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The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea #4
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop
There’s nothing more magical than a winter wonderland wedding but when photographer Holly North returns to the cosy village of St Aidan she’s determined to avoid romance and the festive season full stop. She’s doing one small favour for a friend’s wedding and then her plans involve diving under her duvet and avoiding any sign of Christmas cheer – and gorgeous but insufferable Rory Sanderson – for the rest of December!
That is until Christmas arrives at Brides by the Sea, Cornwall’s enchanting and most adorable little wedding shop. The champagne is on ice while mistletoe hangs from every nook and Holly’s friends at the shop are determined she’ll live up to her festive name.
That is until Christmas arrives at Brides by the Sea, Cornwall’s enchanting and most adorable little wedding shop. The champagne is on ice while mistletoe hangs from every nook and Holly’s friends at the shop are determined she’ll live up to her festive name.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2017
171 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 26, 2017
Arguably this could be renamed Four Weddings and a memorable Christmas Day, as that is probably the best way I can sum up the story.
Holly is only in Cornwall for December to have a quiet month, and escape Christmas this year, after last years Christmas Day didn't go to plan. Not only that she is not overly keen on weddings but has agreed to be a photographer at one just before Christmas.
However things never go according to plan, and Holly, who is a food photographer normally ends up having to agree to work multiple weddings over December. They are all incredibly different and mainly she is doing it as a favour to her friends in The Little Wedding Shop.
Fans of the series will be delighted to know that Jess, Sera, Poppy, Immie, Lily are all back, and we are of course kept fully up to date with all their latest news. Holly is good friends with them all and it was fantastic to be back in this setting. If you are new to the series it can probably be read as a standalone, as its a new main focal character.
Rory, is the local brewer and regular at weddings. He is currently looking after his niece and nephew, although he's never really had much to do with kids. Holly also seems to be trying to avoid him at first, due to childhood teasing. However as the story progresses I found I was falling for Rory completely, and just loved seeing some of his more tender gestures.
There is plenty of Christmas, snow, and romance in this book , and its a fabulous addition to this series. I felt as though I was at the Wedding Shop and all of the weddings. There are so many fantastic moments, that I can only hint that large numbers of them seem to involve Rory or Bart!
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop is another fantastic book in this excellent series and I can't wait to see what Jane Linfoot writes next.
Thank you to Harper Impulse and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 29, 2017
Magical Christmas story you can just feel the essence of holiday spirit. For your holiday reading enjoyment this book offers you joy,seasonal atmosphere,fairy lights,dreamy weddings by the sea,romance and humor abound!
Pub Date 05 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date 05 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperImpulse for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 19, 2019
2,5 Sterne
Wer gerne was über Hochzeiten liest, kommt in diesem Buch voll auf seine Kosten - es finden gleich mehrere statt. Wir als Leser betrachten sie aber genauso wie Protagonistin des 4. Teils der "Brautladen am Strand"-Reihe rein aus Fotografen-Sicht. D.h. der ganze Stress um Kleiderkauf, Tortenauswahl und sonstige benötigten Requisiten wird komplett ausgeblendet. Trotzdem kommt die Atmosphäre gut rüber. Und am Ende dieser ganzen Hochzeiten im Dezember gibt es auch noch eine schöne Weihnachtsfeier der Einheimischen.
Was für mich nicht so gelungen ist, ist alles was mit dem Thema Liebe zu tun hat. Zum einen war es für mich unerklärlich, wieso Holly offensichtlich noch an ihrem Ex hing - wo doch sie diejenige war, die letztes Weihnachten bei seinem Heiratsantrag weggerannt ist. Und das aus nachvollziehbaren Gründen, die sich mittlerweile ja kaum geändert haben werden. Trotzdem redet bzw. denkt sie ständig, dass ihr Herz gebrochen und ihr Glück zerstört wurde etc. etc.
Dann trifft sie in ihrer Heimat St. Aidan auf ein Typen aus ihrer Jugend, der sie damals natürlich immer nur geärgert hat und sich jetzt aber doch als ganz sympathisch entpuppt. Für mich waren die beiden aber schon schnell so sehr in der "friends zone", dass ich sie mir später nicht mehr als Liebespaar vorstellen konnte. Ich habe null Knistern gespürt!
Auch manche Dialoge - und zwar nicht nur zwischen Holly und Rory, sondern generell - klangen komisch (d.h. ergaben manchmal insgesamt wenig Sinn), was vielleicht an einer schlechten Übersetzung liegen könnte.
Somit haben wir hinter dem wunderschönen Cover eine zwar leicht lesbare Winter-Hochzeits-Geschichte mit ein bisschen Liebe wie Glitzer drübergestreut. Allerdings gibt es von dieser Sorte auch zahlreiche bessere Bücher, so dass ich diese Reihe um Jess und ihre Freundinnen im Brautladen wohl nicht weiter verfolgen werde (nachdem dieses hier nach "Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand" mein 2. Buch der Serie war).
Wer gerne was über Hochzeiten liest, kommt in diesem Buch voll auf seine Kosten - es finden gleich mehrere statt. Wir als Leser betrachten sie aber genauso wie Protagonistin des 4. Teils der "Brautladen am Strand"-Reihe rein aus Fotografen-Sicht. D.h. der ganze Stress um Kleiderkauf, Tortenauswahl und sonstige benötigten Requisiten wird komplett ausgeblendet. Trotzdem kommt die Atmosphäre gut rüber. Und am Ende dieser ganzen Hochzeiten im Dezember gibt es auch noch eine schöne Weihnachtsfeier der Einheimischen.
Was für mich nicht so gelungen ist, ist alles was mit dem Thema Liebe zu tun hat. Zum einen war es für mich unerklärlich, wieso Holly offensichtlich noch an ihrem Ex hing - wo doch sie diejenige war, die letztes Weihnachten bei seinem Heiratsantrag weggerannt ist. Und das aus nachvollziehbaren Gründen, die sich mittlerweile ja kaum geändert haben werden. Trotzdem redet bzw. denkt sie ständig, dass ihr Herz gebrochen und ihr Glück zerstört wurde etc. etc.
Dann trifft sie in ihrer Heimat St. Aidan auf ein Typen aus ihrer Jugend, der sie damals natürlich immer nur geärgert hat und sich jetzt aber doch als ganz sympathisch entpuppt. Für mich waren die beiden aber schon schnell so sehr in der "friends zone", dass ich sie mir später nicht mehr als Liebespaar vorstellen konnte. Ich habe null Knistern gespürt!
Auch manche Dialoge - und zwar nicht nur zwischen Holly und Rory, sondern generell - klangen komisch (d.h. ergaben manchmal insgesamt wenig Sinn), was vielleicht an einer schlechten Übersetzung liegen könnte.
Somit haben wir hinter dem wunderschönen Cover eine zwar leicht lesbare Winter-Hochzeits-Geschichte mit ein bisschen Liebe wie Glitzer drübergestreut. Allerdings gibt es von dieser Sorte auch zahlreiche bessere Bücher, so dass ich diese Reihe um Jess und ihre Freundinnen im Brautladen wohl nicht weiter verfolgen werde (nachdem dieses hier nach "Winter im kleinen Brautladen am Strand" mein 2. Buch der Serie war).
November 2, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series so far and the latest addition is another gloriously enchanting visit to the girls at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea. And if you have missed them then don’t worry as we get to catch up with Poppy, Jess, Sera, Immie etc to see what has happened in their lives since we last met them. But here the emphasis is on Holly, a local who has been working away in London but has returned to help out over the busy Christmas period in the shop. Holly is a food photographer by trade but she is there to cover a wedding. Due to unforeseen circumstances though she ends up booked for more weddings than she had expected but that’s the least of her problems when she meets up again with childhood crush Rory!
It was like being back amongst friends when I started to read Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop. Although part of a series each book can be read as a standalone. All the characters are such a wonderful group, everyone with their own personality and story but all the little pieces of the jigsaw come together perfectly as Holly realises that what she is looking for is maybe a lot closer to home than she thought. I loved the way the romance between Holly and Rory developed gradually and realistically once they started to open up to each other. There were some unexpectedly poignant moments when Rory revealed what had occurred to him in the past which I found utterly heartbreaking and his relationship with his niece and nephew also brought a few tears to my eyes as well.
Jane Linfoot write beautifully detailed books full of sumptuous cakes and fierce friendships. They delight and stimulate the senses so that you can almost smell the Christmas trees and taste those mince pie muffins. This is the perfect book to cuddle up with when the temperature starts to drop, just hope that you get snowed in as you won’t want to let this one go!
It was like being back amongst friends when I started to read Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop. Although part of a series each book can be read as a standalone. All the characters are such a wonderful group, everyone with their own personality and story but all the little pieces of the jigsaw come together perfectly as Holly realises that what she is looking for is maybe a lot closer to home than she thought. I loved the way the romance between Holly and Rory developed gradually and realistically once they started to open up to each other. There were some unexpectedly poignant moments when Rory revealed what had occurred to him in the past which I found utterly heartbreaking and his relationship with his niece and nephew also brought a few tears to my eyes as well.
Jane Linfoot write beautifully detailed books full of sumptuous cakes and fierce friendships. They delight and stimulate the senses so that you can almost smell the Christmas trees and taste those mince pie muffins. This is the perfect book to cuddle up with when the temperature starts to drop, just hope that you get snowed in as you won’t want to let this one go!
January 7, 2024
Der vierte Band der Reihe und eine schöne Fortsetzung. Zwischendurch waren mir etwas zu viele Leute in der Geschichte. Ich hab längere Zeit mit der Reihe ausgesetzt und musste erst wieder ins Buch kommen. Es ist schon kitschig aber einfach ein wunderschöner Feelgood Roman. Einfach Klasse diese Mädchenclique. Dass es in Cornwall und Umgebung spielt ist eher unerheblich, es finden keine grösseren Landschaftsbeschreibungen statt. Keine Dramen, ein paar Irrungen aber am Ende bekommt man was man erwartet. Werde ich den fünften Band noch lesen? Ich denke, ich war jetzt oft genug im Brautladen und den Mädels unterwegs.
December 28, 2017
Having read other books in this series I hoped I was in for a treat when I started this one and true to form I loved this frothy, fun story. It’s always good to re encounter characters you’ve grown to know in earlier books and I very much enjoyed reacquainting myself with this great bunch of female friends. I especially enjoyed the photographic slant as I am a keen amateur photographer and I may have even picked up a few tips - bonus! If you’re looking for a festive, romantic read with cupcakes and humour sprinkled liberally throughout then I would definitely curl up with a hot chocolate and indulge yourself by reading this story.
October 1, 2017
So wonderful to go back to this series of books I've loved the others and certainly wasn't let down at all. It's full of fun and romance and a real laugh out loud book full of Christmas and lovely to hear more from the shop. Christmas has come to the lovely shop in Cornwall and nothing beats a Christmas wedding. Holly comes to Cornwall wanting to forget Christmas and she helps her friend out by taking photos at weddings but can she be happy and move forward especially when her ex boyfriend turns up can she forgive him and be with him or has she moved forward further and realised her life isn't with him. An enjoyable read and full of romance and cupcakes to well worth reading.
January 13, 2019
Loved this feel good story. Easy reading that leaves you smiling.
January 11, 2019
Another heartwarming and adorable read from Jane Linfoot!
Her writing is so easy to get into it makes these books a joy to read and she really knows how to capture the Christmas spirit and friendship along with developing love and a sprinkle of romance.
A perfect winter read!
Her writing is so easy to get into it makes these books a joy to read and she really knows how to capture the Christmas spirit and friendship along with developing love and a sprinkle of romance.
A perfect winter read!
February 10, 2020
Das Cover ist einfach nur wunderschön und ein richtiger Winter Traum ach, wenn ich es ansehe habe ich wieder richtige Weihnachtsstimmung. Leider habe ich zu spät bemerkt, dass es ein 4 teil ist einer Reihe aber ich kann sagen das ich damit keine Probleme hatte. Die Autorin hat einen sehr angenehm detailreichen Schreibstil der leicht und locker zu lesen ist.
Holly reist nach St. Aiden und möchte dort den ganzen Dezember verbringen um eigentlich ein ruhiges Weihnachten zu Feier oder auch mal ihre Ruhe zu finden. Das sehen ihre Freunde nicht so. Eigentlich möchte sie nur auf einer Hochzeit ihrer Freunde Fotos machen (hie muss man sagen sie ist eine Fotografin). Doch wegen diverser Umstände kommt es nun, dass sie auf weiteren Hochzeiten fotografieren muss. Dabei steht ihr Jugend Schwarm Rory zu Seite. Man könnte denken das dabei alles schiefgeht aber nein es läuft alles recht gut. Mir hat persönlich sehr gefallen, dass die ganzen Hochzeiten, ausgerichtet von ihren Freunden, die immer alle irgendwie mit dem Brautladen verbandelt waren. Jetzt du den Charakteren: Rory ist meiner Meinung ein sehr gelungener und sympathischer Charakter. Von seiner schwerster die ins Krankenhaus muss nimmt er die Kinder bei sich auf, solange sie dort ist. Anfang gab es ein paar Schwierigkeiten aber dann meistert er es perfekt. Allerdings mochte ich nicht alles Charaktere denn mit Holly konnte ich nicht immer was anfangen und war mehr mal auch fast an ihr verzweifelt. Sie jammert einfach zu viel rum Gott ging mir das auf die Nerven. Dann war da auch noch Jules fand ich nicht gelungen. Ein Exzentrischer Charakter ist das eine aber man wie er gestaltet wurde machte ihn alles andere als Sympathisch.
Fazit
Dennoch war es ein schöner Roman wo sich die liebe der beiden zart und einfühlsam anbahnt
Holly reist nach St. Aiden und möchte dort den ganzen Dezember verbringen um eigentlich ein ruhiges Weihnachten zu Feier oder auch mal ihre Ruhe zu finden. Das sehen ihre Freunde nicht so. Eigentlich möchte sie nur auf einer Hochzeit ihrer Freunde Fotos machen (hie muss man sagen sie ist eine Fotografin). Doch wegen diverser Umstände kommt es nun, dass sie auf weiteren Hochzeiten fotografieren muss. Dabei steht ihr Jugend Schwarm Rory zu Seite. Man könnte denken das dabei alles schiefgeht aber nein es läuft alles recht gut. Mir hat persönlich sehr gefallen, dass die ganzen Hochzeiten, ausgerichtet von ihren Freunden, die immer alle irgendwie mit dem Brautladen verbandelt waren. Jetzt du den Charakteren: Rory ist meiner Meinung ein sehr gelungener und sympathischer Charakter. Von seiner schwerster die ins Krankenhaus muss nimmt er die Kinder bei sich auf, solange sie dort ist. Anfang gab es ein paar Schwierigkeiten aber dann meistert er es perfekt. Allerdings mochte ich nicht alles Charaktere denn mit Holly konnte ich nicht immer was anfangen und war mehr mal auch fast an ihr verzweifelt. Sie jammert einfach zu viel rum Gott ging mir das auf die Nerven. Dann war da auch noch Jules fand ich nicht gelungen. Ein Exzentrischer Charakter ist das eine aber man wie er gestaltet wurde machte ihn alles andere als Sympathisch.
Fazit
Dennoch war es ein schöner Roman wo sich die liebe der beiden zart und einfühlsam anbahnt
October 5, 2017
Do you have a favorite author or series – one that you know will transport you away from everything and hold you there until the last page? Jane Linfoot is that for me, particularly with the clever, quirky, openhearted friends that help every bride to create the wedding of her dreams. The gang is back: Poppy is now heavily pregnant, Immie is desperately trying to get there, Jess is off on a vacation and hoping for an engagement ring, and we’ve just met Holly, returning to St. Aiden’s for her Christmas retreat. Her best friend from childhood, Poppy,has offered her the little garret flat above Brides by the Sea for her stay: a stay that includes a surf-themed wedding on the beach that she is photographing for her friends.
But Holly is hoping that she can hide away for most of the holiday with dvds and books: wedding photography is all new to her, and she’s never been one to try something new. Ever. Met by Santa and his elf, pulled along in an over decorated wagon pulled by Nutella the pony, her first moments in her return are reminding her of all the reasons she left. Everyone knows you, your business and the memories of her sister are far too present – especially at the time of year she loves. Or loved. See, Holly has always been the sister in the shadow, content to follow along behind her more outgoing and exuberant sibling Freya, until cancer claimed her. Still not really finished grieving, Holly’s love of Christmas (she has a storage unit in London chock full of decorations for the season) her confidence and heart were battered again – when she ran from a proposal to her long-term boyfriend just a year ago. And then, as if Holly didn’t think it could get worse, there is Rory, her teen crush and boy who seemed to have it all in a casual, graceful way – unlike her angsty, follower style.
Rory is staying at Rose Hill and caring for his niece and nephew while his sister, their mother is in hospital. He’s not made any adjustments to his own marketing his brewery first, drag others along lifestyle, and the idea of young Grace and the infant Teddie have him flummoxed. He’s not bad with them, he’s just not engaged. And when you add this blast from the past to Holly’s time in Cornwall to the fact that Jess has set her up as an assistant to Jules the photographer so she’ll learn how to shoot the upcoming wedding, things start to turn. Staring with Jules’ getting sick and bailing on several booked weddings and Holly needing to step up – with her assistant (and professional wedding guest) Rory.
Never a fast-paced story, these gently unfold as people share their stories, find comfort and challenge in the supportive friendships that have pushed Holly further than she ever expected. With Rory’s clear memories of Freya, a person that few discuss with her because they worry it will make her sad, Holly and Rory come to find a working relationship, not always comfortable but manageable, as they work on weddings. It doesn’t hurt that Holly knows every word to Let it Go from Frozen, and recognizes Grace’s Olaf, those moments allow Rory to let go and enjoy the kids, even when he’s panicked about his sister’s illness. From the recognition of their friendship, through Holly’s success as a wedding photographer, talking a bride off the path ‘away’ to capturing photos that the couples adore, and even earning Jules’ respect, she’s growing in ways unexpected. And with the return of her ex on Christmas Day, with the proposal that she thought she needed and wanted and a ring to die for: all of the changes that she’s experienced come to the forefront and decisions need to be made.
Descriptions of food (Oh My Goodness the Cupcakes!) and wedding venues, photos, friends and laughs, with Jess’s bossy and know everything moments taking a back seat to her own nerves about a possible engagement, to Immie’s no-nonsense approach to life and swearing (frog farts) and them all trying to wrangle Poppy into resting, the friendships add a level of comfort and emotion that make you want to be in their group. With needlepointing firefighters, plenty of laughs, and a true homecoming for Holly where open arms and endless baked goods are on offer, it’s wonderful to head back to Brides by the Sea, again. Perhaps there’s more to come – I don’t want to let these people go, not yet.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
But Holly is hoping that she can hide away for most of the holiday with dvds and books: wedding photography is all new to her, and she’s never been one to try something new. Ever. Met by Santa and his elf, pulled along in an over decorated wagon pulled by Nutella the pony, her first moments in her return are reminding her of all the reasons she left. Everyone knows you, your business and the memories of her sister are far too present – especially at the time of year she loves. Or loved. See, Holly has always been the sister in the shadow, content to follow along behind her more outgoing and exuberant sibling Freya, until cancer claimed her. Still not really finished grieving, Holly’s love of Christmas (she has a storage unit in London chock full of decorations for the season) her confidence and heart were battered again – when she ran from a proposal to her long-term boyfriend just a year ago. And then, as if Holly didn’t think it could get worse, there is Rory, her teen crush and boy who seemed to have it all in a casual, graceful way – unlike her angsty, follower style.
Rory is staying at Rose Hill and caring for his niece and nephew while his sister, their mother is in hospital. He’s not made any adjustments to his own marketing his brewery first, drag others along lifestyle, and the idea of young Grace and the infant Teddie have him flummoxed. He’s not bad with them, he’s just not engaged. And when you add this blast from the past to Holly’s time in Cornwall to the fact that Jess has set her up as an assistant to Jules the photographer so she’ll learn how to shoot the upcoming wedding, things start to turn. Staring with Jules’ getting sick and bailing on several booked weddings and Holly needing to step up – with her assistant (and professional wedding guest) Rory.
Never a fast-paced story, these gently unfold as people share their stories, find comfort and challenge in the supportive friendships that have pushed Holly further than she ever expected. With Rory’s clear memories of Freya, a person that few discuss with her because they worry it will make her sad, Holly and Rory come to find a working relationship, not always comfortable but manageable, as they work on weddings. It doesn’t hurt that Holly knows every word to Let it Go from Frozen, and recognizes Grace’s Olaf, those moments allow Rory to let go and enjoy the kids, even when he’s panicked about his sister’s illness. From the recognition of their friendship, through Holly’s success as a wedding photographer, talking a bride off the path ‘away’ to capturing photos that the couples adore, and even earning Jules’ respect, she’s growing in ways unexpected. And with the return of her ex on Christmas Day, with the proposal that she thought she needed and wanted and a ring to die for: all of the changes that she’s experienced come to the forefront and decisions need to be made.
Descriptions of food (Oh My Goodness the Cupcakes!) and wedding venues, photos, friends and laughs, with Jess’s bossy and know everything moments taking a back seat to her own nerves about a possible engagement, to Immie’s no-nonsense approach to life and swearing (frog farts) and them all trying to wrangle Poppy into resting, the friendships add a level of comfort and emotion that make you want to be in their group. With needlepointing firefighters, plenty of laughs, and a true homecoming for Holly where open arms and endless baked goods are on offer, it’s wonderful to head back to Brides by the Sea, again. Perhaps there’s more to come – I don’t want to let these people go, not yet.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
October 31, 2017
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop is the fourth book in The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea series. Each book can be enjoyed as a standalone but to fully appreciate the back history I would whole heartedly recommend reading all books in the series. The books in the series are:
•The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea
•Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop
•Summer at the Little Wedding Shop
•Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop
I have been totally captivated and swept away by this contemporary romcom series by author Jane Linfoot. The setting of a book series around a wedding shop located on the Cornish coast with it’s rugged and stunning vista ever changing with the seasons is so idyllic. Readers are treated each time they open up any of the books in this series to a cast of warm hearted characters with female leads you want to be best friends with and I’m sure as each book is published the male leads get more adorable.
This story focuses on Holly who is returning to her hometown for the festive period to take photos for her friend’s wedding, which so happens to be taking place on the very beach besides the wedding shop. Since fleeing from her surprise proposal almost a year ago Holly has been determined to avoid Christmas at all costs to help her get over her break-up from Luc. However, as she promised to help at her friend’s wedding she has no choice and feels that she can just about manage with one wedding at Christmas. However, St Aidan and The Wedding Shop are gearing up for a festive period filled with fun, love and lots of weddings. The Wedding Shop’s regular photographer Jules has unfortunately had to pull out of taking the photos for the forthcoming Christmas weddings. Emergency reinforcements are needed and the Wedding Shop team look to Holly to help out. Holly’s self-esteem since the break-up is very low however, she has the help of local beer and wine merchant Rory on hand to help. Rory also so happens to be her nemesis. They connected when they were at school, very often Rory would tease Holly but secretly she enjoyed his companionship.
Both Holly and Rory have suffered heartache as a child. However, Rory was very clever to hide his true emotions and he came across as the village rebel. When you first read about Rory you can’t help but fall for his cheeky charm but when you see his true persona emerge there is a little vulnerability about him. The introduction of two of the cutest characters, Gracie and Teddie, also help bring out more layers in Rory’s characters. There are definitely some gorgeous ahhh moments.
Can two people with a shared mutual affinity of a loss still so sorely felt help each other to find the strength in themselves to tackle their fears?
Another beautiful, charming romance from Jane Linfoot.
•The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea
•Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop
•Summer at the Little Wedding Shop
•Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop
I have been totally captivated and swept away by this contemporary romcom series by author Jane Linfoot. The setting of a book series around a wedding shop located on the Cornish coast with it’s rugged and stunning vista ever changing with the seasons is so idyllic. Readers are treated each time they open up any of the books in this series to a cast of warm hearted characters with female leads you want to be best friends with and I’m sure as each book is published the male leads get more adorable.
This story focuses on Holly who is returning to her hometown for the festive period to take photos for her friend’s wedding, which so happens to be taking place on the very beach besides the wedding shop. Since fleeing from her surprise proposal almost a year ago Holly has been determined to avoid Christmas at all costs to help her get over her break-up from Luc. However, as she promised to help at her friend’s wedding she has no choice and feels that she can just about manage with one wedding at Christmas. However, St Aidan and The Wedding Shop are gearing up for a festive period filled with fun, love and lots of weddings. The Wedding Shop’s regular photographer Jules has unfortunately had to pull out of taking the photos for the forthcoming Christmas weddings. Emergency reinforcements are needed and the Wedding Shop team look to Holly to help out. Holly’s self-esteem since the break-up is very low however, she has the help of local beer and wine merchant Rory on hand to help. Rory also so happens to be her nemesis. They connected when they were at school, very often Rory would tease Holly but secretly she enjoyed his companionship.
Both Holly and Rory have suffered heartache as a child. However, Rory was very clever to hide his true emotions and he came across as the village rebel. When you first read about Rory you can’t help but fall for his cheeky charm but when you see his true persona emerge there is a little vulnerability about him. The introduction of two of the cutest characters, Gracie and Teddie, also help bring out more layers in Rory’s characters. There are definitely some gorgeous ahhh moments.
Can two people with a shared mutual affinity of a loss still so sorely felt help each other to find the strength in themselves to tackle their fears?
Another beautiful, charming romance from Jane Linfoot.
October 11, 2017
The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea has definitely become one of my favourite series to slip in to. I love the long term cast of characters, and I love the new additions with each book.
Holly definitely resonated with me more than some of the other female leads, perhaps it was the fact that we both lost an older sister when we were younger, though the circumstances of those loses were different. Clearly many years have gone on and Holly has found a way to cope with her loss and move on with her life, but there will always be moments where her thoughts will naturally gravitate to her sister and whether they be happy or sad moments they will come when you least expect it. Linfoot has done an amazing job at finding the perfect balance between showing us these moments without bogging the story down in Holly's sad memories. Whilst the story isnt about Holly and the loss of her sister, for me it provided an extra depth of character to Holly and even offered up a little insight as to why she is the way she is.
Rory... I can totally see why Holly had a huge crush on him as a teenager, can even understand why he invokes such strong reactions as an adult. But as the book progresses and we get to know him we see a slightly different side to the Rory Holly remembers. And I'm not embarrassed to admit I might be a teensy bit in love with him myself.
This is another fantastic instalment in a fantastic series. One that I will enjoy reading again and again in the years to come.
Holly definitely resonated with me more than some of the other female leads, perhaps it was the fact that we both lost an older sister when we were younger, though the circumstances of those loses were different. Clearly many years have gone on and Holly has found a way to cope with her loss and move on with her life, but there will always be moments where her thoughts will naturally gravitate to her sister and whether they be happy or sad moments they will come when you least expect it. Linfoot has done an amazing job at finding the perfect balance between showing us these moments without bogging the story down in Holly's sad memories. Whilst the story isnt about Holly and the loss of her sister, for me it provided an extra depth of character to Holly and even offered up a little insight as to why she is the way she is.
Rory... I can totally see why Holly had a huge crush on him as a teenager, can even understand why he invokes such strong reactions as an adult. But as the book progresses and we get to know him we see a slightly different side to the Rory Holly remembers. And I'm not embarrassed to admit I might be a teensy bit in love with him myself.
This is another fantastic instalment in a fantastic series. One that I will enjoy reading again and again in the years to come.
October 7, 2017
I am a huge fan of this series so I was delighted when I seen this book and even better its set at Christmas.
This time we are introduced to new character Holly. (I don't want to spoil it and say to much about her as its nice to meet a new character.) But you will love her! Previous characters also feature hugely in this book! Its just lovely catching up with them and picking off where we left off at the last book.
Holly catches the eye of local Rory, there is clearly a spark between them, he is always there by her side but it seems like he likes her a lot but she doesn't seem to notice his feelings for her. Then her Ex turns up and you are left wondering who she is going to end up with.
This is a really warm and cosy read, perfect to curl up with this winter season. I enjoyed every single page! It has got me so excited for christmas!
Pure Perfection!
This time we are introduced to new character Holly. (I don't want to spoil it and say to much about her as its nice to meet a new character.) But you will love her! Previous characters also feature hugely in this book! Its just lovely catching up with them and picking off where we left off at the last book.
Holly catches the eye of local Rory, there is clearly a spark between them, he is always there by her side but it seems like he likes her a lot but she doesn't seem to notice his feelings for her. Then her Ex turns up and you are left wondering who she is going to end up with.
This is a really warm and cosy read, perfect to curl up with this winter season. I enjoyed every single page! It has got me so excited for christmas!
Pure Perfection!
October 29, 2024
I'm glad to say that, for me, this fourth book in the series is an improvement with respect to the previous ones. I still feel that the main female character behaves too much like a teenager (I'd expect someone over thirty to be more emotionally mature). However, since the story is also one of personal growth and, besides, this emotional instability seems to be a trademark of many of the contemporary romance books I've read lately, I'll overlook this.
On the improvement side, the author gets rid of the love triangle as a source of tension (although there's an ex looming in the background), the chemistry between the two main characters is really good, there are a couple of quite funny scenes, the children are quite likeable and do not come out as repellent brats and there are secondary storylines involving characters from previous books that add to the mix.
On the improvement side, the author gets rid of the love triangle as a source of tension (although there's an ex looming in the background), the chemistry between the two main characters is really good, there are a couple of quite funny scenes, the children are quite likeable and do not come out as repellent brats and there are secondary storylines involving characters from previous books that add to the mix.
October 29, 2022
I haven't been a big fan of the series "The little wedding shop by the sea" but still I was looking forward to another Christmas book in the series.
I really enjoyed the setting this time and some parts were really festive and also wintery. We have several weddings set in December time and follow Holly who is a wedding photographer.
The story itself wasn't very exciting. It is full of different characters, lots of names and different settings. I found it hard to follow who is who and besides partying, preparing weddings parties and being at weddings not much is happening.
I think this series had a lot of potential with its setting but unfortunately it lacks in a proper storyline and characters I enjoy to be with.
I really enjoyed the setting this time and some parts were really festive and also wintery. We have several weddings set in December time and follow Holly who is a wedding photographer.
The story itself wasn't very exciting. It is full of different characters, lots of names and different settings. I found it hard to follow who is who and besides partying, preparing weddings parties and being at weddings not much is happening.
I think this series had a lot of potential with its setting but unfortunately it lacks in a proper storyline and characters I enjoy to be with.
December 31, 2017
Another great instalment of the Little Wedding Shop
September 23, 2017
I really love The little wedding shop by the sea books, and this one is a fabulous edition to the series.
Fans of chicklit and romance books will absolutely adore this fabulous series.
It is full of romance, friendship, love, weddings and the Christmas spirit. It is so lovely to catch up with old friends and find out what they are doing now. I really do love this series and there is nothing more romantic then a Christmas wedding. I loved this book from the very start to the romantic finale. Simply wonderful.
Fans of chicklit and romance books will absolutely adore this fabulous series.
It is full of romance, friendship, love, weddings and the Christmas spirit. It is so lovely to catch up with old friends and find out what they are doing now. I really do love this series and there is nothing more romantic then a Christmas wedding. I loved this book from the very start to the romantic finale. Simply wonderful.
January 23, 2023
Even though this book has many more pages than listed here, unlike other books they aren't just padding. It was worth the extra pages and I really enjoyed it and it wasn't Christmas when I read it, it's more a wedding book then a Christmas story. Great
December 5, 2017
The latest in a great series of books by Jane Linfoot sees Holly join the ever- growing St Aidan’s wedding business. Full of fabulous venues, glorious food, warm and friendly characters, this is the perfect antidote to winter blues.Settle in for a long session on the sofa with a vat of hot chocolate and enjoy.
Read
January 1, 2021Holly is one of the most annoying main characters I’ve ever read.
Apparently it works as a stand-alone but I think reading the other books in the series would help you understand the other characters better (and remember who’s who).
Apparently it works as a stand-alone but I think reading the other books in the series would help you understand the other characters better (and remember who’s who).
January 6, 2018
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop is the fourth and final book in the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea series by Jane Linfoot. I have read and enjoyed every book so far and feel this was a nice, pleasant conclusion to the series. Lots of loose ends were tied up and characters whom you have been with on a journey with since the first story have now become familiar friends. But I do feel it is now the right time to finish up with these characters and for the author to turn her attention to a new setting with fresh new characters ready and willing to share their stories. For me, I don't think this book was the strongest out of all four but it was still a nice, light, easy read with plenty of mishaps and surprises accompanied with lots of festive charm and romance.
Our attention this time turns to a new character Holly North as she arrives to spend a month in St.Aidan's, more specifically several weeks at Brides by the Sea. This is the unique shop run by Jess which caters for every need as demanded by a bride. The regular characters we have come to know are all once again present but for those new to the series there is plenty of back-story mentioned so one wouldn't feel as if they were missing out. For me that was perhaps one slight problem I had with the book, the fact that there were so many characters. I understand we had read of them previously but there was a significant gap between my reading of books three and four and for me I had forgotten some of the finer detail as to who was with who and what stage they were currently at. I found it hard to keep track of various relationships and connections and at times trying to do so took away from my enjoyment of Holly's story.
I understand it was necessary to include all the characters whose stories we have read of before but I don't think all of them should have been given such prominence rather some should have taken a back seat and one or two lines regarding them every so often would have sufficed. That said, that was my only problem with this book and I pushed it to the back of my mind and focused firmly on Holly. She seemed to be at Brides by the Sea slightly under duress, as if she was doing a favour for someone in the run up to Christmas, when really she just wants to curl up away from everyone and indulge in a box set of Friends uninterrupted. Little does she realise the all the people at Brides by the Sea have very different plans in store for her and her re-acquaintance with a childhood friend may provide Holly with a lot more than she bargained for.
Holly's normal day to day job is food photography but she has arrived to take photos of a friends beach wedding. Somehow one senses this wasn't top of Holly's to do list but she couldn't say no. Christmas is coming and Holly hopes to fulfil her role quickly and painlessly and slip back to London where she can avoid the whole festive season which stirs so many bad memories for her and only emerge from the cocoon she wishes to create for herself when the New Year has passed. Let's just say last Christmas wasn't that ideal and twelve months on she is still pining for what might have been. Everyone around her may love the run up to Christmas and the big day itself but for Holly it is a firm big no. There were two reasons for Holly coming across as a grinch I could understand the reason connected to a family situation but with the regard to the other I thought she was being silly. She should have gotten over it instead of moping, she was the one who had made the decision and she should have stuck by it. Holly's plans for a quick visit to get the job done are soon scuppered when resident photographer for the shop Jules ends up with chicken pox.
There are plenty of weddings upcoming in the weeks leading up to Christmas and how can the weddings be a success with no photographer? Holly is made to step into the breach against her will. I think apart from her desire to leave as quick as possible the fact she doubted her abilities as a photographer really meant she wasn't jumping to step into Jules' role. All her friends at Brides by the Sea including Poppy, Sera and Immie could see she had a real talent, that with a bit of persuasion and some confidence boosting maybe a new and improvement less doubtful Holly would emerge. Holly needed to be forced to do the things she was afraid of, to face the truth even though it hurts but at the end of the day such a cast of wonderful friends who in turn had found their own happy endings only wanted the same for Holly. Resistance it seems was futile.
This book needed that extra something rather than just mentions and descriptions of weddings and how everyone dealt with the various mishaps which always inevitable come with such a big occasion. Don't get me wrong these all added to the humour of the book but I found of the several mentioned here they all just seemed to run into each other and I became more focused on that extra something as needed. Which came in the form of Rory Sanderson, an old friend/school crush of Holly's. Rory was one of the best male characters I have read of in quite some time. Partly for the fact he was caring for his sister's children, Gracie and baby Teddie, whilst she was having an operation but also because he came across as just this most selfless person who would do anything for anybody and all out of the goodness of his heart. Gracie and Teddie provided endless humour and laugh out loud moments which really gave a fresh, light hearted feeling to the book. I was so glad they were included throughout the story.
Rory may have seemed like a fish out of water when it came to caring for his niece and nephew but really he had charm, enthusiasm, genuine friendliness and such ingenuity and charisma when needed the most. I loved the sparring and one liners that ensued between Holly and Rory but at the same time it was slowly emerging that maybe Holly's long ago crush was still simmering gently away. Holly has built up a wall of resistance when it comes to anything to do with a member of the opposite sex. Maybe this barrier was initially justified but I certainly loved Rory's determination to break it down through good humour, instilling confidence and stepping into the breach when needed. The incident with a dog and an SD card comes to mind. Holly is so nervous when to comes to photographing the weddings that Jules cannot do, she feels so much responsibility on her shoulders and the weight of failure only grows ever more burdensome but the magic of Brides by the Sea, supportive friends both male and female might just help her turn her life around.
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop wasn't my favourite in the series, that still is book number one The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea, but I am still glad I read it to see how the story panned out for all the characters I have read about since we first met Poppy and co. They have all been through so much but love, friendship , kindness and romance abound and are always the dominant message in the book and Holly's story is no different. In fact I do think Rory has been the best male character in the series by far, there was just something about him that really struck a chord with me. The themes and messages throughout this book were lovely and the final few chapters based in and around Christmas Day were perhaps the best in the book.They conjured up such vivid, magical images that you hoped everyone got the happy ending they deserved. Well, did they? To answer that you would need to read Holly's story to find out. The time is right to leave these characters behind, I think I have read enough of weddings etc and I look forward to turning my attention to a new set of characters and adventures when The Little Cornish Kitchen is published.
Our attention this time turns to a new character Holly North as she arrives to spend a month in St.Aidan's, more specifically several weeks at Brides by the Sea. This is the unique shop run by Jess which caters for every need as demanded by a bride. The regular characters we have come to know are all once again present but for those new to the series there is plenty of back-story mentioned so one wouldn't feel as if they were missing out. For me that was perhaps one slight problem I had with the book, the fact that there were so many characters. I understand we had read of them previously but there was a significant gap between my reading of books three and four and for me I had forgotten some of the finer detail as to who was with who and what stage they were currently at. I found it hard to keep track of various relationships and connections and at times trying to do so took away from my enjoyment of Holly's story.
I understand it was necessary to include all the characters whose stories we have read of before but I don't think all of them should have been given such prominence rather some should have taken a back seat and one or two lines regarding them every so often would have sufficed. That said, that was my only problem with this book and I pushed it to the back of my mind and focused firmly on Holly. She seemed to be at Brides by the Sea slightly under duress, as if she was doing a favour for someone in the run up to Christmas, when really she just wants to curl up away from everyone and indulge in a box set of Friends uninterrupted. Little does she realise the all the people at Brides by the Sea have very different plans in store for her and her re-acquaintance with a childhood friend may provide Holly with a lot more than she bargained for.
Holly's normal day to day job is food photography but she has arrived to take photos of a friends beach wedding. Somehow one senses this wasn't top of Holly's to do list but she couldn't say no. Christmas is coming and Holly hopes to fulfil her role quickly and painlessly and slip back to London where she can avoid the whole festive season which stirs so many bad memories for her and only emerge from the cocoon she wishes to create for herself when the New Year has passed. Let's just say last Christmas wasn't that ideal and twelve months on she is still pining for what might have been. Everyone around her may love the run up to Christmas and the big day itself but for Holly it is a firm big no. There were two reasons for Holly coming across as a grinch I could understand the reason connected to a family situation but with the regard to the other I thought she was being silly. She should have gotten over it instead of moping, she was the one who had made the decision and she should have stuck by it. Holly's plans for a quick visit to get the job done are soon scuppered when resident photographer for the shop Jules ends up with chicken pox.
There are plenty of weddings upcoming in the weeks leading up to Christmas and how can the weddings be a success with no photographer? Holly is made to step into the breach against her will. I think apart from her desire to leave as quick as possible the fact she doubted her abilities as a photographer really meant she wasn't jumping to step into Jules' role. All her friends at Brides by the Sea including Poppy, Sera and Immie could see she had a real talent, that with a bit of persuasion and some confidence boosting maybe a new and improvement less doubtful Holly would emerge. Holly needed to be forced to do the things she was afraid of, to face the truth even though it hurts but at the end of the day such a cast of wonderful friends who in turn had found their own happy endings only wanted the same for Holly. Resistance it seems was futile.
This book needed that extra something rather than just mentions and descriptions of weddings and how everyone dealt with the various mishaps which always inevitable come with such a big occasion. Don't get me wrong these all added to the humour of the book but I found of the several mentioned here they all just seemed to run into each other and I became more focused on that extra something as needed. Which came in the form of Rory Sanderson, an old friend/school crush of Holly's. Rory was one of the best male characters I have read of in quite some time. Partly for the fact he was caring for his sister's children, Gracie and baby Teddie, whilst she was having an operation but also because he came across as just this most selfless person who would do anything for anybody and all out of the goodness of his heart. Gracie and Teddie provided endless humour and laugh out loud moments which really gave a fresh, light hearted feeling to the book. I was so glad they were included throughout the story.
Rory may have seemed like a fish out of water when it came to caring for his niece and nephew but really he had charm, enthusiasm, genuine friendliness and such ingenuity and charisma when needed the most. I loved the sparring and one liners that ensued between Holly and Rory but at the same time it was slowly emerging that maybe Holly's long ago crush was still simmering gently away. Holly has built up a wall of resistance when it comes to anything to do with a member of the opposite sex. Maybe this barrier was initially justified but I certainly loved Rory's determination to break it down through good humour, instilling confidence and stepping into the breach when needed. The incident with a dog and an SD card comes to mind. Holly is so nervous when to comes to photographing the weddings that Jules cannot do, she feels so much responsibility on her shoulders and the weight of failure only grows ever more burdensome but the magic of Brides by the Sea, supportive friends both male and female might just help her turn her life around.
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop wasn't my favourite in the series, that still is book number one The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea, but I am still glad I read it to see how the story panned out for all the characters I have read about since we first met Poppy and co. They have all been through so much but love, friendship , kindness and romance abound and are always the dominant message in the book and Holly's story is no different. In fact I do think Rory has been the best male character in the series by far, there was just something about him that really struck a chord with me. The themes and messages throughout this book were lovely and the final few chapters based in and around Christmas Day were perhaps the best in the book.They conjured up such vivid, magical images that you hoped everyone got the happy ending they deserved. Well, did they? To answer that you would need to read Holly's story to find out. The time is right to leave these characters behind, I think I have read enough of weddings etc and I look forward to turning my attention to a new set of characters and adventures when The Little Cornish Kitchen is published.
April 29, 2020
Meine Meinung:
Cover:
Ein wunderschönes winterliches und hübsches Cover. Es passt perfekt zur gesamten Reihe und spiegelt den Titel authentisch wieder. Der Klappentext hatte meine Neugierde geweckt und lies mich auf schöne, winterliche Stunden hoffen.
Schreibstil:
Ich muss gestehen, dass der vierte Teil mein erster Teil der Reihe war...aber gewiss nicht mein letzter, auch wenn ich nun in etwas falscher Reihenfolge vorgegangen bin :) Wer hier startet muss sich am Anfang zunächst einmal, wie ich, orientieren. Wir lernen schnell ziemlich viele Leute kennen, die man teilweise eig schon kennt aus den Vorgängerbänden, aber auch ohne Vorkenntnisse findet man sich nach kurzer Zeit zurecht.
Die Autorin schreibt sehr flüssig und herrlich bildlich. Man kommt direkt ins Buch hinein und sieht die Charaktere, die Orte und den kleinen Laden absolut vor Augen.
Charaktere/
Story:
Die Geschichte der Autorin rund um den kleinen Brautladen „Brides by the Sea“ in Cornwall geht in eine neue Runde, wobei ich gestehen muss, hier das erste Mal einen Blick in den liebevollen Laden geworfen zu haben. Für mich persönlich war es kein Problem beim Lesen, wer aber gerne alles rund um den Brautladen chronologisch erleben möchte, startet mit Band 1.
In dem Teil dreht sich alles um Holly, eine junge Frau, die manchmal ziemlich nervig sein kann und Fotografin ist. Für ihre Freundin springt sie auf ihrer Hochzeit ein und fotografiert. Doch dabei bleibt es nicht, dabei ist Weihnachten und all der Romantik-Kram aktuell nicht ihr Lieblingsthema.. und dann wäre da noch ihr Jugendschwarm.. aber lest doch selbst..
Fazit:
Ich wollte es schon längst rezensiert haben, ich wollte es ursprünglich auch Weihnachten lesen, aber ich denke wir kennen das alle.. wollen und schaffen ist was anderes. Aber hey, es gibt so viele tolle winterliche Stories und gerade bei uns in Deutschland herrscht ja nicht oft wirkliches Winterfeeling draußen, also warum nicht auch im Frühjahr oder gar Sommer eine Story rund um die kalte Jahreszeit lesen??? Ich hab damit kein Problem und mache es immer wieder gerne, umso auch alle Bücher zu erleben, die das Licht der Welt in der Zeit erblickt haben, aber nun zurück zur eigentlichen Story, zur Story rund um den kleinen Brautmodenladen. Euch erwartet eine schöne Geschichte, die Lust auf Winterfeeling macht und das nicht nur im Winter..ein schöner, unterhaltsamer, amüsanter, liebevoller Zeitvertreib egal wann und in welcher Jahreszeit. Man gerät ins Träumen, lässt sich mitreißen und sieht die Atmosphäre, die Orte, die Kleider, die Romantik direkt vor Augen als wäre man selbst dabei. ♥♥♥♥♥
Vielen Dank an den Verlag für das bereitgestellte Exemplar, dies beeinflusst meine ehrliche Meinung jedoch in keinster Weise.
Cover:
Ein wunderschönes winterliches und hübsches Cover. Es passt perfekt zur gesamten Reihe und spiegelt den Titel authentisch wieder. Der Klappentext hatte meine Neugierde geweckt und lies mich auf schöne, winterliche Stunden hoffen.
Schreibstil:
Ich muss gestehen, dass der vierte Teil mein erster Teil der Reihe war...aber gewiss nicht mein letzter, auch wenn ich nun in etwas falscher Reihenfolge vorgegangen bin :) Wer hier startet muss sich am Anfang zunächst einmal, wie ich, orientieren. Wir lernen schnell ziemlich viele Leute kennen, die man teilweise eig schon kennt aus den Vorgängerbänden, aber auch ohne Vorkenntnisse findet man sich nach kurzer Zeit zurecht.
Die Autorin schreibt sehr flüssig und herrlich bildlich. Man kommt direkt ins Buch hinein und sieht die Charaktere, die Orte und den kleinen Laden absolut vor Augen.
Charaktere/
Story:
Die Geschichte der Autorin rund um den kleinen Brautladen „Brides by the Sea“ in Cornwall geht in eine neue Runde, wobei ich gestehen muss, hier das erste Mal einen Blick in den liebevollen Laden geworfen zu haben. Für mich persönlich war es kein Problem beim Lesen, wer aber gerne alles rund um den Brautladen chronologisch erleben möchte, startet mit Band 1.
In dem Teil dreht sich alles um Holly, eine junge Frau, die manchmal ziemlich nervig sein kann und Fotografin ist. Für ihre Freundin springt sie auf ihrer Hochzeit ein und fotografiert. Doch dabei bleibt es nicht, dabei ist Weihnachten und all der Romantik-Kram aktuell nicht ihr Lieblingsthema.. und dann wäre da noch ihr Jugendschwarm.. aber lest doch selbst..
Fazit:
Ich wollte es schon längst rezensiert haben, ich wollte es ursprünglich auch Weihnachten lesen, aber ich denke wir kennen das alle.. wollen und schaffen ist was anderes. Aber hey, es gibt so viele tolle winterliche Stories und gerade bei uns in Deutschland herrscht ja nicht oft wirkliches Winterfeeling draußen, also warum nicht auch im Frühjahr oder gar Sommer eine Story rund um die kalte Jahreszeit lesen??? Ich hab damit kein Problem und mache es immer wieder gerne, umso auch alle Bücher zu erleben, die das Licht der Welt in der Zeit erblickt haben, aber nun zurück zur eigentlichen Story, zur Story rund um den kleinen Brautmodenladen. Euch erwartet eine schöne Geschichte, die Lust auf Winterfeeling macht und das nicht nur im Winter..ein schöner, unterhaltsamer, amüsanter, liebevoller Zeitvertreib egal wann und in welcher Jahreszeit. Man gerät ins Träumen, lässt sich mitreißen und sieht die Atmosphäre, die Orte, die Kleider, die Romantik direkt vor Augen als wäre man selbst dabei. ♥♥♥♥♥
Vielen Dank an den Verlag für das bereitgestellte Exemplar, dies beeinflusst meine ehrliche Meinung jedoch in keinster Weise.
October 6, 2017
First of all I can't believe that we are on the fourth book in The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea series. I have had so much fun reading this entire series, a whole lot of warmth and love along with wonderful characters are packed into these books. I would say that although this is the fourth book it can still be read as a standalone. However I can't recommend this series enough and it really is well worth starting with book one.
The beginning of this book was so much fun especially the way Holly arrives, it was brilliant. Holly is such a likeable character but also has a painful past that definitely pulled at my heart strings. Then you have Rory who has such a cheeky personality along with some hidden depths that made me love him even more. Holly and Rory's sparring throughout this book had me constantly smiling especially the many nicknames that Rory makes up for Holly. There is a lovely playful friendship that just made this story even more entertaining. As ever it was lovely to catch up with everyone from the previous books and I really do love this group of friends along with the wonderful Brides by the Sea. It really is like visiting friends that's how real the characters feel.
When Holly is thrown in at the deep end I loved the mix of different weddings that played out along with the different range of characters from the likeable to the pretty annoying! The way they all pull together to make the weddings a success is so lovely to see. This story moves at a lovely pace and I couldn't wait to see how everything would turn out but also sad that it would also end. Jane Linfoot has a wonderfully warm and witty writing style that truly engages the reader making you really care about the characters that she has created.
Also I have to mention please keep on reading after the story has ended for some delicious recipes in the back of the book. If you spent time drooling over the gorgeous descriptions of Poppy's creations in this story these really will be perfect for you to recreate. Along with some lovely festive drinks, I think I will definitely have to try them especially the Christmosas!
What can I say other than Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop really is a heartwarming story. A true Christmas delight that will leave you with a real glow of warmth!
With thanks to Harper Impulse & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The beginning of this book was so much fun especially the way Holly arrives, it was brilliant. Holly is such a likeable character but also has a painful past that definitely pulled at my heart strings. Then you have Rory who has such a cheeky personality along with some hidden depths that made me love him even more. Holly and Rory's sparring throughout this book had me constantly smiling especially the many nicknames that Rory makes up for Holly. There is a lovely playful friendship that just made this story even more entertaining. As ever it was lovely to catch up with everyone from the previous books and I really do love this group of friends along with the wonderful Brides by the Sea. It really is like visiting friends that's how real the characters feel.
When Holly is thrown in at the deep end I loved the mix of different weddings that played out along with the different range of characters from the likeable to the pretty annoying! The way they all pull together to make the weddings a success is so lovely to see. This story moves at a lovely pace and I couldn't wait to see how everything would turn out but also sad that it would also end. Jane Linfoot has a wonderfully warm and witty writing style that truly engages the reader making you really care about the characters that she has created.
Also I have to mention please keep on reading after the story has ended for some delicious recipes in the back of the book. If you spent time drooling over the gorgeous descriptions of Poppy's creations in this story these really will be perfect for you to recreate. Along with some lovely festive drinks, I think I will definitely have to try them especially the Christmosas!
What can I say other than Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop really is a heartwarming story. A true Christmas delight that will leave you with a real glow of warmth!
With thanks to Harper Impulse & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 5, 2017
Holly needs a holiday, which is why she gladly accepts to stay in the flat above Brides by the Sea for a few weeks. She doesn't want to celebrate Christmas because of a traumatic experience the previous year and thinks she's going to spend a lot of time on her own. However, Brides by the Sea is a busy place and Holly is soon needed to help out with the work. She's a food photographer, but has promised to take photographs at a wedding for once. However, that wedding isn't the only one she's going to do, fate has other plans. Will she be able to pull this off even though it scares her?
While being back in her old hometown Holly regularly runs into her teenage crush Rory. He still manages to make her feel flustered and that is something she doesn't want, at all. When Holly has to step in to save the day Rory is by her side to support her. Will Holly be able to deal with everything that comes her way? Is she really destined to spend Christmas alone or will being part of the Brides by the Sea team surprise her in the most unexpected ways?
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop is a wonderful festive read. I love reading about weddings and Jane Linfoot writes about several very special ones that all have that brilliant feelgood factor a good wedding should have. It was fun to be part of them through the lens of Holly's camera. It gives the story a fabulous perspective. Holly is super sweet, but also incredibly shy. She's a beautiful person inside and out, but she tries to hide from others. With the help of caring friends she slowly comes out of her shell and that was amazing to witness. Jane Linfoot writes about this process in a heartwarming natural way filled with compassion and humor.
Jane Linfoot skillfully makes her settings come to life by writing about them in a lovely detailed way. I could easily picture every location she writes about. She also understands that all brides are different and that each wedding is unique and that is definitely something that makes her wedding stories stand out. Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop has it all, romance, entertainment, charm, cheerfulness, friendship, small miracles, Christmas magic and lots of warmth. I absolutely loved this fantastic book.
While being back in her old hometown Holly regularly runs into her teenage crush Rory. He still manages to make her feel flustered and that is something she doesn't want, at all. When Holly has to step in to save the day Rory is by her side to support her. Will Holly be able to deal with everything that comes her way? Is she really destined to spend Christmas alone or will being part of the Brides by the Sea team surprise her in the most unexpected ways?
Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop is a wonderful festive read. I love reading about weddings and Jane Linfoot writes about several very special ones that all have that brilliant feelgood factor a good wedding should have. It was fun to be part of them through the lens of Holly's camera. It gives the story a fabulous perspective. Holly is super sweet, but also incredibly shy. She's a beautiful person inside and out, but she tries to hide from others. With the help of caring friends she slowly comes out of her shell and that was amazing to witness. Jane Linfoot writes about this process in a heartwarming natural way filled with compassion and humor.
Jane Linfoot skillfully makes her settings come to life by writing about them in a lovely detailed way. I could easily picture every location she writes about. She also understands that all brides are different and that each wedding is unique and that is definitely something that makes her wedding stories stand out. Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop has it all, romance, entertainment, charm, cheerfulness, friendship, small miracles, Christmas magic and lots of warmth. I absolutely loved this fantastic book.
October 10, 2017
It’s always enjoyable returning to The Little Wedding shop by the Sea. This time it’s Holly’s story, a new character we’re introduced to. Heading, or running away to Cornwall to escape Christmas, after last years one not going to plan with her now ex. Her best friend Poppy has given her her old attic flat at the top of the little Wedding shop, where she plans on pretty much hiding away with her stack of dvds, throughout the Christmas period – apart from helping her friends out by taking pictures of their beach wedding. But, St Aiden might just have a few more plans in store for Holly….
As with all of this series the author very much includes the past characters into the story, whilst all these books can be enjoyed as a standalone, I recommend reading from the start to know all the past stories/characters and get the most enjoyment from them.
Im also a big fan of the little briefings at the start of the chapters , which has followed on through the whole series – stating where the characters are at the time and a couple of words to highlight things coming up.
The romance side is always fun and flirty in these books. Holly’s relationship with her teenage crush Rory is a bundle of fun – the sparring and banter between them is very witty. Rory was a character who slowly grew on me, you think he’s a little immature but, then as the book goes on he really gets into your heart. He really helps Holly see the potential she has and pushes her along in a very tender way. Whilst Rory did become a love interest, I was never completely sure which way the book would go between him and Holly’s ex – although I knew what I wanted and got the right outcome.
If you want a book on friendships, romance, weddings (wonderfully descriptive and quirky ones) and a little sprinkling of Christmas then I’m sure you’ll enjoy Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop.
I’m sad to see this series come to an end but, looking forward to the Start of a new one.
I’d like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse for providing me with a copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
As with all of this series the author very much includes the past characters into the story, whilst all these books can be enjoyed as a standalone, I recommend reading from the start to know all the past stories/characters and get the most enjoyment from them.
Im also a big fan of the little briefings at the start of the chapters , which has followed on through the whole series – stating where the characters are at the time and a couple of words to highlight things coming up.
The romance side is always fun and flirty in these books. Holly’s relationship with her teenage crush Rory is a bundle of fun – the sparring and banter between them is very witty. Rory was a character who slowly grew on me, you think he’s a little immature but, then as the book goes on he really gets into your heart. He really helps Holly see the potential she has and pushes her along in a very tender way. Whilst Rory did become a love interest, I was never completely sure which way the book would go between him and Holly’s ex – although I knew what I wanted and got the right outcome.
If you want a book on friendships, romance, weddings (wonderfully descriptive and quirky ones) and a little sprinkling of Christmas then I’m sure you’ll enjoy Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop.
I’m sad to see this series come to an end but, looking forward to the Start of a new one.
I’d like to thank Netgalley and Harper Impulse for providing me with a copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 11, 2020
Inhalt:
Als Holly zurück nach St. Aiden kommt, tut sie das eigentlich nur aus einem Grund - um einer Freundin einen Gefallen zu tun und sich für sie an der Hochzeitsfotografie zu versuchen. Sie freut sich darauf, sich an Weihnachten allein in ihrer Wohnung zu verkriechen und so viele Serien zu schauen, wie sie möchte. Doch dann erkrankt der lokale Hochzeitsfotograf und die sie soll ihn bei allen Hochzeiten vertreten, ein frührer "Freund" von Holly taucht auf und plötzlich muss sie über sich selbst herauswachsen und herausfinden, was sie eigentlich wirklich möchte ...
Meine Meinung:
Ich kehre jedes Mal gerne wieder nach St. Aiden zurück! Wenn man einen der Romane von Jane Linfoot gelesen hat, schließt man diesen kleinen Ort mitsamt all seinen Bewohnern einfach in sein Herz und freut sich über jedes Wiedersehen, egal zu welcher Jahreszeit! Das schöne ist, dass alle Charaktere, die man bereits aus den ersten Bänden kennt, auch in jedem weiteren Band wieder eine Rolle spielen, aber dennoch kann man alle Bände nahezu komplett spoilerfrei einfach querbeet lesen :)
Holly musste ich einfach sofort in mein Herz schließen! Sie ist so eine liebenswerte Person, wenn ich ihr auch das ein oder andere Mal gerne einen Schubs in die richtige Richtung gegeben hätte. Doch mein Liebling in diesem Buch ist definitiv Rory: Bierlieferant-Kindersitter-Nervensäge. Ich habe ihn von seinem ersten Auftritt an total ins Herz geschlossen! Er sorgt auch für die gewisse Menge Humor und brachte mich immer wieder zum Schmunzeln.
Natürlich darf man bei dieser Roman-Reihe keine völlig überraschenden Wendungen oder absolute Spannung erwarten. Die Geschichte ist doch relativ vorhersehbar und das Happy End ist absehbar. Aber dieses Buch hat seine eigene Magie einen total zu fesseln! Es ist ein Buch mit dem man sich einfach gern mit einer heißen Tasse Kakao in der Hand und in eine Decke gekuschelt in ein ruhiges Eck verziehen möchte.
Ein paar Stellen hätte man meines Erachtens zwar dennoch etwas kürzer erzählen, aber ansonsten ist eine wundervolle Geschichte für jeden, der gerne von zauberhaften Hochzeiten träumt und gute Liebesgeschichten liest!
4/5 Sterne
Als Holly zurück nach St. Aiden kommt, tut sie das eigentlich nur aus einem Grund - um einer Freundin einen Gefallen zu tun und sich für sie an der Hochzeitsfotografie zu versuchen. Sie freut sich darauf, sich an Weihnachten allein in ihrer Wohnung zu verkriechen und so viele Serien zu schauen, wie sie möchte. Doch dann erkrankt der lokale Hochzeitsfotograf und die sie soll ihn bei allen Hochzeiten vertreten, ein frührer "Freund" von Holly taucht auf und plötzlich muss sie über sich selbst herauswachsen und herausfinden, was sie eigentlich wirklich möchte ...
Meine Meinung:
Ich kehre jedes Mal gerne wieder nach St. Aiden zurück! Wenn man einen der Romane von Jane Linfoot gelesen hat, schließt man diesen kleinen Ort mitsamt all seinen Bewohnern einfach in sein Herz und freut sich über jedes Wiedersehen, egal zu welcher Jahreszeit! Das schöne ist, dass alle Charaktere, die man bereits aus den ersten Bänden kennt, auch in jedem weiteren Band wieder eine Rolle spielen, aber dennoch kann man alle Bände nahezu komplett spoilerfrei einfach querbeet lesen :)
Holly musste ich einfach sofort in mein Herz schließen! Sie ist so eine liebenswerte Person, wenn ich ihr auch das ein oder andere Mal gerne einen Schubs in die richtige Richtung gegeben hätte. Doch mein Liebling in diesem Buch ist definitiv Rory: Bierlieferant-Kindersitter-Nervensäge. Ich habe ihn von seinem ersten Auftritt an total ins Herz geschlossen! Er sorgt auch für die gewisse Menge Humor und brachte mich immer wieder zum Schmunzeln.
Natürlich darf man bei dieser Roman-Reihe keine völlig überraschenden Wendungen oder absolute Spannung erwarten. Die Geschichte ist doch relativ vorhersehbar und das Happy End ist absehbar. Aber dieses Buch hat seine eigene Magie einen total zu fesseln! Es ist ein Buch mit dem man sich einfach gern mit einer heißen Tasse Kakao in der Hand und in eine Decke gekuschelt in ein ruhiges Eck verziehen möchte.
Ein paar Stellen hätte man meines Erachtens zwar dennoch etwas kürzer erzählen, aber ansonsten ist eine wundervolle Geschichte für jeden, der gerne von zauberhaften Hochzeiten träumt und gute Liebesgeschichten liest!
