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Morning Glory #4.5
Once Upon a Wedding
Say I do…
Eleven best-selling and award-winning authors request your presence as they share all-new novellas that will have you humming the wedding march and dreaming of champagne toasts. It’s easy to tie the knot with these heartwarming, second chance love stories.
I Do, Again by Jamie Beck
A makeup artist who is forced to become her bridezilla client’s eleventh-hour bridesmaid is dumbstruck to discover her ex-husband is a groomsman and he wants a second chance.
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan
Two meteorologists with a turbulent romantic history join a team of storm chasers and discover that love, like lightning, sometimes strikes twice.
The Runaway Bride by Sonali Dev
A groom has one night to convince his runaway bride that her fears that he's settling for her are anything but true.
Starboard Vow by K.M. Jackson
A cruise director is taken off course when the country’s hottest bachelor – and her secret husband – arrives aboard her ship for a whirlwind cruise.
Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman
A widowed blueberry farmer is reunited with her late husband’s best friend when he returns to escort her daughter down the aisle.
Snowbound in Vegas by Sally Kilpatrick
A Best Man and Maid of Honor loathe each other…until they’re stuck in a cabin meant for a honeymoon.
Star Struck: Take Two by Falguni Kothari
Embroiled in a Bollywood stunt wedding, an A-list manager is torn between doing what is right for her celebrity client or seizing a second chance with the bad boy groom herself.
Always Yours by Priscilla Oliveras
With love in the air at a familia wedding, two high school sweethearts separated by their misguided mistakes just might find their second chance for a happily ever after together.
Home Sweet Home by Hope Ramsay
Family secrets tore them apart as teens but a wedding in Sweet Home, Virginia, may give star-crossed lovers a second chance at forgiveness and love.
Inseparable by Barbara Samuel
Thwarted high school sweethearts meet again in the gorgeous Colorado mountains for a wedding…of their children.
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley
A florist responsible for the break-up of the bride’s first marriage gets a chance for forgiveness and a new love with a hunky pastor.
Eleven best-selling and award-winning authors request your presence as they share all-new novellas that will have you humming the wedding march and dreaming of champagne toasts. It’s easy to tie the knot with these heartwarming, second chance love stories.
I Do, Again by Jamie Beck
A makeup artist who is forced to become her bridezilla client’s eleventh-hour bridesmaid is dumbstruck to discover her ex-husband is a groomsman and he wants a second chance.
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan
Two meteorologists with a turbulent romantic history join a team of storm chasers and discover that love, like lightning, sometimes strikes twice.
The Runaway Bride by Sonali Dev
A groom has one night to convince his runaway bride that her fears that he's settling for her are anything but true.
Starboard Vow by K.M. Jackson
A cruise director is taken off course when the country’s hottest bachelor – and her secret husband – arrives aboard her ship for a whirlwind cruise.
Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman
A widowed blueberry farmer is reunited with her late husband’s best friend when he returns to escort her daughter down the aisle.
Snowbound in Vegas by Sally Kilpatrick
A Best Man and Maid of Honor loathe each other…until they’re stuck in a cabin meant for a honeymoon.
Star Struck: Take Two by Falguni Kothari
Embroiled in a Bollywood stunt wedding, an A-list manager is torn between doing what is right for her celebrity client or seizing a second chance with the bad boy groom herself.
Always Yours by Priscilla Oliveras
With love in the air at a familia wedding, two high school sweethearts separated by their misguided mistakes just might find their second chance for a happily ever after together.
Home Sweet Home by Hope Ramsay
Family secrets tore them apart as teens but a wedding in Sweet Home, Virginia, may give star-crossed lovers a second chance at forgiveness and love.
Inseparable by Barbara Samuel
Thwarted high school sweethearts meet again in the gorgeous Colorado mountains for a wedding…of their children.
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley
A florist responsible for the break-up of the bride’s first marriage gets a chance for forgiveness and a new love with a hunky pastor.
ebook
First published June 11, 2019
About the author
Jamie Beck
22 books2,598 followersJamie Beck is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 18 novels, which have been translated into multiple languages and have sold more than three million copies worldwide. She is a two-time Booksellers' Best Award finalist, a Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR award finalist, a National Readers' Choice Award winner, and critics at Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work "smart," "uplifting," and "entertaining." In addition to writing novels, she enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking and hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family.
Fans can learn more about her on the web (www.jamiebeck.com). She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks) and Instagram (@writerjamiebeck).
My newsletter subscribers get monthly fun tips, a chance to win a reader gift box, and other exclusive content. Sign up now! https://bit.ly/JBeckNewsletter. For updates on discounts and new releases, follow me on BookBub at http://bit.ly/2GBcLM3. NO SPAM--EVER.
Fans can learn more about her on the web (www.jamiebeck.com). She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks) and Instagram (@writerjamiebeck).
My newsletter subscribers get monthly fun tips, a chance to win a reader gift box, and other exclusive content. Sign up now! https://bit.ly/JBeckNewsletter. For updates on discounts and new releases, follow me on BookBub at http://bit.ly/2GBcLM3. NO SPAM--EVER.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 20, 2019
5 -
New beginnings...
Stars!
~~ Review for- A Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman~~
I love Donna Kauffman’s writing whether it be a full length book or a short ‘n’ sweet novella she nails it pretty much every time, and A Wedding in Swan Harbour highlights all the positives of her writing.
- Great couple
- Gorgeous setting
- Emotional depth
- Great backstories
- Likeable secondary character
- You’re always left wanting more
Widower Lily Dawson is the kind of woman you would want to be friends with if she really existed, still a woman in the prime of her life, she is stunned to realise that, her lady bits haven’t shrivelled up and died along with her husband when her daughters god-father returns to town to walk her down the aisle, and all said bits sit up and start doing a happy-dance!
He was old enough now, with enough life experience under his belt, to know he hadn’t been the only one so surprisingly affected…
But Sam Fletcher isn’t only Faith’s godfather, he was also Lily’s husband; Dans’ best friend, so when they start seeing each other in a different light it brings up a lot of questions that both of them are not sure of the answers too.
"Always… No matter what.2
This may have been a short novella but it in no way lacked the emotional depth you would expect characters with these back stories to have. There is always going to be a small amount of shared grief and a level of guilt associated with moving on after a death of a life partner, especially when the person you are looking to move on with is someone who knew them almost as well as you did. Sam was stoic, patient, easy-going and just fitted with Lily, it was quite simply a perfect couple of hours reading escapism.
