Review: All You had to do was Stay

 

Two broken hearts. Four years apart. One chance to choose again.

Hannah has built her dream career, planning other people's happy ever afters - with no hope of her own. Not since that day four years ago; the one she never talks about.

Jude is getting on a plane for the first time in four years. He's not happy about it, but at least he'll be back in Sydney before too long - safe from the things he'd prefer to forget.

But when Hannah's twin and Jude's brother make a shock announcement, and appoint a certain wedding planner, the summer stretching ahead of them suddenly looks a whole lot different...

As they're thrown back together, is it possible that first love could get a second chance? - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really loved this second chance romance book. I loved how the brother tried to throw Hannah and Jude in each other's paths. The brothers were super cute. I really loved their scenes. I loved the wedding planning. I hated Marc - but his character did add tension to the story. I enjoyed seeing the past relationship between Hannah and Jude unfold - how they got together and why they broke up. 

Source: Netgalley

Library Recommendation: A great second chance romance for your adult collection. 

Review: The Shippers

 

JoJo's ex-best friend crashes her wedding. He tells her she's making a mistake marrying Pearce. But to JoJo, Pearce is the first boy she's ever dated that she didn't dump. In fact, JoJo chased him. He didn't seem that interested in getting married. They took forever to figure out a date and plan the wedding. Even then, JoJo didn't get anything she wanted - his mother planned the whole thing, right down to the itchy wedding dress. JoJo is no longer sure of anything. So, she does what Cooper suggests - she faints and then calls off the wedding.

Six weeks later, her sister is getting married on a cruise ship. Her sister decides that JoJo should date their recently single child neighborhood friend - the one JoJo had the biggest crush on. The one she shared her first kiss with. Only he doesn't remember her. Still, the plan must go on. JoJo and Allison are determined to use this week to make him fall in love with her.

Since Cooper showed up, JoJo enlists his help. Things are awkward and funny, but they also just might seem to be working....

My Thoughts: I liked this one, but I didn't love it. I think it's because I didn't connect much with JoJo. She was forcing too much and made too big a deal out of getting together with Finn. I did like Cooper. And I need to know why they stopped talking all those years ago. Also, I wanted more about the cruise ship - the events on board, the food, the ship itself. I read this one quickly because it was a good read, but there was something missing for me. I do really like this author's work, and I'll read more of her books.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection 

Review: The Bridesmaid

 

The Kensington invites you to the wedding to the season...

It's a three-day affair. However, on the day of the dry run, one of the bridesmaids is found murdered.  Holly Stone forces her way into the mix so she can uncover the truth. But she isn't prepared for ALL the secrets or the lifestyle of the rich and famous. 

Someone doesn't want this wedding to happen. 

My Thoughts: I couldn't put this book down. There were so many twists and turns. I tore through this novel. I can't say too much without spoilers, but reading it was like watching a train wreck. You couldn't look away. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public library

 Hand this book to: Readers who love Freida McFadden 

Mood Board: Planning Perfect

I finally read this book, and it was a really fun read. I wasn't sure how to capture my thoughts in a review, so I made a mood board instead. It's set in an apple orchard, but takes place in the summer.

 

Picture Book Review: Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding

 

Archie is helping make sure her Uncles wedding is just right. She's very busy, but her uncle gives her another job. She's supposed to help Emma, Aunt Julie's niece, have a good time. After all, weddings are supposed to be fun.

This is such a fun read with so many lovely moments. The illustrations are fantastic and so colorful. There's an afterword about Indian weddings and a glossary. 

Review: Fancy Meeting You Here

 

Elise's friends are all getting married within months of each other. Of course, she's a bridesmaid at each of the weddings. But since she's also a florist, she's responsible for the flowers at all the weddings too. She's struggling with all the deadlines and trying to keep her shop afloat. Plus, she's met a guy who's completely off limits, but she can't stop thinking about him.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - but I didn't believe in the friendships. I wish there had been more girl time in the book. I loved the flowers and the moments in the studio. I loved the moments between Ben and Elise - a little grumpy/sunshine trope. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A good romance for your collection

Picture Book Wednesday: Dance the Hora

At the end of dance class, the students are allowed to show off their moves. But Isadora never has anything new to show her friends - until her cousin's wedding. Isadora and her grandmother join in the Hora. Finally, Isadora has something to share.

I love how this story weaves together the two stories - one about the dance class and one about the wedding. This is a charming book to share together.  

Adult Review: The Worst Best Man

Lina's own wedding day didn't go as planned when her fiancé's brother (Max) told her, the groom wasn't going to attend the wedding. Now Lina makes sure other people weddings go off without a hitch. When one of the weddings she manages catches the eye of a powerful woman in need of a wedding/event planner for her hotel, Lina has the opportunity of a lifetime.

Until she walks into the conference room and sees her ex-fiancé and his brother as the marketing team. Of course she does what any woman would do and pretends to have just met them. She's not interested in walking down memory lane.

But she will have to work closely with Max. Can she put aside her feelings and be a professional without trying to kill him - or kiss him?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. It was funny and sweet. It would make the perfect Hallmark or Netflix movie. I loved Lina and her family. I loved the banter between Lina and Max - and how they played a few pranks on each other before talking out their issues from the past. I like how they broke down the walls between them. I enjoyed them working together and seeing them bounce ideas off each other. A lot of great moments - I loved the couples therapy weekend. I loved how Lina stood up for herself when talking about her emotions and how as a woman of color, she wasn't allowed to be angry or emotional. And of course that changes a person. This would make a great Hallmark or Netflix movie. A fantastic enemies to lovers story. 

Cover Thoughts: Awesome
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have for your public library's romance collection.