Legendary Regency author Mary Balogh inspired this anthology with her belief that four authors given the same plot premise would turn out very different and unique stories. There would be no collaboration between authors. The premise is a man and woman meeting at an inn after 10 years of not seeing or hearing from one another and in 24 hours their lives dramatically change. Ms. Balogh is proven right as each story is as distinctive as each individual author.

THE FALL OF ROGUE GERRARD is a spirited and sensual romance from Stephanie Laurens' pen. Lady Lydia contemplates sneaking into the neighboring estate to retrieve indiscreet letters written by her sister. She encounters Robert Gerrard at the inn taking refuge from the storm. Robert gave Lydia her first kiss 10 years ago. The passion and innocence of that kiss scared him beyond reason and he fled. Now Robert and Lydia join in an adventure and revisit their unresolved feelings.

Mary Balogh writes a bittersweet tale of betrayal and innocence in SPELLBOUND. Nora Ryder makes her way to the stagecoach after an argument with her employer leaves her jobless. At the inn, Nora sees Richard Kemp, Lord Bourne, the man she eloped with 10 years ago. Both were young and innocent when they unwittingly let themselves be Nora's father's pawns. At this accidental meeting, they might have a chance for a new beginning if they have the courage to admit their mistakes and love in this charming heartwarming story.

In Jacquie D'Alessandro's ONLY YOU, Cassie returns to the inn where her childhood playmate, Ethan, is innkeeper. She loved Ethan but she fulfilled her duty and married an aristocrat. Now, after her disastrous marriage has ended with her husband's death, Cassie is back and willing to do anything to convince Ethan to marry her. Ethan wants the best for Cassie and believes she'll regret leaving a life of luxury behind. ONLY YOU is a poignant and deeply moving story.

In Candice Hern's FROM THIS MOMENT ON, fate gives old lovers a second chance. Wilhelmina, the Duchess of Hertford, crosses paths with Captain Sam Pellow. The past was not kind to them. Sam was pressed into the Navy, leaving Wilhelmina without resources. She survived but lost Sam when he returned and condemned Wilhelmina for the choices she made. Older and wiser, they've come full circle. Ms. Hern explores forgiveness in this tender and touching novella.

Ms. Balogh proves her point. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT has the same premise, but each author puts a different spin on the plot. A wonderful anthology that should not be missed.

Book Summary

Once upon a time, four superstar storytellers—New York Times bestselling authors and Mary Balogh, along with Jacquie D'Alessandro and Candice Hern—came up with a delicious idea. What if they each wrote a story about a proper young lady stranded at a remote inn away from society's constraints? What would happen? And how long would it take for her to give in to desire?

In these four amazing tales, four heroines will come face- to-face with the men who got away . . . only to discover that, instead of anger, there is still a passionate connection that cannot be denied. And while each of their lives is quite different, and their pasts utterly unique, they will all make a common discovery—that one night can change everything . . . forever.