What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift #1
Their New Year's Beginning
At the stroke of midnight,
A stranger’s kiss changes everything…
Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother's New Year's wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he's stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she's also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline's side—for good…
A stranger’s kiss changes everything…
Brian Fortune doesn’t think he will ever find the woman he kissed at his brother's New Year's wedding. So when the search for the provenance of a mysterious gift leads him into a local antique store a few days later, he's stunned to find Emmaline Lewis, proprietor—and mystery kisser! Surprise turns to shock when he realizes that she's also six months pregnant. Brian has never been the type to commit—and he’s really not ready to become a family man in one fell swoop! But suddenly he knows he’ll do anything to stay at Emmaline's side—for good…
282 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 9, 2021
About the author
Michelle Major
279 books857 followersUSA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
Connect with her at www.michellemajor.com or come say hi on Instagram and Facebook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Did Not Finish
November 12, 2021This is a Romance, and this is the first book in The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift series. I had a problem connecting to the characters in this book because the point of view that this book is told in. I ended up DNFing this book around the 50% mark of this book. In my opinion because I had trouble connecting to the characters the story just did not pull me into it, so I just ended not caring about the book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
March 13, 2022
Good book. Brian Fortune was in Rambling Rose on New Year's Eve to celebrate a multi-couple family wedding, including his twin brother Brady's (An Unexpected Father). He shared a stunning New Year's kiss with a beautiful woman who quickly disappeared, leaving him unable to forget her.
Brian is the only one of his siblings still living in New York. The rest have found their way to Texas and are working with their Texas cousins. Brian, whose job as an advertising exec allows him to work remotely, promised to stay in Rambling Rose until his sister-in-law has her baby. He also promised to watch Brady's twins while he and his wife were on their honeymoon.
Brian is the quiet twin when compared with the outgoing Brady. He often feels at a disadvantage around his brother. Brian portrays himself as a lone wolf and perennial bachelor who doesn't commit ever since his college sweetheart broke his heart. It also hides the vulnerabilities caused by Tammy's parting words. Brian thinks he doesn't have what it takes to be a husband and father.
Emmaline took over her grandfather's antique shop after his death. She is also preparing to be a single mother after her ex-boyfriend made it clear he has no interest in fatherhood. She hasn't revealed her pregnancy, worried about the reactions of her friends and neighbors, thanks to her mom's experiences as a single mother. Emmaline is very independent and determined to depend only on herself.
Brian and Emmaline meet again when he shows up at her shop investigating a mysterious wedding gift received by Brady and Harper. He's stunned to see that Emmaline is six months pregnant and more so to discover that it doesn't matter to him. He's still interested in getting to know her better, even though he'll be leaving in a few weeks. Emmaline isn't interested in a relationship as the shop and her baby are her priorities. Still, she has nothing against spending some time with Brian while they research the horse sculpture.
I liked watching Brian and Emmaline spend time together. Despite their initial plan to have some fun together, it doesn't take long for stronger feelings to develop. Brian is protective of Emmaline and unexpectedly invested in her life. But Brian is convinced that he cannot be what she needs, despite evidence to the contrary. The scenes of Brian with his nephews were adorable, and his ability to relate to them as a twin himself helped a lot. There were times when I wanted to shake Brian for his refusal to admit that he'd changed since coming to Texas.
Emmaline has almost as much tunnel vision as Brian. Because of past disappointments, she refuses to allow herself to depend on anyone else. But the more time she spends with Brian, the more she is tempted to lean on him. I liked Emmaline's support of Brian and how she tries to show him that he underestimates himself. When she finally realizes the depth of her feelings for a man who won't commit, she does what she must to protect her heart.
I ached for Emmaline and Brian. Each was too stubborn to open their heart and risk rejection rather than take a chance. Even Brady had trouble getting through to Brian. It took a scare involving Emmaline for Brian to overcome his fears. I loved the emotional scene at the end and seeing both Brian and Emmaline get the future they wanted.
The mystery of the horse sculpture is intriguing. The information they have uncovered reveals a little bit of the sculpture's history but still nothing about who it is from. An unexpected twist at the end opened the door to more information that I expect will be revealed during the rest of the books in the series. I can't wait to see the story behind it.
Brian is the only one of his siblings still living in New York. The rest have found their way to Texas and are working with their Texas cousins. Brian, whose job as an advertising exec allows him to work remotely, promised to stay in Rambling Rose until his sister-in-law has her baby. He also promised to watch Brady's twins while he and his wife were on their honeymoon.
