"kiss the bride" by mcclone, hatcher, and springer

Three of the novellas in Zondervan's Year of Weddings series are brought together in this collection that makes a great beach read.

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Meet the people who make it all happen—the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Picture Perfect Love: A June Wedding Story by Melissa McClone

When image becomes everything, it’s up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren’t always as perfect as they look through her camera lens.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away, but he wrongly blamed Jenna for ruining his political aspirations. Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

I Hope You Dance: A July Wedding Story by Robin Lee Hatcher

Can two left feet lead to one perfect romance?

Grant Nichols is a genius in the kitchen and a klutz on the dance floor. But his friend’s wedding is shaping up to be a shindig the likes of which Kings Meadow has never seen—including dancing. Lots of dancing.

Former rodeo queen Skye Foster is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. Grant and Skye are no match on paper. But when they step onto the dance floor, they create a melody all their own.

Love on a Deadline: An August Wedding Story by Kathryn Springer

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis returns to her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, and takes a job at the weekly newspaper writing about social events.

When Hollis Channing, Mac’s high school nemesis, returns to Red Leaf to marry her celebrity fiancé, the editor asks Mac to cover all the festivities for the newspaper. The last thing Mac wants to do is reconnect with the person who made her life miserable when she was a teenager . . . unless it’s spending time with Ethan Channing, the bride’s older brother—and Mac’s first crush.

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As is the case with most novella collections, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others. My favorite by far is Springer's Love on a Deadline. Of the three novellas, it felt the most complete and featured my favorite romance. I also really enjoyed returning to Red Leaf, Wisconsin, the setting of Springer's A September Bride. 5 stars.

I Hope You Dance, which is part of Hatcher's Kings Meadow series, was also enjoyable to read, though the conflict keeping Grant and Skye apart was resolved a bit too easily and conveniently. 3-1/2 stars.

Picture Perfect Love was the one novella that missed the mark for me. I didn't enjoy the romance at all, which is a key component of a romance novel! I did appreciate Jenna's journey—except the part where she ended up with Ashton. 2-1/2 stars.

Overall, this collection is enjoyable, and it's nice to have these novellas in print when they were previously only available digitally. 4 stars for the collection.

Buy the book.
Read my full reviews of each novella: Picture Perfect Love, I Hope You Dance, and Love on a Deadline.
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Melissa McClone has published more than thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She has also been nominated for Romance Writers of America's RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.

Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"love on a deadline" by kathryn springer

In recent years, Kathryn Springer has become one of my favorite authors. I've absolutely adored her Bannister Falls series (especially book 2, The Hearts We Mend), and I also enjoyed A September Bride, her entry in Zondervan's first Year of Weddings series. This, of course, meant that I also wanted to read Love on a Deadline, her entry in the second installment of the Year of Weddings.

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MacKenzie thought writing wedding stories was beneath her journalistic abilities. Until one love story rekindled an old flame and opened her heart to love once more.

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis left her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, ten years ago, and she never looked back. But when her father, beloved Coach Davis, suffers a mild heart attack, she returns home for an extended visit. It means taking a job at the local newspaper, where the biggest news story is the return of Hollis Channing to marry her celebrity fiancé, but Mac would do anything to make sure her dad takes care of himself. She just didn’t know that would include spending extended time with her high school crush, Ethan Channing, brother of the bride and the boy who broke her heart.

When Ethan Channing offered to help his sister plan her fast wedding, he had no idea what a big production it would be. Nor what a dilapidated state their old family home would be in. But when he catches Mac trying to take pictures of the house for an article she’s writing, he ropes her in to helping him. It’s hard to believe the tomboy coach’s daughter he remembers from high school has turned into this beautiful fire ball of a woman. And he has to admit he doesn’t mind needing her help in planning the wedding of a lifetime.

It’s been ten years since they’ve seen each other. And ten years is a long time. But is it long enough to repair broken hearts and turn old high school crushes into love?

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Oh my goodness, this novella was a delight from start to finish! I've mentioned before that sometimes it's difficult for an author to tell a complete story in a novella, but Springer had no problem here, perhaps because Ethan and Mac already had a history. Their past was revealed slowly, and I enjoyed seeing how it affected their present. I also really loved the romance—a plus when you're reading a romance novel! Overall, this novella is simply fantastic, and it lives up to what I've come to expect from Springer. 5 stars.

