First published 2009
Three New York Times bestselling authors create original fiction inspired by actual women who transform their communities through service. Each story centers on a different protagonist whose daily actions ripple outward to touch countless lives. The women face personal struggles while maintaining their commitment to others. One character might run a shelter while navigating family crisis. Another could organize neighborhood support networks despite her own setbacks. The third protagonist balances community activism with private heartbreak. These characters draw strength from the real recipients of Harlequin's More Than Words award, women who prove that individual dedication creates lasting change. The stories explore how ordinary people become extraordinary through persistence and compassion. Each tale shows a moment when the protagonist must choose between personal safety and helping others. The collection reveals the emotional cost of constant giving and the rewards that sustain these remarkable women through difficult times.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, ordinary-people-extraordinary
Setting: New York
Period: 21st-century
336 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Harlequin