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Wedding Planner's Daughter #3
Willa by Heart
It's almost summer on Cape Cod, where Willa Havisham and Joey Kennelly are finally enjoying their status as the most compatible couple at Bramble Academy. When the community theater advertises auditions for Our Town, Willa and Joey seem fated to play the romantic leads. But when Marielle, the dazzling new girl, offers up some dramatic competition, Willa turns greener than the lawn at her parents' inn.
With two inn weddings the same weekend in June, Willa, who is now the official assistant wedding planner, has enough to do just helping Chef Rosie bake the wedding cakes of the century, and keeping sixteen beauty pageant bridesmaids in check. When a dance with a Southern gentleman sends her spinning under the stars, there's no telling what is destined for Willa and Joey.
With two inn weddings the same weekend in June, Willa, who is now the official assistant wedding planner, has enough to do just helping Chef Rosie bake the wedding cakes of the century, and keeping sixteen beauty pageant bridesmaids in check. When a dance with a Southern gentleman sends her spinning under the stars, there's no telling what is destined for Willa and Joey.
222 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2008
16 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Coleen Murtagh Paratore
24 books232 followersI majored in English at The College of Saint Rose, in Albany, and after two internships in advertising and public relations, decided to enter the communications field, which is a place where writers can write and make a living too. I got married three months after graduation (my husband Tony and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary next August ), and we moved to Connecticut. I worked at a large advertising/pr firm during the day and got my master's in English at Trinity College nights. When we moved back to the Albany, New York area a few years later, I took a job as a publicist for Russell Sage College in Troy and soon became Director of Communications for the Sage Colleges. Our son, Christopher, was born in 1989. Two years later I took out a small-business loan, left my "safe job" and founded Books Worth Writing, to develop and publish The Remembering Book, an heirloom-quality tribute to a loved one's life (created after losing my best friend to cancer and wanting to be sure the story of her life was remembered and celebrated). This book-product is now in its 3rd printing, 10,000 copies sold. Around that same time, I began teaching as an adjunct instructor in the English Department at Russell Sage, doing freelance public relations assignments for business and nonprofit clients, and leading public-speaking workshops for women. Our son, Connor, was born in 1992 and then our third son, Dylan, in 1994.
After Dylan was born, I hopped off the career train for a few years to chase after three boys under the age of 5. I wrote a song for each of my sons and sang their special songs to them as bedtime lullabies. I kept a journal (I have on and off since college), wrote poems, and "roasts" for friends' birthdays, planted a perennial garden, a vegetable garden, read tons of books, started a book club, cleared a walking trail in the woods behind our house…and with my three young sons in tow, I returned to my "library days."
We devoured books together, morning, noon and night. We'd fill an L.L. Bean sack full of picture books every week, snuggle up on the couch, and read, read, read. I didn't know it at the time, but in addition to it being enormously FUN, this was fabulous research. As I was devoting my best creative energy to my children and sharing my love of books with them, I was soaking in lessons in characterization and plot and structure and language... feeding my writer's voice in happy hibernation.
I still didn't know that I would write children's books, yet everything in my life was leading me on that path. Ironically, I'd meet former business colleagues out and about and they'd say, "you're writing children's books, right?" I can't tell you how many people asked me that. It wasn't my goal or my intention.
Breaking into this business was the hardest and longest race I've ever run. I wrote stories for four years before I felt the work was ready. And then, once my writing was of publishable quality, it took two years of submitting before I got a contract. 179 rejections later. You've got to want it badly. You've got to read, read, read, and write, write, write and revise, revise, revise, and listen to people who are wiser than you, and learn from your rejections, and take comments from editors very seriously, and be willing to catch the fireflies of inspiration before they fly off forgotten, and, most of all, you've got to BELIEVE in yourself. Believe, believe, believe.
Emerson said "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Write on.
After Dylan was born, I hopped off the career train for a few years to chase after three boys under the age of 5. I wrote a song for each of my sons and sang their special songs to them as bedtime lullabies. I kept a journal (I have on and off since college), wrote poems, and "roasts" for friends' birthdays, planted a perennial garden, a vegetable garden, read tons of books, started a book club, cleared a walking trail in the woods behind our house…and with my three young sons in tow, I returned to my "library days."
We devoured books together, morning, noon and night. We'd fill an L.L. Bean sack full of picture books every week, snuggle up on the couch, and read, read, read. I didn't know it at the time, but in addition to it being enormously FUN, this was fabulous research. As I was devoting my best creative energy to my children and sharing my love of books with them, I was soaking in lessons in characterization and plot and structure and language... feeding my writer's voice in happy hibernation.
I still didn't know that I would write children's books, yet everything in my life was leading me on that path. Ironically, I'd meet former business colleagues out and about and they'd say, "you're writing children's books, right?" I can't tell you how many people asked me that. It wasn't my goal or my intention.
Breaking into this business was the hardest and longest race I've ever run. I wrote stories for four years before I felt the work was ready. And then, once my writing was of publishable quality, it took two years of submitting before I got a contract. 179 rejections later. You've got to want it badly. You've got to read, read, read, and write, write, write and revise, revise, revise, and listen to people who are wiser than you, and learn from your rejections, and take comments from editors very seriously, and be willing to catch the fireflies of inspiration before they fly off forgotten, and, most of all, you've got to BELIEVE in yourself. Believe, believe, believe.
Emerson said "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Write on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 4, 2023
I do my reviews in the form of a letter, which is why they are written like this.
Dear Colleen Murtagh Paratore,
This book was very cute. I liked reading it because it was very light and easy to read. Willa is a very sweet character. She is so good. I like how much she loves books and how much she loves others.
The plot was good. Willa's life was basically perfect. She had a great mom and a great dad. JFK seemed like a cute boyfriend for her. She seemed really happy. I don't really understand how she was best friends with Tina, though.
What I didn't like was the present tense writing. I don't know why, but I prefer past tense. Also, I did NOT like the whole universalism belief the book presented. I did not really like Sulamina Mum (her name itself is weird). She was nice, but way off in her beliefs. And I don't think women should be ministers.
Anyways, this was a decent book. Thanks for writing it.
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
Dear Colleen Murtagh Paratore,
This book was very cute. I liked reading it because it was very light and easy to read. Willa is a very sweet character. She is so good. I like how much she loves books and how much she loves others.
The plot was good. Willa's life was basically perfect. She had a great mom and a great dad. JFK seemed like a cute boyfriend for her. She seemed really happy. I don't really understand how she was best friends with Tina, though.
What I didn't like was the present tense writing. I don't know why, but I prefer past tense. Also, I did NOT like the whole universalism belief the book presented. I did not really like Sulamina Mum (her name itself is weird). She was nice, but way off in her beliefs. And I don't think women should be ministers.
Anyways, this was a decent book. Thanks for writing it.
Sincerely,
Lena Marie
November 26, 2012
Reviewed by Sarah Bean the Green Bean Teen Queen for TeensReadToo.com
Willa is looking forward to spending another fun summer on Cape Cod and auditioning for the local production of Our Town. She thinks that she and boyfriend, Joey, are perfect for the lead roles. She's also keeping busy planning weddings at the Bramble Inn, and preparing to become a big sister.
But when the beautiful new girl ends up getting the lead in Our Town over Willa, Willa isn't sure what will become of her and Joey!
I adore THE WEDDING PLANNER'S DAUGHTER series. Each book is like taking a vacation with Willa to Cape Cod, and they're the perfect summer reads.
Willa's story gets better with each book and this one is no different. Willa is such a fun, bubbly person that you can't help but smile when you read about her and want to cheer her on through the tough times. They might look like a light read, but Ms. Paratore tackles some tough issues and handles them delicately, which makes this series more than just a light, fluffy read.
Even though they are marketed mostly to the tween set, I've given this series to teens and adults alike who have fallen in love with Willa. At times reminiscent of classics such as ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, fans of old-
fashioned stories will enjoy this series.
I'll always be eager to read more about Willa and her life on Cape Cod.
Willa is looking forward to spending another fun summer on Cape Cod and auditioning for the local production of Our Town. She thinks that she and boyfriend, Joey, are perfect for the lead roles. She's also keeping busy planning weddings at the Bramble Inn, and preparing to become a big sister.
But when the beautiful new girl ends up getting the lead in Our Town over Willa, Willa isn't sure what will become of her and Joey!
I adore THE WEDDING PLANNER'S DAUGHTER series. Each book is like taking a vacation with Willa to Cape Cod, and they're the perfect summer reads.
Willa's story gets better with each book and this one is no different. Willa is such a fun, bubbly person that you can't help but smile when you read about her and want to cheer her on through the tough times. They might look like a light read, but Ms. Paratore tackles some tough issues and handles them delicately, which makes this series more than just a light, fluffy read.
Even though they are marketed mostly to the tween set, I've given this series to teens and adults alike who have fallen in love with Willa. At times reminiscent of classics such as ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, fans of old-
fashioned stories will enjoy this series.
I'll always be eager to read more about Willa and her life on Cape Cod.
February 3, 2025
my loyalty for Willa runs so deep…she’s kinda clinical but she’s a literal saint. Opposition in all things type beat. I need her to be happy (with Joey) 4EVER. She deserves
September 5, 2017
Good book, excellent turn of events about the play, I like how the author wrote her to become friends with Mariel
June 1, 2008
Really good, easy read.... not as filled with drama as the last one, i think... i'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I think the author was trying to make it so readers actually like Mariel, the girl that Willa thinks Joseph likes, but I never really took a liking to her... I mean, I felt bad for her and all, but i didn't really like her personality. However, I also hated the way that Willa jumped to conclusions about Mariel secretly going out with Joseph or liking him or something, when it so obviously wasn't true. I thought she was more practical than that, but I guess I was wrong. I guess liking someone makes you do crazy things.... however, it was pretty good.
April 9, 2010
I recently purchased this book at the school book fair and didn't expect to like it as much as I do. Summer is quickly approaching on Cape Cod, where Willa and Joey explore their relationship. Yet, Willa experiences some competition when the new girl in town, Marielle, gives her some competition in the romantic lead of the play "Our Town." This is a great dramatic romance tale that could be shared with younger to early adolescent age girls. It is an easy read and highly enjoyable!
January 6, 2014
I love this book.
I don't remember much about this book,since I read it quite a while ago, but I remember reading it and falling in love with the story, the characters, the romance, and overall the entire novel was so amazing I reread it multiple times. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read.
I don't remember much about this book,since I read it quite a while ago, but I remember reading it and falling in love with the story, the characters, the romance, and overall the entire novel was so amazing I reread it multiple times. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting read.
July 17, 2020
So far, this is the worst book in the series. Willa's tone has completely changed. In the previous two books, she was sensible and smart. In this one, she's a whiny little brat. She used to call her mom "Mother" or refer to her as Stella, but now she's suddenly "Mom". Weird. Also, WTF did I even read in Chapter 1? She sounds like she's from the 1800's. The next few chapters reek of white privilege. Willa follows a girl around (keep in mind: they barely met and Willa's already decided she doesn't like her because this girl was a match for her ~dreamy little boyfriend JFK~) and discovers that she lives in a dumpy old motel. She wants to help poor people out, but her stuck up classmates and rich friends couldn't care less. Gag. Also, I hate Stella. She sounds like such a Karen. What was the point in mentioning she's a Republican? Again, gag.
Willa is just so unbearably annoying. She keeps assuming (you know what they say about making assumptions) about Mariel and JFK, and so desperately wants to hate this girl.
She whines the whole time because she didn't get the part she wanted in a play. First, she surmises that she's the perfect Emily (the character in question). But not even a few sentences later, she says she "didn't give it her all" while auditioning. Then she hates on Mariel for getting the role, even though she moved the entire theater to tears with her performance while Willa didn't. This little girl is getting on my nerves, I swear.
THEN...the whole time she's being insecure of Mariel trying to "steal" JFK away from her, she starts getting cozy with the best man she's required to dance with at a friend's wedding. She goes as far as to describe how long his eyelashes are, lmao. It's gross because again, she's FOURTEEN while this dude is 18. JFK sees this and runs off in anger. Then Willa has the nerve to wonder why? UM?! So it's okay for you to huff and puff over your boyfriend being friends with another girl, but when he gets mad seeing you dancing cheek to cheek with another man, you're surprised? I can't, y'all.
She hopes JFK realizes that he "overreacted". Something you've been doing this ENTIRE book?
Overall: this book was awful. Willa was jealous and catty the entire time, when she was sweet and likeable in the previous two books.
Willa is just so unbearably annoying. She keeps assuming (you know what they say about making assumptions) about Mariel and JFK, and so desperately wants to hate this girl.
She whines the whole time because she didn't get the part she wanted in a play. First, she surmises that she's the perfect Emily (the character in question). But not even a few sentences later, she says she "didn't give it her all" while auditioning. Then she hates on Mariel for getting the role, even though she moved the entire theater to tears with her performance while Willa didn't. This little girl is getting on my nerves, I swear.
THEN...the whole time she's being insecure of Mariel trying to "steal" JFK away from her, she starts getting cozy with the best man she's required to dance with at a friend's wedding. She goes as far as to describe how long his eyelashes are, lmao. It's gross because again, she's FOURTEEN while this dude is 18. JFK sees this and runs off in anger. Then Willa has the nerve to wonder why? UM?! So it's okay for you to huff and puff over your boyfriend being friends with another girl, but when he gets mad seeing you dancing cheek to cheek with another man, you're surprised? I can't, y'all.
She hopes JFK realizes that he "overreacted". Something you've been doing this ENTIRE book?
Overall: this book was awful. Willa was jealous and catty the entire time, when she was sweet and likeable in the previous two books.
July 5, 2018
Out of the first three books in this series, this book would have to be my favorite and most frustrating book to read. I deeply saw myself in Willa in this book with her boyfriend, the new girl, the play Our Town, and all the losses she experienced throughout the span of two months. To me, those two months of April to June has become so crucial to me in this year because I experienced the same intensity of pain as Willa did and the extreme joy from having both of our wishes coming true. I recommend this series to anyone at any age. This series really shows the sense of community and strong friendships with fellow neighbors. In addition, it's a very fast read to young adults and older.
February 17, 2018
Paratore, Colleen Murtagh Willa by Heart. PG. 222. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. Language- G, Sexual Content- PG Violence- G.
When a mysterious new girl comes into Willas life, Willa feels like this new girl has stolen her part in the town play and is trying to steal her boyfriend. Along With all this Willa is helping her mom plan two weddings and Willa is the maid of honor in both weddings.
This is a great book. I love the writing and how easy the author makes it to picture everything. This is a book that I am glad to add to my collection.
MS - ESSENTIAL, Student Reviewer-MP
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
When a mysterious new girl comes into Willas life, Willa feels like this new girl has stolen her part in the town play and is trying to steal her boyfriend. Along With all this Willa is helping her mom plan two weddings and Willa is the maid of honor in both weddings.
This is a great book. I love the writing and how easy the author makes it to picture everything. This is a book that I am glad to add to my collection.
MS - ESSENTIAL, Student Reviewer-MP
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2008/...
August 1, 2018
I really loved this 3rd book in the series! I felt that it captured very real emotions a teenage girl would be feeling about boys, jealousy and life in general. I also love how much Willa loves books! She really has a big heart but needs help sometimes guiding her heart in the right direction and not letting jealousy rule her actions. One of the big guides in her life (her minister), is moving away so she also has to overcome that obstacle when it comes into play and cope with navigating on her own.
March 28, 2021
Okay, I am getting the relationships vibes of Tris and Tobias in this book. Willa and JFK needs to stop this game of hotscotch and just settle down for once. Honestly I was joking when I said for the first 3 books that there was really no need for them. But the last 3 books in this series better not screw things up. Because Willa tends to makes problems for herself recently, so right now I am just giving a warning. A warning for Willa and JFK to STOP HAVING ISSUES AND JUST BE A PERFECT COUPLE FOR ONCE, I JUST WANT TO ENJOY THE BOOK!!
September 5, 2021
I love Willa. She shares her birthday with my BFF, she loves candy and books. So cool.
Willa has normal teen thoughts and emotions as she strives to be involved in her family, home, school and community.
I like the book list “Willa’s Pix 3” and the acknowledgments at the end of the book. Great reading recommendations and author appreciation for her readers and support system.
I am loving The Wedding Planner’s Daughter series!
Willa has normal teen thoughts and emotions as she strives to be involved in her family, home, school and community.
I like the book list “Willa’s Pix 3” and the acknowledgments at the end of the book. Great reading recommendations and author appreciation for her readers and support system.
I am loving The Wedding Planner’s Daughter series!
November 11, 2018
I know that this book was not aimed at my age group and I am possibly a bit too old to be enjoying it as much as I could be. However I found this book to be pretty average. There wasn't too much that just jumped out at me and I felt that there could have been ways to make the book a little bit more interesting.
October 23, 2017
Easy read wonderful book.I’ve read the first two books but I feel that as the books go on it just loses its specialty it feels really repeating and it doesn’t excite me as much I will keep reading the series hoping for it to get better but for now that’s all I can say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2019
I just love this series so much! They are so simple yet profound & exactly like the books I want to write. Willa perfectly captures a young girl with a good heart but who also worries about boys & why she’s not chesty yet😂 I think we could all learn a lot from Willa & her friends!!!
September 25, 2021
Another series I decided to finally finish! I loved the second book and used to read it all the time years ago. So I decided to pick back up. It was a cute story but I felt the ending was a bit rushed.
December 30, 2023
Petty jealousy is not a good color for Willa.
January 3, 2024
Super cute! This is where I stopped in this series as a kid and it’s where I plan to stop now! Been very happy walking down memory lane with Willa and company!
July 29, 2024
Got this as a “blind date with a book”. Couldn’t relate to the character and thought she came off as spoiled. I think the audience is for someone younger than me though.
January 26, 2025
Willa and JFK are such a cute couple…. I CANT……. Willa is so mature with her feelings… sometimes. it’s give and take depending on which way the wind blows. she’s such a Capricorn
August 5, 2014
I preferred this book to all of the other books that I have read of The Wedding Planner's Daughter series.
Star-Crossed Summer is the third instalment of Willa's life and things couldn't be better. Finally, her and her crush are together, her mum and her step-dad are expecting a baby and Willa is planning a wedding for two people. However, when a mystery girl appears out of nowhere Willa finds herself getting jealous, a little too quickly, and that things may be turning upside down. And after an adventurous few weeks, she begins to see her whole world crashing around her, where things couldn't be worse.
Personally, this book was much better then the previous books in the series. Willa has developed into a much more relatable character. She's not all fabulously kind, she has feelings of anger that are a lot more genuine then the previous emotions portrayed in the earlier books. Also, the dramas in this book are a lot more relatable to the typical teenage girl, which is nice and refreshing. There is a girl who wants to steal your boyfriend and the heartbreaking drama that happens to Willa's mother, Stella, and her step-dad, Sam. There is also a lot more heartache towards the grieving of Mr Tweed, as the family adjust to him passing on.
Again, there isn't a massive link to the previous book, because a lot of this book comes from its own story etc, however if you wanted all of the facts and to follow the decent back story, then reading the previous book would be a good idea. But this is a good technique because you don't feel like you're re-reading the previous book nor are you missing out when you have the subtle overviews of the previous book.
The characters were a lot more fleshy and yet again, you could present your own opinion of them without loosing the authors own ideas of the book. I like how the character of JFK has definitely changed in personality, and you're often questioning whether or not he is right for Willa and if he was the one who kissed Mariel etc. The jealousy is a definite relatable factor for all young girls, and Coleen has presented it beautifully. I also love how in this situation you begin to question whether or not Tina was lying.
The quotes at the beginning were refreshing and nice, but honestly - I sometimes skipped over them. I wanted to read this book in a hurry as it's a small book that should be a light read, and some of the quotes took up most of the page. However, the quotes that I did read were simple, cute and related to the upcoming chapter. All of the chapter titles were beautiful, and I love the metaphors behind Mum's throwing the sunflowers out and following the 'Sunflower road'.
One downside to this book is that I feel like the beginning drags on sometimes and that the end is rushed. A lot of the ending chapters are very short and come to an abrupt end. I'd have loved to have learnt more towards why Tina thought JFK kissed someone else, but to fit in other endings for other situations, that chapter was over too quickly. I also feel like the ending wasn't as predictable, but at the same time it was slightly naive of Willa to just accept that someone has lied to her, whether it was Tina and JFK.
Overall, I feel like this book is ideal for a younger reader. Someone who is growing up and is in that awkward stage of their life. At the same time though, I think some young readers may struggle to get into it all as the book is actually very metaphorical and can be slightly hard to process sometimes. I do like the fleshy setting of Cape Cod and all of the quotes behind the story and the romance side, but I am glad this story isn't completely romance-based like the previous books. There are a couple of weddings, but its not as bridal and fake as the previous book. It just seemed too lad-di-da for me beforehand. But this book is definitely different and I like it. I appreciate that I am not the target audience, but at the same time I did slightly enjoy this book. There were a few chapters that were slightly irritating to me, but purely because I had connected with Willa and wanted to find out what was happening elsewhere, yet we were stuck in a smaller drama.
I do like how Willa's character is kind hearted as well as being dreamy too, because it shows good morals towards younger readers. But at the same time I would've loved to see her grow more, fight a little. Not in a negative way, but just to give her a more daring side would be interesting for me.
Star-Crossed Summer is the third instalment of Willa's life and things couldn't be better. Finally, her and her crush are together, her mum and her step-dad are expecting a baby and Willa is planning a wedding for two people. However, when a mystery girl appears out of nowhere Willa finds herself getting jealous, a little too quickly, and that things may be turning upside down. And after an adventurous few weeks, she begins to see her whole world crashing around her, where things couldn't be worse.
Personally, this book was much better then the previous books in the series. Willa has developed into a much more relatable character. She's not all fabulously kind, she has feelings of anger that are a lot more genuine then the previous emotions portrayed in the earlier books. Also, the dramas in this book are a lot more relatable to the typical teenage girl, which is nice and refreshing. There is a girl who wants to steal your boyfriend and the heartbreaking drama that happens to Willa's mother, Stella, and her step-dad, Sam. There is also a lot more heartache towards the grieving of Mr Tweed, as the family adjust to him passing on.
Again, there isn't a massive link to the previous book, because a lot of this book comes from its own story etc, however if you wanted all of the facts and to follow the decent back story, then reading the previous book would be a good idea. But this is a good technique because you don't feel like you're re-reading the previous book nor are you missing out when you have the subtle overviews of the previous book.
The characters were a lot more fleshy and yet again, you could present your own opinion of them without loosing the authors own ideas of the book. I like how the character of JFK has definitely changed in personality, and you're often questioning whether or not he is right for Willa and if he was the one who kissed Mariel etc. The jealousy is a definite relatable factor for all young girls, and Coleen has presented it beautifully. I also love how in this situation you begin to question whether or not Tina was lying.
The quotes at the beginning were refreshing and nice, but honestly - I sometimes skipped over them. I wanted to read this book in a hurry as it's a small book that should be a light read, and some of the quotes took up most of the page. However, the quotes that I did read were simple, cute and related to the upcoming chapter. All of the chapter titles were beautiful, and I love the metaphors behind Mum's throwing the sunflowers out and following the 'Sunflower road'.
One downside to this book is that I feel like the beginning drags on sometimes and that the end is rushed. A lot of the ending chapters are very short and come to an abrupt end. I'd have loved to have learnt more towards why Tina thought JFK kissed someone else, but to fit in other endings for other situations, that chapter was over too quickly. I also feel like the ending wasn't as predictable, but at the same time it was slightly naive of Willa to just accept that someone has lied to her, whether it was Tina and JFK.
Overall, I feel like this book is ideal for a younger reader. Someone who is growing up and is in that awkward stage of their life. At the same time though, I think some young readers may struggle to get into it all as the book is actually very metaphorical and can be slightly hard to process sometimes. I do like the fleshy setting of Cape Cod and all of the quotes behind the story and the romance side, but I am glad this story isn't completely romance-based like the previous books. There are a couple of weddings, but its not as bridal and fake as the previous book. It just seemed too lad-di-da for me beforehand. But this book is definitely different and I like it. I appreciate that I am not the target audience, but at the same time I did slightly enjoy this book. There were a few chapters that were slightly irritating to me, but purely because I had connected with Willa and wanted to find out what was happening elsewhere, yet we were stuck in a smaller drama.
I do like how Willa's character is kind hearted as well as being dreamy too, because it shows good morals towards younger readers. But at the same time I would've loved to see her grow more, fight a little. Not in a negative way, but just to give her a more daring side would be interesting for me.
February 6, 2008
Willa returns in the third installment of this series. An avid reader, Willa would not be disappointed with the first line of this charming book. It will hook you in from the start and the irrepressible wit of Willa will keep you staying for more. Willa tells us about the cozy town of Bramble. She tells us about the Bramblebriar Inn where you’ll want to stay the night and wake up to the smell of Rosie’s breakfast cooking. She also tells us about all the people she loves: her family and friends who populate the quaint town. You can’t help but fall in love with them too. Willa plans to spend the summer reading on the beach but life isn’t so simple. They have two weddings to plan at the inn, Willa is hoping to land the role of Emily in “Our Town” and her mother announces she is pregnant. Also, a beautiful new girl seems to be trying to steal her boyfriend and her part in the play. But, Willa is as headstrong and enchanting as the heroines in the books she devours. The descriptive narrative allows you to feel the breezes on the shores of the Cape coming neatly to a touching ending. The author makes every effort to fill in the gaps for readers who haven’t read the other books in the series unfortunately the book does not stand alone. However, the characters are so lovable you’ll want to return to Bramble all over again. (Reviewed for SLJ)
March 17, 2012
I believe that this is Paratore's best book out of her Wedding Planner's Daughter series. I thought this book was a heart-warming book with humorous dialogue at times. Willa's character is who every girl wants to be., strong-willed and has the guy of her dreams aka JFK. Until one of JFK's old friends come back Willa feels like she will steal him away. This book has it's sad, happy, and funny moments making it the perfect book to read when in need of one that really moves you. The ending is bittersweet, which in my opinion makes the book great. Out of the two types of books: 1) one that you will remember as a good book 2) one that sparks an emotion after reading the book or makes you realize something you didn't before reading the book. This book is definitely the second type of book because of Willa's unique personality, her goals, and events she goes through that average teenage girl has. At times the book can be a bit corny and push the envelope too far with it being credible enough due to Willa's goals and achievements to the average reader. But then again, when you read a book you must suspend your disbelief. Overall, I would recommend this book for someone who wants a rapid read, feel-good book. This book ,personally, is one of my all time favorites.
February 24, 2009
Mungkin karena nggak baca nomer pertamanya, jadi agak keder jg langsung baca nomer tiga dari seri ini.
Ceritanya tentang seorang anak remaja yang tinggal sama ibu dan ayah tirinya. Ibunya ini punya usaha wedding planner, ayahnya ngajar di sekolahnya. Kalo gak salah nangkep sih, Willa ini yang dulu ngejodohin ibunya dengan pak gurunya yg skrg jadi ayah tirinya. Mereka punya usaha penginapan, dan neneknya Willa ini punya book store plus toko candy (permennya itu racikan sendiri). Pokoknya semua serba perfect deh.
Alur ceritanya simple, ringan, konfliknya jg gak terlalu berlibet. Tipikal bacaan santai gitu deh. Gimana Willa, yang baru punya pacar, ngerasa jealous ketika ada seorang gadis yang deket sama pacarnya itu. Trus Willa yang pingin dapet pemeran utama di sebuah drama, tapi malah gadis itu yang dapet. Trus Willa yang bantuin ibunya mengorganisir dua pernikahan sekaligus, gitu-gitu deh.
Manis, dan dibeberapa scene ada juga yang membuat terharu. Cuma mungkin akan lebih afdol kalo bisa baca dari nomer satu, kali ya?
Ceritanya tentang seorang anak remaja yang tinggal sama ibu dan ayah tirinya. Ibunya ini punya usaha wedding planner, ayahnya ngajar di sekolahnya. Kalo gak salah nangkep sih, Willa ini yang dulu ngejodohin ibunya dengan pak gurunya yg skrg jadi ayah tirinya. Mereka punya usaha penginapan, dan neneknya Willa ini punya book store plus toko candy (permennya itu racikan sendiri). Pokoknya semua serba perfect deh.
Alur ceritanya simple, ringan, konfliknya jg gak terlalu berlibet. Tipikal bacaan santai gitu deh. Gimana Willa, yang baru punya pacar, ngerasa jealous ketika ada seorang gadis yang deket sama pacarnya itu. Trus Willa yang pingin dapet pemeran utama di sebuah drama, tapi malah gadis itu yang dapet. Trus Willa yang bantuin ibunya mengorganisir dua pernikahan sekaligus, gitu-gitu deh.
Manis, dan dibeberapa scene ada juga yang membuat terharu. Cuma mungkin akan lebih afdol kalo bisa baca dari nomer satu, kali ya?
June 8, 2010
Willa thought life couldn't get any better. Her crush Joey is now her boyfriend. She saved the town library. She enjoys her life at the Bramblebriar Inn, run by her mother and stepfather. She plans on calling Sam "Dad" on Father's Day. Then she discovers a mysterious girl (who is also beautiful) who has a connection to Joey. Her mother announces she's pregnant. She doesn't get the role she wanted in the play. But you know Willa--she's willful. She overcomes these problems and continues to enjoy great books and saltwater taffy.
What I thought: As the third installment in the Wedding Planner's Daughter series, I was not disappointed. Willa hasn't changed even though she has a boyfriend now. She's still an avid reader and very civic minded. "Willa's Pix" (her personal book recommendations) are great as always. I think this series would be great to use for a mother-daughter book club. Clubs could easily use "Willa's Pix" to make future selections.
What I thought: As the third installment in the Wedding Planner's Daughter series, I was not disappointed. Willa hasn't changed even though she has a boyfriend now. She's still an avid reader and very civic minded. "Willa's Pix" (her personal book recommendations) are great as always. I think this series would be great to use for a mother-daughter book club. Clubs could easily use "Willa's Pix" to make future selections.
May 20, 2013
This book is the last book to "The Wedding Planner's Daughter" series so that was the very reason I picked this book up in the first place. This book is very realistic and explains the life of a very compassionate 13-year-old girl, Willa Havisham. Just a book about a normal girls life, it's actually not as boring as one would expect. My favorite quote, " A new dawn. A new day. Thank you", really elucidates the theme to the story: People are all lucky to have another day, another chance, and they shouldn't get caught up in their minor problems. We should sometimes take the time to be grateful of what we have. I liked the point of view of the main character herself because Willa had very strong views and her thoughts really distinguished her opinion and feelings. I would recommend this to almost any girl, as I am one, because I think most girls could really relate and connect to what Willa was going through.
October 30, 2012
Willa By Heart By Coleen Murtagh Paratore. I loved reading this book and the series. I hope more books come out to add onto this series. I really enjoyed it. Contuining onto the other book that Willia did save the libary. A new charecter comes into the story, her name is Marielle. She is sarting to take Willias boy away from her and she is mad and she has some compition ahead of her. She finds out news that her mother is gonna have a baby and she is shocked but happy. Willia has been reading a book called Our Town and it is a play in Bramble that she is gonna try out for with her boyfriend JFK. But when she shows up at tryouts she cant believe what she saw Marielle there standing ready to tryout. She was very angry. She was even more mad when she found out that Marielle got the part and got to kiss JFK. I would love to read the other book that dosent go along with the series i really injoyed reading it all. It was a amazing book for me.
February 22, 2014
Mariel. The girl who almost everything Willa wants is basic only problem in the story, minus Mum's moving back and two weddings in the same weekend. I still do not know why Mariel was swimming in the lake. But there is not rude or mean about Mariel. She's not competitive either. When she got the part of Emily instead of Willa in our town was because it was her dream and the play that her mom ran away for was our town. And Coleen Paratore coincidence or she did on purpose was when Mariel told Willa to put her dream on her shirt sleeve so you don't forget it and Coleen Paratore wrote a book called "Dreamsleeves" that's about a girl with her dream on her sleeve. My friend has this book but I don't even think she read it because it was on the top of her shelf. She is not the must trustworthy or reliable person. But she's still super nice.
March 29, 2012
It's almost Summer on Cape Cod, where Willa Havisham and Joey Kennelly are finally enjoying their status as the most compatible couple at Bramble Academy. When the community theater advertises auditions for Our Town, Willa and Joey seem fated to play the romantic leads. But when Mariel, the dazzling new girl, offers up some dramatic competition, Willa turns greener than the lawn at her parents' inn. With two inn weddings the same weekend in June, Willa, who is now the official assistant wedding planner, has enough to do just helping Chef Rosie bake the wedding cakes of the century and keeping sixteen beauty pageant bridesmaids in check. When a dance with a southern gentleman sends her spinning under the stars, there's no telling what is destined for Willa and Joey.
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