Love in the Details - A Review

Published - October 27, 2015, Zondervan Books
Author - Becky Wade
Series  - A Year of Weddings Novella Series 2, Book 12
Title - Love in the Details
Format - ebook, audio
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Eight years ago, Holly and Josh were college freshmen and completely in love. He was on a scholarship at MIT and she was at UT San Antonio. When out of the blue, Holly breaks up with Josh. The break up crushes both of them, and over the years neither has really forgotten the other or the love they shared. When his best friend's wedding draws Josh back to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, he knows that he will have to work with the local church's wedding coordinator. He doesn't expect it to be Holly. As the two work closely together, old feelings that never went away are pulled to the surface. Holly never told Josh the true reason she broke up with him. Now, she has a chance to tell her secret. But will the painful reason of their breakup years ago create a chasm that can never be healed? Or is the time right now for the two of them to have a future together?

I loved every aspect of this book. Becky Wade has fast become one of my favorite authors. So I KNEW that this was going to be delightful. I was right. I loved how Josh and Holly were both changed from the teens they once were into the adults they became. I also loved how each became stronger as a result of their breakup.

Josh literally had me sighing just a little as he spent more and more time with Holly. And when he found out the true reason she broke up with him, he was able to recognize that it was a good thing for the time. And I loved how Holly was so sweet and caring to everyone. She even managed to get on the goodside of the professional wedding coordinator.

This is recommended to anyone who enjoys happy endings, and fluffy romance.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, novellas

Rating - 5 stars

Note - review will be posted on Amazon on or around October 27, 2015.

Picture Perfect Love - A Review

Published - May, 26, 2015, Zondervan Books
Series - A Year of Weddings Novellas Series 2, Book 7
Author - Melissa McClone
Title - Picture Perfect Love
Format - ebook
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Jenna Harrison is a wedding photographer. She has the unique talent of making even the most un-photogenic people look stunning in their wedding photographs. While she goes out of her way to ensure that couples have a happily ever after, Jenna's own heart is still broken. There is an unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet. Yet Jenna trusts that someday God in His timing will bring a groom to her and she'll have her chance at true love. Ashton Vance is the man who broke Jenna's heart. He had political aspirations and when a photo-shopped picture of him found its way onto the Internet, he blamed Jenna and broke up with her the day before their wedding. Though it's been two years, his heart still hasn't recovered. When his younger sister admits the role she played in breaking up Jenna and Ashton, he is willing to make amends. But is it too little too late? Or can Jenna and Ashton find a way past hurt and betrayal into a possible future together?

Like all of these novellas, some are better than others. This is one I happened to enjoy quite a lot. This was the first thing I'd read by Melissa McClone, and I was impressed with her writing. Her characters have a depth to them that is often hard to see in a novella.

I really liked the way that Jenna worked her business. I liked how she would go out of her way to make her clients' feel special. I also liked the way that she was real with her emotions. I think my favorite part of the story was when she takes part in a Trust Fall on a ropes course with the teens in the youth group as well as Ashton, his sister, and her fiancee. I also liked how Ashton was willing (finally) to make amends for the part that he played in breaking Jenna's heart. His growth was a little slower because he kept making the same mistakes. But overall, I really came to like him.

I'll have to keep this author on my radar and look for more by her.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, novellas, Love Inspired, romance

Rating - 4 stars

This review will be posted on Amazon after the book is released, so the week of May 26, 2015.

All Dressed Up in Love - A Review

Published:  February 24, 2015, Zondervan Books
Series: A Year of Weddings Novellas Series 2, Book 4
Author: Ruth Logan Herne
Format - ebook
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Lawyer Greg Elizondo is working at his mother's bridal shop, trying to keep it afloat, since her death. He's got a full calendar of brides coming in that day and all of the employees are out (maternity leave, sick, vacation). He needs a miracle. When 3rd year law student Tara Simonetti walks in and immediately brings peace to the chaos, he hires her on the spot. But he's a lawyer. He knows how grueling law school can be, especially that final year. Yet Tara brings a joy to the shop that hasn't been seen since his mother's death. As they fight their attraction to each other and all of the obstacles that show up in their way, both Greg and Tara have to realize exactly what is important.

Novellas are fun, quick stories for me to escape into when I'm not in the mood to read a full length novel. I've read a lot of the Weddings novellas over the past year. This is one of those that falls into the "awww cute" category.

I loved how Greg was doing everything he could to save his mother's dream. I loved how there was more to him than just the corporate lawyer. Sure he was guilty of making assumptions, but so was Tara. Yet they managed to figure it out and make things work.

I enjoyed the camaraderie between all of the bridal shop employees. Tara came in as an outsider, but soon she was one of them. There was a real sense of family in the shop. I also loved how Tara recognized the need to target the "plugged in" generation. She knew it would be good for business and it would set the shop out as unique.

Fans of the Weddings series will enjoy this book.

I received the Kindle copy for free from Booklook Blogger's for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, weddings, novellas

Rating - 4 stars

Love at Mistletoe Inn - A Review

Published - November 2014, Zondervan Books
Series - A Year in Weddings Novella Series 2
Author - Cindy Kirk
Title - Love at Mistletoe Inn
Format - ebook, audio
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Ten years ago, Hope Prentiss and John Burke didn't go to their high school prom as planned. They eloped. Shortly after exchanging vows, Hope realizes she's made a huge mistake and she and John return home believing that because the paperwork was never filed that they aren't legally married. Both go their separate ways with limited contact over the next ten years. Hope runs a wedding business out of the barn at Harmony Creek. John has become a successful metal artist. When they discover that they are still married, they have a choice to make - make a go of the marriage or seek a divorce. With Hope unsure if she can trust John, especially with her sorta seeing someone else, John vows to show his wife that not only is he worthy of her trust, but that he has never stopped loving her. Will Hope let John through the walls she's built to protect herself from the hurts of her past?

This was a cute novella. I liked both Hope and John. I loved how John was willing to fight for Hope. They way these two interacted with each other was at times funny. I loved Aunt Verna. I thought that she was a sweet elderly lady who was determined to see these two young people she loved recognize their feelings for each other and find happily ever after.

Sure Hope and John had issues to work through. But as they did, I loved how they came to realize exactly what made the other react the way he/she did.

Last year, I read almost all of the novellas in the Year of Weddings. Those stories focused on the brides. This is the second Year of Weddings Series. This time around, the stories are focusing on the women behind the scenes - the caterers, the photographers, make up artists, the event planners, etc. So it should be another fun year of weddings and romance.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Love Inspired, novellas, weddings, romance.

Rating - 4 stars

November Bride - A Review

Published - October 28, 2014, Zondervan Books
Series - A Year of Weddings Novella #12
Author - Beth K. Vogt
Title - A November Bride
Format - ebook
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Sadie McAllister has her life all planned out. She's the personal chef for several different families, dating a great guy, and has a fabulous best friend. When her boyfriend breaks up with and one of her families offers her a job opportunity that could launch her career, she turns to her best friend, Erik Davis for advice. Erik is thrilled for Sadie, but he doesn't want to see her move away. He's come to realize that she is more important to him and he'd love to move their friendship beyond friends. But does Sadie feel the same way?

I was very happy to be offered the chance to review this book. I've enjoyed the majority of these novellas and this one was no exception.

I had to wonder how long it would take for Erik and Sadie to realize that they were in love. I thought that there were several opportunities for them to sit down and talk, but they didn't. They just assumed things about the other. Still, the way that they finally worked through their issues was sweet.

I loved how she knew everything about him and he her. I also loved how they interacted with each other.

I found the book to be very fast paced. It was a quick read. Only took me about an hour or so to read it. As it's a novella, I expected nothing else. The characters were pretty well developed for a novella and it moved along at a good pace.

I received the Kindle copy of this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, novellas, Love Inspired, Beth Vogt

Rating - 4 stars

October Bride - A Review

Published - September 23, 2014, Zondervan Books
Series - A Year of Weddings Novella Book 11
Author - Katie Ganshert
Title - An October Bride
Format - ebook
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When Emma Tate accidentally discovers her dying father's bucket list with all but three items crossed off, she knows that one item is within her power to see it crossed off - Walk Emma down the aisle. There's just one major obstacle to that. Emma has only just recovered from a broken engagement! When her lifelong buddy Jake Sawyer hears of her plan, he proposes to her. Soon everyone in town knows of their engagement and that an October wedding has been planned. Speculation runs rampant as does the rumor mill. But with only Jake & Emma knowing the true reason behind their engagement, they have to overcome not only rumors, the dubious friends, but also realize that the biggest complication is their true feelings for each other! So will this October wedding go off as planned for the sake of Emma's father or will it become something so much more?

Ever since I first read Wildflowers from Winter, Katie's books have been on my radar. So when I saw she was taking part in the Year of Weddings Novellas, I couldn't have been more thrilled. I don't think that there is a single book by Katie I've not enjoyed , and this one is no exception. My only wish on this one was more story!

I loved everything about this novella. I loved the way that Emma was determined to go through with a fake marriage just so her father could walk her down the aisle. I have a feeling her father knew all along what she was doing and that he humored her by going along with it. I also loved the way that Emma came to admit that she loved Jake. I loved Jake for being so noble and proposing knowing it was to make her father's wish come true. I loved Jake for finally telling Emma how he felt. So yes, I'm gushing a bit with this one. I'd have loved to have seen Emma's best friend get together with her brother Liam, who also happened to be Jake's best friend. Maybe Katie will bring those characters back for another story someday.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, novellas, Love Inspired, Katie Ganshert

Rating - 5 stars

September Bride - A Review

Published - August 26, 2014, Zondervan Books
Series - A Year of Weddings
Author - Kathryn Springer
Title - September Bride
Format - ebook
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Annie Price hopes that Red Leaf will be a place to start over. A place for her to finally find a home. She's soon a respected member of the community and assisting the historical society on a re-enactment of a historical wedding, as the bride. Deputy Jesse Kent can't believe that his mother turned over the managing of the bookstore to a complete stranger. Yet when he meets Annie, he is drawn to her. He has a hard time setting aside his hurt from the past to get through to who Annie is. He soon finds himself paired with her as the groom in the re-enactment. As they prepare for the wedding, they both start feeling things for the other. Can Annie find a place to call home with Jesse? And will Jesse be able to finally set aside his doubts and trust Annie?

I really enjoyed this one. It's not my favorite of the series, but it is sweet. I loved how Annie initially met Jesse - he pulled her over because of a broken tail light. I also loved how Jesse wanted to protect his mother.

I'll admit I giggled a bit when these two were thrust together into the roles of bride and groom for the wedding re-enactment. But as the story went on and the secrets were uncovered, I found myself really hoping that Annie really was all she seemed to be.

I received a Kindle copy of this book from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan's Booklook Blogger program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, novellas, Love Inspired, romantic comedies

Rating - 4 stars

An August Bride - A Review

Published - July 29, 2014, Zondervan Books
Series - Year of Weddings Novella
Author - Debra Clopton
Title - An August Bride
Format - ebook
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Kelsey Wilcox has given up on love. And cowboys. And anything to do with ranching. She's happily running a popular bistro on the beach in Corpus Christi. She's also a bridesmaid in her cousin's wedding. When the Mule Hollow Matchmaking Posse arrives in town for the wedding, Kelsey hoped to stay under their radar. But no such luck with her aunt on the posse. Especially when she races into the ocean to rescue her aunt's puppy. Yet when the current pulls her down, she soon finds herself in the arms of a handsome cowboy. Brent Corbin thinks he's seeing things when he sees a mermaid struggling in the water. He quickly realizes that his mermaid is a beautiful woman. When he discovers that they are both in the same wedding, he hopes to build on the attraction between them. There's just a couple of obstacles in the way. The biggest being that she doesn't want anything to do with cowboys or ranches. With the encouragement of the posse, Brent takes a chance. Will Kelsey let him break down her barriers?

I've always enjoyed Debra Clopton's books. This one was no exception.

I found it to be full of humor and very sweet. I really loved Brent. Handsome cowboy who is a sweetheart? That's like a swoon worthy combination. I loved how he was so patient with Kelsey. Yet he was determined to show her that not all cowboys are the same. And of course I loved the Posse. They are always a hoot whenever I stumble across them.

I think that romantics everywhere would enjoy this. It is one of my favorites in the Year of Weddings series.

This one is probably my second favorite of the series so far. My fave being March Bride. :)

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, novellas, Love Inspired, Debra Clopton

Rating - 4 stars

June Bride - A Review

Published - Zondervan Books, May 27, 2014
Series - A Year of Weddings Novella
Author - Marybeth Whalen
Title - A June Bride

After breaking up with the one man who stole her heart, Wynne Hardy finds herself the star of a reality show, Rejection Connection. There she meets Andy and the two begin dating, soon becoming engaged. In the midst of all of the wedding festivities, Wynne reconnects with her ex-fiancee. Will she go through with her wedding to Andy or not?

This novella disappointed me. I liked the premise of it - she's a contestant on a reality tv show, yet I found that the characters were a bit under-developed.

First there's Wynne herself. She is obviously on the rebound, so I felt that she didn't have any business being on the show let alone planning a life with one of her "dates." Then there's Meredith. A star of a different reality show, I felt that she kept trying to steal what should have been Wynne's big day. Then the groom, Andy, I felt that he and Wynne didn't really know each other at all.

I think I probably would have enjoyed this one more if it'd been a full length novel and not a novella.

I've heard wonderful things about this author, and I'll probably try reading one of her full length novels at some point, but this particular novella was not for me.

I received this book for free from the BookLook Blogger's program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Year of Weddings, Love Inspired

Rating - 2 stars

July Bride - A Review

Published - June 24, 2014, Zondervan
Series - A Year of Weddings Novella
Author - Beth Wiseman
Title - A July Bride
Format - ebook
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Alyssa Pennington is marrying the man she loves. In fact, she's walking down the aisle to her groom when the unthinkable happens. Her groom, Brendan Meyers, leaves her standing at the altar breaking her heart. Alyssa begins the process of returning wedding gifts and her dress, but even in the midst of her anger and hurt, she realizes that she still loves him. Brendan also is miserable without her. When another man begins to feel that Alyssa is free game now, Brendan is determined to fight for her. Can Alyssa trust him again?

I think that this was the first book I've read by Beth Wiseman. I really enjoyed this one. I loved the characters. And I loved how Brendan fought for Alyssa. I know I'll be looking up other Beth Wiseman books and add them to my ever growing to read list.

I thought that Alyssa showed wisdom when she asked to be left alone. Her heart needed a chance to heal before it could come back to Brendan. Yet I still loved Brendan. I loved how his family life played a huge part in who he was and how he was determined to make different life choices than what his family had done.

Overall, this was a quick read. I think I probably enjoyed it more than some of the others in this series.

I received a copy for free from BookLook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of romance, novellas, Love Inspired

Rating - 4 stars

May Bride - A Review

Published - April, 2014, Zondervan

Series - A Year of Weddings Novella

Author - Meg Moseley

Title - A May Bride

Format - ebook

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Ellie Martin has been planning her wedding for years. She's even got a wedding fund. Only thing she's missing is the groom. When she meets Graham Whitby one morning while gardening at a church, she thinks he's handsome. He starts to pursue her. Before long, they are in love. But with an overbearing mother in her family, will they find happily ever after?

Of all of the novellas in the Year of Weddings Series I've read so far, this one is by far my least favorite. Maybe it's because it's told in first person narration and the others aren't. I normally don't have a problem with first person narratives. But for some reason, this one kinda grated on me.

I really didn't care for Ellie much at all. It seemed that she was determined to do everything that her mother didn't like and the scenes between them were filled with tension. I thought that Gray was smooth talking and moving way too fast.

Still, the wedding scenes were beautiful and the pastor was a surprise delight.

And while I didn't particularly care for the novella, others may find it delightful, especially if reading this series.

I received this novella for free from the Booklook Bloggers Program for the purpose of reviewing. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, Love Inspired, novellas

Rating - 2 stars - I didn't really care for it.

An April Bride - A Review

Published - March 25, 2014, Zondervan

Series - A Year of Weddings # 5

Author - Lenora Worth

Title - An April Bride

Format - ebook, audio

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Stella Carson is so excited to be marrying her childhood sweetheart Marshall Henderson. When her solider is wounded overseas, she's determined to stand by him and help heal. She's even willing to postpone their wedding. Marshall's injuries are more than what he's let on. He's suffering from amnesia as well as PTSD. He doesn't remember Stella or the life they had planned together. But he's determined to marry her anyway. Will their love survive this bump in the road?

This is part of the Year of Weddings Series. Overall, I liked the book. I didn't love it, but I'm not gushing about it either. It was just ok.

I loved how Stella had to learn to trust God in a different way regarding Marshall. And I loved how Marshall kept fighting to remember her. While the storyline of the wounded hero coming home was good, I really didn't connect with either of the main characters too much. True the book only took me a couple of hours to read, but it didn't hold my interest like others in this series.

I received a Kindle copy of this book for free from Booklook Blogging Program of Thomas Nelson/Zondervan for the purpose of reviewing. I got that copy AFTER I'd  already bought one.

Recommended to fans of weddings, Love Inspired, novellas

Rating - 3 stars. Felt really blah about the whole book.

A March Bride - A Review

Publisher - Zondervan, February 2014

Series - A Year of Weddings Novella #4

Author - Rachel Hauck

Title - A March Bride

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Three weeks shy of her wedding to King Nathaniel II, Susanna Truitt is feeling overwhelmed. She's having to adjust to a new country, a new culture, becoming a royal, and the press. When her mother calls her and delivers some devastating news to her, on the heels on an announcement from Nathaniel, Susanna doesn't think. She just runs home. Nathaniel has found his soul mate in Susanna. He is very much aware of what all she will have to give up to be his wife. But with Susanna returning home, he will do whatever it takes to show her exactly what she means to him. Will this be the end or will the king and his American princess figure out a way to have their happily ever after?

I LOVED this! I walked around with a silly grin on my face when I got to the end. *sighs* When Once Upon a Prince Came out last year, I really was ok with not having more of Susanna and Nathaniel's story. Then I found out that the author was doing a short novella continuation of their story as part of the Year of Weddings series. I knew I just had to have it. I pre-ordered it from Amazon back in November and then the Booksneeze/Book Look Blogging program offered it for review as well. So I requested it.

Obviously since this is a novella in a collection of a year of weddings, the happily ever after is a given. But it's how that happily ever after comes about is what is special. Susanna struggles with some very real fears that I'm sure most brides struggle with. Only in her case it's magnified by about 100 times because her fiance isn't just an ordinary man - he's the ruling king of a nation. So her fears and struggles are very public. I loved how her pastor at home gave her some sound advice. I also loved how Nathaniel decided to do whatever it took to show her that he loved her and understood what she was giving up by marrying him. And the way he goes about showing her is where I got the silly grin on my face and it didn't disappear until I finished the book.

Once again the supporting cast of characters, Avery, Susanna's parents, Jonathan, and Prince Stephen were all delightful to engage with through the story. I'd love to see a story for Avery, Jonathan, or Prince Stephen.

With the Royal Wedding series, I can honestly say that Rachel Hauck has become one of my favorite authors. After all, what little girl doesn't dream of being a princess?

I received an e-copy of the book for free from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan's Booklook Bloggers program for the purpose of reviewing. I did also purchase this from Amazon. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of happy endings, weddings, Rachel Hauck, fairy tales, Becky Wade, Melissa Tagg, contemporary romance

Rating - 5 stars - I just can't gush enough about this one!

February Bride - A Review

Publisher - Zondervan, January 2014

Author - Betsy St. Amant

Title - A February Bride

Series - A Year of Weddings Novella

Format - ebook

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Allie Andrews has left the love of her life at the altar. Wearing her grandmother's dress, she ran from the church. Now her best friend, who happens to be the sister of the man she was going to marry, has asked Allie to be the maid of honor in her Valentine's Day wedding. Allie agrees, even though she knows she'll be put in close contact with her ex-fiancee, Marcus. Marcus didn't understand what happened to cause Allie to run out. Yet as they're constantly thrown together with his sister's wedding, he finds reason to hope that things between them aren't totally over. Will these two find their happily ever after?

This was such a fun novellla! I don't think I've ever read any of Betsy St. Amant's books before, but I think that will be remedied after this one. Full of humor, I loved Allie as the "runaway bride." I also loved that she wanted to change who she was in regards to her family and their history of failed marriages so much that she loved Marcus enough to let him go. I loved how she searched to find out who she really was.

I loved loved loved Marcus's mother. I thought that she was a great voice of reason and gentleness that Allie needed to hear at times.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan/Harper Collins as part of the Booklook Blogging program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Love Inspired, novellas, contemporary romance

Rating - 4 stars

January Bride - A Review

Publisher - Zondervan, December 3013

Title - A January Bride

Author - Deborah Raney

Series - A Year of Weddings Novella

Format - ebook

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When Madeleine Houser needs a quiet place to write that's not in the midst of a construction zone, her neighbor sends her to the bed & breakfast on the other side of town. The B&B is run by a widowed professor, Arthur. Madeleine soon finds herself being very productive in the quiet have of the B&B and leaves the owner a note. He replies, and soon both look forward to the notes. Both have started to fall for the person writing the notes, but what will happen when the pair finally meets in person?

This is part of the Year of Weddings novella collection. I read this in about 2 hours. I found it to be a sweet story. I personally loved the mistaken identities each of the two main characters had of the other. And I loved the letter/note writing. It reminded me of an old Judy Garland movie In the Good Ol' Summertime.

While it was sweet and a good story, overall I found this to really be just ok. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. Truthfully I felt kinda blah about this book.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan/HarperCollins Booklook Blogging program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Love Inspired, weddings, novellas, contemporary romance

Rating - 3.5 stars