Brian is the quiet twin when compared with the outgoing Brady. He often feels at a disadvantage around his brother. Brian portrays himself as a lone wolf and perennial bachelor who doesn't commit ever since his college sweetheart broke his heart. It also hides the vulnerabilities caused by Tammy's parting words. Brian thinks he doesn't have what it takes to be a husband and father.
Emmaline took over her grandfather's antique shop after his death. She is also preparing to be a single mother after her ex-boyfriend made it clear he has no interest in fatherhood. She hasn't revealed her pregnancy, worried about the reactions of her friends and neighbors, thanks to her mom's experiences as a single mother. Emmaline is very independent and determined to depend only on herself.
Brian and Emmaline meet again when he shows up at her shop investigating a mysterious wedding gift received by Brady and Harper. He's stunned to see that Emmaline is six months pregnant and more so to discover that it doesn't matter to him. He's still interested in getting to know her better, even though he'll be leaving in a few weeks. Emmaline isn't interested in a relationship as the shop and her baby are her priorities. Still, she has nothing against spending some time with Brian while they research the horse sculpture.
I liked watching Brian and Emmaline spend time together. Despite their initial plan to have some fun together, it doesn't take long for stronger feelings to develop. Brian is protective of Emmaline and unexpectedly invested in her life. But Brian is convinced that he cannot be what she needs, despite evidence to the contrary. The scenes of Brian with his nephews were adorable, and his ability to relate to them as a twin himself helped a lot. There were times when I wanted to shake Brian for his refusal to admit that he'd changed since coming to Texas.
Emmaline has almost as much tunnel vision as Brian. Because of past disappointments, she refuses to allow herself to depend on anyone else. But the more time she spends with Brian, the more she is tempted to lean on him. I liked Emmaline's support of Brian and how she tries to show him that he underestimates himself. When she finally realizes the depth of her feelings for a man who won't commit, she does what she must to protect her heart.
I ached for Emmaline and Brian. Each was too stubborn to open their heart and risk rejection rather than take a chance. Even Brady had trouble getting through to Brian. It took a scare involving Emmaline for Brian to overcome his fears. I loved the emotional scene at the end and seeing both Brian and Emmaline get the future they wanted.
The mystery of the horse sculpture is intriguing. The information they have uncovered reveals a little bit of the sculpture's history but still nothing about who it is from. An unexpected twist at the end opened the door to more information that I expect will be revealed during the rest of the books in the series. I can't wait to see the story behind it.
December 10, 2021
Great romance coupled with an unsolved mystery
The entire Fortune family gathers for the New Year's wedding of five couples, during which Brian meets Emmaline, though he wasn't able to remember enough to find her later. Thankfully, she runs the local antique shop where Brian goes for help in tracking down a mysterious wedding gift that was sent anonymously.
Their romance is a bit unusual, since she's carrying the child of her deadbeat ex and her mother is always on hand to remind her of the consequences of her mistakes. Still, Brian only sees the positives and gives Emmaline the confidence to tune out the rest of the noise and focus on the blessings to come. This right here makes this a wonderful romance all by itself. Their HEA was delightful; I always love watching a confirmed bachelor succumb to the irresistible draw of a family.
I was a bit disappointed to find that the mystery of the wedding gift was left completely hanging; I subsequently learned that this is the first in a series (each book by a different author) subtitled "The Wedding Gift," so I'm assuming that the details of this gift will be unveiled a little at a time across the future books, currently listed as six according to Goodreads. If that's the kind of adventure you're looking for, this is a nice book to start with. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The entire Fortune family gathers for the New Year's wedding of five couples, during which Brian meets Emmaline, though he wasn't able to remember enough to find her later. Thankfully, she runs the local antique shop where Brian goes for help in tracking down a mysterious wedding gift that was sent anonymously.
Their romance is a bit unusual, since she's carrying the child of her deadbeat ex and her mother is always on hand to remind her of the consequences of her mistakes. Still, Brian only sees the positives and gives Emmaline the confidence to tune out the rest of the noise and focus on the blessings to come. This right here makes this a wonderful romance all by itself. Their HEA was delightful; I always love watching a confirmed bachelor succumb to the irresistible draw of a family.
I was a bit disappointed to find that the mystery of the wedding gift was left completely hanging; I subsequently learned that this is the first in a series (each book by a different author) subtitled "The Wedding Gift," so I'm assuming that the details of this gift will be unveiled a little at a time across the future books, currently listed as six according to Goodreads. If that's the kind of adventure you're looking for, this is a nice book to start with. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 1, 2021
I was not aware when I requested this book from NetGalley that heroine is pregnant with OM’s child. Unfortunately that is one of my pet peeves in romances but given that the Publisher/Author granted me a free copy for an honest review, I felt I owed it to them to read it and give my thoughts.
So heroine (Emmaline) is six months pregnant with her ex’s baby who doesn’t want anything to do with either one of them. Brian (hero) came home for his twin brother’s (Brady) wedding. This is part of a series and if you haven’t read them before, it does gets a bit confusing to figure out who is who but not so much that it bothered me. To be honest, I read a few of side character’s stories but it has been years and the timeline in this current story didn’t always jive with timeline of past. But anyhoo…..
Brian has been hurt in the past by his college sweetheart and is a lone wolf in his family who all seem to have found their soulmates. When he & Emmaline meet, he is not aware at first that she is pregnant and when he finds out, he is shocked but sort of okay with it. And so their story begins and ends in HEA.
So heroine (Emmaline) is six months pregnant with her ex’s baby who doesn’t want anything to do with either one of them. Brian (hero) came home for his twin brother’s (Brady) wedding. This is part of a series and if you haven’t read them before, it does gets a bit confusing to figure out who is who but not so much that it bothered me. To be honest, I read a few of side character’s stories but it has been years and the timeline in this current story didn’t always jive with timeline of past. But anyhoo…..
Brian has been hurt in the past by his college sweetheart and is a lone wolf in his family who all seem to have found their soulmates. When he & Emmaline meet, he is not aware at first that she is pregnant and when he finds out, he is shocked but sort of okay with it. And so their story begins and ends in HEA.
October 31, 2021
Emmaline Lewis has her life pretty much set. She inherited her grandfather's antique shop which she has always loved. She is six months pregnant and ready to be a great single mom and give her baby the best life she can. When she meets Brian Fortune at the big multi-Fortune weddings event on New Year's Eve she is surprised that she is so attracted to him. Their kiss at midnight was so special. But Brian is only in Rambling Rose for a short time. Nothing can come of it.
Brian Fortune is a brand marketing manager for a top ad agency in New York. He is very good at his job and he really enjoys doing it, especially since he works remotely. This has enabled him to spend time in Rambling Rose, Texas for all the weddings and the birth of his twin brother Brady's and Brady's new wife Harper's baby. During the New Year's Eve wedding celebration he met Emmaline Lewis. He was really attracted to her. He plans to return to New York after Brady and Harper's baby is born so he knows nothing can come of this attraction to Emmaline. Brian keeps his heart locked up tight after his ex-girlfriend Tammy broke it.
Their New Year's Beginning by Michelle Major is the first book in the Harlequin continuity series The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift. This is a super beginning. I loved the storyline and the characters. Ms. Major made Emmaline and Brian come alive for me and I felt like I was right there with them as they got to know each other and fall in love. I greatly admired Emmaline's independence and big heart. Brian's past hindered him in opening up his feeling and his heart but he fell in love with Emmaline and there's no fighting that. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series which is A Soldier's Dare by Jo McNally.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Brian Fortune is a brand marketing manager for a top ad agency in New York. He is very good at his job and he really enjoys doing it, especially since he works remotely. This has enabled him to spend time in Rambling Rose, Texas for all the weddings and the birth of his twin brother Brady's and Brady's new wife Harper's baby. During the New Year's Eve wedding celebration he met Emmaline Lewis. He was really attracted to her. He plans to return to New York after Brady and Harper's baby is born so he knows nothing can come of this attraction to Emmaline. Brian keeps his heart locked up tight after his ex-girlfriend Tammy broke it.
Their New Year's Beginning by Michelle Major is the first book in the Harlequin continuity series The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift. This is a super beginning. I loved the storyline and the characters. Ms. Major made Emmaline and Brian come alive for me and I felt like I was right there with them as they got to know each other and fall in love. I greatly admired Emmaline's independence and big heart. Brian's past hindered him in opening up his feeling and his heart but he fell in love with Emmaline and there's no fighting that. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series which is A Soldier's Dare by Jo McNally.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Read
December 2, 2021Categories
Western Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book #1)
Western Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
The Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift (Book #1)
April 30, 2022
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Their New Year’s Beginning starts off The Fortunes of Texas series with an engaging romance and a touch of mystery, in more ways than one.
Brian Fortune is in town for his twin brother’s wedding, and to babysit his twins while the happy couple is on their honeymoon. Brian lives in New York City, has a high-powered job, and has no intentions of settling down or leaving the city. At the wedding reception, Brian was attracted to a lovely redhead, one who seemed a bit elusive, and when he finally tracked her down the clock struck midnight – so, of course, there was that New Year’s kiss that he had to deliver. A kiss that rocked his world enough that he forgot to ask the lovely lady’s name before she slipped away.
Emmaline Lewis held that New Year’s kiss close, but she also refused to give in to the temptation of thinking it was more than an obligatory kiss from the person next to you at that moment in time, a tradition – and she’d keep that thought strong because she has far more to deal with than an elusive gentleman, no matter how handsome he is. Emmaline is six months pregnant, although you’d be hard-pressed to realize it by simply glancing at her. She’s recently inherited her grandfather’s antique shop, been told by her baby’s daddy that he wants no part whatsoever in claiming or raising a child, and is constantly bombarded by her mother’s opinion on how the townsfolk will treat her once they know she’s expecting. A lot is going on in her life right now, and adding a mysterious stranger into the mix just doesn’t make sense. Until that stranger shows up in her shop.
I enjoyed Their New Year’s Beginning as it sets up the rest of this series with the wedding gift mystery, as well as having ties with the previous series. (I guess I should start calling any Fortunes series a continuity that is divided up into mini-series since we meet so many recurring characters throughout them all. But, series is what they are in my mind.) Anyways. While I loved Brian’s understanding of Emmaline’s situation, I wanted to give her mother a good, stern talking to for adding stress to her daughter’s life by naysaying how everyone will shun her… it’s not the 1700s! In fact, Emmaline’s friends and acquaintances rallied around her, threw her a baby shower, and simply accepted her as she is – baby and all. Which I loved. Brian’s twin nephews often stole scenes with their adorable antics. Yet it was watching Brian come to see just what finding the right woman could do to a man that really gave me the most enjoyment in this story. And the mystery of the wedding gift continues onwards. I loved seeing two unlikely people take a chance on their feelings and let love, true love into their lives.
I own a Kindle edition of this title
Their New Year’s Beginning starts off The Fortunes of Texas series with an engaging romance and a touch of mystery, in more ways than one.
Brian Fortune is in town for his twin brother’s wedding, and to babysit his twins while the happy couple is on their honeymoon. Brian lives in New York City, has a high-powered job, and has no intentions of settling down or leaving the city. At the wedding reception, Brian was attracted to a lovely redhead, one who seemed a bit elusive, and when he finally tracked her down the clock struck midnight – so, of course, there was that New Year’s kiss that he had to deliver. A kiss that rocked his world enough that he forgot to ask the lovely lady’s name before she slipped away.
Emmaline Lewis held that New Year’s kiss close, but she also refused to give in to the temptation of thinking it was more than an obligatory kiss from the person next to you at that moment in time, a tradition – and she’d keep that thought strong because she has far more to deal with than an elusive gentleman, no matter how handsome he is. Emmaline is six months pregnant, although you’d be hard-pressed to realize it by simply glancing at her. She’s recently inherited her grandfather’s antique shop, been told by her baby’s daddy that he wants no part whatsoever in claiming or raising a child, and is constantly bombarded by her mother’s opinion on how the townsfolk will treat her once they know she’s expecting. A lot is going on in her life right now, and adding a mysterious stranger into the mix just doesn’t make sense. Until that stranger shows up in her shop.
I enjoyed Their New Year’s Beginning as it sets up the rest of this series with the wedding gift mystery, as well as having ties with the previous series. (I guess I should start calling any Fortunes series a continuity that is divided up into mini-series since we meet so many recurring characters throughout them all. But, series is what they are in my mind.) Anyways. While I loved Brian’s understanding of Emmaline’s situation, I wanted to give her mother a good, stern talking to for adding stress to her daughter’s life by naysaying how everyone will shun her… it’s not the 1700s! In fact, Emmaline’s friends and acquaintances rallied around her, threw her a baby shower, and simply accepted her as she is – baby and all. Which I loved. Brian’s twin nephews often stole scenes with their adorable antics. Yet it was watching Brian come to see just what finding the right woman could do to a man that really gave me the most enjoyment in this story. And the mystery of the wedding gift continues onwards. I loved seeing two unlikely people take a chance on their feelings and let love, true love into their lives.
I own a Kindle edition of this title
January 24, 2022
The first book to review of 2022 and it’s definitely a keeper. I just love this series from Harlequin. You can pick up any book, from any author, and never feel lost. The authors do a great job of just adding a few bits to keep the reader up to date on the other Fortunes in the series. I particularly like the Fortunes in Rambling Rose. I’ve read most of them so jumping into Brian’s story was great.
I really liked Brian. He tries to come off as detached and aloof but underneath it all, he really does want a family of his own. I completely understood why he wanted to distance himself from everyone in Texas and stay in New York. Being a twin can be a pain at times and he truly believed that the miles between him and Brady were good. He never had to prove himself anymore to anyone but once in Texas…A romantic at heart, he’s smitten with Emmaline and it’s great watching him fall for her, totally and completely. Baby and all.
Emmaline took me a bit longer to warm up to. I just didn’t like her mother and the way she treated Emmaline at times. Back off already and Emmaline should have told her off at some point. However, she stood her ground with Brian when needed. I loved the push and pull between them. I felt like they completed each other without all the sugar. Both took responsibility for their actions, as adults. Oh and Brian with the twin boys? Roaring with laughter at times.
I really liked the mystery surrounding the wedding gift. Silly me thought it would be solved and it wasn’t. Note to self…buy the other books in the series so I know what happens and why the gift was sent. Yes, I’m THAT type of reader and I don’t apologize for it. Ms. Major does a great job with this aspect of the story. Just enough to tease but also enough to keep you interested long after the book is finished.
I rarely review Harlequin Special Editions anymore. I don’t know why but I do read them. Especially this series and Ms. Major. She’s not a new to me author at all. I’ve been reading her work for years and she never disappoints. Just a perfect blend of smexy/sensual times, emotional times, family time, and romance to make her an auto-buy for me. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and from Ms. Major.
I really liked Brian. He tries to come off as detached and aloof but underneath it all, he really does want a family of his own. I completely understood why he wanted to distance himself from everyone in Texas and stay in New York. Being a twin can be a pain at times and he truly believed that the miles between him and Brady were good. He never had to prove himself anymore to anyone but once in Texas…A romantic at heart, he’s smitten with Emmaline and it’s great watching him fall for her, totally and completely. Baby and all.
Emmaline took me a bit longer to warm up to. I just didn’t like her mother and the way she treated Emmaline at times. Back off already and Emmaline should have told her off at some point. However, she stood her ground with Brian when needed. I loved the push and pull between them. I felt like they completed each other without all the sugar. Both took responsibility for their actions, as adults. Oh and Brian with the twin boys? Roaring with laughter at times.
I really liked the mystery surrounding the wedding gift. Silly me thought it would be solved and it wasn’t. Note to self…buy the other books in the series so I know what happens and why the gift was sent. Yes, I’m THAT type of reader and I don’t apologize for it. Ms. Major does a great job with this aspect of the story. Just enough to tease but also enough to keep you interested long after the book is finished.
I rarely review Harlequin Special Editions anymore. I don’t know why but I do read them. Especially this series and Ms. Major. She’s not a new to me author at all. I’ve been reading her work for years and she never disappoints. Just a perfect blend of smexy/sensual times, emotional times, family time, and romance to make her an auto-buy for me. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series and from Ms. Major.
January 10, 2022
This is one of the Fortunes of Texas stories, which are written by different authors.
There are a huge number of Fortune family members which I found confusing. The story starts at a New Year's wedding with 4 fortune family members , so multi- confusing !!
There are 2 sets of twins in the story. Since my own mother was a twin, this is a draw for me. Brady Fortune, who is getting married, is a guardian to Tyler and Toby , 5 year old twins, who lost their parents within the last year. Brady is the twin to Brian, who meets and kisses Emmaline Lewis at the New Year wedding celebration. Em is 6 months pregnant, and is planning to be a single mother, as her boyfriend, who is the baby daddy wants nothing to do with the baby.
The story tells of how Brian takes care of the young twins , while his brother is on honeymoon for 4 days. Brian has an amazing understanding of twin dynamics because of his personal experience . There is a wedding present which is mysterious, and as Em runs an antique shop that she inherited from her grandfather, Em and Brian try to investigate the origins of this Trojan Horse gift.
I found this book a little difficult to get into, as I have not read previous Fortunes of Texas stories.
I related to how only the women who love them can tell Brian and Brady apart. I can definitely relate to that one, as I could never understand how anyone could confuse my mother and aunt ! I also shared an apartment with an identical twin from Scotland, and I could tell the difference between her and her twin sister in photos.
The story has a HEA which was well deserved by both Emmaline and Brian.
There are a huge number of Fortune family members which I found confusing. The story starts at a New Year's wedding with 4 fortune family members , so multi- confusing !!
There are 2 sets of twins in the story. Since my own mother was a twin, this is a draw for me. Brady Fortune, who is getting married, is a guardian to Tyler and Toby , 5 year old twins, who lost their parents within the last year. Brady is the twin to Brian, who meets and kisses Emmaline Lewis at the New Year wedding celebration. Em is 6 months pregnant, and is planning to be a single mother, as her boyfriend, who is the baby daddy wants nothing to do with the baby.
The story tells of how Brian takes care of the young twins , while his brother is on honeymoon for 4 days. Brian has an amazing understanding of twin dynamics because of his personal experience . There is a wedding present which is mysterious, and as Em runs an antique shop that she inherited from her grandfather, Em and Brian try to investigate the origins of this Trojan Horse gift.
I found this book a little difficult to get into, as I have not read previous Fortunes of Texas stories.
I related to how only the women who love them can tell Brian and Brady apart. I can definitely relate to that one, as I could never understand how anyone could confuse my mother and aunt ! I also shared an apartment with an identical twin from Scotland, and I could tell the difference between her and her twin sister in photos.
The story has a HEA which was well deserved by both Emmaline and Brian.
December 29, 2021
Brian Fortune, a confirmed bachelor is home for his brother’s wedding and to help babysit his brother’s twins while they are on their honeymoon. He loves the boys but is not really a “kid” person he keeps telling himself. This visit is short term, and he will soon be back to his bachelor ways when he leaves Rambling Rose, Texas. When he spies a beautiful red head and ends up sharing a kiss with her, his whole world is about to be turned upside down. When Brian teams up with Emmaline, the alluring red head to solve a mystery surrounding one of the wedding gifts, what is supposed to be a casual, couple week fling turns complicated, especially when he finds out she is also pregnant with someone else’s child.
What a great start to the Fortune’s of Texas: The Wedding Gift series. It is a romance, but with a touch of mystery and intrigue as we follow the clues of the mysterious wedding gift. We also get to visit with the Fortune family which is always a joy. The twin boys steal our hearts once again and I am excited to see which couple will be in the next book in the series. Harlequin Publishing provided me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review, so I must take a moment to say thank you to them and the author Michelle Major.
What a great start to the Fortune’s of Texas: The Wedding Gift series. It is a romance, but with a touch of mystery and intrigue as we follow the clues of the mysterious wedding gift. We also get to visit with the Fortune family which is always a joy. The twin boys steal our hearts once again and I am excited to see which couple will be in the next book in the series. Harlequin Publishing provided me with an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review, so I must take a moment to say thank you to them and the author Michelle Major.
December 11, 2021
With all of the hustle and bustle going on at the end of the year, it's always relaxing to read a happily ever romance.
Brian Fortune is in Rambling Rose, Texas for the wedding of his twin brother Brady. Brian is an advertising manager and lives in New York. Even though he is able to work remotely, he knows that he needs to return to NYC soon after the wedding. At midnight of New Year's Eve at the wedding reception, Brian kisses a woman that he's just met and after the kiss, she disappears. He finds out who she is when he goes to the local antique store finds that Emmaline is the owner. Even though Brian has always had trouble committing to one woman, he feels an instant connection to Emmaline. The kiss was a big surprise to both of them but when Brian finds out that she is 6 month pregnant, he has to decide whether he wants to go back to NYC or stay in Rambling Rose with Emmaline. Will they get their HEA ending??
I always enjoy romance books by Michelle Major. There's always a little mystery and a lot of romance.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
Brian Fortune is in Rambling Rose, Texas for the wedding of his twin brother Brady. Brian is an advertising manager and lives in New York. Even though he is able to work remotely, he knows that he needs to return to NYC soon after the wedding. At midnight of New Year's Eve at the wedding reception, Brian kisses a woman that he's just met and after the kiss, she disappears. He finds out who she is when he goes to the local antique store finds that Emmaline is the owner. Even though Brian has always had trouble committing to one woman, he feels an instant connection to Emmaline. The kiss was a big surprise to both of them but when Brian finds out that she is 6 month pregnant, he has to decide whether he wants to go back to NYC or stay in Rambling Rose with Emmaline. Will they get their HEA ending??
I always enjoy romance books by Michelle Major. There's always a little mystery and a lot of romance.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
December 28, 2021
Antique store owner Emmaline lives a quiet life. The last thing she wants is to become the subject of gossip. It doesn't help that her mother keeps telling her she'll be shunned if anyone finds out she's pregnant, with no husband in sight.
When Brian rediscovers the beauty he kissed on New Year's Eve, he's eager to get to know her better. And he's got an excuse: he needs her help discovering the provenance of a wedding gift sent to his brother. But is he ready for the complications of dating a soon-to-be single mom?
This book is so lovely. It's got a strong family feel, and Emmaline's got a supportive friend circle as well. She doesn't let herself be cowed by her mother, and Brian really steps up to give her what she needs. The little mystery about the statue adds to the conflict and keeps the pages turning. It's a good choice to celebrate the new year.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
When Brian rediscovers the beauty he kissed on New Year's Eve, he's eager to get to know her better. And he's got an excuse: he needs her help discovering the provenance of a wedding gift sent to his brother. But is he ready for the complications of dating a soon-to-be single mom?
This book is so lovely. It's got a strong family feel, and Emmaline's got a supportive friend circle as well. She doesn't let herself be cowed by her mother, and Brian really steps up to give her what she needs. The little mystery about the statue adds to the conflict and keeps the pages turning. It's a good choice to celebrate the new year.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 31, 2021
A New Year's kiss might change the lives of Emmaline and Brian. Brian lives in New York but has come to Rambling Rose for his twin brother's wedding and he doesn't believe in commitment. Emmaline is six months pregnant and is the owner of her late grandpa's antique shop and his ready to raise her baby as a single mom. Soon a casual relationship develops, both in agreement to a month until Brian returns to New York. If only they listen to their hearts, will they have their HEA.
This story is full of emotion, love and family. A little bit of mystery of a trojan horse statue, that is not solved. This is part of s series of the Fortune family but also starts a new series. Looking forward to reading more.
This story is full of emotion, love and family. A little bit of mystery of a trojan horse statue, that is not solved. This is part of s series of the Fortune family but also starts a new series. Looking forward to reading more.
February 22, 2022
Cue "Some Enchanted Evening." Brian Fortune from Buffalo, NY, has come to Rambling Rose, Tx, to attend his twin brother's wedding, and stay to take care of Brady's twin 6 year olds, while Brady and his wife, Harper, are on their honeymoon. But at the wedding reception, Brian sees Emmaline Lewis, and that's all she wrote. Except, Brian is bent on returning to Buffalo, and Emmaline is esconced in Rambling Rose. But when Brian finds himself over his head with the twins, Emmaline steps in.
A continuing story line in the series this time is a mysterious sculpture that was left as a gift for the wedding. Emmaline, as an antique/collectable dealer, is in the right place at the right time to help get this mystery solved. Except, you know, 5 more books.
Nice story in the series.
A continuing story line in the series this time is a mysterious sculpture that was left as a gift for the wedding. Emmaline, as an antique/collectable dealer, is in the right place at the right time to help get this mystery solved. Except, you know, 5 more books.
Nice story in the series.
January 21, 2023
Two people not looking for a relationship or romance find it unexpectedly. Brian Fortune has come to care for this twin nephews while his brother Brady is on his honeymoon. He meets Emmaline who owns a shop that sells antiques. Someone had given his brother a sculptured horse that he is trying to find more information about. He nicknamed the horse Trojan. His nephews were afraid of it. He met a woman at a party who he kissed at midnight on New Year's Eve. Her name was Emmaline. He did not realize she owned the antiques shop until he went there to find out more information on Trojan. Their relationship between him and Emmaline developed very slowly. He did not even notice she was pregnant by an ex who wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. It was great story.
December 13, 2021
Emmaline has settled back in Rambling Rose to run her grandfather's antique shop. She is also pregnant and single. Brian Fortune is in Rambling Rose for his sibling's and cousin's big wedding New Year's Eve. Emmaline and Brian meet at the reception and almost kiss at midnight. After some discussion they try it again and the sizzle shocks both of them. Brian is set on returning to New York after his sister inlaw has her baby. Em is determined to raiser her daughter alone. Throw in some cute rambunctious twins and a mystery present and you have fate nudging to stubborn people towards each other. This is a wonderful story about possibilities when you think they can't possibly happen.
December 15, 2021
The Fortune family series has a long and successful history and this 1st book in the new series is a fabulous continuation. Brian Fortune is happily single and living life away from his family until he visits Rambling Rose and meets Emmaline Lewis, antique shop owner and mother to be. Doubts and fears throw up roadblocks to romance but a mysterious wedding gift from someone anonymous leads Brian and Emmaline to spend more time together. This slow burn relationship and the mystery gift kept me wanting to learn more and wanting to move to Rambling Rose to knock some sense into Brian haha! Michelle’s book was the perfect start to this new series and the intriguing mystery of the wedding gift.
December 20, 2021
A delightful meet-cute sets the stage for the newest Fortunes of Texas spinoff! Michelle Major delivers an intriguing mystery along with a heartwarming love story with the first book in the Fortunes of Texas: The Wedding Gift series, THEIR NEW YEAR'S BEGINNING. I loved the characters and their fast paced love story hooked me quickly. The added addition of some adorable kiddos in the picture was a smile worthy perk. I look forward to more to come in this series as a stellar mystery has been set.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery with enjoyable chemistry as another member of the Fortune family finds their happily ever after.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a touch of mystery with enjoyable chemistry as another member of the Fortune family finds their happily ever after.
December 24, 2021
Their New Year's Beginning is another beautiful book about the Fortune family, and this is the first book in a new series. Brian Fortune is very happy to be single and stay single, even if most of his family members are making their way to the altar. Emmaline has her future planned out also, and that includes her baby girl but no man in the picture. I found this to be a beautiful love story, where we come to expect the unexpected. I definitely would recommend this book to others. Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
January 16, 2022
Causal readers of the Fortune series will be confused at the beginning with all the previous couples, but stick with it because the payoff is worth it. Brian and Emmaline are an unlikely pair on paper, she’s pregnant with an ex’s baby, but they totally work in Major’s capable hands. A perfect Saturday afternoon escape.
February 28, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. Brian Fortune and Emmaline Lewis met on New Year's Eve when he saw her across the room and his cousin basically threw them together before midnight. Little did he know that she was hiding a little secret, and little did he know that being a 'Lone Wolf' was not what he was looking for.
December 12, 2021
Beautiful story love all the characters especially the Fortunes it's been so much fun getting to know all of them. I love how you still get glimpses into other fortunes lives through other stories. I can't wait to know what happens next.
January 1, 2022
Love it
July 19, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I have not read a book by Michelle Major that I haven't like and this one is no exception.
I loved Toby and Tyler and Brian.
I loved Toby and Tyler and Brian.
January 2, 2022
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
Michelle Major is a new-to-me author, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read one of her books- and look forward to reading more in the future. Their New Year's Beginning is a cute, HEA, romance story following Emmaline and Brian. It takes place in Texas and follows the Fortune family, I'm assuming are characters from another of Major's Texas series. Brian Fortune is a typical bachelor, while Emmaline is undergoing huge life changes as she faces life as a single mother. They meet at a party and hit if off and decide on a casual relationship until Brian leaves Texas to return to New York. However, as you can guess, they catch deeper feelings! This is a nice story of trust, family, and love. It was a lovely book to start out the New Year with. I definitely recommend the book as well as the author!
Michelle Major is a new-to-me author, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to read one of her books- and look forward to reading more in the future. Their New Year's Beginning is a cute, HEA, romance story following Emmaline and Brian. It takes place in Texas and follows the Fortune family, I'm assuming are characters from another of Major's Texas series. Brian Fortune is a typical bachelor, while Emmaline is undergoing huge life changes as she faces life as a single mother. They meet at a party and hit if off and decide on a casual relationship until Brian leaves Texas to return to New York. However, as you can guess, they catch deeper feelings! This is a nice story of trust, family, and love. It was a lovely book to start out the New Year with. I definitely recommend the book as well as the author!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews