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Sweeney Sisters #3
Boots and Bedlam
‘Tis the season for chaos.
Wedding bells will soon be ringing in the Lowcountry. All Sam Sweeney wants is to marry her man on Christmas Eve surrounded by family and friends. But emerging complications, some humorous and some not so humorous, threaten to converge and derail the best-laid plans during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Amidst the chaos—dealing with real estate, planning a wedding, running a seafood market, honoring traditions, and contending with teenagers—even the weather rears its head when the weatherman forecasts a white Christmas. Never has family support been more needed, but will it be enough to restore order and save the day?
Escape to the Lowcountry this Christmas where romance, intrigue, and holiday merrymaking await you.
Wedding bells will soon be ringing in the Lowcountry. All Sam Sweeney wants is to marry her man on Christmas Eve surrounded by family and friends. But emerging complications, some humorous and some not so humorous, threaten to converge and derail the best-laid plans during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Amidst the chaos—dealing with real estate, planning a wedding, running a seafood market, honoring traditions, and contending with teenagers—even the weather rears its head when the weatherman forecasts a white Christmas. Never has family support been more needed, but will it be enough to restore order and save the day?
Escape to the Lowcountry this Christmas where romance, intrigue, and holiday merrymaking await you.
166 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2016
1976 people are currently reading
1293 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Farley
56 books2,367 followers⭐️USA Today Bestseller⭐️
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
Ashley Farley writes heartfelt stories about women navigating life’s challenges. Her characters—mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—face real-life struggles with resilience and grace. Best known for her Sweeney Sisters series, Ashley’s books have touched the hearts of readers far and wide.
A wife and mother of two young adults, for more than two decades, Ashley has split her time between Richmond and the Northern Neck of Virginia. Yet, a piece of her heart will always belong to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she draws inspiration from the moss-draped oaks, coastal cuisine, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Ashley loves to hear from her readers.
Visit her website @ http://www.ashleyfarley.com
Sign up for her newsletter @ https://ashleyfarley.com/newsletter-s...
Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyFarley...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
November 11, 2016
Boots and Bedlam by Ashley Farley the third novel in her Sweeney Sister's series set in Lowcountry will get you in the holiday mood. Wedding bells, real estate, busy season and teen drama quickly pulled us back into the lives of the Sweeney sisters and the small town community we have come to love.
Boots and Bedlam delivered a realistic tale, with everyday chaos and excitement of a holiday wedding. It's the perfect read to get you in the mood for the holidays as you catch up with the girls.
Farley hit on a serious problem surrounding youth today while emphasizing the strength of family and the power of love. While you could read this as a standalone, I think those who have followed the series will appreciate it more. The tale wraps up beautifully until Farley shocks us with a one-line zinger setting us up perfectly for the last book, expected to release in early 2017. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Boots and Bedlam delivered a realistic tale, with everyday chaos and excitement of a holiday wedding. It's the perfect read to get you in the mood for the holidays as you catch up with the girls.
Farley hit on a serious problem surrounding youth today while emphasizing the strength of family and the power of love. While you could read this as a standalone, I think those who have followed the series will appreciate it more. The tale wraps up beautifully until Farley shocks us with a one-line zinger setting us up perfectly for the last book, expected to release in early 2017. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
November 27, 2016
~*Full review on The Bent Bookworm!*~
I was really hoping for a book to get me both out of reading funk and into the holiday spirit, but sadly this was not the book for the job. Maybe I’m just not the demographic for it (I requested a review copy thinking it was about a woman in her 20s, and while Sam’s age is never given exactly I’m guessing she’s mid-40s), age-wise or lifestyle wise. I’m only rating it this high because, despite my multiple eye-roll moments, the writing style was actually decent and flowed well – which goes a long way in a book. Piss poor writing (or editing) will make me fling a book across the room long before a shaky plot. Also, this was the 3rd in a series, but it was definitely readable and completely understandable (maybe not relatable) even without having read the other two books. So props for that.
