Love in the Details by Becky Wade

★★★★★

She left him to save his future, but they’ve never gotten over each other.

When Josh returns to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, to help his best friend get married, he didn’t intend to run into church wedding coordinator—and ex-girlfriend—Holly. He can’t help but pine after the girl he never got over.

Holly broke up with Josh years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. But she loved him then and still loves him now. As she helps him plan his best friend’s wedding, she can’t help but feel horrible for the pain she caused him. And even though she longs to be with Josh, she doesn’t feel worthy of his big-time lifestyle when she is more comfortable in her small town world. Will Josh and Holly be able to keep things as they are when their true feelings threaten to surface at every turn?

The final novella in the second round of A Year of Weddings, “Love in the Details” by Becky Wade tells wonderfully heartwarming story of a second-chance love. When Josh returns to his hometown for his best friend’s wedding, he naturally runs into Holly, the woman who broke his heart. The two cannot seem to avoid one another, so they slowly begin to become reacquainted and uncover the hurts of the past. A sweet romance, “Love in the Details” will leave any fans of A Year of Weddings smiling - I highly recommend it to any interested reader looking for a quick, heartwarming read.

Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley, I received a copy of “Love in the Details” and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Perfect Arrangement by Katie Ganshert

★★★★★

Meeting Nick was truly an accident – but Amelia finds that he’s one of the few people she can count on.

Amelia Woods is a small-town wallflower who inherited her grandmother’s flower shop. Despite her success in business, her love life has ground to a halt. And then her temptation to spy on her ex-boyfriend’s wedding leads her to a horrifying fender-bender – with Nick, the groomsman who happens to be her ex’s new brother-in-law.

Meanwhile, William, Amelia’s younger brother, 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 Nick is the only one available for any advice-giving, and he’s pretty good at it – and pretty fun to talk to. Amelia and Nick continue online conversations about everything, but always lingering in Amelia’s mind is the fear that he’ll realize who she is and what she was doing at the church that day of the accident.

As Amelia works to craft the perfect flower arrangements for other people – including a ninety-year-old “fairy godmother” named George – she begins to wonder if real love is better than the dream. And if it is, will Nick still be interested when he learns who she is?

As expected, Katie Ganshert delivers a delightful bit of romance in “The Perfect Arrangement,” a novella full of flowers, classic movie references and charming email banter. When Amelia literally runs into Nick (with her car, by accident), their chance meeting begins an unexpected but very fun exchange of emails. Naturally, their friendship doesn’t develop without its fair share of complications, but I really enjoyed getting to know Amelia, with her shy quirks and love of arranging flowers in her small Wisconsin town, as she determined whether a chance at love was worth the risk. All in all, “The Perfect Arrangement” easily makes another lovely addition to A Year of Weddings that won’t leave fans of the collection disappointed. I loved it and would definitely recommend.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “The Perfect Arrangement” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she’s not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. Visit her website.

Love Takes the Cake by Betsy St. Amant

★★★★★

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 duller 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 knows he doesn't have much time left with her, 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?

Another deliciously pastry-filled romance from Betsy St. Amant, “Love Takes the Cake” makes a great addition to A Year of Weddings. In this novella, Charlotte and Will see if they can take their once-a-week friendship and attraction beyond the walls of her bakery. With a fair share of miscommunications and fears to cause problems - and a Bridezilla, to boot - this couple does not have an easy go at romance, but their story is all-around delightful to follow. I really enjoyed it. Cute and quick, “Love Takes the Cake” offers a great afternoon read and will surely please any fans of the Weddings novella collection.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “Love Takes the Cake” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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

★★★★★

MacKenzie “Mac” Davis left her hometown of Red Leaf, Wisconsin, to pursue a degree in journalism. But when her dad, the town’s beloved Coach Davis, suffers a mild heart attack, Mac returns home to help out. She takes a job at the weekly newspaper but instead of covering serious topics, her editor wants her to write about social events – like the garden club’s flower show and the historical society’s afternoon tea. Mac knows it’s no way to earn her father’s respect – or the attention of one of the newspapers she hopes will hire her when she leaves Red Leaf.

When Hollis Channing, Mac’s high school nemesis, returns to Red Leaf to marry her celebrity fiancé, the editor asks Mac to cover the big event – and all the festivities leading up to – 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.

Mac is no longer the awkward girl who wore the school mascot costume to the Homecoming dance but she realizes something hasn’t changed: her feelings for Ethan.

Another great addition to A Year of Weddings from Kathryn Springer, “Love on a Deadline” returns to the Red Leaf, Wisconsin of “A September Bride” and tells the story of another second-chance romance. MacKenzie Davis and Ethan Channing reconnect when he returns home to plan his sister’s wedding. Their story is cute and sweet, as they seek to distinguish themselves from their high-school selves and discover their potential for love. Fans of Zondervan’s novella collection will certainly enjoyed this romance from Kathryn Springer. It’s a great, quick summer read.

Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley, I received a copy of “Love on a Deadline” and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

I Hope You Dance 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. Then he learns that a local dance teacher, Skye Foster, is offering dance lessons for the wedding party. The first lesson is 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 create a melody all their own.

While usually I am excited to read any new Year of Weddings novella, Robin Lee Hatcher’s romantic contribution, “I Hope You Dance,” had me especially excited, since it adds another story to her series of Kings Meadow romances. (Note: though it is part of a series, it can easily be read by itself.) I remembered Skye Foster and Grant Nichols from the preceding book, Whenever You Come Around, and I am very glad these two characters got a chance at romance in their own story. Skye and Grant initially cross paths when an upcoming wedding requires Grant to take dance lessons from Skye. Grant undeniably has very little skill for dancing, but equally undeniable is the attraction and connection between him and Skye. Their relationship develops easily and sweetly - though not without a natural problem or two - and provides an excellent addition to both A Year of Weddings and Kings Meadow Romances. Overall, “I Hope You Dance” is an excellent and quick romantic read and fans of either series won’t want to miss it.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “I Hope You Dance” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of 70 books. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin and her husband currently reside in Idaho. For more information, visit her website.

Picture Perfect Love 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, 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?

Melissa McClone’s “Picture Perfect Love” makes yet another great addition to Zondervan’s A Year of Weddings. A quick and heartwarming read, this novella allows the photographer to take center stage, when a wedding brings her face-to-face with the one man she hoped never to see again. In the midst of taking wedding pictures, Jenna and Ash have a second chance at love, but must decide whether they can forgive, trust and rely on God’s plan above their own. This sweet and romantic behind-the-scenes wedding story is a wonderful read for fans of contemporary, inspirational romance - especially those who have enjoyed A Year of Weddings so far. 

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “Picture Perfect Love” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

Melissa McClone has always been a fan of fairy tales and "happily ever afters." She holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University but eventually decided to follow her dream and write full-time. She lives in Washington with her real-life hero husband, two daughters, indoor cats, and a forty-eight-pound Norwegian Elkhound who thinks she's a lap dog. She also loves to ski, rock climb and read. Visit her online at her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Never a Bridesmaid by Janice Thompson

★★★★★

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?

When it comes to wedding stories, Janice Thompson never fails to deliver fun, humor and sweet, sweet romance. Her perfectly-paced “Never a Bridesmaid,” the latest novella in Zondervan’s A Year of Weddings, captures the role of bridesmaid well. Ever the planner and good-natured sister, main-character Mari takes on the craziness of wedding planning to make up for her sister’s poorly chosen, often absent maid of honor, and her story contains no shortage of classic wedding moments, tender sisterly bonding and one very attractive best man. Thompson’s light-hearted wedding novella is a pleasure to read and will not disappoint fans of the Weddings collection. I certainly enjoyed it and would recommend it. 

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “Never a Bridesmaid” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

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 at her website, Twitter and Facebook.

In Tune with Love by Amy Matayo

★★★★★

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.

And rightly so, since he stole something from her that he’ll never be able to repay.

