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A Year of Weddings 2 #4
All Dressed Up in Love
They’ve helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples. Now twelve new couples will find themselves in the wedding spotlight in the second Year of Weddings novella collection. Greg Elizondo hadn’t bargained for this. Any of this. Satin. Lace. Tulle. Pearl inlay, embroidered bodices, and Swarovski crystals. The bridal shop business it took his mother three decades to build, the enterprise that covered his university and law degrees in full, was struggling because he might be part-genius when it came to contract law...But corset-style gowns with a mermaid flair? Shoot me now. Tara Simonetti hated law school, but loved the community grant funding her presence at Temple University’s esteemed school of law. She could not fail. Would not fail. But when a notice for bridal store help appeared on the community notice board, Tara applied for the job immediately. While grants and loans helped pave her way, money for food was scarce. Legal precedence, moot court, and judicial clerking all had their place, but they were nothing compared to Alcenon lace, tucked silk skirts, and a well-placed peplum. Greg had grabbed her help as the act of a desperate man. Within weeks, he was desperate again, this time to win her heart. But after using community funds to get her degree, how can Tara turn her back on the people who helped finance her goal? But if she leaves Philadelphia and Greg to return to her small-town in northern Pennsylvania, she’ll be leaving her heart behind. A heart he won, fair and square, by posting a help wanted notice on the coffee shop board...a heart that filled the missing niche in his mother’s acclaimed bridal store. A heart Greg longed to cherish forevermore.
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First published February 24, 2015
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About the author
Ruth Logan Herne
132 books506 followersMulti-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 8, 2024
Story Enjoyment Rating: 8/10 Christian Faith Rating: 3/3
All Dressed Up in Love by Ruth Logan Herne is a Christian contemporary romance novella. It follows Greg, who is a lawyer struggling to keep his mother’s bridal business afloat after she passed away. Then Tara shows up, asking for a job while she studies for her law degree. They hit it off, but their paths are due to take very different turns soon.
I enjoyed this short sweet romance. I loved the faith content and the message behind it. I liked all the characters and the journey they took through the novella. It felt a bit rushed, with so much crammed into a short period of time and pages, but it was a sweet story to pick up in between some bigger books.
All Dressed Up in Love by Ruth Logan Herne is a Christian contemporary romance novella. It follows Greg, who is a lawyer struggling to keep his mother’s bridal business afloat after she passed away. Then Tara shows up, asking for a job while she studies for her law degree. They hit it off, but their paths are due to take very different turns soon.
I enjoyed this short sweet romance. I loved the faith content and the message behind it. I liked all the characters and the journey they took through the novella. It felt a bit rushed, with so much crammed into a short period of time and pages, but it was a sweet story to pick up in between some bigger books.
March 10, 2016
From this book I learned several behind the scenes details of bridal fashion sales and shops. I was really impressed by the author's research of the industry and how she weaved it into the story. Saving Greg's mother's upscale bridal boutique was a compelling plot, but I wasn't able to fully connect with the characters for some reason. I enjoyed Tara's optimistic and bright personality which complemented Greg's more serious nature. They both struggled with their plans and vision for their futures, thinking they were on the path that would fulfill their dreams, but learned that by looking for God's guidance that a new dream was possible.
(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing and BookLook Bloggers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
(Thank you to Zondervan Publishing and BookLook Bloggers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
April 1, 2015
This story was an OK, nice read, but didn't shine for me. For some reason it just didn't grab me. I found it enjoyable and did keep reading.
The characters, while they were ok, I didn't really fall in love with anybody. I found them to be quite unbelievable and almost desperate. Greg was not "the leading man" for me.
Oh my I am making this sound like a bad book and its so not! I did like it enough, really! This was a sweet story. It got real good reviews from Amazon. So please judge for yourself.
Thank you Blogging for Books for sending me this ebook for my honest review.
The characters, while they were ok, I didn't really fall in love with anybody. I found them to be quite unbelievable and almost desperate. Greg was not "the leading man" for me.
Oh my I am making this sound like a bad book and its so not! I did like it enough, really! This was a sweet story. It got real good reviews from Amazon. So please judge for yourself.
Thank you Blogging for Books for sending me this ebook for my honest review.
March 19, 2021
Overall, this was a sweet story. I liked the setting (I've always been intrigued by bridal shoppes), and liked both Tara and Greg as characters, as well as Kathy, Donna, and the other employees at the shoppe.
I think the romance was way too rushed, and it didn't seem like it was based on anything 'concrete'. I think it would have been nice to see them actually have more in-depth conversations with each other, especially about matters of faith. We knew from the beginning that Tara was a believer through her actions, but Greg clearly was at the very least 'on a break' with his relationship with God at first.
Perhaps it was the novella format that threw the timeline into a bit of 'fast forward', but as much as I liked the characters separately, I felt like I wasn't quite 'feeling' their relationship.
2.75 stars
I think the romance was way too rushed, and it didn't seem like it was based on anything 'concrete'. I think it would have been nice to see them actually have more in-depth conversations with each other, especially about matters of faith. We knew from the beginning that Tara was a believer through her actions, but Greg clearly was at the very least 'on a break' with his relationship with God at first.
Perhaps it was the novella format that threw the timeline into a bit of 'fast forward', but as much as I liked the characters separately, I felt like I wasn't quite 'feeling' their relationship.
2.75 stars
June 16, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
This was my first time reading a Contemporary Romance Novel by Ruth so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this one about an up and coming lawyer who works part time at a Bridal Shop in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Tara and Greg were definately my favorites. I especially loved their friendship and life based on God, something that needs to be in more Romance Novels.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in Northeastern Pennsylvania while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Wonderfully written Clean Romance!! Can't wait to read more by Ruth in the future!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Contemporary Romance Novel by Ruth so I wasnt sure what to expect but I have to say I really enjoyed this one about an up and coming lawyer who works part time at a Bridal Shop in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Tara and Greg were definately my favorites. I especially loved their friendship and life based on God, something that needs to be in more Romance Novels.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in Northeastern Pennsylvania while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Wonderfully written Clean Romance!! Can't wait to read more by Ruth in the future!!
November 23, 2024
It wasn’t horrible…. The ending literally through me off bc of how we jumped from barely knowing each other to engaged
July 11, 2018
Another short novella in the year of weddings series.
Greg needs help...and fast. Since his mother died, he's inherited her wedding business. Only problem is...he knows nothing about weddings, dealing with stressed out brides, or picking out the perfect wedding dress.
Tara's pretty sure this job is a dream come true. Working with brides and lace and obsessive family members seem to come naturally for her. Plus, the store's handsome owner isn't that bad either.
This was quite an enjoyable story and clean for all readers.
Greg needs help...and fast. Since his mother died, he's inherited her wedding business. Only problem is...he knows nothing about weddings, dealing with stressed out brides, or picking out the perfect wedding dress.
Tara's pretty sure this job is a dream come true. Working with brides and lace and obsessive family members seem to come naturally for her. Plus, the store's handsome owner isn't that bad either.
This was quite an enjoyable story and clean for all readers.
March 25, 2015
Lawyer Greg Elizondo is working at his mother's bridal shop, trying to keep it afloat, since her death. He's got a full calendar of brides coming in that day and all of the employees are out (maternity leave, sick, vacation). He needs a miracle. When 3rd year law student Tara Simonetti walks in and immediately brings peace to the chaos, he hires her on the spot. But he's a lawyer. He knows how grueling law school can be, especially that final year. Yet Tara brings a joy to the shop that hasn't been seen since his mother's death. As they fight their attraction to each other and all of the obstacles that show up in their way, both Greg and Tara have to realize exactly what is important.
Novellas are fun, quick stories for me to escape into when I'm not in the mood to read a full length novel. I've read a lot of the Weddings novellas over the past year. This is one of those that falls into the "awww cute" category.
I loved how Greg was doing everything he could to save his mother's dream. I loved how there was more to him than just the corporate lawyer. Sure he was guilty of making assumptions, but so was Tara. Yet they managed to figure it out and make things work.
I enjoyed the camaraderie between all of the bridal shop employees. Tara came in as an outsider, but soon she was one of them. There was a real sense of family in the shop. I also loved how Tara recognized the need to target the "plugged in" generation. She knew it would be good for business and it would set the shop out as unique.
Fans of the Weddings series will enjoy this book.
I received the Kindle copy for free from Booklook Blogger's for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, weddings, novellas
Rating - 4 stars
Novellas are fun, quick stories for me to escape into when I'm not in the mood to read a full length novel. I've read a lot of the Weddings novellas over the past year. This is one of those that falls into the "awww cute" category.
I loved how Greg was doing everything he could to save his mother's dream. I loved how there was more to him than just the corporate lawyer. Sure he was guilty of making assumptions, but so was Tara. Yet they managed to figure it out and make things work.
I enjoyed the camaraderie between all of the bridal shop employees. Tara came in as an outsider, but soon she was one of them. There was a real sense of family in the shop. I also loved how Tara recognized the need to target the "plugged in" generation. She knew it would be good for business and it would set the shop out as unique.
Fans of the Weddings series will enjoy this book.
I received the Kindle copy for free from Booklook Blogger's for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of Janice Thompson, weddings, novellas
Rating - 4 stars
August 19, 2016
This review is also posted on Book by Book.
Here we go again: another fun, heartfelt romance from A Year of Weddings with “All Dressed Up in Love” by Ruth Logan Herne. This novella, set against the backdrop of a local bridal boutique, takes its characters into challenging, sometimes humorous, situations that turn their lives upside-down. Yet, as they navigate their way amidst these situations, they encounter God’s intentions for their futures - and perhaps the necessary romance. Though it moves quickly, “All Dressed Up in Love” fits neatly into this behind-the-scenes novella collection and delivers a sweet, romantic story. I certainly enjoyed it and cannot wait for the chance to read the next novella.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “All Dressed Up in Love” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
Here we go again: another fun, heartfelt romance from A Year of Weddings with “All Dressed Up in Love” by Ruth Logan Herne. This novella, set against the backdrop of a local bridal boutique, takes its characters into challenging, sometimes humorous, situations that turn their lives upside-down. Yet, as they navigate their way amidst these situations, they encounter God’s intentions for their futures - and perhaps the necessary romance. Though it moves quickly, “All Dressed Up in Love” fits neatly into this behind-the-scenes novella collection and delivers a sweet, romantic story. I certainly enjoyed it and cannot wait for the chance to read the next novella.
Thanks to BookLook Bloggers, I received a copy of “All Dressed Up in Love” and the opportunity to honestly review it. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. (I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)
January 4, 2019
This story was super sweet and cute and just fun. I loved the setting and the characters, and enjoyed this one a lot.
Tara is a law student, who takes a job at a local wedding dress boutique because she's low on funds. The owner, Grant, is a hotshot lawyer who took over the place when his mother died and has no idea how to run it. But he wants to keep his mother's beloved shop alive, and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep it going.
I liked Tara. She was spunky, smart, and blunt. She wasn't afraid to tell it like it is. She wants to be a lawyer to help people, but its not her passion. She finds her passion while working in the shop, helping brides with their dream day. Grant thought his heart was in the big city at a law firm, but the more he works at the shop, the more he realizes how much he likes the small town, the atmosphere... and Tara.
I liked both the characters, as they were a lot of fun. I had some issues with the portrayal of Grant, as there was a lot of saying what he was, but then he didn't actually show it. In this case, it was a good thing, as Tara has built up this idea of him being a greedy, big money lawyer, but he was actually kind and sweet. But I loved all the side characters too, and loved seeing the day-to-day of the bridal shop and how they all step in to help each other.
The only issue I had was with the ending. I don't want to spoil things, but it went way too fast. Beyond the point of unrealistic and romantic daydream, and into ridiculous. I know I'm not into romance as much as most girls that read this kind of stuff, and therefore may not understand it as much as I should. But I thought the ending was not built up to. It happened randomly, and honestly kind of ruined it for me. But other than that, this was a fun, sweet story.
I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
Tara is a law student, who takes a job at a local wedding dress boutique because she's low on funds. The owner, Grant, is a hotshot lawyer who took over the place when his mother died and has no idea how to run it. But he wants to keep his mother's beloved shop alive, and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep it going.
I liked Tara. She was spunky, smart, and blunt. She wasn't afraid to tell it like it is. She wants to be a lawyer to help people, but its not her passion. She finds her passion while working in the shop, helping brides with their dream day. Grant thought his heart was in the big city at a law firm, but the more he works at the shop, the more he realizes how much he likes the small town, the atmosphere... and Tara.
I liked both the characters, as they were a lot of fun. I had some issues with the portrayal of Grant, as there was a lot of saying what he was, but then he didn't actually show it. In this case, it was a good thing, as Tara has built up this idea of him being a greedy, big money lawyer, but he was actually kind and sweet. But I loved all the side characters too, and loved seeing the day-to-day of the bridal shop and how they all step in to help each other.
The only issue I had was with the ending. I don't want to spoil things, but it went way too fast. Beyond the point of unrealistic and romantic daydream, and into ridiculous. I know I'm not into romance as much as most girls that read this kind of stuff, and therefore may not understand it as much as I should. But I thought the ending was not built up to. It happened randomly, and honestly kind of ruined it for me. But other than that, this was a fun, sweet story.
I received a copy from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads
February 6, 2023
All Dressed Up in Love: A March Wedding Story by Ruth Logan Herne
A Year of Weddings 2 #4
124-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Romance > Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance; Christian Fiction, Novella
Featuring: Bridal Salon, Inherited Business Trope, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; January, Lawyers, Death of Parent, Church, Discussion Questions, Next Book Preview - Excerpt from In Tune With Love by Amy Matayo
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½👰♂
My thoughts: 🔖Page 16 of 116 Ch. 2 - Based on chapter 2 this might be good.
It was the Epilogue that sealed it for me. I enjoyed this novella about a bridal salon in transition. I will be adding Herne to my list.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This one was fun.
A Year of Weddings 2 #4
124-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Romance > Christian Romance, Contemporary Romance; Christian Fiction, Novella
Featuring: Bridal Salon, Inherited Business Trope, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; January, Lawyers, Death of Parent, Church, Discussion Questions, Next Book Preview - Excerpt from In Tune With Love by Amy Matayo
Rating as a movie: PG
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½👰♂
My thoughts: 🔖Page 16 of 116 Ch. 2 - Based on chapter 2 this might be good.
It was the Epilogue that sealed it for me. I enjoyed this novella about a bridal salon in transition. I will be adding Herne to my list.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This one was fun.
July 22, 2019
All Dressed Up In Love was a charming, pleasant surprise, and I wholeheartedly found myself enjoying it. I tend to be a fan of books that have a wedding dress shop as the setting, and I loved how perfectly the shop fits into the story in this one.
Greg, an extremely successful attorney, has been left his mother's bridal store after her death, and he's in serious need of help. He's got some amazing ladies working the store, but of course every single one is unavailable for the afternoon in which he desperately needs them. Suddenly a spunky, young woman enters the store, and declares herself their to help. A third year law student, Tara's dreamed her entire life about working in a bridal store, and this job posting seemed like the answer to her prayers. Greg's hesitant, but decides to give her a chance, and soon both Tara and Greg are finding themselves susceptible to the charm of the lovely store that's been serving the community for many years.
When opportunities arise, Greg's left questioning which path he should be following: his lifetime dream or the chemistry he feels with Tara. Tara went to law school as a result from some bad points in her family's history, but she knows its never been where her heart belongs. All she's ever wanted, she's found in the bridal salon and in Greg, but can she ever trust her heart to someone who's ambitions mean more to him than anything else?
All Dressed Up In Love is definitely a new favorite for me from this lovely series, and I thoroughly enjoyed how its such a sweet, and clean romance read. I loved Tara's character, I loved how Greg's determined to keep his mother's dream alive, I loved that the faith element is front and center, and I loved the theme of happiness being what's truly important in the end.
My only complaint is that the romance seemed a little insta-lovey for my tastes, but I also understand that it's harder to tell a full romance story in the time span allotted in a novella.
All in all, I'd definitely recommend this one, and I gave it a rating of four out of five stars.
Greg, an extremely successful attorney, has been left his mother's bridal store after her death, and he's in serious need of help. He's got some amazing ladies working the store, but of course every single one is unavailable for the afternoon in which he desperately needs them. Suddenly a spunky, young woman enters the store, and declares herself their to help. A third year law student, Tara's dreamed her entire life about working in a bridal store, and this job posting seemed like the answer to her prayers. Greg's hesitant, but decides to give her a chance, and soon both Tara and Greg are finding themselves susceptible to the charm of the lovely store that's been serving the community for many years.
When opportunities arise, Greg's left questioning which path he should be following: his lifetime dream or the chemistry he feels with Tara. Tara went to law school as a result from some bad points in her family's history, but she knows its never been where her heart belongs. All she's ever wanted, she's found in the bridal salon and in Greg, but can she ever trust her heart to someone who's ambitions mean more to him than anything else?
All Dressed Up In Love is definitely a new favorite for me from this lovely series, and I thoroughly enjoyed how its such a sweet, and clean romance read. I loved Tara's character, I loved how Greg's determined to keep his mother's dream alive, I loved that the faith element is front and center, and I loved the theme of happiness being what's truly important in the end.
My only complaint is that the romance seemed a little insta-lovey for my tastes, but I also understand that it's harder to tell a full romance story in the time span allotted in a novella.
All in all, I'd definitely recommend this one, and I gave it a rating of four out of five stars.
October 18, 2018
He's a lawyer who recently lost his mother and is left with her wedding dress business. She's a law student who loves the very idea of helping people with their wedding day. They meet when she finds the help wanted ad that he places. I really liked how Terah's helpful heart helped to break through to Greg's hardened heart. Terah is the type of character that I love, in part because she has went from hard times and grew from them. I loved these colorful and delightful characters, all the way from the two main characters to all of the charming minor characters.
August 24, 2021
Very cute clean short story about a girl who finds a job in a bridal shop and surprises her future boss on what she actually knows. But least does she know that she will fall in love with him and at the end marry him!!!
July 21, 2017
3.5 light
November 19, 2017
A quick read but definitely not my thing
January 2, 2018
This was a delightful story to listen to! I loved how the author brought the characters their true hearts desires. The setting in a bridal store felt so natural and real.
September 26, 2022
A good quick read about a wedding shop. I liked how the characters began to see what was important to them.
November 22, 2016
Cute story! Recommend it to those who like stories in wedding shops.
February 17, 2017
Wonderful, wonderful, beautiful, beautiful storytelling! Greg and Tara are working together to save his mother's bridal shop but Tara is reluctant to trust her heart to a workaholic corporate lawyer. This is a deeply moving, ugly cry and sigh of complete bookish bliss, redemptive story with romance. My heartstrings are all tied up in pretty little bows and I'll have to open a new box of tissues but oh this story has resonated with me!
March 10, 2015
This turned out to be such a precious little romance! I loved it!
Greg's mother has recently passed away, and he has inherited her bridal shop. As the story begins, he has a full day of brides ahead, but no employees available to guide them through the special shopping process. To his rescue comes Tara, a 3rd year law student needing money for survival. With no bridal shop experience, Greg has his hesitations, but Tara issues a challenge. Do you think she's up for it?
All dressed up in love is a novella, so things move along quickly. I was actually surprised at how quickly, but then I remembered how quick my own engagement and marriage came along(though still not near as quick as within this book). ;) In the past, I haven't been the biggest fan of novellas, but these days I'm finding I like them more and more. This sweet story gave me a lovely dose of romantic reading, which I crave occasionally.
Greg has his faults, as every leading man should. He's a workaholic, and he has a great deal of guilt regarding the fact that he lived so close to his mother, but never made time for her. Still, he's sweet and has a heart of gold. Tara is probably a lesson for most of us ladies. She didn't over-react to certain events that took place, and she was determined to not keep a man from his football. She was also on a super tight budget, but didn't whine about it. She didn't mind showing she could eat without embarrassment. On the other hand, she DID over-react to other events, bringing her back to a realistic character.
All Dressed up in Love is the March story within the Year of Weddings Novella. I definitely recommend it for a super quick, yet romantic story. I enjoyed my time with Greg and Tara and all the wedding shop ladies!
*I was provided an e-copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Greg's mother has recently passed away, and he has inherited her bridal shop. As the story begins, he has a full day of brides ahead, but no employees available to guide them through the special shopping process. To his rescue comes Tara, a 3rd year law student needing money for survival. With no bridal shop experience, Greg has his hesitations, but Tara issues a challenge. Do you think she's up for it?
All dressed up in love is a novella, so things move along quickly. I was actually surprised at how quickly, but then I remembered how quick my own engagement and marriage came along(though still not near as quick as within this book). ;) In the past, I haven't been the biggest fan of novellas, but these days I'm finding I like them more and more. This sweet story gave me a lovely dose of romantic reading, which I crave occasionally.
Greg has his faults, as every leading man should. He's a workaholic, and he has a great deal of guilt regarding the fact that he lived so close to his mother, but never made time for her. Still, he's sweet and has a heart of gold. Tara is probably a lesson for most of us ladies. She didn't over-react to certain events that took place, and she was determined to not keep a man from his football. She was also on a super tight budget, but didn't whine about it. She didn't mind showing she could eat without embarrassment. On the other hand, she DID over-react to other events, bringing her back to a realistic character.
All Dressed up in Love is the March story within the Year of Weddings Novella. I definitely recommend it for a super quick, yet romantic story. I enjoyed my time with Greg and Tara and all the wedding shop ladies!
*I was provided an e-copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 27, 2015
Many little girls envision working in a bridal shop, with all the lace and associated frills. Tara Simonetti has the chance at her dream job when she finds a “Help Wanted” sign for a position at Elena’s Bridal. As a third-year law student, she needs money, and she has extra time on her hands. She wants to savor this job while she has the chance, as she has promised to return to her small hometown and provide them with an honest lawyer, unlike the one her dad had prior to his untimely death.
Greg Elizondo, a hotshot lawyer looking to climb up the corporate ladder and vying for a job in New York City, is trying to keep his mother’s shop afloat. Just six months after her death, the store is already facing closure. They will have to work together to brainstorm ideas if the store is to thrive once again. They both notice chemistry between them, but both have what they believed to be firm plans mapped out. Will they discover that dreams, and plans, can change?
This is a quick, fun read, and the author’s personal experience from working in a bridal store adds to the realistic details and characters. There are a number of humorous scenes with Greg being totally out of his element in the midst of lace, alterations, and Bridezillas. Herne does bring to light the difficulty of keeping a small business running these days, and the importance of having a presence on social media. The characters remind the reader that while everyone has regrets, they should not hold us back. There are no accidents in life. God has a plan. A wonderful takeaway message is: “Safe is good, but sometimes life just dares you to run in the rain.”
Greg Elizondo, a hotshot lawyer looking to climb up the corporate ladder and vying for a job in New York City, is trying to keep his mother’s shop afloat. Just six months after her death, the store is already facing closure. They will have to work together to brainstorm ideas if the store is to thrive once again. They both notice chemistry between them, but both have what they believed to be firm plans mapped out. Will they discover that dreams, and plans, can change?
This is a quick, fun read, and the author’s personal experience from working in a bridal store adds to the realistic details and characters. There are a number of humorous scenes with Greg being totally out of his element in the midst of lace, alterations, and Bridezillas. Herne does bring to light the difficulty of keeping a small business running these days, and the importance of having a presence on social media. The characters remind the reader that while everyone has regrets, they should not hold us back. There are no accidents in life. God has a plan. A wonderful takeaway message is: “Safe is good, but sometimes life just dares you to run in the rain.”
March 15, 2015
** Books 79 - 2015 **
This books to accomplish New Author Reading Challenge 2015
3 of 5 stars!
Greg Elizondo have to help his mother to running the bridal's shop at a few moment. Suddenly, a young woman named Tara Simonetti come to the store and asking working with him..
I know it really lovey dovey story with such a fast pace and expected ending. But yes, i love Tara and Greg when they are working hard to running the bridal's store and yeah it uneasy but also tough one. It really reminds me of the TLC television show Say Yes to the Dress Every girl want have a best wedding gown in her special day. Even the bridegroom also have to be perfect. found your dream wedding dress is not as simple as you buy usual clothes. It should be perfect with your budget and how the look is..
Actually, i have randomly picked up this novella since i remembered i haven't read any contemporary romance genre that i choose for my challenge. That's the first reasons. the second reasons is OMG look at the backless Laces wedding gown in the cover? it's really stunning and gorgeous! *sorry i'm laces lover i can't count how many dress/shirts and shoes that have laces on it jezz.. and the last reason is the title is about A March Wedding Story. march is also one of the best months ever in my life since yeah.. it's my birthday months and actually it also it's time for spring hahaa.. >__<
This books to accomplish New Author Reading Challenge 2015
3 of 5 stars!
Greg Elizondo have to help his mother to running the bridal's shop at a few moment. Suddenly, a young woman named Tara Simonetti come to the store and asking working with him..
I know it really lovey dovey story with such a fast pace and expected ending. But yes, i love Tara and Greg when they are working hard to running the bridal's store and yeah it uneasy but also tough one. It really reminds me of the TLC television show Say Yes to the Dress Every girl want have a best wedding gown in her special day. Even the bridegroom also have to be perfect. found your dream wedding dress is not as simple as you buy usual clothes. It should be perfect with your budget and how the look is..
Actually, i have randomly picked up this novella since i remembered i haven't read any contemporary romance genre that i choose for my challenge. That's the first reasons. the second reasons is OMG look at the backless Laces wedding gown in the cover? it's really stunning and gorgeous! *sorry i'm laces lover i can't count how many dress/shirts and shoes that have laces on it jezz.. and the last reason is the title is about A March Wedding Story. march is also one of the best months ever in my life since yeah.. it's my birthday months and actually it also it's time for spring hahaa.. >__<
April 4, 2015
All Dressed Up in Love
A March Wedding Story
By Ruth Logan Herne
Greg Elizondo knows law but when it comes to weddings he is clueless. Unfortunately for him his lack of knowledge just may cost him his mother's struggling bridal shop. And unless a miracle happens he just may lose it all this week-end.
Fortunately for him Tara Simonetti loves weddings and anything bridal and most importantly she's seen his notice for needed help. And Greg is desperate for help and Tara just may be the miracle he needs.
And there may be just a spark of attraction between them, but there is a problem. Greg is an up-and-coming lawyer in a large firm and Tara has a problem with lawyers who focus on the all powerful $ and the up-ward course of their career.
But sometimes what we see on the surface isn't what lies beneath. Can Tara see Greg as more than a lawyer? And is Greg more than his job? Sometimes it takes a seemingly random event to change how we look at others and how we see ourselves.
All Dressed Up in Love is a sweet story that will have you wondering if there will be a wedding in the end. Sometimes our dreams change and for a happily ever after to be a possibility two dreams just might need to be reworked.
This is a perfect week-end read or a way to unwind after a long day.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.
A March Wedding Story
By Ruth Logan Herne
Greg Elizondo knows law but when it comes to weddings he is clueless. Unfortunately for him his lack of knowledge just may cost him his mother's struggling bridal shop. And unless a miracle happens he just may lose it all this week-end.
Fortunately for him Tara Simonetti loves weddings and anything bridal and most importantly she's seen his notice for needed help. And Greg is desperate for help and Tara just may be the miracle he needs.
And there may be just a spark of attraction between them, but there is a problem. Greg is an up-and-coming lawyer in a large firm and Tara has a problem with lawyers who focus on the all powerful $ and the up-ward course of their career.
But sometimes what we see on the surface isn't what lies beneath. Can Tara see Greg as more than a lawyer? And is Greg more than his job? Sometimes it takes a seemingly random event to change how we look at others and how we see ourselves.
All Dressed Up in Love is a sweet story that will have you wondering if there will be a wedding in the end. Sometimes our dreams change and for a happily ever after to be a possibility two dreams just might need to be reworked.
This is a perfect week-end read or a way to unwind after a long day.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program in exchange for my honest review.
June 27, 2017
Characters: It's wonderful when a character in a story is refreshing. That's how I felt when Tara Simonetti showed up at the bridal boutique in this story. She was quite authentic and stated things how she saw them. She also had an extremely kind heart which made me want to be friends with her right away! Greg Elizondo on the other hand is a wealthy lawyer, but he was learning to figure out what his priorities in life should be. Together, they were a fun pair to get to know and read their story.
Storyline: I loved the idea of a man running a wedding dress shop who had no clue about anything concerning weddings and especially the activity of wedding dress shopping. The idea alone had me hooked on this story.
My Thoughts: I loved reading this story. It flowed nicely and was engaging. For the most part, the characters felt real and most of it didn't feel too contrived. My only complaint on this one was that the romance thread felt a bit rushed. Other than a couple of dinners, we don't see Tara and Greg really getting to know one another. It's a lot of "thinking" about the other person and fighting an attraction. But I can appreciate that both Tara and Greg's characters are well developed and have their own journeys in this sweet novella.
**I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
Storyline: I loved the idea of a man running a wedding dress shop who had no clue about anything concerning weddings and especially the activity of wedding dress shopping. The idea alone had me hooked on this story.
My Thoughts: I loved reading this story. It flowed nicely and was engaging. For the most part, the characters felt real and most of it didn't feel too contrived. My only complaint on this one was that the romance thread felt a bit rushed. Other than a couple of dinners, we don't see Tara and Greg really getting to know one another. It's a lot of "thinking" about the other person and fighting an attraction. But I can appreciate that both Tara and Greg's characters are well developed and have their own journeys in this sweet novella.
**I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
October 2, 2015
Greg is our dashing male figure. He is already an established lawyer with his sights set on that Manhattan office space. Greg's mother recently passed away leaving behind the bridal shop she had poured her life into. Unsure whether to sell the store or try to save it, Greg's world changes when Tara comes to the rescue. Greg definitely experienced the biggest changes in the story. Some of it felt pretty sudden, but in the light of his mother's death, it felt right. People often reevaluate life when faced with Time.
'All Dressed Up..' was short and sweet. The story got on track and never deviated. Straight to the point can be appreciated sometimes! However, even understanding it is a novella, it could have benefitted from a few extra pages, even just like five extra pages. I really missed the part of the story where the attraction developed into something deeper. Instead it was just sort of a BAM! event.
Enjoyable for a novella! 'All Dressed Up...' is a great gem in the Year of Weddings collection. If you are looking for an adorable romance novella, Ruth Logan Herne has got you covered with this sweet story. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
See more of this review and others like it at Sunrise Avenue
'All Dressed Up..' was short and sweet. The story got on track and never deviated. Straight to the point can be appreciated sometimes! However, even understanding it is a novella, it could have benefitted from a few extra pages, even just like five extra pages. I really missed the part of the story where the attraction developed into something deeper. Instead it was just sort of a BAM! event.
Enjoyable for a novella! 'All Dressed Up...' is a great gem in the Year of Weddings collection. If you are looking for an adorable romance novella, Ruth Logan Herne has got you covered with this sweet story. 4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
See more of this review and others like it at Sunrise Avenue
April 5, 2015
Review from on i blog 4 books: http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2015/...
Ruth Logan Herne knows how to tell a story! All Dressed Up in Love introduces readers to Greg, a lawyer and the new owner of his mother's bridal shop, and Tara, a law student looking for a part-time job until she finishes school. Thankfully, they just happen to be what the other one needs during a difficult time.
The story centers primarily around the happenings of the bridal shop. We get to read about brides coming in to find their perfect wedding dress, other characters who work at the shop, and plans to revitalize and save the shop. Of course, there are sparks between the two main characters, and a bit of romance and mixed feelings help propel that aspect of the story along. While the story did conclude a little abruptly, I was satisfied with the ending and enjoyed every minute spent with Greg and Tara in All Dressed Up in Love. This is definitely one of my favorites of this year's A Year of Weddings series so far! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Ruth Logan Herne knows how to tell a story! All Dressed Up in Love introduces readers to Greg, a lawyer and the new owner of his mother's bridal shop, and Tara, a law student looking for a part-time job until she finishes school. Thankfully, they just happen to be what the other one needs during a difficult time.
The story centers primarily around the happenings of the bridal shop. We get to read about brides coming in to find their perfect wedding dress, other characters who work at the shop, and plans to revitalize and save the shop. Of course, there are sparks between the two main characters, and a bit of romance and mixed feelings help propel that aspect of the story along. While the story did conclude a little abruptly, I was satisfied with the ending and enjoyed every minute spent with Greg and Tara in All Dressed Up in Love. This is definitely one of my favorites of this year's A Year of Weddings series so far! [4 stars]
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.
April 27, 2015
This was a fun, interesting story about a bridal shop in trouble. I really liked Tara and her passion for all things bridal. It was cool how she was able to come in and assess the store's needs. She really had a talent for the business. I liked Greg, too, but I had a harder time understanding the workaholic mentality. It would be difficult to change your path and focus after working so hard towards your goals and spending so much money, as they each had to reassess where they were headed. Tara had a strong faith and there was an insightful conversation about a difficult experience she had and God's role in it. Greg seemed like he had the background and that his mom was a Christian, but he wasn't or had wandered from the faith. There was some evidence that he was changing, but I wish it would have been more obvious that he put his faith in God and wasn't just feeling more sympathetic to the downtrodden. I would have liked him to make it clear to her. There were some cute romantic moments and I would definitely recommend it if you like romance!
I received a kindle copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
I received a kindle copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2015
As a reader of The Year of Weddings series (yes, this is the second round of these), I feel like there is a formula that works and when authors stray from that formula, the story moves too fast. So, are you wondering what that formula is? In the more successful novellas I’ve read—totally based on my own opinion—the two main characters already know each other. That was not the case in “All Dressed Up in Love” where a woman walks in off the street for a job in a bridal store, both male and female are instantly attracted to each other, and things move fast.
Don’t get me wrong, this was an enjoyable story with lots of great side characters, and the dress shop was a great setting. The main characters are down to earth and likable. I just don’t think it’s realistic to get to know someone so well you’re ready to marry them after two months, but hey, I could be wrong. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there who have your own story to tell.
Now, one more month until the next one….
Don’t get me wrong, this was an enjoyable story with lots of great side characters, and the dress shop was a great setting. The main characters are down to earth and likable. I just don’t think it’s realistic to get to know someone so well you’re ready to marry them after two months, but hey, I could be wrong. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there who have your own story to tell.
Now, one more month until the next one….
April 25, 2015
I really enjoyed this story and learning about owning a bridal store.
I have enjoyed Ruth's books and this one was very sweet for so many reasons. Tara was in her third year as a law student wanting to make a difference because of what happened to her father. The only problem is that she loves the bride scene and shows up to work for a bridal shop with no experience. Greg is an attorney who is trying to keep his mother's dream alive after her death. He takes a chance on Tara because he is desperate and she proves her worth. His dream was to move to New York to work with a prestigious law firm. Tara wanted to help brides create their dream wedding, but she needed to get her law degree and go home to help protect other innocent victims in memory of her dad. Greg is attracted to Tara and she is attracted to him but once he gets the call he leaves for New York. Will they each find their dream?
I have enjoyed Ruth's books and this one was very sweet for so many reasons. Tara was in her third year as a law student wanting to make a difference because of what happened to her father. The only problem is that she loves the bride scene and shows up to work for a bridal shop with no experience. Greg is an attorney who is trying to keep his mother's dream alive after her death. He takes a chance on Tara because he is desperate and she proves her worth. His dream was to move to New York to work with a prestigious law firm. Tara wanted to help brides create their dream wedding, but she needed to get her law degree and go home to help protect other innocent victims in memory of her dad. Greg is attracted to Tara and she is attracted to him but once he gets the call he leaves for New York. Will they each find their dream?
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