A feel-good story about marriage, making up, and miracles
MARRIAGE Not even a bridal-veil-stealing dog can ruin Haley and Ben’s wedding day. And when Haley’s beloved Aunt Nan gives them a gift that’s not to be opened “until your first big disagreement,” Haley is sure the box will sit gathering dust for a lifetime. After all, she and Ben are the perfect couple. Aren’t they?
MAKING UP But life comes with stresses. Architect Ben’s career dreams are rooted in losses from his past, while bakery owner Haley has her own firmly-set – and conflicting – plans for how to get to a happy future. Each time they decide to open the gift, though, something stops them, pushing them to solve the issue themselves, and before long, the mysterious box takes on almost mythic proportions. They can’t imagine what’s inside that could fix every marital woe, but they want to save it as long as possible.
MIRACLES What happens when a problem comes along that can’t be solved and no gift could ever fix? This one might just take believing in miracles.
Toni Blake's love of writing began when she won an essay contest in the fifth grade. Soon after, she penned her first novel, nineteen notebook-pages long, and announced to her mother over breakfast one day that she was going to be a writer when she grew up. Since then, Toni has become the author of more than forty contemporary romance novels. Her work has been excerpted in Cosmo, she's been a recipient of the Kentucky Women Writers Fellowship and she's been a nominee for the prestigious Pushcart Prize. In addition to being a two-time finalist for the Rita Award, she's received both the National Readers Choice Award and the Booksellers Best Award. Toni lives in the Midwest with her husband and enjoys traveling, crafts, and being outdoors.
I received a free copy of, The Wedding Box, by Toni Blake, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Haley and Ben are given a gift at their wedding, that is to be opened after their first fight. Life goes on though for Haley and Ben, will they remember to open the wedding box? What a great read, sure its chick lit, but it makes you feel good reading it.
The Wedding Box is different from Toni's previous romances but different is not a bad thing in this case. This tells a beautiful and very realistic story of a marriage and obstacles that happen along the way. Haley and Ben are given a gift by Haley's Aunt Nan on their wedding day, instructing them to open it during their first big argument. This story takes you through their journey in the first 5 years of marriage and yes, there is a point where you do, in fact, find out what's in the box. For anyone who's been in a relationship, this may strike a chord, giving you the feels, because it shows what happens after the HEA, it's the "what comes next" part of life.
I have never read this author's work before so when I read her note at the beginning of the book, I understand it was a turn from her usual writing. However, Toni Blake had me when she wished that this book "brings you joy and warmth, helps you escape from anything weighing you down at the moment, and leaves you believing in the good in life!" That it most certainly did.
When I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. I loved meeting Haley and Ben at their wedding and then learning more about how their relationship started during each flashback at their anniversary when something inevitably would cause a pretty big disagreement from whether to get a pet (do you love cats or dogs?!) to whether to buy a house and more. I thought that was lovely and creative. It made me wish things could be as simple to resolve in real life as getting a flashback to get better understanding of our spouse. I also adored and loved Aunt Nan...I wish everyone in the world had an Aunt Nan. The wedding gift she gave the couple was mysterious and a little bit playful, just like her, because how hard would it be to get a beautiful gift and be told NOT to open it until a specific thing happens...in this case a fight the couple just could not resolve on their own.
Will you ever find out what is in The Wedding Box? You'll have to fall in love with the characters, get to know their love story and first few years of marriage while you read the book to find out! If you enjoy the Mrs. Miracle series of movies on Hallmark, you will absolutely hands down, love this heartwarming book.
Tropes I love in this book: Found Family, FMC Falls First, Death in the Family, Incapable of Love...and my alltimefavorite - Happy Ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Wedding Box by Toni Blake is promoted as a feel-good story and it could have been that but to me, it wasn't. The story is focused mainly on the arguments Haley and Ben had and how they ended up solving them which would have been good, but to me it was exhausting. I didn't believe that after five years together they couldn't solve their miscommunication issues and they were fighting for every major decision in their lives aka housing, pets, children. By the end of the book, everything was wrapped in a nice bow like the one on the cover and our characters got their happy ending. The book was decent, maybe even good, but it also left a bitter taste, so I wouldn't recommend it.
The premise of this story as described in the promotional blurb caught my interest, but the execution left something to be desired.
Haley and Ben have a meet cute in a cemetery of all places and the novel reflects the development of their relationship through courtship and the first five years of their marriage. At their wedding, Haley’s beloved Aunt Nan gives the newlyweds an unusual gift – a gorgeously wrapped box - with the caveat that they should not open it until they have their first significant argument.
The story is told from the alternating perspectives of both Haley and Ben, shifting from the present to the past, as in the beginning of their connection. There are junctures in their otherwise harmonious relationship that involve key decisions – a pet, a home and parenthood. The couple find themselves at odds and are tempted to open the box but defer after remembering pivotal conversations that illuminate their positions and solving the problems on their own. By the time they open the box toward the end of the book, it felt anticlimactic not only for the couple but also for the reader.
At times, the story seemed to stall, and frankly was lacking in any real tension or intrigue. This is definitely a wholesome, feel-good-ending storyline that could have used a little spice. I kept reading to the end, but I cannot say it was that entertaining or enjoyable. The redeeming factors were observing the maturation of these two as they became more aware of each other’s viewpoints and feelings and Aunt Nan’s wise counsel both in person and in the contents of the Wedding Box.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.
The Wedding Box, by Toni Blake, is a light-hearted, funny, and sincere read that will have you reaching for the tissues! We meet Ben and Haley on their wedding day. Ben is an architect, and the skyscraper he helped design will soon be gracing the Cincinnati skyline. Haley owns a thriving neighborhood bakery with her sister, Hannah. Ben and Haley are leaving for their honeymoon when Haley’s beloved Aunt Nan stops them with one final gift – the wedding box. Aunt Nan tells the newlyweds to only open the box when they have their first big disagreement and not before then! Ben and Haley are sure they will never disagree about anything, so they put the box away and forget about it. However, the box doesn’t stay forgotten as Ben and Haley learn the ins and outs of marriage, love, and sharing your life with someone.
I loved this book! So sweet, so honest, so kind-hearted. I thought the format was incredibly clever. The chapters alternated between the present (the first five years of Ben and Haley’s marriage) and the past (the time leading up to Ben and Haley’s wedding). Ben and Haley are a great couple, who are trying to navigate the often-murky waters of marriage. Aunt Nan was such a treat. She always seemed to know exactly what Ben and Haley needed, most of the time before they did. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light read, full of humor, hope, and love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for sharing this advanced review copy with me in exchange for my honest feedback!
This story follows the love story of Haley and Ben and is told from both of their point of views. On their wedding day Auntie Nan gives the couple a beautiful wrapped box which is to be opened after an argument. The story is told in the present day of Haley and Ben's marriage and also goes back to when they were dating. I didn't find this confusing, it was very clear where I was in their relationship and it played an important role on getting a better of the characters and why they dislike certain things. At first I found their disagreements quite annoying, because I felt they just needed to communicate better. But, then it made me think about just how much do we really listen to our partners and take in what is actually being said. I liked the characters, especially Auntie Nan. Everyone needs an Auntie Nan in their life with her greats words of wisdom! Overall, I really enjoyed the book and though each disagreement was tied up beautifully. Even if I was begging them to open that box, I was desperate to know what was inside. I would recommend this story to anyone who would like an easy romance with a perfect happy ever after. I will be looking for other books by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley, Oliver-Heber Books and Toni Blake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
It will be difficult to write this review without giving away spoilers, but I’ll try. I loved everything so much that it will be hard not to mention them. This is the first book that I have read by Toni Blake. I can guarantee it won’t be the last. I loved it so much that I want to read as many of her books as I can. I love her writing style. Other authors move from the present to the past to give the back story, but she used such a unique way of doing this that it made the story flow perfectly. I can’t find one thing about this book that I didn’t love. The ironic thing about reading this book is that I should have had it finished about a week ago. But I believe the timing ended up being perfect because we had a house full of company last weekend. Several of our guests were experiencing stress in their lives which made me think about what was going on in this story, and what I was reading helped me see their problems with a new perspective. Have I said yet how much I love Aunt Nan? The Wedding Box she created and the rules that went along with it added so much to this story. Everything happened as it should have to make this one of the best books I’ve read. I even got teary-eyed at the end which is one of my best confirmations that it’s one I’ll never forget.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This sweet story follows Ben and Haley from their first meeting to their fifth anniversary. It centers around a mysterious wedding gift from Haley's Aunt Nan—a beautifully wrapped box that is to be opened when they have their first major disagreement.
I loved Aunt Nan. She is Haley's mom's sister and has been a big part of Haley's life. She is the fun aunt who has a way of supporting her nieces without being overbearing. I enjoyed seeing her help Haley and Ben through their rough patches with subtlety, humor, and occasional bluntness. She was the one who facilitated the first meeting between Haley and Ben.
I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Ben and Haley. The book flips back and forth between the present and flashbacks to the early days of their romance. It also alternates between Haley and Ben's points of view so that the reader sees how each handles the various events in their lives. I liked seeing them learn to really listen to each other and talk out the problems that arise. I kept waiting for that pivotal moment when they would finally need to open the box. What drove them to it was heartbreaking but perfectly done. The ending was terrific.
I really enjoyed this peek into what happens after the “meet cute” & “happy ever after” in a romance. The situations are realistic, even if the solutions seem a little too easy @ times. Everyone should have an Aunt Nan to share insight & give great advice. It was interesting knowing a disagreement big enough for the box was coming, but not knowing what/when it was going to happen. Revealing their story through flashbacks, as it relates to their current struggle, gives good insight into their journey as a couple. Both Haley & Ben are likable, & I found it easy to root for them as they try to figure things out. No matter the speed bump, I never felt like there was any doubt about the love between them. I think the ending is really cute. Perfect for the story. I’m glad I had a Kleenex handy while reading this one. Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy via Netgalley. This is the first book I’ve read by the author, & it left me wanting to search out other titles.
Curious & Anxious to read this as the author labeled it a departure from her typical work … that it was … I found this to be sweet yet deep rooted with a vast array of emotions. I was well aware of this author’s history of personal grief while penning this so that remained with me during completion of this project. While I found it to be refreshing , enchanting & SPOT ON with character developments, I must add it’s not for the faint of heart as far as a few plot twists ( no spoilers) & grief in general . I was impressed with the authors level of wisdom she brought to the table with crucial & secondary characters. So many factors may have played a role in why I found myself in tears many times during this book … obviously she’s done her job channeling the depth of this book. I’ll add that personally I’m not a fan of before then after ( flashbacks, Segway’s )!as a story progresses BUT it factored into how this one worked . I’d definitely recommend this as a chance to enjoy another piece of her great work AND also possibly make you the reader reflect on your own life blessings & good fortunes. It’s raw & real yet sweetly authentic to the core of the heart . Brilliant HEA , not gonna lie . Well done .❤️
The idea behind this book was cute, most couples are given a sealed box on their wedding day, usually containing advice from peers or letters written to each other that detail how to overcome any disagreement of fight. Everyone is familiar with them; they have been around for decades.
This book basically uses that idea and expands on it, with newlyweds Ben and Haley being given a box on their wedding day, only to open when they argue or fight.
As an idea, it was fine. The execution, however, left me wanting more.
I found Haley and Ben to be rather irritating, all of their fights could have been resolved by talking instead of endless arguing. I think I am over the immaturity of young relationships, which might be why I didn’t enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.
The Wedding Box is a sentimental story about love and overcoming hardships in relationships.
Following Haley and Ben as they navigate the first six years of dating and marriage, it is heartwarming to see how they handle the pressures of conflict and opposing views all the whole working to maintain respect, understanding, and most importantly love for each other. To see their life partner not as an enemy, but as person with value.
I truly enjoyed The Wedding Box both for the hope it gave me (I'm a sucker for a feel good story with a happy ending), and also for the fact that it is so raw and authentic. It touches on legitimate problems in relationships (who hasn't had a seemingly silly fight blow up into something big and hard to manage?) and life in general.
(Thank you Netgalley and Toni Blake for the opportunity to receive an ARC)
The Wedding Box is a sweet, smile making story by Toni Blake. It has been a while since I have read a book written by this author. Sometimes they could be dramatic, angst and a bit on the dark side. This story of Ben and Haley while taking marriage with its ups and downs is still lighthearted. The wedding gift from Aunt Nan was such a great part of the story, encouraging them to work through those normal disagreements that I actually thought that they might never open it. I loved what was in the box.
I knew that Ben and Haley were in for an eye opening when Haley thought on her wedding day, “May our existence together be like this day: nothing but blue skies.” After years of a good marriage I know that would not be possible. Still Ben and Haley worked to make their life together one great marriage. I loved the surprise twist near the end. This is one book to read again and again.
I identified on so many levels with this well-written and heartwarming novel. I only wish I had an Aunt Nan when I first got married, one who would help me through all my unrealistic expectations of love and commitment. The parallels to my own life, and I am sure to many other women, were amazing and I found myself mopping my eyes as the novel unfolded, bringing back memories from the past. I would go so far as to say that The Wedding Box brought healing because in spite of heartache and pain, good times and bad, we did so many things right. This is a very worthwhile book to read and it left me feeling contented with my own marriage and the love of my life. I received a copy of this beautiful story as a gift through Booksprout and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved this book - it made me smile and feel happy, although it also made me cry! The main characters of Hayley, Ben and Hayley’s Aunt Nan were lovely. Hayley and Ben are a couple who love each other very much, but have couple arguments, but Aunt Nan is always there to help them solve their problems without telling them what to do. Aunt Nan gave them a mysterious box as a wedding gift, but they are only allowed to open it when they have their first argument. Hayley and Ben don’t want to waste what’s in the box, so after which argument will they open it? Thank you to Net Galley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
While the premise of this story was intriguing, if fell a little flat for me. One of the best parts of the story was Aunt Nan and her part in bringing Haley and Ben together. The story is written from both Haley and Ben's points of view and also moves between the present and the past. But for me, I was missing the real tension or excitement based on the events. There also seemed to be a little repetition in the conflicts between the two characters as the conflicts were because they didn't actually discuss the reason for their decision. Then when they looked at the reason for the other's decision, they were able to come to an agreement.
