LIVING LARGE By R. Alers, D. Hill, B. Jackson and F. Ray Signet Romance Anthology January 2003 ISBN # 0-451-20765-3 {Click here to buy this book} "Living Large" is an anthology based on overweight women looking for Mr Right in a modern world where beauty and the

"Reunion" by Rochelle Alers tells the story of real estate agent Elaine Jackson who's recently divorced after 22 years and is getting ready for her 25th high school reunion. Changes seem to plague Elaine and she's looking for some stability in her lift so that she can get on with her life and concentrate on her business. What she doesn't need is another man in her life. But that's just what she gets when a mysterious and gorgeous man walks into her office one afternoon looking to buy a house. The man turns out to be geeky Ruben Whitfield from her graduating class. The boy they used to call "the scientist" has really filled out and left that geeky boy behind. Spending time with Ruben again makes Elaine take a look at what she really needs in her life.

"Surprise!" by Donna Hill is the story of Elizabeth and Vincent Howell. Love was never an issue for them, whether it's love for each other or love of the food they create as popular chefs. After years of trying for children Elizabeth and Vincent realize that this is one blessing they won't be fortunate to have, but revel in the others; the have a successful restaurant, friends and most importantly each other. When Elizabeth returns from a trip to a health spa she has one hell of a surprise for Vincent.

In Brenda Jackson's "Bare Essentials", Judge Dominique Kincaid tries to stay fit by jogging early in the morning before heading to court. As much as she hates to admit, she's lonely, even though she has friends and family. But where does a respected judge go to meet men, especially those not associated in the law field? Jordan Prescott is new to the area and a lawyer just setting up. He, too, jogs early in the morning. When he meets Dominique he has no idea that she's the judge everyone's been talking about until he sees her on his very first day in court. How will he persuade her that he's not like the rest of the men she's known?

"Strictly Business" is by Francis Ray, the fourth story in this anthology. Garrett McKnight has relocated his business to Dallas with the hopes of expanding. He already has one account lined up that will look great on his references. Things are looking up when he meets his sexy neighbor but when he discovers that she's the daughter of his newest client Garrett has to tread lightly in order to stay professional. Monica Jones is not looking for a relationship. As a matter of fact, she's just dumped one guy and she doesn't want another. Never mind that Garrett is persistent. She's vowed not to date anyone remotely related to the family business.

I really enjoyed reading these stories. The characters were fun. These were woman with a weight issue but never let it get them down. They were bright and vivacious with loads of sex appeal. And proved that it doesn't matter what the size as long as there is a positive outlook. Character personalities were, for the most part, well developed considering the short number of pages the authors had to work with.

The settings were consistently contemporary which allowed each heroine to have a profession that matched each of their personalities, real estate mogul, chef, judge and business owner. Their weight, while the backbone of the story, didn't keep them down in themselves. Personalities and personal drives towards excellence kept them motivated in their careers, as well as allowing them to find the perfect mate. Living large is exactly what these characters were doing, weight issues aside.

The only thing I thought needed improvement was in the first story, "Reunion". I felt that this story was rushed in the telling, or that it had been chopped down from a longer book. I was left with a sense that there should have been something more. Otherwise I really enjoyed the story between Elaine and Ruben.