"It’s a special time…"
"…Love is always a special time."
As part of the Once Upon a Wedding anthology this novella is worth the crazy cheap price of 99c/99p alone. I’ve pre-ordered it so I can delve into the rest of the stories once it releases, and I recommend you do to.
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q1K7S4K
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
~~ Review for- A Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman~~
I love Donna Kauffman’s writing whether it be a full length book or a short ‘n’ sweet novella she nails it pretty much every time, and A Wedding in Swan Harbour highlights all the positives of her writing.
- Great couple
- Gorgeous setting
- Emotional depth
- Great backstories
- Likeable secondary character
- You’re always left wanting more
Widower Lily Dawson is the kind of woman you would want to be friends with if she really existed, still a woman in the prime of her life, she is stunned to realise that, her lady bits haven’t shrivelled up and died along with her husband when her daughters god-father returns to town to walk her down the aisle, and all said bits sit up and start doing a happy-dance!
He was old enough now, with enough life experience under his belt, to know he hadn’t been the only one so surprisingly affected…
But Sam Fletcher isn’t only Faith’s godfather, he was also Lily’s husband; Dans’ best friend, so when they start seeing each other in a different light it brings up a lot of questions that both of them are not sure of the answers too.
"Always… No matter what.2
This may have been a short novella but it in no way lacked the emotional depth you would expect characters with these back stories to have. There is always going to be a small amount of shared grief and a level of guilt associated with moving on after a death of a life partner, especially when the person you are looking to move on with is someone who knew them almost as well as you did. Sam was stoic, patient, easy-going and just fitted with Lily, it was quite simply a perfect couple of hours reading escapism.
"It’s a special time…"
"…Love is always a special time."
As part of the Once Upon a Wedding anthology this novella is worth the crazy cheap price of 99c/99p alone. I’ve pre-ordered it so I can delve into the rest of the stories once it releases, and I recommend you do to.
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q1K7S4K
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
July 29, 2019
I Do, Again by Jamie Beck, 3/5 stars
I liked this, but as ever with novellas, I needed a bit more on the reconciliation. The pregnancy epilogue wasn't at all what I wanted or needed there.
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan, 3/5 stars
So I liked that the reason they split up in the first place was the heroine choosing her own career, liked less that she was sort of unhappy in it as a result. The forced proximity here was good, it worked to get stuff back on track between them.
The Runaway Bride by Sonali Dev, 4/5 stars
I didn't realize this was a prequel to her latest novel, but I dug it and in fact, it made me realize I would have rather had this story as the novel? It was better.
Starboard Vow by K.M. Jackson, 2/5 stars
I didn't really buy the reconciliation, because the reason for them being apart was so dumb.
Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman, 5/5 stars
THIS WAS DOPE. Best friend of dead spouse can be terrible but when it works it works and it worked here.
Snowbound in Vegas by Sally Kilpatrick, 3/5 stars
So, other than the premise which involves two people being trapped in a cabin against their will (and their friends remember steak but not clothes for them? okay), this was okay. I don't know that I believe in the romance, but it was fine.
Star Struck: Take Two by Falguni Kothari, 4/5 stars
I liked this a lot, though it might have been a bit high drama for me? But that made sense considering the Bollywood influences.
Always Yours by Priscilla Oliveras, 3/5
This was fine, but completely unmemorable.
Home Sweet Home by Hope Ramsay, DNF
Inseparable by Barbara Samuel, 4/5 stars
Oh, this was sweet! I didn't need the twist with their adult children conspiring to throw them together, I would have rather that was a complete accident, but very sweet.
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley, DNF
June 12, 2019
Second chance romances are my favorite love stories, so I was excited to find that this group of talented authors have contributed to this anthology! I read Tracy Brogan’s novella, Weather or Knot, and loved it! It was entertaining and romantic, and Allie and Dylan are such a great couple! On top of their second romance story, it was a thrill to be reading about storm chasers! The hunt for tornadoes crackled with tension, but no more than the feelings and attraction that our couple still feels for each other! This anthology is going to be a great summer read!
August 25, 2019
If it isn’t obvious by now, I fall head over heels for a second chance romance…and a whole book of them? All I can say is gimme, gimme, gimme! I wasn’t disappointed in this collection of do-overs by all these talented authors. While there weren’t any that I didn’t enjoy, a couple of them stood out over the others.
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan was fun for all kinds of reasons. First, meteorologists aren’t the usual romance MCs. There were so many weather-related love puns, and I guess I’m a geek, but they made me giggle a little every time. Like “…just like having your ex-fiancee show up in your driveway, tornadoes were unpredictable.” (It’s the little things really!) Unlike a lot of second chance romance, there wasn’t a whole lot of drama in the backstory, just two people who were young and were influenced to choose another life over the one they had. Allie broke it off with Dylan to pursue her career. She worked so hard to get through school and didn’t want to let her parents down and let her career take a back seat. When they meet up again to go chase storms together, it’s not just the weather that’s captivating! Like rainbows after the storm, Weather or Knot delivers a sunshine-y HEA!
Read more at Wicked Cool Flight
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan was fun for all kinds of reasons. First, meteorologists aren’t the usual romance MCs. There were so many weather-related love puns, and I guess I’m a geek, but they made me giggle a little every time. Like “…just like having your ex-fiancee show up in your driveway, tornadoes were unpredictable.” (It’s the little things really!) Unlike a lot of second chance romance, there wasn’t a whole lot of drama in the backstory, just two people who were young and were influenced to choose another life over the one they had. Allie broke it off with Dylan to pursue her career. She worked so hard to get through school and didn’t want to let her parents down and let her career take a back seat. When they meet up again to go chase storms together, it’s not just the weather that’s captivating! Like rainbows after the storm, Weather or Knot delivers a sunshine-y HEA!
Read more at Wicked Cool Flight
Read
May 11, 2019Okay, so I haven't read ALL of these yet, but it is my wont to leave a review when I've turned in the page proofs for a story, and I have a novella called Snowbound in Vegas in this collection. If you read it, I think you'll find that for all of us this collection was a bit of a balm to the soul. A lot has changed in the publishing industry and in our personal lives, but we worked on this together, chatting about challenges and victories alike behind the scenes.
So far I've read Jamie Beck's charming I do, Again which is about a wedding planner conned into being a last minute bridesmaid only to run into....her ex-husband.
I've also read Sonali Dev's Runaway Bride which has all of her trademark emotion packed into the more compact novella size.
My own little story helped me find some of my quirk. There's a Dolly Parton impersonator as a wedding officiant, Gatlinburg, a hero named after the car in which he was conceived, and strip air hockey. If you've ever rented a cabin near Gatlinburg then you have some idea of what it would be like to be stranded there with only each other for company.
I can't wait to read the stories from my other fellow authors and have even preordered this collection myself! 800 pages of HEA for 99 cents? Yes, please.
So far I've read Jamie Beck's charming I do, Again which is about a wedding planner conned into being a last minute bridesmaid only to run into....her ex-husband.
I've also read Sonali Dev's Runaway Bride which has all of her trademark emotion packed into the more compact novella size.
My own little story helped me find some of my quirk. There's a Dolly Parton impersonator as a wedding officiant, Gatlinburg, a hero named after the car in which he was conceived, and strip air hockey. If you've ever rented a cabin near Gatlinburg then you have some idea of what it would be like to be stranded there with only each other for company.
I can't wait to read the stories from my other fellow authors and have even preordered this collection myself! 800 pages of HEA for 99 cents? Yes, please.
June 11, 2019
This is a wonderful compilation of romantic reads great for the romantic at heart. You get eleven wonderful shorts that will have your heart racing at times, the tears falling at others, and a smile at the end of each. A favored author among the reads for me was Donna Kauffman's A Wedding in Swan Harbor. Where you will meet a mother who is getting ready for her daughters simple yet elegant wedding in their barn. She is marrying a wonderful young man and all is going well with the preparations. The only thing missing is the young brides father who died several years before, so she asks his best friend, a man who has always treated her like a daughter to step in. You soon see that there are true feelings for the mother of the bride and the fathers best friend. Follow along as the two dance around each other and in the end come together to see just what love has in store for them. With wonderful romances like this throughout the book you won't be able to put it down.
June 20, 2019
I Do, Again by Jamie Beck
Even with the small heartbreaking reminders of things lost, this was a sweet read. Ellie’s desire to protect herself created some unfortunate roadblocks between her and Cody, but wedding magic has a way of turning things around in the best ways!
The Runaway Bride by Sonali Dev
Nisha was a firecracker and Neel was such a sweetheart! Their relationship was a bumpy ride of understandable insecurities and fears, but it was their relatable heart-to-heart that had me sympathetically relating to both parties. I also enjoyed glimpses into Indian culture and Sonali never fails to disappoint on that end! Overall, I loved Nisha and Neel, I just wish their story was longer!
Star Struck: Take Two by Falguni Kothari
Veer and Tania’s story was funny, sweet, and packed some steam! Veer cracked me up and Tania was a brainy sweetheart. I loved the story’s location and loved the colorful description of costumes.The secondary characters were well developed-I thought Ariana was a hoot! I like this story enough to sign up for Kothari’s newsletter just so I could read Star Struck...it may have been short, but Tania had some serious willpower to fight their attraction!
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan
This was a cute read. Dylan and Allie reminded me of Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton from Twister. Their easy working relationship and noticeable attraction kept me smiling and I loved the ribbing Dylan’s team gave them.
Starboard Vow by K.M. Jackson
I mostly liked the story. I would have enjoyed it with less page time with secondary characters.
A Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman
Yay for mature couples-yes, I think the 40’s qualify as mature:) Lily and Sam’s relationship was adorable and the simmering attraction neither wanted to vocalize was the best!
Always Yours by Priscilla Oliveras
Lourdes and Eduardo’s relationship had emotionally jagged edges to overcome and the journey wasn’t always a smooth one, but the end goal was worth the effort! I loved Lourdes’ raw honesty and Eduardo’s unswerving patience. I also enjoyed how Olivera weaved her tale with Puerto Rican flair-the language, family, and delicious food-all gave a wonderful, extra depth to this tale!
Home Sweet Home by Hope Ramsay
Isa and Collin’s young love came to a hurtful end, forcing both to grow up in ways neither fully understood until they meet again years later. This was a good read. Isa and Collin discover the comforts of coming home, seeing past hurts with new perspectives, and regaining something precious makes their second chance one to hold tight to.
Inseparable by Barbara Samuel
Yay! Another mature couple! And wow-Nina and Marcus were the friskiest of this collection! Their sizzling chemistry and obvious love for one another made my heart sigh!
Other stories in this anthology:
Snowbound in Vegas by Sally Kirkpatrick
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley
Even with the small heartbreaking reminders of things lost, this was a sweet read. Ellie’s desire to protect herself created some unfortunate roadblocks between her and Cody, but wedding magic has a way of turning things around in the best ways!
The Runaway Bride by Sonali Dev
Nisha was a firecracker and Neel was such a sweetheart! Their relationship was a bumpy ride of understandable insecurities and fears, but it was their relatable heart-to-heart that had me sympathetically relating to both parties. I also enjoyed glimpses into Indian culture and Sonali never fails to disappoint on that end! Overall, I loved Nisha and Neel, I just wish their story was longer!
Star Struck: Take Two by Falguni Kothari
Veer and Tania’s story was funny, sweet, and packed some steam! Veer cracked me up and Tania was a brainy sweetheart. I loved the story’s location and loved the colorful description of costumes.The secondary characters were well developed-I thought Ariana was a hoot! I like this story enough to sign up for Kothari’s newsletter just so I could read Star Struck...it may have been short, but Tania had some serious willpower to fight their attraction!
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan
This was a cute read. Dylan and Allie reminded me of Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton from Twister. Their easy working relationship and noticeable attraction kept me smiling and I loved the ribbing Dylan’s team gave them.
Starboard Vow by K.M. Jackson
I mostly liked the story. I would have enjoyed it with less page time with secondary characters.
A Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman
Yay for mature couples-yes, I think the 40’s qualify as mature:) Lily and Sam’s relationship was adorable and the simmering attraction neither wanted to vocalize was the best!
Always Yours by Priscilla Oliveras
Lourdes and Eduardo’s relationship had emotionally jagged edges to overcome and the journey wasn’t always a smooth one, but the end goal was worth the effort! I loved Lourdes’ raw honesty and Eduardo’s unswerving patience. I also enjoyed how Olivera weaved her tale with Puerto Rican flair-the language, family, and delicious food-all gave a wonderful, extra depth to this tale!
Home Sweet Home by Hope Ramsay
Isa and Collin’s young love came to a hurtful end, forcing both to grow up in ways neither fully understood until they meet again years later. This was a good read. Isa and Collin discover the comforts of coming home, seeing past hurts with new perspectives, and regaining something precious makes their second chance one to hold tight to.
Inseparable by Barbara Samuel
Yay! Another mature couple! And wow-Nina and Marcus were the friskiest of this collection! Their sizzling chemistry and obvious love for one another made my heart sigh!
Other stories in this anthology:
Snowbound in Vegas by Sally Kirkpatrick
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley
August 21, 2019
I'm going to have to make notes on each story as I go along, or I'll forget!
I Do, Again - Jamie Beck. Funny tale of a makeup artist who is suddenly part of a true bridezilla's wedding party when a bridesmaid falls ill (the pictures wouldn't be balanced! the horror!), only to discover that her ex-husband is also in the wedding. Heartwarming!
Weather or Knot - Tracy Brogan. I'm a weather geek, so this story was great fun for me! Small-town meteorologist is given a plum ride-along assignment with a team of storm chasers, only to discover her former fiancee runs the crew. Sweet and satisfying!
Runaway Bride - Sonali Dev. I've just recently finished Dev's _Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors_ and it was much fun to revisit the Raje family!
Starboard Vow - K.M. Jackson. Made me want to take a cruise, although perhaps not one as stressful as having an entire movie production crew on board!
A Wedding in Swan Harbor - Donna Kauffman. Very sweet tale of a recent widow falling for her late husband's best friend, on the occasion of her daughter's (and his goddaughter's) wedding. Had me tearing up!
Snowbound in Vegas - Sally Kilpatrick. Fun story of a couple tricked into a do-over of their disastrous first date by their best friends. I'll never look at an air hockey game quite the same....
Starstruck: Take Two - Falguni Kothari. Hmmmm....I might just want to get kidnapped to a desert oasis now. Not entirely sure about riding a camel there, though... Fun story about trust and family ties.
Always Yours - Priscilla Oliveras. What fun to read a story set in my hometown of Chicago! Loved the feel - reminded me so much of my husband's extended family. Nudged me to read Oliveras' other books, which are parked on my kindle.
Home Sweet Home - Hope Ramsay. Got a little teary reading this reunion. And now I'm hungry for empanadas!
Inseparable - Barbara Samuel. Oh, how I loved this story. Just enough steam to be satisfying, and I was sobbing though the last two chapters. I could really identify with this couple, who appear to be my age!
A Morning Glory Wedding - Liz Talley. I liked that this was a tale of a different kind of second chance, involving mistakes and forgiveness. Morning Glory sounds like a town I'd enjoy revisiting!
I Do, Again - Jamie Beck. Funny tale of a makeup artist who is suddenly part of a true bridezilla's wedding party when a bridesmaid falls ill (the pictures wouldn't be balanced! the horror!), only to discover that her ex-husband is also in the wedding. Heartwarming!
Weather or Knot - Tracy Brogan. I'm a weather geek, so this story was great fun for me! Small-town meteorologist is given a plum ride-along assignment with a team of storm chasers, only to discover her former fiancee runs the crew. Sweet and satisfying!
Runaway Bride - Sonali Dev. I've just recently finished Dev's _Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors_ and it was much fun to revisit the Raje family!
Starboard Vow - K.M. Jackson. Made me want to take a cruise, although perhaps not one as stressful as having an entire movie production crew on board!
A Wedding in Swan Harbor - Donna Kauffman. Very sweet tale of a recent widow falling for her late husband's best friend, on the occasion of her daughter's (and his goddaughter's) wedding. Had me tearing up!
Snowbound in Vegas - Sally Kilpatrick. Fun story of a couple tricked into a do-over of their disastrous first date by their best friends. I'll never look at an air hockey game quite the same....
Starstruck: Take Two - Falguni Kothari. Hmmmm....I might just want to get kidnapped to a desert oasis now. Not entirely sure about riding a camel there, though... Fun story about trust and family ties.
Always Yours - Priscilla Oliveras. What fun to read a story set in my hometown of Chicago! Loved the feel - reminded me so much of my husband's extended family. Nudged me to read Oliveras' other books, which are parked on my kindle.
Home Sweet Home - Hope Ramsay. Got a little teary reading this reunion. And now I'm hungry for empanadas!
Inseparable - Barbara Samuel. Oh, how I loved this story. Just enough steam to be satisfying, and I was sobbing though the last two chapters. I could really identify with this couple, who appear to be my age!
A Morning Glory Wedding - Liz Talley. I liked that this was a tale of a different kind of second chance, involving mistakes and forgiveness. Morning Glory sounds like a town I'd enjoy revisiting!
July 19, 2019
I’m usually not a fan of anthologies, and generally read them for the one (sometimes two) stories of authors I follow. I first read ONCE UPON A WEDDING for Sonali Dev’s story, THE RUNAWAY BRIDE. I had recently finished PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND OTHER FLAVORS, and this novella, a prequel about one of the characters in the novel, was absolutely wonderful.
I set the book aside for a couple of days, and then opened it up one afternoon, and picked a random story to read. It was every bit as good as Ms. Dev’s, an author who sets the bar REALLY high, and that’s all it took to hook me.
Every single story in this anthology is entertaining, beautifully written, and has some wonderfully unique characters and situations. I loved the diversity of the stories, with a number of protagonists of different colors and ethnicities, each of them finding love the second time around, whether rekindling an old relationship or building a new one on the ashes of one that’s ended.
It’s a truly entertaining collection, one I read a second time around just to be sure they were all as good as I thought they were. They are. I definitely recommend ONCE UPON A WEDDING.
I set the book aside for a couple of days, and then opened it up one afternoon, and picked a random story to read. It was every bit as good as Ms. Dev’s, an author who sets the bar REALLY high, and that’s all it took to hook me.
Every single story in this anthology is entertaining, beautifully written, and has some wonderfully unique characters and situations. I loved the diversity of the stories, with a number of protagonists of different colors and ethnicities, each of them finding love the second time around, whether rekindling an old relationship or building a new one on the ashes of one that’s ended.
It’s a truly entertaining collection, one I read a second time around just to be sure they were all as good as I thought they were. They are. I definitely recommend ONCE UPON A WEDDING.
June 19, 2019
This anthology is a mixed bag and this isn’t surprising considering it’s *really* hard to write a well-developed romance in a short novella. I DNFed about half of the stories, disliked some, and was meh about a few. Even if the voice and characters were engaging, it was still difficult to love because of length constraints and under-baked romantic connections.
