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Bride Quartet #1
Vision In White
NEW DELUXE GIFT EDITION!
Nora Roberts presents a novel of love, friendship, and family—and the unpredictable moments that turn a pretty picture into a true work of art.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac—the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies.
After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.
With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera—ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac’s foundation is jostled again moments before an important planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.
Carter Maguire is definitely not her type: he’s stable, and he’s safe. He’s even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There’s something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bridezillas and screening her mother’s phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends—and business partners—Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories…
Nora Roberts presents a novel of love, friendship, and family—and the unpredictable moments that turn a pretty picture into a true work of art.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac—the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies.
After years of throwing make-believe weddings in the backyard, flowers, photography, desserts, and details are what these women do best: a guaranteed perfect, beautiful day full of memories to last the rest of your life.
With bridal magazine covers to her credit, Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera—ready to capture the happy moments she never experienced while growing up. Her father replaced his first family with a second, and now her mother, moving on to yet another man, begs Mac for attention and money. Mac’s foundation is jostled again moments before an important planning meeting when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.
Carter Maguire is definitely not her type: he’s stable, and he’s safe. He’s even an English teacher at their high school alma mater. There’s something about him that makes Mac think a casual fling is just what she needs to take her mind off dealing with bridezillas and screening her mother’s phone calls. But a casual fling can turn into something more when you least expect it. And with the help of her three best friends—and business partners—Mac must learn how to make her own happy memories…
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2009
4044 people are currently reading
104398 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,851 reviews
August 31, 2016
Pure boring. This audio book should come with a warning “Don’t listen to while operating moving vehicles, may cause severe drowsiness.”
I now know WAAAAAY more about wedding planning and passive/aggressive relationships than I ever cared to know. Where was the entertainment, the spark between hero/heroine, and the romance in all that page filler?
It started out pretty good, but degraded as it went on. It became just one stupid self-imposed conflict after another, sandwiched between way too many inane conversations about wedding planning. Mac (the heroine) had a mother who drove me up the wall. She should have had a much lesser role as she was just pure annoying.
The romance was flat and predictable, but I did like Carter. He was too good for Mac though. As the book continued I found myself liking Mac less and less. She was a twit with little common sense. By the end I was hoping Carter would meet someone else. I doubt I will continue with series.
July 19, 2022
This was my first Nora Roberts's book and I'm actually disappointed. After all the things I've heard about her writing, this was not what I expected.
Mackensie Elliot aka Mac runs a Wedding Planning business with her childhood friends and is a successful photographer. Absentee father and selfish mother with a penchant for drama have wrecked her childhood and left her a commitment phobic cynic. Enter the hero, a gorgeous nerd who emits goodness and has been crushing on Mac for more than a decade. Chemistry does its thing and both of them start dating. Amidst a flurry of brides, mothers of brides, heroine's mother's petulant tantrums and a series of talk-of-the-town weddings, these two make a way towards their own wedding. There's a bit of girl friends' bonding and a rather lame seduction attempt by a cheating ex- girlfriend thrown into the mix. Now, if I could only find the person who suggested this book to me 🥲🥲
Agreed, Carter was cute and I do have a thing for shy guys but where was the awesomeness I was promised?? The unforgettable romance? The Nora Roberts' magic? All I got was a bunch of girls trying to run the show with sporadic claims of what great friends they are and an extremely annoying, attention grubbing mother.
Half way through the book, it became so drab that I had to force myself to continue reading. I don't think this is my cup of tea. I suppose 2.5 stars would have to suffice.
Mackensie Elliot aka Mac runs a Wedding Planning business with her childhood friends and is a successful photographer. Absentee father and selfish mother with a penchant for drama have wrecked her childhood and left her a commitment phobic cynic. Enter the hero, a gorgeous nerd who emits goodness and has been crushing on Mac for more than a decade. Chemistry does its thing and both of them start dating. Amidst a flurry of brides, mothers of brides, heroine's mother's petulant tantrums and a series of talk-of-the-town weddings, these two make a way towards their own wedding. There's a bit of girl friends' bonding and a rather lame seduction attempt by a cheating ex- girlfriend thrown into the mix. Now, if I could only find the person who suggested this book to me 🥲🥲
Agreed, Carter was cute and I do have a thing for shy guys but where was the awesomeness I was promised?? The unforgettable romance? The Nora Roberts' magic? All I got was a bunch of girls trying to run the show with sporadic claims of what great friends they are and an extremely annoying, attention grubbing mother.
Half way through the book, it became so drab that I had to force myself to continue reading. I don't think this is my cup of tea. I suppose 2.5 stars would have to suffice.
April 24, 2018
Nora Roberts almost never lets me down. Her "In Death" series is one of my favorites, and a few of her mystery/romances have given me book boyfriends. Not as good as Roarke, of course. Never as good as Roarke.
Aww, that's so sweet!
In this book we have four female friends who own a wedding planning company. They each have a specific part of it, and our heroine, Mac, is the photographer. It's just a good thing that one of the other girls likes to bake wedding cakes, another is a florist, and the fourth has a mansion that they use as a venue along with her awesome planning skills. So, yeah, that was.......fortuitous.
Mac has a meet-cute with Carter, but he actually remembers her from high school. So, it's a re-meet-cute. He had a huge crush on her back then, but he was the geeky boy that she never noticed. Luckily, he's grown up and now is a geeky man. Yeah, his character, I wasn't so sure about. He's clumsy. Like, Bella in Twilight clumsy. He literally falls and bumps into things. He's insecure. Like, teenage boy in a classroom with an unexpected erection kind of thing. The guy literally can't figure out how to take a girl on a date, and he is hyperventilating when he does. It took awkward to a whole new level.
Oh, but not! When he kisses her, he's all smoothness and hot. He suddenly turns into Trojan - for her pleasure.
But, seriously? If the guy can't even find his way into an open door without banging into the side and hurting himself, what are the odds?
So, let's take a look at Mac, the girl. She's a typical Nora Roberts heroine - tall, thin, short hair, bitchy, and commitment-phobic. The problem I had with her, other than the bitchiness, was the constant descriptions of her hair. I know that's weird, but it hung me up because they called her hair "orange" and it was always sticking out everywhere. I don't know, a mean girl with short orange hair that sticks out everywhere makes me think of this:
Just walk away slowly.
In other words, I didn't get what the nerdy man saw in her. Of course, maybe just the fact that she let him touch a booby was enough.
Whatever. I am actually more interested in the next books with the other, less clown-like girls. And, I did like the writing and the friendship between the women.
Aww, that's so sweet!
In this book we have four female friends who own a wedding planning company. They each have a specific part of it, and our heroine, Mac, is the photographer. It's just a good thing that one of the other girls likes to bake wedding cakes, another is a florist, and the fourth has a mansion that they use as a venue along with her awesome planning skills. So, yeah, that was.......fortuitous.
Mac has a meet-cute with Carter, but he actually remembers her from high school. So, it's a re-meet-cute. He had a huge crush on her back then, but he was the geeky boy that she never noticed. Luckily, he's grown up and now is a geeky man. Yeah, his character, I wasn't so sure about. He's clumsy. Like, Bella in Twilight clumsy. He literally falls and bumps into things. He's insecure. Like, teenage boy in a classroom with an unexpected erection kind of thing. The guy literally can't figure out how to take a girl on a date, and he is hyperventilating when he does. It took awkward to a whole new level.
Oh, but not! When he kisses her, he's all smoothness and hot. He suddenly turns into Trojan - for her pleasure.
But, seriously? If the guy can't even find his way into an open door without banging into the side and hurting himself, what are the odds?
So, let's take a look at Mac, the girl. She's a typical Nora Roberts heroine - tall, thin, short hair, bitchy, and commitment-phobic. The problem I had with her, other than the bitchiness, was the constant descriptions of her hair. I know that's weird, but it hung me up because they called her hair "orange" and it was always sticking out everywhere. I don't know, a mean girl with short orange hair that sticks out everywhere makes me think of this:
Just walk away slowly.
