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Virgin River #10.1

More Than Words, Volume 6

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Presenting...the sixth annual More Than Words anthology.Little by little, one person at a time, we can make our world a better place. The five dedicated women selected as this year's recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award have done just that, by discovering a seed of compassion, and nurturing it to effect real change in their communities. To celebrate their accomplishments, five bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by these real-life heroines.

We hope "More Than Words" inspires you to look into your heart and find the heroine who lives within.

440 pages, Trade Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

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About the author

Joan Johnston

126 books752 followers
Joan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.

Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.

Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.

Awards

* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride

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5 stars
197 (39%)
4 stars
139 (27%)
3 stars
128 (25%)
2 stars
28 (5%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
980 reviews39 followers
January 19, 2014
(Jan) The stories in this anthology were less about romance and more about the causes the authors were promoting, which I guess was the reason these were written. They were ok, but nothing great.

Almost Lost - J. Johnston (3.5*) 13 year old Miranda shows up at the police department insisting her bff Jackie is missing, as she's not heard from her all day. Miranda's mother is dead, and she lives w/her father, Seth, who is having a hard time moving on since his wife's death. Karen, the police officer, realizes pretty quickly that Jackie has probably fallen into the hands of sex-slavers. Jackie is quickly found, but in the ensuing follow up to catching the slavers, Karen and Seth fall in love. The Polaris Project, which is working to end the sex slave trade, is the Cause for this story.

Sheltering Hearts - R. Carr (2*) Typical annoying RC heroine, Dory is a single mom who works at a grocery store and tries to provide for her children, while simultaneously working with a local Single Mom organization and avoiding her sexy new neighbor. Clay of course falls for both Dory and her kids from page one and works hard to insinuate himself into their lives. Dory comes across as annoyingly militant and while I appreciate the work she wants to do for Single Moms (I am one myself), it seems like this cause is more important to her than what is best for her kids, which bothered me (it actually overwhelmed the rest of the story). Mel makes an appearance, which is I guess why this is listed as a part of the Virgin River series, but it can totally be skipped. Zoe Institute is the Cause of this story.

Safely Home - C. Skye (2.5*) Sara comes to visit her sister and finds her missing. At first she does not let on to local sexy police chief that Hannah is missing, thinking she will try and find her herself. Shortly after that bit of stupidity, she does let Jesse know what is going on. After a bit of suspense, Hannah is found and Jesse and Sara live HEA. While the Cause for this story - Partner's In Care, which helps older folk with things such as errands and getting them to the Dr., etc. - is worthwhile, it is barely mentioned and if I'd not skimmed over the introduction, I would not have realized there was a Cause in this story at all.

No Limits - R. Alers (2*)Teacher Kendra has moved home to Chicago after the drowning death of her daughter, and is working at her grandparents' restaurant and doing some evening adult ed tutoring. She begins to tutor a teenage mom who is determined to get her GED, but she can't do the work because she does not have a computer. Kendra quickly finds an organization (Sky's the Limit Youth Organization) that helps groups form to coordinate getting computers into the hands of children who need them for school. Her ex-husband, Nathaniel, shows up to try and rekindle their relationship. The work towards the foundation she wants to create takes up most of Kendra's time (and the story) and while the romance is, in fact, rekindled, it takes a definite back seat to the rest of the story.

The Princess Shoes - M. Child (3.5*) - Annie works for former foster care-done well for himself Noah. As the story opens, her 6 year old daughter Kara has been brought to her in tears - Kara tried to steal a pair of shoes for her bff, whose family is poor and can't afford to buy her new shoes. Annie discovers that there are lots of kids who need new shoes and gets involved with Shoes That Fit, an organization that works to behind-the-scenes provide shoes for children in need. Noah has feelings for Annie, which she returns. As they learn more about the needs of these children, they set up a branch of STF, and along the way, fall in love.

All of these causes are quite worthwhile, and I did end the book feeling like I should send a check somewhere, which I might do! So, while some of these stories bordered on boring, the message came though, which is the purpose of this book in the first place!
Profile Image for Connie N..
2,814 reviews
May 24, 2012
This is an interesting concept--having popular authors write short stories featuring charities that are close to their hearts. I like the idea, but the stories bogged down in the explanation and "selling" of the charities, I thought. The characters didn't really have time to develop, and the romances were somewhat awkward. That being said, I did find some new authors that I am looking forward to reading based on their contributions. And I definitely found some worthy causes that I didn't even know existed. Great job, Harlequin!
Profile Image for Donna Alward.
Author 287 books693 followers
March 6, 2013
MORE THAN WORDS is a charitable endeavour by Harlequin Enterprises which honours women who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. Every year five charities and women are honoured and five best-selling authors are asked to write a story highlighting that cause (You can read more about the MORE THAN WORDS program HERE). This year's authors are Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye, Rochelle Alers and Maureen Child.


I have to say I enjoyed this book SO much, and I don't always say that about novellas. Novellas are tough - and in these stories not only is there a satisfying romance but there is the added need to do it RIGHT and to focus on a particular issue. As a writer - I say major congrats to the authors for doing such a brilliant job! As a reader, I say thank you for five wonderful reads.

I started with Joan Johnston's ALMOST LOST - which had me in tears, and I ended with Maureen Child's THE PRINCESS SHOES. Very different causes and stories but lovely heartstrings moments. Joan's story dealt with the issue of teenagers being recruited into the sex trade - as the mom of a nearly-teen daughter, that hit particularly close to home. Maureen's story was about children without good shoes. Perhaps it seems like a smaller need, but I've also worked in a school and I have seen how poverty affects a child. The girl Kara in that story stole the show - loved her. What a sweetie.

SAFELY HOME by Christina Skye was a little more suspenseful and the hero Jesse was YUM (not to mention I am now craving Pecan Pie, thanks Christina!) - it was a great read and dealt with an organization for seniors that allows them to use their own unique skills to help each other. Rochelle Alers's NO LIMITS, with a great couple who had been married and divorced and on the way to providing needy kids with computers fell in love again.

Then it was on to Robyn Carr's SHELTERING HEARTS with one spunky heroine and a sexy firefighter who gave assistance to single mom's. I really felt this one personally as Dory stepped in when a woman was being abused in the parking lot. I ended up in a similar situation many years ago and was asked the same question - why would you step in to help? And the same answer. You just do. You think about it later. But you cannot stand by and watch someone being abused. So cheers to Robyn and the Zoe Institute for their great work.

All proceeds from the MORE THAN WORDS antho go back into the MORE THAN WORDS program. It's a worthwhile cause and a great reading experience. I'll admit - I discovered some new to me authors too.

Profile Image for Leslie (That Chick That Reads).
303 reviews43 followers
April 14, 2010
This novel is filled with stories filled with courageous, smart and very beautifully intellect woman. The characters were beautiful, the stories were soooo inspiring! I found myself cheering for each and every single one of them! It’s quite amazing how with these stories you can see the focus of family and strength. It honestly has filled me up with hope for the feature and I will really hope that we all can learn a thing or two from these women! I loved that I could get a glimpse of real-life women and feel incredibly grateful that I got to learn about the different foundations that they have formed! Overall I give this novel 4 out of 5 paws!
Profile Image for JoAnne.
3,160 reviews32 followers
June 10, 2011
This is the fourth More Than Words volume that I have read and they have all been moving, uplifting and well written. To read how ordinary women have come up with a charitable idea and run with it is amazing. That well known authors, many of whom I read and others that I will continue to look for books they have penned, have embraced the idea of writing a story based on a real life organization and its founder is truly heartwarming. I highly recommend this book along with the other volumes. I know I plan to continue reading the others.
Profile Image for Collyn.
143 reviews9 followers
October 31, 2011
I only read Robyn Carr's Sheltering Hearts. My heart broke for the main character, Dory who was still traumatized from her past abusive marriage. Dory was so traumatized that she was afraid to give her neighbor Clay a fair shot.

I really enjoyed the book & made me want to find a non-profit support group close to my home, to volunteer time and/or money!

A great read. :)
Profile Image for Dawn ♥ romance.
1,830 reviews29 followers
October 11, 2011
Five light romance stories with the first two my favorites but the heartwarming aspect of this book is each story was about a charity. I just loved this line in the book 'my little sister had a conniption fit because someone closed her romance novel and lost the page.'
Profile Image for Jackie.
146 reviews
November 12, 2010
Only read the short story by Robyn Carr, and this is the first time I didnt like one of her stories.
Profile Image for Tara.
1,174 reviews33 followers
September 29, 2011
A great compulation of stories featuring strong willed women who have been put in certain situations and they have come out on top and forced themsevles and others to live life and help others!
Profile Image for Mareli.
1,034 reviews32 followers
February 29, 2012
I just read Robyn Carr's story. It was a short story about a young mother, with a past abusing husband and her two children. And a hunky firefighter as neighbour!!

Profile Image for Skye.
1,851 reviews3 followers
November 15, 2020
I bought this anthology with no idea what to expect. I only knew that there was a Virgin River novella in it somewhere. And now I want to get my hands on all of the More Than Words books that I can find. I love that not only are they gorgeous little romances. But they also incorporate charities and amazing activities which are run by some incredibly awe-inspiring women. What a fantastic collection!

I found the idea of creating an anthology around five charities and women who have created them to be seriously unique. And brilliant. Hence, the fact that I want to buy the rest of these books. I mean, how cool is it that this book not only is an amazingly fun and beautiful read, but also a way to promote some great causes. It also manages to place a face to those who would most benefit from funding going to such charities.

This was a fantastic collection that not only had me feeling happy and all dopey and lovey (which is honestly why I read romances), but also hopeful about the world. After all, every one of these stories had a happily ever after. And the horrible things in the world aren’t necessarily always horrible. Or at least, in these hopeful stories, there are still happily ever afters…

For individual reviews, head to: https://earthandskye.org/more-than-wo...
Profile Image for JoAnn M.
384 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2019
I like the premise of reading about the good causes and mixing them with romance. However, the stories are so short, there are not much depth to them. I liked the first story, "Almost Lost" the best. Teenager Miranda has a good relationship with her dad, which leads to finding her friend who's been "recruited" for a human slavery ring. I actually got the book for the second story, "Sheltering Hearts", by Robyn Carr, which was supposed to be part of the Virgin River series. Apart from small appearances by Mel and Paige, the story could have taken place anywhere. Dory, the heroine, is a feisty single mom who sticks up for an abused woman, but she suffers the consequences. The other 3 stories were just okay.
6,248 reviews84 followers
September 29, 2017
I realize these are supposed to be inspirational, but for me it was more tiring and overwhelming, right now I just need escapist reading. I did find it informational, but I just feel unable to have any inspiration or be inspired. However, I am glad that there are others out there that are shakers and movers.

"You two reminded me that all the security in the world doesn't mean a thing if you are alone. If you have no one to share it with. And you taught me just how right it feels when you do something really good for someone else. When you make a difference in someone's life."
799 reviews
June 4, 2024
Five different stories of Non-Profits that came to be due to something that was lacking. Each story was a great addition to showing how much caring it takes to start something and it only has to begin with one person. Great job authors for a job well done.
232 reviews
March 20, 2022
Premise good but stories lacked something. A little contrived.
Profile Image for Marina.
617 reviews29 followers
February 16, 2013
Read this antho because of the Sheltering Hearts a Virgin River #11.1 story by Robyn Carr.The story was nice I gave it 3.5 stars.
Spoiler
Note to Self: California
Dory Finn(divorced,ex-grocery store checker,new director of resource center,pal)= Sophie(her 8yo)& Austin(her 6yo)+ Clay Kennedy (firefighter,bro),Corsica Rios(pal,SW),Paige Middleton(pal)+John,Mel Sheridan(CEO of center, midwife & nurse,pal)+Jack,Elizabeth K.(34yo,divorced,sis,new center volunteer)= Jed(her 10yo)& Mack(her 12yo).
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Almost Lost by Joan Johnston, Dallas
I give this story 3 stars. It was nice.Liked learning about the real life agency that inspired this story.
Spoiler
Note to Self:
Lt. Karen Toller(widow)+Seth Burnett(dad,widower,30's) & Miranda(his 13yo).
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Safely Home by Christina Skye
This was the best story in the antho.I was real surprised by that.I felt it took a different spin on the usual tales which are inspired by real women.It was totally original to me thus, it deserves 4 stars!
Spoiler
Note to Self:
Sara Winslow(sis,photographer)+Jesse McCloud(deputy sheriff,ex-military,pal) & Marlow(retired k-9 dog),Hannah W.(sis, assistant)+Miguel Rodriguez(deputy sheriff,pal),Liz Stone(boss,rich).
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No Limits by Rochelle Alers,Chicago
A nice tale.Sweet. I give this 3 stars.
Spoiler
Note to Self:
Kendra Reeves(divorced,ex-literacy teacher,ex-tutor,new program CEO)+Nathaniel Thomas-Mitchell(ex-husband,architectural firm owner),Shirah Hyman(ex-student,19yo) & Ricky(her 3m),Moses R.(grandpa, diner owner)+Pearl(grandma,79yo,chef,diner owner),Kenneth R.(bro,35yo,banker)+Michelle=twins 4yo niece & nephew.
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The Princess Shoes by Maureen Child
Cute and sweet story.3 stars.
Spoiler
Note to Self:
Noah Fielding(ex-foster kid,shopping center chain tycoon)+Annie Moore(executive assistant)&Kara(her 6yo).
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Over all this antho was very inspiring! i hope to read more of these in the future.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,625 reviews238 followers
April 13, 2010
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.
Profile Image for Lesli.
1,882 reviews8 followers
December 7, 2014
Short, sweet reads from several authors. Robyn Carr's story barely even nudged the Virgin River universe. She could have easily changed the characters (Mel, Paige, Jack, and Preacher) and this wouldn't have even had anything to do with the VR series. Overall, the stories are nice. The sentiment and intentions of the books are heartwarming.
Profile Image for Mollie *scoutrmom*.
938 reviews38 followers
July 9, 2010
This is a volume I bought because I'm a Virgin River addict. I did not find the stories in here to be riveting, I think that they spent too much time talking about the charity efforts and not enough time developing relationships among characters.

Enjoyable, but not so great.
645 reviews
April 7, 2012
JJ-3* teen/hmn trffcg; RC-5* slowpcd lv btwn prvsly battrd single-mom, 2kds, ffghtr; CS-4* f/phtgrfr, m/shrff lk for sis,frnd, coyotes; RA-5* Dvrcd f/tchr, m/arctct hlpg teenmom w/ comp,ged, rewed; MC-3* shoes 2 kds
Profile Image for Areli.
37 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2014
So inspiring. This book takes different real life women who have made a difference and shares some insight on what they do. It is very well done. I had never heard of the "more than words" series, but now I want to read each volume. These women are touching lives in their communities and beyond.
Profile Image for Kathrynn.
1,185 reviews
January 2, 2019
I was disappointed in the overall tone of the short stories tucked in this book. They all had good causes and I can appreciate that, but the causes overpowered the storyline.
Profile Image for Kristin.
62 reviews32 followers
March 23, 2014
If it didn't have a short story in the series I'm reading then I wouldn't have read it.
2,758 reviews130 followers
July 25, 2015
Great collection of stories that show the work some very special organizations do to make a real difference in their communities.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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