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Don't Tell #3
Don't Tell the Brides-to-Be
Wenn Sie Hochzeiten und alles rund um das Thema Liebe und Romantik mögen und vielleicht schon heimlich Ihre eigene Traumhochzeit geplant haben, dann ist die neue Serie um Penny Robinson genau das Richtige für Sie.
Im dritten Teil 3 der Serie macht Penny sich selbstständig und hat als Expertin für Low-Budget-Hochzeiten, denen man das »Low« aber nicht anmerkt, bald alle Hände voll zu tun. Als sie feststellt, dass sie schwanger ist, scheint ihr Glück perfekt. Doch dann taucht eine hinterhältige Konkurrentin auf, die vor nichts zurückschreckt, um Pennys Ruf als Hochzeits-Planerin zu ruinieren.
Für die schönste Zeit des Jahres: humorvolle Hochzeits-Romantik mit originellen DIY-Tipps.
Lockerleichte, witzig-romantische Frauenunterhaltung aus England rund um das Thema Heiraten für die Fans von Mhairi McFarlane.
Die Engländerin Anna Bell ist verheiratet und Mutter von zwei Kindern. Sie sagt von sich selbst, sie sei eine hoffnungslose Romantikerin und liebe nichts so sehr wie ein gut gemachtes Happy End. Mittlerweile lebt sie mit ihrer Familie in Frankreich in einem wildromantischen Haus.
Im dritten Teil 3 der Serie macht Penny sich selbstständig und hat als Expertin für Low-Budget-Hochzeiten, denen man das »Low« aber nicht anmerkt, bald alle Hände voll zu tun. Als sie feststellt, dass sie schwanger ist, scheint ihr Glück perfekt. Doch dann taucht eine hinterhältige Konkurrentin auf, die vor nichts zurückschreckt, um Pennys Ruf als Hochzeits-Planerin zu ruinieren.
Für die schönste Zeit des Jahres: humorvolle Hochzeits-Romantik mit originellen DIY-Tipps.
Lockerleichte, witzig-romantische Frauenunterhaltung aus England rund um das Thema Heiraten für die Fans von Mhairi McFarlane.
Die Engländerin Anna Bell ist verheiratet und Mutter von zwei Kindern. Sie sagt von sich selbst, sie sei eine hoffnungslose Romantikerin und liebe nichts so sehr wie ein gut gemachtes Happy End. Mittlerweile lebt sie mit ihrer Familie in Frankreich in einem wildromantischen Haus.
432 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2015
13 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bell
49 books455 followersAnna is represented by the Marsh Agency and published by Quercus. 'Don't Tell the Groom' is released in paperback 5th December 2013.
Anna also writes new adult fiction under the pen name Annabel Scott.
Anna also writes new adult fiction under the pen name Annabel Scott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 18, 2016
Lovely Penny is back ♥
She now has her own business, 'princess on a shoestring', and more and more brides are hiring her for their weddings. Penny's life seems to finally be running smoothly, just how she imagined.
But being a full-time wedding planner and working from home isn't as easygoing as Penny thought it would be, what with a new little secret to hide from the brides-to-be and another, rather nasty wedding planner in the vicinity...
That was the third part in the series (will it only be a trilogy? I'm not quite sure..) and I loved it, just like the first two. I just love Penny and Mark and Lou and all the others and I am actually quite sad to be finished with their story (for now?).
I think my order of how I liked every part would be as follows: 1 - 3 - 2, but really, they were all great and I can only recommend this series to everyone who loves a nice chick-lit. ♥ Although the books aren't even typical chick-lit.
Well, what else it there to say? Go and read it! ♥
She now has her own business, 'princess on a shoestring', and more and more brides are hiring her for their weddings. Penny's life seems to finally be running smoothly, just how she imagined.
But being a full-time wedding planner and working from home isn't as easygoing as Penny thought it would be, what with a new little secret to hide from the brides-to-be and another, rather nasty wedding planner in the vicinity...
That was the third part in the series (will it only be a trilogy? I'm not quite sure..) and I loved it, just like the first two. I just love Penny and Mark and Lou and all the others and I am actually quite sad to be finished with their story (for now?).
I think my order of how I liked every part would be as follows: 1 - 3 - 2, but really, they were all great and I can only recommend this series to everyone who loves a nice chick-lit. ♥ Although the books aren't even typical chick-lit.
Well, what else it there to say? Go and read it! ♥
November 23, 2017
'Don't tell the brides-to-be' is a pretty good ending to this series.
This time, Penny is settling into running her little wedding planning company. It's all going well until various circumstances/ obstacles threaten to destroy her dream.
I don't think, I spoil too much by saying that it mostly gets sorted out by the end. Only this time, it was all a little more obvious. There were more surprising turns in the previous ones, which I liked really well. But even so, this third part was still a nice story.
This time, Penny is settling into running her little wedding planning company. It's all going well until various circumstances/ obstacles threaten to destroy her dream.
I don't think, I spoil too much by saying that it mostly gets sorted out by the end. Only this time, it was all a little more obvious. There were more surprising turns in the previous ones, which I liked really well. But even so, this third part was still a nice story.
May 31, 2015
Anna Bell has become one of my favourite authors. I love books about weddings and drama and friendship, and this is exactly what this book delivered. Penny was my favourite character as she was strong minded and stood up for herself and her business especially from Georgia – her competition in the wedding planning business. I hope there is more to come from Penny and her friends as Anna Bell has the knack of been able to draw me in and not let go until the last page.
Thanks goes to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks goes to Netgalley and the publishers for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2015
Penny! Lovely Penny! I had no idea that I missed you and your giddiness so much and that it's going to be so great to catch up with you! This is already the third book about Penny and her adventures, this time in the wedding - land, and I still don't have enough of her, her antics, and her - yes! - secrets, although she swears to God every time she has a secret to never have secrets anymore. But that's Penny for you.
The idea of the plot is so simple, yet it works out in this book brilliantly. I adored the description of the weddings Penny organized or was to organize, and laughed out loud at the brides - to - be antics and last minute problems. The business of budget - weddings is going brilliantly until two things happen: of course a vicious rival and a very unexpected bump... Add also some roulette table that may - or may not - reawaken the old demons...
Penny is Penny, the same light - headed and optimistic woman, although I had a feeling that she matured a little, that she is now more grown - up than in the previous book. She also tried to be much more responsible and although some aspects of her life she had under control, I still recognized the old, good Penny that I loved so much when she acted spontaneously and not so seriously. I think there is no way you can't fell for Penny and keep your fingers crossed for her, as she's such a lovely, good - natured character, and you just want to remove everybody out of her way, and this is why Georgina has so get in my hair, she was not at all likeable character but as I adored our Penny so much, and I so wanted that everything ends happily for her, I couldn't bear that Georgina may endanger her or cause her troubles and worries. Not to Penny, if you please, girl!
Also, the good old Mark is back. I was missing him in "Don't Tell the Boss", where he was so tense and offish and didn't support Penny, but in "Don't Tell the Brides - to Be" he was like a real hero, backing Penny in every decision, just like I'd wanted him to. Even if the supporting consisted in his going to the pub watching football, while Penny was perusing the wedding fairs. Oh well, he did come with her, right?
Penny's wedding ideas were so brilliant and so original, really, I was a little scared how the author is going to pull out with this sub - plot but I needn't have to fear. Her ideas were fresh and exceptional and should I marry again one day, I'd love to have a Penny by my side, with her head full of so normal, yet so original idea.
This was a great continuation to the two previous books about Penny and Mark, and a continuation that hasn't felt forced or too pushed, not at all, it made a great read about old friends, it was in my eyes a logical step to write a next story about those two little birds and I'm totally happy that I got a copy of this book in my mittens. Many sequels end up not being as good as the previous books but this book doesn't belong to this category, that's a fact!
I totally adored the fact that everything was so well measured in this book. Penny is organizing weddings, but we are not bombarded with details about those weddings, Penny is pregnant and of course we get to read about her feelings about this and her morning sickness, but it is within reason; not too much, not too less, just perfect. I mean, it does happen often that the author tries too hard and overflow us with a river of unnecessary information, but here Anna well - balanced everything and held on to all the right proportions. But! I still don't know what kind of secret did the neighbour have!
This book has an exceptional feel - good factor to it that even if there are some sad and more serious in tone moments, you still know that it is going to have its happy end. It's written in a brilliant, light, smooth and easy to follow way and the characters are just popping out of the pages and feel so realistic. Also, even with the addition of comedy elements, the situations are so possible to happen in a normal life as well, which is only a good thing of course, as it makes the book much more believable.
I don't know about you but I personally would love to hear about Penny and Mark's first time as parents. Ekhm. Hint for the author.
Highly recommended very enjoyable read! And - oh my gosh, have you noticed the cover? I am so in love with it! It's exceptionally beautiful and the colours couldn't be nicer, and it suits the plot so well!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
The idea of the plot is so simple, yet it works out in this book brilliantly. I adored the description of the weddings Penny organized or was to organize, and laughed out loud at the brides - to - be antics and last minute problems. The business of budget - weddings is going brilliantly until two things happen: of course a vicious rival and a very unexpected bump... Add also some roulette table that may - or may not - reawaken the old demons...
Penny is Penny, the same light - headed and optimistic woman, although I had a feeling that she matured a little, that she is now more grown - up than in the previous book. She also tried to be much more responsible and although some aspects of her life she had under control, I still recognized the old, good Penny that I loved so much when she acted spontaneously and not so seriously. I think there is no way you can't fell for Penny and keep your fingers crossed for her, as she's such a lovely, good - natured character, and you just want to remove everybody out of her way, and this is why Georgina has so get in my hair, she was not at all likeable character but as I adored our Penny so much, and I so wanted that everything ends happily for her, I couldn't bear that Georgina may endanger her or cause her troubles and worries. Not to Penny, if you please, girl!
Also, the good old Mark is back. I was missing him in "Don't Tell the Boss", where he was so tense and offish and didn't support Penny, but in "Don't Tell the Brides - to Be" he was like a real hero, backing Penny in every decision, just like I'd wanted him to. Even if the supporting consisted in his going to the pub watching football, while Penny was perusing the wedding fairs. Oh well, he did come with her, right?
Penny's wedding ideas were so brilliant and so original, really, I was a little scared how the author is going to pull out with this sub - plot but I needn't have to fear. Her ideas were fresh and exceptional and should I marry again one day, I'd love to have a Penny by my side, with her head full of so normal, yet so original idea.
This was a great continuation to the two previous books about Penny and Mark, and a continuation that hasn't felt forced or too pushed, not at all, it made a great read about old friends, it was in my eyes a logical step to write a next story about those two little birds and I'm totally happy that I got a copy of this book in my mittens. Many sequels end up not being as good as the previous books but this book doesn't belong to this category, that's a fact!
I totally adored the fact that everything was so well measured in this book. Penny is organizing weddings, but we are not bombarded with details about those weddings, Penny is pregnant and of course we get to read about her feelings about this and her morning sickness, but it is within reason; not too much, not too less, just perfect. I mean, it does happen often that the author tries too hard and overflow us with a river of unnecessary information, but here Anna well - balanced everything and held on to all the right proportions. But! I still don't know what kind of secret did the neighbour have!
This book has an exceptional feel - good factor to it that even if there are some sad and more serious in tone moments, you still know that it is going to have its happy end. It's written in a brilliant, light, smooth and easy to follow way and the characters are just popping out of the pages and feel so realistic. Also, even with the addition of comedy elements, the situations are so possible to happen in a normal life as well, which is only a good thing of course, as it makes the book much more believable.
I don't know about you but I personally would love to hear about Penny and Mark's first time as parents. Ekhm. Hint for the author.
Highly recommended very enjoyable read! And - oh my gosh, have you noticed the cover? I am so in love with it! It's exceptionally beautiful and the colours couldn't be nicer, and it suits the plot so well!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
February 22, 2020
An easy read that you need once in a while, love this series
March 6, 2015
This is the third in a series about Penny Robinson. She’s had an interesting past- she’s overcome a gambling addiction and now she’s running a wedding business. She organises weddings for brides and deals with all sorts of associated problems including the guests! She tries to help them bring their weddings in on a sensible budget whilst still enjoying the magic of their day. What’s not to love – reading about weddings.
A rival company sets up and she has to save her company. You want everything to work out for her.
A really fun read. I definitely want to catch up with more in this series
With many thanks to Quercus and Net Galley for the chance to read this book.
A rival company sets up and she has to save her company. You want everything to work out for her.
A really fun read. I definitely want to catch up with more in this series
With many thanks to Quercus and Net Galley for the chance to read this book.
May 28, 2015
Loved this book. I loved the storyline,didn't want the book to end and I really hope Anna bell writes another book about Penny Robinson. Absolutely brilliant.
October 9, 2022
Great read
Like her other books, it is funny, sad but a great read. I read most nights until I fall asleep. The endings always take you by surprise. Perfect read for when life is busy and you need to just relax. Now for the next one.
Like her other books, it is funny, sad but a great read. I read most nights until I fall asleep. The endings always take you by surprise. Perfect read for when life is busy and you need to just relax. Now for the next one.
August 12, 2017
A perfect ending to the Don't tell trilogy. Although if Anna Bell decides to write more of Penny's adventures that would be great, I kind of miss her already!
August 18, 2017
Excellent book
The story content of this book is great and the characters come to life immediately, very real and most enjoyable read.
The story content of this book is great and the characters come to life immediately, very real and most enjoyable read.
February 25, 2018
Another fantastic book from the series. Didn't want to finish it. All three books have made me laugh, what a brilliant author. Will have to try another one of her books.
December 11, 2018
A wonderful series.
April 9, 2018
Its a book I could not put down fabby and what an ending..
September 19, 2018
Loved every page 😀
I absolutely loved the whole book series and i'm looking forward to more books by anna bell 😀😀😀#love reading 😀
I absolutely loved the whole book series and i'm looking forward to more books by anna bell 😀😀😀#love reading 😀
October 21, 2018
So glad everything worked out for Penny. She so deserves it!
March 28, 2019
Great book
Fab book well written great if you like chic lit. 4/5 just because I think it wasn’t quite my taste but again if you love chic-lit this is for you!!!
Fab book well written great if you like chic lit. 4/5 just because I think it wasn’t quite my taste but again if you love chic-lit this is for you!!!
April 9, 2021
My least favourite book of the series but great none the less. This series is a great read, I’d definitely check it out.
August 5, 2021
I absolutely love this author . A real mix of emotions ,wrapped up in this brilliant book .
July 10, 2022
Much better than the last two books
July 20, 2024
Great end to the series!
September 8, 2024
Funny and heartfelt! Great read
April 29, 2015
I read my first book by Anna Bell last year, when I read the second book in her 'Don't Tell...' series called Don't Tell the Boss. I really enjoyed that book, and was pleased to receive the third book in the series to review called Don't Tell the Brides-to-Be, complete with a really pretty blue cover that drew me in straight away. I was looking forward to catching up with these characters again, seeing the next step in Penny's life, and the story certainly didn't disappoint, I really enjoyed it!
Penny's new business Princess on a Shoestring, her wedding planning on the cheap venture, is going well and she's booking more weddings than she ever expected. Her husband is thrilled for her, and the pair finally feel like their marriage is on track. When Penny meets a rival wedding planner at a wedding fayre, and finds her to be less than nice, she realises she has to toughen up and keep her brides to herself, never mind the competition. But just as she sets her plans in motion, Penny making a discovery that threatens to ruin everything she has built up so far, and Penny has no idea how she is going to cope...
As I said before, I have read the previous book, but not the first one in the series, so you can certainly read this as a stand-alone, although it does of course work better if you read its predecessors first. There is plenty explained throughout the book though, so you shouldn't feel too lost when you are reading, and are able to catch up with what has happened before. I loved Penny once again, she's a brilliant lead character, always optimistic, determined to make her new business work, and her marriage too, and she never fails to make me laugh. Even when things look like they are going badly wrong, she's still determined to plough on and make the best of a bad situation, even if that means keeping a few things to herself.
The development of this story was really well done, and I liked the twists and turns it took as the book went on. I don't want to discuss too much about the plot, because I enjoyed reading about it as it unfolded, Suffice to say, however, Penny doesn't perhaps deal with the revelations in the best way, although you can understand her worry and nervousness especially as she has a fledgling business to take care of. There was a sweet sub-plot about her husband Mark's grandmothers illness, and this was a more serious storyline, it was well written and very emotional, it made me tear up occasionally as I read it and was a good addition to the story, we certainly saw a different side to Penny and Mark throughout this storyline.
Yes, the plotline was simple, and perhaps the obvious place for the series to go after the previous two books, but that didn't stop me enjoying it at all - in fact, quite the opposite, I loved it! It was nice to see Penny working hard and making a success of her business, and the rivalry going on with the posh wedding planner was really quite funny too, I liked how Penny was determined not to let her win! The mentions of all the different wedding ideas going on were brilliant too, everything from a woodland wedding to an adult soft play idea, it's all in there! I hope this isn't the last book in the series, and we see more about Mark and Penny going on from the things in this book and how things work out for them! Anna Bell's writing is brilliant, so easy to read and the plot was so enjoyable, I couldn't put it down. A brilliant, light-hearted read that I loved.
Penny's new business Princess on a Shoestring, her wedding planning on the cheap venture, is going well and she's booking more weddings than she ever expected. Her husband is thrilled for her, and the pair finally feel like their marriage is on track. When Penny meets a rival wedding planner at a wedding fayre, and finds her to be less than nice, she realises she has to toughen up and keep her brides to herself, never mind the competition. But just as she sets her plans in motion, Penny making a discovery that threatens to ruin everything she has built up so far, and Penny has no idea how she is going to cope...
As I said before, I have read the previous book, but not the first one in the series, so you can certainly read this as a stand-alone, although it does of course work better if you read its predecessors first. There is plenty explained throughout the book though, so you shouldn't feel too lost when you are reading, and are able to catch up with what has happened before. I loved Penny once again, she's a brilliant lead character, always optimistic, determined to make her new business work, and her marriage too, and she never fails to make me laugh. Even when things look like they are going badly wrong, she's still determined to plough on and make the best of a bad situation, even if that means keeping a few things to herself.
The development of this story was really well done, and I liked the twists and turns it took as the book went on. I don't want to discuss too much about the plot, because I enjoyed reading about it as it unfolded, Suffice to say, however, Penny doesn't perhaps deal with the revelations in the best way, although you can understand her worry and nervousness especially as she has a fledgling business to take care of. There was a sweet sub-plot about her husband Mark's grandmothers illness, and this was a more serious storyline, it was well written and very emotional, it made me tear up occasionally as I read it and was a good addition to the story, we certainly saw a different side to Penny and Mark throughout this storyline.
Yes, the plotline was simple, and perhaps the obvious place for the series to go after the previous two books, but that didn't stop me enjoying it at all - in fact, quite the opposite, I loved it! It was nice to see Penny working hard and making a success of her business, and the rivalry going on with the posh wedding planner was really quite funny too, I liked how Penny was determined not to let her win! The mentions of all the different wedding ideas going on were brilliant too, everything from a woodland wedding to an adult soft play idea, it's all in there! I hope this isn't the last book in the series, and we see more about Mark and Penny going on from the things in this book and how things work out for them! Anna Bell's writing is brilliant, so easy to read and the plot was so enjoyable, I couldn't put it down. A brilliant, light-hearted read that I loved.
April 30, 2015
DON'T TELL THE BRIDE BY ANNA BELL
Things are looking up for Penny Robinson. She's kicked her gambling addiction and even started her own business: Princess on a Shoestring, an all-inclusive service for brides-to-be looking to pinch pennies on their big day.
Between family rows and wardrobe calamities, wedding planning is no piece of cake... but Penny's got it all under control. That is, until a rival planner decides to take her down - one hard-won bride at a time.
Now Penny must fight to save her reputation and her livelihood before its too late. But when a romantic weekend away has some unexpected consequences, Penny's expectations for her career are brought back down to earth with a bump.
WHAT I SAY
I loved this what a eye catching cover it so lovely
I had not read Anna other books but you can read as a standalone i had pick them up now to read as i loved this one so much
Penny's new business Princess on a Shoestring, her wedding planning on the cheap venture, is going so well now and she's got more weddings booking than she ever expected. Things seem to be going so well at the minute
Her husband is thrilled for her, and the pair finally feel like their marriage is on track or was it? I hope so
When Penny meets a rival wedding planner at a wedding fayre, and finds her to be less than nice, she realises she has to toughen up and keep her brides to herself, never mind the competition this was going to be fun you could just tell
But just as she sets her plans in place Penny making a discovery that threatens to ruin everything she has built up so far and she not going to let that happen she has no idea how she is going to cope but she will what can she do you have to read to find out
Penny a brilliant character, always optimistic, determined to make her new business work, and her marriage too, she gets what she want she will make you laugh and smile at how she does things she just a lovely character so full of life Even when things look like they are going badly wrong, she's still smiles and carries on and make the best of a bad situation, even if that means keeping a few things to herself which she does quite a lot she just so funny sometimes too i really enjoy her character so likeable
The book packed with twists and turns something i felt penny did not cope very well with them but she just does her best which was nice to read about
Mark grandma is ill this is dealt with in a lovely warm way sometimes it was a emotional read you see a new side to mark and penny which was nice to see
I enjoy all the wedding rivalry going on with the posh wedding planner was really quite funny too, I liked how
Different they and how penny was so determined to win just like she alway does
I loved Anna way with words her writing style so good the book brilliant a very light-hearted read that I just loved the story may be simple but it works so well a fabulous read
About the Author
Anna Bell is a full-time writer. She also writes the weekly column 'The Secret Dreamworld of An Aspiring Writer' on the website Novelicious and reviews women's fiction for the website the Chicklit Club. Anna lives with her husband and pet Labrador in France.
Things are looking up for Penny Robinson. She's kicked her gambling addiction and even started her own business: Princess on a Shoestring, an all-inclusive service for brides-to-be looking to pinch pennies on their big day.
Between family rows and wardrobe calamities, wedding planning is no piece of cake... but Penny's got it all under control. That is, until a rival planner decides to take her down - one hard-won bride at a time.
Now Penny must fight to save her reputation and her livelihood before its too late. But when a romantic weekend away has some unexpected consequences, Penny's expectations for her career are brought back down to earth with a bump.
WHAT I SAY
I loved this what a eye catching cover it so lovely
I had not read Anna other books but you can read as a standalone i had pick them up now to read as i loved this one so much
Penny's new business Princess on a Shoestring, her wedding planning on the cheap venture, is going so well now and she's got more weddings booking than she ever expected. Things seem to be going so well at the minute
Her husband is thrilled for her, and the pair finally feel like their marriage is on track or was it? I hope so
When Penny meets a rival wedding planner at a wedding fayre, and finds her to be less than nice, she realises she has to toughen up and keep her brides to herself, never mind the competition this was going to be fun you could just tell
But just as she sets her plans in place Penny making a discovery that threatens to ruin everything she has built up so far and she not going to let that happen she has no idea how she is going to cope but she will what can she do you have to read to find out
Penny a brilliant character, always optimistic, determined to make her new business work, and her marriage too, she gets what she want she will make you laugh and smile at how she does things she just a lovely character so full of life Even when things look like they are going badly wrong, she's still smiles and carries on and make the best of a bad situation, even if that means keeping a few things to herself which she does quite a lot she just so funny sometimes too i really enjoy her character so likeable
The book packed with twists and turns something i felt penny did not cope very well with them but she just does her best which was nice to read about
Mark grandma is ill this is dealt with in a lovely warm way sometimes it was a emotional read you see a new side to mark and penny which was nice to see
I enjoy all the wedding rivalry going on with the posh wedding planner was really quite funny too, I liked how
Different they and how penny was so determined to win just like she alway does
I loved Anna way with words her writing style so good the book brilliant a very light-hearted read that I just loved the story may be simple but it works so well a fabulous read
About the Author
Anna Bell is a full-time writer. She also writes the weekly column 'The Secret Dreamworld of An Aspiring Writer' on the website Novelicious and reviews women's fiction for the website the Chicklit Club. Anna lives with her husband and pet Labrador in France.
March 19, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Penny Robinson has finally found the courage to take the big leap and start her own wedding planning business called ‘Princess on a Shoestring.’ After the success of her blog with the same name, Penny soon finds herself with enough brides-to-be who want her help to organise their own budget weddings. Of course this includes the occasional bridezilla and emergency moments, but Penny is so passionate about her job she is ready to deal with it all. Until a rival wedding planner named Georgina Peasbody, who works in the same area, decides there is only place for one of them and she’s not going down without a dirty fight. Penny has to give it her everything to keep her business going, but when another unexpected bump in the road makes things even more complicated, Penny starts to doubt whether she is really meant to be a wedding planner.
There are certain book series which I can’t get enough of and if it was up to me, there would be at least 36 parts of the series to keep us entertained and up-to-date with all the characters. This certainly goes for Anna Bell’s book series, because ‘Don’t Tell the Brides-To-Be’ is a fantastic third part of this series starring Penny Robinson as the leading lady. Penny is a simply wonderful heroine; she’s spontaneous, naive, funny, incredibly passionate and I think many readers will be able to relate to her one way or another. I loved seeing how Penny tries to build up her own wedding planning business, especially after all she has been through in the first and second book of the series, and all the wedding elements in the book were simply great (I really wish Penny would be available to plan my own wedding someday!). Next to Penny, many other familiar faces make an appearance and together make up a thoroughly entertaining cast of characters, including Penny’s husband Mark, her best friend Lou, and all the brides-to-be who have their own story to tell. Another thing which I really liked about the novel are the Twitter messages/conversations each chapter starts with; this really added something fun to the story.
Sometimes, a sequel or a third part of a series can feel a bit pushed, but that is not the case with this book. The story flowed naturally and I honestly couldn’t wait to read more about Penny’s adventures and I think there are still many more tales to tell featuring these characters (fingers crossed!). I personally read this book straight after the other two parts of the series, which worked really well for me because I knew all the details and character backgrounds, but I think the novel can also be read as a stand-alone because the necessary facts are given. Overall, ‘Don’t Tell the Brides-To-Be’ is an incredibly fun, feel-good, light-hearted romantic comedy which I simply couldn’t get enough of. Anna Bell is slowly becoming one of my favourite authors and I’m keeping both fingers and toes crossed for a fourth Penny novel!
Penny Robinson has finally found the courage to take the big leap and start her own wedding planning business called ‘Princess on a Shoestring.’ After the success of her blog with the same name, Penny soon finds herself with enough brides-to-be who want her help to organise their own budget weddings. Of course this includes the occasional bridezilla and emergency moments, but Penny is so passionate about her job she is ready to deal with it all. Until a rival wedding planner named Georgina Peasbody, who works in the same area, decides there is only place for one of them and she’s not going down without a dirty fight. Penny has to give it her everything to keep her business going, but when another unexpected bump in the road makes things even more complicated, Penny starts to doubt whether she is really meant to be a wedding planner.
There are certain book series which I can’t get enough of and if it was up to me, there would be at least 36 parts of the series to keep us entertained and up-to-date with all the characters. This certainly goes for Anna Bell’s book series, because ‘Don’t Tell the Brides-To-Be’ is a fantastic third part of this series starring Penny Robinson as the leading lady. Penny is a simply wonderful heroine; she’s spontaneous, naive, funny, incredibly passionate and I think many readers will be able to relate to her one way or another. I loved seeing how Penny tries to build up her own wedding planning business, especially after all she has been through in the first and second book of the series, and all the wedding elements in the book were simply great (I really wish Penny would be available to plan my own wedding someday!). Next to Penny, many other familiar faces make an appearance and together make up a thoroughly entertaining cast of characters, including Penny’s husband Mark, her best friend Lou, and all the brides-to-be who have their own story to tell. Another thing which I really liked about the novel are the Twitter messages/conversations each chapter starts with; this really added something fun to the story.
Sometimes, a sequel or a third part of a series can feel a bit pushed, but that is not the case with this book. The story flowed naturally and I honestly couldn’t wait to read more about Penny’s adventures and I think there are still many more tales to tell featuring these characters (fingers crossed!). I personally read this book straight after the other two parts of the series, which worked really well for me because I knew all the details and character backgrounds, but I think the novel can also be read as a stand-alone because the necessary facts are given. Overall, ‘Don’t Tell the Brides-To-Be’ is an incredibly fun, feel-good, light-hearted romantic comedy which I simply couldn’t get enough of. Anna Bell is slowly becoming one of my favourite authors and I’m keeping both fingers and toes crossed for a fourth Penny novel!
April 18, 2016
Don't Tell the Brides-to-Be is the third novel in Anna Bell's fantastic series (following Don't Tell the Groom and 2014 release Don't Tell the Boss). Both of Anna's previous books have been wonderful reads (so much so that Don't Tell the Boss was awarded Uncovered's Book of the Year!), and so needless to say, to receive a copy of the latest installment was quite exciting.
The Don't Tell series focuses on Penny Robinson, a former gambler turned wedding planner extraordinaire after the success of her budget wedding blog, Princess on a Shoestring. Happily married to Mark (after a wedding that almost didn't go ahead - which all becomes clear in Don't Tell the Groom!), everything in Penny's life is seemingly going well - after all, she managed to kick her gambling habit, her wedding planning business has well and truly taken off, and her blog is still a roaring success. Oh, and not only is she also a bridal magazine columnist, but Penny has also gained a literary agent for her wedding book. Having cornered the budget wedding market, Penny's diary is full for the upcoming year.
However, things are about to change for Penny when she receives some exciting yet life-changing news. Penny is going to be having a baby. A baby that's due in the summer - a busy time for wedding planning!
Just when things seem almost manageable, in steps rival Georgina - a high-end wedding planner who's awfully bitter about Penny's success. With Georgina fully intent on ruining Penny's business, and a host of brides-to-be insisting on summertime weddings, Penny feels that the sensible thing to do is to keep quiet about the baby. But how long can she keep it a secret?
Once again, Anna Bell has penned another fantastic tale about Penny, which I read in a very short time as the series is quite addictive. Anna is a great writer and the Don't Tell series is a must-read for chick-lit fans. The characters are great and (mostly) likeable (such as reformed gambler Penny, husband Mark and not to mention the brides...) - and by 'mostly' I'm talking about the ruthless Georgina, whose schemes to steal Penny's business kept me reading, to see what she would do next! Admittedly, I'm not usually drawn to books that focus heavily on weddings, which is just a personal preference, but Don't Tell the Brides-To-Be is a brilliantly fun read that I struggled to put down until I had finished. In fact, the whole series is like this. If you haven't read Don't Tell the Groom or Don't Tell the Boss, then you can still pick up on what has previously happened in the latest novel, however I would advise you to read all three as they're fantastic.
I'm already looking forward to the next book!
The Don't Tell series focuses on Penny Robinson, a former gambler turned wedding planner extraordinaire after the success of her budget wedding blog, Princess on a Shoestring. Happily married to Mark (after a wedding that almost didn't go ahead - which all becomes clear in Don't Tell the Groom!), everything in Penny's life is seemingly going well - after all, she managed to kick her gambling habit, her wedding planning business has well and truly taken off, and her blog is still a roaring success. Oh, and not only is she also a bridal magazine columnist, but Penny has also gained a literary agent for her wedding book. Having cornered the budget wedding market, Penny's diary is full for the upcoming year.
However, things are about to change for Penny when she receives some exciting yet life-changing news. Penny is going to be having a baby. A baby that's due in the summer - a busy time for wedding planning!
Just when things seem almost manageable, in steps rival Georgina - a high-end wedding planner who's awfully bitter about Penny's success. With Georgina fully intent on ruining Penny's business, and a host of brides-to-be insisting on summertime weddings, Penny feels that the sensible thing to do is to keep quiet about the baby. But how long can she keep it a secret?
Once again, Anna Bell has penned another fantastic tale about Penny, which I read in a very short time as the series is quite addictive. Anna is a great writer and the Don't Tell series is a must-read for chick-lit fans. The characters are great and (mostly) likeable (such as reformed gambler Penny, husband Mark and not to mention the brides...) - and by 'mostly' I'm talking about the ruthless Georgina, whose schemes to steal Penny's business kept me reading, to see what she would do next! Admittedly, I'm not usually drawn to books that focus heavily on weddings, which is just a personal preference, but Don't Tell the Brides-To-Be is a brilliantly fun read that I struggled to put down until I had finished. In fact, the whole series is like this. If you haven't read Don't Tell the Groom or Don't Tell the Boss, then you can still pick up on what has previously happened in the latest novel, however I would advise you to read all three as they're fantastic.
I'm already looking forward to the next book!
February 18, 2015
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I was really excited when I got contacted about this book and immediately jumped at the chance to review it. It’s my first Anna Bell book, which made it even more exciting. I know it’s part of a series, but I didn’t feel that I missed things, because of that. Yes there were mentions from the past, but they only made my want to read all the other books in the series.