In other words, I didn't get what the nerdy man saw in her. Of course, maybe just the fact that she let him touch a booby was enough.
Whatever. I am actually more interested in the next books with the other, less clown-like girls. And, I did like the writing and the friendship between the women.
September 19, 2022
3 1/2 stars
Nobody writes friendship like NR and I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Mac and her friends. Carter's slightly crazy friend Bob, with his "helpful" lists, was also fun to be with. In fact, everyone - besides the accidental stressed B, G, MOB, FOB, MOG, FOG, MOH, BM, FG and any other acronym the wedding business can come up with - was nice and fun. That lead to a lack of real conflict in the story, hence my lukewarm rating. I liked this book and its characters, since it was impossible to hate such nice people, and the story was very easy to read, but I can't say I loved it.
Will I be reading the rest of the series? Of course! I'm curious about Carter and Mac's friends and I'm pretty sure their stories will be at least as nice as this one.
P.S.: After rereading my review, I couldn't help noticing how many times I used the adjective "nice". Well, what can I say? This was a nice story, LOL.
Nobody writes friendship like NR and I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Mac and her friends. Carter's slightly crazy friend Bob, with his "helpful" lists, was also fun to be with. In fact, everyone - besides the accidental stressed B, G, MOB, FOB, MOG, FOG, MOH, BM, FG and any other acronym the wedding business can come up with - was nice and fun. That lead to a lack of real conflict in the story, hence my lukewarm rating. I liked this book and its characters, since it was impossible to hate such nice people, and the story was very easy to read, but I can't say I loved it.
Will I be reading the rest of the series? Of course! I'm curious about Carter and Mac's friends and I'm pretty sure their stories will be at least as nice as this one.
P.S.: After rereading my review, I couldn't help noticing how many times I used the adjective "nice". Well, what can I say? This was a nice story, LOL.
October 27, 2017
I have literally hundreds of books I’ve never read staring at me from my shelves or screaming at me from my Kindle, and what am I doing? Rereading a Nora Roberts quartet for literally the 7th time.
I regret nothing.
Have I mentioned to anyone that I love me some Nora, that she’s chicken soup for my soul and a bubble bath for my brain? That her books cheer me up when I’m sad and comfort me when I’m sick? Well, she is and they do. Which I why I keep going back to her greatest hits time and again instead of reading some of the new and undoubtedly wonderful novels that await on my heavy-ladened shelves. And this series, y’all; it’s definitely one of her greatest hits.
*incredibly contented sigh*
Four women, best friends since childhood, open an all-inclusive wedding service. One is a photographer, another a florist, the third a baker, and the final friend is the coordinator who holds everything together. All four women are beautiful in different ways (obviously, because this is a romance series), all four are funny and brimming with character, and their relationship with one another is just as important as the romantic relationships that spawn over the course of the four novels.
Vows, the business they started together, is just such a lovely creation. The weddings held at their headquarters, the Brown Estate, are always lovely and unique and just exactly right for the bride and groom. I love stories where childhood friends nurture their relationships as adults and find a way to bring their separate passions into a mutual and successful business venture. That’s the dream, and it’s what Mackenzie, Emmaline, Laurel, and Parker have built for themselves.
Okay, so while I love the entire quartet, this first installment is my favorite. Mac is a crazy person, funny and focused and messier than she cares to admit. She’s a quintessential redhead with the pale skin and temper to prove it, and she’s an amazing and passionate photographer. And I really enjoy watching her develop. But the main reason I love this book so much is Carter Maguire; he’s one of the absolute cutest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about.
Carter is an English Literature professor, formerly from Yale but now happily teaching at the private high school that is his alma mater. His PhD might intimidate Mac just the teensiest bit, but that doesn’t stop her from finding his tweed jackets and wire-rimmed glasses and blushing ears adorable. I feel ya, girl; I think he’s totally adorable, too. I have such a soft spot for nerdy guys (which is funny considering the fact that I married me a hunk of manly man), and Carter is a king of the nerds. He’s soft-spoken, thoughtful, nervous, and sweet, and all of those qualities are wrapped in a dreamy-eyed package. Not gonna lie: I would’ve been totally hot for teacher if he had taught my English classes.
*fans self*
All of that to say, I love this series. And I love this book in particular. It’s sweet and funny, not to mention hot. This series is perfect for curling up with on a cold night or a sick day or a long, rainy weekend. It’s my prescription for when you’re feeling down.
I regret nothing.
Have I mentioned to anyone that I love me some Nora, that she’s chicken soup for my soul and a bubble bath for my brain? That her books cheer me up when I’m sad and comfort me when I’m sick? Well, she is and they do. Which I why I keep going back to her greatest hits time and again instead of reading some of the new and undoubtedly wonderful novels that await on my heavy-ladened shelves. And this series, y’all; it’s definitely one of her greatest hits.
*incredibly contented sigh*
Four women, best friends since childhood, open an all-inclusive wedding service. One is a photographer, another a florist, the third a baker, and the final friend is the coordinator who holds everything together. All four women are beautiful in different ways (obviously, because this is a romance series), all four are funny and brimming with character, and their relationship with one another is just as important as the romantic relationships that spawn over the course of the four novels.
Vows, the business they started together, is just such a lovely creation. The weddings held at their headquarters, the Brown Estate, are always lovely and unique and just exactly right for the bride and groom. I love stories where childhood friends nurture their relationships as adults and find a way to bring their separate passions into a mutual and successful business venture. That’s the dream, and it’s what Mackenzie, Emmaline, Laurel, and Parker have built for themselves.
Okay, so while I love the entire quartet, this first installment is my favorite. Mac is a crazy person, funny and focused and messier than she cares to admit. She’s a quintessential redhead with the pale skin and temper to prove it, and she’s an amazing and passionate photographer. And I really enjoy watching her develop. But the main reason I love this book so much is Carter Maguire; he’s one of the absolute cutest guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about.
Carter is an English Literature professor, formerly from Yale but now happily teaching at the private high school that is his alma mater. His PhD might intimidate Mac just the teensiest bit, but that doesn’t stop her from finding his tweed jackets and wire-rimmed glasses and blushing ears adorable. I feel ya, girl; I think he’s totally adorable, too. I have such a soft spot for nerdy guys (which is funny considering the fact that I married me a hunk of manly man), and Carter is a king of the nerds. He’s soft-spoken, thoughtful, nervous, and sweet, and all of those qualities are wrapped in a dreamy-eyed package. Not gonna lie: I would’ve been totally hot for teacher if he had taught my English classes.
*fans self*
All of that to say, I love this series. And I love this book in particular. It’s sweet and funny, not to mention hot. This series is perfect for curling up with on a cold night or a sick day or a long, rainy weekend. It’s my prescription for when you’re feeling down.
April 29, 2009
Contemporary romance fans, rejoice! Nora Roberts latest release "Vision in White" is a light and fun read that leaves you with a big grin on your face. It's the first in a four-book series about a group of women who've been friends since childhood and grow up to run a bridal business together. The manager, the baker, the flower lady, and the photographer--each with different backgrounds and different outlooks on life and love. This first story is about the photographer, Mackensie.
Mac's home life taught her a lot about love and weddings--mainly that neither were permanent or could be counted on. With the exception of her childhood girlfriends, Mac's never really known much stability in her life. So when she meets the 'Mary Poppins' (i.e., perfect) man, one who makes her feel special and cared for and important--she freaks out...majorly.
Carter had a crush on Mackensie back in school. And now that he's a man...well, he still has a crush on her! But it seems that every time he makes headway in their relationship, Mac gets scared and backs off. Good thing Carter is a patient man.
Carter is my new best ever Beta hero. He's a professor and quite the nerd, but he's also sweet, protective, and even a bit clumsy. The more you read about him, the more you just want to take him home with you...and then do unspeakably fun things with him (with or without the glasses)! And Mac? Well, she has some pretty serious issues to deal with and her self-worth is right there at the top of the list. She's stubborn, but she does grow on you and pretty soon I was cheering every forward step she made.
