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Magnolia Brides #2
Every Bride Has Her Day
Second in the Magnolia Brides series of charming, heartfelt Southern contemporary romance
Can love revive a wilting heart?
Cricket O'Malley can't wait to plant roots back home in Georgia, where she's returned to restore an abandoned flower shop to its former glory. The only blemish? Her neighbor's house is even more neglected than her old flower shop, and its occupant seems as surly as he is darkly handsome.
Devastated body and soul after a tough case went south, New York City detective Sam DeLuca thought he'd have no trouble finding solitude in the quiet Georgia town of Misty Bottoms, but his bubbly neighbor seems determined to shine happiness into Sam's life. Sam is equally determined to close himself off, but his heart says otherwise...
Praise for The Best Laid Wedding Plans
"All about small towns, community, and sweet and sexy romance." -Booklist
"Entertaining...the push and pull of emotion feels real." -RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
"An intriguing premiere...well-developed characters and sensual romantic tension." -Publishers Weekly
Can love revive a wilting heart?
Cricket O'Malley can't wait to plant roots back home in Georgia, where she's returned to restore an abandoned flower shop to its former glory. The only blemish? Her neighbor's house is even more neglected than her old flower shop, and its occupant seems as surly as he is darkly handsome.
Devastated body and soul after a tough case went south, New York City detective Sam DeLuca thought he'd have no trouble finding solitude in the quiet Georgia town of Misty Bottoms, but his bubbly neighbor seems determined to shine happiness into Sam's life. Sam is equally determined to close himself off, but his heart says otherwise...
Praise for The Best Laid Wedding Plans
"All about small towns, community, and sweet and sexy romance." -Booklist
"Entertaining...the push and pull of emotion feels real." -RT Book Reviews, 4 stars
"An intriguing premiere...well-developed characters and sensual romantic tension." -Publishers Weekly
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
80 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 5, 2016
New York narcotics detective Sam Deluca has had a rough go of it in recent times. Betrayed by someone close and set up to be killed by a drug lord, Sam was lucky to escape with his life but his confidence has taken a major hit and he's not certain he can do his job effectively anymore. Getting away for a bit seems like the perfect idea and a place that has fond memories for him - Misty Bottom, Georgia - the perfect location.
The plan? Heal up from his injuries, get his head right and oh, avoid women. Well, two out of three ain't bad because within hours of getting into town, Sam makes the acquaintance of his neighbor Cricket and soon finds himself tangled up with her. The town itself begins to grow on him and there is no urgency to return to his life in the city.
Cricket's sweetness, sunny disposition and her optimism are just what Sam needs, but she's no pushover. She knows to to be soft when Sam needs it and strong when he needs a dose of common sense.
This is a sweet romance all around that will leave you smiling and warm your heart. I enjoyed the gradual development of their relationship, from friendship to romance and I loved how the people welcomed Sam and make a place for him among them. I especially loved the end of the book and how it played out.
EVERY BRIDE HAS HER DAY embodies the best of small towns and should make your reading list this summer.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The plan? Heal up from his injuries, get his head right and oh, avoid women. Well, two out of three ain't bad because within hours of getting into town, Sam makes the acquaintance of his neighbor Cricket and soon finds himself tangled up with her. The town itself begins to grow on him and there is no urgency to return to his life in the city.
Cricket's sweetness, sunny disposition and her optimism are just what Sam needs, but she's no pushover. She knows to to be soft when Sam needs it and strong when he needs a dose of common sense.
This is a sweet romance all around that will leave you smiling and warm your heart. I enjoyed the gradual development of their relationship, from friendship to romance and I loved how the people welcomed Sam and make a place for him among them. I especially loved the end of the book and how it played out.
EVERY BRIDE HAS HER DAY embodies the best of small towns and should make your reading list this summer.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
April 4, 2016
The most important element in any romance is heart. Bug (Cricket) and Sam had this in spades. So did the rest of the town. You like them and you want them to be happy. You have to be able to feel the emotions of the characters, to go with them on the journey, to have moments of joy (when he takes Hobo with him) and moments of sorrow with the characters (the rocking chair on his porch when Cricket thinks Sam has left) in order to invest in the story. I had no issues investing with the characters.
The romance is honest, it is sweet, you get to know each of them as they get to know one another. Hot sex isn't a requirement for a romance, some have it, others don't. This one doesn't, but you don't miss it as the author uses characters and the story to give you the connection between Bug and Sam.
Usually, I find it annoying when a character in a book has a slightly juvenile or irritating nickname...in this, it didn't bother me at all...I think because I felt like I was getting to know Sam, and understood the affection he was showing her by the nickname. It made it ok.
The book was well written, the dialog and the characters were believable and you liked all of them. I will be finding the first book in the series and I am looking forward to the next.
***ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley***
The romance is honest, it is sweet, you get to know each of them as they get to know one another. Hot sex isn't a requirement for a romance, some have it, others don't. This one doesn't, but you don't miss it as the author uses characters and the story to give you the connection between Bug and Sam.
Usually, I find it annoying when a character in a book has a slightly juvenile or irritating nickname...in this, it didn't bother me at all...I think because I felt like I was getting to know Sam, and understood the affection he was showing her by the nickname. It made it ok.
The book was well written, the dialog and the characters were believable and you liked all of them. I will be finding the first book in the series and I am looking forward to the next.
***ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley***
September 27, 2020
Only in Misty Bottoms
I loved this book. It is a carefree read with great characters and even a dog. I enjoyed the fire and ice emotions. I loved the nicknames that they used. It is a feel good read. I would highly recommend it if you need a jolt in sweet love.
I loved this book. It is a carefree read with great characters and even a dog. I enjoyed the fire and ice emotions. I loved the nicknames that they used. It is a feel good read. I would highly recommend it if you need a jolt in sweet love.
May 1, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Wicked Reads.
This was such a sweet, laid back romance. I really enjoyed that the author kept it realistic without too much fluff and brought some interesting aspects such as a cop with PTSD to the story.
With a name liike cricket, the character is hard to forget. I liked how she was continuing on with things left from the first book.
I really liked Sam. The author made him a richly complex character that I found easy to relate to and love.
I had already fallen in love with Misty Bottoms and Magnolia Brides from the last book, so I loved seeing more about the town and previous characters.
I would recommend this book and series to romance lovers and I look forward to the next book!
This was such a sweet, laid back romance. I really enjoyed that the author kept it realistic without too much fluff and brought some interesting aspects such as a cop with PTSD to the story.
With a name liike cricket, the character is hard to forget. I liked how she was continuing on with things left from the first book.
I really liked Sam. The author made him a richly complex character that I found easy to relate to and love.
I had already fallen in love with Misty Bottoms and Magnolia Brides from the last book, so I loved seeing more about the town and previous characters.
I would recommend this book and series to romance lovers and I look forward to the next book!
October 9, 2019
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by NetGalley
This was a sweet contemporary romance reminiscent to me of books by Sherryl Woods, Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber. Having not read book one in the series, The Best Laid Wedding Plans , I didn't feel lost at all. Enough background information was given that the story flowed smoothly and was not bogged down by a lot of unnecessary loving. The characters were multi-dimensional and we learned more about them as the layers were drawn back. The small town of Misty Bottoms, Georgia was a real Southern town and Sam is a Yankee outsider hailing from New York City. He spent a few weeks there every summer with his great aunt for a few years and has a lot of fond memories especially where his aunt is involved. He's in their town to decide what to do about her house that she left him when she died but is that all there is to his being there?
Sam slowly meets the townspeople and tries not to reveal too much of himself since he only plans to be in town temporarily. Little by little, the town and the residents but especially his next door neighbor Cricket, whom he fondly nicknames Bug, get to him and he starts to rethink his priorities and where he wants to be or does he? His dog, Hobo, who comes out of nowhere and adopts him, is a nice addition to the story especially with all his antics. He could have been a matchmaker in a previous life! Sam and Cricket have immediate chemistry but take one step forward and two steps back for much of the story which is heartbreaking but they each have their reasons for doing so.
There was some darkness and bad vibes but they were woven throughout the story along with the warmth and goodness of the characters and the town. The businesses in town were front and center along with the people and the renovations to Sam's house. There were friendships, sorrow, loss, tears, laughter, family, memories, secrets, sadness, happiness, gossip, love and romance. There was nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing but still a few loose ends. I hope the series continues for many more books since I for one would like to return over and over again to Misty Bottoms of all places!
Austin is a new to me author and I will be adding her books to my always growing TBR pile. I hope this is her caliber of writing since she drew me in from the first page to the last and I'm definitely wanting more!
Book provided by NetGalley
This was a sweet contemporary romance reminiscent to me of books by Sherryl Woods, Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber. Having not read book one in the series, The Best Laid Wedding Plans , I didn't feel lost at all. Enough background information was given that the story flowed smoothly and was not bogged down by a lot of unnecessary loving. The characters were multi-dimensional and we learned more about them as the layers were drawn back. The small town of Misty Bottoms, Georgia was a real Southern town and Sam is a Yankee outsider hailing from New York City. He spent a few weeks there every summer with his great aunt for a few years and has a lot of fond memories especially where his aunt is involved. He's in their town to decide what to do about her house that she left him when she died but is that all there is to his being there?
Sam slowly meets the townspeople and tries not to reveal too much of himself since he only plans to be in town temporarily. Little by little, the town and the residents but especially his next door neighbor Cricket, whom he fondly nicknames Bug, get to him and he starts to rethink his priorities and where he wants to be or does he? His dog, Hobo, who comes out of nowhere and adopts him, is a nice addition to the story especially with all his antics. He could have been a matchmaker in a previous life! Sam and Cricket have immediate chemistry but take one step forward and two steps back for much of the story which is heartbreaking but they each have their reasons for doing so.
There was some darkness and bad vibes but they were woven throughout the story along with the warmth and goodness of the characters and the town. The businesses in town were front and center along with the people and the renovations to Sam's house. There were friendships, sorrow, loss, tears, laughter, family, memories, secrets, sadness, happiness, gossip, love and romance. There was nice closure and a happily ever after in the offing but still a few loose ends. I hope the series continues for many more books since I for one would like to return over and over again to Misty Bottoms of all places!
Austin is a new to me author and I will be adding her books to my always growing TBR pile. I hope this is her caliber of writing since she drew me in from the first page to the last and I'm definitely wanting more!
November 25, 2023
Cricket has opened her flower shop business with the help of family and friends.
Sam comes to town to get away from his New York life for a bit and stays in the house his aunt left him - right next door to Cricket.
At first they fight their attraction and stay in the friend zone. Very soon it is clear they both want more and take that step. However, Sam never promised forever and started to go back to New York. He did not get very far before he realized Cricket is his forever and he turns around and goes home to his girl
Sam comes to town to get away from his New York life for a bit and stays in the house his aunt left him - right next door to Cricket.
At first they fight their attraction and stay in the friend zone. Very soon it is clear they both want more and take that step. However, Sam never promised forever and started to go back to New York. He did not get very far before he realized Cricket is his forever and he turns around and goes home to his girl
September 17, 2019
I think I was waiting for something a little more dramatic to happen via Sam's (the male lead) job, but I still really enjoyed this couple. They were a lot of fun, and I have a huge soft spot for the scenes with Hobo. <3
More sweet than steamy, this series is definitely a light read, nothing super deep or serious here. Good if you're looking for a fast, beach-y read. But don't get me wrong, I truly enjoyed it. The characters, and the town of Misty Bottoms, have a lot of flair.
More sweet than steamy, this series is definitely a light read, nothing super deep or serious here. Good if you're looking for a fast, beach-y read. But don't get me wrong, I truly enjoyed it. The characters, and the town of Misty Bottoms, have a lot of flair.
July 18, 2019
Sweet romantic story in a small town. A big city detective heads to Misty Bottoms ,Georgia to recover and get his head straight after being shot and betrayed by a woman he cared for. He reluctantly falls under the spell of a beautiful woman named Cricket. She lives across the street, and is opening a florist shop.
Soon Sam is involved in this small town’s characters and charm.
Soon Sam is involved in this small town’s characters and charm.
September 5, 2019
With each page brimming with heart and humor, Every Bride Has Her Day is certain to have you smiling throughout! This well crafted tale and it's lovable characters kept me entertained from beginning to end! Highly recommend!
November 28, 2017
Romance. Would like to read more from this series.
April 17, 2019
I like that Hobo the dog kept whining until they kissed at night. Very sweet romance.
May 20, 2019
Such a wonderful heartwarming romance, I really enjoyed reading this story.
August 13, 2019
Great second in the seeies
Great and fun read! Love Cricket and Hobo, and Crickets ability to see Sam. Enjoy this fun, predictable series. Yes!
Great and fun read! Love Cricket and Hobo, and Crickets ability to see Sam. Enjoy this fun, predictable series. Yes!
September 13, 2019
Loved this story! It’s about a yankee boy and a Dixie girl. Love this trilogy. Can’t wait to read the next one.
October 28, 2020
What a romantic tale. Loved it. ☆☆☆☆☆☆♡♡♡♡♡♡☆☆☆☆☆☆
July 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and have read others by Lynnette and hope to read many more.
May 3, 2016
4.5 stars.
Every Bride Has Her Day is a leisurely paced, heartwarming romance. This second installment Lynnette Austin’s warm and inviting Magnolia Brides series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
Needing a place to recover both physically and mentally from an undercover case that went horribly wrong, NYC detective Sam DeLuca heads to Misty Bottoms, GA, where he once spent several memorable summers with his late great-aunt Gertie. After two years, Sam decides it is time to take care of his neglected inheritance so he immerses himself in fixing up the sadly neglected house he inherited from Gertie. Besieged by nightmares from his last case, he is easily distracted by his beautiful, sassy neighbor Cricket O’Malley, but knowing he is only passing through town, the two try to ignore the sparks that fly between them. Despite the roots he seems to putting down, Sam still intends to return to the life he left behind but will those plans change once he and Cricket give in to their sizzling hot desire?
With his confidence shaken and unable to trust his judgment, Sam is hoping getting away from New York will help him put his last case behind him once and for all. He is unprepared for the guilt he experiences when confronted with the neglected house awaiting him but he is grateful for the distraction the renovations provide him. He is also surprised by how much he much he looks forward to spending time with Cricket but he fights his growing attraction due to the betrayal he experienced in his last relationship. Enjoying the slower pace of life, Sam is gradually drawn into small town life as he strikes up new friendships, adopts a stray dog and offers a helping hand to a troubled teen.
Cricket is also a newcomer to town but unlike Sam, she is staying in Misty Bottoms permanently. On the verge of opening her florist shop, she is incredibly busy but she still finds time to help her grumpy (and super sexy) new neighbor acclimate to small town life. Knowing Sam is only in town temporarily, she pushes aside her growing attraction to him and they spend several enjoyable evenings together. Once Sam begins to confide his troubles to her, Cricket has trouble maintaining an emotional distance from him.
The relationship between Cricket and Sam is a little antagonistic at first, but they soon settle into an easy friendship. Between their quiet evenings together and fun outings, they spend a great deal of time in each other’s company. Sam’s reticence to talk about why he is town initially causes some tension between them, but he is uncharacteristically talkative when he is with Cricket. Underscoring all of their interactions is a simmering attraction that becomes impossible to ignore but will this change in their relationship convince Sam to alter his plans to leave Foggy Bottoms?
With a quirky cast of appealing characters and a charming setting, Every Bride Has Her Day is a sweet romance that is blissfully free from excessive angst or drama. Lynnette Austin brings Foggy Bottoms vibrantly to life and fans of small town love stories are sure to be captivated by both the town and its residents. Tantalizing glimpses of Cricket’s cousin and his ex will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the Magnolia Brides series.
Every Bride Has Her Day is a leisurely paced, heartwarming romance. This second installment Lynnette Austin’s warm and inviting Magnolia Brides series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
Needing a place to recover both physically and mentally from an undercover case that went horribly wrong, NYC detective Sam DeLuca heads to Misty Bottoms, GA, where he once spent several memorable summers with his late great-aunt Gertie. After two years, Sam decides it is time to take care of his neglected inheritance so he immerses himself in fixing up the sadly neglected house he inherited from Gertie. Besieged by nightmares from his last case, he is easily distracted by his beautiful, sassy neighbor Cricket O’Malley, but knowing he is only passing through town, the two try to ignore the sparks that fly between them. Despite the roots he seems to putting down, Sam still intends to return to the life he left behind but will those plans change once he and Cricket give in to their sizzling hot desire?
With his confidence shaken and unable to trust his judgment, Sam is hoping getting away from New York will help him put his last case behind him once and for all. He is unprepared for the guilt he experiences when confronted with the neglected house awaiting him but he is grateful for the distraction the renovations provide him. He is also surprised by how much he much he looks forward to spending time with Cricket but he fights his growing attraction due to the betrayal he experienced in his last relationship. Enjoying the slower pace of life, Sam is gradually drawn into small town life as he strikes up new friendships, adopts a stray dog and offers a helping hand to a troubled teen.
Cricket is also a newcomer to town but unlike Sam, she is staying in Misty Bottoms permanently. On the verge of opening her florist shop, she is incredibly busy but she still finds time to help her grumpy (and super sexy) new neighbor acclimate to small town life. Knowing Sam is only in town temporarily, she pushes aside her growing attraction to him and they spend several enjoyable evenings together. Once Sam begins to confide his troubles to her, Cricket has trouble maintaining an emotional distance from him.
The relationship between Cricket and Sam is a little antagonistic at first, but they soon settle into an easy friendship. Between their quiet evenings together and fun outings, they spend a great deal of time in each other’s company. Sam’s reticence to talk about why he is town initially causes some tension between them, but he is uncharacteristically talkative when he is with Cricket. Underscoring all of their interactions is a simmering attraction that becomes impossible to ignore but will this change in their relationship convince Sam to alter his plans to leave Foggy Bottoms?
With a quirky cast of appealing characters and a charming setting, Every Bride Has Her Day is a sweet romance that is blissfully free from excessive angst or drama. Lynnette Austin brings Foggy Bottoms vibrantly to life and fans of small town love stories are sure to be captivated by both the town and its residents. Tantalizing glimpses of Cricket’s cousin and his ex will leave readers impatiently awaiting the next installment in the Magnolia Brides series.
February 26, 2017
After reading the first book I was excited for Tansy and Beck's book and for the mean time this one filled the wait. This novel is abit different from the first story because ir focuses more on the characters away from Magnolia Brides.
I was particular interested in Sam and what he was running from. I like that he was guarded but at times let himself just feel what he was feeling. Hey men can cry too. The story touched on some dark issues as well like PTSD.
I liked Cricket as well because she was assertive but very kind. They both can identify with being new in town and they have quite witty back and forths. I felt that the story was abit too draggy but nonetheless I enjoyed reading about the close community in Misty Bottoms. It was fun to see Jenni Beth and Cole. The author explores other characters like Jeremy Stuckey, Lem and Lyda Mae. The romance was sweet but the sex scenes were quite lacklustre. It was alot of build to nothing much.
I think the ending was predictable and abit cliche but I still liked this, just not as much as the first one.
I was particular interested in Sam and what he was running from. I like that he was guarded but at times let himself just feel what he was feeling. Hey men can cry too. The story touched on some dark issues as well like PTSD.
I liked Cricket as well because she was assertive but very kind. They both can identify with being new in town and they have quite witty back and forths. I felt that the story was abit too draggy but nonetheless I enjoyed reading about the close community in Misty Bottoms. It was fun to see Jenni Beth and Cole. The author explores other characters like Jeremy Stuckey, Lem and Lyda Mae. The romance was sweet but the sex scenes were quite lacklustre. It was alot of build to nothing much.
I think the ending was predictable and abit cliche but I still liked this, just not as much as the first one.
May 7, 2016
Every Bride Has Her Day by Lynette Austin is the 2nd book in her wonderful Magnolia Brides series. I enjoyed the first book in this series, and am happy to say Every Bride Has Her Day was just as good, as it was a pleasure to spend time with those we met in Misty Bottoms , Georgia.
Sam Deluca, our hero, arrives in the middle of the night to the house his deceased Aunt Gertie left him. Sam is a NY detective, who was undercover for so long, which ended badly and has left him injured and with nightmares. Sam finds the house in shambles, but he needs time to rest and is determined to fix up the house. Then Sam meets his cute next door neighbor, Cricket O’Malley, our heroine.
Cricket is also fairly new to town, having moved to Misty Bottoms, and has bought the town flower shop. Cricket has hopes to make her dream come true with her new shop, The Enchanted Florist, something that would work well with Magnolia Brides. Misty Bottoms is growing, with a section of shops offering everything for brides. When she meets Sam, she is immediately attracted to him, but she sees he is hiding something.
Sam does not want to become involved, since he is only in Misty Bottoms to recover and fix the house. He only plans to stay a short time, though in a short period of time he finds himself falling for sweet Cricket, as well as the small town atmosphere and new friends. On top of that, a stray dog, that he names Hobo adopts Sam. Hobo, was so cute, how he loved Sam, and was instrumental in bringing Cricket more into Sam’s life. This was fun.