The story follows wedding planner Penny Robinson. She has started over, has left her gambling addiction behind and business is booming. Lots of brides want her services and Penny has it all under control. I loved her from the start, she is very creative, smart, organized and so lovely. I think we could be good friends.
It was great reading about the wedding planning and that beautiful wedding in Carcassonne. Anna’s writing is full of wonderful details and uniqueness. It’s also very bubbly, funny, sweet and romantic.
Mark surprises Penny at that wedding and they have 36 hours for themselves. I adored these two as a couple, Mark is a real gentleman. He’s so understanding and he has the best ideas. Their scenes were magical, romantic and just wonderful.
In the middle of all the planning, Penny has a sweet surprise for him and it also affects their future and her business. And is if she hasn’t enough stress when Georgina Peasbody comes up and plans the same kind of weddings. And that’s not all, Penny really has to fight for her business and her reputation. With the help of her friends and Mark she starts to do what’s best and that also teaches her a lot about honesty. The book also shows that being honest in every kind of situation is important, even if it’s something bad.
Penny’s and especially Mark’s family had a big role in the story as well. Nan Violet’s story is beautifully included and there is a big meaning behind it all.
One thing I really liked in this book, is how each chapter started. There was an exchange of tweets on Twitter all connected to the wedding planning and the chapter. Such a great idea and an amazing way to introduce the chapter.
This story has it all!!! A charming storyline, authentic characters, witty scenes, touching moments and lots of surprises. I loved every single second of it and I can’t wait to read more Anna Bell books!
I was really excited when I got contacted about this book and immediately jumped at the chance to review it. It’s my first Anna Bell book, which made it even more exciting. I know it’s part of a series, but I didn’t feel that I missed things, because of that. Yes there were mentions from the past, but they only made my want to read all the other books in the series.
The story follows wedding planner Penny Robinson. She has started over, has left her gambling addiction behind and business is booming. Lots of brides want her services and Penny has it all under control. I loved her from the start, she is very creative, smart, organized and so lovely. I think we could be good friends.
It was great reading about the wedding planning and that beautiful wedding in Carcassonne. Anna’s writing is full of wonderful details and uniqueness. It’s also very bubbly, funny, sweet and romantic.
Mark surprises Penny at that wedding and they have 36 hours for themselves. I adored these two as a couple, Mark is a real gentleman. He’s so understanding and he has the best ideas. Their scenes were magical, romantic and just wonderful.
In the middle of all the planning, Penny has a sweet surprise for him and it also affects their future and her business. And is if she hasn’t enough stress when Georgina Peasbody comes up and plans the same kind of weddings. And that’s not all, Penny really has to fight for her business and her reputation. With the help of her friends and Mark she starts to do what’s best and that also teaches her a lot about honesty. The book also shows that being honest in every kind of situation is important, even if it’s something bad.
Penny’s and especially Mark’s family had a big role in the story as well. Nan Violet’s story is beautifully included and there is a big meaning behind it all.
One thing I really liked in this book, is how each chapter started. There was an exchange of tweets on Twitter all connected to the wedding planning and the chapter. Such a great idea and an amazing way to introduce the chapter.
This story has it all!!! A charming storyline, authentic characters, witty scenes, touching moments and lots of surprises. I loved every single second of it and I can’t wait to read more Anna Bell books!
September 20, 2016
The final book in the Don't Tell series was hugely enjoyable. There were still moments where I was frustrated at Penny for not just telling the truth and sorting things out but this was great.
A great end to a great trilogy.
A great end to a great trilogy.
May 3, 2015
4.5 Stars
Don't Tell the Brides-to-Be is a fabulous continuation in the Don't Tell series. This is now the third time we have met Penny Robinson, and she is now running her own wedding planning business Princess on a Shoestring, for brides on a strict budget.
I love Penny's energy as she tries to secure as many brides as possible onto her books, and she goes out of her way to listen to want they want and try come up with their dream weddings, no matter how unusual the theme. Look out for the groom who is like a big child at heart. I loved what Penny came up with as a setting for that wedding, and wish I had been there myself.
However it isn't all smooth sailing for Penny, as the other wedding planner in the area who mainly does high budget, expensive weddings, Georgina Peasbody, takes exception to Penny, and is convinced she will fail. Penny obviously feels threatened and riddled with self doubt after meeting Georgina, but is determined to succeed.
Add in big news in her relationship with Mark, that could potentially have an affect on the business, surprises in their personal lives, and Penny's friendship with Lou, and you have a wonderful story.
Event though this is the third book in the series, it works well as a standalone, as you are given enough information for the most important bits of the previous stories, and since it had been a year since I read the others, I was glad of the reminders myself.
I was hooked on this story from the first chapter. I love Anna's way of telling a story, and how each chapter started with a few tweets, from Penny's brides, or from Penny herself.
I loved this story, and this series, and really hope that there will be more in the future from Penny, as I can't help but think her story definitely isn't over.
Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for my review copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Don't Tell the Brides-to-Be is a fabulous continuation in the Don't Tell series. This is now the third time we have met Penny Robinson, and she is now running her own wedding planning business Princess on a Shoestring, for brides on a strict budget.
I love Penny's energy as she tries to secure as many brides as possible onto her books, and she goes out of her way to listen to want they want and try come up with their dream weddings, no matter how unusual the theme. Look out for the groom who is like a big child at heart. I loved what Penny came up with as a setting for that wedding, and wish I had been there myself.
However it isn't all smooth sailing for Penny, as the other wedding planner in the area who mainly does high budget, expensive weddings, Georgina Peasbody, takes exception to Penny, and is convinced she will fail. Penny obviously feels threatened and riddled with self doubt after meeting Georgina, but is determined to succeed.
Add in big news in her relationship with Mark, that could potentially have an affect on the business, surprises in their personal lives, and Penny's friendship with Lou, and you have a wonderful story.
Event though this is the third book in the series, it works well as a standalone, as you are given enough information for the most important bits of the previous stories, and since it had been a year since I read the others, I was glad of the reminders myself.
I was hooked on this story from the first chapter. I love Anna's way of telling a story, and how each chapter started with a few tweets, from Penny's brides, or from Penny herself.
I loved this story, and this series, and really hope that there will be more in the future from Penny, as I can't help but think her story definitely isn't over.
Thank you to Quercus and Netgalley for my review copy of this book. This is my honest review.
February 15, 2015
Thanks to Quercus for providing me with a copy of ‘don’t tell the brides-to-be’ in return for an honest review.
First, from a purely aesthetic view, I love the cover! It is delightfully pretty and whimsical, a perfect fit for the tone of the book.
From the very beginning, the reader is thrown head first into Penny’s mad world and, believe me, there is never a dull moment to be had when Penny is around!
A newly-wed herself, Penny has started a business for cash-conscious brides and is doing remarkably well for herself. This abruptly stalls after a run in with another wedding planner who takes umbrage at Penny’s ‘budget wedding’ philosophy and is determined to see her ruined. This is complicated by a couple of unexpected personal situations.
Penny is a great character. She loves her job, her husband and her friends, however her life is never plain-sailing. She has an enthusiasm which is infectious, however you get the impression that she will always manage to get herself “into a pickle” (as my grandma would say!).
The plot is fairly straightforward and you quickly guess who is causing Penny problems. However, the writing involves the reader and the story just stops from being too obvious, partly because of a couple of surprises thrown in along the way.
I believe that this is the third book in the series by Anna Bell and the first of the series that I have read. The book itself works as a standalone novel. There are references to the earlier books, however those references are always explained so the reader does not feel as though they have missed anything important by not reading the earlier books first.
This is a perfect example of chick-lit. It’s light-hearted and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed Anna Bell’s style of writing and found it very moreish.
First, from a purely aesthetic view, I love the cover! It is delightfully pretty and whimsical, a perfect fit for the tone of the book.
From the very beginning, the reader is thrown head first into Penny’s mad world and, believe me, there is never a dull moment to be had when Penny is around!
A newly-wed herself, Penny has started a business for cash-conscious brides and is doing remarkably well for herself. This abruptly stalls after a run in with another wedding planner who takes umbrage at Penny’s ‘budget wedding’ philosophy and is determined to see her ruined. This is complicated by a couple of unexpected personal situations.
Penny is a great character. She loves her job, her husband and her friends, however her life is never plain-sailing. She has an enthusiasm which is infectious, however you get the impression that she will always manage to get herself “into a pickle” (as my grandma would say!).
The plot is fairly straightforward and you quickly guess who is causing Penny problems. However, the writing involves the reader and the story just stops from being too obvious, partly because of a couple of surprises thrown in along the way.
I believe that this is the third book in the series by Anna Bell and the first of the series that I have read. The book itself works as a standalone novel. There are references to the earlier books, however those references are always explained so the reader does not feel as though they have missed anything important by not reading the earlier books first.
This is a perfect example of chick-lit. It’s light-hearted and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed Anna Bell’s style of writing and found it very moreish.
February 16, 2015
Thank you to Quercus books for this book in return for writing a review.
This is the first time I have entered this author’s world.
It launches straight into the picture perfect ideal wedding. It then swiftly becomes a Bond - 007 type adventure. Just as the swan seems to serenely glide, but is actually peddling furiously below, and a gorgeous tapestry portrays an ideal image, the author treats her readers to a behind-the-tapestry view.
The dialogue is great. The characters, from the evil Cruella type Georgina, to the slightly vague nanny Violet are very convincing. I did wonder, at first, why Nanny Violet was there, but all is revealed at the end. The Twitter quotes, at the start of each chapter were fun. The musical allusions had me heading to Spotify to check them out. Very cinematic in the venue descriptions.
The story casts its eye to dreamland but the characters are square in reality. The flawed heroine does really try to adhere to her professed ideals.
The author shows Penny, the knight errant, fighting everything that assails her, in order to maintain that outer image of calm, and keep the show on the road, and her brides-to-be happy. As my first venture into chick-lit, it was a frothy delight, and would be a marvellous book to bring away on holiday. You will find it hard to put it down, once begun.
This is the first time I have entered this author’s world.
It launches straight into the picture perfect ideal wedding. It then swiftly becomes a Bond - 007 type adventure. Just as the swan seems to serenely glide, but is actually peddling furiously below, and a gorgeous tapestry portrays an ideal image, the author treats her readers to a behind-the-tapestry view.
The dialogue is great. The characters, from the evil Cruella type Georgina, to the slightly vague nanny Violet are very convincing. I did wonder, at first, why Nanny Violet was there, but all is revealed at the end. The Twitter quotes, at the start of each chapter were fun. The musical allusions had me heading to Spotify to check them out. Very cinematic in the venue descriptions.
The story casts its eye to dreamland but the characters are square in reality. The flawed heroine does really try to adhere to her professed ideals.
The author shows Penny, the knight errant, fighting everything that assails her, in order to maintain that outer image of calm, and keep the show on the road, and her brides-to-be happy. As my first venture into chick-lit, it was a frothy delight, and would be a marvellous book to bring away on holiday. You will find it hard to put it down, once begun.
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