Buy the novella.

Buy Kiss the Bride, which contains the novellas I Hope You Dance, Picture Perfect Love, and Love on a Deadline.

Read my reviews of Springer's The Dandelion Field (5 stars), The Hearts We Mend (5 stars), and A September Bride (4 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"i hope you dance" by robin lee hatcher

Author Robin Lee Hatcher takes readers back to the beloved setting of Kings Meadow for this novella in Zondervan's second Year of Weddings series.

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Can two left feet lead to one perfect romance?

Grant Nichols is a genius in the kitchen and a klutz on the dance floor. But his friend’s wedding is shaping up to be a shindig the likes of which Kings Meadow has never seen—including dancing. Lots of dancing. Then he learns that a local dance teacher, Skye Foster, is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. The lessons are free, so what does he have to lose?

A former rodeo queen, Skye Foster teaches children ballet and tap during the day, but with the popularity of ballroom dancing and her own love of Country Swing, she’s been teaching adults in the evenings.

Grant comes from a family of ten siblings. He was the second oldest and believes he's had his fill of little rug rats. He’s happy with his bachelor state, despite the fact that he’s given up his ladies’ man lifestyle. Even he admits to his wilder nature and has been trying to clean up his act, with God's help.

Skye, on the other hand, loves being around kids. She would love to find the right guy and settle down to have half a dozen children of her own.

Grant and Skye are no match on paper. But when they step onto the dance floor, they move to a love song all their own.

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Novellas can be difficult. Because they're short, sometimes the author has to leave things out or rush things in order to tell a complete story. Unfortunately, that's what's happened with I Hope You Dance. I loved the set up of Grant and Skye meeting and falling in love, and I could even buy a quick proposal—after all, that does happen in real life. But the big hindrance to their happily ever after—Skye's desire for a big family contrasted with Grant's determination to not have children—is resolved so quickly and rather improbably, and it just didn't ring true.

I have loved Robin Lee Hatcher's Kings Meadow series, and I Hope You Dance is a charming return to that world. I just wish that it could have been slightly longer to allow for a touch more believability. 3-1/2 stars.

Buy the novella.
Buy Kiss the Bride, which contains the novellas I Hope You Dance, Picture Perfect Love, and Love on a Deadline.
Read my reviews of Hatcher's other Kings Meadow stories: A Promise Kept (5 stars--not "officially" a Kings Meadow novel, but set there), Love Without End (4-1/2 stars), Whenever You Come Around (4-1/2 stars), and Keeper of the Stars (4 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Connect with Robin: website, Twitter, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"love in the details" by becky wade

If you've been hanging around here very long, you know that I'm a huge fan of Becky Wade's novels. (See the #1 books on my best of 2012 and best of 2014 lists.) One thing I hate? She only releases one book each year. (Not that I blame her—I realize that the publishing process takes time. I just wish I could somehow magic up more Becky Wade books.) Anyway, I was thrilled to discover that she had written one of Zondervan's Year of Weddings novellas. An entry in a series I love written by an author I love? Win-win!

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Holly ended things to give him a better life, but she was the future he’d always dreamed of. 

 Eight years have passed since Holly last saw her high school sweetheart, Josh. Now the wedding of Josh’s best friend has brought him back to Martinsburg, Texas. His duties as best man and Holly's as the church's volunteer wedding coordinator link them together. As they work behind the scenes to plan a beautiful November wedding for their friends, they're forced to confront painful reminders of what might have been. 

 Holly broke up with Josh all those years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. However, she never told him the true reason behind her actions and now must decide whether to keep her secret hidden. She's terrified of letting herself fall for him because she barely managed to piece her life back together after losing him the last time. 

 Not a day's gone by since Josh parted from Holly that he hasn't thought about her. The pain of the past eight years has been too much to bear and he doesn't want to make himself vulnerable to her again. But the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to deny the love he still has for her. Will Josh and Holly risk their hearts on the hope that God's timing really can be best?