This was a book that I had high hopes for when I read what it was about. But unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations of the story. Ben and Haley got an unusual wedding from Aunt Nan. She gave it to them and told them they were not to open it until they had their first big argument. To them that was not something they wanted to think about because they are so in love. As life goes couples have arguments but to them none of them was enough to open the gift. For me the story was just lacky emotion enough for me to feel it as I was reading. Thank you NetGalley, Toni Blake and Oliver-Heber Books for a copy of The Wedding Box. This is my personal review.
This is such an awesome story. Haley and Ben have started their life as a married couple. Aunt Nan gave them a beautifully wrapped wedding gift as the strict instructions…don’t open until you have your first big fight. All married couples have fights but Haley and Ben seldom do. But when they do, the box seems to help, even unopened. With each big fight , they get the box out of the closet, ready to open it. How can an unknown gift help get them to the next stage. Pizza, and purple cats, and a skyline view. This book filled my heart with warmth and love for family, those lost and those still here
I really enjoyed Toni Blake’s The wedding box. The premise is about the marriage of Haley and Ben of the first five years and a wedding present from Haley’s aunt. This book was very difficult for me to put down. I was fully engaged from the first chapter to the very last. Some moments made laugh and other moments were serious. I really enjoyed the relationship challenges this couple had and how they worked together. This was my first book I have read of Toni Blake and will not be the last.
What did Aunt Nan put in the wedding box, and would it really help them to resolve a huge disagreement?
Aunt Nan is magical. She is a blessing to Haley and Ben in many ways. Without her, they might have never met. We all need an Aunt Nan in our lives.
Ben and Haley resist opening the wedding box, but eventually, a disagreement will be big enough for them to want to open it. What was the disagreement, and once they open the box, what do they find inside? This is a touching and heartwarming story.
The premise of this story caught my attention from the very beginning and I enjoyed following Haley and Ben’s relationship through the years. At their wedding Aunt Nan gives the couple a box they are to open when they have their first big argument. I loved the relationship Haley and Ben have together and with Aunt Nan. I really enjoyed this wonderful story and would highly recommend it to others.
This was a change for this author and she hit it out of the park. This is a story of two people,Ben and Haley and their journey through life and love. The author takes us through a back and forth story of the two of them meeting and through each anniversary. The title comes from a gift that Haley’s Aunt Nan gave them on their wedding day. Only to be opened after their first real disagreement. Great story and lots of love.
I had some difficulty getting into this novel. I don't care for books that go back and forth from present to past repeatedly. With that said I continued reading and I did connect with the characters. Ben and Haley were extremely well written characters. As I got towards the end the past and present made sense. I did receive an advance reader copy from the publisher.
It's nice to read a relatable story that allows you to connect with the characters. I often think how unrealistic many scenes and stories are in romances and while they can be entertaining it also makes them so much like all the others out there. This is a HEA that we all would hope for in circumstances many people have personally experienced.
After a long absence, Toni Blake has returned with a new Contemporary Romance novel called THE WEDDING BOX. Life’s experiences have certainly impacted Blake’s writing style. Known for her sexy and angsty books, THE WEDDING BOX offers something different for her readers.
Lighter in tone but just as emotional, THE WEDDING BOX explores the trials and tribulations of Haley and Ben’s marriage. The box plays a pivotal role in the book, making it somewhat the star of the show. However, with the way Blake writes, it’s impossible not to love the characters too.
I was really thrilled with this comeback and can’t wait to read more of Blake’s new books. I’m so glad that she’s back to writing again because her books have been some of my very favorites over the years. With her charming writing style and fun-loving characters, it’s impossible not to fall in love with her writing all over again.
Seriously, everyone really needs an Aunt Nan! I love these characters; they are so loveable and believable. I want to hug them all.
My Aunt Nan was my Aunt Rosemarie, we called her Rora. She loved all of us cousins. A dozen or so lived on the same street in a suburb of Boston. I have wicked awesome memories.
What can I say? This book had me laughing and crying!! This is a sweet love story about Haley and Ben but the star of the book is absolutely Aunt Nan!! Aunt Nan is who aspire to be in my old age!! She is full of wisdom, kindness and a little bit of magic!! I loved this book- it shows the ups and downs in life and marriage and the ending is chef's kiss!!
It has all the best elements.5***** This story made me laugh out loud. It also made me cry. It really touched my heart. Aunt Nan reminds me of my grandma Ida. She always kept me grounded and lifted me when I needed it. It's clear the love that Ben and Haley have for each other. Their struggles are real. One of my favorite reads this year! From a True Fan... Pam James.