Three Promises

December 14, 2015
In this staid three-in-one compilation of novellas in the Sanctuary Island contemporary series (Home for Christmas, etc.), three hard-bitten loners who also happen to be bachelors and billionaires come face-to-face with destiny on the Chesapeake Bay island of Sanctuary. In “The Fireside Inn,” suave English lord Leo Straithairn must face a secret he’s hidden his whole life, and lovely librarian Serena Lightfoot hopes to help him. In “Bonfire Beach,” grounded wedding planner Felicity Carlson links up with self-made man Zane Bishop, who’s bold and brash. When Felicity finds out that Zane will be helping with wedding planning for his friend Miles, the love-hate clash is inevitable. “Lantern Lake” takes a different tack and reunites painfully parted lovers Cooper Hayes and Vivian Banks—this time, maybe they’ll find their way to forever. Everett’s sweet novellas rush by too quickly to truly enjoy. All the necessary elements are there, but the romance feels rushed and forced. Agent: Deidre Knight, Knight Agency.

Starred review from January 1, 2016
Miles Harrington bets on sure things only. With a firm belief in the magic of Sanctuary Island, he's wagered that three fellow members of the Billionaire Bachelor's Club will find true love there during his wedding celebration. The trio of wealthy bachelors, Lord Leo Strathairn, Zane Bishop, and Cooper Hayesall stunningly handsome and seriously singletake the bet. Serena Lightfoot, director of the Sanctuary Island Public Library, has made a deal with the devil, otherwise known as Lord Leo. His offer? He will make a sizable donation to the small library if Serena finds the perfect poem for him to read at the Harrington wedding. Felicity Carlson is doing just fine planning the big Harrington wedding by herself, but then she's forced to partner with Zane. Both of them know exactly what they want, and neither one will compromise. Vivian Banks is the One That Got Away. Her ex, Cooper, is appalled to discover he and Vivian are both part of the Harrington bridal party. These three delightful, charming vignettes, part of Everett's superb Billionaire Bachelors series (Homecoming, 2014; Sanctuary Island, 2013), show that when love is in the air, no one can escape it.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)