Amy Matayo provides another cute and sweet addition to A Year of Weddings. Her novella, “In Tune with Love,” brings April Quinn and Jack Vaughn together after several bitter years apart. With equals parts wit and honesty, these two characters determine the likelihood of a second chance with their relationship and there is no shortage of entertaining and romantic moments. Though the faith element of this story is minimal, Matayo’s contribution fits nicely within the whole novella collection and still adds its own quirky and sarcastic flare. I think fans of A Year of Weddings will enjoy the wedding fun of “In Tune with Love” - I know I did.

Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley, I received a copy of “In Tune with Love” and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

All Dressed Up in Love by Ruth Logan Herne

★★★★★

Greg Elizondo hadn’t bargained for this. Any of this.

Satin. Lace. Tulle. Pearl inlay, embroidered bodices, and Swarovski crystals.

The bridal shop business it took his mother three decades to build, the enterprise that covered his university and law degrees in full, was struggling because he might be part-genius when it came to contract law… But corset-style gowns with a mermaid flair? Shoot me now.

Tara Simonetti hated law school, but loved the community grant funding her presence at Temple University’s esteemed school of law. She could not fail. Would not fail. But when a notice for bridal store help appeared on the community notice board, Tara applied for the job immediately. While grants and loans helped pave her way, money for food was scarce. Legal precedence, moot court, and judicial clerking all had their place, but they were nothing compared to Alcenon lace, tucked silk skirts, and a well-placed peplum. 

Greg had grabbed her help as the act of a desperate man. Within weeks, he was desperate again, this time to win her heart. But after using community funds to get her degree, how can Tara turn her back on the people who helped finance her goal?

But if she leaves Philadelphia and Greg to return to her small-town in northern Pennsylvania, she’ll be leaving her heart behind. A heart he won, fair and square by posting a help wanted notice on the coffee shop board… A heart that filled the missing niche in his mother’s acclaimed bridal store. A heart Greg longed to cherish forevermore.

Here we go again: another fun, heartfelt romance from A Year of Weddings with “All Dressed Up in Love” by Ruth Logan Herne. This novella, set against the backdrop of a local bridal boutique, takes its characters into challenging, sometimes humorous, situations that turn their lives upside-down. Yet, as they navigate their way amidst these situations, they encounter God’s intentions for their futures - and perhaps the necessary romance. Though it moves quickly, “All Dressed Up in Love” fits neatly into this behind-the-scenes novella collection and delivers a sweet, romantic story. I certainly enjoyed it and cannot wait for the chance to read the next novella.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “All Dressed Up in Love” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

Award-winning author Ruth Logan Herne is the author of over a dozen novels for Love Inspired and Summerside Press. The mother of seven children, she loves kids and pets. She is married to a very patient man who is seemingly unthreatened by the casts of characters living in her head.

Serving Up a Sweetheart by Cheryl Wyatt

★★★★★

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?

Cheryl Wyatt’s addition to A Year of Weddings, “Serving Up a Sweetheart,” features yet another second-chance romance developing behind the scenes of weddings. Meadow Larson only knows Colin McGrath as a bully who made her high-school experience painful to remember. But when he comes into her life years later, she must decide whether she can risk her heart with forgiveness and trust. It is sweet, fun journey with many unexpected circumstances determined to bring this couple together. Fans of A Year of Weddings will surely enjoy the delightful romance of “Serving Up a Sweetheart.”

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of "Serving Up a Sweetheart" and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

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 her website and visit her on Facebook and Twitter.

A Brush With Love by Rachel Hauck

"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.}

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

Revealing the beauty in other women might be Ginger Winters’s specialty – but it will take an unexpected kind of love to help Ginger see the beauty in herself.

Ginger Winters drapes her hair over her right shoulder and adjusts the scarf around her neck to cover her scarred, withered skin. She’s had the scars since she was twelve, but she’ll never get used to the ugliness.

The fire changed Ginger’s life, but out of the pain and humiliation of her own disfigurement, one quality unexpectedly emerged: a gift for bringing out the beauty in other women. In a twelve-year ascent from top salon jobs in New York, Atlanta, and Nashville, Ginger traveled the world as personal stylist to country music sensation Tracie Blue. The success was almost enough to make her forget her own appearance.

Almost. Now that she’s opened her own salon in Rosebud after a dozen years away, the truth is staring Ginger in the face again: she’s still that girl, ugly and scarred, forever on the outside looking in. And this weekend she’ll be looking in as “beauty-maker” for the Alabama society wedding of the decade.

But when high-school crush Tom Wells shows up looking for a haircut, Ginger’s thinly veiled insecurities threaten to keep her from love once again… despite Tom’s best efforts. Can this professional beauty-maker manage to recognize the beauty in herself, or are some scars too deep to powder over?

Every month, I say the same thing - I love Zondervan’s A Year of Weddings novellas. i can’t help it. They’re sweet and charming and romantic and heartwarming - and all of those adjectives apply to this newest novella, “A Brush with Love” by Rachel Hauck. Like Kirk does in “Love at Mistletoe Inn,” Hauck centers her story around a second chance at a neglected high school romance. As Tom and Ginger unexpectedly become reaquainted, the sparks of past romance are still there, even if the couple may want to deny it, and they must decide what to do with this second chance. I really enjoyed reading this romance, especially with the additional aspects of overcoming insecurities and believing truth, and I think it fits well in this second A Year of Weddings series. It’s a quick, fun and encouraging read.

Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley, I received a copy of “A Brush with Love” and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. 

A November Bride by Beth K. Vogt

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

Sadie McAllister is fastidious to a fault - but that serves her well as a personal chef to her clients in Denver. But her earliest attempt at managing romance was a bust when Erik Davis declined her invitation to the school's eighth grade Sadie Hawkins Dance.

Having celebrated the big 3-0 by ending a relationship, Sadie is tired of romantic relationships-by-text. The only man she knows willing to put down his iPhone and have face-to-face conversations with her is Erik. It's time to put a 21st-century twist on the Sadie Hawkins' tradition of a woman going after her man. He may not be the hero of her romantic dreams, but she can propose to Erik and achieve some sort of happily ever after with her best friend.

Erik is good at two things: his freelance job and maintaining casual, no-one-gets-hurt relationships with women. What is Sadie thinking, proposing to him? This is marriage - not a middle school dance. Erik decides to show Sadie what romance looks like when the man takes the lead. And while he's at it, he'll prove just how wrong they are for each other. But when he realizes he's fallen for her, can Erik convince Sadie his just-for-fun dates were the prelude to "'til death do us part"?

As a fan of Zondervan’s A Year of Weddings from the start, I was delighted to read Beth K. Vogt’s cute contribution, “A November Bride.” Her characters, Sadie and Erik, have been best friends since middle school, but do not realize their romantic potential until they reach 30. As they explore the potential of their budding relationship, it was great to see them working to overcome their fears and insecurities. A sweet and fun romance, “A November Bride” adds a great story to this first novella collections and provides a wonderful conclusion. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Vogt in the future.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of "A November Bride" and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

Beth K. Vogt believes God's best is often behind the doors marked "Never." She's the wife of a former Air Force family physician who said she'd never marry a doctor - or anyone in the military. She's a mom of four who said she'd never have kids. She's a former nonfiction writer and editor who said she'd never write fiction. Beth's novels include Wish You Were Here, Catch a Falling Star, and Somebody Like You.

Love at Mistletoe Inn by Cindy Kirk

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

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.

An owner of a Victorian inn and charming rustic barn is used to creating the perfect setting for other couples' nuptials. But when she falls head over heels for the new man in her life, will she be prepared to walk down that aisle?