However, the one exception is the Priscilla Oliveras novella. I really enjoyed it and it’s worth the 99 cent sale price just for her novella. Many of the other works (even the ones I DNFed) were perfectly fine if not incredible. Still, I think this anthology is worth checking out to discover new authors. Even though I three-starred several stories, I was still glad I read them because I enjoyed the voice (e.g. KM Jackson or Falguni Kothari). I’ll be sure to check out those authors’ longer works and see what they can do outside of novella constraints.
However, the one exception is the Priscilla Oliveras novella. I really enjoyed it and it’s worth the 99 cent sale price just for her novella. Many of the other works (even the ones I DNFed) were perfectly fine if not incredible. Still, I think this anthology is worth checking out to discover new authors. Even though I three-starred several stories, I was still glad I read them because I enjoyed the voice (e.g. KM Jackson or Falguni Kothari). I’ll be sure to check out those authors’ longer works and see what they can do outside of novella constraints.
July 6, 2019
This story is part of a larger work, Once Upon a Wedding: a Fiction from the Heart Second-Chances Anthology.
Liz Talley's story is a charming addition to the excellent Morning Glory series, set as a follow up to the second Morning Glory novel, Perfectly Charming. In that novel, Jess Culpepper, newly divorced from her cheating husband, finds romance with Ryan Reyes.
In this story, A Morning Glory Wedding, Jess and Ryan are planning their upcoming wedding, but are forced to use the only remaining florist in town, Brandy Robbins, who had an affair with Jess's husband Benton Mason. Everyone in town blames Brandy (but not Benton) for the affair and subsequent divorce, despite Benton's culpability and lying to Brandy about the state of his marriage. Even sweet Rosemary (from Charmingly Yours, the first novel), barely tolerates Brandy.
The marriage is to take place at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, with Geoffrey Harper as pastor. Geoff has been in Morning Glory only a few months, so does not share the town's disdain for Brandy. Geoff sees her for who she is and how she treats other people. Can Brandy and Geoff find each other, and can Brandy find forgiveness from others and for herself?
A welcome addition to the Morning Glory series, but the story does not require any familiarity with the series to enjoy this story. Liz Talley is a fabulous writer, and I highly recommend this story. If you haven't read any of the Morning Glory series, this story is a great introduction to some of the characters and the author's style.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Merged review:
This review is based upon two of the 11 novellas contained in the Anthology.
The first is Liz Talley’s novella: A Morning Glory Wedding.
Liz Talley's story is a charming addition to the excellent Morning Glory series, set as a follow up to the second Morning Glory novel, Perfectly Charming. In that novel, Jess Culpepper, newly divorced from her cheating husband, finds romance with Ryan Reyes.
In this story, A Morning Glory Wedding, Jess and Ryan are planning their upcoming wedding, but are forced to use the only remaining florist in town, Brandy Robbins, who had an affair with Jess's husband Benton Mason. Everyone in town blames Brandy (but not Benton) for the affair and subsequent divorce, despite Benton's culpability and lying to Brandy about the state of his marriage. Even sweet Rosemary (from Charmingly Yours, the first novel), barely tolerates Brandy.
The marriage is to take place at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, with Geoffrey Harper as pastor. Geoff has been in Morning Glory only a few months, so does not share the town's disdain for Brandy. Geoff sees her for who she is and how she treats other people. Can Brandy and Geoff find each other, and can Brandy find forgiveness from others and for herself?
A welcome addition to the Morning Glory series, but the story does not require any familiarity with the series to enjoy this story. Liz Talley is a fabulous writer, and I highly recommend this story. If you haven't read any of the Morning Glory series, this story is a great introduction to some of the characters and the author's style.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novella from Netgalley and am voluntarily reviewing the novella.
The second novella is Falguni Kothari's Starstruck: Take Two.
This story is a follow up to Star Struck, which I have not read. Even without reading the earlier story, I had no trouble following the story in Take Two. Take Two centers around two main characters, Tania Coehlo and Veer Rana, and one important secondary character, Ariana Kapoor. Ariana is a rising Bollywood star, falsely linked by the media as engaged with her costar, Veer. Tania is Ariana’s manager, and had a secret intense romantic fling with Veer the previous year, Tania broke the affair off, and the affair has remained secret over the ensuing 11 months, during which time Tania and Veer have not seen each other.
Tania comes to the set of the current movie, Padmini, starring Ariana and Veer. An accident on set brings Tania and Veer together, and it is evident Veer and Tania still share a strong mutual attraction. The story follows Veer’s campaign to convince Tania to take a second chance on themselves.
You don’t need to be a Bollywood fan to appreciate this story. I enjoyed this Bollywood second chance romance immensely. Ms. Kothari’s writing kept me reading and wanting more!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novella and am voluntarily reviewing the novella.
The beauty of the anthology is that the individual stories are short enough to read in a few hours, without having to stay up all night or cutting back on sleep to finish a story, which I have done with longer works of these authors. Being familiar with the writings of the other nine authors, I am certain the other nine novellas will be equally as entertaining and excellent as the two reviewed here. I am eagerly awaiting the June 11th release of the Anthology.
I highly recommend this Second-Chances Anthology, which is currently on sale for 99 cents!
Liz Talley's story is a charming addition to the excellent Morning Glory series, set as a follow up to the second Morning Glory novel, Perfectly Charming. In that novel, Jess Culpepper, newly divorced from her cheating husband, finds romance with Ryan Reyes.
In this story, A Morning Glory Wedding, Jess and Ryan are planning their upcoming wedding, but are forced to use the only remaining florist in town, Brandy Robbins, who had an affair with Jess's husband Benton Mason. Everyone in town blames Brandy (but not Benton) for the affair and subsequent divorce, despite Benton's culpability and lying to Brandy about the state of his marriage. Even sweet Rosemary (from Charmingly Yours, the first novel), barely tolerates Brandy.
The marriage is to take place at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, with Geoffrey Harper as pastor. Geoff has been in Morning Glory only a few months, so does not share the town's disdain for Brandy. Geoff sees her for who she is and how she treats other people. Can Brandy and Geoff find each other, and can Brandy find forgiveness from others and for herself?
A welcome addition to the Morning Glory series, but the story does not require any familiarity with the series to enjoy this story. Liz Talley is a fabulous writer, and I highly recommend this story. If you haven't read any of the Morning Glory series, this story is a great introduction to some of the characters and the author's style.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley and am voluntarily reviewing the book.
Merged review:
This review is based upon two of the 11 novellas contained in the Anthology.
The first is Liz Talley’s novella: A Morning Glory Wedding.
Liz Talley's story is a charming addition to the excellent Morning Glory series, set as a follow up to the second Morning Glory novel, Perfectly Charming. In that novel, Jess Culpepper, newly divorced from her cheating husband, finds romance with Ryan Reyes.
In this story, A Morning Glory Wedding, Jess and Ryan are planning their upcoming wedding, but are forced to use the only remaining florist in town, Brandy Robbins, who had an affair with Jess's husband Benton Mason. Everyone in town blames Brandy (but not Benton) for the affair and subsequent divorce, despite Benton's culpability and lying to Brandy about the state of his marriage. Even sweet Rosemary (from Charmingly Yours, the first novel), barely tolerates Brandy.
The marriage is to take place at Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, with Geoffrey Harper as pastor. Geoff has been in Morning Glory only a few months, so does not share the town's disdain for Brandy. Geoff sees her for who she is and how she treats other people. Can Brandy and Geoff find each other, and can Brandy find forgiveness from others and for herself?
A welcome addition to the Morning Glory series, but the story does not require any familiarity with the series to enjoy this story. Liz Talley is a fabulous writer, and I highly recommend this story. If you haven't read any of the Morning Glory series, this story is a great introduction to some of the characters and the author's style.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novella from Netgalley and am voluntarily reviewing the novella.
The second novella is Falguni Kothari's Starstruck: Take Two.
This story is a follow up to Star Struck, which I have not read. Even without reading the earlier story, I had no trouble following the story in Take Two. Take Two centers around two main characters, Tania Coehlo and Veer Rana, and one important secondary character, Ariana Kapoor. Ariana is a rising Bollywood star, falsely linked by the media as engaged with her costar, Veer. Tania is Ariana’s manager, and had a secret intense romantic fling with Veer the previous year, Tania broke the affair off, and the affair has remained secret over the ensuing 11 months, during which time Tania and Veer have not seen each other.
Tania comes to the set of the current movie, Padmini, starring Ariana and Veer. An accident on set brings Tania and Veer together, and it is evident Veer and Tania still share a strong mutual attraction. The story follows Veer’s campaign to convince Tania to take a second chance on themselves.
You don’t need to be a Bollywood fan to appreciate this story. I enjoyed this Bollywood second chance romance immensely. Ms. Kothari’s writing kept me reading and wanting more!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novella and am voluntarily reviewing the novella.
The beauty of the anthology is that the individual stories are short enough to read in a few hours, without having to stay up all night or cutting back on sleep to finish a story, which I have done with longer works of these authors. Being familiar with the writings of the other nine authors, I am certain the other nine novellas will be equally as entertaining and excellent as the two reviewed here. I am eagerly awaiting the June 11th release of the Anthology.
I highly recommend this Second-Chances Anthology, which is currently on sale for 99 cents!
June 16, 2019
Second Chance does not mean second best!
This is a wonderful compilation of stories. Some will require a couple of tissues and there will be great laughs along the way, but the best thing about this book is that you will feel good after reading each story. I can hardly wait for the next book!
This is a wonderful compilation of stories. Some will require a couple of tissues and there will be great laughs along the way, but the best thing about this book is that you will feel good after reading each story. I can hardly wait for the next book!
September 28, 2019
Interesting
Each story in the book in someway allowed the characters find happiness and love. Each was a little different and you had to wonder how it will all work out but the author pulled it together in an enjoyable way. Enjoyed reading the book.
Each story in the book in someway allowed the characters find happiness and love. Each was a little different and you had to wonder how it will all work out but the author pulled it together in an enjoyable way. Enjoyed reading the book.
June 20, 2019
Happy
Really enjoyed this wonderful group of stories from a talented group of ladies. The wedding, finding happiness theme was so well done. Hope they collaborate again.
Really enjoyed this wonderful group of stories from a talented group of ladies. The wedding, finding happiness theme was so well done. Hope they collaborate again.
September 16, 2019
This was a great anthology of novellas, all with the theme of a second chance. I knew a few of the author's previous works, however most were new-to-me authors. I loved every story! I enjoyed the light easy reading. Every story is in a different setting, different styles but the same outcome of a Happily Ever After.
I definitely will be reading more from each of these authors. This is a great way to find new authors that you may want to explore their other work.
I definitely will be reading more from each of these authors. This is a great way to find new authors that you may want to explore their other work.
June 11, 2019
For now, I have only read Donna Kauffman’s A Wedding in Swan Harbor. If the rest of the stories are as heartfelt, heartwarming, loving, charming…[please feel free to add your own words!]…as this one was, it will definitely be a winner anthology.
The author tells us that this is a story of second chances but it is so much more, imho. Overall, she really hit the mark with what it feels like to lose a great love and then find a second chance, right before your eyes. I won’t say too much about the actual story; instead, I will talk about my favorite parts.
I LOVED Lily Dawson! She is strong, she is capable, she is funny. She is a widow who had the great love of her life, who passed away, and she is now helping her daughter with a wedding. Faith is a terrific character and I loved the relationship, and closeness, between her and her mother. The opening scenes are hilarious – Lily is a bit embarrassed by her daughter’s forthrightness (I guess we can say) – but that endeared them both to me.
And I LOVED Sam Fletcher, Lily’s late husband’s best friend and godfather to Faith. He comes back to town to walk the bride down the aisle. Truly touching. He has been a part of Lily’s and Dan’s (Lily’s deceased husband) lives from when they were kids but as an adult he has mostly been away, traveling the world for work. Simplified version but you will read about it.
The chemistry burns bright between Sam and Lily but their path is, in their minds, filled with landmines. Oh how I loved their journey! The banter between them sometimes made me laugh out loud but to me, their road to an HEA was honest and true. Yes, let’s say I loved these characters! What a refresh for my reading list.
UPDATE: I have now read two more stories so wanted to post those reviews as well (and will continue to post as I've read the rest):
In I Do, Again by Jamie Beck, my heart broke for Ellie and Cody. They married young, experienced the worst heartbreak, and divorced shortly thereafter. They meet again at a wedding and their second story, for lack of a better term, will touch your heart. The characters at the wedding…hooboy! Funny, and yet not, but as long as it helps these two find their way back to each other, it’s all good.
In Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan, Allison and Dylan are meteorologists and storm chasers who were once engaged, and then not. Their struggles are real, and probably experienced by a lot of us, so it felt true. They are funny and sweet, and downright sexy.
The author tells us that this is a story of second chances but it is so much more, imho. Overall, she really hit the mark with what it feels like to lose a great love and then find a second chance, right before your eyes. I won’t say too much about the actual story; instead, I will talk about my favorite parts.
I LOVED Lily Dawson! She is strong, she is capable, she is funny. She is a widow who had the great love of her life, who passed away, and she is now helping her daughter with a wedding. Faith is a terrific character and I loved the relationship, and closeness, between her and her mother. The opening scenes are hilarious – Lily is a bit embarrassed by her daughter’s forthrightness (I guess we can say) – but that endeared them both to me.
And I LOVED Sam Fletcher, Lily’s late husband’s best friend and godfather to Faith. He comes back to town to walk the bride down the aisle. Truly touching. He has been a part of Lily’s and Dan’s (Lily’s deceased husband) lives from when they were kids but as an adult he has mostly been away, traveling the world for work. Simplified version but you will read about it.
The chemistry burns bright between Sam and Lily but their path is, in their minds, filled with landmines. Oh how I loved their journey! The banter between them sometimes made me laugh out loud but to me, their road to an HEA was honest and true. Yes, let’s say I loved these characters! What a refresh for my reading list.
UPDATE: I have now read two more stories so wanted to post those reviews as well (and will continue to post as I've read the rest):
In I Do, Again by Jamie Beck, my heart broke for Ellie and Cody. They married young, experienced the worst heartbreak, and divorced shortly thereafter. They meet again at a wedding and their second story, for lack of a better term, will touch your heart. The characters at the wedding…hooboy! Funny, and yet not, but as long as it helps these two find their way back to each other, it’s all good.
In Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan, Allison and Dylan are meteorologists and storm chasers who were once engaged, and then not. Their struggles are real, and probably experienced by a lot of us, so it felt true. They are funny and sweet, and downright sexy.
April 20, 2020
One of my favorite troupes, second chance love. Don't we all deserve a second chance is finding our HEA. These stories will leave you with a smile on your face and even a few laugh out moments. The perfect reads for a lazy afternoon. so far I have read:
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan, two meteorologists reconnect while chasing tornadoes in a whirlwind second chance romance, if Allie can talk Dylan into another chance. I live in Kansas, so I can feel the storms that they are chasing.
I Do, Again by Jamie Beck. Ellie a make up artist, at the last minute agrees to stand up in the bride's wedding only to find out that her ex husband, Cody is one of the groomsmen. Cody has never felt closure with the divorce so this is his perfect second chance. This story had me laughing out loud, a must read.
Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman, two old friends reunited at a wedding . Sam has returned home to walk his goddaughter down the aisle. Lily and Sam were good friends prior to introducing each other to their spouses. Now both single again, memories start to flow. A heartwarming story that I could not put down.
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley, I was so excited to see Brandy gets HEA. Brandy is the town florist who had an affair with Jess's ex husband and is now the only florist who can do the flowers for Jess and Ryan's wedding. There is a new pastor in town, Geoff who does not know the past of Brandy, but sees her for what she is now. Sparks and forgiveness will soon fly. An enjoyable heartwarming story.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in this anthology. I highly recommend these stories from they very talented authors.
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan, two meteorologists reconnect while chasing tornadoes in a whirlwind second chance romance, if Allie can talk Dylan into another chance. I live in Kansas, so I can feel the storms that they are chasing.
I Do, Again by Jamie Beck. Ellie a make up artist, at the last minute agrees to stand up in the bride's wedding only to find out that her ex husband, Cody is one of the groomsmen. Cody has never felt closure with the divorce so this is his perfect second chance. This story had me laughing out loud, a must read.
Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman, two old friends reunited at a wedding . Sam has returned home to walk his goddaughter down the aisle. Lily and Sam were good friends prior to introducing each other to their spouses. Now both single again, memories start to flow. A heartwarming story that I could not put down.
A Morning Glory Wedding by Liz Talley, I was so excited to see Brandy gets HEA. Brandy is the town florist who had an affair with Jess's ex husband and is now the only florist who can do the flowers for Jess and Ryan's wedding. There is a new pastor in town, Geoff who does not know the past of Brandy, but sees her for what she is now. Sparks and forgiveness will soon fly. An enjoyable heartwarming story.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in this anthology. I highly recommend these stories from they very talented authors.
May 29, 2019
Weather or Knot by Tracy Brogan is one of the heartwarming novellas in the Once Upon a Wedding Collection. The story is well-written, and the reader immediately connects with Allie, a meteorologist with big dreams and even bigger regrets. When an assignment riding along with storm chasers unexpectedly reunites her with Dylan--the guy she gave up for a career--those regrets hit with the impact of an F5 tornado.
Dylan is shocked to see Allie after so many years, but the sharp edges have worn off of his anger and betrayal. The reunion reveals that both of them have changed, grown and matured...but there are still a few things, like their feelings, that have remained the same.
Weather or Knot is a rich, satisfying read. Brogan obviously researched meteorology and storm chasing, and these details add a fascinating depth to the story line and secondary characters. I genuinely enjoyed Brogan's writing for the deft touches of humor and emotion, as well as strong description, pacing and characterization.
A touching twist at the end of the story brings everything home....for Allie and Dylan *and* for readers looking for a story that makes them sigh happily when they get to THE END.
Dylan is shocked to see Allie after so many years, but the sharp edges have worn off of his anger and betrayal. The reunion reveals that both of them have changed, grown and matured...but there are still a few things, like their feelings, that have remained the same.
Weather or Knot is a rich, satisfying read. Brogan obviously researched meteorology and storm chasing, and these details add a fascinating depth to the story line and secondary characters. I genuinely enjoyed Brogan's writing for the deft touches of humor and emotion, as well as strong description, pacing and characterization.
A touching twist at the end of the story brings everything home....for Allie and Dylan *and* for readers looking for a story that makes them sigh happily when they get to THE END.
June 11, 2019
I was so excited to download the Fiction from the Heart anthology ONCE UPON A WEDDING! I couldn’t wait to read the novella from one of my favorite authors, Priscilla Oliveras ALWAYS YOURS.
WOW, another fantastic story about the Fernandez familia. I just couldn’t put the novella down! Just reading about the Fernandez familia brought back so many beautiful memories of Priscilla Oliveras MATCH TO PERFECTION series about the Fernandez sisters. Now in Lourdes and Eduardo’s love story I find the greatness of redemption, hope and the importance of support from familia! Lourdes story will bring you back to Lilí and Diego’s story where Lourdes was introduced. BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO Priscilla Oliveras! In your novella you captivate vividly the emotions, resilience, forgiveness, hope and finally a never ending LOVE! Just LOVE IT and can’t wait for the your next novella!
Now I will begin to read all the novellas in the anthology by wonderful authors Tracy Brogan, Barbara Samuel and other great authors!
Hurry up and download your copy of this awesome anthology ONCE UPON A WEDDING from a Fiction From The Heart Anthology TODAY!!! I know you will absolutely love it!!!!
June 4, 2019
I don’t usually go for Anthologies, and when I do grab one it’s usually because it contains a story from an author or two I like. But I love wedding scenes so I thought I give this a go, even though all the authors were new to me. The book totally took me by surprise, as I found myself reading story after story and being transported into a world of love and romance.
The stories range from friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, second chances, reconnecting and everything in between. They were all very well written with characters I felt like I’ve known for years and it was truly my pleasure to be invited into their worlds and to their big day. Kudos to all the authors for a very charming, entertaining book.
5 Stars and 2 Thumbs up for a fantastic anthology that is full of heartfelt novellas.
The stories range from friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, second chances, reconnecting and everything in between. They were all very well written with characters I felt like I’ve known for years and it was truly my pleasure to be invited into their worlds and to their big day. Kudos to all the authors for a very charming, entertaining book.
5 Stars and 2 Thumbs up for a fantastic anthology that is full of heartfelt novellas.
June 15, 2019
If you love weddings (who DOESN’T) and second chance stories, then this anthology is what summer was made for! Ahhhh the second chance trope. All the stories centers around couples that are getting that ever elusive second chance at finding love.
I have read books from all of these author’s and it was no surprise that every story in the collection is 5 STARS from Miss W !
It was fun revisiting some familiar characters and meeting some new ones as well.
The stories are well written with characters that you will instantly fall in love with, I know that I did. The stories are romantic, heartwarming, heartbreaking and joyous. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I felt it all and LOVED every minute. Kudos to these authors for the ability to craft such wonderful complex stories in a novella. I am in LOVE!
I have read books from all of these author’s and it was no surprise that every story in the collection is 5 STARS from Miss W !
It was fun revisiting some familiar characters and meeting some new ones as well.
The stories are well written with characters that you will instantly fall in love with, I know that I did. The stories are romantic, heartwarming, heartbreaking and joyous. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I felt it all and LOVED every minute. Kudos to these authors for the ability to craft such wonderful complex stories in a novella. I am in LOVE!
July 5, 2019
I Do Again by Jamie Beck. Delightful second chance romance about a makeup artist who reunites with her ex-husband, when she's the makeup artist for a wedding that her ex is a groomsman in. This is the first book in the anthology called Once Upon A Wedding. This is my first book by Jamie Beck, and I'll certainly seek her out again.
Merged review:
A novella in the anthology Once Upon a Wedding: A Fiction From the Heart- Second Chances Anthology. A behind the scenes look into an Indian family wedding, its practices, the family push for an arranged marriage, and the bride's doubts the night before the wedding when she overhears her mother and the groom's discussing a former girlfriend of the groom.
Merged review:
A novella in the anthology Once Upon a Wedding: A Fiction From the Heart- Second Chances Anthology. A behind the scenes look into an Indian family wedding, its practices, the family push for an arranged marriage, and the bride's doubts the night before the wedding when she overhears her mother and the groom's discussing a former girlfriend of the groom.
June 1, 2019
I read Home Sweet Home by Hope Ramsay. This second chance love story is between Isabella (Isa) and Collin, who had a relationship in their youth that ended badly. Eighteen years later, both return to Sweet Home, Virginia for a wedding. Collin’s 8-year-old son Liam plays a big part in this novella. Without his mother, he has been lost. Isa helps them through their pain with kindness and her cooking. I enjoyed the progress of how each treated the other and watching them grow closer while wary of any future happiness together. I look forward to reading the other second chance novellas in this anthology.
June 14, 2019
I love the second chance at love trope and bought this anthology with hopes of reading some sweet romance. I’ve read three of the novellas - Sonali Dev’s, which was super romantic and very real; Falguni Kothari’s which took me straight to a Bollywood movie set and made me want my own superstar hero, and Tracy Brogan’s story that was my first with characters working in the weather reporting field and so sweet too. I loved the eclectic mix of settings in this anthology so far. A wonderful read.
July 19, 2019
11 different authors give you heartwarming stories of love and second chances. I loved them all.
February 24, 2020
Actually, I've only read Sally Kilpatrick's contribution, "Snowbound in Vegas." Review coming soon.
September 22, 2020
Love, Laughter, Tears, Life
This was a very enjoyable anthology. Some stories were rather far fetched, while others were a delight. What I liked best was being able to open this book and spend a quick hour or so with a story that usually made me smile. It was satisfying to be able to relax with a story that just was meant to entertain.
This was a very enjoyable anthology. Some stories were rather far fetched, while others were a delight. What I liked best was being able to open this book and spend a quick hour or so with a story that usually made me smile. It was satisfying to be able to relax with a story that just was meant to entertain.
June 8, 2019
Wedding in Swan Harbor by Donna Kauffman
What an amazing second chance story. Loved the Dawsons and Sam. I wanted to be invited to the farm to attend Faith's wedding. Felt like part of the family.
What an amazing second chance story. Loved the Dawsons and Sam. I wanted to be invited to the farm to attend Faith's wedding. Felt like part of the family.
June 14, 2019
A winning combination!!
I loved this book! I bought it on preorder because of a couple of the authors that I was familiar with. I enjoyed "meeting" some new authors too. Lovely love stories from lovely authors. A winning combination!!
I loved this book! I bought it on preorder because of a couple of the authors that I was familiar with. I enjoyed "meeting" some new authors too. Lovely love stories from lovely authors. A winning combination!!
June 17, 2019
Once Upon a Wedding
This was a collection of stories about second chances. Some about lost love, some about second chances for love, and then some about renewing love. Each a worth while short read.
This was a collection of stories about second chances. Some about lost love, some about second chances for love, and then some about renewing love. Each a worth while short read.
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