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Love in the Details is a sweet "second chance at first love" novella that features characters not connected to Wade's other novels. Holly and Josh are both incredibly likable characters, and, in a departure from Wade's most recent heroes, Josh is fairly undamaged and really borders on perfection. Normally, I don't like "too perfect" heroes, but in this case, with this short novella-length time to get to know Josh, it works.

I loved watching Holly and Josh's relationship develop from the first awkward "nice to see you again" moment through the sigh-inducing happily ever after. And I may have giggled a few times along the way, too!

If you've never read a Becky Wade novel, Love in the Details will give you a nice introduction to her writing. And if you're a longtime fan like me, this novella is just what you need to hold you over until her next novel releases! 5 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of My Stubborn Heart (5 stars) and the Porter Family Series: Undeniably Yours (5 stars), Meant to Be Mine (5 stars), A Love Like Ours (5 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas. 

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Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky's work has been a finalist for both a RITA and an INSPY Award.

Find Becky online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an influencer copy of this book free from the author.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

"the perfect arrangement" by katie ganshert

In my review of Katie Ganshert's fabulous An October Bride last year, I said, "I hope Ganshert will revisit this wonderful small town again." Happily, she's done just that in The Perfect Arrangement, an entry in Zondervan's Year of Weddings series.

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Amelia Woods is a small-town wallflower and the proud owner of Forget-Me-Nots, a quaint flower shop that once belonged to her mother. Despite her success in business, her love life has always been a bit lackluster. Until she spies on her ex-boyfriend's wedding and ends up in horrifyingly embarrassing fender-bender with handsome wedding guest, Nate Gallagher.

Meanwhile, Amelia's younger brother, William, has proposed to his girlfriend. Amelia would be excited except she has evidence that the fiancée is not who she says she is. How can she be supportive and yet be the protective big sister too? It seems Nate is the only one available for any advice-giving, and he's good at it—and pretty fun to talk to, too. Amelia and Nate strike up an online relationship, but always lingering in Amelia's mind is the fear that he'll realize she's not nearly as appealing in real life.

As Amelia works to craft the perfect flower arrangements for other people, she begins to wonder if real love is better than the dream. And if it is, will Nate still be interested when he learns who she is?

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Prior to reading The Perfect Arrangement, I'd read two Katie Ganshert novels and one novella, and I gave them all five stars (I would have given A Broken Kind of Beautiful more stars than that if I could have). Her writing has a way of gripping me emotionally, and the stories stick with me long after I've turned the final page. So when I picked up The Perfect Arrangement, I expected it to be great. What I didn't expect? Laughter and tears, but this novella produced both in abundance!

Amelia, a shy cat owner who had only ever dated one guy and had a bit of a Cinderella backstory, was such a likable and relatable character. I absolutely loved watching her relationship with Nate grow through emails (which were so witty and fun), and I adored her interaction with George, her elderly customer. George's story is the one that so touched my heart.

While Amelia and Nate do fall in love (this is a romance, after all), some aspects of the story are left unresolved, which I actually found to be refreshing. In real life, sometimes you just have to let things go and see how they play out, and that's what Amelia had to do. I would definitely love to visit this town with Ganshert again and learn what happens to Amelia and her family! 5 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of Ganshert's An October Bride (5 stars) and Wildflowers from Winter (5 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the exciting state of Iowa, where she currently resides with her family. She likes to write things and consume large quantities of coffee and chocolate while she writes all the things. She's won some awards. For the writing, not the consuming. Although the latter would be fun. You can learn more about Katie and these things she writes at her website www.katieganshert.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"love takes the cake" by besty st. amant

When Charlotte, a gun-shy single mom, becomes attracted to one of the customers at her bakery, she's sure her crush is "safe"--after all, the guy buys cookies for another woman each time he stops in. But when she learns that the "other woman" isn't who she seems, will Charlotte be open to risking her heart for a chance at happiness?

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Meet the people who make it all happen—the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples—as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection. 

She’s known for her delicious cakes, but there’s no recipe for dealing with the new man in her life. Charlotte owns the best bakery in Louisiana, and clients come from near and far for her renowned wedding cakes. And while the wedding scene is Charlotte’s place to shine, her own love life is more dull than ever. After a string of failed relationships—and men who actually were too good to be true—she has decided to throw herself into her craft and leave love and marriage to her clients. 

Will is a successful entrepreneur but devotes much of his spare time to caring for his sister. He deeply regrets his past mistakes, so he has done everything he can to guard his heart from relationships. And what girl would understand that he needs to spend all his time with his sister? But when his best friend calls in his help for his September wedding, Will can’t refuse. He's always been there for those closest to him. And when he finds out they don’t have a wedding cake yet, he knows exactly where to go—the bakery owned by the beautiful, mysterious young woman he buys treats from. 

Charlotte assumes Will is just another party boy who flirts with all the bridesmaids. But is Will hiding something that explains his behavior? And despite their reservations, will they be able to deny the chemistry between them?

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In Love Takes the Cake, Charlotte and Will sort of stutter-step toward a relationship. She swore off charismatic, attractive men after being duped by her ex. He doesn't feel worthy of a good relationship, due to his past mistakes.

While Charlotte and Will's holdups could become annoying, St. Amant wrote the characters in such a way that their reservations were perfectly understandable. And the two certainly had chemistry, which made the novella that much more fun to read!

Sometimes novellas feel rushed or incomplete, but Love Takes the Cake was really the perfect length. The leads are well developed, and many of the supporting characters feel fully fleshed out, as well. (And can we please get a story about Will's sister Melissa next? I would absolutely love to read her love story!)

Love Takes the Cake is the fourth Besty St. Amant novel or novella that I've read, and I've enjoyed each one. She's definitely become a must-read author for me! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of St. Amant's A February Bride (4 stars), All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes (5 stars), and Love Arrives in Pieces (4-1/2 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Betsy St. Amant lives in Louisiana with her young daughter and has a heart for sharing the amazing news of God's grace through her novels. A freelance journalist, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she's not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing.

Find Betsy online: website, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"picture perfect love" by melissa mcclone

Zondervan's delightful Year of Weddings (Year Two) series continues with a story about a second chance at love.

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When image becomes everything, it's up to love to refocus the heart.

Photographer Jenna Harrison wants every bride and groom to look picture perfect on their special day, putting her heart into every wedding to give the couple memorable images of their love. But her own heart is still broken, the unworn wedding dress hanging in her closet a reminder that relationships aren't always as perfect as they look through her camera lens. But Jenna has faith that she will find true love. Until then, she must be patient and trust in God's plan and His perfect timing.

Attorney Ashton Vance is the one that got away. When an embarrassing Photoshopped picture of put an end to his political aspirations, he blamed Jenna. So what if the photo led to his being offered a dream job and changing his life for the better? Jenna betrayed his trust, and two years later, Ashton's heart still hasn't recovered.

It was me. His younger sister's three words turn Ashton's world upside down. He must ask Jenna's forgiveness, but can he risk his heart a second time? Even if Jenna can forgive him, dare he hope for a second chance at her love?

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I've very much enjoyed many of the Year of Weddings novellas, and I wanted to like Picture Perfect Love. I liked Jenna a lot, and I wanted her to find her happily ever after. The problem? I didn't like her ex-fiance, Ashton, at all. He was spiritually immature and made the same mistakes repeatedly. At two points in the novella, other men were introduced, and I thought that maybe one of them would be Jenna's true love. But no, it's Ash that she belongs with. Sometimes, I don't particularly "buy" a couple in a romance novel, but rarely do I actively root against them—and that's what happened in this case.

While I didn't enjoy the romance, I did like other aspects of the novella. I loved seeing the difference that good friends, a great church, and strong faith made in Jenna's life. As I said before, I liked her a lot, and she was interesting enough that I would have enjoyed reading about her life sans romance. The novella is written well, but I just couldn't get behind the romance. However, while this novella wasn't my cup of tea, I'm sure many romance lovers will really enjoy it. 2-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying (hint: my opinions are in the minority).
Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Melissa McClone has published more than thirty novels with Harlequin and Tule Publishing Group. She has also been nominated for Romance Writers of America's RITA® award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house.

Find Melissa online: website, Twitter, Facebook

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"never a bridesmaid" by janice thompson

Who hasn't felt overlooked and underappreciated at some point? That familiar emotion is what Mari deals with in Never a Bridesmaid.

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Can one bridesmaid undo the disasters caused by a poorly chosen maid of honor and save her sister's wedding from disaster?

Mari's older sister Crystal is getting married, and Mari is one of her bridesmaids - actually, the last in a lineup of five bridesmaids, but that doesn't really bother her. Much. But Sienna Jameson as the maid of honor? Really? She might be Crystal's best friend, but she's ditzy and undependable on her best days. When the best man turns out to be hunky Derrick Richardson, the right fielder for the Houston Astros and one of Houston's most eligible bachelors, Sienna abandons her duties as maid of honor to chase Derrick, and it's up to Mari to make sure Crystal's wedding day goes off without a hitch.

While Mari is wrapped up in dress fittings, bridal showers, and bachelorette nights, Derrick has taken notice of her devotion to her sister and her determination to make the wedding perfect. But between dodging Sienna's advances and watching Mari running around like a madwoman, Derrick is left to steal moments whenever he can to get to know this beautiful bridesmaid.

When the maid of honor shows up to the ceremony late and more done up than the bride herself, Mari fears her attempts to make her sister's wedding perfect have all been for naught. Will the bride be up-staged by the maid of honor? Will the fifth-in-line bridesmaid ever be recognized for all the work she's done? And will Mari finally have a moment to revel in the magic of a wedding and dance in the strong arms of a man?

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First of all, the title is a bit of a misnomer, as Mari is certainly a bridesmaid. What she is is the last bridesmaid—the one who stands farthest away from the bride. Her frustration as she deals with the hurt of being passed over for maid of honor duties and strives to make her sister's day the best day possible anyway is palpable ... and totally relatable.

Amid the frustration, though, is a lighthearted wedding story that completely fits with the Janice Thompson brand. The romance between Mari and Derrick is sweet, and I also loved the dynamic between Mari and her sister Crystal—despite Crystal's insensitivity toward Mari and her tendency to bow to her future mother-in-law's wishes, she clearly loved Mari, and Mari loved her. Never a Bridesmaid is a great entry in the Year of Weddings series, and fans of wedding stories will love it. 4-1/2 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of Thompson's Queen of the Waves (set on the Titanic, 4-1/2 stars) and Bouquet of Love (Weddings by Design, 4 stars).
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Janice Thompson got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. She has published over ninety books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books, and more. She particularly enjoys writing light-hearted, comedic tales because she enjoys making readers laugh. In addition, she enjoys public speaking and mentoring young writers. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. Visit her website at www.janiceathompson.com. Twitter: @booksbyjanice Facebook: Janice Hanna Thompson's Reader Page

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"in tune with love" by amy matayo

I've been on this Year of Weddings train for quite a while now—I read and reviewed all of the novellas in the first year, and I've read and reviewed most of the novellas that have released so far in the second year. As a whole, I haven't enjoyed the second year's novellas nearly as much as the first ... until now.

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April is willing to do anything for her sister's wedding-until she comes face to face with a guy from her past.

April Quinn is thrilled to be her sister's maid of honor, until the wedding coordinator quits and the responsibilities get dumped on her. It's April's worst nightmare-especially since her sister has more objections and opinions than a lawyer presenting a high-profile court case. When the wedding singer walks out at the last-minute, her sister hires a replacement. When April finds out who the replacement is, she's ready to call it quits as well. Because there's only one person in April's past that she never wanted to see again, and her sister just handed him a front row seat to the wedding. 

Jack Vaughn finally has the career he's always wanted. After playing in bars and singing in weddings as a struggling musician for half a decade, he's just released his second album and sales are skyrocketing. But while visiting his parent's Nashville home the weekend before his first headline tour, he runs into an old friend. When she asks him for a last-minute favor, he can't bring himself to say no. Even though saying yes means he has to come face to face with April Quinn-the girl who hasn't spoken to him in years.

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In Tune With Love is different from all the other stories in this series so far...different in a good way. It somehow seems grittier, edgier, more realistic than many romances. It's not that it crosses the line, but it's also not your typical inspy romance. It very much fits in with Matayo's other indy-released books The Wedding Game and Love Gone Wild (and probably Sway, but I haven't read that one yet).

I really enjoyed April and Jack's story, which actually reminded me a bit of Nashville. (This is a very positive comparison, as I completely love that show!) I also appreciated how the story ended. I don't want to spoil anything, but it definitely maintained the "realness" vibe.

