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Marcelli #1
The Sparkling One
For the Marcelli sisters of California wine country, the season is ripe for romance!
A party planner extraordinaire, Katie Marcelli loves her big, boisterous family -- even when their chronic matchmaking drives her crazy! In the Marcelli household, fine wine and good food are as celebrated as true love, so when her eighteen-year-old sister announces her engagement, Katie promises her the perfect wedding. There's only one hitch: the father of the groom, Zach Stryker, who is adamantly opposed to his son marrying so young. Now, despite her instant attraction to the handsome, arrogant attorney, Katie must approach with caution: Zach, who hired Katie for a major fund-raiser, holds the fate of her business in his hands -- and how can she trust a man who is willing to break her sister's heart? It will take a passionate battle of wills to determine if wedding bells will ring for a Marcelli bride, and to unlock the deepest desires -- for family, love, and home -- inside a strong-willed man's heart.
A party planner extraordinaire, Katie Marcelli loves her big, boisterous family -- even when their chronic matchmaking drives her crazy! In the Marcelli household, fine wine and good food are as celebrated as true love, so when her eighteen-year-old sister announces her engagement, Katie promises her the perfect wedding. There's only one hitch: the father of the groom, Zach Stryker, who is adamantly opposed to his son marrying so young. Now, despite her instant attraction to the handsome, arrogant attorney, Katie must approach with caution: Zach, who hired Katie for a major fund-raiser, holds the fate of her business in his hands -- and how can she trust a man who is willing to break her sister's heart? It will take a passionate battle of wills to determine if wedding bells will ring for a Marcelli bride, and to unlock the deepest desires -- for family, love, and home -- inside a strong-willed man's heart.
Meet the Marcelli family in a wonderful series that's warm, witty, and stunningly sensual. Look for The Sassy One, The Seductive One, and The Marcelli Bride, all available from Pocket Star Books!
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2003
746 people are currently reading
2752 people want to read
About the author
Susan Mallery
862 books15.4k followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.
Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
April 12, 2020
3,5 / 5
dnf
July 18, 2014DNF @40%
I won't bother rating this, it wouldn't be fair since I never did finish. This is the first in a series and unfortunately for me, it didn't hold my attention. I think after 115 pages, I could make that assessment confidently. I couldn't connect with the main characters or any other characters for that matter. It wasn't necessarily slow, but it didn't go anywhere either. Katie, the heroine fell flat for me. And worse, Zach, the male lead was as interesting as a stale cracker. For a character described as being powerful, charming, sexy and a hit with the ladies, he was awfully boring. The story just didn't flow, or maybe I was so bored I didn't notice.
It definitely had the set up to be a great book with a large family that owned a vineyard, a father desperately trying to stop the wedding between his 18 year old son and his fiancée, deception, divorce, tears and obviously some intended laughs. I try not to compare but this review begs for it. A large family that runs a vineyard with a colorful cast and engaging drama? Look no further than The Blue Heron series by Kristan Higgins. That was done right, done so well, it remains one of my favorite series of all time so far.
This fell flat and couldn't hold my attention. I do plan to read more from this author because maybe this particular series didn't wow me, but I'm hopeful some of her other books might.
I won't bother rating this, it wouldn't be fair since I never did finish. This is the first in a series and unfortunately for me, it didn't hold my attention. I think after 115 pages, I could make that assessment confidently. I couldn't connect with the main characters or any other characters for that matter. It wasn't necessarily slow, but it didn't go anywhere either. Katie, the heroine fell flat for me. And worse, Zach, the male lead was as interesting as a stale cracker. For a character described as being powerful, charming, sexy and a hit with the ladies, he was awfully boring. The story just didn't flow, or maybe I was so bored I didn't notice.
It definitely had the set up to be a great book with a large family that owned a vineyard, a father desperately trying to stop the wedding between his 18 year old son and his fiancée, deception, divorce, tears and obviously some intended laughs. I try not to compare but this review begs for it. A large family that runs a vineyard with a colorful cast and engaging drama? Look no further than The Blue Heron series by Kristan Higgins. That was done right, done so well, it remains one of my favorite series of all time so far.
This fell flat and couldn't hold my attention. I do plan to read more from this author because maybe this particular series didn't wow me, but I'm hopeful some of her other books might.
December 19, 2011
I'm on a roll! Seriously, I cannot stop reading! Those books are wonderful, and I so love female bonding stories!
