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A Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas
All Violet can think about is how to make sure she has a date for her little sister’s wedding. Online dating, speed dating, blind dates. . .she doesn’t care what it takes. And when that doesn’t work, she hires a matchmaker, only to discover that her “match” is her old college classmate. Violet didn’t like Jackson then and she sure doesn’t like him now. But Jackson has a he’ll be her “boyfriend” at the wedding if Violet will be his “girlfriend” for his high school reunion. There’s just one small hitch—they still can’t stand each other!
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Annalisa Daughety
31 books109 followersAnnalisa Daughety won first place in the Contemporary Romance category at the 2008 ACFW Genesis Awards. After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University, she spent time working as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Originally from McCrory, Arkansas, Annalisa now resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Read more at www.annalisadaughety.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 24, 2013
To say that Violet Matthews is a single white female, thirty-six and successful in her job would not begin to put the icing on the cake! This red head is a woman ready to make some changes for a risk of happiness. She knows what she likes, what she wants, and works to get it.
Jackson Strattford, her nemesis from college days, shows up as a match when she tries out a dating service. Not at all what she was looking for, the TDH and charming Jackson persuades her to be his faux girlfriend and she’ll be his faux boyfriend. After all, they were both in need of a date for their own +1 events coming up.
This is such a fun story to read. There are so many great things to be said about “faux-dating” after reading this. It would make a fun book for women in the dating game right now to have as a book club must read.
At the same time, her BFF, Reagan McClure, a stay at home mom of four youngsters, is struggling with the joys, and blues, of motherhood. She struggles with being the perfect mom, wife, and housekeeper while her ten year old marriage appears to crumble.
Being a mother around the same age as Reagan, only my kiddos are a little older now, I totally understand what is going on in Reagan’s life. I felt like I was relieving conversations between me and my friends from a few years ago while reading her story. So in that aspect, young mothers might also enjoy this as a book club book, if only they had time to read. ;)
Annalisa, the author, has shown the importance of being the person God has beautifully and wonderfully made, using several characters and their stories in this sweet novel. The message starts out like a caterpillar, soft and cute but we know there is change to come— and then there is the time it’s in the cocoon and the story and romance start to develop —and finally we see the full transformation as the delicate wings of the butterfly unfold and reveal their beauty. The beauty of romance, friendship, family, and most importantly, God’s love.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .
Jackson Strattford, her nemesis from college days, shows up as a match when she tries out a dating service. Not at all what she was looking for, the TDH and charming Jackson persuades her to be his faux girlfriend and she’ll be his faux boyfriend. After all, they were both in need of a date for their own +1 events coming up.
This is such a fun story to read. There are so many great things to be said about “faux-dating” after reading this. It would make a fun book for women in the dating game right now to have as a book club must read.
At the same time, her BFF, Reagan McClure, a stay at home mom of four youngsters, is struggling with the joys, and blues, of motherhood. She struggles with being the perfect mom, wife, and housekeeper while her ten year old marriage appears to crumble.
Being a mother around the same age as Reagan, only my kiddos are a little older now, I totally understand what is going on in Reagan’s life. I felt like I was relieving conversations between me and my friends from a few years ago while reading her story. So in that aspect, young mothers might also enjoy this as a book club book, if only they had time to read. ;)
Annalisa, the author, has shown the importance of being the person God has beautifully and wonderfully made, using several characters and their stories in this sweet novel. The message starts out like a caterpillar, soft and cute but we know there is change to come— and then there is the time it’s in the cocoon and the story and romance start to develop —and finally we see the full transformation as the delicate wings of the butterfly unfold and reveal their beauty. The beauty of romance, friendship, family, and most importantly, God’s love.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. Other reviews can be read at http://TMWoodsBooks.com/blog . Also follow me on Twitter @TMWoodsBook, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/TMWoodsBooks .
September 2, 2013
Wow!! I found a new author! What a great book! If you like chick flicks, you will like this book! It reminded me of one only with depth and real heart. I teared up several times. Perfect ending!!
August 6, 2025
A Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas is the first book I have read by Annalisa Daughety, but it will not be the last. It is a standalone novel.
Violet's sister Amber is a snot, but I enjoyed Violet's character. This story is about Violet, but also about Reagan and Chad and their marriage, and Shadow, a teenager who is living with her grandparents.
I really enjoyed this book and the many facets of the story. I can't find the right words to convey all my thoughts and feelings. It is very well-written, complex, sweet, and so much more.
Read for:
🧁chasing your dreams
🧁enemies to more
🧁found family
🧁vintage vibes
🧁love of Elvis
🧁hot air balloon festival
🧁reconciliation
🧁secrets gone bad
🧁fake dating
Violet's sister Amber is a snot, but I enjoyed Violet's character. This story is about Violet, but also about Reagan and Chad and their marriage, and Shadow, a teenager who is living with her grandparents.
I really enjoyed this book and the many facets of the story. I can't find the right words to convey all my thoughts and feelings. It is very well-written, complex, sweet, and so much more.
Read for:
🧁chasing your dreams
🧁enemies to more
🧁found family
🧁vintage vibes
🧁love of Elvis
🧁hot air balloon festival
🧁reconciliation
🧁secrets gone bad
🧁fake dating
July 3, 2013
Violet needs a partner for her antagonistic younger sister's wedding. Jackson would like somebody to accompany him when he accepts a prestigious award. They join a matchmaking site and get set up together as a perfect match. Unfortunately, they already know each other from college, had rubbed each other up the wrong way and she's never forgotten. Still, it seems like a good idea to help each other out in this way before parting ways for good.
I enjoyed the parts of the story with Violet and Jackson's interactions. There is an encouraging thread through the plot that anybody can have a sea change and pursue a brand new start, no matter how entrenched they are in old patterns. As well as the satisfaction of leaving her career in her father's law firm to set up a cupcake shop, Violet is able to mentor a troubled young teen, Shadow, showing her through example that we should simply be ourselves.
The bits I found tedious were those written from Violet's best friend, Reagan's point of view. Although her predicament as an exhausted stay-at-home mother was legitimate, she whinged a lot in every section. I quickly got the message and wanted her parts to move faster. At one point, Violet asked Reagan if her husband, Chad, knew how she felt, and I laughed out loud. He'd have to be both blind and deaf not to. I'm sure the book was at least 80% through before she spoke one kind word to the poor guy. Because of her excessive moaning, I'm not sure Reagan was a good representative to achieve sympathy in readers for SAHMs in general. I wanted to quickly get through her parts and back to Violet and Jackson.
Overall, it's a good sort of wholesome, light romance to relax with.
I enjoyed the parts of the story with Violet and Jackson's interactions. There is an encouraging thread through the plot that anybody can have a sea change and pursue a brand new start, no matter how entrenched they are in old patterns. As well as the satisfaction of leaving her career in her father's law firm to set up a cupcake shop, Violet is able to mentor a troubled young teen, Shadow, showing her through example that we should simply be ourselves.
The bits I found tedious were those written from Violet's best friend, Reagan's point of view. Although her predicament as an exhausted stay-at-home mother was legitimate, she whinged a lot in every section. I quickly got the message and wanted her parts to move faster. At one point, Violet asked Reagan if her husband, Chad, knew how she felt, and I laughed out loud. He'd have to be both blind and deaf not to. I'm sure the book was at least 80% through before she spoke one kind word to the poor guy. Because of her excessive moaning, I'm not sure Reagan was a good representative to achieve sympathy in readers for SAHMs in general. I wanted to quickly get through her parts and back to Violet and Jackson.
Overall, it's a good sort of wholesome, light romance to relax with.
April 22, 2013
3.5 stars
This book reminded me of a mix between 27 Dresses, Save the Date(Jenny B. Jones), and The Wedding Date! It was fun, but also had some deeper issues.
The relationship progress between Violet and Jackson was mostly fun. Jackson took a little time to grow on me, though. I didn't overly like him at first. He was cruel to Violet in college, and his excuses were never enough to satisfy me. Amazingly, people DO change, though! Violet does have a difficult time forgiving and forgetting those college incidents. I appreciated that realistic aspect of the story.
Then there's Reagan. She's a stay at home mom to 4 little ones. There was a great deal that I connected with in regards to her story. Then there was a great deal not so much. She misses working out in the world, where I love the difficult job of staying at home. Her story also included learning to be honest with her husband. I just cringed a bit at her journey, though. I couldn't imagine hiding some of the things she did(although none of it was bad!).