After loving the first Year of Weddings collection, I am certainly excited to be beginning the second – and I think “Love at Mistletoe Inn” by Cindy Kirk is a sweet and fun start. Kirk’s main characters, John and Hope, find themselves in quirky and unexpected circumstances and must suddenly determine how to best handle their relationship. As they navigate this new territory, Kirk adds great secondary characters and tender romance. “Love at Mistletoe Inn” is a quick and addictive read, perfect for this holiday season, and I think fans of A Year of Weddings novellas or simply contemporary romance will enjoy this heartwarming story.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of "Love at Mistletoe Inn" and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

An October Bride by Katie Ganshert

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

She wants to make her father's dream come true. She doesn't realize her own dream has been in front of her the whole time.

Emma Tate isn't a risk taker, so everyone in her small Midwest town is surprised when she suddenly becomes engaged to lifelong friend Jake Sawyer. No one but Jake and Emma know the true reason they're getting married – so Emma's dying father can walk her down the aisle.

While Jake and Emma plan an autumn wedding together, it becomes clear that their agreement has a few complications – the biggest being their true feelings for each other.

In this novella by award-winning author Katie Ganshert, a young woman must reconcile her dying father's dreams with her own dreams for love and for her future.

This is one A Year of Weddings novella I have been anticipating for months now. Since first reading A Broken Kind of Beautiful earlier this year, I have quickly fallen in love with Katie Ganshert stories – plus, the synopsis of “An October Bride” sounded really cute and sweet. I could not wait to read it, and when I finally got my hands on it, I flew through it. It’s such a delightful, heartwarming story with lovable characters and small-town charm. For any fan of A Year of Weddings or contemporary romance, this novella will surely be an enjoyable read. Now, I’m eager to finish out the year with Beth K. Vogt’s “A November Bride.”

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “An October Bride” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

About the Author

Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband, their young son, and their goofy black lab, Bubba. When she's not busy writing or playing or reading or snuggling, she is obsessing over the paperwork and the waiting that comes with adoption. Visit her website.

A September Bride by Kathryn Springer

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

Annie's always wanted a home and a family. But will pretending to be a bride get her closer to her dreams?

All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. Growing up in the foster care system, that dream seemed far away, but now Annie's dream may be coming true. A friend she met in an online book group wants to retire and has offered Annie a fresh start managing her little bookstore. Believing the opportunity is an answer to prayer, Annie packs her suitcase and moves to Red Leaf, Wisconsin.

The residents of Red Leaf welcome Annie into the fold… everyone except the bookstore owner's son, Jesse Kent. But Annie refuses to let the handsome deputy keep her from embracing her new home with open arms. She even volunteers to help the local historical society refurbish an old church and agrees to be the "bride" for a special reenactment celebrating the museum's open house.

Jesse Kent can't believe his mother has handed the keys to her business over to a woman she met on the Internet. Annie's beautiful, of course, and smart as a whip, but what do they really know about her, anyway? What if she's come to their town just for his mother's money? The only way to see if his suspicions about Annie Price are true is to keep a close eye on her – even if it means he has to marry her! Planning their mock wedding will give him the chance to uncover Annie's motive for moving to town. But as the day of the wedding approaches and secrets come to light, Jesse must face the truth. He wants Annie to be his September bride… for real.

Kathryn Springer’s contribution to A Year of Weddings, “A September Bride,” is so cute, and I loved every bit of the quick story (even with the slightly rushed ending). With great characters, quirky circumstances and sweet romance, I knew this novella wouldn’t disappoint me. All in all, it is quite a delightful read and I think readers of A Year of Weddings or simply fans of romance will enjoy it. I haven’t before read anything by Kathryn Springer, but in the future, I know I’ll be on the lookout for more of her books.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “A September Bride” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)

An August Bride by Debra Clopton

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

Kelsey vowed never to love a cowboy again. But then she meets Brent.

After a cowboy broke her heart, Kelsey Wilcox traded in her boots for flip-flops and a bistro on the beautiful sandy beach of Corpus Christi. Two years later, still not believing in happy endings, she is about to endure a weekend of torture at her cousin's beach wedding. Not only will she be forced to watch yet another wedding, but her great-aunt and her two best friends – aptly nicknamed "the matchmaking posse of Mule Hollow" – are coming to the wedding, and Kelsey is sure to be on their radar.

