isn't it, to be comfortable with one's body image? To have that sense of poise and self-confidence, and the ability to hold one's head up high, without a hint of self-consciousness? Well, may be a trace or two; these women are human, after all, and thus, wonderfully genuine. In point of fact, characterization is this anthology's greatest strength. Individually, the stories -- six in all -- are a little too short to fully satisfy a reader, and have a tendency to blur one into another.
(If I had to pick out two "standout" novellas from this grouping, though, they would have to be Illustrated Woman by Elizabeth Angus and A Work of Art by Judy Bagshaw. These two stories just felt more substantial than the others -- despite their relative brevity -- and had a lovely sense of humor, a sense of playfulness, really, that utterly charmed this reviewer).
Love at Large has an even greater impact on a reader as a packaged whole, however, and is an incredibly positive reading experience because of its prevailing themes. Top marks should also be given to the anthology's contributing authors for creating such authentic, personable heroines and sexy, idyllic heroes.
Here's a small taste of what readers can expect from this anthology; a whole lotta fun, all in all. Take Elizabeth Angus's novella, Illustrated Woman: Remy Martin has finally found the courage to get a tattoo, but ends up falling head over soon-to-be tattooed ankle for the owner of Rip's Parlor -- despite the fact that he's the one wielding the tortuous needle sending fire up and down her body.
In Judy Bagshaw's, A Work of Art, Darby Marshall is a talented artist wishing she hadn't promised to take a table at a community art show as a favor for a friend, where her fractal art is going largely unappreciateduntil a handsome stranger offers to buy two of her pieces in front of Darby's nosy nemesis. (Hah!).
Now, if only I could have as much fun doing laundry as Jennifer Harrington's heroine, Lauren Giles. Sure, it's excruciatingly embarrassing to have one's Dirty Laundry aired out in public, but everything will come out clean, eventually, for disenchanted divorcee, Lauren, thanks to a hunky new tenant in her building. (Lucky girl, eh?).
Nancy Trausch's heroine, Jade Reynolds, on the other hand, is simply hoping to make A Change of Direction in her life, with a little help from widowed pilot, Rick Montgomery. But will their blooming romance swerve off course prematurely? And then there's An Unforgettable Kiss by Eileen Wilson, which features two former, summertime sweethearts who get a second chance to test the toe-curling chemistry between them.
Last but not least is the novella written "round robin" style by the BBW Romance Writing group, Passion Unmasked. It's truly a modern-day Cinderella story, and will have readers rooting for beautiful Franny D'Amore, while praying for the downfall of her gossipy co-worker -- or at the very least, an ugly spill on the dance floor. Obviously, when love is at large, anything can happenwhich is good news for romance readers looking for a quick, entertaining read that defies the norm.
Reviewed by Cheryl Jeffries
Date posted: March 1, 2005