The book is about 4 sisters, Marcelli sisters, who, with half of the family Italian and the other half Irish, are in big troubles ;) All the family wants for them is to get married and have tons of babies.
This first book is all about their stories and relationships, even if it's focused on the first sister, Katie, who's a wonderful business woman, who is going to accept the challenge of her life...
I'm really into those stories, so I'm already onto the second one!
The book is about 4 sisters, Marcelli sisters, who, with half of the family Italian and the other half Irish, are in big troubles ;) All the family wants for them is to get married and have tons of babies.
This first book is all about their stories and relationships, even if it's focused on the first sister, Katie, who's a wonderful business woman, who is going to accept the challenge of her life...
I'm really into those stories, so I'm already onto the second one!
January 2, 2012
The Sparkling One (Marcelli, #1): A quick 5 star read with a great start to a series
Now, I really enjoy this novel. It reminded me of the wedding planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey
Three awesome things about this book
1. The Family
There is a big emphasis on family in this book. We are talking serious Italian wine makers here. They are so Italian for a minute i thought they were all immigrants. The family was lovely yet heartbreaking. The traditions and emphasis on loyalty and love are admirable but sometimes tradition can mar the independence of a 21st century woman! Mallery did a great job of creating well rounded characters so that it felt more like a movie than a book
2. The chemistry
The chemistry between the hero and heroine is very nice. It was humorous and steamy. Great sex! Nice Banter! Nice Build up :)
3. The Love
That might seem like an ambiguous statement however we are shown many types of love in this novel. From young, to second chance, to unrequited, to family, to steamy. It is really nice to see that Susan Mallery really involved the family into this romance book without taking away from the main story line.
soooo in conclusion...You guys should read this ^_^
Now, I really enjoy this novel. It reminded me of the wedding planner with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey
Three awesome things about this book
1. The Family
There is a big emphasis on family in this book. We are talking serious Italian wine makers here. They are so Italian for a minute i thought they were all immigrants. The family was lovely yet heartbreaking. The traditions and emphasis on loyalty and love are admirable but sometimes tradition can mar the independence of a 21st century woman! Mallery did a great job of creating well rounded characters so that it felt more like a movie than a book
2. The chemistry
The chemistry between the hero and heroine is very nice. It was humorous and steamy. Great sex! Nice Banter! Nice Build up :)
3. The Love
That might seem like an ambiguous statement however we are shown many types of love in this novel. From young, to second chance, to unrequited, to family, to steamy. It is really nice to see that Susan Mallery really involved the family into this romance book without taking away from the main story line.
soooo in conclusion...You guys should read this ^_^
April 18, 2011
Ben kitabı çok beğendim. Eğlenceli şen şakrat baya da matrak bir aileyle karşı karşıyayız :) İtalyanlar türklere çok benziyorlar derlerdide inanmazdım onlarında kalça basen problemi varmış öğrendim bu kitapta :D Zach e ne denirki :D Adam gözümün önünde canlanınca iç çekesim geliyor :d Neyse öhöm konumuza geçelim. Hikaye Katie nin kariyerini yüksek yerlere taşıcak bir yardım balosunu planlama işini alması ve çok seksi bulduğu hatta anannelerinde kurtulmak için bu adamı çok seksi diye tarif etmesinden 2 dakika sonra patronunun ufak kızkardeşinin müstakbel kayınpederi olduğunu öğrenmesi üzerine başlar. Zach 17 yaşında baba ve koca olmuş. Evliliği berbat geçip eşinin onu süper bir şekilde dolandırıp deyim yerindeyse donuna kadar alıp çocuğuda ona bırakması yüzünden çocuğunun 18 yaşında evlenmesine karşıdır. Ama oğlunu tanıyor ve karşı çıkarsa onu hepten kaybedeceğini biliyordur. Bu yüzden Katie yi safhına geçirmek için bu iş teklifinde bulunmuştur. Ama bu sürekli görüşmeleri anlamına geliyordur. Bu durum Katie nin Zach yanındayken çoşan hormonları ve aralarındaki şiddetli çekim için hiç iyi değildir.
March 21, 2021
3.5 stars as by the middle of the book I got engaged in the story and it built to a great ending.
The Marcelli family is boisterous.
I did skim some.
Francesca’s appearance changes were interesting! So yes I will try to read book 2.
The Marcelli family is boisterous.
I did skim some.
Francesca’s appearance changes were interesting! So yes I will try to read book 2.
May 13, 2013
Bu kitapla yeni bir seriye başlıyoruz.. Marcelli Sisters of Pleasure Road 1. The Sparkling One2. The Sassy One 3. The Seductive One 4. The Marcelli Bride 5. The Marcelli Princess A Marcelli Wedding: Marcelli Bride / Marcelli Princess Gördüğünüz gibi Marcelli kızkardeşlerinin hikayelerini okuyacağız.İtalyan kökenli bir ailenin içine giriyoruz... Keyifli,eğlenceli ,romantik bir seri.Üstelik devamı gelmez gibi bir endişe içinde olmamak,gönül rahatlığıyla kitabı alabilmek de çok güzel.. Tekrar teşekkürler Koridor Yayınları Işıldayan'ı sonunda bitirdim denildiği gibi tam bir beyaz dizi tadındaydı.Başlarda biraz sıkılsamda sonradan çok güzel gitmeye başladı.Marcelli kızkardeşlerin hayatları aşkları beni çok güzel sarmaladı..Sonlara doğru ise hikaye zirve yaptı diyebilirim.Herkese tavsiye ederim..Teşekkürler Koridor Ailesi...
May 5, 2012
I'm not sure what it is about certain books, but sometimes when it's just what you need, at the right time, and your in the right frame of mind...it's like magic. You completely enjoy yourself throughout, submit to the wonderment, and then at the end you're left with warm fuzzies and contentment and a sense of hope.
I love that moment when you shut a good book and there is a mixture of feeling. It's bittersweet.
I love that moment when you shut a good book and there is a mixture of feeling. It's bittersweet.
August 24, 2011
kesinlikle harikaydı! yazarın akıcı ve espirili anlatımına hayran olmamak elde değil. hele kız kardeşler arası atışmalar ve iki esas karakterimiz Katie ve Zach'in çekişmelerini okumak müthiş eğlenceliydi. kesinlikle tavsiye ediyorum. :D
August 9, 2017
I didn't really like the characters no matter how hard I tried and the story couldn't keep my attention...
April 21, 2020
A sweet feel good happy ever after.
Even though this genre could be considered predictable, this plot was unique. I'm looking forward to the next sister's story.
Even though this genre could be considered predictable, this plot was unique. I'm looking forward to the next sister's story.
December 30, 2019
The Marcelli family loves their matchmaking and of course pasta! Honestly, you can never get enough pasta, plus this family is so loud and fun, they are truly interesting to be around. You really come to enjoy all the characters and families. Definitely lots of interactions between the families, room for growth and of course the realizations that the main characters face.
So Katie Marcelli is tasked with planning her younger sister's (18!) wedding, all the while having to plan a major fundraiser for Zach Stryker (the father of the young groom). Yes, what could possibly go wrong and what could possibly be Zach's motive? Oh but look, sparks are definitely flying between Katie and Zach.
A good balance of family, friendship and fun all around. It was a predictable but fairly fun read.
So Katie Marcelli is tasked with planning her younger sister's (18!) wedding, all the while having to plan a major fundraiser for Zach Stryker (the father of the young groom). Yes, what could possibly go wrong and what could possibly be Zach's motive? Oh but look, sparks are definitely flying between Katie and Zach.
A good balance of family, friendship and fun all around. It was a predictable but fairly fun read.
August 1, 2020
The first book in the Marcelli series, and my first book from Susan Mallery. It took me a little bit to get into her style and the vibe of the book, but once I got over that hump, I got sucked into the story and just went along for the ride.
The Marcelli family was fun, and there was plenty of drama. The romance between Katie and Zach was nice – it didn’t sizzle my toes off, but it was sweet and enjoyable and despite the drama, it seemed pretty easy for them to fall in love.
This combined family with romance, so it had a few more POVs than just the main characters, and there was a fun set up for the star-crossed family feud romance with Brenna.
I think I’ll finish the rest of the series, because it was a fun read and sometimes that’s nice to have.
The Marcelli family was fun, and there was plenty of drama. The romance between Katie and Zach was nice – it didn’t sizzle my toes off, but it was sweet and enjoyable and despite the drama, it seemed pretty easy for them to fall in love.
This combined family with romance, so it had a few more POVs than just the main characters, and there was a fun set up for the star-crossed family feud romance with Brenna.
I think I’ll finish the rest of the series, because it was a fun read and sometimes that’s nice to have.
October 15, 2023
Once I got about 100 pages in was when I felt like the book started to take shape. The grandparents really made the book almost not enjoyable and I cringed anytime the grandparents would mention that the need to marry young even if it means marrying the wrong person. Oh and the fact that they were very insistent on the girls having babies. I understand that this is how some families are, but literally mentioning that every time they were brought into the story. David was a pain in the ass and I’m so glad that him and Mia didn’t stay together. They were super toxic and David was a total jerk. I now have to read the rest of the series, but for me personally I don’t think I’ll ever read this book again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2017
Susan Mallery is a perfect beach read romance. A story focused as much on friendship and family as the romance itself. This one falls into the liked, not loved category. Some fundamental aspects of the plot strain credulity – for example, the hero and heroine meet because he hires her to run a huge charity event. He selected her, however, because his son was engaged to her sister and he wants to break the romance up.
As much as I like a big family, at times it became too much, especially the way the patriarch intimidated everyone about sticking with tradition and old line rules.
Despite the flaws, I had fun with it and would read other books in this series.
As much as I like a big family, at times it became too much, especially the way the patriarch intimidated everyone about sticking with tradition and old line rules.
Despite the flaws, I had fun with it and would read other books in this series.
January 13, 2024
I love this story.
Katie is trying to plan her party while helping her youngest sister get married. Zach is the client and the father of the groom to be. He believes both are too young and trying to find a way to stop the wedding. Katie just wants her sister's happiness. Both on opposite sides and yet there is chemistry between the two.
I absolutely love this book. It's a bit forbidden because he's the dad of her sister's fiance. It's also a bit of an age gap romance too. This is a book to reread many times because it just gets better with every read. I recommend this book.
Katie is trying to plan her party while helping her youngest sister get married. Zach is the client and the father of the groom to be. He believes both are too young and trying to find a way to stop the wedding. Katie just wants her sister's happiness. Both on opposite sides and yet there is chemistry between the two.
I absolutely love this book. It's a bit forbidden because he's the dad of her sister's fiance. It's also a bit of an age gap romance too. This is a book to reread many times because it just gets better with every read. I recommend this book.
February 15, 2024
Adorable from the Prologue. I had so much fun reading this story that I dislike putting it down. Perfect book to read on Valentines day. Not a true Enemies to Lovers book but it had its minute of definite not friends to lovers. The Marcellis are so much fun to read about that I'm going to hit up the library to find the next book in the series and relax with that one too in between all other duties. I liked Katie's character a lot, she was independent, loyal to her family and her sisters and a smart business woman and Zach was a shark of a lawyer but a devoted single dad. Enjoyed the family moments very much.
May 29, 2022
Great start to the series; introduced the family and all of the sisters. Zach and Katie were a good match and I really enjoyed their story. Only thing I found disappointing was Brenna folding on making her soon to be ex-husband pay. She (stupidly) gave up everything she wanted in life to pay for her husband's medical schooling and their living expenses then he dumps her. I understand she wants it behind her but the lawyer could have handled it all & still gone for more. She was a bit of a doormat to let him get away with everything so not really looking forward to her book.
January 16, 2025
This was my first time reading this author's work and I've decided I love her style. Expertly written, the chemistry between Katie and Zach jumped off the pages - I not only read it I felt it as well. Their individual characters are complex, but page by page I understood who they were and why they reacted as they did. The secondary characters were great too. There's a lot going on in this story (subplots), but everything ties together nicely. I enjoyed the unexpected twists and surprises. Some spice but not overdone.
October 6, 2018
Işıldayan (The Marcelli Family Serisi 1)
Susan Mallery
Ne tatlı bir hikayeydi böyle bayıldım. Aileye aşklara ve o tatlı Kate'e.
İnsanların hayatları bazen istemedikleri şeyleri önüne getirebiliyor ve aile ve aşk hepsini silip yenisini ortaya koyuyor. İşte hikaye böyle bir şeydi Zach oğlunu korunmaya çalışan bir baba ve Kate işi kardeşi ailesi ve patronu arasında kalan harika bir kadın☺
Ben sevdim Kate Zach ve ikisinin arasında ki uyumunu ve merakla diğer mükemmel aile üyelerini okumak istiyorum
Susan Mallery
Ne tatlı bir hikayeydi böyle bayıldım. Aileye aşklara ve o tatlı Kate'e.
İnsanların hayatları bazen istemedikleri şeyleri önüne getirebiliyor ve aile ve aşk hepsini silip yenisini ortaya koyuyor. İşte hikaye böyle bir şeydi Zach oğlunu korunmaya çalışan bir baba ve Kate işi kardeşi ailesi ve patronu arasında kalan harika bir kadın☺
Ben sevdim Kate Zach ve ikisinin arasında ki uyumunu ve merakla diğer mükemmel aile üyelerini okumak istiyorum
March 9, 2024
Wonderful characters!
This was a fun book to read. It was full of colorful characters. The youngest granddaughter of a wine maker from Italy plans to get married. Everyone is happy except the groom’s father. As he works to convince the bride’s sister to help him stop the wedding, he finds his own emotions taking a plunge.
This is a wonderful family drama with lots of laughter, hovering, arguments, and deep family love. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
This was a fun book to read. It was full of colorful characters. The youngest granddaughter of a wine maker from Italy plans to get married. Everyone is happy except the groom’s father. As he works to convince the bride’s sister to help him stop the wedding, he finds his own emotions taking a plunge.
This is a wonderful family drama with lots of laughter, hovering, arguments, and deep family love. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
May 23, 2024
The Marcelli’s
This is the first book I have read of Susan Mallery and I can’t wait to read another one.
This story revolves around the Marcelli sisters. This large Italian family owns and runs a winery in California. These four sisters are very much a part of the winery and are still very attached to each other and their elderly family members. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
This is the first book I have read of Susan Mallery and I can’t wait to read another one.
This story revolves around the Marcelli sisters. This large Italian family owns and runs a winery in California. These four sisters are very much a part of the winery and are still very attached to each other and their elderly family members. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 2, 2024
Nicely done, and with humor!
This is a nice, simple romantic story. Nothing stressful, not suspenseful, just simply a family with turmoil and four daughters. Of course, one ends up in love. The road is rocky, but interesting. This was written in 2003, and the references to a ‘palm pilot’ kind of date the story. Otherwise, overall a good read.
This is a nice, simple romantic story. Nothing stressful, not suspenseful, just simply a family with turmoil and four daughters. Of course, one ends up in love. The road is rocky, but interesting. This was written in 2003, and the references to a ‘palm pilot’ kind of date the story. Otherwise, overall a good read.
June 19, 2024
I loved this book, The Sparkling One!
This is my first time reading a Susan Mallery book and she definitely won me over!
I’ll be eagerly hunting for any Susan Mallery book I can get my hands on.
The storyline has wonderful characters, romance ,lots of fun, sisterhood and family all set in beautiful state of California and its famous vineyards. DON’T MISS READING THIS BOOK👍
This is my first time reading a Susan Mallery book and she definitely won me over!
I’ll be eagerly hunting for any Susan Mallery book I can get my hands on.
The storyline has wonderful characters, romance ,lots of fun, sisterhood and family all set in beautiful state of California and its famous vineyards. DON’T MISS READING THIS BOOK👍
February 3, 2017
UMMMMM what even was that ending? Pretty classic Susan Mallery except this family was so freaking weird. Katie is the most tolerable and least annoying of her entire family....how am I going to enjoy reading about anyone else?
March 3, 2018
It was okay. I feel like the main character fell for each other a bit fast, and the sex was all pretty much the same every time they did it. I like variety, yo.
I did really love the family elements, which is what made me keep reading this series.
I did really love the family elements, which is what made me keep reading this series.
September 9, 2021
Loved the book but hate the portrayal of the Grandmothers. She made them seem so disconnected from reality and without empathy. Still reading. Maybe things might change by the end of the novel.
It's a three-star for me, mainly because of the grannies, it just feels too obvious and cliche.
It's a three-star for me, mainly because of the grannies, it just feels too obvious and cliche.
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December 19, 2021Marcelli oldest daughter
Though this is first time I've read this series it was great. I've read Susan Mallery books before and this does not disappoint, it got my attention from first chapter to last.
Though this is first time I've read this series it was great. I've read Susan Mallery books before and this does not disappoint, it got my attention from first chapter to last.
June 2, 2022
The Sparkling One
Enjoyed this new start of a family series. Katie worked very hard with Zach not only for het business but for her family. She ended up falling in love with Zach . loved the grandmother they added a lot to the story line.
Enjoyed this new start of a family series. Katie worked very hard with Zach not only for het business but for her family. She ended up falling in love with Zach . loved the grandmother they added a lot to the story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews