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Annabelle Archer #9.5, 12, 15
Annabelle Archer's Holiday Collection
'Tis the season for mistletoe and matrimony--with a touch of murder.
3 books. 450+ pages of holiday cozy mysteries that are both merry and madcap.
The holidays are not so holly and jolly for DC's premier wedding planner. In two novellas and a novel, Annabelle Archer and her zany crew attempt to keep holiday spirits bright as they encounter an abandoned baby, search for a missing Santa Claus, and are snowed in for the holidays--with a killer. On top of all that? They've got holiday parties to plan and brides on the verge of throwing holiday hissy fits.
Annabelle Archer's Holiday Collection contains two novellas and one novel (all previously published) from the award-winning cozy mystery series. Books included:
Marry and Bright, A Novella--Book 11 in the series
Claus for Celebration--A Novel--Book 15 in the series
Slay Bells Ring--A Novella--Book 17 in the series
If you like larger-than-life characters, madcap capers, and an insider’s look at glamorous society weddings, then you’ll love this funny and festive holiday collection.
3 books. 450+ pages of holiday cozy mysteries that are both merry and madcap.
The holidays are not so holly and jolly for DC's premier wedding planner. In two novellas and a novel, Annabelle Archer and her zany crew attempt to keep holiday spirits bright as they encounter an abandoned baby, search for a missing Santa Claus, and are snowed in for the holidays--with a killer. On top of all that? They've got holiday parties to plan and brides on the verge of throwing holiday hissy fits.
Annabelle Archer's Holiday Collection contains two novellas and one novel (all previously published) from the award-winning cozy mystery series. Books included:
Marry and Bright, A Novella--Book 11 in the series
Claus for Celebration--A Novel--Book 15 in the series
Slay Bells Ring--A Novella--Book 17 in the series
If you like larger-than-life characters, madcap capers, and an insider’s look at glamorous society weddings, then you’ll love this funny and festive holiday collection.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2021
755 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
About the author
Laura Durham
32 books270 followersI'm a writer and reformed wedding planner who loves quiet mornings, great books, paddle boarding, and blackberry cobbler.
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 25, 2021
I'd read these books previously, but it was fun to skip around and read favorite bits from each story.
January 23, 2022
Ooookay
So this book has three stories in it, all Centers around Annabelle Archer, a wedding planner.
The first story I skipped after a few chapters. The third story I skipped after just a chapter. They bored me.
I only read the second story completely.
The story itself was interesting.
But the main character is not it
I had several problems with the characters.
1. the boyfriend Reese (?): he makes jokes such as „be glad I didn’t kill him (a friend of hers)“ and „be glad I didn’t have my gun with me“(about same friend“
Which rubbed me the wrong way. Especially because he is a freaking COP!! Like, I don’t want people with guns make that kind or comments. They came off really weird.
He also tracks the mc phone&uses it to find out where she is. And also tracks her friends phones??? Can’t imagine that shit it legal? To use your fucking police privilege for private stalking??
2. the friend Kate: spread a rumour that a competitors business was just a front for a strip climb or similar? Dafuq? And Is surprised the other girl was pissed?
3. the main character, the bitch. Naming a random woman on a party…“Boob Job Bambi“, because she had a boob job, get it? Haha how funny. Not! She was also the only character who specifically had her face described as „Botoxed forehead“. That description just reeked of misogyny against women who have cosmetic procedures done. Also, the way she describes Brianna was weird as well. And she called her a tramp? Which is not a nice thing to say?
Did not like it
So this book has three stories in it, all Centers around Annabelle Archer, a wedding planner.
The first story I skipped after a few chapters. The third story I skipped after just a chapter. They bored me.
I only read the second story completely.
The story itself was interesting.
But the main character is not it
I had several problems with the characters.
1. the boyfriend Reese (?): he makes jokes such as „be glad I didn’t kill him (a friend of hers)“ and „be glad I didn’t have my gun with me“(about same friend“
Which rubbed me the wrong way. Especially because he is a freaking COP!! Like, I don’t want people with guns make that kind or comments. They came off really weird.
He also tracks the mc phone&uses it to find out where she is. And also tracks her friends phones??? Can’t imagine that shit it legal? To use your fucking police privilege for private stalking??
2. the friend Kate: spread a rumour that a competitors business was just a front for a strip climb or similar? Dafuq? And Is surprised the other girl was pissed?
3. the main character, the bitch. Naming a random woman on a party…“Boob Job Bambi“, because she had a boob job, get it? Haha how funny. Not! She was also the only character who specifically had her face described as „Botoxed forehead“. That description just reeked of misogyny against women who have cosmetic procedures done. Also, the way she describes Brianna was weird as well. And she called her a tramp? Which is not a nice thing to say?
Did not like it
November 9, 2021
One of my favorite things to do at this time of year is to find a cozy spot, snuggle up in a warm blanket, and read holiday themed books! Since one of my favorite authors is Laura Durham, I was thrilled to find a collection of several of her holiday stories all conveniently located in one book. This collection includes 2 novellas and a novel, all starring Annabelle Archer and her wacky friends. Read along as Annabelle and her gang search for the mother of a baby mysteriously left on a doorstep, attempt to find out what happened to a missing Santa Claus, and try to solve a murder in Annabelle's own apartment building while trapped with the killer in a raging blizzard! The action is fast-paced and furious, and involves mystery solving while also dealing with angry bridal planners and hysterical brides. It just doesn't get better than this! I recommend you buy this book, find a comfy spot by the fire, and settle in for a fun holiday read. I received an ARC copy of this book, but the opinions expressed are solely my own. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!
December 20, 2022
Rollicking great fun!
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series but I want to now! You won’t miss much imho if you’re new to the characters, it’s pretty easy to catch up on the latest. It’s kind of like coming in at the middl off a party, you enjoy it even if you aren’t up on the latest gossip.
Annabelle and company are a hoot! Warm but wild and not too sweet. The romance between Annabelle and her cop as well as the other romances that spring up along the way feel natural and completely believable.
For some mystery holiday hi-jinks, I highly recommend this set of books!
I haven’t read any of the other books in this series but I want to now! You won’t miss much imho if you’re new to the characters, it’s pretty easy to catch up on the latest. It’s kind of like coming in at the middl off a party, you enjoy it even if you aren’t up on the latest gossip.
Annabelle and company are a hoot! Warm but wild and not too sweet. The romance between Annabelle and her cop as well as the other romances that spring up along the way feel natural and completely believable.
For some mystery holiday hi-jinks, I highly recommend this set of books!
December 26, 2021
Christmas reading
I actually read these books over the Christmas holidays and I enjoyed every minute that I spent reading them. It was a joy meeting Annabelle, Kate, Richard, Leatrice, Fern, Reese and the others. As I tried to put faces to the characters, the eccentricities of each made all so very distinctive and memorable. I could not help but laugh at the doses of humor interspersed throughout the story. The narratives flowed well and the stories were the right length, adding to the joy of the reading experience.
Three clean, enjoyable reads. Go ahead, start reading.
I actually read these books over the Christmas holidays and I enjoyed every minute that I spent reading them. It was a joy meeting Annabelle, Kate, Richard, Leatrice, Fern, Reese and the others. As I tried to put faces to the characters, the eccentricities of each made all so very distinctive and memorable. I could not help but laugh at the doses of humor interspersed throughout the story. The narratives flowed well and the stories were the right length, adding to the joy of the reading experience.
Three clean, enjoyable reads. Go ahead, start reading.
December 26, 2021
Erm, hmm, ho hum
These books are driven more on the people involved than any actual ‘cozy’. The amount and type and temperature of the coffee drunk, the clothes, personalities etc and the divider between the kitchen and lounge/ dining area of a flat. Really the rest is just as banal.
No one stretches a button on a suit coat by exhaling! It’s inhaling that does that! That’s the kind of useless drivel that’s in these books.
These books are driven more on the people involved than any actual ‘cozy’. The amount and type and temperature of the coffee drunk, the clothes, personalities etc and the divider between the kitchen and lounge/ dining area of a flat. Really the rest is just as banal.
No one stretches a button on a suit coat by exhaling! It’s inhaling that does that! That’s the kind of useless drivel that’s in these books.
Read
January 9, 2022Entertaining
This charming set of books kept me engrossed and smiling as I followed the adventures of Annabelle and her friends. She and her friends encountered dead bodies and worked to solve the murders in spite of her detective, Reese, encouraging her to let the police handle it.
This charming set of books kept me engrossed and smiling as I followed the adventures of Annabelle and her friends. She and her friends encountered dead bodies and worked to solve the murders in spite of her detective, Reese, encouraging her to let the police handle it.
December 30, 2023
Wedding Belles, a blizzard and a murder!
I discovered the author, Laura Durham quite by chance, but have now read 3 of her books featuring a colorful cast of characters, mostly centered around a wedding planning group called Wedding Belles. These light, friendly stories will keep you turning the pages and bring joy to your day!
I discovered the author, Laura Durham quite by chance, but have now read 3 of her books featuring a colorful cast of characters, mostly centered around a wedding planning group called Wedding Belles. These light, friendly stories will keep you turning the pages and bring joy to your day!
November 13, 2021
I have read one or two of these before but I re read them and just reading them all three in a row just made the holiday spirit come alive. Once again I'm in Annabelle's world where all might not be right, but all is fun and good. Read these and you're guaranteed to have your mood lifted!!
November 30, 2021
Cozy mystery
This series is perfection. I was grinning the whole way through. Despite not having read the rest of the series yet it was easy to follow and get to know the characters. Fun mysteries that incorporate the spirit of Christmas and friendship perfectly.
This series is perfection. I was grinning the whole way through. Despite not having read the rest of the series yet it was easy to follow and get to know the characters. Fun mysteries that incorporate the spirit of Christmas and friendship perfectly.
December 1, 2021
It was to read with
somequirky characters . Surprising twist and turns. Thought after reading a few of the books in the series of was easier to pick out the culprit. But still would recommend the book series.
somequirky characters . Surprising twist and turns. Thought after reading a few of the books in the series of was easier to pick out the culprit. But still would recommend the book series.
December 2, 2021
Humorous mysteries
Quirky characters solve Christmas murders. Humorous dialogue makes these mysteries enjoyable. Highly recommend these light hearted stories of friendship and mayhem.
Quirky characters solve Christmas murders. Humorous dialogue makes these mysteries enjoyable. Highly recommend these light hearted stories of friendship and mayhem.
December 3, 2021
Fun characters and story
This collection of Christmas novels is clean and funny with real mysteries and adventures. A stress on positive without being preachy. I loved the outrageous character who remain consistent in every way. Thank you for a great Christmas read
This collection of Christmas novels is clean and funny with real mysteries and adventures. A stress on positive without being preachy. I loved the outrageous character who remain consistent in every way. Thank you for a great Christmas read
December 9, 2021
Luxury Wedding Planners
Great wedding and Christmas stories. The wedding planner and her friends find themselves in New mysteries, and to solve the crimes, they investigato on the sidelines. The solution is always a surprise.
Great wedding and Christmas stories. The wedding planner and her friends find themselves in New mysteries, and to solve the crimes, they investigato on the sidelines. The solution is always a surprise.
December 11, 2021
Thoroughly entertaining
Annabelle and Kate wedding planners and by circumstances detectives solving murders with the help of their eclectic and eccentric friends—Thoroughly entertaining
Annabelle and Kate wedding planners and by circumstances detectives solving murders with the help of their eclectic and eccentric friends—Thoroughly entertaining
December 12, 2021
Clever, funny, great mystery with Christmas added to the mix!
Witty, silly, clever and enjoyable read! I love cozy mysteries, and Christmas stories. This was a zany combination of both with a great group of wacky people!!!
Witty, silly, clever and enjoyable read! I love cozy mysteries, and Christmas stories. This was a zany combination of both with a great group of wacky people!!!
December 31, 2021
easy reading
A unique group comes together to plan weddings and solve murders. The stories are cute, characters quirky, and I enjoyed the three books. I don’t think I’d last the series, though.
A unique group comes together to plan weddings and solve murders. The stories are cute, characters quirky, and I enjoyed the three books. I don’t think I’d last the series, though.
January 10, 2022
pure saccharine
If a brainless, goody goody opus is needed to waste time, this is it. Of course, these are cozy mysteries, but they transcend to cloying. Thumbs up though for the attempt to be an actual mystery.
If a brainless, goody goody opus is needed to waste time, this is it. Of course, these are cozy mysteries, but they transcend to cloying. Thumbs up though for the attempt to be an actual mystery.
Read
April 14, 2022Truly a cosy experience
I received this ebook in exchange for a review. These characters have become etched in my mind, i thoroughly enjoy reading about them. They always manage to help solve a crime. The xmas story was particularly memorable.
I received this ebook in exchange for a review. These characters have become etched in my mind, i thoroughly enjoy reading about them. They always manage to help solve a crime. The xmas story was particularly memorable.
December 6, 2022
What fun Christmas reads!!
I loved Annabelle’s relationships with her friends. All 3 books were definitely page turners and I was not able to figure out who was guilty. I loved that it was laugh out loud funny, no foul language and no sex.
I loved Annabelle’s relationships with her friends. All 3 books were definitely page turners and I was not able to figure out who was guilty. I loved that it was laugh out loud funny, no foul language and no sex.
December 30, 2023
What a Cast of characters
How Laura Durham descri
bes these characters is delightfully unique. My favorite is the gay wedding
planner and his diverse recipes and matching themes. Well done.
How Laura Durham descri
bes these characters is delightfully unique. My favorite is the gay wedding
planner and his diverse recipes and matching themes. Well done.
August 20, 2024
Great stories
I love how the stories fed from one to another, so it was just like a seamless transition. You didn’t have to stop and try and figure out what happened two or three stories ago just flowed from one to another great storyline.
I love how the stories fed from one to another, so it was just like a seamless transition. You didn’t have to stop and try and figure out what happened two or three stories ago just flowed from one to another great storyline.
October 2, 2024
Wedding planner mystery
There are 3 separate stories in this collection and all are very good and entertaining. They are set during Christmas and New Year's. Great mysteries. Love her stories.
There are 3 separate stories in this collection and all are very good and entertaining. They are set during Christmas and New Year's. Great mysteries. Love her stories.
November 2, 2021
I read and enjoyed these 3 books when they were originally published. A nice way to get in the holiday mood.
November 27, 2021
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious❣️ Lovely❣️ Lovely❣️ Lovely❣️
December 7, 2021
Awesome
Great characters, half crazy but totally believable at the same time. Wonderful situations with a big cash of Christmas cheer
Great characters, half crazy but totally believable at the same time. Wonderful situations with a big cash of Christmas cheer
December 11, 2021
Quirky, enjoyable characters
This was a really enjoyable holiday collection. I really liked all the characters. They were quirky and interesting. All three stories held my interest.
This was a really enjoyable holiday collection. I really liked all the characters. They were quirky and interesting. All three stories held my interest.
December 17, 2021
Annabelle Archer's Holiday Collection is an absolute Christmas delight. If you don't already have these three books, gift yourself the collection.
December 18, 2021
Wedding Planner holiday collection
I loved all 3 of the Christmas stories. Annabelles friends are are quirky, and fun. I recommend this series highly.
I loved all 3 of the Christmas stories. Annabelles friends are are quirky, and fun. I recommend this series highly.
February 8, 2022
Annabelle archers holiday collection
I like books that I can pick up and read anytime and getting to know the characters and how they interact with each other.
I like books that I can pick up and read anytime and getting to know the characters and how they interact with each other.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews