meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
In The Reluctant Groom by Jennifer Beckstrand, we get to hang out once again with two of my very favorite people – Anna and Felty Helmuth. Y’all know about my crush on these two adorable octogenarians and they are in rare form (which for them is normal) in this latest visit to Huckleberry Hill. I do have to argue with them on one point though. Throughout the story, they are quite troubled (hilariously so) by the unromantic nature of their great-grandson’s choice of breakfast cereal. Yet, this line in context – “I like you much better than bran flakes.” – had me reaching for my swooning fan. Also – the kisses. Whew. Keep your own swooning fan handy. (5 stars)
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber is a sweet story of two young people preparing for a wedding in spite of opposition from the groom’s family. Madeline’s rebellious sister hurt Joshua’s brother, so as far as his family is concerned nothing good can ever come from associating with her family. The problem is that Joshua and Madeline want to do more than associate. They want to get married. This novella is a poignant picture of how bitterness destroys – and how love rebuilds. The unnatural dialogue (more than a bit of info-dumping) does prove distracting but if you can get past that you’re in for genuine characters and a heartfelt story. (3 stars)
Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise rounds out the mix with a fun heroine, an important message, and three adorable matchmakers. Reba and Abel and their catastrophic meet-cute – and the continued way fate and Reba’s nieces keep throwing them together – is well written and funny without straying into slapstick or sappiness. As a heroine, Reba is layered and heartwarming and I think nearly every female can relate to her insecurities. This is adorable and romantic and full of great characters! (4 stars)
Bottom Line: The Amish Brides collection by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard is a sweet group of stories that ranges from humorous to heartfelt. This is perfect for a take-along on your summer travels as well as a chance to get a taste for each author’s style. Some great kisses plus a few giggles divided by three meaningful messages equals the only kind of math I enjoy!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Joshua’s Bride by Molly Jebber is a sweet story of two young people preparing for a wedding in spite of opposition from the groom’s family. Madeline’s rebellious sister hurt Joshua’s brother, so as far as his family is concerned nothing good can ever come from associating with her family. The problem is that Joshua and Madeline want to do more than associate. They want to get married. This novella is a poignant picture of how bitterness destroys – and how love rebuilds. The unnatural dialogue (more than a bit of info-dumping) does prove distracting but if you can get past that you’re in for genuine characters and a heartfelt story. (3 stars)
Amy Lillard’s A Summer Wedding in Paradise rounds out the mix with a fun heroine, an important message, and three adorable matchmakers. Reba and Abel and their catastrophic meet-cute – and the continued way fate and Reba’s nieces keep throwing them together – is well written and funny without straying into slapstick or sappiness. As a heroine, Reba is layered and heartwarming and I think nearly every female can relate to her insecurities. This is adorable and romantic and full of great characters! (4 stars)
Bottom Line: The Amish Brides collection by Jennifer Beckstrand, Molly Jebber, and Amy Lillard is a sweet group of stories that ranges from humorous to heartfelt. This is perfect for a take-along on your summer travels as well as a chance to get a taste for each author’s style. Some great kisses plus a few giggles divided by three meaningful messages equals the only kind of math I enjoy!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
cmdc325's review against another edition
4.0
*Goodreads Giveaway*
I surprisingly really liked this book.
I surprisingly really liked this book.
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