Brent Corbin has had his share of bad luck with women and isn't looking for love or looking forward to the weekend of wedding festivities as a groomsman for his friend. When he sees a commotion on the beach and what appears to be a mermaid in distress, he doesn't hesitate to dive to the rescue. His attention is instantly captured by the woman he's saved and it turns out they're part of the same wedding party. But the instant Kelsey spots his soaking wet boots she wants no part of him.

Thrown together through the weekend and with the meddlesome encouragement from the matchmakers, Brent is determined to pursue Kelsey and change her mind about cowboys. Sparks fly at this August wedding as Kelsey and Brent dance a rocky Texas two-step toward a beach wedding of their own.

At this point, I can’t wait to read the newest addition to A Year of Weddings every month. I’m a sucker for romance and happy endings, and that’s exactly what this novella collection has – and plenty of it. I just love it. So, of course, for the month of August, I picked up Debra Clopton’s “An August Bride” – and with a couple cowboys, a distressed mermaid and a trio of meddlesome matchmakers, I was sure it would be an entertaining story.

After swearing off cowboys, the beautiful and bubbly Kelsey meets Brent, the gorgeous and gallant cowboy determined to change her mind – and their unwanted, yet inescapably blossoming romance begins. From a beach wedding to a soup kitchen to a ranch, Kelsey and Brent encounter equal parts of humorous, stubborn and tender moments in their relationship, and the chemistry between the two of them is evident and endearing. Their love story is well-paced from the beginning to the end, and with the completely loveable cast of characters, full of spunk and a lot of fun, I absolutely enjoyed it (as I expected). “An August Bride” is a short, but delightful summer read and I recommend it along with all the other novellas in A Year of Weddings.

Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “An August Bride” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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 July Bride by Beth Wiseman

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar?

Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan.

Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back.

But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?

Beth Wiseman’s addition to A Year of Weddings, “A July Bride,” fits wonderfully into the romantic collection. Distinguishing her novella from the others, Wiseman throws her characters into an unexpected love triangle, which kept me on edge while reading, wondering who exactly would end up at the wedding altar. I hoped for Alyssa to make certain choices, but a few twists kept the plot interesting and a bit unpredictable. “A July Bride” is a sweet, heartwarming story, and I recommend it along with all the other novellas in the collection. I look forward to reading more from both Beth Wiseman and A Year of Weddings in the near future. Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a free digital copy of this novella and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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 May Bride by Meg Moseley

★★★★★
Goodreads | Amazon

She thinks she has prepared for her wedding all her life... but it seems she may have forgotten the most important part.

Ellie Martin, a country girl in Atlanta, has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life-a wedding just like the one her younger sister is planning back home. Their single mom will pay for Alexa's wedding, but Ellie started her own wedding fund years ago. She only needs to find a groom.

At a wedding at her church, Ellie bumps into a man who's one of the guests. She's noticed him around the neighborhood, but today he introduces himself as Gray Whitby. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but her mother doesn't trust freewheeling men like Gray.

When Ellie risks her own future for her sister's sake, Gray feels betrayed. Will he always play second fiddle to Ellie's family?

Will Ellie and Gray reconcile their differences so her dream wedding can come true, or will the romance they've begun come crashing down?

I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying Zondervan’s A Year of Weddings novella collection. Each new story is delightful and sweet and provides a quick read for a lazy afternoon. And Meg Moseley’s “A May Bride” fits right in. After reading Gone South and A Stillness of Chimes, I have come to love the way Moseley tells her stories, creating relatable characters and relationships. Admittedly, this novella has much more “telling” than “showing” in comparison to Moseley’s novels. In many moments, only Ellie’s thoughts and recollections of events show the whirlwind-romantic relationship between Ellie and Gray. However, for me, this worked for the story, because while the romance is crucial, the focus lies more with the character development in Ellie to reconcile her family relationships with her budding romance. All in all, “A May Bride” is a fun story and I would recommend it along with the rest of A Year of Weddings novellas. Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a free digital copy of this novella and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (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.”)