This turned out to be a beautiful romance, with Cricket doing her best to help Sam with his nightmares, and forcing him to open up about how he got hurt. Sam, despite knowing that he loved Cricket, was a bit annoying in his stubbornness that he was only in town a short time, and didn’t want to hurt her. It was also great to see those we met in the first book, who played a big part in this story.
Lynette Austin has created a great couple in Sam and Cricket, as well as all the other characters. You can’t help but care about them all, especially Jenni Beth, Cole, Beck and even Jeremy. This was a very heartwarming story, with two people perfect together, a cute funny dog, great friends, and a wonderful ending that lit up the pages. If you enjoy sweet romances, with a beautiful ending, then Every Bride Has Her Day is perfect for you.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Sam Deluca, our hero, arrives in the middle of the night to the house his deceased Aunt Gertie left him. Sam is a NY detective, who was undercover for so long, which ended badly and has left him injured and with nightmares. Sam finds the house in shambles, but he needs time to rest and is determined to fix up the house. Then Sam meets his cute next door neighbor, Cricket O’Malley, our heroine.
Cricket is also fairly new to town, having moved to Misty Bottoms, and has bought the town flower shop. Cricket has hopes to make her dream come true with her new shop, The Enchanted Florist, something that would work well with Magnolia Brides. Misty Bottoms is growing, with a section of shops offering everything for brides. When she meets Sam, she is immediately attracted to him, but she sees he is hiding something.
Sam does not want to become involved, since he is only in Misty Bottoms to recover and fix the house. He only plans to stay a short time, though in a short period of time he finds himself falling for sweet Cricket, as well as the small town atmosphere and new friends. On top of that, a stray dog, that he names Hobo adopts Sam. Hobo, was so cute, how he loved Sam, and was instrumental in bringing Cricket more into Sam’s life. This was fun.
This turned out to be a beautiful romance, with Cricket doing her best to help Sam with his nightmares, and forcing him to open up about how he got hurt. Sam, despite knowing that he loved Cricket, was a bit annoying in his stubbornness that he was only in town a short time, and didn’t want to hurt her. It was also great to see those we met in the first book, who played a big part in this story.
Lynette Austin has created a great couple in Sam and Cricket, as well as all the other characters. You can’t help but care about them all, especially Jenni Beth, Cole, Beck and even Jeremy. This was a very heartwarming story, with two people perfect together, a cute funny dog, great friends, and a wonderful ending that lit up the pages. If you enjoy sweet romances, with a beautiful ending, then Every Bride Has Her Day is perfect for you.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
July 27, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes all you really want, exactly what you need is the slow living found in a small Southern town like Misty Bottoms. A place where life moves at a much slower pace, the complications of life aren’t quite so… complicated, and where it’s possible to sit back and allow yourself to heal to just be.
Maybe Sam didn’t realize those were the things he craved, but he certainly got much more than he was looking for when he retreated to this small town to recover from a case that went sideways leaving him injured in mind, body and spirit. He was pretty much looking for a place to hide, to get lost in but life often hands us what we truly need – not what we think we need to escape from.
Cricket has returned home to take on a dream, to turn the falling down, in need of some loving repair florist shop and make it a part of this town that is every bride’s dream location for a Southern destination wedding.
Sam is cranky, Cricket is cheerful. You’d think that two people this obviously opposite wouldn’t stand a chance. You’d be wrong. Cricket is determined to brighten up Sam’s life. And watching this couple move from neighbors with annoyances to friendship to courtship to eventually a true love was a delightful and enjoyable journey.
Sometimes a reader just wants a sweet, charming, good old-fashioned love story in a beautiful location. This would be that story. I love the idea behind Magnolia Brides and it is such fun to watch this endeavor come to life through each person who plays a part in the destination wedding town. Cricket is a fun character and it’s her upbeat charm that won my heart in this story. Sam is a brooding hero and with good reasons, yet the charm of one special woman and the magic of this Southern town will win him over in a few heartbeats.
If you are in the mood for some good old-fashioned Southern charm, a love story that will melt your heart and a town full of eccentric and typically normal citizens… then Every Bride Has Her Day is a perfect choice. I would highly recommend it – and if you haven’t read the first one, The Best Laid Wedding Plans, that is one that should be on your reading list as well.
*I received an e-ARC of Every Bride Has her Day from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Sometimes all you really want, exactly what you need is the slow living found in a small Southern town like Misty Bottoms. A place where life moves at a much slower pace, the complications of life aren’t quite so… complicated, and where it’s possible to sit back and allow yourself to heal to just be.
Maybe Sam didn’t realize those were the things he craved, but he certainly got much more than he was looking for when he retreated to this small town to recover from a case that went sideways leaving him injured in mind, body and spirit. He was pretty much looking for a place to hide, to get lost in but life often hands us what we truly need – not what we think we need to escape from.
Cricket has returned home to take on a dream, to turn the falling down, in need of some loving repair florist shop and make it a part of this town that is every bride’s dream location for a Southern destination wedding.
Sam is cranky, Cricket is cheerful. You’d think that two people this obviously opposite wouldn’t stand a chance. You’d be wrong. Cricket is determined to brighten up Sam’s life. And watching this couple move from neighbors with annoyances to friendship to courtship to eventually a true love was a delightful and enjoyable journey.
