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Destination Wedding
Life is full of surprises…
Claire Martin's life is perfect, or at least she tells herself it is. She owns a successful clothing boutique, has a steady, dependable boyfriend, and a beautiful grown daughter who is about to be married. Sure, Claire's husband of twenty years left her for a younger woman four years ago, but that is all in the past. Now, Claire is looking forward to her daughter's Bahama wedding and spending a week in paradise. The only thing Claire dreads is her ex-husband and his wife will also be on the island. Claire is determined to make the best of it, though. What Claire doesn't realize is ignoring her ex-husband for the week is going to be impossible.
James Martin's life is a mess. His wife of less than four years has made him the most miserable man on earth and now they are in the middle of a messy divorce. He's happy that he can forget her for a week as he goes off to the Bahamas to attend his lovely daughter's wedding. Jim is embarrassed to admit to his daughter and his ex-wife, Claire, that he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left her for another woman, so he makes up a story as to why his new wife didn't come along. When he and Claire are unexpectedly forced upon each other, Jim soon realizes what he's lost and he begins to wonder if he can find a way back into Claire's heart.
Claire Martin's life is perfect, or at least she tells herself it is. She owns a successful clothing boutique, has a steady, dependable boyfriend, and a beautiful grown daughter who is about to be married. Sure, Claire's husband of twenty years left her for a younger woman four years ago, but that is all in the past. Now, Claire is looking forward to her daughter's Bahama wedding and spending a week in paradise. The only thing Claire dreads is her ex-husband and his wife will also be on the island. Claire is determined to make the best of it, though. What Claire doesn't realize is ignoring her ex-husband for the week is going to be impossible.
James Martin's life is a mess. His wife of less than four years has made him the most miserable man on earth and now they are in the middle of a messy divorce. He's happy that he can forget her for a week as he goes off to the Bahamas to attend his lovely daughter's wedding. Jim is embarrassed to admit to his daughter and his ex-wife, Claire, that he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left her for another woman, so he makes up a story as to why his new wife didn't come along. When he and Claire are unexpectedly forced upon each other, Jim soon realizes what he's lost and he begins to wonder if he can find a way back into Claire's heart.
214 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2014
258 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Lynn Sletten
39 books630 followersDeanna Lynn Sletten is the author of MRS. WINCHESTER'S BIOGRAPHER, THE ONES WE LEAVE BEHIND, THE WOMEN OF GREAT HERON LAKE, MAGGIE'S TURN, THE LAKE HARRIET SERIES, and several other titles. She writes compelling historical fiction, heartwarming women's fiction, romance novels, and murder mysteries. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
Deanna has recently begun a new murder mystery series, The Rachel Emery Series which includes THE TRUTH ABOUT RACHEL and DEATH BECOMES YOU.
Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing on the lake in the summer.
Deanna loves hearing from her readers. Connect with her at:
Her blog: deannalynnsletten.com
Twitter: @DeannaLSletten
Facebook: facebook.com/DeannaLynnSletten
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 22, 2015
Once again I expect a romance and I get stuck with a doormat h who caves to emotional blackmail and takes back a cheating husband whose only regret is he left his wife of twenty years and got taken in by a bimbo and now he wants his life back and the only thing he is sorry for is that he left his wife to begin with.
THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AHEAD SO DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW.
I am sick and tired of so called second chance romances where every trite plot device and the kitchen sink is thrown in to make a good heroine regret her choices and feel in the wrong for "forcing" her husband to go sleep with a younger woman. The ex-husband made his life, he needs to live with his choices. Never once does the man apologize for inserting body parts into someone other than his wife and the only thing he can manage to say is he is sorry for leaving her. Who cares that he left her, he went out and slept with someone else because he felt neglected and that is the heroine's fault according to this novel. Then when the new wife turns out to be a manipulative gold digger he wants a second chance with the willful collusion of an immature daughter who just doesn't care that her mother's world was torn apart and insists that they share a room WHILE HE IS STILL MARRIED TO ANOTHER WOMAN.
Please, just call your mum a cheating skank and be done with it. The only reason the ex husband wants his life back is because he got taken for a ride and lost his comfortable life style. The heroine is a successful business woman in her own right and is now stuck supporting the wandering piece of excrement in the style he used to have. He is not sorry for sleeping around, he is sorry he gave up his lifestyle. When the h points out his flirting makes her uncomfortable at one point in the story, his reply is SHE has to reign him in and make him stop.
Since when is a 46 year old man incapable of controlling his own actions. So now not only does she has to baby an emotionally immature 24 year old daughter but she has to babysit a 46 year old man with no impulse control who sought out some new fun when his old life wasn't "fun" anymore? SHE is responsible for making the parasitic sewer sludge happy and comfortable in his middle age now? That is an outrage to smart, giving, independent heroine's everywhere.
I was hopeful when she initially said she did not want the ex-husband in her life. I felt the heroine had made some positive strides in ridding herself of a freeloading user and making peace with the turmoil of destruction left in the wake of ending a twenty year marriage. Instead, there is a short epilogue where the heroine remarries the ex-husband. And he still isn't sorry he screwed around on her, only that his life changed for the worse - all this is accomplished by the collusion of his child who, though an adult and married herself, thinks mommy and daddy should be together - mom should just accept that dad is going to go wandering whenever he gets bored cause she wants them together.
What an utter and disgusting waste of my time and what a disappointment to my romantic sensibilities. I read second chance romances all the time, I don't mind a cheating ex reuniting with a betrayed spouse if there is a sincere demonstration of remorse for cheating, demonstrable change in the way the cheater acts with other potential partners and if the cheater takes full responsibility for making the choice to go out and betray the marriage. Needless to say, none of that happens here and I ended this book full of wary foreboding that this sad, emotionally blackmailed heroine was going to have to ride herd on an unrepentant user and adulterer for the next 25 years. My only hope is that while on the island in the Caribbean the ex-husband goes swimming at dusk and winds up in the belly of a great white shark and the heroine wakes up from the mental fugue state she is living in and realizes she had a very lucky escape.
THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AHEAD SO DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW.
I am sick and tired of so called second chance romances where every trite plot device and the kitchen sink is thrown in to make a good heroine regret her choices and feel in the wrong for "forcing" her husband to go sleep with a younger woman. The ex-husband made his life, he needs to live with his choices. Never once does the man apologize for inserting body parts into someone other than his wife and the only thing he can manage to say is he is sorry for leaving her. Who cares that he left her, he went out and slept with someone else because he felt neglected and that is the heroine's fault according to this novel. Then when the new wife turns out to be a manipulative gold digger he wants a second chance with the willful collusion of an immature daughter who just doesn't care that her mother's world was torn apart and insists that they share a room WHILE HE IS STILL MARRIED TO ANOTHER WOMAN.
Please, just call your mum a cheating skank and be done with it. The only reason the ex husband wants his life back is because he got taken for a ride and lost his comfortable life style. The heroine is a successful business woman in her own right and is now stuck supporting the wandering piece of excrement in the style he used to have. He is not sorry for sleeping around, he is sorry he gave up his lifestyle. When the h points out his flirting makes her uncomfortable at one point in the story, his reply is SHE has to reign him in and make him stop.
Since when is a 46 year old man incapable of controlling his own actions. So now not only does she has to baby an emotionally immature 24 year old daughter but she has to babysit a 46 year old man with no impulse control who sought out some new fun when his old life wasn't "fun" anymore? SHE is responsible for making the parasitic sewer sludge happy and comfortable in his middle age now? That is an outrage to smart, giving, independent heroine's everywhere.
I was hopeful when she initially said she did not want the ex-husband in her life. I felt the heroine had made some positive strides in ridding herself of a freeloading user and making peace with the turmoil of destruction left in the wake of ending a twenty year marriage. Instead, there is a short epilogue where the heroine remarries the ex-husband. And he still isn't sorry he screwed around on her, only that his life changed for the worse - all this is accomplished by the collusion of his child who, though an adult and married herself, thinks mommy and daddy should be together - mom should just accept that dad is going to go wandering whenever he gets bored cause she wants them together.
What an utter and disgusting waste of my time and what a disappointment to my romantic sensibilities. I read second chance romances all the time, I don't mind a cheating ex reuniting with a betrayed spouse if there is a sincere demonstration of remorse for cheating, demonstrable change in the way the cheater acts with other potential partners and if the cheater takes full responsibility for making the choice to go out and betray the marriage. Needless to say, none of that happens here and I ended this book full of wary foreboding that this sad, emotionally blackmailed heroine was going to have to ride herd on an unrepentant user and adulterer for the next 25 years. My only hope is that while on the island in the Caribbean the ex-husband goes swimming at dusk and winds up in the belly of a great white shark and the heroine wakes up from the mental fugue state she is living in and realizes she had a very lucky escape.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2019
I didn’t like the ex husband/ then back to husband. He just smiled at everything. I’m sorry -smile. Forgive me. Smile. Marry me. smile. WTH. Stop smiling you fool. He left the wife for a much younger girl without any real explanation for four years then wants her back when the younger wife files for divorce. But never mind all that because I just couldn’t take him smiling throughout the whole book. The readers understood the wife’s pain of abandonment but I don’t think the husband did. If the author wanted readers to fall for the husband’s “charm” she failed. He would have made an excellent court jester in a different book.
July 24, 2023
Jim and Claire were married and in a pretty gnarly midlife crisis, Jim cheated with a much younger coworker and left Claire for her. Now, four years later, they're meeting up again for their adult daughter's wedding at a, you guessed it, Destination Wedding. Jim married his OW in the meantime and we find out pretty quickly that's headed for Divorce Town, while Claire has been dating the polar opposite of Jim and is contemplating marrying him.
So on the one hand, this one was entertaining. It had several elements that I tend to want from second chance romance novels but rarely get. 1) Jim cheated after 20 years of marriage and the author doesn't really gloss over that, or make it the result of a Big Misunderstanding. 2) Claire moved on after their marriage with another man. 3) Jim regrets everything. 4) There are consequences for Jim's actions, and I don't just mean Claire puts off having sex with him again for the first 50 pages. 5)
But honestly, as much as I liked about this book, something about the execution fell flat. The narrator was likely to blame for some of it, as she was pretty stilted and wooden in a lot of her delivery. I also would have liked a bit more friction between Claire and Jim, prior to their physical reconciliation. I mean, he left after two decades of (what she thought was) happy marriage with absolutely zero conversation about it beforehand. Claire should have been pissed and while she had a few moments, I didn't feel her reactions, other than the ones depicted on their first day back in close proximity, felt real. As a result, I didn't really care as much if they got back together.
I also felt like the author was going to establish some drama with their daughter's future in-laws, or with Jim's OW, and those fell flat too. As a result, most of the book was the two of them being friendly with each other and it just seemed a little too... healthy...
Yeah, yeah, I know...
Anyway, not bad, not great, but it did hold my attention, so all things considered, three stars is fair.
So on the one hand, this one was entertaining. It had several elements that I tend to want from second chance romance novels but rarely get. 1) Jim cheated after 20 years of marriage and the author doesn't really gloss over that, or make it the result of a Big Misunderstanding. 2) Claire moved on after their marriage with another man. 3) Jim regrets everything. 4) There are consequences for Jim's actions, and I don't just mean Claire puts off having sex with him again for the first 50 pages. 5)
But honestly, as much as I liked about this book, something about the execution fell flat. The narrator was likely to blame for some of it, as she was pretty stilted and wooden in a lot of her delivery. I also would have liked a bit more friction between Claire and Jim, prior to their physical reconciliation. I mean, he left after two decades of (what she thought was) happy marriage with absolutely zero conversation about it beforehand. Claire should have been pissed and while she had a few moments, I didn't feel her reactions, other than the ones depicted on their first day back in close proximity, felt real. As a result, I didn't really care as much if they got back together.
I also felt like the author was going to establish some drama with their daughter's future in-laws, or with Jim's OW, and those fell flat too. As a result, most of the book was the two of them being friendly with each other and it just seemed a little too... healthy...
Yeah, yeah, I know...
Anyway, not bad, not great, but it did hold my attention, so all things considered, three stars is fair.
August 22, 2019
I should not have liked this book. Jim treated his ex-wife badly, basically walking away with someone who made him feel younger, only to discover quickly he’d made a huge mistake. But, still stayed with the new wife for 4 years. He made a mess of their lives, and Claire deserves better. And yet, there’s something likable about him. Edited... the more I think about him, the less I like him...
October 10, 2017
I really don't get the 4 and 5 star reviews.
August 22, 2019
No, no, no, no AND no. He didn't give her not one thought for 4 years!! The 2nd wife didn't want him anymore, so he wants wife #1 back!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2014
Finally, a book in which the man showed regret. I wish he had suffered more, but it's OK.
April 16, 2018
Destination Wedding by Deanna Lynn Sletten was an enjoyable book. It’s the type of story that’s predicable in a feel good sort of way. You know what you expect to happen and are joyfully anticipating it. I love the humor interjected between the parents of the bride.
Although the destination wedding was for their daughter, the story was really about Claire and James, the parents of the bride. Divorced for years, each has current relationship problems and when thrown together all week, tensions from the past flair as well as other types of tension—the good kind!
I think what I liked most about this book was that it gave perspective on the intricacies of what makes a marriage fail and how a lack of communication can destroy it. I thought there was a good amount of realism in their conversation and rehashing of what went wrong. In the end, it was the feel good story I was longing for.
Although the destination wedding was for their daughter, the story was really about Claire and James, the parents of the bride. Divorced for years, each has current relationship problems and when thrown together all week, tensions from the past flair as well as other types of tension—the good kind!
I think what I liked most about this book was that it gave perspective on the intricacies of what makes a marriage fail and how a lack of communication can destroy it. I thought there was a good amount of realism in their conversation and rehashing of what went wrong. In the end, it was the feel good story I was longing for.
July 10, 2014
I absolutely adored Destination Wedding. Why you ask? Well because its all about second chances, forgiveness and learning that no matter how young or old you are, everyone makes mistakes.
Leading lady Claire is jetting off to the Bahamas for her daughters wedding, one week of absolute paradise ending with her daughter saying I do. Theres one problem though Jim her ex husband and the father of their child will be there and he left her one day after 20 years of marriage for a younger woman. She shouldn't be worried she has a good predictable man at home wanting to marry her, wanting her to be his companion. Is that all someone needs, a companion?
Jim made the biggest mistake of his life leaving Claire, when his doubts and ego got to him he latched on to a young woman from his office who stroked his ego and made him feel young, unlike claire who was setting up her business and was always so busy. He should of never left her, he should of been brave, should've told her he felt lost, felt like he was old. Now he is off to give his daughter away and his new wife won't be there because once again Jim is getting a divorce
The two of them are really not where they should be, they aren't with the people they should be and when they end up brought closer by the destination wedding sparks fly, old emotions bubble to the surface and there may just be a chance for Jim and claire to find what they both are looking for.
Beautifully written with humour and heart warming characters you will find yourself lost in the Bahamas rooting for Jim & Claire. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was so glad I got to read it. If you like romance novels this is for you, its not the normal boy meets girl theres a problem but they overcome it story. Its boy meets girl, marries her has a baby then throws it all away kind of story.
Sometimes even the people you love the most can disappoint you, they can let you down and make the biggest mistakes but sometimes if you're very lucky you can find love and redemption at a destination wedding!
Leading lady Claire is jetting off to the Bahamas for her daughters wedding, one week of absolute paradise ending with her daughter saying I do. Theres one problem though Jim her ex husband and the father of their child will be there and he left her one day after 20 years of marriage for a younger woman. She shouldn't be worried she has a good predictable man at home wanting to marry her, wanting her to be his companion. Is that all someone needs, a companion?
Jim made the biggest mistake of his life leaving Claire, when his doubts and ego got to him he latched on to a young woman from his office who stroked his ego and made him feel young, unlike claire who was setting up her business and was always so busy. He should of never left her, he should of been brave, should've told her he felt lost, felt like he was old. Now he is off to give his daughter away and his new wife won't be there because once again Jim is getting a divorce
The two of them are really not where they should be, they aren't with the people they should be and when they end up brought closer by the destination wedding sparks fly, old emotions bubble to the surface and there may just be a chance for Jim and claire to find what they both are looking for.
Beautifully written with humour and heart warming characters you will find yourself lost in the Bahamas rooting for Jim & Claire. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was so glad I got to read it. If you like romance novels this is for you, its not the normal boy meets girl theres a problem but they overcome it story. Its boy meets girl, marries her has a baby then throws it all away kind of story.
Sometimes even the people you love the most can disappoint you, they can let you down and make the biggest mistakes but sometimes if you're very lucky you can find love and redemption at a destination wedding!
July 3, 2017
Really not my thing. I admire the author wanting to tackle the subject of a 20 year old marriage ending with the husband getting involved with a younger woman but it is really not enough.
The husband seems to be only coming back cos he has realized the grass is not greener as his new model is asking too much materially.
There is not enough redemption and the hurt he has caused does not seem to have brought him to his knees like it should to be worthy of a second chance from her.
The husband seems to be only coming back cos he has realized the grass is not greener as his new model is asking too much materially.
There is not enough redemption and the hurt he has caused does not seem to have brought him to his knees like it should to be worthy of a second chance from her.
Read
March 16, 2024This needed a longer epilogue.
A reread. Despite the lack of a grovel, this was so well-written and gave such realistic conversations about marriage and its breakdown.
A reread. Despite the lack of a grovel, this was so well-written and gave such realistic conversations about marriage and its breakdown.
December 5, 2021
This story is fine. But I think it's a little bit weird.
A week into forgiving your ex-husband that left you for younger woman?
And sorry a bit spoiler,
"...I can't let myself be the other woman. I know how much that hurts. ... He reached for Claire's hand, and she accepted, then they walked back to their room, hand in hand."
Huh? For real??
A week into forgiving your ex-husband that left you for younger woman?
And sorry a bit spoiler,
"...I can't let myself be the other woman. I know how much that hurts. ... He reached for Claire's hand, and she accepted, then they walked back to their room, hand in hand."
Huh? For real??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2014
Destination Wedding is yet another wonderfully written story by Deanna Lynn Sletten. I knew that I was going to have a hard time putting it down once I started reading.
Claire was looking forward to her daughter Mandy’s wedding that was going to take place on a small island. She was looking forward to spending a week on a warm beach and not in cold & snowy Minnesota. What she was not looking forward to was seeing her ex husband again, who had left her for a younger woman four years earlier. Claire had worked hard to put her life back together after the shock & surprise when her husband of 20 years left her.
Jim regrets more than anything the mistake that he made when he left his wife for Diane, a younger woman. Diane has made Jim’s life miserable and now they are getting a divorce. Jim is hoping to finally be able to apologize to Claire and let her know how much he regrets what he did to their family.
Things are tense between Jim & Claire(to put it mildly) when they first see each other again. Different situations put the two together quite often during the week stay on the island. They are able to “clear the air” of things that were never said years earlier. As they spend more time together, the more they realize that they still have feelings for each other. Problem is, that Claire was proposed to by her boyfriend right before she left for vacation.
I have to say that I absolutely loved how Jim was able to help Claire work through her fear of heights while they are on the island. He seemed like such a wonderful person who just got “lost” in life but knows what is important to him and wants to make things better again.
The author's detailed description of the island, the shops and buildings, along with the activities that the characters participated in has me wanting to make a reservations to go visit the island!!
Is Claire and Jim able to rekindle a relationship or has there been to much emotional damage done to be more than friends? Will Claire accept her boyfriend’s proposal because she knows it is a safe relationship??
Desination Wedding was a very heartfelt story that dealt with forgiveness, love and new beginnings. I would highly recommend this book…….and author to anybody
Claire was looking forward to her daughter Mandy’s wedding that was going to take place on a small island. She was looking forward to spending a week on a warm beach and not in cold & snowy Minnesota. What she was not looking forward to was seeing her ex husband again, who had left her for a younger woman four years earlier. Claire had worked hard to put her life back together after the shock & surprise when her husband of 20 years left her.
Jim regrets more than anything the mistake that he made when he left his wife for Diane, a younger woman. Diane has made Jim’s life miserable and now they are getting a divorce. Jim is hoping to finally be able to apologize to Claire and let her know how much he regrets what he did to their family.
Things are tense between Jim & Claire(to put it mildly) when they first see each other again. Different situations put the two together quite often during the week stay on the island. They are able to “clear the air” of things that were never said years earlier. As they spend more time together, the more they realize that they still have feelings for each other. Problem is, that Claire was proposed to by her boyfriend right before she left for vacation.
I have to say that I absolutely loved how Jim was able to help Claire work through her fear of heights while they are on the island. He seemed like such a wonderful person who just got “lost” in life but knows what is important to him and wants to make things better again.
The author's detailed description of the island, the shops and buildings, along with the activities that the characters participated in has me wanting to make a reservations to go visit the island!!
Is Claire and Jim able to rekindle a relationship or has there been to much emotional damage done to be more than friends? Will Claire accept her boyfriend’s proposal because she knows it is a safe relationship??
Desination Wedding was a very heartfelt story that dealt with forgiveness, love and new beginnings. I would highly recommend this book…….and author to anybody
June 26, 2014
Claire Martin is looking forward to her beloved daughter's destination wedding, except for seeing her former husband who left her for a younger woman. She's determined not to let it faze her. After all, Claire's made the most of her life since; she's a successful business woman and has a dependable man in her life.
What she doesn't know is that James, the love of her life and father of her child, is miserable and regrets his rash decision to leave. When fate throws Claire and James together in an intimate setting during their daughter's wedding, old sparks ignite. But can they overcome the past hurt?
Deanna Lynn Sletten is masterful when it comes to creating rich, memorable characters. Claire took the lemons life handed her and turned them into lemonade; she didn't just crumble when her husband left. She clawed her way back to a life and found success. Unfortunately, she kept a wall around her heart because of it and chose the boring, but dependable, mate the second time around.
James is man enough to admit he made a mistake. I wanted to hate him, much like Claire wanted to, but I couldn't. That's a tribute to the author's ability to make you care, even when the characters are flawed.
Plus, I loved the setting--who doesn't want to fall in love at a destination wedding, especially to the man you're meant to be with? Finally, it was nice to read a character-driven romance with two mature people who could see love through more than rose-colored, or crazy passion-colored, glasses.
I highly recommend Destination Wedding, especially if you are a reader who wants to emotionally connect to characters. A great summer read!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
What she doesn't know is that James, the love of her life and father of her child, is miserable and regrets his rash decision to leave. When fate throws Claire and James together in an intimate setting during their daughter's wedding, old sparks ignite. But can they overcome the past hurt?
Deanna Lynn Sletten is masterful when it comes to creating rich, memorable characters. Claire took the lemons life handed her and turned them into lemonade; she didn't just crumble when her husband left. She clawed her way back to a life and found success. Unfortunately, she kept a wall around her heart because of it and chose the boring, but dependable, mate the second time around.
James is man enough to admit he made a mistake. I wanted to hate him, much like Claire wanted to, but I couldn't. That's a tribute to the author's ability to make you care, even when the characters are flawed.
Plus, I loved the setting--who doesn't want to fall in love at a destination wedding, especially to the man you're meant to be with? Finally, it was nice to read a character-driven romance with two mature people who could see love through more than rose-colored, or crazy passion-colored, glasses.
I highly recommend Destination Wedding, especially if you are a reader who wants to emotionally connect to characters. A great summer read!
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
July 10, 2014
Claire Martin is owner of the Belle Boutique in Ann Arbor, divorced four years from ex-husband Jim, currently dating Steven for two years who recently asked Claire for her hand in marriage, now must prepare to travel for her daughter Mandy to wed on the upcoming weekend in the Bahamas. Claire did not give an immediate response of yes to Steven but informed him she would use the time while in the Bahamas for Mandy’s wedding to consider his marriage proposal.
Claire is unnerved with her ex-husband Jim and his wife Diane attending the nuptials of their daughter Mandy, but Mandy is hopeful in thinking her parents will be civil towards one another long enough to make it through the week long activities and her big wedding day festivities on the island without confusion or any mishaps. Mandy’s wishes soon become a nightmare when Diane does not accompany Jim to the island for the wedding bash and the Bahamas hotel hosting the wedding makes a mistake in the room reservations forcing Claire and Jim to share a hotel suite against their better judgment causing Claire’s old wounds about her divorce from Jim to resurface.
Destination Wedding is a novel of past, present, future, and new love that sometimes does not always go according to plan and taking a person for granted does not help a situation in anyway. This novel is straightforward with a relatable universal story line and main characters that are more mature in age than the average romance novel and recommend that everyone read this talented work of fiction.
I received this book free through CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Claire is unnerved with her ex-husband Jim and his wife Diane attending the nuptials of their daughter Mandy, but Mandy is hopeful in thinking her parents will be civil towards one another long enough to make it through the week long activities and her big wedding day festivities on the island without confusion or any mishaps. Mandy’s wishes soon become a nightmare when Diane does not accompany Jim to the island for the wedding bash and the Bahamas hotel hosting the wedding makes a mistake in the room reservations forcing Claire and Jim to share a hotel suite against their better judgment causing Claire’s old wounds about her divorce from Jim to resurface.
Destination Wedding is a novel of past, present, future, and new love that sometimes does not always go according to plan and taking a person for granted does not help a situation in anyway. This novel is straightforward with a relatable universal story line and main characters that are more mature in age than the average romance novel and recommend that everyone read this talented work of fiction.
I received this book free through CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
July 25, 2014
Life is full of surprises ... especially when you get a second chance at love ...
In Destination Wedding, author Deanna Lynn Sletten weaves a wonderful story of romance, forgiveness, love, and second chances.
Set in the tropical paradise of the Bahamas, divorced couple Claire and James Martin try to set aside their differences and come together for a week long vacation at their daughter Mandy's beach wedding destination. With plenty of family and relationship drama, miscommunications, humor, and a richly descriptive setting of a heavenly tropical island paradise, what more could a reader want than to follow two middle-aged people discover that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, put their past behind and forgive each other, and get a second chance at love?
In true Deanna Lynn Sletten style, Destination Wedding is a delightful and heartwarming mature romance story that wraps its arms around the reader and engages them to follow the journey of a couple who unexpectedly rediscover their love for each other.
If you are looking for an entertaining romance to wile away a lazy summer afternoon, then look no further, Destination Wedding is that book, it will give you a warm fuzzy feeling and leave a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
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In Destination Wedding, author Deanna Lynn Sletten weaves a wonderful story of romance, forgiveness, love, and second chances.
Set in the tropical paradise of the Bahamas, divorced couple Claire and James Martin try to set aside their differences and come together for a week long vacation at their daughter Mandy's beach wedding destination. With plenty of family and relationship drama, miscommunications, humor, and a richly descriptive setting of a heavenly tropical island paradise, what more could a reader want than to follow two middle-aged people discover that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, put their past behind and forgive each other, and get a second chance at love?
In true Deanna Lynn Sletten style, Destination Wedding is a delightful and heartwarming mature romance story that wraps its arms around the reader and engages them to follow the journey of a couple who unexpectedly rediscover their love for each other.
If you are looking for an entertaining romance to wile away a lazy summer afternoon, then look no further, Destination Wedding is that book, it will give you a warm fuzzy feeling and leave a smile on your face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
September 11, 2016
I am always so excited when Deanna has a new book out. I know I am going to be taken away on a wondrous, emotional journey. In Destination Wedding we get to travel to the Bahamas and experience the sun, sand, and surf.
'No setting could have been more perfect for a wedding celebration.'
But then, on the flip side, we also get to experience all the drama that goes with a wedding; glitches in the plans, divorced parents trying to be civil to each other, and getting to know the new in-laws. You know the divorced couple is going to have a hard time getting along as they try to put their past hurts behind them. But can they?
'The grass hadn't been greener on the other side. In fact, it had been brown, prickly, and downright nasty.'
I love the settings in all of Deanna's books. She writes so beautifully and with so much description that I feel like I am there with her characters, enjoy the scenery as much as they are. One spot in the book in particular that I loved was when Claire enters her room at the hotel and sees it for the first time. I felt like I was looking at that beautiful room just as Clare was seeing it.
Destination Wedding is the perfect book for reading this time of year. This is the wedding season, is it not? And how can you go wrong with a book set in the Bahamas? Deanna has done it again, writing another fabulous story, with wonderful characters, and a great setting! I loved my little escape to the beach!
'No setting could have been more perfect for a wedding celebration.'
But then, on the flip side, we also get to experience all the drama that goes with a wedding; glitches in the plans, divorced parents trying to be civil to each other, and getting to know the new in-laws. You know the divorced couple is going to have a hard time getting along as they try to put their past hurts behind them. But can they?
'The grass hadn't been greener on the other side. In fact, it had been brown, prickly, and downright nasty.'
I love the settings in all of Deanna's books. She writes so beautifully and with so much description that I feel like I am there with her characters, enjoy the scenery as much as they are. One spot in the book in particular that I loved was when Claire enters her room at the hotel and sees it for the first time. I felt like I was looking at that beautiful room just as Clare was seeing it.
Destination Wedding is the perfect book for reading this time of year. This is the wedding season, is it not? And how can you go wrong with a book set in the Bahamas? Deanna has done it again, writing another fabulous story, with wonderful characters, and a great setting! I loved my little escape to the beach!
August 17, 2014
This book was not too bad, I enjoyed it for the most part, watching two people who'd been divorced for 4 years be forced to spend time together in celebration of their daughter's upcoming wedding. Poor Claire dreaded being stuck with her ex-husband Jim and his younger wife, but when the wife doesn't come, we get to see Jim trying to work his way back into the wife of his heart's heart, all the while Claire tries to avoid Jim like the plague but to little avail. You could still see the sparks between them, hell after 20 years of marriage there are bound to be some, but you could also see Claire adamantly refuse to entertain any thoughts she still had about the only man she really ever loved. This was a good story because I suspect something similar happens all the time in real life; couple marries young, have children, time goes on, then BAM, the man goes thru his mid-life crisis and thinks he's found the Fountain of Youth between a younger woman's legs because she's paying him attention, so he kicks the woman who's been there for him for years to the curb, only to find out what they usually do real quick; that the grass is not always greener on the other side and all that glitters is not gold! This is my second book by the author, I enjoyed the first one more, but this was a good book as well and I would suggest it to anyone who likes those 'second chance at love' stories.
May 20, 2014
AMAZING book!
Full Review:
This book was so funny from the very first page. I needed a box of kleenex because of how much I Was laughing.
Clair has the perfect life or so she says. Great boyfriend that purposes and seems to really "care" about her. Love... well who needs love when you have a great future??? WRONG!
James is Clairs ex husband but has made a horrible horrible mistake leaving Clair for a much younger woman. He is so ashamed to tell anyone and so he makes up this elaborate story as to why she didn't come with him to the island for his daughters wedding.
Here is where things get funny.. or messy, lol. Reservations have been mixed up and Clair and James end up having to share a room. The things that Clair makes James do or where she proposes that he sleeps will have you rolling around laughing.
These 2 are made to be nice to each other for the week of the wedding but with friends, inlaws and the married couple to be.... well things aren't as they are supposed to be.
This author is amazing, you wont want to miss out on this story!
Full Review:
This book was so funny from the very first page. I needed a box of kleenex because of how much I Was laughing.
Clair has the perfect life or so she says. Great boyfriend that purposes and seems to really "care" about her. Love... well who needs love when you have a great future??? WRONG!
James is Clairs ex husband but has made a horrible horrible mistake leaving Clair for a much younger woman. He is so ashamed to tell anyone and so he makes up this elaborate story as to why she didn't come with him to the island for his daughters wedding.
Here is where things get funny.. or messy, lol. Reservations have been mixed up and Clair and James end up having to share a room. The things that Clair makes James do or where she proposes that he sleeps will have you rolling around laughing.
These 2 are made to be nice to each other for the week of the wedding but with friends, inlaws and the married couple to be.... well things aren't as they are supposed to be.
This author is amazing, you wont want to miss out on this story!
August 6, 2014
I loved this book.
Claire and Jim are divorced. He left her for a younger woman. Now he's sorry but she's moved on. But they still share a daughter, and she's about to be married in one of those "destination weddings." That means they will all be together on a beautiful island for several days. Claire doesn't think she will be able to stand being that close to Jim and his young wife, especially since her own love interest, Steven, has decided not to attend the wedding. Then she learns that Jim's wife decided not to attend either--but there's a catch--the resort mixed up the reservations and now Claire and Jim have to share a room. The story really takes off when she suggests Jim sleep in a hammock under the stars rather than in her room. What can possibly go wrong next? This is a great read, romantic and witty. You will not want to put it down!
Claire and Jim are divorced. He left her for a younger woman. Now he's sorry but she's moved on. But they still share a daughter, and she's about to be married in one of those "destination weddings." That means they will all be together on a beautiful island for several days. Claire doesn't think she will be able to stand being that close to Jim and his young wife, especially since her own love interest, Steven, has decided not to attend the wedding. Then she learns that Jim's wife decided not to attend either--but there's a catch--the resort mixed up the reservations and now Claire and Jim have to share a room. The story really takes off when she suggests Jim sleep in a hammock under the stars rather than in her room. What can possibly go wrong next? This is a great read, romantic and witty. You will not want to put it down!
November 29, 2014
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~
This is a different style of book than I normally read. It was a nice change of pace. I personally related to this book since my parents recently got divorced. I could relate to the mom and her feelings towards the new wife. It was a little hard to read at times because Claire would just not let things go, but in other parts, I completely agreed with Claire.
This is the first book that I read by Deanna Lynn Sletten, it isn't going to be the last! Her writing brings a breathe of fresh air into the normal books that I normally read. This book is about learning to let go, and forgive, no you will never forget, but you can forgive.
This is a different style of book than I normally read. It was a nice change of pace. I personally related to this book since my parents recently got divorced. I could relate to the mom and her feelings towards the new wife. It was a little hard to read at times because Claire would just not let things go, but in other parts, I completely agreed with Claire.
This is the first book that I read by Deanna Lynn Sletten, it isn't going to be the last! Her writing brings a breathe of fresh air into the normal books that I normally read. This book is about learning to let go, and forgive, no you will never forget, but you can forgive.
July 19, 2014
Destination Wedding is definitely an enjoyable read with awesome characters, settings, and story line. I love how Claire and Jim relationship was slowly built up. At first, Claire just couldn’t stand Jim, but she slowly tolerated him after a few dramas and humorous moment. I guess Destination Wedding was meant for readers in more mature age, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. I definitely recommend Destination Wedding for those who loves light romance with humor.
I received a copy of Destination Wedding by Deanna Lynn Sletten from the author/CLP Blog Tours as part of the book tour.
I received a copy of Destination Wedding by Deanna Lynn Sletten from the author/CLP Blog Tours as part of the book tour.
February 10, 2021
"Destination Wedding" was a heartwarming novel. I wanted to try reading some second-chance romance tropes and this was the perfect fit.
Second Chance Romance Trope
HEA
Their story was beautiful. Heartbreaking from Claire's side. & I was glad James (Jim) realized his mistakes. I found their story realistic, it can be very hard giving second chances to those who weren't able to truly understand or appreciate what they had. To truly open up to them again, especially after 20 years of marriage. The ending.. I was scared but thank goodness this author didn't break my heart.
It wasn't as spicy as I was expecting but the story made up for it. I got wrapped into Claire & James (Jims) love story that "smut" was the last thing in my mind. Would I have preferred spicier love scenes? Sure. But when they finally made love, it was honestly beautifully written. It was a nice change from the dark romance I tend to focus on reading. So this book is more focused on the character and relationship development than love scenes which I'm perfectly okay with.
Smut level:
1.5/5 (again, this story isn't focused on that).
Overall:
4/5 (needed a longer epilogue, I wanted to see a glimpse of their life after).
Second Chance Romance Trope
HEA
Their story was beautiful. Heartbreaking from Claire's side. & I was glad James (Jim) realized his mistakes. I found their story realistic, it can be very hard giving second chances to those who weren't able to truly understand or appreciate what they had. To truly open up to them again, especially after 20 years of marriage. The ending.. I was scared but thank goodness this author didn't break my heart.
It wasn't as spicy as I was expecting but the story made up for it. I got wrapped into Claire & James (Jims) love story that "smut" was the last thing in my mind. Would I have preferred spicier love scenes? Sure. But when they finally made love, it was honestly beautifully written. It was a nice change from the dark romance I tend to focus on reading. So this book is more focused on the character and relationship development than love scenes which I'm perfectly okay with.
Smut level:
1.5/5 (again, this story isn't focused on that).
Overall:
4/5 (needed a longer epilogue, I wanted to see a glimpse of their life after).
July 6, 2025
2.75 stars...sadly given since it's well written and has Audible. The hubby cheated on his wife of 20years, they dated for two years while in college. They had a perfect marriage his and her words, but he was "stupid" and the co-worker made him feel young and wanted, he was 41 and the homewrecker was 26. This occurred for a year and without any discussion or fighting...oh, they also NEVER fought...he just comes home and says he's leaving and is in love with someone else. WTF???
FF 4. yrs, the cheating asshat has married the skanky slut sidepiece, apparently as soon as the ink was dried on his 'perfect" marriages divorce. 6and they are attending their q daughter's wedding. The cheating scumbag husband is now divorcing his skank. He knew he made a mistake 6 months into the marriage, but stayed another 3+ years since he imploded his "perfect " marriage.
Now they're (exhubs and jilted wifey) both together on an island for 7 days, sharing a room under contrived plot conditions. There is no real reason he can provide for the betrayal and his only platitudes are a bunch of flat "I'm sorry".
