What Were You Expecting?

This was a great anthology. It starts out with Tory and Sam in Kasey Michaels' All Our Yesterdays. Tory and Sam were lovers in college, until one day Tory disappeared without a word. She just packed up and left. 32 years later Sam is contacted by Allie, Tory's daughter. His and Tory's daughter. After so many years, can they let the past go and come together again? Will Sam be able to forgive Tory? This was an interesting story because it deals with a couple in their 50s. After 30+ years apart, coming together again is hard. But they're also more aware that time is slipping by. The arrogance of youth has left them and they know what's important in life. That isn't to say the journey was easy, but I liked that they were a more mature couple.Mayberry follows next with All Our Todays, the story of Tory's niece, Laurie, and Tory's deceased brother's best friend and business partner, Adam. Laurie is still recovering emotionally from a divorce two years ago (mostly because her ex still tries to manipulate her). She's planning and catering her mother's 60th birthday party. Adam has come to the states to meet the family of his business partner. Neither is prepared for the instant connection to the other. But they have lives a world apart - literally. A sweet read. Laurie's self-esteem took a battering at the hands of her selfish ex. I loved that Adam showed her she was worthy of love and of being taken care of. Adam was a solid guy all the way around and he balanced Laurie out really well. I also liked the scene with him and her kids. Southwick continues the theme with the story of Laurie's brother, David, and her mother's physical therapist and long-time family friend Kinsey. David moved back home after a bad breakup. Kinsey grew up in foster homes and tries not to put down roots anywhere. They've been crushing on each other forever, but circumstances and Kinsey's age have kept them apart. David is convinced he's not a good bet for her and Kinsey is convinced he doesn't want her. I think this is my least favorite of the 3 stories, though I did enjoy it. I think my main gripe comes from the fact that Kinsey and David were both really stubborn. Neither wanted to admit what they had was more than just a mutual attraction. Kinsey kept one foot out the door and David's guilt was eating him alive. It was good to see them come together in the end.I liked the way the stories flowed together. Each author picked up where the previous left off with a seamless transition. If I didn't know better, I would have sworn this was a collection of stories by the same author. Overall a good collection.