Shadow was a great addition! She's young and trying to find her place in the world. She's also trying to deal with her mother's death and her father re-marrying. I think her journey may have been my favorite part of the book.
Definitely pick this one up if you're in the mood for a mostly light, contemporary chick lit book!
*I was provided am e-ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book reminded me of a mix between 27 Dresses, Save the Date(Jenny B. Jones), and The Wedding Date! It was fun, but also had some deeper issues.
The relationship progress between Violet and Jackson was mostly fun. Jackson took a little time to grow on me, though. I didn't overly like him at first. He was cruel to Violet in college, and his excuses were never enough to satisfy me. Amazingly, people DO change, though! Violet does have a difficult time forgiving and forgetting those college incidents. I appreciated that realistic aspect of the story.
Then there's Reagan. She's a stay at home mom to 4 little ones. There was a great deal that I connected with in regards to her story. Then there was a great deal not so much. She misses working out in the world, where I love the difficult job of staying at home. Her story also included learning to be honest with her husband. I just cringed a bit at her journey, though. I couldn't imagine hiding some of the things she did(although none of it was bad!).
Shadow was a great addition! She's young and trying to find her place in the world. She's also trying to deal with her mother's death and her father re-marrying. I think her journey may have been my favorite part of the book.
Definitely pick this one up if you're in the mood for a mostly light, contemporary chick lit book!
*I was provided am e-ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 3, 2013
Violet needs a date for her sister's wedding or risk looking like a loser. It's bad enough that her soon-to-be brother-in-law was made partner in her dad's law firm instead of her. Her little sister doesn't have to rub her nose in everything. She can find a great date for the occasion, no matter what it takes. Like hiring a matchmaker.
Problem is, apparently there is only one good match for her in the entire state of Arkansas, and that's Jackson. He was a jerk back in college and she has no reason to believe he's improved in the meantime. But he has a proposition for her. All he needs is to get his family off his back until after Christmas and the speech he has to give at his high school reunion. Then they can have a big public fight and each get on with their lives.
Reluctantly, Violet agrees. At least she won't be under any false ideas about Jackson. There's no danger of falling for him. She signs his contract. 25 dates over the next few months. Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas with hers. 3 kisses.
But what happens when they begin having fun and actually enjoying each other's company?
Although the basic premise of this story isn't new, this author managed to find a few twists to the trope. There is a unique cast of completely endearing characters with their own unique traits, and a few additional characters you'll love to hate. If you love cupcakes, hot air balloons, and old faithful dogs, check out A Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Problem is, apparently there is only one good match for her in the entire state of Arkansas, and that's Jackson. He was a jerk back in college and she has no reason to believe he's improved in the meantime. But he has a proposition for her. All he needs is to get his family off his back until after Christmas and the speech he has to give at his high school reunion. Then they can have a big public fight and each get on with their lives.
Reluctantly, Violet agrees. At least she won't be under any false ideas about Jackson. There's no danger of falling for him. She signs his contract. 25 dates over the next few months. Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas with hers. 3 kisses.
But what happens when they begin having fun and actually enjoying each other's company?
Although the basic premise of this story isn't new, this author managed to find a few twists to the trope. There is a unique cast of completely endearing characters with their own unique traits, and a few additional characters you'll love to hate. If you love cupcakes, hot air balloons, and old faithful dogs, check out A Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
March 12, 2013
Beautifully written. The characters were real and imperfect and redeemable. I found myself cheering for Violet and Jackson, and even the lovable dog. I loved the theme of leaving fear behind and walking into personal freedom. Every character, save one (Violet's sister), came to a point of understanding related to this. It was very evident. I also really liked how the concept of family/community was linked together through each story.
As far as I'm concerned, this is a keeper. Bravo!
NOTE: I requested and received a copy of this title via NetGalley.com for an honest review.
As far as I'm concerned, this is a keeper. Bravo!
NOTE: I requested and received a copy of this title via NetGalley.com for an honest review.
June 5, 2018
I really don't enjoy romance novels, but my parents live in Hot Springs so I thought it would be fun to read a book based on a place I know well. I counted this as my "read a book with a cover you hate" choice for the read harder challenge. I lived in Hot Springs for 8 years and never once saw a place that looked like this cover.
January 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Even though I’m not a big Hallmark movie fan & this one had boy meets girl and even cupcakes😂. I especially liked the short little texts at the beginning of many chapters and Shadow’s letters to her Mom. The characters Christian faith felt real to me, also, and not as though the author was being “preachy.”
August 17, 2017
Really fun read!
February 15, 2013
I'm generally a sucker for fake relationship scenarios that turn into something more, so I was thrilled to get my hands on this! Violet and Jackson are old college enemies, but they're about to discover each other is the solution for getting their respective families off their backs about not being in a relationship.
The point of view shifts between 4 characters, with Violet being the most "main" character. Violet is very unique, but I liked her a lot. She has an eclectic sense of style and a love of vintage things because they remind her of simpler times. Her attachment to her aging dog is very bittersweet and definitely something I could relate to.
Jackson originally struck me as being kind of a jerk, but as time went on I started to warm to him. Later on, I actually found it hard to believe he was the same character as the "jerk" I perceived in the beginning. He actually became somewhat sweet, and the casual interaction between him and Violet was fun to watch.
Shadow really surprised me by being a very likable character. As a troubled teen with a tragic past, she starts off with an attitude, but gradually she comes out of her shell. I enjoyed watching her progress and growth. I actually feel like she would be a good candidate for a book of her own.
Reagan's story was my least favorite; perhaps it's where I am in life, but her various problems (taking care of 4 kids, not having time for herself, worrying if her husband is still committed, etc) didn't really interest me. I felt like she was always nagging at her husband, which is something that really rubs me the wrong way. Overall I felt her part of the story was a bit cliché, and the book as a whole would have been quite fine without her part.
Occasionally some of the dialogue felt a bit stiff...I find that real people generally don't talk quite so precise or formal....however, it certainly wasn't enough to hamper my enjoyment of the story. This is the first book by Annalisa Daughety that I've read, but I definitely wouldn't hesitate to pick up another of her works. Recommended!
Thanks to the publisher (Barbour) for providing me with this e-book for review via NetGalley.
The point of view shifts between 4 characters, with Violet being the most "main" character. Violet is very unique, but I liked her a lot. She has an eclectic sense of style and a love of vintage things because they remind her of simpler times. Her attachment to her aging dog is very bittersweet and definitely something I could relate to.
Jackson originally struck me as being kind of a jerk, but as time went on I started to warm to him. Later on, I actually found it hard to believe he was the same character as the "jerk" I perceived in the beginning. He actually became somewhat sweet, and the casual interaction between him and Violet was fun to watch.
Shadow really surprised me by being a very likable character. As a troubled teen with a tragic past, she starts off with an attitude, but gradually she comes out of her shell. I enjoyed watching her progress and growth. I actually feel like she would be a good candidate for a book of her own.
Reagan's story was my least favorite; perhaps it's where I am in life, but her various problems (taking care of 4 kids, not having time for herself, worrying if her husband is still committed, etc) didn't really interest me. I felt like she was always nagging at her husband, which is something that really rubs me the wrong way. Overall I felt her part of the story was a bit cliché, and the book as a whole would have been quite fine without her part.
Occasionally some of the dialogue felt a bit stiff...I find that real people generally don't talk quite so precise or formal....however, it certainly wasn't enough to hamper my enjoyment of the story. This is the first book by Annalisa Daughety that I've read, but I definitely wouldn't hesitate to pick up another of her works. Recommended!
Thanks to the publisher (Barbour) for providing me with this e-book for review via NetGalley.
December 30, 2014
I read this book in Matchmaker Weddings, a compilation of two romances. This is the review for this book from that book review:
"I enjoyed this book. Both stories are about a couple who decide to "fake date" to get their family/friends off their backs about dating. I liked them both but I enjoyed the second one better.
In the second book, Violet and Jackson agree to "fake date" so she'll have someone for her sister's wedding and he'll have someone for his high school reunion. One big hurdle is their past. They were classmates in college and Jackson caused Violet some serious problems. As they get to know each other again, she has to learn to trust the new man he's become. I like that Violet decides to pursue opening a business to do something she likes rather than being stuck in a job she didn't like and how Jackson supports her the whole way. One thing that was different about this story is that there are three different story lines in this one short story. Along with Violet and Jackson, you're also following Shadow's story and Violet's friend Reagan's story. That could get distracting."
"I enjoyed this book. Both stories are about a couple who decide to "fake date" to get their family/friends off their backs about dating. I liked them both but I enjoyed the second one better.
In the second book, Violet and Jackson agree to "fake date" so she'll have someone for her sister's wedding and he'll have someone for his high school reunion. One big hurdle is their past. They were classmates in college and Jackson caused Violet some serious problems. As they get to know each other again, she has to learn to trust the new man he's become. I like that Violet decides to pursue opening a business to do something she likes rather than being stuck in a job she didn't like and how Jackson supports her the whole way. One thing that was different about this story is that there are three different story lines in this one short story. Along with Violet and Jackson, you're also following Shadow's story and Violet's friend Reagan's story. That could get distracting."
May 1, 2016
A sweet story about letting go of the past, being true to yourself, and embracing your future. Jackson and Violet both use a matchmaking service to find dates for upcoming events they have, they get matched up as their perfect matches, but it turns out they knew each other in college and didn't have a good relationship. Jackson has changed since college and wants to prove this to Violet because he wants to correct his mistakes. They agree to fake-date until these events. During this period Violet is in the midst of life changes, she quit her job, is starting her own business and moving. Jackson is very supportive to her and Violet begins to develop feelings for him, but she is still unsure if she can trust him. Jackson has developed feelings for Violet, but thinks she is just playing her part in their plan. Will these two be able to move forward? Mixed in with their story was Reagan's and Shadow's. I didn't enjoy Reagan's sections very much, but really enjoyed Shadow's and watching her grow into her own person.
April 10, 2013
Can you say "DRAMA"? I already have enough drama in my life I really don't need to be reading it for fun. I really do enjoy multiple character insights, but usually they are all still focused on the same outcome. This is going in so many different directions it's getting extremely confusing & weird. If I wasn't interested in the main characters then I think I would chuck it right now & I'm only 88pgs in on a 311pgs book.;-{
I eventually ended up giving this book a 3, because it actually got a little better but not much. I am now trying to get up the courage to read Ms. Daughety's other 3 books with an open mind. At the moment I'm not succeeding.
I eventually ended up giving this book a 3, because it actually got a little better but not much. I am now trying to get up the courage to read Ms. Daughety's other 3 books with an open mind. At the moment I'm not succeeding.
May 29, 2013
Hott Review:
What I liked: I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet contemporary romance. The theme of the book is about how you just need to be yourself & be honest with yourself. I think it’s a terrific lesson for teens as well as adults.
What I didn’t like: It’s very mellow.
More…
Author: Annalisa Daughety
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: YA
Series: Destination Romances
What I liked: I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet contemporary romance. The theme of the book is about how you just need to be yourself & be honest with yourself. I think it’s a terrific lesson for teens as well as adults.
What I didn’t like: It’s very mellow.
More…
Author: Annalisa Daughety
Source: Barbour Books via Netgalley
Grade: A
Ages: 16+
Steam: YA
Series: Destination Romances
May 1, 2013
Violet needs to find a date for her sister's wedding so why not someone that you know but has tormented her since college? Jackson says he has changed but has he? Not only did I enjoy seeing the interaction between Violet and Jackson but also each of their families.
This was given to me by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
This was given to me by NetGalley and Barbour Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
February 11, 2013
n amazingly sweet book about letting go of the past, being true to yourself, and embracing your future - to access the full review, please visit http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...
May 18, 2015
would love this to be made into a movie
kindle-ebook-to-read
April 6, 2020chapter preview: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
March 29, 2013
A sweet story, if somewhat predictable. Sometimes an easy, pleasant, read is just what you need.
June 29, 2013
This is what you read when you are stuck someplace with NOTHING else to read! While is was clean, and wholesome, it was poorly written, boring, and predictable!
January 1, 2015
I was just expecting an easy read from this but ended up really liking it a lot! I really identified with the main character and felt inspired by the end!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews