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Ann has been a writer since junior high school, but to help pay the bills she’s waited tables, delivered newspapers, cleaned other people's houses, taught school, and even had a short stint as a secretary in a rock-n-roll radio station. She also worked as a 911 operator and a police dispatcher. Teaching elementary school was one of Ann’s greatest joys. But it didn’t leave much time for writing.
Ann’s stories began to win awards in her college days. Since then, she’s published novels, novellas, and short stories. But even if no one ever bought another book, Ann wouldn’t stop writing. For her it’s the cathartic pause in a sometimes-crazy world. Most of the time, it even keeps her sane.
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In A Trace of Romance by Ann Swann, Laynie Connor goes through her routine pre-Valentine Day business at her flower shop with a lot on her mind. Her shop in Beach Way, Oregon, makes a profit - thanks to word-of-mouth - but she feels like she's missing something. She rarely thinks about men since her first love had a place in her heart with a connection she'd never felt with anyone else. When Trace Walker comes into her shop on the eve of the most romantic day of the year, sparks definitely fly. Laynie must decide whether the sparks will lead to a raging fire over their past or just a rekindled flame.
Ann Swann's characters are deep and many-sided. Once Trace enters the flower shop, reading the book is like listening in on a conversation between old flames. Though they've had other relationships, information about each other has reached them, and it's clear that Laynie's and Trace's thoughts aren't far from one another. Even though there's a significant attachment, it's hard to tell at first if the two will end up together. Swann tackles some difficult subjects in her story and her characters have overcome hardships and suffered tragedies. The book is short enough to read during a quiet afternoon, but the well-paced chapters can also be savored over a few days. A Trace of Romance is a good selection for readers who enjoy women's fiction and sweet, second-chance romances.
