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Wedding Planner Mystery #4
Gown with the Wind
Tomorrow is another death for the woman whose weddings always seem to go off with a hitch—from the author of Murder Borrowed, Murder Blue.Professional wedding planner Mallory Shepard knows her job is challenging under any circumstances. But this time the groom is her ex—and someone invites murder . . . Mallory’s fine—really—handling the wedding arrangements for her ex, Keith. But his fiancée, Becca, has at the last minute decided to switch from a Japanese-cherry-blossom theme to a Gone with the Wind theme. She wants to honor her ailing grandmother, who owns an impressive collection of GWTW memorabilia—and who is fiercely at odds with the groom’s mother over the nuptial plans. But among other complications, Becca gets into a fight with an old childhood rival over a replica Scarlett O’Hara wedding gown. She wins the dress—but soon becomes a murder suspect when the other woman is found dead in Becca’s swimming pool. And it’s up to Mallory to solve the mystery behind this unhappy occasion, before a different kind of civil war breaks out . . .Praise for Engaged in Death “Had me in its spell from page one. Readers will love this.” —Leslie Meier, New York Times bestselling author “I had great fun reading the adventures of nouveau sleuth Mallory Shepard as she wrangles corpses, kittens, and a cheating fiancé in this charming debut mystery.” —Laura Levine, author of Murder Has Nine Lives “[A] cozy combination of mystery, romance, and recipes.” —Kirkus Reviews
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 25, 2018
The fourth book of the Wedding Planner has enough excitement to keep you reading it. I especially like the Maine Coon on walking on the leash. Mallory Shepard is planning the wedding of Keith and Becca. The theme of the Wedding keeps changing as their mothers keep interfering with the Wedding. Becca is honoring her GrandMother Alma who has a large collection of Gone With The Wind. Becca fights with her enemy, Felicity over a replica gown of Scarlet and wins the gown. Later Felicity
is found dead wearing the gown. Mallory decided to investigate so the Wedding can proceed. Rachel, Mallory's sister wants to do other event and a lively Mother Day tea is one that will have you amuse and sad
Will Keith finally marry and be out Mallory life? The ending will surprise you. I highly recommend this book and series. Recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
is found dead wearing the gown. Mallory decided to investigate so the Wedding can proceed. Rachel, Mallory's sister wants to do other event and a lively Mother Day tea is one that will have you amuse and sad
Will Keith finally marry and be out Mallory life? The ending will surprise you. I highly recommend this book and series. Recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 12, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Juggling should be listed as a key talent for a wedding planner. Mallory Shepard has many balls in the air, two weddings, a Mother’s Day tea, a partner that wants to book more non-wedding events. All that before the murder.
Becca, her ex’s new bride has planned a Japanese Cherry Blossom wedding but then the groom’s mother steps in to put her own spin on the festivities. Becca finally decides she wants a Gone With the Wind theme to honor her grandmother and tells Mallory to plan accordingly. She even finds the perfect dress. Until a fight breaks out in the bridal salon with a childhood friend/enemy. She wins the dress but loses the war when the other bride is found floating in Becca’s pool. Of course, she is the prime suspect. Becca and her grandmother come to depend on Mallory to not only clear Becca but also handle another event.
This was a delightfully fast-paced read.
Mallory Shepard is a great protagonist. With all that is thrown at her she rarely gets rattled. I mean dealing with the wedding of an ex is tough but have to plan it and go with the flow of all the changes is beyond hard and she keeps it together for the sake of her business. Her sister Rachel also seems to always be pushing her buttons and the envelope with a more, more, more attitude when it comes to their business. Strong women that do make a good team but they need to be aware of their limits.
Again this installment brings in a batch of new characters that were very well developed. The author gave us great descriptions that easily brought them to life within the story. With the theme of this series, new characters are a must and really keeps each edition fresh. It also gives new readers to jump into this series anywhere.
The mystery is very well plotted and written with many twists and turns. The subplots were entangled perfectly into the mystery. The story completely held my interest, making it a difficult book to put down.
I have enjoyed each visit Thistle Park B&B and look forward many more.
Juggling should be listed as a key talent for a wedding planner. Mallory Shepard has many balls in the air, two weddings, a Mother’s Day tea, a partner that wants to book more non-wedding events. All that before the murder.
Becca, her ex’s new bride has planned a Japanese Cherry Blossom wedding but then the groom’s mother steps in to put her own spin on the festivities. Becca finally decides she wants a Gone With the Wind theme to honor her grandmother and tells Mallory to plan accordingly. She even finds the perfect dress. Until a fight breaks out in the bridal salon with a childhood friend/enemy. She wins the dress but loses the war when the other bride is found floating in Becca’s pool. Of course, she is the prime suspect. Becca and her grandmother come to depend on Mallory to not only clear Becca but also handle another event.
This was a delightfully fast-paced read.
Mallory Shepard is a great protagonist. With all that is thrown at her she rarely gets rattled. I mean dealing with the wedding of an ex is tough but have to plan it and go with the flow of all the changes is beyond hard and she keeps it together for the sake of her business. Her sister Rachel also seems to always be pushing her buttons and the envelope with a more, more, more attitude when it comes to their business. Strong women that do make a good team but they need to be aware of their limits.
Again this installment brings in a batch of new characters that were very well developed. The author gave us great descriptions that easily brought them to life within the story. With the theme of this series, new characters are a must and really keeps each edition fresh. It also gives new readers to jump into this series anywhere.
The mystery is very well plotted and written with many twists and turns. The subplots were entangled perfectly into the mystery. The story completely held my interest, making it a difficult book to put down.
I have enjoyed each visit Thistle Park B&B and look forward many more.
March 15, 2019
I read the first book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries, ENGAGED IN DEATH, but I didn’t read the second or third books. The first took me some time to warm up to. Now having read GOWN WITH THE WIND, I remember it’s some of the characters I couldn’t connect with. Those characters still aren’t my favorites, but I had an easier time reading them.
As the title suggests, the theme of Gone With The Wind is represented in this book, and mentioned often. So GWTW enthusiasts will certainly enjoy that.
GOWN WITH THE WIND is a creatively thought out tale with more than one mystery going on. Murder, attempted murder, attacks, theft, and general mayhem are all present and handled well by author Stephanie Blackmoore.
Fans of this series are going to love GOWN WITH THE WIND.
As the title suggests, the theme of Gone With The Wind is represented in this book, and mentioned often. So GWTW enthusiasts will certainly enjoy that.
GOWN WITH THE WIND is a creatively thought out tale with more than one mystery going on. Murder, attempted murder, attacks, theft, and general mayhem are all present and handled well by author Stephanie Blackmoore.
Fans of this series are going to love GOWN WITH THE WIND.
March 22, 2025
4 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: perfect for spring
While these aren’t the best written books of all time nor are they the most believable, they are extremely entertaining. I never fail to fly through them. I eat up the drama.
The main character is way too much of a push over for my liking and her sister is still a tad annoying. Yet, there is enough action and side plots that I can’t wait to keep listening.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: perfect for spring
While these aren’t the best written books of all time nor are they the most believable, they are extremely entertaining. I never fail to fly through them. I eat up the drama.
The main character is way too much of a push over for my liking and her sister is still a tad annoying. Yet, there is enough action and side plots that I can’t wait to keep listening.
November 5, 2018
Love, love, love this series! The Wedding Planner Mystery series never disappoint me. I love the characters, the plot and all the delightful twists and turns! Wedding planner Mallory finds herself planning the wedding of her ex-fiancé but the bride to be isn’t making it easy, in more ways than one. You’ll find yourself getting lost in this story line and won’t want to put the book down until its final page.
December 18, 2018
Gown With The Wind is the fourth book in the A Wedding Planner Mystery series.
After their failed elopement, Keith Pierce and Becca Cunningham again seek out Mallory and her sister, Rachel, to plan their wedding. As Mallory is running through her ideas for their wedding, Keith mother, Helene, a thorn in Mallory’s side, enters the room and once again takes over and informs the bride and groom-to-be of her plans for the wedding. Soon there is a concern for the health of her Grandmother, Alma when she is found in her home having been attacked and strangled. It turns out that she will recover, but decides to gift Becca with her extensive collection of GWTW memorabilia before it’s too late. When Becca goes to Silver Bells to look for her wedding dress, she finds one that could have come from Tara. She immediately decides that her wedding should have a GWTW theme. This leaves Mallory shaking head, but the bride is always right. Before Becca can change her clothes another bride-to-be, Felicity Fournier enters the store and wants the same dress. Soon a real fight ensues and in the melee, the dress becomes torn. A day or two later everyone is to meet at Keith’s house, where there is to be another tasting, and hopefully the last, and repairs to the dress. But as everyone goes out to the patio they find the body of Felicity’s body dressed in the wedding dress, drowned.
Grandma Alma, knowing of Mallory’s having solved other mysteries, asks Mallory to investigate who is trying to ruin her granddaughters’ wedding. She has no confidence in police chief Truman Davies, as he has been unable to find the killer of her husband a few years before.
A well-written and plotted story with a very interesting and varied cast of characters. Mallory and Rachel are still trying to decide whether they should just do weddings or to expand there into other areas.
Recipes are also included in with the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this interesting series.
After their failed elopement, Keith Pierce and Becca Cunningham again seek out Mallory and her sister, Rachel, to plan their wedding. As Mallory is running through her ideas for their wedding, Keith mother, Helene, a thorn in Mallory’s side, enters the room and once again takes over and informs the bride and groom-to-be of her plans for the wedding. Soon there is a concern for the health of her Grandmother, Alma when she is found in her home having been attacked and strangled. It turns out that she will recover, but decides to gift Becca with her extensive collection of GWTW memorabilia before it’s too late. When Becca goes to Silver Bells to look for her wedding dress, she finds one that could have come from Tara. She immediately decides that her wedding should have a GWTW theme. This leaves Mallory shaking head, but the bride is always right. Before Becca can change her clothes another bride-to-be, Felicity Fournier enters the store and wants the same dress. Soon a real fight ensues and in the melee, the dress becomes torn. A day or two later everyone is to meet at Keith’s house, where there is to be another tasting, and hopefully the last, and repairs to the dress. But as everyone goes out to the patio they find the body of Felicity’s body dressed in the wedding dress, drowned.
Grandma Alma, knowing of Mallory’s having solved other mysteries, asks Mallory to investigate who is trying to ruin her granddaughters’ wedding. She has no confidence in police chief Truman Davies, as he has been unable to find the killer of her husband a few years before.
A well-written and plotted story with a very interesting and varied cast of characters. Mallory and Rachel are still trying to decide whether they should just do weddings or to expand there into other areas.
Recipes are also included in with the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this interesting series.
March 5, 2019
In the fourth entry in the Wedding Planner series, Mallory has been manipulated into planning and hosting her ex's wedding .... in two weeks! Unfortunately, another wedding and a theater opening get added to her already full plate, not to mention a murder or two. Even though I was new to the series, I had no issues with keeping up. Decidedly eccentric characters mix in with a core of people you will care about in a complex and fun mystery. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2019
Quickly becoming one of my favorite series! I really like the characters, though sometimes I feel like there is a little too much repeating of details. The mystery was good and I didn't guess the culprit until the end. Looking forward to the next one!
October 28, 2018
This story is such a fun read. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the big reveal.
Mallory and her sister Rachel work well together and their tenacity in this particular book was great.
As Mallory is knee deep in wedding preparations for her ex fiance, all things come to a drastic halt when Becca shares some shocking news.
This book is jam packed with excitement and I was hoping this book would never end.
I can't wait to read more in this series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
Mallory and her sister Rachel work well together and their tenacity in this particular book was great.
As Mallory is knee deep in wedding preparations for her ex fiance, all things come to a drastic halt when Becca shares some shocking news.
This book is jam packed with excitement and I was hoping this book would never end.
I can't wait to read more in this series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
December 17, 2018
Gown with the Wind by Stephanie Blackmoore is the 4th book in the Wedding Planner Mystery series, and another great book. Mallory Shepard and her sister Rachel have opened her bed and breakfast in Port Quincy, Pennsylvania and are planning the wedding of Mallory's Ex fiancee, Keith and Becca. What could possibly go wrong? There is not a dull moment in this book, not only is this book funny, it has a great mystery. There are twists and turns around every corner. Just when I thought I figured out the murderer/thief is, it changes. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries full of quirky characters and a likable protagonist, I strongly recommend this book/series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 10, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I could not wait to get my hands on this newest installment to this adorable cozy series. We finally get to see if the cheating ex makes it all the way to the alter after Mallory agrees to plan it even moving up the date when they get a cancellation. What follows is this blend of attacks, deaths, weird occurrences, and so much more all mixed around several events. Mallory has to struggle to keep up but she figured it all out in the end with a nice surprise ending. Perfect for fans of cozies and weddings. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I could not wait to get my hands on this newest installment to this adorable cozy series. We finally get to see if the cheating ex makes it all the way to the alter after Mallory agrees to plan it even moving up the date when they get a cancellation. What follows is this blend of attacks, deaths, weird occurrences, and so much more all mixed around several events. Mallory has to struggle to keep up but she figured it all out in the end with a nice surprise ending. Perfect for fans of cozies and weddings. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
December 17, 2018
3.5/5
As much as I love my hardcore thrillers, during the holidays I like to curl up with lighter books and this cozy mystery seemed like the perfect choice. After all, this genre does combine two of my favorite genres, Chick Lit and mysteries and the author did a great job creating a fun story full of quirky characters and just enough depth to keep me on my toes.
This is the fourth book in a series, I haven’t read the first three and I was fine starting here. Mallory and her sister plan weddings among other events and they keep busy in their quaint little town. There was plenty of drama and excitement throughout, some aspects were a tad predictable, but overall it didn’t really bother me because the characters were just so fun. There was a little something for everyone here in terms of characters, and some super cute pets for animal lovers. I breezed through this one and found it to be the exact type of lighthearted escape I was craving, cozy mystery fans will eat this one up.
Gown With the Wind in three words: Light, Breezy and Easy.
As much as I love my hardcore thrillers, during the holidays I like to curl up with lighter books and this cozy mystery seemed like the perfect choice. After all, this genre does combine two of my favorite genres, Chick Lit and mysteries and the author did a great job creating a fun story full of quirky characters and just enough depth to keep me on my toes.
This is the fourth book in a series, I haven’t read the first three and I was fine starting here. Mallory and her sister plan weddings among other events and they keep busy in their quaint little town. There was plenty of drama and excitement throughout, some aspects were a tad predictable, but overall it didn’t really bother me because the characters were just so fun. There was a little something for everyone here in terms of characters, and some super cute pets for animal lovers. I breezed through this one and found it to be the exact type of lighthearted escape I was craving, cozy mystery fans will eat this one up.
Gown With the Wind in three words: Light, Breezy and Easy.
January 24, 2022
So much happening here. WE have a choking, drowning, firs, shootings,and cheating. All this while having a baby shower, weddings and other events. Another great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2018
GOWN WITH THE WIND is the fourth novel in the Wedding Planner Mystery Series by Stephanie Blackmoore. The first three novels in the series are ENGAGED IN DEATH (June 28th 2016 by Kensington Publishing Corporation), MURDER WEARS WHITE (January 31st 2017 by Kensington Publishing Corporation) and MURDERED BORROWED, MURDER BLUE (January 30th 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation). GOWN WITH THE WIND is due to be published on December 18th 2018 by Kensington Publishing Corporation).
Mallory Shepherd has agreed to plan the wedding for her ex-fiancé and the woman that he cheated on Mallory with. And it is a nightmare come to life…The novel is full of bridezillas, a terrifying mother-in-law, murderers and other crimes, and Gone with the Wind aficionados. Mallory takes it upon herself to find the person responsible for the murders, attempted murders, and all of the various crimes taking place in Port Quincy before the wedding that she has worked so hard to plan is completely ruined.
I initially requested GOWN WITH THE WIND from NetGalley because the description of the novel – two soon-to-be brides fighting over a Gone with the Wind replica wedding gown – intrigued me. And, while all of the Gone with the Wind references were interesting – the bride’s grandmother has the premier collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia and the family’s obsession with the film plays a role throughout the entire novel – it wasn’t quite enough to keep me interested in the story. The novel also couldn’t really hold my interest because I found that I didn’t care about any of the characters, including the main character. Mallory Shepherd has what I would consider to be one of my Top 10 Nightmare Jobs. She’s a wedding planner…but she’s not quite sure how she feels about the whole marriage institution. That just boggled my mind. Plus, I can’t fathom why she would agree to plan her ex-fiancé’s wedding to the woman that he cheated on her with. Keith is an extremely unlikable man, and not enough of Mallory’s past relationship with him was explained for me to grasp what she initially saw in the jerk. Not to mention that his mother is so insane that she makes my ex-boyfriend’s mom look like an angel. How and why no one killed the groom’s mother amazed me. I wanted to kill her just to save myself from having to read any more scenes involving her.
Overall, there is way too much going on in this novel – an unsolved murder case, a current murder investigation, arson, assaults, robberies, weddings and other events, love lives and affairs, illegal smuggling, plus many more…I could barely keep any of it straight as the novel bounced around so much between all of the different storylines. There are multiple crimes and multiple bad guys throughout the novel, and I felt like not all of their crimes were explained well enough for the reader to understand how all of the crimes were committed and why.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Mallory Shepherd has agreed to plan the wedding for her ex-fiancé and the woman that he cheated on Mallory with. And it is a nightmare come to life…The novel is full of bridezillas, a terrifying mother-in-law, murderers and other crimes, and Gone with the Wind aficionados. Mallory takes it upon herself to find the person responsible for the murders, attempted murders, and all of the various crimes taking place in Port Quincy before the wedding that she has worked so hard to plan is completely ruined.
I initially requested GOWN WITH THE WIND from NetGalley because the description of the novel – two soon-to-be brides fighting over a Gone with the Wind replica wedding gown – intrigued me. And, while all of the Gone with the Wind references were interesting – the bride’s grandmother has the premier collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia and the family’s obsession with the film plays a role throughout the entire novel – it wasn’t quite enough to keep me interested in the story. The novel also couldn’t really hold my interest because I found that I didn’t care about any of the characters, including the main character. Mallory Shepherd has what I would consider to be one of my Top 10 Nightmare Jobs. She’s a wedding planner…but she’s not quite sure how she feels about the whole marriage institution. That just boggled my mind. Plus, I can’t fathom why she would agree to plan her ex-fiancé’s wedding to the woman that he cheated on her with. Keith is an extremely unlikable man, and not enough of Mallory’s past relationship with him was explained for me to grasp what she initially saw in the jerk. Not to mention that his mother is so insane that she makes my ex-boyfriend’s mom look like an angel. How and why no one killed the groom’s mother amazed me. I wanted to kill her just to save myself from having to read any more scenes involving her.
Overall, there is way too much going on in this novel – an unsolved murder case, a current murder investigation, arson, assaults, robberies, weddings and other events, love lives and affairs, illegal smuggling, plus many more…I could barely keep any of it straight as the novel bounced around so much between all of the different storylines. There are multiple crimes and multiple bad guys throughout the novel, and I felt like not all of their crimes were explained well enough for the reader to understand how all of the crimes were committed and why.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 12, 2021
In the fourth Wedding Planner Mystery, we find Mallory and her sister Rachel with so much business that they have a waiting list. With a cancellation and after their failed elopement, Keith Pierce and Becca Cunningham jump at the chance to have Mallory and her sister, Rachel plan their wedding. It doesn't matter what Mallory plans or how secret she tries to keep those plans, Keith's mother, Helene, a thorn in Mallory’s side, takes over and informs the bride and groom-to-be of her plans for the wedding. In this story we meet Becca's family: her twin sister Samantha, her parents Rhett and Jacqueline and her grandmother Alma. When Alma is injured in an attack on her life and some of her valuable Gone With the Wind memorabilia is stolen, she makes a quick decision. She is leaving all her collection to Becca. When Becca finds a Gone With the Wind Gown, the theme for the wedding changes again. Before Becca can change her clothes another bride-to-be, Felicity Fournier sees the dress and wants it. The funniest scene in the book ensues. When Felicity is found dead in Becca's and Keith's pool, they are immediately suspects. There are bodies or attempts at murder taking place all over this book. If this were my business, I think I would sell it and move on, but Mallory is a wonderful sleuth and does not give up easily.
This story is well written and developed. There are a lot of characters in this one, but it is easy to follow. All the varied threads are pulled together and the ending is quite satisfactory. I enjoyed the quirkiness of some of the characters in this story to offset the acidic personality of Helene. It is nice to see Keith finally stand up to her. With the wedding on, then off, then on, then off and so on, it will keep the reader on their toes. Like in all Stephanie Blackmoore's books, there are a lot of clues sprinkled along the way, several suspects and red herrings to that this reader did not guess the culprit or the motive until the final reveal. I read this book in one sitting as I enjoyed it so much. The publisher, Kensington Publishing, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, opinions and ideas shared are my own.
This story is well written and developed. There are a lot of characters in this one, but it is easy to follow. All the varied threads are pulled together and the ending is quite satisfactory. I enjoyed the quirkiness of some of the characters in this story to offset the acidic personality of Helene. It is nice to see Keith finally stand up to her. With the wedding on, then off, then on, then off and so on, it will keep the reader on their toes. Like in all Stephanie Blackmoore's books, there are a lot of clues sprinkled along the way, several suspects and red herrings to that this reader did not guess the culprit or the motive until the final reveal. I read this book in one sitting as I enjoyed it so much. The publisher, Kensington Publishing, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, opinions and ideas shared are my own.
December 13, 2018
Mallory's wedding planning business and B&B in Pt. Quincy, Pennsylvania (a small town outside of Pittsburgh) has been going well. But when she is asked to plan the wedding of her ex-fiancé, she comes face-to-face with his meddling mother again. Then there is the matter of his bride-to-be, for whom he ditched Mallory--Becca Cunningham. Her family is obsessed with Gone with the Wind. Her grandmother Alma has a valuable collection of items related to the book and movie; she named her son Rhett and Becca's middle name is Scarlett and she lives in a grand mansion designed to resemble Tara. Last year, Alma's husband was murdered and that crime remains unsolved at the beginning of this book when she is strangled in her bed while her faithful dog is the only witness. Then Becca's childhood nemesis is found dead in her pool, prompting Mallory to help investigate and ensure that the wedding stays on track.
I really enjoyed this book. While there were a lot of characters and multiple concurrent plots, it was not overwhelming. The pace was quick, sometimes a little too much. There were great red herrings, plot twists and the ending was full of surprises. Mallory's romance with Garrett continues to develop at a comfortable pace and I look forward to reading more about that her expanding business.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for a digital advance review copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
I really enjoyed this book. While there were a lot of characters and multiple concurrent plots, it was not overwhelming. The pace was quick, sometimes a little too much. There were great red herrings, plot twists and the ending was full of surprises. Mallory's romance with Garrett continues to develop at a comfortable pace and I look forward to reading more about that her expanding business.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for a digital advance review copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
April 20, 2020
There was so much excitement going on with this one that I didn't want to put it down! I love that there's a new mystery added in, but you get more from the reoccurring characters (and not always the main ones!). Becca and Keith are getting married and this book focuses around that. I like that Mallory and Becca aren't exactly friends and the author didn't force them to be after the betrayal in the first book. The theme of the wedding is Gone With The Wind (hence the title) and the little bits about that story were interesting. I'm curious how the next one will go since it's the last book.
July 9, 2020
Mallory Shepard is a one-in-a-million wedding planner. She agrees to plan the wedding of her ex-fiancé Keith Pierce and his new bride-to-be Becca Cunningham, the woman he was having an affair with while engaged to Mallory! The theme and menu for the wedding keeps changing, and Mallory and her sister Rachel try to keep up and also fulfill their commitments to other clients. Becca has her heart set on a “Gone With the Wind” inspired wedding dress and has a public fight with her longtime rival, Felicity Fournier, over the dress. Becca wins but then Felicity is found dead in Becca’s pool, wearing the dress. Becca isn’t Mallory’s favorite person, but she doesn’t think Becca is a murderer and sets out to find the true killer.
This book is the fourth in Blackmoore’s Wedding Planner mystery series. I read the second book in this series and really enjoyed it. I liked this installment, but not as much as the prior book I had read. The main characters are still likable, including Mallory, Rachel, and Mallory’s boyfriend, Garrett. Garrett has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship and I like how the author goes against the stereotype and Mallory and Summer actually get along great. Mallory and her sister are friends, and although they sometimes have different ideas about the business, their partnership works well. It’s nice to see main characters getting along, even though there are plenty of feuds and out and out assaults between some of the supporting characters.
I also like reading about Mallory planning and running the various events, from weddings and baby showers to theater openings. The events are entertaining and those settings give Mallory plenty of opportunities to interact with witnesses and potential suspects. The downside to this book is it has the same problem as Mallory and Rachel’s fast-growing business - too many things going on at one time. Mallory and Rachel’s business has some growing pains as they struggle to manage the bed and breakfast, back-to-back weddings, along with all the other events, before realizing they need to hire some full-time help. Similarly, the book has too many distractions from the main plot of Felicity’s wedding. There is vandalism, arson, theft, assaults, smuggling, various affairs, and more. There is such a large assortment of sly, devious people, after a while it’s confusing to differentiate between all of the characters and their motives for all of the various crimes. Characters who seemingly have nothing to do with each other have surprising connections, which moves the plot along but is sometimes hard to keep track of. As hinted in the title, “Gone with the Wind” comes into play as well, so there is a lot going on in such as short novel.
Although the story goes on too many tangents, most of the loose ends are wrapped up nicely by the end. Mallory is able to mix sleuthing with running her events and is able to piece things together to help resolve the case. I like the epilogue which does a good job of providing updates on what happened with the various characters. I think fans of Laura Bradford’s Emergency Dessert Squad series will appreciate the culinary aspect, the light humor, and the down-to-earth main characters in this book. I would give the book 3.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the fourth in Blackmoore’s Wedding Planner mystery series. I read the second book in this series and really enjoyed it. I liked this installment, but not as much as the prior book I had read. The main characters are still likable, including Mallory, Rachel, and Mallory’s boyfriend, Garrett. Garrett has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship and I like how the author goes against the stereotype and Mallory and Summer actually get along great. Mallory and her sister are friends, and although they sometimes have different ideas about the business, their partnership works well. It’s nice to see main characters getting along, even though there are plenty of feuds and out and out assaults between some of the supporting characters.
I also like reading about Mallory planning and running the various events, from weddings and baby showers to theater openings. The events are entertaining and those settings give Mallory plenty of opportunities to interact with witnesses and potential suspects. The downside to this book is it has the same problem as Mallory and Rachel’s fast-growing business - too many things going on at one time. Mallory and Rachel’s business has some growing pains as they struggle to manage the bed and breakfast, back-to-back weddings, along with all the other events, before realizing they need to hire some full-time help. Similarly, the book has too many distractions from the main plot of Felicity’s wedding. There is vandalism, arson, theft, assaults, smuggling, various affairs, and more. There is such a large assortment of sly, devious people, after a while it’s confusing to differentiate between all of the characters and their motives for all of the various crimes. Characters who seemingly have nothing to do with each other have surprising connections, which moves the plot along but is sometimes hard to keep track of. As hinted in the title, “Gone with the Wind” comes into play as well, so there is a lot going on in such as short novel.
Although the story goes on too many tangents, most of the loose ends are wrapped up nicely by the end. Mallory is able to mix sleuthing with running her events and is able to piece things together to help resolve the case. I like the epilogue which does a good job of providing updates on what happened with the various characters. I think fans of Laura Bradford’s Emergency Dessert Squad series will appreciate the culinary aspect, the light humor, and the down-to-earth main characters in this book. I would give the book 3.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2025
Book 4
Mallory and Racheal 2 sisters are expanding their Wedding Planning gig. Now they are doing Mother's Day, and Other Activities in town. And Racheal wants Mallory to get some assistance so they can enjoy their new Successful wedding planner gig. Mallory ex boyfriend Keith and his fiance Becca are making plans for their Wedding from Mallory ( Kevin'ss ex fiance) and her sister Racheal help. It is weird for Mallory to even decide to help with their Pre Weddings Nuptials.. but things seem to go downturn. After every is suspect and suspicious flies off the radar. Good book
Mallory and Racheal 2 sisters are expanding their Wedding Planning gig. Now they are doing Mother's Day, and Other Activities in town. And Racheal wants Mallory to get some assistance so they can enjoy their new Successful wedding planner gig. Mallory ex boyfriend Keith and his fiance Becca are making plans for their Wedding from Mallory ( Kevin'ss ex fiance) and her sister Racheal help. It is weird for Mallory to even decide to help with their Pre Weddings Nuptials.. but things seem to go downturn. After every is suspect and suspicious flies off the radar. Good book
April 27, 2020
moved faster than previous. it seems like the writer has figured out & hit her rhythm.
another good one.
this time the mystery was more intriguing as i had several theories b/c it kept me guessing.
another good one.
this time the mystery was more intriguing as i had several theories b/c it kept me guessing.
January 8, 2019
GOWN WITH THE WIND, the fourth book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries by Stephanie Blackmoore, is the first I’ve read in the series and most certainly not the last! In fact, I’m anxious to start at the beginning and immerse myself in the adventures of wedding planner and B & B owner, Mallory Shepherd. Even though I haven’t read the previous books, I was able to jump in and feel like I knew the characters. Ms. Blackmoore offers enough backstory to make the reader comfortable but never detracts from the ongoing plot. First off the premise of GOWN WITH THE WIND sets up the story with plenty of opportunities for chaos: Mallory has been hired to plan her ex-fiance’s wedding and it is scheduled to be held at her own B & B! Add in a bridezilla, the groom’s mother who is also known as ‘Hurricane’ Helene, stolen valuable Gone With the Wind memorabilia, and an unsolved murder. The pace never lets up and kept me turning pages faster and faster as jaw dropping events filled the story.
The bride-to-be’s grandmother is a Gone With the Wind enthusiast and the author effectively captures the spirit of the classic and weaves it into the story. There are many memorable characters and I especially liked Pickles, the Maine Coon Cat named as such because he loves to eat pickles. While he holds a minor role, he steals the scenes he is featured in. The unsolved murder mystery from the previous year is effectively woven into the story with the current murder of the bride-to-be’s nemesis. I admired the twists and turns throughout the course of the book and there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. The suspenseful reveal wrapped up the threads of the mysteries and provides a satisfying conclusion!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The bride-to-be’s grandmother is a Gone With the Wind enthusiast and the author effectively captures the spirit of the classic and weaves it into the story. There are many memorable characters and I especially liked Pickles, the Maine Coon Cat named as such because he loves to eat pickles. While he holds a minor role, he steals the scenes he is featured in. The unsolved murder mystery from the previous year is effectively woven into the story with the current murder of the bride-to-be’s nemesis. I admired the twists and turns throughout the course of the book and there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. The suspenseful reveal wrapped up the threads of the mysteries and provides a satisfying conclusion!
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2019
This delightfully enchanting cozy mystery is #4 in Stephanie Blackmoore's Wedding Planner Series, a series I plan to catch up on, as I so enjoyed the characters, lovely setting, and the twisting plot with so many unexpected surprises. I certainly didn't guess the outcomes ahead of time, which made the story so much more enjoyable. Ms. Blackmoore writes well, and makes the readers love the characters and the scenic settings.
Mallory Shepherd and her sister Rachel own and operate a B&B, in a lovely old house bequeathed by the grandmother of Mallory's former fiance. They also are wedding and event planners, hoping to expand and develop a thriving business. All looks good, until the ex-fiance's new lady books the B&B for their wedding, with Mallory and Rachel as planners. If it isn't enough that the bride, the groom's overbearing, domineering mother, and the bride's grandmother continually change the desired theme, the bride's ex-husband shows up to have his new wedding at the B&B, the day after his ex-wife's new wedding. If it sounds confusing, just be thankful you're not the bewildered and much put-upon wedding planners. Throw a suspicious death into the works, a vintage Scarlett O'Hara gown, the world's premiere collection of Gone With the Wind memorabilia (both novel and film), and you have a fine conglomeration of pressure, pressure, and more pressure, with one delightful story.
Mallory Shepherd and her sister Rachel own and operate a B&B, in a lovely old house bequeathed by the grandmother of Mallory's former fiance. They also are wedding and event planners, hoping to expand and develop a thriving business. All looks good, until the ex-fiance's new lady books the B&B for their wedding, with Mallory and Rachel as planners. If it isn't enough that the bride, the groom's overbearing, domineering mother, and the bride's grandmother continually change the desired theme, the bride's ex-husband shows up to have his new wedding at the B&B, the day after his ex-wife's new wedding. If it sounds confusing, just be thankful you're not the bewildered and much put-upon wedding planners. Throw a suspicious death into the works, a vintage Scarlett O'Hara gown, the world's premiere collection of Gone With the Wind memorabilia (both novel and film), and you have a fine conglomeration of pressure, pressure, and more pressure, with one delightful story.
November 18, 2018
Wonderful and complex, this cozy mystery will have your head spinning in the best possible way. So many dramatic events, so many shocking revelations! I loved every page.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
January 23, 2021
Great book! Full of unexpected twists and turns!
November 15, 2018
Gown with the Wind is the fourth installment in the Wedding Planner Mystery series set in the small town of Port Quincy, PA and features Mallory Shepard, owner of Thistle Park B&B and wedding planner. With grave misgivings Mallory and her sister Rachel have agreed to host the last minute wedding of Mallory's ex fiance Keith to Becca Cunningham, the woman that broke up her engagement.
The bride has a chosen a Japanese cherry blossomed theme but unfortunately Keith's mother - and Mallory's nemesis - Helene, has other ideas. Determined to manipulate and manage Becca in the same way that she'd treated Mallory, Helene wants the exact same stuffy theme with all of the same decorations and flowers that she'd forced Mallory into using.
The bride's grandmother, Alma owns the largest and most prestigious collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia and several people desperately want to get their hands on it. When Alma is found strangled, the victim of an apparent attack, Becca quickly decides that she wants to change to a Gone with the Wind theme for her wedding to honor the elderly woman. With the last minute change of plans, Mallory finds herself having to accompany Becca to a wedding dress fitting that ends in fisticuffs when the bride gets into a fight over a Scarlett O'Hara lookalike dress with her childhood rival, Felicity Fournier.
There is a lot going on in this book; an unsolved murder, an attempted murder and a recent murder. Exes, rivalries, protests about racism, jewel smuggling, arson, etc. might leave some readers with a spinning head. Overall a fast paced addition to the series.
I received an advanced copy of Gown with the Wind from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
The bride has a chosen a Japanese cherry blossomed theme but unfortunately Keith's mother - and Mallory's nemesis - Helene, has other ideas. Determined to manipulate and manage Becca in the same way that she'd treated Mallory, Helene wants the exact same stuffy theme with all of the same decorations and flowers that she'd forced Mallory into using.
The bride's grandmother, Alma owns the largest and most prestigious collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia and several people desperately want to get their hands on it. When Alma is found strangled, the victim of an apparent attack, Becca quickly decides that she wants to change to a Gone with the Wind theme for her wedding to honor the elderly woman. With the last minute change of plans, Mallory finds herself having to accompany Becca to a wedding dress fitting that ends in fisticuffs when the bride gets into a fight over a Scarlett O'Hara lookalike dress with her childhood rival, Felicity Fournier.
There is a lot going on in this book; an unsolved murder, an attempted murder and a recent murder. Exes, rivalries, protests about racism, jewel smuggling, arson, etc. might leave some readers with a spinning head. Overall a fast paced addition to the series.
I received an advanced copy of Gown with the Wind from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
November 13, 2018
I do declare, I like this series!
Mallory Shepard is planning the wedding of her ex fiancé and his new bride to be, Becca, after a last minute cancellation and boy is she glad she didn’t walk down the aisle with him. While she’s used to drama with the brides as they plan for their big day, this one takes the cake!
First the bride’s grandmother, Alma, is found after being strangled by an intruder then her life long frenemy is found dead in her swimming pool, wearing Becca’s . It’s hard to tell who has the strongest motive for murder, but Mallory finds herself in the middle of it. Add to this Alma’s love for all things Gone With the Wind and you’ve got a truly eccentric family and even more motives for murder.
Add in a large cast of potential suspects and you’ve got enough red herrings to keep your mind busy as Mallory and her sister Rachel work their way through solving who done it! A delightful read and enjoyable cast of characters.
Mallory Shepard is planning the wedding of her ex fiancé and his new bride to be, Becca, after a last minute cancellation and boy is she glad she didn’t walk down the aisle with him. While she’s used to drama with the brides as they plan for their big day, this one takes the cake!
First the bride’s grandmother, Alma, is found after being strangled by an intruder then her life long frenemy is found dead in her swimming pool, wearing Becca’s . It’s hard to tell who has the strongest motive for murder, but Mallory finds herself in the middle of it. Add to this Alma’s love for all things Gone With the Wind and you’ve got a truly eccentric family and even more motives for murder.
Add in a large cast of potential suspects and you’ve got enough red herrings to keep your mind busy as Mallory and her sister Rachel work their way through solving who done it! A delightful read and enjoyable cast of characters.
December 12, 2018
Gown with the Wind is the fourth book in Stephanie Blackmoore’s Wedding Planner Mystery series. The story flows at a steady pace that kept me engaged throughout the entire book. This is a fast-paced read, with a well thought out plot, well-developed characters, and too much happening. Murphy's Law is alive and well in this book. There are enough twists and turns, red herrings, and suspects to keep the reader engaged.
Mallory Shephard and her sister, Rachel, have renovated Thistle Park, the home Mallory inherited from her ex-fiancé, Keith Pierce’s, grandmother in Port Quincy, Pennsylvania and turned it into a B&B and wedding/event venue, and lived in the top portion of the mansion. After a failed attempt to help her ex-fiancé, Keith Pierce, and his new fiancée, Becca Cunningham, the woman who broke up her engagement, elope and the sudden cancellation of another wedding, Mallory finds herself trying to plan their wedding that is only two weeks away. The bride wanted a Japanese cherry blossom theme, but Keith’s mother, Helene Pierce, walked in during a planning session and tasting, takes over the planning, and changes the theme and menu. After someone attempts to strangle Becca’s grandmother, Alma, she gifts her extensive collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia to her. Becca is thrilled, but her parents, Jacqueline and Rhett, and her fraternal twin sister, Samantha, are shocked. Alma asks Mallory to take over the event planning for the upcoming reception for The Duchess theater’s reopening. Thanks to Bev Mitchell, the owner of Silver Bells, Becca finds the perfect Scarlet O’Hara-inspired wedding gown and changes the theme of her wedding to Gone with the Wind to honor her grandmother. Another bride-to-be, Felicity Fournier, came into the bridal shop and she and Becca fought over the dress, ripping it; Bev settled the argument with a coin toss which Becca won. After the third, and hopefully, the last tasting, Becca and Keith take Mallory to their house for the gown repair and fitting with Bev, only to discover Felicity wearing the gown and floating in the pool. Alma doesn’t have much faith in Chief of Police Truman Davies’ ability to find the person responsible for attacking her because her husband, Glenn, had been murdered the year before and the case is still unsolved. Alma asks Mallory to keep her ears to the ground to see how the search for Glenn’s murder, her attacker, and the stolen memorabilia is proceeding since she’s dating Truman’s son, Garrett.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Mallory Shephard and her sister, Rachel, have renovated Thistle Park, the home Mallory inherited from her ex-fiancé, Keith Pierce’s, grandmother in Port Quincy, Pennsylvania and turned it into a B&B and wedding/event venue, and lived in the top portion of the mansion. After a failed attempt to help her ex-fiancé, Keith Pierce, and his new fiancée, Becca Cunningham, the woman who broke up her engagement, elope and the sudden cancellation of another wedding, Mallory finds herself trying to plan their wedding that is only two weeks away. The bride wanted a Japanese cherry blossom theme, but Keith’s mother, Helene Pierce, walked in during a planning session and tasting, takes over the planning, and changes the theme and menu. After someone attempts to strangle Becca’s grandmother, Alma, she gifts her extensive collection of Gone with the Wind memorabilia to her. Becca is thrilled, but her parents, Jacqueline and Rhett, and her fraternal twin sister, Samantha, are shocked. Alma asks Mallory to take over the event planning for the upcoming reception for The Duchess theater’s reopening. Thanks to Bev Mitchell, the owner of Silver Bells, Becca finds the perfect Scarlet O’Hara-inspired wedding gown and changes the theme of her wedding to Gone with the Wind to honor her grandmother. Another bride-to-be, Felicity Fournier, came into the bridal shop and she and Becca fought over the dress, ripping it; Bev settled the argument with a coin toss which Becca won. After the third, and hopefully, the last tasting, Becca and Keith take Mallory to their house for the gown repair and fitting with Bev, only to discover Felicity wearing the gown and floating in the pool. Alma doesn’t have much faith in Chief of Police Truman Davies’ ability to find the person responsible for attacking her because her husband, Glenn, had been murdered the year before and the case is still unsolved. Alma asks Mallory to keep her ears to the ground to see how the search for Glenn’s murder, her attacker, and the stolen memorabilia is proceeding since she’s dating Truman’s son, Garrett.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 21, 2019
Professional wedding planner Mallory Shepard knows her job is challenging under any circumstances. But when the groom is your ex and someone invites murder, there may never be another tomorrow. Mallory's fine really handling the wedding arrangements for her ex, Keith. But his fiancé, Becca, has at the last minute decided to switch from a Japanese cherry blossom theme to a Gone with the Wind theme. She wants to honor her ailing grandmother, who owns an impressive collection of Gone With the Wind memorabilia and who is fiercely at odds with the groom's mother over the nuptial plans. But among other complications, Becca gets into a fight with an old childhood rival over a replica Scarlett O'Hara wedding gown. She wins the dress but soon becomes a murder suspect when the other woman is found dead in Becca's swimming pool. And it's up to Mallory to solve the mystery behind this unhappy occasion, before a different kind of civil war breaks out.
The author gives the reader a well written mystery that is full of twists ,turns, suspects, and red herrings. The plots weave the characters into relationships and encounters that will keep you guessing about who the real culprit is until the surprising conclusion. The characters are well written and well developed, which makes them seem very lifelike.
I like that no matter what gets thrown in Mallory's path, she doesn't let it stop her living her life or running her business. I also like how Mallory and Garrett's relationship is continuing to grow as the series goes along. I hope they find themselves with their own trip down the aisle sometime in the series.
The one thing that I haven't liked since book 1 and that I continue to dislike is Helene, I hope now that Keith is married and Mallory doesn't have to plan his wedding we won't be seeing anymore of Hurricane Helene. I'm looking forward to book #5 Marry Christmas Murder to see what Mallory gets herself into.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Books for my review.
The author gives the reader a well written mystery that is full of twists ,turns, suspects, and red herrings. The plots weave the characters into relationships and encounters that will keep you guessing about who the real culprit is until the surprising conclusion. The characters are well written and well developed, which makes them seem very lifelike.
I like that no matter what gets thrown in Mallory's path, she doesn't let it stop her living her life or running her business. I also like how Mallory and Garrett's relationship is continuing to grow as the series goes along. I hope they find themselves with their own trip down the aisle sometime in the series.
The one thing that I haven't liked since book 1 and that I continue to dislike is Helene, I hope now that Keith is married and Mallory doesn't have to plan his wedding we won't be seeing anymore of Hurricane Helene. I'm looking forward to book #5 Marry Christmas Murder to see what Mallory gets herself into.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Books for my review.
April 13, 2021
Mallory Shepard owns a large mansion she's turned into a B&B and runs it along with her younger sister, Rachel. Currently, they have their hands full with a baby shower, Mother's Day tea, and two weddings coming up - those of Mallory's ex-fiancé Keith and Becca; and another couple who are arriving from Columbia, Eric and Piper.
While wedding dress shopping with Becca, Becca spots a dress that looks like it stepped right out of the film Gone with the Wind, and decides she must have it for her wedding. But then Becca's old enemy Felicity sees it and a fight ensues, with Becca winning the dress. Mallory hopes that will be the end of it, but no such luck. Things get worse when Felicity is found floating in Becca and Keith's swimming pool wearing the dress. Now there's a murderer on the loose, and Mallory knows this could spell disaster. But things soon dissolve into chaos, with arson, attacks, threats, and a shooting -- and Mallory is stuck right where she doesn't want to be -- in the middle of it. Hopefully, police chief Truman Davies will be able to solve the crimes before Mallory becomes another victim...
I have been reading this series in order and so far this is my favorite book. However, what I have never understood is Keith's malice toward Mallory. He's the one who ruined their engagement, so he should be somewhat remorseful, and at least civil toward her, but he's more malicious instead. How long can someone hold a grudge for something they did?
I did like that the plot was filled with several red herrings, and suspects almost everywhere you looked. It left me to my own devices to see if I could ferret out the killer, and I was right in nearly everything, but still it was a bit of a surprise when the murderer was discovered. The climax was as I would expect it to be, with peril to innocent people, but it all came about right in the end, as we knew it would. I will continue to read this series and look forward to the next. Recommended.
While wedding dress shopping with Becca, Becca spots a dress that looks like it stepped right out of the film Gone with the Wind, and decides she must have it for her wedding. But then Becca's old enemy Felicity sees it and a fight ensues, with Becca winning the dress. Mallory hopes that will be the end of it, but no such luck. Things get worse when Felicity is found floating in Becca and Keith's swimming pool wearing the dress. Now there's a murderer on the loose, and Mallory knows this could spell disaster. But things soon dissolve into chaos, with arson, attacks, threats, and a shooting -- and Mallory is stuck right where she doesn't want to be -- in the middle of it. Hopefully, police chief Truman Davies will be able to solve the crimes before Mallory becomes another victim...
I have been reading this series in order and so far this is my favorite book. However, what I have never understood is Keith's malice toward Mallory. He's the one who ruined their engagement, so he should be somewhat remorseful, and at least civil toward her, but he's more malicious instead. How long can someone hold a grudge for something they did?
I did like that the plot was filled with several red herrings, and suspects almost everywhere you looked. It left me to my own devices to see if I could ferret out the killer, and I was right in nearly everything, but still it was a bit of a surprise when the murderer was discovered. The climax was as I would expect it to be, with peril to innocent people, but it all came about right in the end, as we knew it would. I will continue to read this series and look forward to the next. Recommended.
January 13, 2019
While this book was slightly out of my comfort zone in terms of the wedding planner angle, I was so intrigued by the idea of how this connected to an iconic book such as Gone with the Wind. I'm so glad that I had the chance to read it! Incredibly lighthearted and fast-paced, this is a great choice for a fun escape especially during the spring or early summer and filled with every reason why I am not a wedding planner or B&B hostess!
There are a dizzying number of suspicious characters all with their own motives and quite a few concurrent mysteries to solve; however, this seemed to really add to that whirlwind feeling that surrounds weddings in general. You'll definitely experience how busy Mallory is trying to keep everything in order! The frenzy, indecisiveness, and over-the-top drama were all on high alert with this story and it was so much fun! There are also quite a few twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very unexpected end.
Although this was the fourth book in the series, I never felt that I was missing anything from the previous installments and look forward to starting from the first book to get to know these characters even better. Between the bridezilla antics, the overbearing and domineering maternal figures, and haughty family dynamics, there are A LOT of unlikable people. Ultimately, so much ugliness showcased just how incredibly impressive the connections shared between Mallory and Truman, the Chief of Police and her potential father-in-law, as well as between her and her sister, Rachel, became, while also adding some much needed calm to the story. Mallory's welcoming personality and outstanding resourcefulness combine to make her a fantastic planner and amateur sleuth.
Overall, this was a solid introduction to a new series that frankly my dears I can't wait to read more of!
There are a dizzying number of suspicious characters all with their own motives and quite a few concurrent mysteries to solve; however, this seemed to really add to that whirlwind feeling that surrounds weddings in general. You'll definitely experience how busy Mallory is trying to keep everything in order! The frenzy, indecisiveness, and over-the-top drama were all on high alert with this story and it was so much fun! There are also quite a few twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very unexpected end.
Although this was the fourth book in the series, I never felt that I was missing anything from the previous installments and look forward to starting from the first book to get to know these characters even better. Between the bridezilla antics, the overbearing and domineering maternal figures, and haughty family dynamics, there are A LOT of unlikable people. Ultimately, so much ugliness showcased just how incredibly impressive the connections shared between Mallory and Truman, the Chief of Police and her potential father-in-law, as well as between her and her sister, Rachel, became, while also adding some much needed calm to the story. Mallory's welcoming personality and outstanding resourcefulness combine to make her a fantastic planner and amateur sleuth.
Overall, this was a solid introduction to a new series that frankly my dears I can't wait to read more of!
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