Sometimes a reader just wants a sweet, charming, good old-fashioned love story in a beautiful location. This would be that story. I love the idea behind Magnolia Brides and it is such fun to watch this endeavor come to life through each person who plays a part in the destination wedding town. Cricket is a fun character and it’s her upbeat charm that won my heart in this story. Sam is a brooding hero and with good reasons, yet the charm of one special woman and the magic of this Southern town will win him over in a few heartbeats.
If you are in the mood for some good old-fashioned Southern charm, a love story that will melt your heart and a town full of eccentric and typically normal citizens… then Every Bride Has Her Day is a perfect choice. I would highly recommend it – and if you haven’t read the first one, The Best Laid Wedding Plans, that is one that should be on your reading list as well.
*I received an e-ARC of Every Bride Has her Day from the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
May 5, 2016
The second in the Magnolia Brides series from Lynnette Austin returns to Misty Bottom and focuses on Cricket and Sam: arriving with their own dreams and intentions.
Cricket has always wanted her own floral shop, and her move has made that dream come true. Kind-hearted and open, Cricket is a glass half full girl: not afraid to step out of her own comfort zone if that means she will make someone else’s day a bit brighter. With her new space and plenty of work to do, the last thing she expected was a grumpy hot neighbor with a ‘stay away’ attitude.
Sam has retreated to Misty Bottom to regroup after an undercover operation gone horribly wrong. He’s less trusting and more wary of new people, understandably. The town is a childhood favorite place filed with summer memories and laughter when he was with his aunt. She has passed, and left the house, desperately in need of refurbishment, to Sam. Unused to finding anywhere that feels like “home”, Sam is confused by the lack of ‘you need to move on now’ that he has when Cricket is around.
The relationship between these two, aided by moments and gentle nudges from characters met in the first book, develops gradually and organically. Cricket isn’t pushing to insert herself into Sam’s life, and he’s softening – even assigning her the nickname of Bug…. A bit of a mixed smile here – she ‘bugs’ him and makes him face things and changes he’d rather not, and of course her name.
When you add in a wandering and homeless dog who has adopted them as his own, and has particular quirky traits, the growth for Sam in realizing that Cricket and the town have opened his horizon to more than just moving on, and a wonderful sense of community and friendship that oozes through the pages, this story holds strong for fans of romances that are plausible and possible if you take the time to slow down.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Cricket has always wanted her own floral shop, and her move has made that dream come true. Kind-hearted and open, Cricket is a glass half full girl: not afraid to step out of her own comfort zone if that means she will make someone else’s day a bit brighter. With her new space and plenty of work to do, the last thing she expected was a grumpy hot neighbor with a ‘stay away’ attitude.
Sam has retreated to Misty Bottom to regroup after an undercover operation gone horribly wrong. He’s less trusting and more wary of new people, understandably. The town is a childhood favorite place filed with summer memories and laughter when he was with his aunt. She has passed, and left the house, desperately in need of refurbishment, to Sam. Unused to finding anywhere that feels like “home”, Sam is confused by the lack of ‘you need to move on now’ that he has when Cricket is around.
The relationship between these two, aided by moments and gentle nudges from characters met in the first book, develops gradually and organically. Cricket isn’t pushing to insert herself into Sam’s life, and he’s softening – even assigning her the nickname of Bug…. A bit of a mixed smile here – she ‘bugs’ him and makes him face things and changes he’d rather not, and of course her name.
When you add in a wandering and homeless dog who has adopted them as his own, and has particular quirky traits, the growth for Sam in realizing that Cricket and the town have opened his horizon to more than just moving on, and a wonderful sense of community and friendship that oozes through the pages, this story holds strong for fans of romances that are plausible and possible if you take the time to slow down.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
April 4, 2016
This is the second book in the Magnolia Brides series, and it can be read as a stand alone. It is not dependent on the first book to understand the characters. This book really touched me. I have to say that the ending was so wonderful it made me cry, and that it a testament to power of finding your one true love. This is the story of Cricket and Sam.
Cricket O'Malley has come home to Georgia to live her dream. She has always wanted to own her own flower shop and now she gets her wish. The Enchanted Florist is a dream come true for Cricket, and getting to work for Magnolia Brides and help make others dreams come true is a bonus. What she did not count on was her surly neighbor with his tempting body and secrets that he is not willing to share.
Sam DeLuca is only back in Georgia to recover after a undercover case that almost killed him. Needing to get away and get his head back on straight, he has returned to the one place that he loved as a child. The house that was left to him by his aunt. Determined to fix up the falling down home and sell it is Sams direct plans. He is not one to stay in one place long. But his feet don't feel so itchy when Cricket is around.
As Cricket and Sam work side by side on the old house and on her flower shop, the sparks start to fly. With the help of a homeless dog, who will howl up a blue streak until they give in and kiss, these two might have found more than they bargained for. Can the man that never thought he would commit and the woman that wants her forever find some kind of middle ground, or are they destine to lose it all.
I loved the connection between Cricket and Sam. Cricket is the kind of neighbor that puts everyone before herself. She is the kind of person who will reach out and help anyone in need. Sam is weary at first, and his concern for Cricket, or Bug as he likes to call her is heartwarming. Hobo the dog adds humor and fun to the story and in the end can be credited with helping these two find a HEA.
This is an amazing story and just the thing to kick off your summer reading list.
Cricket O'Malley has come home to Georgia to live her dream. She has always wanted to own her own flower shop and now she gets her wish. The Enchanted Florist is a dream come true for Cricket, and getting to work for Magnolia Brides and help make others dreams come true is a bonus. What she did not count on was her surly neighbor with his tempting body and secrets that he is not willing to share.
Sam DeLuca is only back in Georgia to recover after a undercover case that almost killed him. Needing to get away and get his head back on straight, he has returned to the one place that he loved as a child. The house that was left to him by his aunt. Determined to fix up the falling down home and sell it is Sams direct plans. He is not one to stay in one place long. But his feet don't feel so itchy when Cricket is around.
As Cricket and Sam work side by side on the old house and on her flower shop, the sparks start to fly. With the help of a homeless dog, who will howl up a blue streak until they give in and kiss, these two might have found more than they bargained for. Can the man that never thought he would commit and the woman that wants her forever find some kind of middle ground, or are they destine to lose it all.
I loved the connection between Cricket and Sam. Cricket is the kind of neighbor that puts everyone before herself. She is the kind of person who will reach out and help anyone in need. Sam is weary at first, and his concern for Cricket, or Bug as he likes to call her is heartwarming. Hobo the dog adds humor and fun to the story and in the end can be credited with helping these two find a HEA.
This is an amazing story and just the thing to kick off your summer reading list.
May 3, 2016
Every Bride Has Her Day, written by Lynnette Austin, is the second book in the Magnolia Brides series. This book can easily be read as a stand-alone book. However, I would recommend reading the first book in the series, The Best Laid Wedding Plans.
Cricket O'Malley has returned to Misty Bottoms, Georgia, to fulfill her dream of owning her own flower shop, The Enchanted Florist. In addition to her flower shop, she also will be working with Magnolia Brides to help couples plan their dream weddings. Her other goal is to get her sexy neighbor to remodel his eyesore of a house, but that might be easier said than done.
Sam DeLuca is a New York City detective that has moved to Misty Bottoms to escape a tough case that didn't go as planned. Suffering from PTSD, Sam just wants to relish in the quiet of his new home, while trying to overcome his demons. Unfortunately for Sam, his outgoing neighbor, Cricket, has other plans. Immediately he feels something for her, but he knows he is not ready for a relationship. The two end up working together to remodel his house, but what he doesn't plan for is the feelings that he ends up having for Cricket.
What happens next is a well written, well thought out journey of these two characters. The emotions are heartfelt, and the characters are believable. Anytime you can "feel" what a character is going through, that means the author has achieved his or her goal. These characters are ones we can all relate to...ones we want to see get their happy ending. Sam is a complex character, flaws and all, and one that I immediately fell in love with. Cricket is a woman with a bubbly personality, and an even bigger heart. Overall, this was a feel-good, heartwarming and authentic story. I would recommend this book, as well as any other books in this series.
I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cricket O'Malley has returned to Misty Bottoms, Georgia, to fulfill her dream of owning her own flower shop, The Enchanted Florist. In addition to her flower shop, she also will be working with Magnolia Brides to help couples plan their dream weddings. Her other goal is to get her sexy neighbor to remodel his eyesore of a house, but that might be easier said than done.
Sam DeLuca is a New York City detective that has moved to Misty Bottoms to escape a tough case that didn't go as planned. Suffering from PTSD, Sam just wants to relish in the quiet of his new home, while trying to overcome his demons. Unfortunately for Sam, his outgoing neighbor, Cricket, has other plans. Immediately he feels something for her, but he knows he is not ready for a relationship. The two end up working together to remodel his house, but what he doesn't plan for is the feelings that he ends up having for Cricket.
What happens next is a well written, well thought out journey of these two characters. The emotions are heartfelt, and the characters are believable. Anytime you can "feel" what a character is going through, that means the author has achieved his or her goal. These characters are ones we can all relate to...ones we want to see get their happy ending. Sam is a complex character, flaws and all, and one that I immediately fell in love with. Cricket is a woman with a bubbly personality, and an even bigger heart. Overall, this was a feel-good, heartwarming and authentic story. I would recommend this book, as well as any other books in this series.
I was given an advance digital copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2016
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. This book is about Cricket O’Malley, who is replacing the catastrophe that was the last florist to grace the town of Misty Bottoms. Cricket recently moved to town after her cousin, Beck, told her there was a job opening for a florist. Also recently arrived in town is Sam DeLuca, who conveniently inherited a house from his aunt across the street from Cricket. Sam has recently experienced some traumatic events back in his detective job in New York City. Cricket sees the sadness in Sam and wants to help him in any way she can. They begin to develop a fondness for each other, and though Sam tries to keep Cricket outside his walls, for some reason he can’t seem to keep her at arm’s length.
Overall I really liked this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series and when I saw that the second in the series was available on NetGalley I knew I wanted to read it. Cricket as a character was immensely sweet and had a never-ending wealth of cheer that was very endearing. Sam as a character was a tad too cranky/belligerent for my tastes but he turned it around in the end. Misty Bottoms is an endearing, if somewhat infuriating, town and all the secondary characters really make the story glow with warmth. I loved seeing Cricket’s business be built and flourish in the book, and Sam’s background story with regards to his aunt was touching. This book was really a light and romantic read and I greatly enjoyed it.
Overall I really liked this book. I enjoyed the first book in the series and when I saw that the second in the series was available on NetGalley I knew I wanted to read it. Cricket as a character was immensely sweet and had a never-ending wealth of cheer that was very endearing. Sam as a character was a tad too cranky/belligerent for my tastes but he turned it around in the end. Misty Bottoms is an endearing, if somewhat infuriating, town and all the secondary characters really make the story glow with warmth. I loved seeing Cricket’s business be built and flourish in the book, and Sam’s background story with regards to his aunt was touching. This book was really a light and romantic read and I greatly enjoyed it.
May 3, 2016
Undercover New York cop Sam DeLuca is betrayed, shot by a crime lord, and almost died. His injury and unacknowledged (by him anyway) PTSD forces him to take some time off. He heads for the house he inherited In Misty Bottoms, Georgia. As a child, he was happy there with his great aunt Gertie. He plans to get the house ready to sell and return to New York.
When he arrives on his Harley in the middle of the night, he finds a very small town, a very overgrown yard, and a very neglected house. He also discovers a vibrant neighbor, some new friends, and a place to heal.
Cricket O’Malley bought the house across the street and a flower shop she will redesign and reopen. Cricket supports Sam, falls in love in spite of his short timer status, and consistently trusts and expects the best of others. HEA
Readers who enjoy, Robyn Carr will also enjoy Every Bride Has Her Day. Austin is also published as Lynette Hallberg.
Disclosure: Advanced Reading Copy provided by the publisher.
Magnolia Brides #2
Pace: fast
Characters: good within genre stereotypes; good secondary characters
Story: character driven
Language: engaging
Tone: upbeat; mildly sensuous
Frame: Contemporary Georgia
When he arrives on his Harley in the middle of the night, he finds a very small town, a very overgrown yard, and a very neglected house. He also discovers a vibrant neighbor, some new friends, and a place to heal.
Cricket O’Malley bought the house across the street and a flower shop she will redesign and reopen. Cricket supports Sam, falls in love in spite of his short timer status, and consistently trusts and expects the best of others. HEA
Readers who enjoy, Robyn Carr will also enjoy Every Bride Has Her Day. Austin is also published as Lynette Hallberg.
Disclosure: Advanced Reading Copy provided by the publisher.
Magnolia Brides #2
Pace: fast
Characters: good within genre stereotypes; good secondary characters
Story: character driven
Language: engaging
Tone: upbeat; mildly sensuous
Frame: Contemporary Georgia
March 18, 2016
The second book in the Magnolia Brides series, based in Misty a Bottom, GA, expands upon than the first book The Best Laid Plans: it was nice having all the characters in the first book makes appearances and be part of this story. Ms Austin has created in Cricket and Sam, two characters whose chemistry is soft but powerful. The author manages to put so much heart into her stories that she doesn't need to add the erotica that so many authors feel is necessary to keep their readers engaged.
That Cricket (Bug as Sam matter-of-factly calls her) and Sam are both alone in a new town, but naturally gravitate towards each other is subtle and heartwarming, so much so that it's hard to put the book down. Cricket does her best to help Sam fight his demons, while at the same time he comes to terms on what he wants out of his life. There are surprises in store for these two has they slowly fall for each other.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
That Cricket (Bug as Sam matter-of-factly calls her) and Sam are both alone in a new town, but naturally gravitate towards each other is subtle and heartwarming, so much so that it's hard to put the book down. Cricket does her best to help Sam fight his demons, while at the same time he comes to terms on what he wants out of his life. There are surprises in store for these two has they slowly fall for each other.
This book was provided by Netgalley for my honest review.
April 18, 2016
"Every Bride Has Her Day"is a heart warming romance right out of small town America. The characters were genuine and the romance sweet. You can't help but fall in love with Cricket and Sam, his goofy dog and Betsy the rust bucket. The characters are so well crafted and I promise you, you'll find yourself grinning like a fool while reading this book. That's not to take away from the very real issue Sam is struggling with and how it affects his relationship with his Cricket. The author has created a wonderful series and I am looking forward to spending more time in Misty Bottom learning about Beck and Tansy (my goodness does that sound like a toe curling story!) and revisiting the cast of characters that live there.
September 15, 2016
Oh, how much did I want to adore this one?? A lot, let me tell you. A couple things kept me from completely falling in love--the bend over backwards fall of the heroine vs the sheer stubbornness of the hero re: dealing with their feelings (at least internally). These romances really only work if the heroine doesn't become a doormat, and I feel, at the end at least, that is definitely sort of what happened. I did like all the house fixing & small town aspects; there was a nice sense of community instead of the We Have Ten Families of Attractive Single People thing going on, and the suspense parts were also fun.
**An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley & did not affect nor influence the content of this review.**
**An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley & did not affect nor influence the content of this review.**
April 30, 2016
Every Bride Has Her Day by Lynnette Austin in the second installment of the Magnolia Brides series.
Anyone who has read one of my previous reviews will know that I adore a small town series. Getting to know new characters and having a chance to follow up with characters that get to feel like old friends, and Austin does not let me down.
Cricket O'Malley and Sam DeLuca are great characters with depth and personality.
Even if you haven't read The Best Laid Wedding Plans I believe you will be able to read and completely enjoy Every Bride Has Her Day
I received a copy of Every Bride Has Her Day by Lynnette Austin from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Anyone who has read one of my previous reviews will know that I adore a small town series. Getting to know new characters and having a chance to follow up with characters that get to feel like old friends, and Austin does not let me down.
Cricket O'Malley and Sam DeLuca are great characters with depth and personality.
Even if you haven't read The Best Laid Wedding Plans I believe you will be able to read and completely enjoy Every Bride Has Her Day
I received a copy of Every Bride Has Her Day by Lynnette Austin from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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