This sweet novella is the perfect companion to the Dare Valley series! It's important to note that this isn't like the other books in the series--it is a compilation of the never before seen wedding scenes of characters from earlier novels. I am always eagerly awaiting Ava's next installment, so this was the perfect little read to tide me over until the next book!
I should probably start this review with a bit of a disclaimer: I am not really a wedding person. To me, it just seems like there is so much pomp and circumstance, and people tend to overlook the important part of the day--the marriage ceremony. That's obviously just my opinion, but I felt it was important to note before reviewing a book that focuses on 4 different weddings. I did find some parts a tiny bit corny, but I was able to overlook that and appreciate the characters and stories for what they were.
Each story started a little bit before the big day while the brides/grooms were getting ready with their families, and I loved that some of the minor characters were included in these scenes. The leading ladies are all very different, and their preparations and weddings reflected their unique personalities. In the first story, I loved when Meredith's grand father was giving her marriages tips and relating them to the newspaper business. In the second story, I thought it was so sweet how Brian incorporated their late friend's memory into the day. I particularly liked reading about both Peggy's and Abbie's weddings, since they each had children from other fathers. I loved seeing how Dustin and Ketih were incorporated into the respective marriage ceremonies. I also loved the little toast that Dustin gave to Abbie and Rhett.
I know that some people prefer it when a book ends with a wedding scene, but I actually preferred it this way. As a wedding cynic, I found it interesting to compare and contrast the different weddings all at once. It was also nice to catch up with the characters and revisit where they were when they got married, as opposed to where their lives may have taken them in subsequent stories.
I'll admit that I haven't actually read all 4 of the original novels for these characters, but I had read enough to know and appreciate all of the characters. I don't think this book would have meant quite as much to me if I hadn't read NORA ROBERTS LAND, but otherwise I do think it can standalone. I will probably come back and re-read it as I read the original novels.
I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.