Reviews

Before We Say I Do: An Entertaining Angels Short Story by Emerald Barnes

hugbandit7's review

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4.0

This is a short novella that follows up after Entertaining Angels. It is a year later and Chase and Madison are getting married but this time Chase has the demon to deal with...on their wedding day...his father. But Zach returns to help him battle this demon before it is too late.

Now the only problem I had with this book is that it is a year later. I thought that in Entertaining Angels that they were about 16 and definitely still in high school. But this makes it sound like they are in college and I didn't think they were seniors in the first book. Other than that, it was an enjoyable short story.

jeanz's review

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5.0

INITIAL THOUGHTS UPON FINISHING THE NOVELLA
Have to be totally honest, this is a beautiful poignant, heartwarming catch up with Madison &Chase from Bk1.


INITIAL THOUGHTS
I don't know how I had missed reading Entertaining Angels as I do seek out books by this author as I do enjoy her writing style. I actually bought an e-copy of Entertaining Angels to read first as this is a novella about the same characters. After reading entertaining angels I did want to know how the main characters were doing so I was looking forward to reading this novella. I know some will see my review of Entertaining Angels, saying about it being overly religious for my personal reading taste and wonder why I wanted to read this novella. . . the reason is that I love Emerald's writing style and her plots are so interesting and she draws you in, she is a thought provoking author. Emerald writes in a way that makes you feel part of the journey of the characters within the book. You feel invested in the characters, and attached to them. So I simply had to read this novella.

MY REVIEW
I answered a call from Emerald Barnes, asking for reviewers that could also do a release day blitz. The lovely author sent me a free e-copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review. The cover is. .. well I already loved the cover before I knew it was an actual real life wedding photograph! I love it, the clasped hands, the bride and groom at either side of the door keeping the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride prior to the wedding. The cover perfectly depicts a scene from within the book. Would this cover make me pick this book up from a book store shelf? Yes!
So this novella takes place a year after the story of Entertaining Angels. Mmmm forgive me for being vague but I am trying not to give away major spoilers if at all possible from the book or novella. We arrive on the scene of Chase and Madisons wedding day. Madison's mum is being the main wedding planner checking everything is running to time and plan. Chase's mum is a little more relaxed about the day. Chase and Madison are getting married in the church they have visited together for over a year now. Madison began visiting the church in Entertaining Angels. The young couple are so in love and totally sure in their love for one another. So it is a surprise and a little shock when Zach turns up at the church prior to the ceremony. Zach has been travelling since helping Chase and Madison find each other, and recognise their love for one another. Those of you who have read Entertaining Angels will know why it could worry Chase and Madison somewhat that Zach suddenly appears. Those who read book one will also know exactly why Zach is so special too. Chase is immediately worried that something is wrong or going to go wrong between himself and Madison. Zach reassures both Madison and Chase that they are both fine, that he returned to see them wed. However you could say Zach has an ulterior motive. Chase's father has been trying to reach out to his son for a while. Chase is still hurting a lot about the way his father abandoned him and his mother. His parents went on to divorce and his father literally dumped Chase and started a new family. His father is now divorcing his second wife and wants to make amends with Chase. Zach is here to try to encourage Chase to let go of his negative memories and thoughts around hi father so that it doesn't mar his happiness with Chase. Chase made the decision not to invite his father to his wedding so is understandably shocked and becomes angry when he see''s his father at the church. Chase has to do a lot of soul searching, he is desperate to speak to Madison but also knows how important the tradition of not seeing the bride before she walks down the aisle is to Madison's mother. The young couple end up holding hands around a door so they can speak to each other without seeing each other. Madison is really supportive whilst at the same time trying to help Chase see both sides of the whole "should I forgive my dad" argument. Madison also kind of tricks Chase into actually answering his own questions and doubts with the use of bible verses and proverbs which although I would state I don't really read religious books when it comes to Emerald Barnes and how her religious references really fit the plot of her book and her characters, and I do like to read.
So did I enjoy the novella? I honestly did yes. Hence the 5/5 stars on Goodreads! Would I recommend the novella? Yes, but please read Entertaining Angels Bk1 first! Would I want to read another book or novella in the Entertaining Angels Series? Yes please! I read the sneak peek of Entertaining Angels Bk2 novel which I also rarely do as I prefer to start a book fresh and read it when it's all available to read. I break so many of my usual reading and reviewing rules with Emerald Barnes titles! Would I want to read other titles by Emerald Barnes? Yesss! I SO want to read Bk3 and learn more about Lexi's story. Emerald's book are really thought provoking, she makes you look back on experiences you have had yourself and persuades you to look at them in a different way. Emerald's books leave you with a feeling of contentment and perhaps what I would describe as peace. After reading one of Emerald Barnes books I want to tell everyone to read them and shout out about them too!

gothamgal's review

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4.0

On their wedding day, Zach visits Chase and Madison. While the average person may consider him just a close friend that the two rarely see, But there is definitely more than meets the eye—Zach is an angel, and he’s at the wedding on a mission. After all of the things this couple has been through, Zach doesn’t want unforgiveness to taint their day. And then Zach sees the demon, realizing his job just got a lot more complicated. Will Zach be able to help Chase forgive so he can start his spiritual life with Madison with a clean slate and the grace of God, or will Chase fight him every step of the way?

This novella is based on characters from Entertaining Angels by Emerald Barnes. Within this novella, Barnes’ fans can expect to read more of her purposeful character-driven story.

I loved that we get a happy ending for the young couple. It was well earned and well deserved. I also loved that she showed the seriousness of the act of marriage as a spiritual act, as well as the joy and happiness that can happen on this day with the right attitude.
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