Proposals and Poison

Wedding Planner Mysteries #3

by Rachelle J. Christensen

Love can be a very dangerous thing. At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction, Chick Lit

302 pages, Paperback

First published April 12, 2016

About the author

Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense and solves the mystery of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading.

Rachelle is the award-winning author of twenty books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection & Whitney Award Finalist), Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, Veils and Vengeance, Proposals and Poison, Hawaiian Masquerade, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.
Join Rachelle’s VIP mailing list to learn more about upcoming books & get your free book at www.rachellechristensen.com

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adri is back to business and as busy as ever with her wedding planning, and of course mystery sleuthing. She just can't help but in the center of everything murder and mayhem. Honestly, it's not her fault. She just is this magnet for it. I laughed so many times throughout this series when everyone (ok maybe not everyone, but her family, Tony the cop, other cops, and Luke) would look at Adri and be like, seriously, you're in the middle of this...AGAIN? Yeah, it was pretty humorous. I loved it!

I'm kinda sad this series is over. I would love to see more of Adri and Luke, Tony and Lorea. Loved the mysteries and suspense. This one was no exception. I kept trying to figure out who the murderer was and how they did it. All while hoping that Luke would finally step up and tell Adri that he loves her and is ready to move past his past.

The best part was at the end when Lorea steps forward and does her own sleuthing. Ha! Ok, if you haven't read the books, you may not understand that. Quick explanation...Tony and Lorea are dating and Tony keeps telling Adri to stop trying to solve the murder, when several times she isn't and just ends up being in the middle, or the crazies come to her, or some clue falls in her lap. Tony forbids Lorea to get involved. But then she does. She comes up with the ingenious plan of doing her own sleuthing. It was great. I loved the humor, wit, suspense, romance and everything in this book. Especially the fun tips, recipes and craft ideas at the beginning of each chapter that Adri uses for her crafts and Wedding planning business. Go check them all out here: mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com

Luke and Adri, ahhhh, you two, I loved watching your romance blossom and grow. I wish we had more of it as readers though. Again, I would love more of these two and Adri's escapades. Even her family and all the other characters. Absolutely loved this series! Great cozy mystery series if you're looking for something fun. And, great news, they are now all in a box set! Woohoo!

Content: Clean. Murder and mystery of course, but clean and not graphic. No sexual content or swearing.

I won a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proposals and Poison is book 3 in the Wedding Planner Mysteries. It is another fun episode of Adri Pyper's life. With Luke, Tony and Lorea all involved.

The story has a murder that everyone has a theory about. The gossips are going wild with rumors of who is inheriting a fortune from the untimely death of a friend. Adri is asked by Tony and Luke to stay out of this one. Of course Adri can't help but finding herself in the middle of the danger.

All the while is love brewing? I have been following Luke and Adri for three books and I certainly am pulling for them to find a special place for each other in their hearts.

There are some great crazy wedding ideas complete with kids and dogs. A great read. As always Rachelle J. Christensen makes reading about a crime a fun event. Wonderful cast of characters. I hope there are more in store for these guys. I would love to read more about them all. For more of this review visit https://vickgoodwin.wordpress.com/201...

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(2022) I loved this series and enjoyed this installment in the trilogy so much. I listened to it this time and loved everything about it.

(2016) Each book can stand alone, but the reader will miss out on the relationship development between the main characters and her love interest if they're not read in order.

Adri is a great wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. This book takes place in town and I love the quirky weddings and brides that show up throughout the story. Adri gets the couples married and Luke, her love interest, divorces them. As with the other stories in the series, a potential bride dies mysteriously and Adri finds herself semi-involved in the case, much to Luke's dismay.

Adri is a fun character. I love all the tips, crafts, and recipes that show up at the beginning of each chapter. She's a hardworking girl, determined to prove her worth in the business.She's friends with everyone. Luke is newer to town, but he's a great addition. He's smart and dedicated and I really enjoy getting to know his character bit by bit.

The build up of the chemistry between the two of them is really swoony, so of course I enjoyed that part of it. I also enjoyed the mystery elements. The way the mystery comes together is very entertaining and was hard for me to work out in my mind while reading it. I love it when that happens! This is a great series that always leaves me wondering what will happen next. There are a few loose ends that leave things open for future books, especially with characters and locations.

Content: no language or religious elements; mild romance (a few swoony kisses); mild violence (murders, attempted murders, etc--nothing graphic). Clean!

*I received a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion*

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachelle is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors for a good mystery. I love her WEDDING PLANNER MYSTERY series. I look forward to each book. PROPOSALS AND POISONS does not disappoint. The mystery had me guessing with every turn of the page. I didn't know who to trust and the suspects were convincing. Rachelle writes her characters well. Adri especially is great character. I love how organized and meticulous she is. I also really like Luke. Something exciting happens between them and it is well worth the wait. I love the beginning of the chapters with fun tips and recipes from Mashed Potatoes and Crafts.
Received an ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding planner extraordinaire Adri Pyper has been back from Hawaii for a few months and she and her business partner are getting ready for a busy wedding season in Idaho, oh and she's dating divorce attorney Luke Stetson! When her neighbor and client, Lily Rowan, is found dead and it's determined to be murder by poisoning you know Adri is going to find it hard not to get involved in figuring out who the murderer is.

There's so much more to this book than figuring out who murdered Lily. Adri and Lorea are planning a wedding for a couple that includes their dogs. Another bride wants to make her wedding kid friendly to include her young son, and we can't forget about Gladys and Harold's unconventional backyard wedding that Adri wants everyone to know she had NOTHING to do with. The descriptions of that wedding and reception are laugh out loud funny. Lol. Adri's not the only one getting her feet wet in the dating pool, her best friend, Lorea is dating Tony (the cop) and things are looking pretty serious.

Adri thinks there are quite a few suspects in this murder mystery, unlike the police who say all the evidence points to Lily's fiancé, Dr. Tim Esplin, the town vet. Could he have killed Lily or is he being framed from someone who wanted to collect on an insurance policy?

This is the third book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series. Each book can be read by itself but you kind of miss out on how she started her wedding planning business with her best friend Lorea and her will-they-or-won't-they-date relationship with Luke. I like this series--the stories have a little romance, a little mystery, they're clean and they have lots of tips, like recipes and party ideas, from the author at the beginning of each chapter.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proposals and Poison is a wonderful addition to Rachelle J. Christensen's Wedding Planner Mysteries. This is the third book in the series. You can follow along and read this book without reading the first two, but there is a lot of history between Adri and her love interest, Luke. This book had me wanting to read more about them and to see where their relationship is headed.

This is a wonderful mystery book. Adri is a wedding planner who finds herself in the middle of murder mysteries. She doesn't go looking for trouble, but trouble always finds her. Adri has a giving heart and personality and is perfect for helping brides find their happy wedding day. It is probably because she cares so much that she finds herself in danger.

The secondary characters in this story are also well written. Her assistant, Lorea, is a gem.
The wedding planning clientele keep the story interesting. There are many wonderful things that keep this story moving and fun to read.

[Cami Checketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this suspenseful and romantic conclusion to a fabulous series, but at the same time I was so sad to know this is the last book. I'd highly recommend all the Wedding Planner Mystery series.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is the third book in this Wedding Planner series featuring Adri Pyper. If you love cozy mysteries, you will love this one. Well, the whole series, really. This series reminds me of the culinary cozy mystery series by Josi Kilpack starring Sadie Hoffmiller. Instead of recipes for food (although there are some of those too), this one provides ideas for weddings and other helpful crafty ideas.

It's true. Adri cannot keep herself away from trouble. She finds it. It finds her. Murders surround this girl. I think she is a dangerous friend to have. Adri is a nice girl though and you cannot help but like her. It's easy to find connections to her. Well, aside from the whole murders thing. That is one thing I cannot connect to.

There is a very slow moving romance in this series. Very slow moving. Definitely not the focal point but instead gently woven in everything else going on. There are always a lot of characters in these books but I never feel overwhelmed by them. The author does a good job of bringing them in naturally and allowing me to get a clear picture of who they are.

I think Rachelle Christensen is a fantastic writer. This isn't my favorite genre- the cozy mystery series- and I have enjoyed other books by Rachelle better, but it was still good.

I received a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This was an enjoyable read. This is the third and final book of the Wedding Planner Mysteries series. In this book, Adrielle Pyper, a wedding planner in the town of Sun Valley, Idaho, is back home, and planning a few weddings. However, when one of the brides gets murdered, it is up to Adrielle to solve the case. I thought the story was great. It was a great edition to my cozy mystery collection. I thought Adrielle was a great character. She was really interesting and relatable. I hope that I can see her character grows even more in the other books in the series. I thought the mystery was great. It kept the story more interesting. I thought the fact that I didn’t know who did it until nearing the last few chapters added to the mystery. I kept trying to figure it out, but then another twist came. I cannot wait to more books. Overall, a great read.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series that I have read and our girl Adri Pyper sure gets herself in a lot of difficult situations, and maybe you shouldn’t be friends with her, because murder seems to follow her.
Adri is still dating uncommitted Luke, a divorce attorney that is like oil and water to her wedding planning business. There are a few cute happening in this story, a dog themed wedding for one, but when one friend, neighbor, client is murdered Adri doesn’t believe they arrested the right person.
Loved how this girl makes it her personal mission to help the under dog, and when things keep pointed to the accused, you are going to wonder if she is not right this time in her judgment.
As the story moves along, I kept changing from one person to another, and then back again, and I was surprised by who was really responsible. A good and page turning read.
I received this book through I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series and I enjoyed writing more of Adri's story. This one has a lot of things that readers have been begging for, plenty of mystery, humor, and a return to the setting of beautiful Sun Valley/Hailey, Idaho. I love the way the cover turned out on this book and I hope readers enjoy the twists and turns in this mystery.

[writer...]

Fun #audiobookmonth cozy 3rd installment in Ms Christensen's Wedding Planner series.

[Soquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

PG

This installment was great. I liked the romance(s), the comedy, and the twists.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the series. All of the sub characters helped to make the story. Some of the patrons in the wedding ship were pretty interesting. I liked the mystery and had it partly figured out but there was a lot going on. The dog wedding and the backyard wedding that was not planned by Adri were both pretty funny. Light and fun read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been loving this great series by Rachelle J Christensen. I love the setting, Sun Valley, Idaho has lots of fond memories from my high school days.

I love Adri's business, she's always helping her clients find their happily ever after by planning the best wedding possible for each person. And her assistant Lorea is so fun!

I love that Adri is always thrust into murder investigations not by her own choice, but how her friend and police officer, Tony, is always trying to get her to stay out of them. It was kind of funny in this one how Tony had Lorea trying to help her stay out of the investigation but that kind of backfired on him!

Then there's Luke, Adri's favorite guy who she's uncertain will ever be able to fall in love again after what happened to his wife. I love the way he watches out for Adri, even when he spends a large chunk of time as a lawyer trying to win his cases.

This book was so much fun! I loved the whole plot, I love that there are tons of crafty ideas for weddings or pretty much whatever you want at the start of each chapter, if you're a crafty person you might want to try some out! And the weddings are so fun, who would have ever thought of a dog themed wedding! And I loved that I didn't have the mystery figured out before it was revealed at the end of the story. I can't wait for more of these great mysteries!

I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series when it first came out. Then I skipped the second book and just jumped into this book, which is the third in the series. I didn't have any problems catching up with the story or the characters. I think any of these books could be read as as stand-alone.

The big difference with this book, compared to the other two in the series, is the romance. Our two main characters, Adri and Luke, come out of the friendship zone here with some great kissing. I felt like the mystery was secondary to the love story at times. And I am totally okay with that.

This is a cozy mystery, so we hear about the murder, we don't actually see it happen. Adri is a wedding planner who just can't let questions go. Sometimes this leads her into danger and it has certainly given her a reputation for trouble. We meet some interesting characters, many of which have motives.

I found the writing to be well-done. The story was not a stay-up-all-night-to-see-who-did-it but it was still fun. And of course I loved the romance.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of the series, and I enjoy each one more than the last. Who knew that being a wedding planner could put someone in the middle of so many murder investigations?

All of the characters are written so well that we easily care about each of them. Rachelle writes them into situations which make the reader smile, even though the characters may not see the humor in the situation at the time. And they deal with issues which are believable and real to life (except maybe for all the murders!).

The plot keeps you guessing until the final reveal, with plenty of twists and turns. Being about a wedding planner, there is also romance throughout the story, for engaged couples seeking Adri's services as well as for Adri herself.

I highly recommend this series to all lovers of cozy mysteries.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[bookscoffeeandcats77 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adri Pyper's neighbor and client, Lily Rowan is murdered. The fiancee, Tim is the prime suspect but Adri thinks he is innocent. She is told not to get involved but finds that difficult when people approach her with information. Her assistant, Lorea also gets involved with he case.

I didn't think the mystery was as strong in this book as it was in the last book. I felt the focus was more on her job and romance with Luke Stetson. I really liked the characters and their story but I would have liked more focus on the mystery. The ending was faster paced and very good.

I received an ecopy free in exchange for an honest review.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding Planner Mysteries Box Set: 3 Book Series Jan 29, 2018 by Rachelle J. Christensen:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the Wedding Planner Mysteries Box Set: 3 Book Series by Rachelle J. Christensen and this review was given freely.
A three book series blending an arts and crafts DYI and recipe wedding website, the chaotic life of a wedding planner, the complicated love life of wedding planner Adrielle and multiple murders and mysteries.

**Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 1) by Rachelle J. Christensen
4 stars
I purchased a copy of Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 1) by Rachelle J. Christensen and this review was given freely.
Action packed and full of drama this novel is suspenseful, contains multiple male interests, a successful wedding, a bridezilla, and both wonderful family and friends. A ruined dress delivery plunges Adriele and her partner Lorea into the middle of diamond smuggling and a murder mystery complicated by a stalker. When both Dallas and Luke show interest, Adrielle has to figure out who to trust.

**Veils and Vengeance (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 2) Jul 7, 2015 by Rachelle J. Christensen:
4 stars
I purchased a copy of Veils and Vengeance (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 2) Jul 7, 2015 by Rachelle J. Christensen and this review was given freely.
Suspenseful and informative. Adrielle is finally getting to experience the perfect destination wedding she has created for Luke's cousin Malia but what she doesn't count on is her attraction to Maila's handsome future brother-in-law Jonathan and finding a dead body while snorkeling her first day on Kauai. Set in Kauai, Hawaii this sequel contains a tropical vacation, a wedding with with multiple glitches, a psychotic executive, a fair amount of violence, 2 men vying for Adrielle, and a murder mystery.

**Proposals and Poison (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 3) Apr 12, 2016 by Rachelle J. Christensen
5 stars
I purchased a copy of Proposals and Poison (Wedding Planner Mysteries Book 3) Apr 12, 2016 by Rachelle J. Christensen and this review was given freely.
Action and drama packed, this novel starts out with a shooting,the death of Adrienne's client and neighbor Lily, and the ugly divorce case of Lily's sister. Interesting characters, a loving crafty family,the progression of both Adrielle and Luke's as well as Lorea and Tony's romances, and a complex suspenseful murder mystery with a few twists.

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I probably should have started with the first book but I started with the last book available in the series. However, that did not affect the reading (rather listening) experience one bit. Adri and her friends do make such a wonderful story set up in the Wedding Planner series. The fun and joyful way of writing especially contributes to the wedding feel all through out the book. A special mention to the narrator Kirsten Potter for bringing out the feelings through her narration, so much that the feelings and emotions though the book are felt in her voice and her words.
Even though it is a cozy mystery with a murder engraved between the pages, the festive set up all across the story does not dim right till the end.
Happily ever after are not mere words. They are feelings and those feelings issue though the story bringing it right across the reader's heart and soul. I love the series and the characters in it. Rachelle Christensen has created magic with words and it should definitely be passed through the reader's community

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was admittedly devastated with the loss in this story and thought the drama surrounding her was fun for all the red herrings that popped up. This was more relationship drama and intrigue with less mystery than the other two stories in the series. I wasn't mad about it.

I did enjoy this novel as a conclusion. It's interesting that a lot of the weddings she plans don't actually often happen. Two in five of the major plot point weddings actually went as planned which is an entertaining thing to think about.

If the series were to continue (which doesn't seem to be the case) I can see were it would be going and, knowing what I do of the romance genre in general, I can see why this is a conventional stopping point.

They're like an actual couple now. They're commited. They're in love and finally boring, I guess. No more super exciting love triangles. The next step is kids and the audience for fam fiction is pretty funny to imagine, I assume.

[The Sunshine Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series had a cute premise, with a divorce attorney and wedding planner as the love interests. I thought the set up with Adri, the vigilante detective, and Tony, the actual policeman, was interesting. Instead of being a love interest, he’s her best friends brother. It made the overprotective, yet “you still annoy me” relationship a fun aspect of the book. I also liked hearing about Adria’s crazy wedding planning and crafts.
I felt like this one did fall a little flat for me. I didn’t feel like there was any tension between Adri and Luke, and I wished they would’ve gotten more serious in the last book. I kept reading because the mystery had me intrigued, but I felt a little disappointed by the ending. It felt like there were a few suspicious activities that ended up being random coincidences, which feels like a bit of a cop out to me. But still worth finishing, and worth a read if you want something cozy and quick.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this latest cozy mystery from Rachelle Christensen. I liked it, but the problem was that the narrator sounded too old for the main character. She also made the character sound annoying and she grated on my nerves. I have read the previous books and liked them though they were a little cheesy, but listening to the book made the book sound even more cheesy. I really liked the development of the relationship between Adri and Luke finally! The mystery was even semi interesting. I would suggest a new narrator unless you want your characters sounding like 50 year olds instead of late 20's early 30's.

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries. It can be read as a stand alone. But, you will want to read all of these fabulous books! Andri is busy planning a wedding when her client is mysteriously murdered. Looking at all the possible suspects, preparing for a craft festival, working on a relationship with Luke and planning other weddings, Andri is very busy. Also, the book includes some wonderful recipes! I made the Chicken Enchalida's, delicious! (no mushrooms for me). I really have enjoyed adding Rachelle's books to my TBR list. Here books are a breath of fresh air. Clean and funny with a touch of romance and mystery.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series, though I'm glad the author stopped at 3 (at least I think she did) because it is a little too coincidental how the main character always stumbles on trouble. This was my favorite of them all. I love that they are clean, sappy, not too predictable, yet simple. I enjoy the authors sense of humor and I really enjoy the reader of the audio books. I think some of it has to do with her being a local, when she used the term DTR I about died laughing! Anyway, I would recommend to those who like silly, sappy and clean mysteries.

[Tina Hilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd and final book in the series. I enjoyed this series and it's bitter sweet to see it end. On one hand, it ended on a good note and a good a place to stop. On the other hand, there are so much more stories that could be told in this series.
The characters grew with each book, and it was at a reasonable rate. I still think a Wedding Planner and a Divorce Attorney make for an interesting couple.
The storyline was well written and had a few page turners to see what would happen next.
Thanks for a wonderful but short series.

[Cathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding Planner Mysteries 3 books

I just finished reading this entire series of fun, scary, exciting mysteries, starring a wedding planner. Each of the 3 books was full of love, fear and twists. Rachelle filled each story with heart stopping and heart warming moments for our wedding planner all wrapped up in the planning of a wedding. A body in the ocean, poison, and greed will keep you guessing and holding your breath with anticipation and horror. Throw in romantic hotties and you will be hooked. I just kept reading until I finished all 3 in 3 days.

[Teryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good read in the mystery suspense and romance filled wedding planner series by Rachelle Christensen. This time around, both Adrielle Pyper and her wedding business partner, Lorea, have their hands full with wedding drama and a new client who turns up poisoned. If murder isn't enough to keep these gals busy, they're both juggling all the feelings and butterflies that come with falling in love.
I highly recommend this author!

[carolintallahassee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read!

I love this little series; there are a few things I would like to see changed. It is a clean, romantic, mystery, that is okay, except, why couldn't there have been more romance between Adri, and Luke? The mysteries were good; I deducted for grown women giggling, and for the lack of more romance between two adults! Easy, soothing reads.
I recommend! Thank you.
Carolintallahassee

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries.
This series is not exceptional but it is definitely a fun and nice reading.

By this point it's impossible not to grow attached to the characters.

Written nicely, worth reading for a light and pleasurable read.