The Feels : I was mostly just annoyed. About the only characters I felt real empathy for was Sam’s teenage (19? 21? I was never completely sure) son and her 16 year old stepdaughter. No one else was horrible, I just…felt nothing. The storyline was SO unrealistic, at least from my point of view, that at one point I thought my eyeballs would fall out of socket from all the rolling. It definitely didn’t give me the warm fuzzy I was hoping for.
The Characters : See above.
The Plot : Way, WAY too churchy and preachy for me. In the first 20 pages I had been lectured about how alcohol is bad – BAD! – and drugs are next to hell (my words, not the author’s).
I understand alcoholism is a real issue for some people…but geez louise, does it really need to be a plot point? The actual plot is about Sam getting married (yay! I love happy endings) but since Sam was generally just annoying me with her helicopter mom syndrome…yeah. Take your white poinsettias and shove them. I feel like I’m too old to be THIS annoyed by that aspect of her character but…yeah. I am.
The Description/Worldbuilding : Not bad, but not stellar. Nothing to write home about.
The Rating : 3 stars overall. I actually used the breakdown of the rating functionality this time! Because I really felt like…this author could do better. As in she is capable of writing a better story. I didn’t LIKE this one, but it wasn’t her writing style that put me off, it was the subject matter and content.
Many thanks to Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer for getting me a review e-book!
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I was really hoping for a book to get me both out of reading funk and into the holiday spirit, but sadly this was not the book for the job. Maybe I’m just not the demographic for it (I requested a review copy thinking it was about a woman in her 20s, and while Sam’s age is never given exactly I’m guessing she’s mid-40s), age-wise or lifestyle wise. I’m only rating it this high because, despite my multiple eye-roll moments, the writing style was actually decent and flowed well – which goes a long way in a book. Piss poor writing (or editing) will make me fling a book across the room long before a shaky plot. Also, this was the 3rd in a series, but it was definitely readable and completely understandable (maybe not relatable) even without having read the other two books. So props for that.
The Feels : I was mostly just annoyed. About the only characters I felt real empathy for was Sam’s teenage (19? 21? I was never completely sure) son and her 16 year old stepdaughter. No one else was horrible, I just…felt nothing. The storyline was SO unrealistic, at least from my point of view, that at one point I thought my eyeballs would fall out of socket from all the rolling. It definitely didn’t give me the warm fuzzy I was hoping for.
The Characters : See above.
The Plot : Way, WAY too churchy and preachy for me. In the first 20 pages I had been lectured about how alcohol is bad – BAD! – and drugs are next to hell (my words, not the author’s).
I understand alcoholism is a real issue for some people…but geez louise, does it really need to be a plot point? The actual plot is about Sam getting married (yay! I love happy endings) but since Sam was generally just annoying me with her helicopter mom syndrome…yeah. Take your white poinsettias and shove them. I feel like I’m too old to be THIS annoyed by that aspect of her character but…yeah. I am.
The Description/Worldbuilding : Not bad, but not stellar. Nothing to write home about.
The Rating : 3 stars overall. I actually used the breakdown of the rating functionality this time! Because I really felt like…this author could do better. As in she is capable of writing a better story. I didn’t LIKE this one, but it wasn’t her writing style that put me off, it was the subject matter and content.
Many thanks to Kimberly at Caffeinated Book Reviewer for getting me a review e-book!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram
October 30, 2016
Boots and Bedlam (Sweeney Sisters #3) by Ashley Farley was a fun quick read. I enjoyed reading about Samantha, Faith and Jackie Sweeney and their extended families as they celebrated Thanksgiving and made plans for Christmas and Samantha and Eli's Christmas Eve wedding ceremony, as well as running a successful and popular fish market during the busiest time of year, and dealing with the bedlam of house parties, selling and buying houses, and having an unexpected rude and troublesome houseguest. And to top it off, there is a surprise ending.
Although this is # 3 in the series, it can be read as a 'stand alone story'.
Thanks to Ashley Farley for an advanced readers copy of Boots and Bedlam in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars
Although this is # 3 in the series, it can be read as a 'stand alone story'.
Thanks to Ashley Farley for an advanced readers copy of Boots and Bedlam in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 stars
October 19, 2016
I received a free ARC and am voluntarily writing an honest review.
Samantha and Eli have planned a Christmas Eve wedding, only four weeks away. With this being the busy time of year at her store, her son bringing his girlfriend home from college, and a snowstorm can they pull it off? Ashley Farley did a wonderful job of creating a storyline that drew me in and had me holding my breath at times. Although I have not read the first two books in this series, I was able to follow along with no problem. The characters in this series are realistic and mostly lovable. I loved how the author was able to weave romance and comedy with realistic sensitive issues without focusing too much on one or the other. I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series soon and continue reading additional books as the series continues!
Samantha and Eli have planned a Christmas Eve wedding, only four weeks away. With this being the busy time of year at her store, her son bringing his girlfriend home from college, and a snowstorm can they pull it off? Ashley Farley did a wonderful job of creating a storyline that drew me in and had me holding my breath at times. Although I have not read the first two books in this series, I was able to follow along with no problem. The characters in this series are realistic and mostly lovable. I loved how the author was able to weave romance and comedy with realistic sensitive issues without focusing too much on one or the other. I will definitely be reading the first two books in this series soon and continue reading additional books as the series continues!
April 6, 2017
Wow Farley and the Sweeney sisters did it again. Didnt get up off the couch until I finished this book. Loved the way Farley brings you into the lives of the Sweeney clan. You feel like you are part of the family. You share the good times and the bad.
Sam Sweeney is finally marrying her man but things start to get hectic when they plan the wedding for Christmas eve - between the planning, moving to a new home, and running the market, atop of her son bringing home a diva for her to contend with. When things get out of hand Sam steps up to the challenge the only way she knows how.....looking forward to the next book in this series.
Sam Sweeney is finally marrying her man but things start to get hectic when they plan the wedding for Christmas eve - between the planning, moving to a new home, and running the market, atop of her son bringing home a diva for her to contend with. When things get out of hand Sam steps up to the challenge the only way she knows how.....looking forward to the next book in this series.
December 1, 2018
Great twist
I really enjoyed the third book in the Sweeney Sisters saga. Here I am chugging along, tears flowing down my face as I read about the wedding, when I'm suddenly thrown into a state of shock! I love it when you're reading a book and suddenly gasp in amazement.
Love this series and the author's ability to pull you into the lives of the characters and have you invested in what they are experiencing.
I really enjoyed the third book in the Sweeney Sisters saga. Here I am chugging along, tears flowing down my face as I read about the wedding, when I'm suddenly thrown into a state of shock! I love it when you're reading a book and suddenly gasp in amazement.
Love this series and the author's ability to pull you into the lives of the characters and have you invested in what they are experiencing.
Want to read
December 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/18/2019)! 🎁
January 3, 2019
Oh good grief! What I suspected by mid book was indeed the cliffhanger ending but now I have to go right to the next in the series to see what happens next, lol! First world bookish problems ;)
July 27, 2019
Boots and Bedlam doesnt disapoint
Boots and Bedlam is a great addition to the series but it leaves you hanging. Cant wait for Book #4.
Boots and Bedlam is a great addition to the series but it leaves you hanging. Cant wait for Book #4.
October 2, 2016
This is a relatively short novel but it packs a lot of story into its 130+ pages. We finally have Eli and Samantha's trip to the alter. They decide on a Christmas Eve wedding and it's touch and go with the store experiencing it's most busy time of the year. Throw in buying a new house, Jamie bringing home a girlfriend from college and a new caterer in town that seems too good to be true and a Christmas snow storm, you have a whirlwind month in the life of the Sweeney Sisters. The anticipation for book 4 is unbearable. Enjoy this Christmas offering even if you haven't read the first two books.
September 28, 2016
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
I wish I could, Jackie. But I can't afford your tastes. My credit cards have limits.
Sam hesitated. She'd rather have the dentist drill decay out of her tooth with no local anesthesia than spend the evening in Mimi's presence.
SoDiva - the blood sucking she-devil who has my son wrapped around her finger?
Like I tell my boys - the lessons we learn the hardest are the ones that teach us the most.
My Review:
Boots and Bedlam was a quick, entertaining, and eventful read. I just adore this series and the Sweeney sisters. I don't think I will ever tire of them. Despite the months and many books I read in between installments, Ms. Farley's characters are so memorable - I am able to immediately up where the last book left off without struggle or difficulty. I continue to be intrigued by the Sweeney extended family dynamic and how they somehow make it work. I enjoy Ms. Farley's sense of humor, clever observations, and insightful narrative. She sneakily weaves her magic in the storyline without me even noticing where she is going. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this addictive series.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
I wish I could, Jackie. But I can't afford your tastes. My credit cards have limits.
Sam hesitated. She'd rather have the dentist drill decay out of her tooth with no local anesthesia than spend the evening in Mimi's presence.
SoDiva - the blood sucking she-devil who has my son wrapped around her finger?
Like I tell my boys - the lessons we learn the hardest are the ones that teach us the most.
My Review:
Boots and Bedlam was a quick, entertaining, and eventful read. I just adore this series and the Sweeney sisters. I don't think I will ever tire of them. Despite the months and many books I read in between installments, Ms. Farley's characters are so memorable - I am able to immediately up where the last book left off without struggle or difficulty. I continue to be intrigued by the Sweeney extended family dynamic and how they somehow make it work. I enjoy Ms. Farley's sense of humor, clever observations, and insightful narrative. She sneakily weaves her magic in the storyline without me even noticing where she is going. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this addictive series.
September 25, 2016
This is book 3 of the Sweeney sisters series but can be read as a stand alone without confusion. If you haven't read the first two books, you will want yo read them soon to learn more about this delightful family.
Samantha (Sam) and Eli want a Christmas Eve wedding but can they arrange it in only 4 weeks? To say that they have obstacles to their wedding, is putting it mildly. Finding a church, a pastor and a place for the reception are difficult enough but they are also buying a new house and need to move by year end. Add to that a very unexpected and difficult house guest, the Christmas rush at Sam's job and issues with her son and the wedding begins to look like it isn't going to happen.
I loved the Sweeney sisters and I loved reading Sam's story. The good news is that the next book in the series will be published in January so readers don't have to wait too long to read more about the Sweeny family.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book for an honest review.
Samantha (Sam) and Eli want a Christmas Eve wedding but can they arrange it in only 4 weeks? To say that they have obstacles to their wedding, is putting it mildly. Finding a church, a pastor and a place for the reception are difficult enough but they are also buying a new house and need to move by year end. Add to that a very unexpected and difficult house guest, the Christmas rush at Sam's job and issues with her son and the wedding begins to look like it isn't going to happen.
I loved the Sweeney sisters and I loved reading Sam's story. The good news is that the next book in the series will be published in January so readers don't have to wait too long to read more about the Sweeny family.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book for an honest review.
October 11, 2016
When I first started reading this I didn't realize it was a novella...and in a way was very sad that the story ended so soon! But it just left me wanting more and the final installment which will be coming up soon.
Sam has finally gotten over her fear of commitment and is ready to spend her life with Eli. I like how they are both recovering alcoholics and can help each other when temptation is too much. And there are times that it is very tempting.
Jamie brings home a friend for the holidays - a self absorbed girl that needs a HUGE wake up call, and I think she gets it but not the way she wants.
And I won't tell you the twist at the end - which I did guess in the beginning, so this will make for some interesting reading in book 4 of this series.
You will probably want to read the first two books first since this continues the story of the sisters. You could read it as a stand alone, but then if you go back and read the others it might spoil some things.
Sam has finally gotten over her fear of commitment and is ready to spend her life with Eli. I like how they are both recovering alcoholics and can help each other when temptation is too much. And there are times that it is very tempting.
Jamie brings home a friend for the holidays - a self absorbed girl that needs a HUGE wake up call, and I think she gets it but not the way she wants.
And I won't tell you the twist at the end - which I did guess in the beginning, so this will make for some interesting reading in book 4 of this series.
You will probably want to read the first two books first since this continues the story of the sisters. You could read it as a stand alone, but then if you go back and read the others it might spoil some things.
October 21, 2016
Boots and Bedlam continues the story of the Sweeney sisters, Sam, Jackie, and Faith. This novella focuses mainly on Sam, who finally says yes to Eli's marriage proposal. When she decides she wants to get married on Christmas Eve, just a month later, she can't foresee all the chaos that will ensue! Told with so much warmth and charm, Boots and Bedlam is a wonderful Christmastime love story. This is book 3 in the series of books about the Sweeney Sisters, following Her Sister's Shoes and Lowcountry Stranger. This novella is a very readable standalone, but I encourage readers to read the previous books in the series first. It's so much more fun knowing characters and their back stories from the beginning.
September 4, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I can honestly say that with each book that comes out, this series just keeps getting better. This is one busy family and they may not always see eye to eye but the love between them all is so evident. I love the constant twists and turns in these books and the cliffhanger endings always keep me looking forward to the next book! Well worth the five stars!
November 13, 2016
What's more romantic than a Christmas Eve wedding? Not much, I tell you. Sam's dreams are finally coming true with a proposal from her love, Eli, but a lot of crazy chaos threatens their small, dream wedding. I haven't read any other books in this series and this story can stand alone, but be warned--there are a lot of characters and it took me awhile to sort out who is who.
Sam has an underage son, Jamie, who is in college and he seems to be such a great friend and support to his mother. I love that bond they share, which is a mix of respect, love, and humor. Eli is a good balance for Sam and that's apparent in the way they handle the different situations that arise. This family and community is tight-knit and will pull whatever strings necessary to help each other.
I wasn't expecting to get such a heavy story with this one--remember Christmas wedding? But a few of the unexpected twists result in some serious parental subject matter. I read to escape and really didn't want to be thrown into the depths of mama drama...and this mama is drama. I was a little disappointed that an almost 50 year old woman would be calling a house guest names behind her back. Jamie's friend is a diva, but I thought the way Sam handled that whole situation was immature.
That aside, I love the messages found within these pages: love conquers all, Christmas is a time for miracles, and kindness matters. The lengths people were willing to go to in order to put this wedding together warmed my heart and soul.
Content: mild Christian instances; mild language (Bible swears with an extra word or two thrown in); mild romance (with some semi-vague suggestive innuendo).
*I received a copy through the tour host. I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are my own.*
Sam has an underage son, Jamie, who is in college and he seems to be such a great friend and support to his mother. I love that bond they share, which is a mix of respect, love, and humor. Eli is a good balance for Sam and that's apparent in the way they handle the different situations that arise. This family and community is tight-knit and will pull whatever strings necessary to help each other.
I wasn't expecting to get such a heavy story with this one--remember Christmas wedding? But a few of the unexpected twists result in some serious parental subject matter. I read to escape and really didn't want to be thrown into the depths of mama drama...and this mama is drama. I was a little disappointed that an almost 50 year old woman would be calling a house guest names behind her back. Jamie's friend is a diva, but I thought the way Sam handled that whole situation was immature.
That aside, I love the messages found within these pages: love conquers all, Christmas is a time for miracles, and kindness matters. The lengths people were willing to go to in order to put this wedding together warmed my heart and soul.
Content: mild Christian instances; mild language (Bible swears with an extra word or two thrown in); mild romance (with some semi-vague suggestive innuendo).
*I received a copy through the tour host. I voluntarily reviewed this book and all opinions are my own.*
May 28, 2018
Whoop, another gem in the Sweeney Sisters series
Oh, oh! Another marriage; more drama, most of it good and surrounding the wedding; a move; a diva; teen issues; and some who low about their true intentions and who they really are.
As usual, such a realistic and beautiful portrayal of the relationship between these three sisters, all the cousins, significant others and those within the community. They face challenges as they arise, albeit not always head on initially. They come from a place of love and good heartedness in their relationships. They all have their flaws, but nobody is there to point them out. They are self-reflective, honest and true.
Putting this family in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is perfect for them. The author brings the scenery and other aspects of their life alive. Any reader will want to pack up and move (just don't forget the immense humidity).
A read straight through novel with a "gasp" at the end. (I guessed it early on via a bunch. But the author covers it very well.
Another true gem in this series!! Off to read book 4. I will be quite sad when I get through the next two books...But am hoping there will be more.
Rating: 4.9
✳✳✳✳✳
Oh, oh! Another marriage; more drama, most of it good and surrounding the wedding; a move; a diva; teen issues; and some who low about their true intentions and who they really are.
As usual, such a realistic and beautiful portrayal of the relationship between these three sisters, all the cousins, significant others and those within the community. They face challenges as they arise, albeit not always head on initially. They come from a place of love and good heartedness in their relationships. They all have their flaws, but nobody is there to point them out. They are self-reflective, honest and true.
Putting this family in the Lowcountry of South Carolina is perfect for them. The author brings the scenery and other aspects of their life alive. Any reader will want to pack up and move (just don't forget the immense humidity).
A read straight through novel with a "gasp" at the end. (I guessed it early on via a bunch. But the author covers it very well.
Another true gem in this series!! Off to read book 4. I will be quite sad when I get through the next two books...But am hoping there will be more.
Rating: 4.9
✳✳✳✳✳
September 15, 2019
A white Christmas wedding
I can't imagine being a single mom raising a son, a really great kid. And such supportive family all females! She was going and left with a son to raise. And the horror a daughter of one of the sisters went through. More than one stranger in this story. Many secrets unveiled. A beautiful wedding for the single mom, Sam & Eli finally tie the knot on Christmas eve in a rustic chapel and the reception in their new home. You just have to read this book if you love romance and a bit of mystery blended in. And the saga continues about Annie, Sam, and Jason, the son. And Eli the best catch is a handsome police officer, everyone loves them and how the next book continues in a perfect G rated old fashioned values. Eli is definitely detective material. So much more from beginning to end i can't even touch upon. I found Ashley Farley looking for another book and now I'm hooked on reading all the series of books she has. I love Ashley`s style of writing. Please keep writing ;)
I can't imagine being a single mom raising a son, a really great kid. And such supportive family all females! She was going and left with a son to raise. And the horror a daughter of one of the sisters went through. More than one stranger in this story. Many secrets unveiled. A beautiful wedding for the single mom, Sam & Eli finally tie the knot on Christmas eve in a rustic chapel and the reception in their new home. You just have to read this book if you love romance and a bit of mystery blended in. And the saga continues about Annie, Sam, and Jason, the son. And Eli the best catch is a handsome police officer, everyone loves them and how the next book continues in a perfect G rated old fashioned values. Eli is definitely detective material. So much more from beginning to end i can't even touch upon. I found Ashley Farley looking for another book and now I'm hooked on reading all the series of books she has. I love Ashley`s style of writing. Please keep writing ;)
February 7, 2017
First of all I wasn't aware this book was part of a series when I requested it from Netgalley. I believed that it could be read as a standalone. I would say it's not completely possible.
There were two main things which bothered me in this book:
I guess I can now say that I am not a fan about reading the college boys mums. I felt way too young here even though I am in the age where I could have a teenager already. I just coudln't connect with the characters and neither their story.
The second thing is that I felt this book was overly moralizing. I really don't get the big fuss Sam was making when Jamie came home drunk from a party.
The book just wasn't made for me and I guess there are many people out there who might enjoy this book.
There were two main things which bothered me in this book:
I guess I can now say that I am not a fan about reading the college boys mums. I felt way too young here even though I am in the age where I could have a teenager already. I just coudln't connect with the characters and neither their story.
The second thing is that I felt this book was overly moralizing. I really don't get the big fuss Sam was making when Jamie came home drunk from a party.
The book just wasn't made for me and I guess there are many people out there who might enjoy this book.
October 1, 2018
I liked the story. Things have moved on since the second book and this story focuses primarily on Sam and her relationships changing with Eli and her son Jamie. The book focuses on her upcoming wedding and Jamie starting to venture out into the dating world and the lessons in life that follow that. The family is still closely knit together and things aren't as frantic or as stressful by focusing on Sam as a primary character instead of Sam and her sisters. The ending was a surprise and yet at the same time I had my suspicions as to who Heidi might be. I was also under the impression that this was a trilogy but was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are at least two more books based on the Sweeney family left to enjoy.
February 3, 2022
The third book in the Sweeney Sisters series focuses mainly on the wedding plans for sister Sam.
"Wedding bells will soon be ringing in the Lowcountry. All Sam Sweeney wants is to marry her man on Christmas Eve surrounded by family and friends. But emerging complications, some humorous and some not so humorous, threaten to converge and derail the best-laid plans during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Amidst the chaos—dealing with real estate, planning a wedding, running a seafood market, honoring traditions, and contending with teenagers—even the weather rears its head when the weatherman forecasts a white Christmas. Never has family support been more needed, but will it be enough to restore order and save the day?" synopsis copied
"Wedding bells will soon be ringing in the Lowcountry. All Sam Sweeney wants is to marry her man on Christmas Eve surrounded by family and friends. But emerging complications, some humorous and some not so humorous, threaten to converge and derail the best-laid plans during the busy stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Amidst the chaos—dealing with real estate, planning a wedding, running a seafood market, honoring traditions, and contending with teenagers—even the weather rears its head when the weatherman forecasts a white Christmas. Never has family support been more needed, but will it be enough to restore order and save the day?" synopsis copied
October 17, 2016
This was a sweet novella set towards my favorite time of year, Christmas! I am a sucker for Christmas love stories, and I felt this story came right from the hallmark channel! It may have had parts that I felt were a little too predictable, but overall I enjoyed the flow of the stories and the character interactions.
I think the part I enjoyed the most was that it wasn't all roses in planning this Christmas Eve wedding. There were several bumps along the way, both wedding and non-wedding related. I think this shows the importance of not letting the little things get to you. Just go with the flow, as nothing that happens in life is perfect! I also thought the storyline with Sam's son and his girlfriend was a nice mix too. Alcohol and drug use is a big problem in our country and I appreciate the author bringing it to life in a realistic yet subtle way that didn't ruin the main theme of the story.
Of you're looking for a sweet romance to get yourself in the mood for the holidays I suggest you give this story a shot! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a good review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.
I think the part I enjoyed the most was that it wasn't all roses in planning this Christmas Eve wedding. There were several bumps along the way, both wedding and non-wedding related. I think this shows the importance of not letting the little things get to you. Just go with the flow, as nothing that happens in life is perfect! I also thought the storyline with Sam's son and his girlfriend was a nice mix too. Alcohol and drug use is a big problem in our country and I appreciate the author bringing it to life in a realistic yet subtle way that didn't ruin the main theme of the story.
Of you're looking for a sweet romance to get yourself in the mood for the holidays I suggest you give this story a shot! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a good review. All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.
August 11, 2021
Boots and Bedlam
She's done it again; Ms Farley gave me a book I absolutely could not put down, full of wedding plans for Sam, Jackie helping with all the wedding/Christmas planning, Eli's excitement over his own wedding/Christmas planning and last but not least his job as an officer of the law having to get involved with Jamie's SoDiva, a rude, spoiled self-centered house guest with an attention getting drug use escapade landing her in jail. And the jaw dropping bomb shell ending involving Annie? Please tell me there's more coming from Ms Farley; I love reading what she has to say about these people & I'll need to read it soon.
She's done it again; Ms Farley gave me a book I absolutely could not put down, full of wedding plans for Sam, Jackie helping with all the wedding/Christmas planning, Eli's excitement over his own wedding/Christmas planning and last but not least his job as an officer of the law having to get involved with Jamie's SoDiva, a rude, spoiled self-centered house guest with an attention getting drug use escapade landing her in jail. And the jaw dropping bomb shell ending involving Annie? Please tell me there's more coming from Ms Farley; I love reading what she has to say about these people & I'll need to read it soon.
February 8, 2018
Sam, Sam, Sam, quit quit worrying!
It's only a wedding, but wazza, the steps leading up to the altar, what a ride! Sam is in a tizzy, ready to call the whole thing off the moment anything occurs which may stop the wedding, Eli is still in shock that Sam has finally said yes, Jamie brings a surprise guest, Faith steps up, Annie cooks, Jackie plans and Sean ,& Cooper go fishing. What more could wedding need? A licence, a minister, a church, a reception, music, flowers, food and a dress. However there are a few not needed and not wanted. And that's where the fun begins.
It's only a wedding, but wazza, the steps leading up to the altar, what a ride! Sam is in a tizzy, ready to call the whole thing off the moment anything occurs which may stop the wedding, Eli is still in shock that Sam has finally said yes, Jamie brings a surprise guest, Faith steps up, Annie cooks, Jackie plans and Sean ,& Cooper go fishing. What more could wedding need? A licence, a minister, a church, a reception, music, flowers, food and a dress. However there are a few not needed and not wanted. And that's where the fun begins.
July 11, 2021
This is the third book in the Sweeney Sisters series. Although short, it is packed full of emotion and action. Sam, the middle sister, is getting married and worried about planning the wedding and reception dinner, as well as working at her family’s business during the busy Christmas season. This is a story about three sisters pulling together, their families and friends. You can read this book as a stand-alone, but I suggest you start with the first book in the series. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 26, 2021
This 3rd book in the series was shorter than the previous two and was an easy, but very predictable and sappy read. If you love a good hallmark movie, this book is for you, but you'll need to read the first two to fully understand the character development. There are two more books in the series and I plan to read them, even though this one was pretty shallow, because I am invested in the lives of the characters and I love the setting.
January 26, 2017
Although I really liked this novel, it was entirely too short; hence the reason for four stars instead of five. It is mostly about Sam and her son, Jamie, and Eli. There is someone who puts a wrench into Christmas, but it shall be handled by the end of the book, where another mystery develops. Don't miss it.
November 6, 2017
Continuing family love and drama with the Sweeney sisters.
Really enjoying the continued stories of these busy, family oriented and living ladies. Each with different personalities, but such deep love and respect for each other and family. Looking forward to the last book in the series.
Really enjoying the continued stories of these busy, family oriented and living ladies. Each with different personalities, but such deep love and respect for each other and family. Looking forward to the last book in the series.
January 5, 2018
Happy Ending
The Sweeney Sisters series has my full attention. Book number 3 is the best so far! I have had a difficult time putting it down. The holidays called me away from my reading more than I would like. That real life situation compared well to the action in the book. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series!
The Sweeney Sisters series has my full attention. Book number 3 is the best so far! I have had a difficult time putting it down. The holidays called me away from my reading more than I would like. That real life situation compared well to the action in the book. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series!
April 11, 2018
Well, the middle sister continues to drive me to distraction, I like this series. This was a one day read and I actually did a few other things, too. It was lighter then the book, "Grace" and what I needed. The themes of addiction, play a big part in these books and it is all handled honestly and well. There is a great twist at the end, so I hope I have #4.
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