The Bridesmaid's Hero

by Narelle Atkins

Pastry chef Serena Blaxland isn’t staying in the small Australian town of Snowgum Creek. She’s there for her sister’s wedding, and to help out at the family B&B until her mother’s arm heals. Sparks fly when the handsome driver of their bridal car saves Serena from disrupting her sister’s perfect wedding day.

Harry Westmore’s dream of becoming an equine vet was put on hold when his father passed away. He’s working several jobs in his home town to pay his bills and prepare for his future career. He can’t stay away from the beautiful chef when he visits the B&B each day to look after her mother’s horses.

Serena’s home is in Canberra, where she has built a successful career. When Harry’s offered an opportunity too good to refuse, they must decide if their love and faith can overcome all obstacles.

The Bridesmaid’s Hero is a standalone novella and Book 1.5 in the Snowgum Creek series.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children.

A lifelong romance reader, Narelle found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Her contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia and international locations.

Reviews

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

Reading Challenge Categories:
-#Ampersand2019 Reading Challenge: A book by an Australian author
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Under 200 pages
-Hope By the Book Reading Challenge: Flowers on cover
-Popsugar Reading Challenge: A book that includes a wedding

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely romance based on two strong characters: Serena Blaxland and Harry Westmore who meet on the day of her sister's wedding. He happens to be the driver of the wedding car Serena is assigned to. There is a family connection already through his mother working for her parents and it's not long before the two mums are planning a wedding between the two.

However, there are some very practical matters that need to be resolved before any romance can truly develop between the two smitten love birds. And it's this aspect of the story that i enjoyed reading the most. There's an issue of location: they live in separate places, and then there's Harry's career. When they first meet Harry is an odd job man but aspires to build a career in tending to horses. I appreciated how the author dealt with these issues together with their faith and love for each other. These are tricky real issues and were presented well in the story.

It was very easy to turn the pages and I enjoyed meeting Serena and Harry and look forward to reading more of Narelle's stories.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trusting God for the future

Serena was a pastry chef with an established career in Canberra, Harry is working multiple jobs in Snowgum Creek to be able to afford the study needed to become a vet. The attraction is real, but neither can see how a future together could work. Trust in God plus communication with each other and with family make it possible.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

This author was new to me and I am so glad I picked up this novella. The characters were great and I loved the plot. I will look for more books from Narelle Atkins.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Narelle Atkins stories. And this one was no exception. Love reconnecting with characters from previous stories though her books are great as stand alone's. And it's always fun to read about the land down under. Serena and Harry were great main characters. Some comedy, some struggles and some sacrifice to move along the power of love.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella by Narelle Atkins. It comes right after Falling for the Farmer in the Snowgum Creek series, but can be read as a standalone. A sigh-worthy hero sweet romance for an afternoon read.

Serena Blaxland is a bridesmaid in her sister's wedding. From the bride's friend causing problems to Serena suffering a wardrobe malfunction, her hero comes to the rescue. But she's just met him. Can he be the man she's been searching for and not knowing it even though they just met?

Harry Westmore has several odd jobs, one of which is to drive the bridesmaids to the wedding. He and Serena hit it off after just meeting. But he's only interested in a holiday romance, isn't he? He thinks because of their financial gap, he isn't good enough for her.

He's from the country, loves horses. She lives in the city in an apartment. His dad ran off and left him and his mom struggling. He can't be in a relationship and not be able to provide for his wife.Can she look past his income and see the person he is? Will she see him as a potential husband even though she makes more money than he does and he wants to finish school to get his dream job? If he takes his dream job, can they maintain a long distance relationship? Can he overcome his misgivings and welcome love into his life? Check out this great book to see!

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[T. Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!

(Sigh) What a lovely romance and utterly sigh-worthy. This is a beautifully written novella with the perfect amount of details, conflict and a wonderful HEA. What I really enjoyed was the courtship. It didn't feel rushed or leave me with wanting more. That can be a hard thing to accomplish within the confines of a novella, but Narelle Atkins succeeded and then some. On top of that, we get to visit Australia and get a taste of their life. I'm looking forward to reading more about life and loves in Snowgum Creek.

I was gifted an ARC of the Love Blossoms Anthology in exchange for my honest opinion. The Bridesmaid's Hero is one of seven stories that make up this anthology.

[Bhriv · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bridesmaid's Hero, written by Narelle Atkins, is the first book I've read by this author.  I think my favorite character was Harry.  His father died when he was a teenager and left his family in debt, so he was unable to go to college.  He lived with his mom and yet worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet for he and his mom.  Driving as a chauffeur was one of his jobs, that is where he met Serena.  You'll enjoy this read as you read about them going their friendship all because of a broken heal on a shoe.  I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Christian romance set in romantic Australia. A friend's wedding has a few unexpected glitches which introduces bridesmaid, Serena, to chaffeur, Harry. In the weeks following the wedding they grow deeply attached. However, both have dreams that separate them by miles; can their love build the trust needed to bridge the distance and help them cross in faith?

Clean, cozy romance, filled with faith. Events happen quickly in this story , but it is a novella and that should be expected. I read this in the Love Blossoms Christian Romance Set.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story of Harry and Serena. I liked the characters and their story. I couldn’t decide whether to laugh at or be frustrated by Harry’s and Serena’s matchmaking mothers. Harry and Serena had to figure out how to make their relationship work when they lived so far from each other. Harry had to decide whether to follow his head or to follow his heart and trust God. I would recommend this book.
I was given an e-copy of this book in the Love Blossoms collection in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having a family wedding really close the title caught my interest. Loved that this story mentioned the wedding but it was more about what happened to the bridesmaid who was trying to make sure the bride's day was perfect. It then moved to her and all the changes that she was experiencing in her life and how when she wasn't paying attention her hero becomes a much larger hero.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was sweet with a swoon worthy hero. There was a pretty big conflict to resolve between the H and h. Even though it was short, it did move a little slow for me which took it to 3.5 stars. I received an ARC for the anthology this story was a part of in exchange for an honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor to review this wonderful book for the author. When Serena comes home for her sisters wedding she never expected to meet someone like Harry. Watching Serena and Harry's relationship grow is truly remarkable. You can feel God working throughout this whole book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful love story. I really enjoyed learning a bit about Australia from this story. The characters were very easy to get to know and their stories, individual and together, kept the story moving along. I highly recommend this story. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful quick read taking place in Australia. I loved this novella. It is well written and I fell in love with the characters.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters were likable, and it kept my attention. I most definitely will be looking into the rest of the series!

[Carolyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great premise, realistic characters, believable romance, set in the picturesque foothills of the Australian Snowy Mountains. What's not to love?

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Romance

The Bridesmaid's Hero is a sweet romance set in Australia. I truly enjoyed the setting and reading about a country I've never had the pleasure of visiting.