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A Year of Weddings 1 #3
A February Bride
Happily ever after guaranteed. Allie left the love of her life at the altar—to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine’s Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family’s destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress? History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family—women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus, but fears she’s destined to repeat her family’s mistakes. She can’t bear to hurt Marcus worse. Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar—him. When the two are thrown together for his sister’s Valentine’s Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?
120 pages, ebook
First published January 28, 2014
24 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Betsy St. Amant
47 books877 followersBetsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of almost thirty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two teenagers, and one furry schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a bachelor of arts in communication and loves teaching and speaking on the craft of writing. When she’s not suffering through a CrossFit workout or baby talking her dog, she can usually be found in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for iBelieve, a devotional site for women, and offers author coaching and editing services through Storyside LLC.
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant
also published under Betsy Ann St. Amant
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
July 15, 2015
5 Words: Sweet, love, mistakes, marriage, restoration.
More like 3.5 stars.
This was another sweet, short read.
But A February Bride felt somewhat rushed, particularly towards the ending. I thought I had another 10% to go but there wasn't, there was a chapter sample for the first in the series *seriously?).
Nonetheless, I did enjoy this. I just feel that it didn't fulfil its potential. I liked Allie and her love of all things turquoise and antique.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
More like 3.5 stars.
This was another sweet, short read.
But A February Bride felt somewhat rushed, particularly towards the ending. I thought I had another 10% to go but there wasn't, there was a chapter sample for the first in the series *seriously?).
Nonetheless, I did enjoy this. I just feel that it didn't fulfil its potential. I liked Allie and her love of all things turquoise and antique.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
October 27, 2015
This one was pretty good, I really liked it. I thought it was well written and I liked the characters quite a lot too.
May 10, 2018
A February Bride is the third installment from this series. It was pretty cute just like the previous books but I feel like I'm missing something from them. I don't know what it is.. but I'm hoping one of these books within this series will somehow give me it.
Okay, so this book is about Allie and Marcus. Allie ditches Marcus at the alter. However, she can't escape him forever because his sister, who just happens to be her best friend, is getting married. They are both in the bridal party so I was interested to see how this was all going to play out.
So Allie had a really weird fear. I just didn't get it and couldn't back her up on it. Her relationship with Marcus was a lot better than I thought it would have been before she left him. I just feel like she got way inside her own mind and just started doubting everything.
Then there's Marcus, who was so sweet. I felt so bad for him because of how Allie left him and everything. I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did but I feel like this book was so rushed. I also had a feeling that I wanted the book to go a certain way and I actually really liked how this ended.
Overall, it was cute but it was definitely rushed and missing something something.
Okay, so this book is about Allie and Marcus. Allie ditches Marcus at the alter. However, she can't escape him forever because his sister, who just happens to be her best friend, is getting married. They are both in the bridal party so I was interested to see how this was all going to play out.
So Allie had a really weird fear. I just didn't get it and couldn't back her up on it. Her relationship with Marcus was a lot better than I thought it would have been before she left him. I just feel like she got way inside her own mind and just started doubting everything.
Then there's Marcus, who was so sweet. I felt so bad for him because of how Allie left him and everything. I really wanted to like this book a lot more than I did but I feel like this book was so rushed. I also had a feeling that I wanted the book to go a certain way and I actually really liked how this ended.
Overall, it was cute but it was definitely rushed and missing something something.
October 31, 2014
This is a darling series. I love how each author takes a theme and puts her spin on it. Weddings=love.
Allie runs because of struggles she has with her family. I believe that deep down, she really does have Marcus's best interests at heart. She wants to save him the heartache and pain of a failed marriage or, more accurately, of dealing with her family and their failures in relationships. I get that and what I loved the most was the way that Hannah (his sister) and her mother were able to see past Allie's insecurities and get to the root of the problem. They had such faith in her and helped things along.
Marcus was a great sport! He was willing to take risks and put his heart on the line time and time again. Maybe he's a glutton for punishment, but I think he was willing to take the heat because he had hope of how it would all end.
Content: no language, no violence, kissing. Clean!
**I received a copy for review from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Allie runs because of struggles she has with her family. I believe that deep down, she really does have Marcus's best interests at heart. She wants to save him the heartache and pain of a failed marriage or, more accurately, of dealing with her family and their failures in relationships. I get that and what I loved the most was the way that Hannah (his sister) and her mother were able to see past Allie's insecurities and get to the root of the problem. They had such faith in her and helped things along.
Marcus was a great sport! He was willing to take risks and put his heart on the line time and time again. Maybe he's a glutton for punishment, but I think he was willing to take the heat because he had hope of how it would all end.
Content: no language, no violence, kissing. Clean!
**I received a copy for review from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
February 22, 2021
3.4 stars
This was another cute addition to the series.
The story line kept my attention throughout the book, and I felt a good connection with both main characters.
I didn’t enjoy the fact the author referred to her family history as being a “curse” for the many re-marriages that the main character’s mother and grandmother experienced. I would think of it more as bad decisions and lifestyles, not a curse.