This was heinous and left me feeling angry on behalf of the betrayed ex-wife, Claire. This isn't even a good rage read, but a WTF one!! It's all too sappy for the choices this sack of steamy dung the cheating hubby wrought. I'm being generous with my stars for a well-written novel; just Ugh!
FF 4. yrs, the cheating asshat has married the skanky slut sidepiece, apparently as soon as the ink was dried on his 'perfect" marriages divorce. 6and they are attending their q daughter's wedding. The cheating scumbag husband is now divorcing his skank. He knew he made a mistake 6 months into the marriage, but stayed another 3+ years since he imploded his "perfect " marriage.
Now they're (exhubs and jilted wifey) both together on an island for 7 days, sharing a room under contrived plot conditions. There is no real reason he can provide for the betrayal and his only platitudes are a bunch of flat "I'm sorry".
This was heinous and left me feeling angry on behalf of the betrayed ex-wife, Claire. This isn't even a good rage read, but a WTF one!! It's all too sappy for the choices this sack of steamy dung the cheating hubby wrought. I'm being generous with my stars for a well-written novel; just Ugh!
May 18, 2025
Imagine being married for 20 years yo a man who promised to have and to hold till death to you part.
Then he cheats on you and leaves you for his 20 something coworker when he's in his 40s. He marries her and you have to be cordial while you try to move on without the man you thought was your soulmate. You date a perfectly nice man..who bores you to death but he asks you to m carry you just days before you are to leave to a destination wedding for your daughter and your future son in law in the Bahamas.
Then you get there expecting to be in a swoerate room where you don't have to deal with your ex husband and his new wife who grinds your gears overtime you see her.
Then you find out he's not brought said wife ( they are divorcing) amd they canceled your reservation..forcing you to soend a week in paradise in the same bed and same room as your ex.
Does it sound like a Brooje Shields movie where she's the mother of the bride? Absolutely but just as full-on antics, hiking and laughter.
This wasn't a really sngstt book as they pretty much skipped over a lot of the feelings of betrayal. I also wis there was more groveling of forgiveness from the ex / not ex but I did enjoy reading this book. Solid 4 🌟 stsrs.
Then he cheats on you and leaves you for his 20 something coworker when he's in his 40s. He marries her and you have to be cordial while you try to move on without the man you thought was your soulmate. You date a perfectly nice man..who bores you to death but he asks you to m carry you just days before you are to leave to a destination wedding for your daughter and your future son in law in the Bahamas.
Then you get there expecting to be in a swoerate room where you don't have to deal with your ex husband and his new wife who grinds your gears overtime you see her.
Then you find out he's not brought said wife ( they are divorcing) amd they canceled your reservation..forcing you to soend a week in paradise in the same bed and same room as your ex.
Does it sound like a Brooje Shields movie where she's the mother of the bride? Absolutely but just as full-on antics, hiking and laughter.
This wasn't a really sngstt book as they pretty much skipped over a lot of the feelings of betrayal. I also wis there was more groveling of forgiveness from the ex / not ex but I did enjoy reading this book. Solid 4 🌟 stsrs.
July 14, 2021
Jim never seemed contrite enough towards Claire once the lightbulb went off. Still, I wasn’t a fan of him overall and he was a slow to catch on. Like he suddenly had an epiphany about how much he missed Claire when he was so thoughtless before and now that they’re in the same space, he’s realized what he wants. Too little too late, honestly. I could’ve done without his constant winks and careless flirtations, using humor and jibes to aggravate Claire. The daughter, Mandy, was annoying and somewhat self centered (like her father). I think Jim talked a big game and didn’t really follow up enough with the appropriate gestures since the ending was short, so it’s hard to believe in his authenticity except that he’s a grown man child who wants what he wants. However, good for Claire if she’s truly happy.
March 7, 2018
Minor spoilers:
I didn't fully believe in the reconciliation. I thought he was a selfish man that didn't deserve a second chance. There was not enough discussion on the break and why he left. You don't know how long the affair went for. I didn't feel his longing for her and I felt his remorse was self centred. He also didn't fight for her.
Not enough grovelling either. He fucked her over then he realised his mistake and he got her back. The end.
It was also written in a way that didn't make me feel. The writing style wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either
I didn't fully believe in the reconciliation. I thought he was a selfish man that didn't deserve a second chance. There was not enough discussion on the break and why he left. You don't know how long the affair went for. I didn't feel his longing for her and I felt his remorse was self centred. He also didn't fight for her.
Not enough grovelling either. He fucked her over then he realised his mistake and he got her back. The end.
It was also written in a way that didn't make me feel. The writing style wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either
December 29, 2017
I received this book from Ms Slettten at a book signing. I had never read any of her work, I loved Destination Wedding. It was a quick read - good for me because it takes me forever to read at 300 page novel. I enjoyed the characters-I got a little annoyed with Claire because I new she belonged with Jim and not Steven. Jim just went through mid-life crisis.
I enjoyed this novel and Ms Sletten's writing and will read more of her work.
I am glad Claire came to her senses.
I enjoyed this novel and Ms Sletten's writing and will read more of her work.
I am glad Claire came to her senses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 5, 2021Really excited to read books themed on destination weddings honestly!
The main reason to do that is because our company works on organising luxury destination weddings and I can already relate in so many ways. In case you're curious check out our site: https://blissfulplans.com/destination...
https://blissfulplans.com/destination...
https://blissfulplans.com/destination...
The main reason to do that is because our company works on organising luxury destination weddings and I can already relate in so many ways. In case you're curious check out our site: https://blissfulplans.com/destination...
https://blissfulplans.com/destination...
https://blissfulplans.com/destination...
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