LOVE IS IN THE AIR for lesbian readers with the Valentine’s Day release of "Romance for Life," an anthology of lesbian romantic stories. Readers who enjoy the stories can also take joy in knowing they are contributing to breast cancer research.

The book’s publisher, Intaglio Publications, is donating 100 percent of the anthology’s profits to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

"This book is a tangible act of compassion, and I don’t think any of us claims to not know anyone who hasn’t been affected by breast cancer," says Jane Vollbrecht, a contributing writer to the anthology.

The genesis for the book came about after lesbian writer Robin Alexander’s friend, Amy Lynn, was iagnosed with breast cancer. Friends and supporters wanted to know how they could help, explains Vollbrecht, who lives in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains in White County with her partner of 10 years, Kathi Torpy.

Vollbrecht, 54, contributed a short story to the anthology along with other noted lesbian authors including Lois C. Hart, Robin Alexander, Lynn Ames, Bridget Bufford, Carrie Carr, Caro Clarke, Stella Duffy, Nann Dunne, Jane Fletcher and Vada Foster.

"All these names are synonymous with what women think of when it comes to lesbian fiction," Vollbrecht says.

Because lesbians may have a higher incidence of breast cancer than other women according to scientific research, "Romance for Life" is especially important to raise awareness and much needed funds, Vollbrecht says.

"Breast cancer research is a very relevant cause for the lesbian community to take up," she says.

TO PROMOTE THE ANTHOLOGY, Vollbrecht and fellow "Romance for Life" contributor Lois C. Hart are scheduled to read their short stories at Charis Books & More on Feb. 16 as part of the feminist and lesbian-owned bookstore’s continuing outreach.

In December, the 31-year-old business issued a widely disseminated email reporting that Charis, the Southeast’s oldest feminist bookstore, was in serious financial straits and faced possible closure.

Supporters responded in force, and the bookstore remains alive. But new ways to promote the business and broaden outreach led Charis to join forces with Nghosi Productions and begin the "Cuddle Up with Charis" internet and print advertising campaign.

Also as part of Charis’ continuing evolution, co-owner and co-founder Linda Bryant announced Feb. 1 she is selling her 50 percent share in the bookstore.

"Although I’ll always be connected to Charis, and intend to continue working part-time for Charis Circle, I believe it is time for me to step aside to make room for a new infusion of cash, energy, ideas and vision," Bryant says.

THE "CUDDLE UP WITH Charis" campaign premiered Feb. 1 with the distribution of an Internet commercial featuring Atlanta author Fiona Zedde, a long-time Charis supporter. And just in time for Valentine’s Day, postcards featuring the campaign are available at Charis and around the city.

Each month, a new ad model /spokesperson is planned for the ads. Among the upcoming models are Donna Narducci, executive director of Atlanta Pride; Audra Woodard, Internet TV host of "Her Side"; Maria Rivers, publisher of Labrys Magazine; and Lisa R. Campbell and Mary Anne Adams, owners of Urban Tea Party in Atlanta.

A 2007 calendar of the images is also in the works.