Also, I was a bit surprised when out of the blue basically the two authors just have an instant attraction to each other when it was what, the second time they had seen each other in a long time? Hmm, that was a little odd.
There was also a few things that I don’t necessarily think are right throughout the book, but that may just be my standards...
I didn’t dislike it, but I probably wouldn’t recommend unless you are reading the whole series.
This was another cute addition to the series.
The story line kept my attention throughout the book, and I felt a good connection with both main characters.
I didn’t enjoy the fact the author referred to her family history as being a “curse” for the many re-marriages that the main character’s mother and grandmother experienced. I would think of it more as bad decisions and lifestyles, not a curse.
Also, I was a bit surprised when out of the blue basically the two authors just have an instant attraction to each other when it was what, the second time they had seen each other in a long time? Hmm, that was a little odd.
There was also a few things that I don’t necessarily think are right throughout the book, but that may just be my standards...
I didn’t dislike it, but I probably wouldn’t recommend unless you are reading the whole series.
February 25, 2022
A runaway bride comes to grip with what she has done.
December 23, 2013
With wedding bells ringing in the distance and a groom waiting at the alter, the last thing on Allie's mind is "getting hitched."
What is she thinking about?
Mistakes...
Mistakes of her family's past.
Mistakes made by every woman who has ever worn the wedding dress that she is now donning.
Mistakes she feels doomed to repeat.
Mistakes that make her run.
A February Bride is the story of Allie. A woman who feels that she is sure to repeat the mistakes of marriages of convenience and serial marriage which plague her family tree. Unable to forgive herself for abandoning Marcus, the love of her life at the alter. Allie is reluctant to except an invitation from his sister and her best friend, Hannah, to her wedding shower.
This is a story of two hearts destined to be together but kept apart because of the self imposed bondage of fear.
Extolling the virtues of unconditional love and forgiveness, A February Bride provides a wonderful modern day example of "old things becoming new" when seen through eyes unblinded by condemnation and judgment and ears closed to the ghosting voices of the past.
A February Bride is a wonderful contemporary romance with a Christian spin. At 112 pages, this spirit lifting novella offers both a balm to the harried soul and food for thought. Filled with relatable characters and real life situations; this is a book that will appeal to both young and old readers alike.
A February Bride is the second novella in the A Year of Weddings series. This can be read as a stand alone, but getting the complete series is advised.
See this review as it appear on my blog at: http://www.wtfareyoureading.com/2013/...
What is she thinking about?
Mistakes...
Mistakes of her family's past.
Mistakes made by every woman who has ever worn the wedding dress that she is now donning.
Mistakes she feels doomed to repeat.
Mistakes that make her run.
A February Bride is the story of Allie. A woman who feels that she is sure to repeat the mistakes of marriages of convenience and serial marriage which plague her family tree. Unable to forgive herself for abandoning Marcus, the love of her life at the alter. Allie is reluctant to except an invitation from his sister and her best friend, Hannah, to her wedding shower.
This is a story of two hearts destined to be together but kept apart because of the self imposed bondage of fear.
Extolling the virtues of unconditional love and forgiveness, A February Bride provides a wonderful modern day example of "old things becoming new" when seen through eyes unblinded by condemnation and judgment and ears closed to the ghosting voices of the past.
A February Bride is a wonderful contemporary romance with a Christian spin. At 112 pages, this spirit lifting novella offers both a balm to the harried soul and food for thought. Filled with relatable characters and real life situations; this is a book that will appeal to both young and old readers alike.
A February Bride is the second novella in the A Year of Weddings series. This can be read as a stand alone, but getting the complete series is advised.
See this review as it appear on my blog at: http://www.wtfareyoureading.com/2013/...
November 22, 2014
2 1/3 to 3 stars
Was a cute fast read. I did enjoy it.
Allie believes that the women in her family are cursed. All due to the fact that her grandmother, mother and aunt have a bad luck with men and tend to drop them quickly in hopes of not getting hurt.
So Allie ditches Marcus Hall at the alter and runs in hopes of not hurting him because she thinks she is due for the same fate. Now her best friend, Marcus' sister is getting married and Allie has been asked to be in the bridal party, so has Marcus. It's bad enough to be around him, it's even worse when they are thrown into wedding festivities.
Like I said, cute quick read. Allie's fear was odd. I would think she would have tried to make her own luck. Everything sounded like it was going great with Marcus, so I did not understood why she ran. Plus her fear is based on the women in her family just being rotten in my opinion. What few we seen her mother, grandmother and aunt in the book - their impression of them was not very liked. Showing up to crash her best friends rehearsal dinner just because they feel they should have been invited? It did not sound like a family curse, just a poor set of actions and decisions based on the women on her family that are rude to begin with.
Marcus was sweet, I did feel for him being dumped like that with no explanation. I was almost rooting against them to begin with. But I liked the way it turned out.
Was a cute fast read. I did enjoy it.
Allie believes that the women in her family are cursed. All due to the fact that her grandmother, mother and aunt have a bad luck with men and tend to drop them quickly in hopes of not getting hurt.
So Allie ditches Marcus Hall at the alter and runs in hopes of not hurting him because she thinks she is due for the same fate. Now her best friend, Marcus' sister is getting married and Allie has been asked to be in the bridal party, so has Marcus. It's bad enough to be around him, it's even worse when they are thrown into wedding festivities.
Like I said, cute quick read. Allie's fear was odd. I would think she would have tried to make her own luck. Everything sounded like it was going great with Marcus, so I did not understood why she ran. Plus her fear is based on the women in her family just being rotten in my opinion. What few we seen her mother, grandmother and aunt in the book - their impression of them was not very liked. Showing up to crash her best friends rehearsal dinner just because they feel they should have been invited? It did not sound like a family curse, just a poor set of actions and decisions based on the women on her family that are rude to begin with.
Marcus was sweet, I did feel for him being dumped like that with no explanation. I was almost rooting against them to begin with. But I liked the way it turned out.
May 28, 2018
A February Bride was a sweet and heartwarming read, but it was just a little too rushed to be get a full 5 star rating.
The story begins with Allie in the dressing room just before her wedding to Marcus, deciding whether or not she should go through with the wedding. Her decision? She leaves him at the altar, because she's afraid her family is cursed to have failed marriages. At first I wondered why she felt this way, but once her family (mom, aunt, & grandma) are shown it's no wonder she feels this way.
I loved how parts of the story were handled, but felt that some things were more dramatic than they needed to be.
I'm glad to have read A February Bride and would recommend it to those looking for an easy contemporary read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
The story begins with Allie in the dressing room just before her wedding to Marcus, deciding whether or not she should go through with the wedding. Her decision? She leaves him at the altar, because she's afraid her family is cursed to have failed marriages. At first I wondered why she felt this way, but once her family (mom, aunt, & grandma) are shown it's no wonder she feels this way.
I loved how parts of the story were handled, but felt that some things were more dramatic than they needed to be.
I'm glad to have read A February Bride and would recommend it to those looking for an easy contemporary read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
April 26, 2016
I absolutely loved the first 2 books in this series. Although this book was good, it didn't pack the punch that books 1 & 2 did.
Allie jilted Marcus at the alter. She ran away from him after seeing a tear in her dress. To her it was an omen of bad things to come. She did not have a good role model as her mother kept meeting and marrying men and said to break their heart before yours gets broken.
Marcus was Allie's best friend's brother and they had a wonderful relationship. Marcus was left wondering what happened.
Can the two of them patch things up and will Allie finally realize that there is no "curse" on her wedding/marriage.
4 stars
Allie jilted Marcus at the alter. She ran away from him after seeing a tear in her dress. To her it was an omen of bad things to come. She did not have a good role model as her mother kept meeting and marrying men and said to break their heart before yours gets broken.
Marcus was Allie's best friend's brother and they had a wonderful relationship. Marcus was left wondering what happened.
Can the two of them patch things up and will Allie finally realize that there is no "curse" on her wedding/marriage.
4 stars
August 12, 2016
*I received a free ARC of A February Bride via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
Sweet story, but the need for suspension of disbelief a little bit too much for me. The back and forth in Allie's mind almost drove me nuts.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Sweet story, but the need for suspension of disbelief a little bit too much for me. The back and forth in Allie's mind almost drove me nuts.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
February 12, 2020
A sweet little story. I liked how Allie and Marcus learned about how their chosen occupations of restoration could apply to their own lives and forge a life together as a couple. I liked Julie's no-nonsense talk with Allie about how she was believing lies about herself, even when Allie thought the lies were rooted in Biblical truth.
April 25, 2014
Another cute book! Fun series I'm enjoying.
Review to come
Content: Clean
Review to come
Content: Clean
January 28, 2014
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!
This is another in the "A Year of Weddings" series published by Zondervan - Fiction. Each of these novellas focus on a wedding and the trials and tribulations leading up to the event. These are nicely clean, but have some UST for our reading enjoyment. Kisses can be FUN! They are also inspirational, but they don't beat you over the head about it. Again, nicely done.
Ah, Allie...she hasn't had the best mentors as she stands in the church on her wedding day. She's wearing THE DRESS that the women in her family always wear to be married in. Each and every time they marry. They enjoy saying they are cursed. That they leave (or push out) the men that they love...before their own hearts can be broken. They've all been married over and over again, while wearing THE DRESS. And now it's time for Allie to enjoy her own FIRST marriage.
Allie loves Marcus. Loves him to distraction. While I don't agree with her method (leaving him standing at the altar) I can see why she does it. A tear in the sleeve of THE DRESS seems like a sign to her...and she sprints away, to save Marcus from the torment of a broken marriage later on.
It's four months later and Hannah, Marcus' sister and Allie's best friend makes a huge request. She wants Allie to be her Maid of Honor in her own wedding, slated for Valentine's Day.
My issue here is that Allie and Marcus haven't run into each other in FOUR MONTHS. This is a very small town. Very small. And once the initial meeting goes awkwardly by, they keep running into each other. And the sparks are still there. Oh, Allie admits to herself that she loves him, and probably always will. But she just doesn't want to hurt him any further.
This book has alternating POV and Ms. St. Amant does it well. We get to read Marcus' confusion, and about his continuing love for Allie, and she does this very well.
Just when Allie thinks maybe she can break the curse, and get back together with Marcus and they can live HEA, her mom calls. She needs THE DRESS back. She's getting married for the umpteenth time.
I really enjoyed the VOICE OF REASON when she came to Allie. And I enjoyed the sweet ending. This was a fun way to spend a few hours.
If you are intrigued, please add A February Bride to your Goodreads shelf.
*Thank you, NetGalley and Zondervan, for the opportunity to read A February Bride.
This is another in the "A Year of Weddings" series published by Zondervan - Fiction. Each of these novellas focus on a wedding and the trials and tribulations leading up to the event. These are nicely clean, but have some UST for our reading enjoyment. Kisses can be FUN! They are also inspirational, but they don't beat you over the head about it. Again, nicely done.
Ah, Allie...she hasn't had the best mentors as she stands in the church on her wedding day. She's wearing THE DRESS that the women in her family always wear to be married in. Each and every time they marry. They enjoy saying they are cursed. That they leave (or push out) the men that they love...before their own hearts can be broken. They've all been married over and over again, while wearing THE DRESS. And now it's time for Allie to enjoy her own FIRST marriage.
Allie loves Marcus. Loves him to distraction. While I don't agree with her method (leaving him standing at the altar) I can see why she does it. A tear in the sleeve of THE DRESS seems like a sign to her...and she sprints away, to save Marcus from the torment of a broken marriage later on.
It's four months later and Hannah, Marcus' sister and Allie's best friend makes a huge request. She wants Allie to be her Maid of Honor in her own wedding, slated for Valentine's Day.
My issue here is that Allie and Marcus haven't run into each other in FOUR MONTHS. This is a very small town. Very small. And once the initial meeting goes awkwardly by, they keep running into each other. And the sparks are still there. Oh, Allie admits to herself that she loves him, and probably always will. But she just doesn't want to hurt him any further.
This book has alternating POV and Ms. St. Amant does it well. We get to read Marcus' confusion, and about his continuing love for Allie, and she does this very well.
Just when Allie thinks maybe she can break the curse, and get back together with Marcus and they can live HEA, her mom calls. She needs THE DRESS back. She's getting married for the umpteenth time.
I really enjoyed the VOICE OF REASON when she came to Allie. And I enjoyed the sweet ending. This was a fun way to spend a few hours.
If you are intrigued, please add A February Bride to your Goodreads shelf.
*Thank you, NetGalley and Zondervan, for the opportunity to read A February Bride.
December 30, 2015
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R223OGTR...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
A February Bride was a good read, but not my favorite in the "Year of Weddings" collection. The story held my interest, but there was just something about it that I didn't love.
Off the top of my head, I can't think of any other book I've read that started with a bride running away from her wedding - so that was somewhat unique for me and I really enjoyed that aspect to A February Bride.
I liked the characters and there were some very nice scenes in A February Bride. I can't really put my finger on what about the story didn't click with me, it was just a feeling I had while reading...though I didn't particularly care for Allie's family (but I think that was the point) and the "curse": at first, I thought that was interesting, but then I got to where I didn't like that part of the story all that much.
Overall, I did like the novella, but my favorite of the "Year of Weddings" collection is still A December Bride by Denise Hunter.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
A February Bride was a good read, but not my favorite in the "Year of Weddings" collection. The story held my interest, but there was just something about it that I didn't love.
Off the top of my head, I can't think of any other book I've read that started with a bride running away from her wedding - so that was somewhat unique for me and I really enjoyed that aspect to A February Bride.
I liked the characters and there were some very nice scenes in A February Bride. I can't really put my finger on what about the story didn't click with me, it was just a feeling I had while reading...though I didn't particularly care for Allie's family (but I think that was the point) and the "curse": at first, I thought that was interesting, but then I got to where I didn't like that part of the story all that much.
Overall, I did like the novella, but my favorite of the "Year of Weddings" collection is still A December Bride by Denise Hunter.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
July 1, 2017
A FEBRUARY BRIDE by Betsy St. Amant is a story of second chances and the restoration of something broken into something beautiful.
The story begins with Allie, a runaway bride who leaves Marcus, the man she loves with all her heart waiting at the altar of the church on their wedding day. A rip in her wedding dress, the same dress that had been passed down for generations and worn by her mom, her aunt, grandma and great-grandmother (who also ran out of their weddings), is enough to convince her leaving now before she ends up hurting the man she loves is the best thing she can do for him.
Months later Hannah, her best friend (and Marcus's sister) who stood by their friendship despite the pain Allie had caused their family, asks her to do the unthinkable. Hannah asks Allie to be her Maid-of-Honor when she marries in the very same church Allie ran from instead of marrying Marcus. Of course, Hannah is hoping the enforced nearness will allow Allie to see that Marcus might be hurting, but obviously still loves her. She is hoping her wedding will bring not only her own happiness but a happy ending for her best friend and brother too.
Marcus is a good man. A man who is kind, solid, steadfast and sincerely understands Allie and all her insecurities. Even though she hurt him terribly he couldn't bring himself to be angry with her. He could only wish he didn't still love her so much.
Allie on the other hand was a hot mess. She had an upbringing that left her fraught with insecurities and no sense of her own value or integrity. She ran from marrying Marcus because she believed she would break his heart and hers if she tied him to her and the curse that followed the women in her family. She could not see herself as anything other than a fated product of her environment. It was very sad actually, for her friends and Michael saw her as a kind, generous, selfless and loving woman.
Thanks to Hannah, Marcus and Allie must face each other and even though the crazy situations caused by being in the same places together, a few very emotional meetings, and interfering relatives makes you wonder if they will ever work things out. But eventually the truth of their love becomes impossible to deny.
*I received this eBook for free on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins with Allie, a runaway bride who leaves Marcus, the man she loves with all her heart waiting at the altar of the church on their wedding day. A rip in her wedding dress, the same dress that had been passed down for generations and worn by her mom, her aunt, grandma and great-grandmother (who also ran out of their weddings), is enough to convince her leaving now before she ends up hurting the man she loves is the best thing she can do for him.
Months later Hannah, her best friend (and Marcus's sister) who stood by their friendship despite the pain Allie had caused their family, asks her to do the unthinkable. Hannah asks Allie to be her Maid-of-Honor when she marries in the very same church Allie ran from instead of marrying Marcus. Of course, Hannah is hoping the enforced nearness will allow Allie to see that Marcus might be hurting, but obviously still loves her. She is hoping her wedding will bring not only her own happiness but a happy ending for her best friend and brother too.
Marcus is a good man. A man who is kind, solid, steadfast and sincerely understands Allie and all her insecurities. Even though she hurt him terribly he couldn't bring himself to be angry with her. He could only wish he didn't still love her so much.
Allie on the other hand was a hot mess. She had an upbringing that left her fraught with insecurities and no sense of her own value or integrity. She ran from marrying Marcus because she believed she would break his heart and hers if she tied him to her and the curse that followed the women in her family. She could not see herself as anything other than a fated product of her environment. It was very sad actually, for her friends and Michael saw her as a kind, generous, selfless and loving woman.
Thanks to Hannah, Marcus and Allie must face each other and even though the crazy situations caused by being in the same places together, a few very emotional meetings, and interfering relatives makes you wonder if they will ever work things out. But eventually the truth of their love becomes impossible to deny.
*I received this eBook for free on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2014
What would make a sweet, kind girl dash away from her own wedding? What kind of woman leaves the man she loves at the alter? The answer is – A woman who has had her heart poisoned by the women in her family. Allie believes that the marriages in her family are doomed. If the past multiple failed marriages of her mother, aunt and grandmother are to be believed, then there is just no hope for a happily ever after with Marcus. She feels that she will be unable to break this “curse” and decides to run out on Marcus for his own good!
This was a very enjoyable read. I am having a great time reading these wedding novellas and this one was no exception. I really felt for these two main characters, Allie and Marcus. They both still love each other. Four months after the “left at the alter incident”, they find themselves thrown together multiple times and must face what happened. Will there be any way for the two of them to overcome the past heartache and make a future together that has a chance of lasting?
I had trouble putting this novella down and ended up reading it in one evening. I found myself very invested in what would happen between Marcus and Allie. This story has great characters, wonderful chemistry between Marcus and Allie, and a fun set up. I loved the kitchen scene! Very romantic! A sweet story that fans of Christian romance will enjoy.
(4 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
Read this review on my blog at: http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
This was a very enjoyable read. I am having a great time reading these wedding novellas and this one was no exception. I really felt for these two main characters, Allie and Marcus. They both still love each other. Four months after the “left at the alter incident”, they find themselves thrown together multiple times and must face what happened. Will there be any way for the two of them to overcome the past heartache and make a future together that has a chance of lasting?
I had trouble putting this novella down and ended up reading it in one evening. I found myself very invested in what would happen between Marcus and Allie. This story has great characters, wonderful chemistry between Marcus and Allie, and a fun set up. I loved the kitchen scene! Very romantic! A sweet story that fans of Christian romance will enjoy.
(4 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this novella from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
Read this review on my blog at: http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...
January 28, 2014
A February Bride
A Year of Weddings Novella
By Betsy St. Amant
Can a Wedding Dress really be cursed, or is it simply the women in Allie’s family?
When best friend, Hannah, asks Allie to be in her Valentine day wedding, she knew she’d have to own up to leaving Hannah’s brother, Marcus, at the altar four months earlier. The story starts out with Allie in “the” dress waiting in the dressing room the day of her wedding. The sleeve tears and she sees it as a sign that her anxiety is justified. She doesn’t want to be like the women in her family that think marriage is a sport and weddings are great fun as long as they are the bride wearing “the” dress.
Marcus, the jilted groom, doesn’t know what hit him. When he sees Allie again the love he felt for her rises up again. The theme of this story is whether the past, whether the fault of the family, and whether fear can be conquered for love to survive. This book does contain more Christian references than the previous three in the series, but not so much as to over power the storyline. It has a good plot and good story growth for the heroine, Allie. Of course, it has the Happily Ever After ending expected and a wedding more fitting for Allie’s new personality.
For more information on Betsy St. Amant’s titles visit her website at: http://www.betsystamant.com/
To see when the next novella of the series is released visit: http://zondervan.com/series/a%20year%...
I was given an ARC of this title by Net Galley.
A Year of Weddings Novella
By Betsy St. Amant
Can a Wedding Dress really be cursed, or is it simply the women in Allie’s family?
When best friend, Hannah, asks Allie to be in her Valentine day wedding, she knew she’d have to own up to leaving Hannah’s brother, Marcus, at the altar four months earlier. The story starts out with Allie in “the” dress waiting in the dressing room the day of her wedding. The sleeve tears and she sees it as a sign that her anxiety is justified. She doesn’t want to be like the women in her family that think marriage is a sport and weddings are great fun as long as they are the bride wearing “the” dress.
Marcus, the jilted groom, doesn’t know what hit him. When he sees Allie again the love he felt for her rises up again. The theme of this story is whether the past, whether the fault of the family, and whether fear can be conquered for love to survive. This book does contain more Christian references than the previous three in the series, but not so much as to over power the storyline. It has a good plot and good story growth for the heroine, Allie. Of course, it has the Happily Ever After ending expected and a wedding more fitting for Allie’s new personality.
For more information on Betsy St. Amant’s titles visit her website at: http://www.betsystamant.com/
To see when the next novella of the series is released visit: http://zondervan.com/series/a%20year%...
I was given an ARC of this title by Net Galley.
February 19, 2014
Allie Andrews has left the love of her life at the altar. Wearing her grandmother's dress, she ran from the church. Now her best friend, who happens to be the sister of the man she was going to marry, has asked Allie to be the maid of honor in her Valentine's Day wedding. Allie agrees, even though she knows she'll be put in close contact with her ex-fiancee, Marcus. Marcus didn't understand what happened to cause Allie to run out. Yet as they're constantly thrown together with his sister's wedding, he finds reason to hope that things between them aren't totally over. Will these two find their happily ever after?
This was such a fun novellla! I don't think I've ever read any of Betsy St. Amant's books before, but I think that will be remedied after this one. Full of humor, I loved Allie as the "runaway bride." I also loved that she wanted to change who she was in regards to her family and their history of failed marriages so much that she loved Marcus enough to let him go. I loved how she searched to find out who she really was.
I loved loved loved Marcus's mother. I thought that she was a great voice of reason and gentleness that Allie needed to hear at times.
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan/Harper Collins as part of the Booklook Blogging program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Love Inspired, novellas, contemporary romance
Rating - 4 stars
This was such a fun novellla! I don't think I've ever read any of Betsy St. Amant's books before, but I think that will be remedied after this one. Full of humor, I loved Allie as the "runaway bride." I also loved that she wanted to change who she was in regards to her family and their history of failed marriages so much that she loved Marcus enough to let him go. I loved how she searched to find out who she really was.
I loved loved loved Marcus's mother. I thought that she was a great voice of reason and gentleness that Allie needed to hear at times.
I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson/Zondervan/Harper Collins as part of the Booklook Blogging program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Love Inspired, novellas, contemporary romance
Rating - 4 stars
January 31, 2014
“Break their heart before they can break yours”
It’s been the motto of the Andrews women for three generations, so it makes perfect sense for Allie Andrews to abandon her fiancé, Marcus Hall, at the altar on their wedding day. But then she is asked to be maid of honour for Hannah, her best friend—and Marcus's sister. Continuing to avoid Marcus is going to be impossible, so what to do?
One of the key issues with a novella is not to clutter it with too much extraneous plot or too many unnecessary characters. February Bride kept the balance just right. It took a simple conflict: a woman who believes she’s going to fulfil the family curse of a string of failed marriages, and decides the best way to break the curse is not to marry at all.
She still loves Marcus—that, in her roundabout thinking, is why she shouldn’t marry him. And she comes to see that Marcus still loves her, even though she abandoned him at the worst possible time. She slowly comes to understand that as a Christian, her destiny is determined by God, not the ‘family curse’, and I think the way this was brought through without reverting to preachiness was one of the strengths of the story.
An excellent novella, and I’m certainly interested in reading more from Betsy St Amant. Recommended for romance lovers.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
It’s been the motto of the Andrews women for three generations, so it makes perfect sense for Allie Andrews to abandon her fiancé, Marcus Hall, at the altar on their wedding day. But then she is asked to be maid of honour for Hannah, her best friend—and Marcus's sister. Continuing to avoid Marcus is going to be impossible, so what to do?
One of the key issues with a novella is not to clutter it with too much extraneous plot or too many unnecessary characters. February Bride kept the balance just right. It took a simple conflict: a woman who believes she’s going to fulfil the family curse of a string of failed marriages, and decides the best way to break the curse is not to marry at all.
She still loves Marcus—that, in her roundabout thinking, is why she shouldn’t marry him. And she comes to see that Marcus still loves her, even though she abandoned him at the worst possible time. She slowly comes to understand that as a Christian, her destiny is determined by God, not the ‘family curse’, and I think the way this was brought through without reverting to preachiness was one of the strengths of the story.
An excellent novella, and I’m certainly interested in reading more from Betsy St Amant. Recommended for romance lovers.
Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
September 8, 2016
On the day she plans to walk down the aisle and marry Marcus, the love of her life, Allie Andrews suddenly runs in the opposite direction. Haunted by the “curse” of her family – women with a long history of failed marriages, Allie believes she is doing Marcus a favor. She lives contentedly with her decision – until the Valentine’s Day wedding of her best friend, who is conveniently Marcus’ sister. As Allie interacts with Marcus for the first time in months, will her resolve dissolve? Will her love for Marcus overcome the fear of her family’s history?
As the third installment of A Year of Weddings, Betsy St. Amant’s charming “A February Bride” is another delightful afternoon read. Fast-paced due to its novella format, this story kept me wondering how the couple would return to the altar. With a sweet and sentimental conclusion, I couldn’t help but shed a couple tears. As with “A January Bride,” this novella can be read on its own, and again, I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in inspirational romance and another free afternoon. I greatly appreciate Booksneeze for providing me with this free copy and the opportunity to write an honest review.
http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....
As the third installment of A Year of Weddings, Betsy St. Amant’s charming “A February Bride” is another delightful afternoon read. Fast-paced due to its novella format, this story kept me wondering how the couple would return to the altar. With a sweet and sentimental conclusion, I couldn’t help but shed a couple tears. As with “A January Bride,” this novella can be read on its own, and again, I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in inspirational romance and another free afternoon. I greatly appreciate Booksneeze for providing me with this free copy and the opportunity to write an honest review.
http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....
January 12, 2016
This is the first novella that I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Betsy St. Amant. The premise of the ‘runaway bride’ is steeped in the biblical background of Exodus 20:5b:
…for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
The story however, isn’t preachy or judgmental. The main character Allie Andrews struggles with her identity and after years of watching her grandmother and mother set poor examples of what love and marriage should be. Allie lives in fear of mistakes that are not her own, allowing those mistakes to keep her from living a full, happy life with the man she does truly love. But Allie has forgotten the next verse:
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Given an unexpected second chance, has Allie longing to be loved and wondering how she can make amends to her fiancé, Marcus. Restoring old furniture provides the catalyst that begins Allie’s journey to understanding how God can make old things news. Quick read. Touching story. Check out Betsy St. Amant’s story and authors, Deborah Raney and Denise Hunter in the Winter Brides collection.
…for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
The story however, isn’t preachy or judgmental. The main character Allie Andrews struggles with her identity and after years of watching her grandmother and mother set poor examples of what love and marriage should be. Allie lives in fear of mistakes that are not her own, allowing those mistakes to keep her from living a full, happy life with the man she does truly love. But Allie has forgotten the next verse:
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Given an unexpected second chance, has Allie longing to be loved and wondering how she can make amends to her fiancé, Marcus. Restoring old furniture provides the catalyst that begins Allie’s journey to understanding how God can make old things news. Quick read. Touching story. Check out Betsy St. Amant’s story and authors, Deborah Raney and Denise Hunter in the Winter Brides collection.
January 24, 2022
This one is my least favorite of the series just because of the female character 😒. I think she was a little flaky and I get why but it was annoying. This is a novella and a reread so I just finished it. Looking forward to the next book.
Book Synopsis:
"All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. So when an online friend offers her a fresh start managing a little bookstore in Red Leaf, Wisconsin, Annie packs her bags and waves goodbye to her former lonely life.
Deputy Jesse Kent can’t believe his mother has handed the keys to her bookshop over to a woman she met on the internet. Annie might be vivacious, smart as a whip, and beautiful—ahem—but what do they really know about her? Jesse has seen his mother taken advantage of before, and he decides to keep a close eye on this Annie Price.
But when a close eye turns into a historical wedding reenactment with Jesse and Annie as the couple, make-believe nuptials quickly give way to real-life emotions. As the wedding approaches and Annie and Jesse’s secrets come to light, the deputy has to face the truth: this wedding may have started as a ploy, but he wants to make Annie his September bride . . . for real."
Book Synopsis:
"All Annie Price has ever wanted is a place to call home. So when an online friend offers her a fresh start managing a little bookstore in Red Leaf, Wisconsin, Annie packs her bags and waves goodbye to her former lonely life.
Deputy Jesse Kent can’t believe his mother has handed the keys to her bookshop over to a woman she met on the internet. Annie might be vivacious, smart as a whip, and beautiful—ahem—but what do they really know about her? Jesse has seen his mother taken advantage of before, and he decides to keep a close eye on this Annie Price.
But when a close eye turns into a historical wedding reenactment with Jesse and Annie as the couple, make-believe nuptials quickly give way to real-life emotions. As the wedding approaches and Annie and Jesse’s secrets come to light, the deputy has to face the truth: this wedding may have started as a ploy, but he wants to make Annie his September bride . . . for real."
January 24, 2022
A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant 120 ebook pages
A Year of Weddings 1 #3 according to series and publication date Incorrectly #2 on Goodreads
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance, Novella, Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Clean Romance
Featuring: Louisiana, Bible Verses, Small Town, Runaway Bride, Restoration,previous book preview
Rating as a movie: PG for adult themes
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts: 16% - This sounds fun. At first I thought I had already read this and had opened the wrong book, then I realized I did I read the 1st chapter of this book at the end of the last book. They should have included 2 chapters then I would have started it right away.
5eh5% - I feel like lack of communication is an element in every romance novel.
98r% - Where the heck are my Discussion Questions?
I really enjoyed this story, even though stupidity was required for plot, it was emotional so it doesn't really count. In addition to a quick enjoyable story I discovered a new author, unfortunately I'll have to wait to get a copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This series just keeps getting better.
A Year of Weddings 1 #3 according to series and publication date Incorrectly #2 on Goodreads
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance, Novella, Women's Fiction > Chick Lit; Clean Romance
Featuring: Louisiana, Bible Verses, Small Town, Runaway Bride, Restoration,previous book preview
Rating as a movie: PG for adult themes
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
My thoughts: 16% - This sounds fun. At first I thought I had already read this and had opened the wrong book, then I realized I did I read the 1st chapter of this book at the end of the last book. They should have included 2 chapters then I would have started it right away.
5eh5% - I feel like lack of communication is an element in every romance novel.
98r% - Where the heck are my Discussion Questions?
I really enjoyed this story, even though stupidity was required for plot, it was emotional so it doesn't really count. In addition to a quick enjoyable story I discovered a new author, unfortunately I'll have to wait to get a copy of All's Fair in Love and Cupcakes.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This series just keeps getting better.
January 23, 2014
This was the third installment of " A Year of Weddings." It was just as good as the others. These authors must have been assigned a month and then ran away with it. The three I have read so far have been amazing.
The curse of a family's dress went from generation to generation of women in Allie's family. Her family seems crazy and thank goodness we don't have to see them too much, but their influence hang heavy over Allie throughout. Marcus her intended is a wonderful man that doesn't want to give up on his love even though she walked out on him.
It's a heart-lifting story brought together by the ones that truly love the two main characters.
This is a great little story, if you want a light read with great lessons, jump on the "A Year of Weddings" boat.
The curse of a family's dress went from generation to generation of women in Allie's family. Her family seems crazy and thank goodness we don't have to see them too much, but their influence hang heavy over Allie throughout. Marcus her intended is a wonderful man that doesn't want to give up on his love even though she walked out on him.
It's a heart-lifting story brought together by the ones that truly love the two main characters.
This is a great little story, if you want a light read with great lessons, jump on the "A Year of Weddings" boat.
August 21, 2024
This book is so good! It is very frustrating at times because you can see what should happen, but like in real life it takes the characters a little bit of time to figure everything out.
Allie was a very complex character who was scared of making mistakes like her family, can you really blame her? Meet her family and you will understand! She as an amazing restorer and she truly loves Marcus.
Marcus had his heart broken and shattered, can he figure out what happened and forgive? He was a handsome and kind man! All he wanted was the woman he loved!
This book is a must read!!!!
Allie was a very complex character who was scared of making mistakes like her family, can you really blame her? Meet her family and you will understand! She as an amazing restorer and she truly loves Marcus.
Marcus had his heart broken and shattered, can he figure out what happened and forgive? He was a handsome and kind man! All he wanted was the woman he loved!
This book is a must read!!!!
February 20, 2015
Book 3/12. Further research shows the whole series is part of a Christian publication, for commercial distribution. A good way to vamp up perception on usual Christian publicatons (devotionals, self help). Its often rare in mainstream chiclit novels to even worth mentioning "going to / went to church".
Premise of A February Bride is similar to A December Bride's story, of second chances. And wouldn't we all like one? My "break, easy and fast" read usually after a long piece.
Premise of A February Bride is similar to A December Bride's story, of second chances. And wouldn't we all like one? My "break, easy and fast" read usually after a long piece.
November 21, 2020
This series includes twelve wedding-inspired novellas that follow the calendar. Betsy St. Amant's February Bride was one of my two favorites of the series!
St. Amant flips a classic left-at-the-altar trope on its head. She digs deeper into the main character's motivation that you'd think possible in a novella. All while maintaining a lighthearted, delightful story full fo flirt.
St. Amant flips a classic left-at-the-altar trope on its head. She digs deeper into the main character's motivation that you'd think possible in a novella. All while maintaining a lighthearted, delightful story full fo flirt.
Read
March 29, 2016Adorable and poignant novella with a beautiful redemptive storyline and a romance filled with sparks. Another memorable read by one of my favorite new authors in the rom-com genre, Betsy St. Amant
January 20, 2017
I have enjoyed reading all these cute books in this year of weddings! It's great getting to read new to me authors. Cute book. I really liked it.
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