4/5 Sterne
October 10, 2017
This is my 3rd book by Jane linfoot and there's nothing I don't like about her style or her genre of reading style. I just love it.
when I got given a copy for a fair review I was so excited but I didn't need a free copy to get a good review it simply stands alone for a great book.
This book stands with a series of other books all of which get the story behind the characters so you can read them all but I haven't and it flows very well as a standalone too.
what a fabulous Christmas day it turns out to be... holly goes to Cornwall for a single month this year in Decemeber to escape christmas... that doesn't happen!!! after last year's debacle she really wanted and needed a tranquil month of doing nothing. However she is the photographer for a wedding.. how did that happen when she's not overly keen to do anything remotely weddingy. but her friends at the little wedding shop want her so she becomes the food photographer for the single wedding of the month in beautiful cornwall.
All the girls have new news and the main character is Holly and she has great friendships with all the girls Lily, immie, sera and jess.
then there's an old school student who she didn't really click with and although she tried to keep him at arms length, it didn't end like that. over time I got to like the new Rory rather than the one we know of months past.. he's looking after his niece and nephew so he's around more than Holly wanted.
Romance comes through the snow in this book, it's adorable! I love the books I've read so far in the series and like I've said before you can read as a stand alone as the author concentrates on one or two of the characters in each book using the same group of friends. or just read them All, you will not be dissapointed.
If you enjoy books by Carole Matthews milly johnson or Lucy diamond, you will NOT be dissapointed.
when I got given a copy for a fair review I was so excited but I didn't need a free copy to get a good review it simply stands alone for a great book.
This book stands with a series of other books all of which get the story behind the characters so you can read them all but I haven't and it flows very well as a standalone too.
what a fabulous Christmas day it turns out to be... holly goes to Cornwall for a single month this year in Decemeber to escape christmas... that doesn't happen!!! after last year's debacle she really wanted and needed a tranquil month of doing nothing. However she is the photographer for a wedding.. how did that happen when she's not overly keen to do anything remotely weddingy. but her friends at the little wedding shop want her so she becomes the food photographer for the single wedding of the month in beautiful cornwall.
All the girls have new news and the main character is Holly and she has great friendships with all the girls Lily, immie, sera and jess.
then there's an old school student who she didn't really click with and although she tried to keep him at arms length, it didn't end like that. over time I got to like the new Rory rather than the one we know of months past.. he's looking after his niece and nephew so he's around more than Holly wanted.
Romance comes through the snow in this book, it's adorable! I love the books I've read so far in the series and like I've said before you can read as a stand alone as the author concentrates on one or two of the characters in each book using the same group of friends. or just read them All, you will not be dissapointed.
If you enjoy books by Carole Matthews milly johnson or Lucy diamond, you will NOT be dissapointed.
September 2, 2020
"Weihnachten im kleinen Brautladen am Strand ( Wedding Shop )" von
Jane Linfoot
In diesem neuen Roman über den 'Brautladen am Strand' geht es um Holly, die sich fest vorgenommen hat, sich über Weihnachten in der Wohnung von Poppy, welche sich ja über dem Brautladen befindet, zu verschanzen.
Alles was sie möchte ist, gemütlich im Bett zu liegen, ihre DVDs der Serie "Friends" zu schauen und erst nach Weihnachten wieder aufzutauchen. Aber wie wir ja alle wissen, erstens kommt es anders und zweitens als man denkt!
Ich hab mich richtig gefreut wieder nach St. Aiden zurück zu kehren und neben den bekannten Charakteren neue Freunde zu finden.
Die Geschichte hat mich wieder schnell gepackt und ich war ebenso schnell in ihr gefangen.
Es hat Spaß gemacht Holly auf ihrem Weg zu begleiten und mitzuerleben was so passiert wenn das Leben einem die Pläne durchkreuzt.
Die Autorin hat einen modernen und flüssigen Schreibstil, der das Abtauchen in die Geschichte einfach macht.
Eine schöne Geschichte die mir gerade richtig Lust auf Weihnachten macht.
Das Cover ist ansprechend und fällt dem Leser ins Auge, ausserdem ist es den vorherigen Teilen der Reihe angepasst und ich mag es!
Zum Inhalt:
Was gibt es Romantischeres als eine Winterwunderland-Traumhochzeit? Als Holly in den kleinen Ort St. Aidan und in den Brautladen Brides by the Sea zurückkehrt, ist sie fest entschlossen, sich vor all dieser Romantik und den Weihnachtsfeiertagen zu verstecken. Sie wird ihrer Freundin einen einzigen Gefallen tun und als Fotografin auf ihrer Hochzeit einspringen, doch danach will sie sich sofort wieder unter ihrer kuscheligen Decke verkriechen und dem Dezember aus dem Weg gehen. Doch Holly hat nicht mit der Überzeugungskraft von prickelndem Champagner, dem weihnachtlichen Bann des festlich geschmückten Brautladens und dem Einsatz ihrer Freundinnen gerechnet
Jane Linfoot
In diesem neuen Roman über den 'Brautladen am Strand' geht es um Holly, die sich fest vorgenommen hat, sich über Weihnachten in der Wohnung von Poppy, welche sich ja über dem Brautladen befindet, zu verschanzen.
Alles was sie möchte ist, gemütlich im Bett zu liegen, ihre DVDs der Serie "Friends" zu schauen und erst nach Weihnachten wieder aufzutauchen. Aber wie wir ja alle wissen, erstens kommt es anders und zweitens als man denkt!
Ich hab mich richtig gefreut wieder nach St. Aiden zurück zu kehren und neben den bekannten Charakteren neue Freunde zu finden.
Die Geschichte hat mich wieder schnell gepackt und ich war ebenso schnell in ihr gefangen.
Es hat Spaß gemacht Holly auf ihrem Weg zu begleiten und mitzuerleben was so passiert wenn das Leben einem die Pläne durchkreuzt.
Die Autorin hat einen modernen und flüssigen Schreibstil, der das Abtauchen in die Geschichte einfach macht.
Eine schöne Geschichte die mir gerade richtig Lust auf Weihnachten macht.
Das Cover ist ansprechend und fällt dem Leser ins Auge, ausserdem ist es den vorherigen Teilen der Reihe angepasst und ich mag es!
Zum Inhalt:
Was gibt es Romantischeres als eine Winterwunderland-Traumhochzeit? Als Holly in den kleinen Ort St. Aidan und in den Brautladen Brides by the Sea zurückkehrt, ist sie fest entschlossen, sich vor all dieser Romantik und den Weihnachtsfeiertagen zu verstecken. Sie wird ihrer Freundin einen einzigen Gefallen tun und als Fotografin auf ihrer Hochzeit einspringen, doch danach will sie sich sofort wieder unter ihrer kuscheligen Decke verkriechen und dem Dezember aus dem Weg gehen. Doch Holly hat nicht mit der Überzeugungskraft von prickelndem Champagner, dem weihnachtlichen Bann des festlich geschmückten Brautladens und dem Einsatz ihrer Freundinnen gerechnet
December 29, 2017
I am usually not disappointed by the lovely people at Goodreads. So, when I saw the excellent rating for this 99 cent Nook Book, I was excited to delve into a deliciously fun story. But, I just couldn't with this one. My biggest qualm and what made it the opposite of an easy read was the myriad incomplete sentences. I would have to re-read so many "sentences", because the lack of grammatical structure in so many places in the book left me feeling like a new reader ("Especially when I'm in love with someone else. One thing is certain. It definitely won't be happening again."). This is just one example of the bad flow and structure present in this book. It was disconcerting. I know most of this can be blamed on the editor, so I hope Linfoot fired him/her.
I know mistakes happen and simple errors make it past even the best of editors, but it was more than just the grammatical mistakes in this book.
I really didn't connect with Holly. I just didn't understand why, if she was so distraught and still in love with her ex boyfriend, she left him after he proposed. OBVIOUSLY, he wasn't the one for her, but the reasoning behind why she left and then continued to pine for him didn't make sense to me.
Also, because I'm a HUGE British chick lit fan, I was hoping for more insight into the setting of the story. This book could have been set in any seaside town in the world, as nothing seemed distinctly British or Cornish to me at all.
Overall, I was massively disappointed in this book. I didn't even finish it, because I have so many other books waiting to be read. Life is too short to not be excited to go to bed to read a good book.
I know mistakes happen and simple errors make it past even the best of editors, but it was more than just the grammatical mistakes in this book.
I really didn't connect with Holly. I just didn't understand why, if she was so distraught and still in love with her ex boyfriend, she left him after he proposed. OBVIOUSLY, he wasn't the one for her, but the reasoning behind why she left and then continued to pine for him didn't make sense to me.
Also, because I'm a HUGE British chick lit fan, I was hoping for more insight into the setting of the story. This book could have been set in any seaside town in the world, as nothing seemed distinctly British or Cornish to me at all.
Overall, I was massively disappointed in this book. I didn't even finish it, because I have so many other books waiting to be read. Life is too short to not be excited to go to bed to read a good book.
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