Book Review: Tell Me You Love Me

February is the month of hearts and valentines. Red and pink have shown up in stores for weeks ahead of time, and candy aisle if filled with thematic candy. February is the month of love. So what better time for a collection of short stories about true love to release?

The Tell Me You Love Me anthology, compiled by Grace A. Johnson and edited by Isabelle Perry, featuring 12 young writers, released February 14, 2023. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

~Book Blurb~

Tell Me You Love Me – a timeless collection of stories that truly understand the meaning of “I love you”

Twelve young Christian authors have come together, alongside romance novelist Grace A. Johnson and editor Issabelle Perry to show our world of depravity and cheap imitations of romance what love really means: faith, hope, and sacrifice.

These stories range from contemporary YA to historical to fantasy, and tell diverse, unique love stories that compel, captivate, and warm readers’ hearts with their sweet and authentic nature.

Featuring work from Michaela Bush, Saraina Whitney, Karynn Heckler, Margaret Copeland, Lucia Molano, Sarah Lawton, Brooklyn O’Brennan, Mackenzie Hendricks, H.S. Kylian, Lydia M. Jupp, Katherine Perry, and Amelia Cabot, the Tell Me You Love Me anthology is the collaboration of talented and inspirational young writers you’ve been waiting for!

Purchase the book online here: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-You-Love-Christian-Anthology-ebook/dp/B0BRGPXY3D

I sailed through this book! Each one of the stories is so sweet, so memorable. I wrote a short review of each story in the anthology:

His Freedom Over Mine

This story of true love and sacrifice was penned by Amelia Cabot. The story progression is wonderful; she developed the characters and their relationship so well. I cried reading it, but it’s so worth it. His Freedom Over Mine is one of my favorite stories in this anthology.

The Day That Tragedy Strikes

Historical romance is my favorite romance genre, and this story by Margaret Copeland is amazing. I felt the emotion of the main character, Nancy, as she waited to hear from her fiancé, deployed with the Army. I wanted to keep reading, to find out what happened when she receives sad news and what she’d do about it. I liked how the author showed Nancy struggling through the hard time, but still trying to trust God and keep hoping.

Always

A beautiful story of going after the one you love. Michaela Bush created an epic tale of adventure and devotion. My favorite part is when the main character is basically asked by his friend if the girl he loves is worth breaking the law for. His answer? “Yes.” True love is sacrificial.

Until You Call Me Yours

This was the first story in the anthology that I read, and after finishing, I was so excited for where the collection would go. Mackenzie Hendricks drew me in right away with the interaction between the main character and her crush. It’s so sweet and I could totally relate with how Saige felt. This is one I’ll read over and over.

He Wanted My Heart

Ahh, this one made me laugh. It reminded me a little of Cinderella, a favorite fairy tale. The discovery near the middle made the romance even more interesting. I enjoyed how Greyson pursued the girl he loved, attempting to show her that he had truly changed. Katherine Perry did a wonderful job with her story.

Forever Loved

Wow, this is an epic story. My favorite part is when Charity goes to deliver a package to the neighbor lady. She tells Charity about a love that never leaves, that is a forever love. The message that Lydia M. Jupp wove in really resonated with me.

Love is the Little Things

Brooklyn O’Brennan wrote this tale of a sweetly developing relationship. I found the main character, Reece, to be very relatable. This story is a good reminder that love isn’t always a big or expensive thing. The little things are just as special, like walks by a lake or flowers from the garden.

As Beautiful as the Stars

Written by Karynn Heckler, As Beautiful as the Stars has a mesmerizing plot. It’s unexpected, it’s special, it’s heartfelt. Two people from very different backgrounds meet under fascinating circumstances. I enjoyed this story because it reminded me that beauty isn’t always on the outside.

Old Time Devotion

Not a story I was expecting, but one I enjoyed every word of! Lucia Molano wrote a story about two lovely older people, living in the same retirement community. When they meet, it’s 😍🥰 Such a cute story that shows how you’re never too old to fall in love.

Til Death Do Us Part

Another sweet, sad story. Carlissa was my favorite character in this story by Sarah Lawton. Even in the midst of sickness and the unknown, she trusted in God. The same can be said for her fiancé. The surprise ending made me so happy. A story of hoping, praying, and not giving up when things look dark.

To Be Loved

Saraina Whitney did a fabulous writing about a girl who, after an awful mistake, feels guilty, unlovable. I wanted to keep reading to see how she would respond to a confession of true love and sacrifice.

For Better or for Worse

It’s hard seeing a loved one struggle. H.S. Kylian created a great character in Susan, who I think is wonderful for how she stands by and supports her husband. The two of them went through some hard things. But I admire their courage, their faith, and their love for each other.

In summary, each one of these twelve stories demonstrates true, lasting love. This anthology is a must-read for anyone, and a book that every romance fan should own.