Overall, I liked this novella a lot, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Matayo's writing! 4-1/2 stars.

Buy the novella.

Read my review of Matayo's The Wedding Game (4 stars).

Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Amy Matayo has a degree in journalism from John Brown University. She worked for seven years as senior writer and editor at DaySpring Cards until the birth of her first child. Amy was a freelance writer for David C. Cook before pursuing writing full-time, and she focuses on edgy, contemporary books for women of all ages. She is the author of The Wedding Game, Love Gone Wild, and the upcoming Sway. She lives with her husband and four children in Arkansas. Visit her at Facebook: amymatayoauthor Twitter: @amymatayo

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"serving up a sweetheart" by cheryl wyatt

Caterer Meadow comes face to face with one of her high school tormentors when he moves in across the street. Colin seems different, but can she really trust the man who used to make her life miserable?

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Meadow knows how to serve delicious food to match any wedding theme. But can she accept love when it's served up on a silver platter?

During one of the biggest weeks of her catering career, Meadow Larson’s kitchen roof caves in after an unrelenting blizzard. She has to accept help from the last person on earth she wants to see: Colin McGrath. The tormentor from her past is now a contractor, her new neighbor—and the only person available to take on a project of this size.

Colin is aware God has given him a second chance to make things right with Meadow after bullying her in high school. After years of regret and guilt, Colin is determined to earn her respect and forgiveness, no matter what it takes.

It’ll take an extreme kitchen renovation, several cooking lessons, a little lace, and a lot of grace, but God is using this renovation project not only to restore Meadow’s heart, but also to restore Colin’s integrity in her eyes. Will Meadow learn to trust the new Colin even as their relationship grows from a business exchange to something more meaningful?

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Serving up a Sweetheart is a sweet "second chance at love" story. It also has surprising depth, dealing with bullying, domestic violence, and addiction.

While I enjoyed the story, it didn't ever completely capture my attention. I didn't particularly care for Meadow, probably because she often didn't seem to know her own mind. (This is a trend I've noticed in inspirational fiction, and I don't like it at all.) I did really like Colin, though, as well as Meadow's sister Flora and her business partner Del.

Overall, Serving up a Sweetheart is a nice story for a rainy day. It's not one that I found particularly memorable, but I did enjoy it. 3 stars.

Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of the other Year of Weddings and Year of Weddings 2 novellas.

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Cheryl Wyatt writes romance with virtue. She’s earned RT Top Picks, spots #1 and #4 on her debut publisher’s Top 10 Most-Blogged-About-Books list, Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence final, and other awards. Cheryl loves readers! Join her newsletter at www.CherylWyatt.com. Facebook: CherylWyattAuthor Twitter: @cherylwyatt

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"a brush with love" by rachel hauck

A woman who bears horrific scars--both internal and external--finds unconditional love in Rachel Hauck's novella "A Brush with Love."

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Ginger Winters is a gifted hairstylist with scars no one can see. The last thing she expects from the New Year is a new chance at love.

Overcoming a childhood tragedy, Ginger emerges from the pain and trauma with a gift for bringing out the beauty in others. From the top big city salons to traveling the world as personal stylist to a country music sensation, success was almost enough to make Ginger forget her she would never be one of the beautiful people.

Almost. Now that she's back home in Rosebud, Alabama, and running her own salon, the truth remains: Ginger is still that girl, forever on the outside looking in. But she needs her confidence this weekend. She's the acclaimed "beauty-maker" for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.

When high-school crush Tom Wells Jr. also returns to town and shows up at her shop looking for a haircut, Ginger's thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her locked away from love, Despite Tom's best efforts, Ginger can't forget how he disappeared on her twelve years ago and broke her heart. Can she ever trust him again?

When Tom challenges her to see her own beauty, Ginger must decide if she will remained chained to the past or move freely into a new, exciting future.

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I absolutely loved Zondervan's first year of the Year of Weddings novellas, and I've been eager to continue with the entries in this second year. While the first entry this year, "Love at Mistletoe Inn," wasn't my cup of tea, "A Brush with Love" more than made up for it.

My favorite aspect of "A Brush with Love" is that, while it does feature a man-woman romance (and a sweet one at that), the main love story is between a scarred woman and the Savior who pursues her heart.

Tom Wells Jr. makes a great hero (who, in my mind, looked like Tom Welling), and the chemistry between him and Ginger was palpable. Yet he was more concerned about Ginger's spiritual state than winning her heart, and that made him even more attractive.

I also loved that there is some genuine meanness in the novella—people aren't always nice to one another, and some hold grudges, just as in real life. It's not a happy-go-lucky love story, but it is incredibly moving. 5 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the novella.
Read my reviews of the Year of Weddings (year 1) (year 2) novellas.
Read my reviews of Hauck's Once Upon a Prince (5 stars), Princess Ever After (5 stars), The Wedding Dress (4-1/2 stars), and "A March Bride" (4 stars). 

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Rachel Hauck is an award-winning, bestselling author of critically acclaimed novels such as The Wedding Dress, Love Starts with Elle, and Once Upon A Prince.

She also penned the Songbird Novels with multi-platinum recording artist, Sara Evans. Booklist named their novel, Softly and Tenderly, one of 2011 Top Ten Inspirationals.

A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism, Rachel worked in the corporate software world before planting her backside in an uncomfortable chair to write full-time in 2004.

She serves on the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers and leads worship at their annual conference. She is a mentor and book therapist at My Book Therapy, and conference speaker.

Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pets, and writes from her two-story tower in an exceedingly more comfy chair. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.

Find Rachel online: website, Facebook, Twitter

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"Fire" up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck's newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!

 One grand prize winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel's blog.
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this ebook free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"love at mistletoe inn" by cindy kirk

What if an impulsive decision you made as an eighteen-year-old came back to haunt you a decade later?

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They've helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Sometimes the road to happiness is paved with youthful mistakes.

Hope Prentiss didn’t go to the Harmony High School senior prom. Instead, she and John Burke drove to Boise and got married. At eighteen. But when Hope panicked after saying “I do,” the mail-order preacher assured her he just wouldn’t send in the paperwork. No forms, no marriage, no problem. Right?

Well . . .

Now, ten years later, Hope discovers that her prom-night wedding counted—and, as fate would have it, the jilted John Burke has just ridden back into town. And he’s staying with her Aunt Verna at the inn where she and Hope host weddings. After spending some time with John and helping plan a Christmas wedding for a mystery couple, Hope begins to wonder if she really wants a divorce … or a real wedding of her own.

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I absolutely love the concept behind Love at Mistletoe Inn. The "secretly still married" trope is one I definitely enjoy. However, while I flew through this novella and think it would make a fantastic movie, the "in print" Hope seemed far too wishy-washy to me, and some of her actions didn't make sense at all. I think this is because the reader is privy to her secret thoughts and emotions, so when her actions contradict what the reader knows about her, she comes off as a bit flaky or indecisive, and that cuts down on her likability. (This problem likely wouldn't exist in film, as Hope's likability would depend on how the actress portrayed her.)

My qualms about Hope as a heroine aside, I did really like this story. I especially enjoyed Hope's aunt and her very obvious scheming to reunite Hope and John. Also, General Hospital viewers of old will appreciate the names of the couple whose wedding Hope has to plan.

Love at Mistletoe Inn has a compelling plot and makes for an enjoyable hour of reading. Though it's not my favorite of the Year of Weddings novellas, it's still pretty good. (And, thanks to the preview at the end, I now cannot wait to get my hands on December's installment!) 3 stars.

See what others are saying.
Buy the novella.

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Cindy Kirk sold her first book in 1999 as a result of a contest win which garnered a critique of the entire manuscript. She’s been writing—and selling—ever since. Cindy has been a Booksellers’ Best Award Winner, a finalist for the National Readers’ Choice Awards and a Publishers Weekly best seller. Cindy has served on the Board of Directors of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) since 2007. In November 2014, she began serving as President of the 10,000+ member organization. She’s a frequent speaker at not only the national RWA conferences, but large regional writing conferences. She has also presented at smaller retreats and conferences across the country. She lives on an acreage in Nebraska with her high school sweetheart husband of too-many-years-to-count and their three “boys” (a shih tzu, a blue heeler and a dorkie). Their daughter lives close by with her wonderful husband and their two little girls.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."