Branna

Fleur de Lis Brides #1

by Linda Joyce

Perfectionistic Branna Lind has found true love with James Newbern, but the winds of Hurricane Katrina have pushed their wedding date into an uncertain future. She can’t wait on Fleur de Lis to be restored to marry James. They need to wed pronto, before she reveals news sure to shock her family.
James is determined to protect Branna. Since their engagement, his gun toting ex-fiancée has been dipping into crazy. He’s certain she’ll settle down after the wedding, but when she steals Branna’s heirloom pearls—her something old for the wedding—James takes matters into his own hands. And despite Branna’s ranting, he’s not agreeing to a quickie Vegas wedding. His fiancée will be a Fleur de Lis bride, just as tradition dictates. Or he’ll die trying.
The path to “I do” is more challenging than Branna and James ever imagined, but they’re determined to get their happily ever after.

79 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 7, 2016

About the author

Amazon Best Selling author and multiple RONE Award Finalist Linda Joyce writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction featuring assertive females and the men who can’t resist them. She lives with her very patient husband in metro-Atlanta, where they are dog parents to Jake, Max, and Sugar.
Linda’s addicted to Cajun food and sushi. She's learning Kanji. Sporting Clays shooting is her newest hobby.

She's a member of RWA and LRWA.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book; this is the first book in the Fleur de Lis Brides series written by Linda Joyce. Branna Lind has found true love with James Newbern, but the winds of Hurricane Katrina have pushed their wedding date into an uncertain future. She can’t wait on Fleur de Lis to be restored to marry James. James is determined to protect Branna. Since their engagement, his gun toting ex-fiancée has been dipping into crazy. He’s certain she’ll settle down after the wedding, but when she steals Branna’s heirloom pearls her something old for the wedding, James takes matters into his own hands. And despite Branna’s ranting, he’s not agreeing to a quickie Vegas wedding. His fiancée will be a Fleur de Lis bride, just as tradition dictates. Or he’ll die trying. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free book and voluntarily chose to review it. This is a book that tells of Branna and her possible wedding. There is barely anything I can say about this book without giving you spoilers. It takes place after Hurricane Katrina and Branna has many worries as she plans her wedding. Branna is what I would consider most women in her situation to be realistic.

[Pernette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Linda Joyce writes about the Gulf coast: the people, their land and their heritage. The Fleur de Lis Bride series is about 3 cousins Camilla, Branna and Biloxi. Now adults the women have returned home to accept their duties to their families and heritage. A little romance is woven into each story, a little suspense and a level of accomplishment. The Bride series could have had more developed characters and story line. I liked Bayou Bound in the Fleur de Lis series better.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book." Loved this couple. They went through a lot before they could walk down the aisle but it was all great in the end. Love the girls in this series of books and so glad to be able to read of their weddings. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the other books in this series. A must read series.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Branna and James had to postpone their wedding because of Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately it has turned Branna into somewhat of a bridezilla and not the gracious person we met originally. Of course much of this can be blamed on pregnancy hormones, but still, I felt she was more of a spoiled brat than anything. Perhaps I am harsh, but it seemed like everyone else was inconvenienced by the storm and aftermath of work, but no one acted as poorly as she did.

Still I love the story of the brides and their lives, their grooms, and the weddings. I love the consideration for family above all as well as a love of their family home. Ms Joyce makes the bayou area come alive and one can almost feel the heat and humidity while reading the book. One of the things that make these books so enjoyable is the way Ms Joyce makes her characters come alive and grow and change due to various circumstances.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fleur De Lis, what a beautiful home--until the hurricane damages it and delays Branna's wedding to James. So, what to do--helping with the restoration but there is a problem--something that keeps Branna from helping as much as she would like. As with most weddings the planning is very stressful--especially when you have a mother like Branna's. So Branna breaks down and wants to run away to Vegas to get married--but James knows that would actually leave her miserable. In the mean time they are still dealing with Jame's crazy ex girlfriend and her parents. I won't tell you want happens as that would spoil things--but the crazy ex is involved as well as all of Branna's family--will she marry James or do things stand in her way? I was giving this book to read for an honest review and I can honestly say--I highly recommend it.

[Goldie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weddings always make me happy! But like the one in Branna, Fleur de lis Brides Series, there's a lot more going on in the background to make a ceremony happen than you think.

Branna truly has to get her house in order in more than one way after Hurricane Katrina to make this wedding happen. James is there to love her, encourage a little balance in her life, and work together to begin their new life in the best manner possible. They've got some good things coming.

I've read all of Linda Joyce's books and I admire her abilities to develop characters you root for and to create settings that make you feel like you're there in the moment with everyone.

I recommend this book and have great hopes for the next books in the series too.

[DianaC-Bookaholic And · Rating 4 out of 5]

♢♢♢♢♢ 4 STAR REVIEW ♢♢♢♢♢

Brenna and James are a loving couple that were supposed to be married but mother nature had other plans. Now two weeks before their wedding once again it seems fate has other plans that might put a stop to achieve their happy ending.

This book had some serious situation, some of them were left open making you wonder the conclusion, others you wanted to scream poor Brenna and wanting you help her. Don't get me wrong at the end the main plot was finished smoothly and with the ending we all wanted.

This was a different kind of love story and that will catch your attention. I liked it and can't wait to see the next story of this series.


I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.


https://www/facebook.com/Bookaholican...

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Joyce is one of my favorite authors. She writes with the reader totally in mind and her characters are simple people. The story line is always flowing and most of the time you never want to put down the book. With that said I loved Brannas story it was a wonderful story that something of hers got stolen and she had to have that for her wedding. We all have felt that way when we get married that something from a special person has given us and we wanted to take it down the aisle when we marry our special someone. Just think of that got lost how would you feel? Or even worse what if that special item left your house some other way?
This is a grand slam for Linda!

[Cindy Reifel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Branna loves James and is definitely looking forward to their wedding. The only problem is that things aren't working out the way Branna wants and, she is turning into the clasic bridezilla. It may have something to do with the fact that James' ex-fiancé has lost her mind, is carrying a gun around and has stolen the heirloom pearls that Branna is to wear at her wedding. It may also have to do with the fact that Branna has decided to just drag her fiancé to Vegas and James is refusing. It's a bumpy but, fun road to the altar!

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful read! The author has such an elegant way with the written word, you are drawn into the book. The story line is remarkable and the characters have great connections with one another. A tragic event and a delusional ex can not destroy the love James and Branna have for one another. Fantastic read, don't miss this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given an ARC for voluntary review for netgalley. Branna and James were a great couple. Weddings are a hassle to begin with, just imagine having to deal with one after a storm hits! The poor couple have to deal with a crazy ex, her over bearing mother, it's enough to just want to elope, but James wants Branna to have her wedding, because he knows eventually that is what she will want, so he is determined to make it happen. True love at its finest.

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With my wedding coming up soon, it was fun to read about someone else experiencing the "crazy" - even if it was fictional. I just loved Brianna & James so much. In fact everyone should have a James in their corner! Ladies, this one is a must give to anyone's soon-to-be hubby! Thank you NetGalley and Ms Joyce for giving me the opportunity to read and review!

[poppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super start to a new series
I liked this book was not sure if it was for me when i read the blurb but im so glad i tried it.This sucked me in right from the start next thing i knew half the night was gone and i had read it all this was a fantastic book cant wait to read more.

[Maureen Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of Linda's books. Love this cover and the Louisiana theme as I am a La. resident so it makes it all the more relatable and special. Branna has made me anticipate the next Fleur De Lis bride book.

[Terry Trahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and sensual read

Branna and James FINALLY tie this knot. Even with all the obstacles thrown in their path, they persevered, making their victory so much sweeter.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!!!
Branna Lind and James Newbern were to be married
at Fleur de Lis.
Then Hurricane Katrina swept through the area
leaving Fleur de Lis with extensive damage. The
wedding has been postponed.
Arriving back in Florida, Branna house has been
vandalized. All her furniture has been cut up,
stuffing covering everything, the mattress has been
slashed open, her clothes stolen, the remaining
clothes were shredded plus a threatening message
was left inside her bedroom closet. In addition, her
car has been stolen but the most important thing:
the heirloom pearls Branna was to wear as
something borrowed are gone. Without them her
wedding would break bridal tradition at the Fleur de Lis.
Branna decides they should elope to Las Vegas but
James has other plans.
Captivating writing with vivid description makes the
reader feel like part of the family. Chills, thrills,
adventure, romance and plenty of twists and turns
keeps the reader anticipating how James and Branna
story will end.
Beauregard, the dog is a companion to the couple. He
is a good, well loved pet.

[Lori Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding woes.

An excellent book about planning a wedding where nothing is going how it's supposed to. We have a hurricane and a crazy ex that need to get in the past before a future with a happily ever after could be possible.
I love the great flow of words written by this talented author. I'm looking forward to continuing this awesome series. So good!

[Angel Hatfield]

Branna would soon be married to her james. They had to cancel their Labor Day wedding because of Hurricane Katrina but they were about two weeks off now. The old Aunts needed to be brought home as they were confused at what was going on. Two weeks and Branna could go on her honeymoon then back to Florida. Go back to teaching communications at the community college, focus on her new husband,and preparing for their baby as Branna was already pregnant but no one knew yet. Biloxi would have camilla to help her at Fleur De lis. James mother called as the headed back home and said she had to talk to james about caroline. Caroline was james ex fiance and had they had a child but it didn’t live very long and Caroline went over the deep end especially now James was marrying someone else. Branna felt Caroline had no boundaries, no sense of grace or manners and she’s harassed James since he proposed. Now she was at his parents house and had a gun of her father's. At this point Branna is ready just to elope to vegas and marry James there. James had grown very protective of Branna since she was pregnant especially after losing his first child. But sometimes branna felt smothered by him. Once they stopped for a break James explained Emmeline- his mother - was keeping Caroline away from Branna. Branna said they either marry in Vegas or she would have the baby out of wedlock. Caroline’s crazy worried her. Branna house has been broken into everything was tore apart and ripped up. Her clothes and shoes were no longer in her closet but a message was left there. Also her heirloom pearls that had been passed down to the woman in her family had been stolen and could never be replaced if they weren’t found. Branna car was even stolen and was involved in a police chase. Branna went and stayed with a couple friends Mrs. Walker and her daughter Ida. the last thing she said to James as she left him at the house was she loved him but she couldn’t marry him. James called her sister and future brother in law and set everything up to marry Branna this Saturday instead of in two weeks only family and very few close friends would be attending at Fleur De Lis. his parents would be coming to but didn’t know why they were being picked up.
I loved this book. It was romantic with just enough drama. A short read but not lacking in anything. I loved the pace and plot. I loved James and Branna together and how they interacted with each other. I read this in one setting. I didn’t want to put the book down. I loved the characters and the ins and outs and I highly recommend this.