Nora Roberts is a genius writer. She somehow taps into the subconscious of women (and men) everywhere. Her books have a happy ending yes, but her characters also have to work for that happy ending. She does her trademark work and brings her cast of characters to life with such vividness that I felt if I just went to their city, I would recognize these people, want to spend time with them, commiserate with them, and celebrate with them. For me, that's the brilliance of La Roberts' stories.
"Vision in White" isn't a melodramatic, emotion-wrenching read. Instead, it reminds me very much of some of her earlier works, the ones that are just darn good romances. No special gimmicks, no mysteries, no death or destruction--just two people living their lives and then discovering that love does exist and it's worth the work to cherish it. Pure romance.
Mac's home life taught her a lot about love and weddings--mainly that neither were permanent or could be counted on. With the exception of her childhood girlfriends, Mac's never really known much stability in her life. So when she meets the 'Mary Poppins' (i.e., perfect) man, one who makes her feel special and cared for and important--she freaks out...majorly.
Carter had a crush on Mackensie back in school. And now that he's a man...well, he still has a crush on her! But it seems that every time he makes headway in their relationship, Mac gets scared and backs off. Good thing Carter is a patient man.
Carter is my new best ever Beta hero. He's a professor and quite the nerd, but he's also sweet, protective, and even a bit clumsy. The more you read about him, the more you just want to take him home with you...and then do unspeakably fun things with him (with or without the glasses)! And Mac? Well, she has some pretty serious issues to deal with and her self-worth is right there at the top of the list. She's stubborn, but she does grow on you and pretty soon I was cheering every forward step she made.
Nora Roberts is a genius writer. She somehow taps into the subconscious of women (and men) everywhere. Her books have a happy ending yes, but her characters also have to work for that happy ending. She does her trademark work and brings her cast of characters to life with such vividness that I felt if I just went to their city, I would recognize these people, want to spend time with them, commiserate with them, and celebrate with them. For me, that's the brilliance of La Roberts' stories.
"Vision in White" isn't a melodramatic, emotion-wrenching read. Instead, it reminds me very much of some of her earlier works, the ones that are just darn good romances. No special gimmicks, no mysteries, no death or destruction--just two people living their lives and then discovering that love does exist and it's worth the work to cherish it. Pure romance.
March 27, 2021
Nora Roberts is pretty popular in my country among English romance readers. I decided to give one of her books a try as an experiment. I chose the book badly, choosing the one that has the most ratings instead of the descriptions (I figured all her books follow the same formula but after finishing this book discovered that some have mystery or fantasy elements.)
I'm not much of a romance reader, I do like a story that'll make me swoon from time to time (and these are becoming hard to find) but this is not my genre at all. I'd rather read about people plotting to kill each other or do other crazy things. So yeah as expected, this book was boring. I won't be reading any of her books because they simply are not for me. The writing style is very good but the characters weren't interesting. Although Carter is absolutely sweet, Mac and her friends (except Parker) were so forgettable. I don't hate this book so I'm not giving it 1 star but if you're not a hardcore romance fan, I would not recommend this book at all.
A fight, for example, took place and it was so unreasonable as if the author couldn't find any "obstacle" other than Mac's "oh I can't commit". Honestly, I'm not going to bother and list all the problems I had with this book because I'm not one of its target audiences. Suffice to say, this isn't an innovative romance nor an entertaining one if romance is not your usual cup of tea.
I'm not much of a romance reader, I do like a story that'll make me swoon from time to time (and these are becoming hard to find) but this is not my genre at all. I'd rather read about people plotting to kill each other or do other crazy things. So yeah as expected, this book was boring. I won't be reading any of her books because they simply are not for me. The writing style is very good but the characters weren't interesting. Although Carter is absolutely sweet, Mac and her friends (except Parker) were so forgettable. I don't hate this book so I'm not giving it 1 star but if you're not a hardcore romance fan, I would not recommend this book at all.
A fight, for example, took place and it was so unreasonable as if the author couldn't find any "obstacle" other than Mac's "oh I can't commit". Honestly, I'm not going to bother and list all the problems I had with this book because I'm not one of its target audiences. Suffice to say, this isn't an innovative romance nor an entertaining one if romance is not your usual cup of tea.
January 10, 2024
im a sucker for a man with glasses and a tweed jacket
March 21, 2016
★★★ 3 Rom-Com stars.★★★
Vision in White starts of by introducing a group of besties that run a very successful Event planning agency dedicated mostly to a bride's most defining moment,Her Wedding.
How I ended up picking this book:
Vision in White was basically my first Nora Roberts.So its safe to say I didn't really go in with super high expectations or such.Heard a lot about this author from my besties here on GR and thought to just give this one a go,out of pure curiosity.*shrug*
My thoughts on the plot:
The book started predictably enough.We have the heroine,Mackensie "Mac" Elliot , who puts in her weight at the agency as the event's official wedding photographer.She makes it her mission in life is to always be on the look out for that perfect moment that defines her client's special day.
“Moments came and went, she thought. It was love that bound them together into a life.”
I found Mac a little hard to love to be honest.Given her personal (family) issues,its not hard to understand why she tends to run away from love so much.But Damn ! It made the plot line so repetitive & boring ! :P
She runs toward love (or in this case our male lead Carter.)And then she runs away from him..Then she runs towards him..And then she pulls away...And then she wants him..And then she yade yade ya.
You get the gist of it right ?
My only saving grace was Carter Maguire.Damn! I want to marry that man so bad! He's so sweet, compassionate, understanding, kind, loving, sweet, extraordinary, loving, amazing, shy, endearing.Basically perfect ! And a god in bed ! ;)
“Love's scary, and sometimes it's transient. But it's worth the risks and the nerves. It's even worth the pain.”
*Sign!* Ladies ! This must be love :D
Final Thoughts: Didn't really find the plot-line original from any angle at all to be honest.Every character sounded like someone pulled out straight from a Rom-com..Neither was the back story nor the ending that original or unpredictable to keep me engaged.So this one's going to have to stay a 3 star for me.
Will I be continuing the series ?
Liked the secondary characters but not enough to continue the series :/ Would recommend to all Rom-Com fans out there !
October 30, 2019
This is the first in a quartet of books about four childhood friends and how each one finds the man of her dreams. Romance the way Nora Roberts writes it - somehow just as schmaltzy and sugary as every other romance writer but with a touch of something else which makes it a much more tolerable read for me. I am really not a romance reader but Roberts does it so well.
In this story Mackenzie is the photographer in the four friend's wedding planner business. When she meets Carter she knows he is completely not her type but when does love ever take that into account! Carter is an English Professor and there is a very entertaining chapter when the two of them are discussing books.
A nice story about love and supportive friends and a very pleasant read.
In this story Mackenzie is the photographer in the four friend's wedding planner business. When she meets Carter she knows he is completely not her type but when does love ever take that into account! Carter is an English Professor and there is a very entertaining chapter when the two of them are discussing books.
A nice story about love and supportive friends and a very pleasant read.
September 14, 2016
Vision in White Roberts Nora I can always count on Nora Roberts to keep me entertained. Be it with a romantic suspense contribution (the recently read Night Tales series) or a straight contemporary (the book I'm reviewing at the moment). Because Vision in White delivered on the promise in the blurb and then some. I absolutely loved it, its "friendship" angle and its "romance" angle. And the characters, oh, the characters were simply amazing. I couldn't help but love the four girls, I can't wait for Jake and Del to have bigger roles, I'm impatiently waiting for the mechanic to step into the picture, loved the brides, hated the heroine's mother (who didn't?), and I fell for Dr. Maguire (the hero, FYI) the instant he smacked into a wall. I fell for his battleship-sized feet, his klutziness, his cute little quirks, his shyness, and a complete about-face from his everyday persona he showed in the bedroom (*lusty grin*). I know I shouldn't say this about a guy, but he was just so utterly adorable. There's no other word I could use for Carter. Adorable, that's him. This book didn't make run the whole gamut of emotions, but some (and appropriate facial expressions) were there. I cried a little at the sweet and tender descriptions of Mac's photos and weddings, I gritted my teeth and rolled my eyes each time Linda (and then Corrinda) stepped into the picture, I kept my fingers crossed whenever Carter and Mac were together, I wanted to yell at Mac for being so spineless (at the beginning) and so stubborn (throughout the rest of the book) to try and sabotage the vest thing that could've happened to her, I LOLed at the little zingers she shot around, at the banter between girlfriends, at the wedding biz acronyms, and at the one-liners. This wasn't a suspense romance, a police procedural or a murder mystery. Nope, this was a straightforward, lightweight (despite some minor issues due to the "patsy gene" the H/h exhibited), cute, sweet, sexy, sensual (I love how NR writes her sex scenes!), romantic, friendly, funny little contemporary romantic comedy. Definitely a keeper and highly recommended!
July 10, 2022
Mac has a wedding business together with her three friends and through a client she meets Carter, who she went to school with, and a love story develops. To be honest, I didn't like the book. Every time I thought it was going to be exciting, I was disappointed and my enthusiasm to keep reading was lacking every day.
July 25, 2021
Well, Carter is just the sweetest. Far and away the most loveable, chill beta hero I've read from La Nora and the star of the show in this one. I also love the friendships established in this book - excited for the next books!
August 10, 2016
5 stars – Contemporary Romance
I’m really surprised by how much I enjoyed this, especially since it was a random read while I was awaiting some August releases and because other than the J.D. Robb In Death books I’ve read, Nora Roberts often tends to be a little too vanilla ice cream for me. But I just loved sweet, shy, nerdy, English professor Carter to bits! It was so adorable and funny how he got so embarrassed over his friend Bob’s dating advice. And the list? Priceless! He made me smile and giggle so many times. I just wanted to pinch his cheeks and squeeze him tight! And it was sexy when he got all alpha animalistic in the bedroom.
The excessive wedding details were a bit boring at times, but I just skimmed those parts. The friendship moments between Mac, Emma, Laurel, and Parker were very realistic and well done. I hated Mac’s narcissistic mother and was so glad when Parker told her off.
It’s a feel good read that made me smile throughout. So a surprising 5 stars, and it’s mostly because of a cute geek hero named Carter!
I’m really surprised by how much I enjoyed this, especially since it was a random read while I was awaiting some August releases and because other than the J.D. Robb In Death books I’ve read, Nora Roberts often tends to be a little too vanilla ice cream for me. But I just loved sweet, shy, nerdy, English professor Carter to bits! It was so adorable and funny how he got so embarrassed over his friend Bob’s dating advice. And the list? Priceless! He made me smile and giggle so many times. I just wanted to pinch his cheeks and squeeze him tight! And it was sexy when he got all alpha animalistic in the bedroom.
The excessive wedding details were a bit boring at times, but I just skimmed those parts. The friendship moments between Mac, Emma, Laurel, and Parker were very realistic and well done. I hated Mac’s narcissistic mother and was so glad when Parker told her off.
It’s a feel good read that made me smile throughout. So a surprising 5 stars, and it’s mostly because of a cute geek hero named Carter!
September 15, 2021
Sometime between the Quinn Bros. trilogy in 1999 and the Key trilogy in 2000, there was a big change in Nora's writing voice. One I really, really don't like. It seems, more and more, that she began channeling Candace Bushnell (Sex and the City, Lipstick Jungle). Almost every heroine since then has grated on my nerves, with the notable exception of the heroine of Angels Fall. This book is no different.
Mac Elliot runs a wedding planning shop with her three friends, in which she is the photographer. She's commitment-phobic because of her parents' multiple marriages and an all-around crappy childhood, and she's a big enabler for her narcissistic mother. When she meets Carter again after being barely acquainted with him in high school, she recognizes that this could potentially be a serious relationship, and she basically sets out to sabatoge it in any way she can. Okay, maybe that's a little harsh, but sometimes I just wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake the crap out of her.
Carter is the typical Beta hero that Nora has been falling back on since the Calhoun series: bumbling, soft-spoken, slow to anger teacher hero with simmering passion just below the surface for the heroine. We've seen this character before, and she didn't really make this one any different. At times, he was almost just as frustrating as Mac, because he was just too patient.
One thing I did love, and that bumped my rating up, was the friendship between the four women. I can't wait for Parker's story, though that will probably be last, and I'm tentatively excited for Emma's story (and I think I know her HEA) because she seems so fun and cheerful. Because of this element, and because at the very end, Mac redeemed herself by pulling her head out of her @$$, I give this a B-.
ETA: Changed rating and grade to C after much deliberation.
Mac Elliot runs a wedding planning shop with her three friends, in which she is the photographer. She's commitment-phobic because of her parents' multiple marriages and an all-around crappy childhood, and she's a big enabler for her narcissistic mother. When she meets Carter again after being barely acquainted with him in high school, she recognizes that this could potentially be a serious relationship, and she basically sets out to sabatoge it in any way she can. Okay, maybe that's a little harsh, but sometimes I just wanted to take her by the shoulders and shake the crap out of her.
Carter is the typical Beta hero that Nora has been falling back on since the Calhoun series: bumbling, soft-spoken, slow to anger teacher hero with simmering passion just below the surface for the heroine. We've seen this character before, and she didn't really make this one any different. At times, he was almost just as frustrating as Mac, because he was just too patient.
One thing I did love, and that bumped my rating up, was the friendship between the four women. I can't wait for Parker's story, though that will probably be last, and I'm tentatively excited for Emma's story (and I think I know her HEA) because she seems so fun and cheerful. Because of this element, and because at the very end, Mac redeemed herself by pulling her head out of her @$$, I give this a B-.
ETA: Changed rating and grade to C after much deliberation.
August 13, 2023
I've never read anything by Nora Roberts, but wanted to try one. My sister suggested this one. I absolutely LOVED it! MacKensie and all of her friends are so beautiful and such strong friendships. Carter. Carter. Carter. He's a dream boat. Educated, nerdy but so dreamy and romantic. Can he be my new book boyfriend? OBSESSED! Going back to the library to grab me some more Nora Roberts books!!!
May 26, 2011
Let me just start by saying that I am a huge fan of Robert's In Death series, which she writes under the pseudonym J.D. Robb. I've only read the first four, but I'm a complete addict when it comes to that series.
However, there's a good reason why I've never tried anything from Nora Roberts outside of that series. I guess I've always had this supposition that Robert's books are basically contemporary, chaste bodice rippers (oxymoron, I know) with an extra helping of fluff - based solely on Vision in White, I wasn't far off.
Vision in White started off really good. The prologue is cute - but not in a root canal way - it sucked me in and made me think I'd like this. You know how they say don't judge a book by its cover? Well, I guess that applies to prologues, also. Most everything past the prologue was a disappointment.
Vision in White begins with Mackensie "Mac" Elliot and her three BFFs - Emma, Laurel, and Parker - prepping for another "wedding". Now, at this time, they're only in grade school, but, just like any child, they love to play make-believe, and their favorite game is Wedding Day. One of them dresses up like the bride, the groom, and the rest act as bridesmaids. Around this time, Mac also gets a gift from her grandfather - a camera.
Now, at the tender age of eight, it seems a rather inapt gift. But what Mac doesn't know is that she'll one day be a photographer - and her and her friends will own Vows, a highly successful wedding planning company. Talk about fate.
My feelings toward Mac seemed to fluctuate rapidly while reading this. Mac's character started out vapid and uninteresting to me; then slowly she became semi-likable; then she did something really stupid that made me dislike her again; and by the end of the novel I settled on annoying.
Carter's an English teacher in his early thirties who's had a crush on Mac since high school. Carter seemed cute in some instances, and in others his character seemed overdone when it comes to the whole geeky role. As the male lead, he was just OK for me.
Mac's mother, Linda, is easily one of the most vexing characters I've ever read about. Normally, I wouldn't count not liking a character that you're intended to not like toward my overall enjoyment, but she pissed me off too much for me to ignore it. Linda is emotionally manipulative when it comes to her daughter and I found myself wanting to do the impossible and strangle her character.
And she's not the only one! Carter's ex girlfriend, Corrine, is just as
strangle-worthy. Mac's mother and Carter's ex should start a club: The Bitches Who Live to Screw Up Everything club.
What follows is the scene where everything went downhill for me (bear in mind, this scene is between only Carter and Mac, and the "me" part is obviously just my inner thoughts as the reader. Also, this isn't a direct quote from the novel, only mysatire summarization):
Mac: Ahhh! Carter, you geeky stud puppy! If I would've known you were this good in bed, I would've paid more attention to you in high school!
Carter: *mentally recites Shakespeare*
[Me: If you've read one sex scene, you've read them all. *boredom*]
Mac: Mmm. Carter, I'm so happy right now. Here, with you. *thinks to self: Wait! Happy? I can't be happy! I'm Mackensie Elliot, happy is horrible! I must ruin this moment!*
[Me: I see where this is going, and I don't like it.]
Carter: Oh, Mac! I've waited for this moment since I was a geek-in-training! I'm so happy!
Mac: *mumbles* There's that bloody word again!
Carter: What did you say, honey?
Mac: *jumps out of bed, heads for the exit* "Thanks for the fabulous dinner and multiple orgasms! 'Kay, bye!"
Carter: *sigh* Well, it was nice while it lasted.
[Me: What the fuck?]
That's my summarization of that scene, but her actual departing sentence was "Gotta run. Thanks for everything. I'll call you." - Yeah. Not much better IMO. See, I have this little List of No-Noes, and running off after sex - whether it be the male or female doing the running - is on that list. So while things were indeed beginning to pick up for me, that scene proved to annihilate my enjoyment pretty fast.
If it were Carter that had done the running, I don't think Mac would've been nearly as forgiving. In fact, Carter doesn't even mention the incident. The whole thing just gets swept under the rug.
Mac describes their first time together to her friends as "the most amazing, world-bending, melt-you-brain-cells sex in the history of the planet." (That is a direct quote, BTW) To which my reaction was, Oh, come on, Mackensie! It's not as if you've just had sex with Roarke! Sorry, that's a bad reference if you've not read the In Death series.
Anyway, I thought that was just a tad on the ridiculous sounding side.
Now, let me be clear - despite my myriad complaints - I really did like a fair amount of this. It's just that the parts I didn't like eclipsed the parts I did, making the whole thing exasperating and disappointing.
One thing I will say, though: The side characters - Emma, Laurel, etc. - seemed more interesting and likable to me. Since I've already bought books 2 and 4, I'll probably end up reading the rest of this series - depending on how the next installment, Bed of Roses, turns out. I'm crossing my fingers.
However, there's a good reason why I've never tried anything from Nora Roberts outside of that series. I guess I've always had this supposition that Robert's books are basically contemporary, chaste bodice rippers (oxymoron, I know) with an extra helping of fluff - based solely on Vision in White, I wasn't far off.
Vision in White started off really good. The prologue is cute - but not in a root canal way - it sucked me in and made me think I'd like this. You know how they say don't judge a book by its cover? Well, I guess that applies to prologues, also. Most everything past the prologue was a disappointment.
Vision in White begins with Mackensie "Mac" Elliot and her three BFFs - Emma, Laurel, and Parker - prepping for another "wedding". Now, at this time, they're only in grade school, but, just like any child, they love to play make-believe, and their favorite game is Wedding Day. One of them dresses up like the bride, the groom, and the rest act as bridesmaids. Around this time, Mac also gets a gift from her grandfather - a camera.
Now, at the tender age of eight, it seems a rather inapt gift. But what Mac doesn't know is that she'll one day be a photographer - and her and her friends will own Vows, a highly successful wedding planning company. Talk about fate.
My feelings toward Mac seemed to fluctuate rapidly while reading this. Mac's character started out vapid and uninteresting to me; then slowly she became semi-likable; then she did something really stupid that made me dislike her again; and by the end of the novel I settled on annoying.
Carter's an English teacher in his early thirties who's had a crush on Mac since high school. Carter seemed cute in some instances, and in others his character seemed overdone when it comes to the whole geeky role. As the male lead, he was just OK for me.
Mac's mother, Linda, is easily one of the most vexing characters I've ever read about. Normally, I wouldn't count not liking a character that you're intended to not like toward my overall enjoyment, but she pissed me off too much for me to ignore it. Linda is emotionally manipulative when it comes to her daughter and I found myself wanting to do the impossible and strangle her character.
And she's not the only one! Carter's ex girlfriend, Corrine, is just as
strangle-worthy. Mac's mother and Carter's ex should start a club: The Bitches Who Live to Screw Up Everything club.
What follows is the scene where everything went downhill for me (bear in mind, this scene is between only Carter and Mac, and the "me" part is obviously just my inner thoughts as the reader. Also, this isn't a direct quote from the novel, only my
Mac: Ahhh! Carter, you geeky stud puppy! If I would've known you were this good in bed, I would've paid more attention to you in high school!
Carter: *mentally recites Shakespeare*
[Me: If you've read one sex scene, you've read them all. *boredom*]
Mac: Mmm. Carter, I'm so happy right now. Here, with you. *thinks to self: Wait! Happy? I can't be happy! I'm Mackensie Elliot, happy is horrible! I must ruin this moment!*
[Me: I see where this is going, and I don't like it.]
Carter: Oh, Mac! I've waited for this moment since I was a geek-in-training! I'm so happy!
Mac: *mumbles* There's that bloody word again!
Carter: What did you say, honey?
Mac: *jumps out of bed, heads for the exit* "Thanks for the fabulous dinner and multiple orgasms! 'Kay, bye!"
Carter: *sigh* Well, it was nice while it lasted.
[Me: What the fuck?]
That's my summarization of that scene, but her actual departing sentence was "Gotta run. Thanks for everything. I'll call you." - Yeah. Not much better IMO. See, I have this little List of No-Noes, and running off after sex - whether it be the male or female doing the running - is on that list. So while things were indeed beginning to pick up for me, that scene proved to annihilate my enjoyment pretty fast.
If it were Carter that had done the running, I don't think Mac would've been nearly as forgiving. In fact, Carter doesn't even mention the incident. The whole thing just gets swept under the rug.
Mac describes their first time together to her friends as "the most amazing, world-bending, melt-you-brain-cells sex in the history of the planet." (That is a direct quote, BTW) To which my reaction was, Oh, come on, Mackensie! It's not as if you've just had sex with Roarke! Sorry, that's a bad reference if you've not read the In Death series.
Anyway, I thought that was just a tad on the ridiculous sounding side.
Now, let me be clear - despite my myriad complaints - I really did like a fair amount of this. It's just that the parts I didn't like eclipsed the parts I did, making the whole thing exasperating and disappointing.
One thing I will say, though: The side characters - Emma, Laurel, etc. - seemed more interesting and likable to me. Since I've already bought books 2 and 4, I'll probably end up reading the rest of this series - depending on how the next installment, Bed of Roses, turns out. I'm crossing my fingers.
November 8, 2020
2.5 stars
This isn't really a review, but, in a nod to timing, I wanted to alert anyone that still might have some Steve Kornacki thirst that the hero in this could help carry some of that weight. Dr. Maguire is a high school Lit teacher and a competent cinnamon roll.
The rest of the characters and story, meh, a lot of wedding talk with acronyms (ex. MOB-mother of bride) that ruined the smoothness of reading for me, I couldn't quite sink into the romance, and overall this just had some caustic chaotic energy.
I leave you with some favorite quotes:
The taste of her, the feel . That moment of lips and tongue, and the heat rising in the blood. In the quiet of snowfall, that elemental hush, the sound of her breath sighing out broke in his mind like thunder. A storm gathering.
#KorsnackiAlert
She stopped, threw her hands up again. “Grandfathers wear tweed. Old guys in old British movies wear tweed. Why do I find it sexy that he wears tweed? This is a question that haunts me.”
“Haven’t heard from Carter?”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re going to buy shoes, which is comfort food for you. Have you called him?”
“To say what? I’m sorry? I already said that. I was wrong? I was, I know I was wrong, but it doesn’t change what I feel.”
“Which is?”
“Confused, afraid, stupid. Double all of that because I miss seeing him,” she admitted. “I miss talking to him. So I think it’s better if I don’t see him or talk to him.”
“Your logic doesn’t resemble the logic of humans.”
This isn't really a review, but, in a nod to timing, I wanted to alert anyone that still might have some Steve Kornacki thirst that the hero in this could help carry some of that weight. Dr. Maguire is a high school Lit teacher and a competent cinnamon roll.
The rest of the characters and story, meh, a lot of wedding talk with acronyms (ex. MOB-mother of bride) that ruined the smoothness of reading for me, I couldn't quite sink into the romance, and overall this just had some caustic chaotic energy.
I leave you with some favorite quotes:
The taste of her, the feel . That moment of lips and tongue, and the heat rising in the blood. In the quiet of snowfall, that elemental hush, the sound of her breath sighing out broke in his mind like thunder. A storm gathering.
#KorsnackiAlert
She stopped, threw her hands up again. “Grandfathers wear tweed. Old guys in old British movies wear tweed. Why do I find it sexy that he wears tweed? This is a question that haunts me.”
“Haven’t heard from Carter?”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re going to buy shoes, which is comfort food for you. Have you called him?”
“To say what? I’m sorry? I already said that. I was wrong? I was, I know I was wrong, but it doesn’t change what I feel.”
“Which is?”
“Confused, afraid, stupid. Double all of that because I miss seeing him,” she admitted. “I miss talking to him. So I think it’s better if I don’t see him or talk to him.”
“Your logic doesn’t resemble the logic of humans.”
August 12, 2019
El hombre perfecto existe ¡se llama Carter!
OMG, cuánto echaba de menos leer un libro de Nora Roberts y este es de los mejores que tiene. Qué bonito el romance, que bonita la amistad y qué maravilla de personajes.
Reseña: https://librosdelcielo.blogspot.com/2...
OMG, cuánto echaba de menos leer un libro de Nora Roberts y este es de los mejores que tiene. Qué bonito el romance, que bonita la amistad y qué maravilla de personajes.
Reseña: https://librosdelcielo.blogspot.com/2...
March 15, 2017
Awwww so sweet and romantic!
December 23, 2016
Now, I will be honest here. Even though I have been reading romance novels for a long time from various romance novelists, I had never read any of Nora Roberts’ works before and her work is everywhere in the reading sphere! So, when I stumbled upon this book by Nora Roberts called “Vision in White,” I just knew that this was the book that was going to introduce me to Nora Roberts’ works in a good way!
Mackensie “Mac” Elliot had dreamed for all her life about taking pictures at a wedding and she finally has her dreams come true when she and her best friends, Parker, Emma and Laurel all came together to create Connecticut’s wedding planning business called “Vow.” With Mac being a well-renowned photographer, she is able to capture the most beautiful moments at the weddings with a click of her camera. But, unfortunately Mac has no desire to get married despite working at a wedding planning business due to her trust issues that started with her father leaving her and her mother when she was a child and her mother Linda constantly asking Mac for more money, despite the fact that this act is emotionally hurting Mac. Then one fateful day, Mac runs into a shy yet sexy teacher named Carter Maguire, who she has known since high school and it turns out that Carter has been infatuated with Mac ever since they were in high school. Now, Mac must conquer her fears of falling in love with Carter if she has to make her own happy ending.
Wow! I have to say that as the first book I had read from Nora Roberts, it was simply amazing and heartwarming! I loved the fact that Nora Roberts made friendship and the importance of true love a central theme in this book as I enjoyed seeing how Mac starts developing as a character as she slowly learns to start trusting people despite her tragic past with her parents and the fact that her mother Linda keeps trying to take money from her. I also enjoyed the scenes where Mac confides in her friends Parker, Emma and Laurel about her romantic woes and her issues with her mother as it shows that Mac’s circle of friends are extremely supportive of Mac through her life and it shows that they are truly good friends towards Mac and it makes me want to have such friends in real life! Nora Roberts also did a great job at developing the relationships between Mac, her friends and Carter as not only does Mac have great friends who support her through her issues, but she also has a love interest in Carter who showed her what it is like to trust and love someone again. I loved almost all of the characters in this novel (well, except for the antagonists, of course) as they all felt so genuine and are supportive of each other through tough times. I especially loved the characters of Mac and Carter themselves as they were the stars of the show with their unique romance and support of each other. I loved the fact that Mac is a successful photographer as it shows that she is a strong and determined young woman who is trying to get her personal life together and it was great seeing her character develop throughout the story as she is trying to learn how to trust and love someone again. Carter was absolutely fantastic as he is truly supportive of Mac and knows how to comfort Mac when she really needs it and who says that high school teachers cannot be HOT and SEXY!?
For readers who do not like strong language and sex scenes, this book does contain some strong language such as the usage of the “s” word and some sex scenes, so some readers might want to skim over these scenes if they find them to be a bit too much.
Overall, “Vision in White” is a truly fantastic book about the importance of true friendship and love and I am sure that anyone who loves a good winter romance will enjoy this book!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
July 22, 2016
Se soubesse que ia ler num dia não o tinha deixado parado na estante durante 3 anos! --'
Começou muito morno mas depois aqueceu e acabei por gostar bastante, agora é seguir para o 2º da série!
---
(...)
Um dia perfeito - é talvez o meu favorito. Gostei muito de como foi apresentada a Mac, tanto como a sua via profissional foi retratada, assim da mesma forma como a autora mostrou a sua vida pessoal e os problemas familiares do passado. O facto da Linda ser uma antagonista que percorre toda a série e também de aparecer em todos os outros livros, fez com que a Mac tivesse sempre um pouco de mais de destaque do que das restantes. Em relação ao romance com o Carter, gostei da condição de eles já conhecerem-se desde os tempos de escola, pois gosto sempre de romances em que há já uma relação anterior, nem que seja apenas de vista. O próprio Carter também me pareceu um dos homens mais interessantes e o facto de ser tão diferente da Mac, tornou o romance mais divertido. Foi um livro que li num dia e que antecipava outras leituras maravilhosas que viriam por aí.
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
Começou muito morno mas depois aqueceu e acabei por gostar bastante, agora é seguir para o 2º da série!
---
(...)
Um dia perfeito - é talvez o meu favorito. Gostei muito de como foi apresentada a Mac, tanto como a sua via profissional foi retratada, assim da mesma forma como a autora mostrou a sua vida pessoal e os problemas familiares do passado. O facto da Linda ser uma antagonista que percorre toda a série e também de aparecer em todos os outros livros, fez com que a Mac tivesse sempre um pouco de mais de destaque do que das restantes. Em relação ao romance com o Carter, gostei da condição de eles já conhecerem-se desde os tempos de escola, pois gosto sempre de romances em que há já uma relação anterior, nem que seja apenas de vista. O próprio Carter também me pareceu um dos homens mais interessantes e o facto de ser tão diferente da Mac, tornou o romance mais divertido. Foi um livro que li num dia e que antecipava outras leituras maravilhosas que viriam por aí.
http://algodaodoceparaocerebro.blogsp...
December 5, 2020
Well, clearly I didn’t appreciate it this one when I read it forever ago.
I loved Mackenzie and Carter. They seem to be complete opposite, but they compliment each other so well. I loved the organic way the relationship unfolded. Of course the 3 other ladies are fabulous and I love love love the support between all of them. The friendship was easily one of the best parts of the story.
Plot wise, it was good. There were some time shifts that didn’t sit with me as I never really knew the when of the scene. By the time we got to the ending and the real HEA, it felt like it had only been a couple of weeks.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read. I can’t wait to dive into the other books.
I loved Mackenzie and Carter. They seem to be complete opposite, but they compliment each other so well. I loved the organic way the relationship unfolded. Of course the 3 other ladies are fabulous and I love love love the support between all of them. The friendship was easily one of the best parts of the story.
Plot wise, it was good. There were some time shifts that didn’t sit with me as I never really knew the when of the scene. By the time we got to the ending and the real HEA, it felt like it had only been a couple of weeks.
Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read. I can’t wait to dive into the other books.
June 7, 2012
Whoa, nerd chic! I'm coming to like Nora Roberts' romances. They're quick, engaging, and so far I've really liked the romantic leads even if they aren't always my “type”. I can't really generalize from the whole two books of hers I've read so far, but her steam-level seems to be in the middle of my range, as well.
Mackensie Elliot is a likeable heroine, though I cringe at some of her weaker moments. I really don't get her interactions with her mother and they irritated me no-end. I'm not saying that they are unrealistic or that I can't imagine people caving in to emotional blackmail so readily. Indeed, they're all too realistic and are at the core of who Mackensie is. Her growth during the novel involves both her appreciation of Carter and her learning to overcome the impulse to give in to her mother, so it's an important aspect of the both the internal and external action. I just don't normally like people who are susceptible to that kind of emotional appeal. I have to give it to Roberts for being able to stay true to the character without putting me off in an area of such strong personal preference.
Part of what kept me engaged was the very adorable Carter Maguire. He's a big ole nerd of the academic/literary variety but with a calm emotional core. His fumbling conversational gambits with Mackensie were endearing and revelatory and unguarded in a way that put him right into my heart from the first time we meet him. And when he gracefully navigates a tense encounter with a drunk jerk set on disrupting a reception Mackensie wants so badly to go well? That's a clincher, right there, that is. His determination and inner calm help him maintain the goal of a smooth event just because he knew it meant a lot to Mackensie that all goes well. Gorgeous.
Since this is the first of a quartet, I'm guessing the next novels will pick up with the other partners at Vows. I'm excited to read them.
A note on Steamy: This one was the middle of my steam-range—two sex scenes, graphic and of middling duration. Another scene and/or lengthening the two would have been near the far side of my range. Also, it looks like I'll be doing steam notes on the ends of all my steamy-flagged books. I just can't help myself...
Mackensie Elliot is a likeable heroine, though I cringe at some of her weaker moments. I really don't get her interactions with her mother and they irritated me no-end. I'm not saying that they are unrealistic or that I can't imagine people caving in to emotional blackmail so readily. Indeed, they're all too realistic and are at the core of who Mackensie is. Her growth during the novel involves both her appreciation of Carter and her learning to overcome the impulse to give in to her mother, so it's an important aspect of the both the internal and external action. I just don't normally like people who are susceptible to that kind of emotional appeal. I have to give it to Roberts for being able to stay true to the character without putting me off in an area of such strong personal preference.
Part of what kept me engaged was the very adorable Carter Maguire. He's a big ole nerd of the academic/literary variety but with a calm emotional core. His fumbling conversational gambits with Mackensie were endearing and revelatory and unguarded in a way that put him right into my heart from the first time we meet him. And when he gracefully navigates a tense encounter with a drunk jerk set on disrupting a reception Mackensie wants so badly to go well? That's a clincher, right there, that is. His determination and inner calm help him maintain the goal of a smooth event just because he knew it meant a lot to Mackensie that all goes well. Gorgeous.
Since this is the first of a quartet, I'm guessing the next novels will pick up with the other partners at Vows. I'm excited to read them.
A note on Steamy: This one was the middle of my steam-range—two sex scenes, graphic and of middling duration. Another scene and/or lengthening the two would have been near the far side of my range. Also, it looks like I'll be doing steam notes on the ends of all my steamy-flagged books. I just can't help myself...
April 28, 2016
4.5/5
This is one of Nora Roberts' wonderful love stories. I found many beautiful things in this book: friendships between friends, the warmth of family, unconditional love, and true love from the hero.
Nora Roberts has always created such adorable beta heroes. In this book, Carter Maguire was an extremely nerdy guy, but oh, he was so sweet! I always have my soft spot for nerdy heroes.
The heroine, Mac, she was strong, smart, and a bit stubborn. She had some kind of commitment issues because of her parents' failed marriage, so it made me understand why she ran away from her own overwhelming feelings for Carter. She just needed some space and time to figure things out and clear her confused mind. Carter did the right and lovely thing by offering it to her.
I loved the chemistry between Carter and Mac. It seemed so simple, natural, but beautiful.
This was my feeling after finishing the book...
เป็นอีกเล่มของนอร่า โรเบิร์ตที่เราชอบ บางคนบอกว่าใส่รายละเอียดเกี่ยวกับการจัดงานแต่งงานเยอะไป แต่เรามองว่าเยอะดีกว่าขาด ถ้าเราไม่สนใจสิ่งที่นักเขียนใส่มาเราก็แค่ข้ามไป แต่ถ้ามันขาดเนี่ยอ่านแล้วหงุดหงิดเพราะไม่มีคำตอบให้ตัวเองเวลาที่สงสัยในระหว่างอ่านนะ เรื่องนี้พระเอกรับความดีความชอบไปเต็มๆ เป็นพระเอกที่เนิร์ดเต็มขั้น เนิร์ดสุดๆ แล้วมั๊งตั้งแต่อ่านหนังสือของนอร่ามา แต่ว่าก็น่ารักมากๆ ด้วย พระเอกหลงรักนางเอกตั้งแต่ไฮสคูล น่ารักจัง
This is one of Nora Roberts' wonderful love stories. I found many beautiful things in this book: friendships between friends, the warmth of family, unconditional love, and true love from the hero.
Nora Roberts has always created such adorable beta heroes. In this book, Carter Maguire was an extremely nerdy guy, but oh, he was so sweet! I always have my soft spot for nerdy heroes.
The heroine, Mac, she was strong, smart, and a bit stubborn. She had some kind of commitment issues because of her parents' failed marriage, so it made me understand why she ran away from her own overwhelming feelings for Carter. She just needed some space and time to figure things out and clear her confused mind. Carter did the right and lovely thing by offering it to her.
I loved the chemistry between Carter and Mac. It seemed so simple, natural, but beautiful.
This was my feeling after finishing the book...
เป็นอีกเล่มของนอร่า โรเบิร์ตที่เราชอบ บางคนบอกว่าใส่รายละเอียดเกี่ยวกับการจัดงานแต่งงานเยอะไป แต่เรามองว่าเยอะดีกว่าขาด ถ้าเราไม่สนใจสิ่งที่นักเขียนใส่มาเราก็แค่ข้ามไป แต่ถ้ามันขาดเนี่ยอ่านแล้วหงุดหงิดเพราะไม่มีคำตอบให้ตัวเองเวลาที่สงสัยในระหว่างอ่านนะ เรื่องนี้พระเอกรับความดีความชอบไปเต็มๆ เป็นพระเอกที่เนิร์ดเต็มขั้น เนิร์ดสุดๆ แล้วมั๊งตั้งแต่อ่านหนังสือของนอร่ามา แต่ว่าก็น่ารักมากๆ ด้วย พระเอกหลงรักนางเอกตั้งแต่ไฮสคูล น่ารักจัง
February 20, 2016
"No me quito de la cabeza a un tío que piensa en mí. Y solo de pensar que está pensando en mí, me agobio. No sé si en realidad pienso en él porque él piensa en mí o si pienso en él porque es un encanto, es divertido, dulce y sexy."
Ahora que conseguí comprarme este librillo usado, no puedo creer que me haya olvidado lo dulce que es Carter, por amor de Dios. Es la ternura hecha persona. Con una Mac más hiperactiva que nunca, con muchos miedos e inseguridades, y con un Carter que te llena los poros con su ternura es imposible no caer rendida a sus pies.
El punto positivo que le veo es que si bien el trabajo es importante para todas, son amigas primero. Y están ahí, y se escuchan y pelean. Y viven juntas. Cuando era chica siempre pensé que sería muy genial vivir una mansión con mis mejores amigas. Lástima que no tienen perros. Aunque el gato de tres patas de Carter debe de contar.
Me acuerdo de la pareja de desvergonzados que son en los siguientes libros y me dan más ternura, estos dos son dinamita.
March 13, 2011
I actually don't have any time to read at the moment, but yeah ... you know how it is. I took a break from studying in between (my brain felt fried anyway and I wouldn't have been able to stuff in anything more - yes, I am looking for excuses ...), and finished Vision in White in a few hours. I don't know, I'm usually not that much into Nora Roberts or cheesy chicklit in general - although I had this phase when I was about 15 ;) - but this one just suited my mood at that moment and I enjoyed it immensely. It definitely does have a standard Roberts plot and most certainly isn't anything breathtakingly new and special, but I knew that up front and didn't expect it to be. It's just the right book if you're looking for a comfort read to take your mind off other things (and if you're in the mood for some light romance). I also enjoyed reading about the whole wedding planner business - although I can see it getting old after a few instalments (there are a total of four books in this series). Nevertheless, I ordered the second book directly after finishing this one - luckily it was available for swapping :).
December 12, 2019
Una novela fresca, divertida, llena de vida y de entusiasmo, y con una preciosa historia de amor.
No sabría decir exactamente en qué ciudad de Estados Unidos se ambienta la novela porque, en realidad, el gran escenario que se utiliza es una preciosa casa victoriana transformada ahora en un próspero negocio de organización de bodas regido por cuatro amigas, tan unidas como distintas son entre ellas. La ambientación la forman también las bodas y los mil y un detalles que la conforman, las parejas que acuden a Votos, para organizar su enlace, con los diferentes problemas y situaciones que pueden surgir en momentos así.
La trama gira en torno a estas cuatro chicas a las que une una amistad verdadera, y aunque tiene un desarrollo sencillo, aderezado con situaciones cómicas, es suficiente para captar la atención y desear saber más de cada una de ellas.
Todos los personajes que salen me han encantado. Las cuatro chicas son fuertes, decididas y seguras de sí mismas. Y luego tenemos a Del y a Jack, que estoy segura de que tendrán también su papel importante en alguna de las historias del resto de la serie.
En esta primera entrega nos encontramos con los dos protagonistas principales. Mac, una excelente fotógrafa con una situación familiar disfuncional que le afecta emocionalmente y también en su forma de pensar y de concebir un compromiso o una relación afectiva. A pesar de todo, es una chica alegre e impulsiva, y un soplo de aire fresco. Me ha encantado su modo de mirar el mundo a través del objetivo de una cámara, porque a veces se nos olvida que la vida, el mundo y todo lo que nos rodea está hecho de detalles que son importantes y que pueden cambiarnos a nosotros y nuestro modo de ver las cosas.
Carter es un profesor de literatura inglesa y escritura creativa. Ya con eso me había conquistado, pero es que, además, y como dice Mac, "es tan mono". Es de esos hombres que son un sueño hecho realidad. No es el típico protagonista súper guapo, musculoso y heroico; es normalito, patoso, serio y tímido, pero también tierno, delicado, paciente, sabe escuchar, atento, uno de esos caballeros a la antigua, y un maravilloso amante. Me ha parecido el complemento perfecto para Mac, y me he reído mucho con sus salidas y su modo de afrontar las situaciones, sobre todo cuando se encuentra por primera vez con Mac. En fin, me ha fascinado.
La historia de amor entre ellos es una preciosidad. A pesar de los obstáculos, no hay un tira y afloja en la relación, sino una progresión delicada y suave que se va profundizando a través de los gestos y detalles de cada uno de ellos con el otro, hasta que ambos están preparados para aceptar la totalidad del amor que ofrecen.
El estilo de Nora Roberts es fresco y divertido; me encanta la fluidez de su pluma y cómo te envuelve en la historia casi sin darte cuenta. La recomiendo al 100%, y estoy deseando conocer la historia de Parker, Emma y Laurel.
No sabría decir exactamente en qué ciudad de Estados Unidos se ambienta la novela porque, en realidad, el gran escenario que se utiliza es una preciosa casa victoriana transformada ahora en un próspero negocio de organización de bodas regido por cuatro amigas, tan unidas como distintas son entre ellas. La ambientación la forman también las bodas y los mil y un detalles que la conforman, las parejas que acuden a Votos, para organizar su enlace, con los diferentes problemas y situaciones que pueden surgir en momentos así.
La trama gira en torno a estas cuatro chicas a las que une una amistad verdadera, y aunque tiene un desarrollo sencillo, aderezado con situaciones cómicas, es suficiente para captar la atención y desear saber más de cada una de ellas.
Todos los personajes que salen me han encantado. Las cuatro chicas son fuertes, decididas y seguras de sí mismas. Y luego tenemos a Del y a Jack, que estoy segura de que tendrán también su papel importante en alguna de las historias del resto de la serie.
En esta primera entrega nos encontramos con los dos protagonistas principales. Mac, una excelente fotógrafa con una situación familiar disfuncional que le afecta emocionalmente y también en su forma de pensar y de concebir un compromiso o una relación afectiva. A pesar de todo, es una chica alegre e impulsiva, y un soplo de aire fresco. Me ha encantado su modo de mirar el mundo a través del objetivo de una cámara, porque a veces se nos olvida que la vida, el mundo y todo lo que nos rodea está hecho de detalles que son importantes y que pueden cambiarnos a nosotros y nuestro modo de ver las cosas.
Carter es un profesor de literatura inglesa y escritura creativa. Ya con eso me había conquistado, pero es que, además, y como dice Mac, "es tan mono". Es de esos hombres que son un sueño hecho realidad. No es el típico protagonista súper guapo, musculoso y heroico; es normalito, patoso, serio y tímido, pero también tierno, delicado, paciente, sabe escuchar, atento, uno de esos caballeros a la antigua, y un maravilloso amante. Me ha parecido el complemento perfecto para Mac, y me he reído mucho con sus salidas y su modo de afrontar las situaciones, sobre todo cuando se encuentra por primera vez con Mac. En fin, me ha fascinado.
La historia de amor entre ellos es una preciosidad. A pesar de los obstáculos, no hay un tira y afloja en la relación, sino una progresión delicada y suave que se va profundizando a través de los gestos y detalles de cada uno de ellos con el otro, hasta que ambos están preparados para aceptar la totalidad del amor que ofrecen.
El estilo de Nora Roberts es fresco y divertido; me encanta la fluidez de su pluma y cómo te envuelve en la historia casi sin darte cuenta. La recomiendo al 100%, y estoy deseando conocer la historia de Parker, Emma y Laurel.
January 10, 2024
Vision in White is the first book in the Bride Quartet by Nora Roberts that follows four friends – Mac, Laurel, Emmaline and Parker – finding romance while they work at their own wedding planning business “Vows”.
This first story focuses on Mackensie Elliot, the photographer, and how she has to overcome her rough childhood which has left her afraid of commitment when Carter Maguire enters the scene. Back in High School, Carter was a nerd with a huge crush on Mac but was never brave enough to tell her but now several years later he finally gets a chance to kiss, date and fall in love with his high school crush for real. Mac, however, doesn't know if she's prepared for the battle of emotions that he stirs inside of her.
Nora Roberts can always sell her characters to you. The friendship between the four girls is lifelike, down-to-earth and downright believable as is the fear that Mac feels when she senses Carter means more to her than she could ever imagine. With writing that grips you from the beginning, Roberts has created another book – and series – that is going to leave you with that giddy feeling and believing in romance.
This first story focuses on Mackensie Elliot, the photographer, and how she has to overcome her rough childhood which has left her afraid of commitment when Carter Maguire enters the scene. Back in High School, Carter was a nerd with a huge crush on Mac but was never brave enough to tell her but now several years later he finally gets a chance to kiss, date and fall in love with his high school crush for real. Mac, however, doesn't know if she's prepared for the battle of emotions that he stirs inside of her.
Nora Roberts can always sell her characters to you. The friendship between the four girls is lifelike, down-to-earth and downright believable as is the fear that Mac feels when she senses Carter means more to her than she could ever imagine. With writing that grips you from the beginning, Roberts has created another book – and series – that is going to leave you with that giddy feeling and believing in romance.
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