Wedding Belles: A Novel in Four Parts -- review

Wedding Belles

Authors: Melanie Jacobson, Jenny Proctor, Becca Wilhite, Brittany Larsen

Published: October 16, 2018

ISBN13:  978-1723912269

e-book/paperback: 356 pages

FTC FYI: I received an e-book from the authors, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Harper is an event planner with dreams of taking over the Charleston wedding scene . . . until she meets the biggest Bridezilla of her career. She needs the job, but the only way to keep it is to hire a temperamental chef with big dreams of his own.

Janie is a classical cellist booked to play a posh Charleston wedding. She’s excited to have the lucrative gig until the groom’s brother, Emmett, shows up and asks her to help him play a song he wrote for the happy couple. The only trouble? Emmett is her unrequited high school crush.

Lily has been Dahlia's best friend, partner-in-crime, and now her maid of honor . . . until suddenly there's no wedding, and she's left to clean up Dahlia's biggest mess of all. She's been friends with Deacon, the jilted groom, for just as long, and it's up to her rescue him after Hurricane Dahlia blows through.

Sutton is a photographer running from her past. Only the pleas from her best friend to photograph her wedding could bring Sutton back to Charleston. Her plan is to get in and get out before her ex knows she and their daughter are in town. At least it’s the plan until she meets Max, who turns out to be the safe place she didn’t know she was looking for.

Can each of these couples trust their growing chemistry, or are they on the verge of new disasters?

My review

Wedding Belles is an absolute treat from start to finish. I loved, loved, loved how this book was written and how the different parts tie together. It is so hard to pick a favorite because each part is very unique and delightful. There was one character in particular that makes an appearance in each book and (without revealing anything) I was pleased with the ending of her story. Because she was hard to like. Each author did a great job of telling a story that was related but different enough to stand alone. So fun and very well done! 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Author links

Melanie Jacobson: Goodreads / Website / Amazon author page
Jenny Proctor: Goodreads / Website / Amazon author page
Becca Wilhite: Goodreads / Website / Amazon author page
Brittany Larsen: Goodreads / Website / Amazon author page

Purchase links

Amazon e-book / Amazon paperback

Perfect Set by Melanie Jacobson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Perfect Set

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant

Published: May 1, 2018

ISBN13: 9781524404253

Paperback: 226 pages

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Bree Mercer is an ambitious sports reporter who has risen through the ranks to land her dream job. Basking in the sun, sea, and seriously cute guys in her new singles ward, things couldn't be better. That is, until she's assigned to write a feature on the one person she can't stand—professional beach volleyball player Kade Townsend. A typical cocky athlete, Kade's previous attempt to woo her was foiled by Bree's hard-and-fast rule: don't date athletes. Ever.

Kade loathes the media, and for good reason: when his hard-partying ways were exposed by a reporter who claimed to be his friend, the scandal rocked his entire family. Now reformed, Kade has put his life back together, and he has no interest in talking to reporters—least of all Bree Mercer. But when the pair is thrown together despite their best efforts, their chemistry is undeniable. They can't seem to put the brakes on their feelings—until their connection threatens Bree's reputation and Kade's hard-won redemption. Now they must decide if there is a place for love in their plans for the future.

My Review

I was so excited to have another book from Melanie Jacobson to read. I had been looking forward to reading a new book from her for awhile. Perfect Set was definitely worth the wait. It was such a fun and entertaining read. From the setting on the California beach, and the fabulous characters, plus many funny moments, made this book absolutely perfect. Bree is awesome. She is smart, ambitious and has the best job. When she meets Kade, she isn't impressed by their first meeting, but once she gets to know him... she still isn't sure what to think. That is what I liked most, both Bree and Kade weren't sure about each other. Kade because of personal reasons with reports, Bree because of family issues. That is what made the book very enjoyable to read and kept me up way too late, trying to find out what happens. Bree has a lot to deal with in this book, and she handled things well and at her own time. Events happened I wasn't surprised with from the set up, but in the end, I was very pleased with the outcome and the lessons learned by both characters. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Author Links

Goodreads / Website 

Schedule:

*May 21^st: http://mybookaday.com/, https://brightlystreet.com/category/book-reviews/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/

*May 22^nd: https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*May 23^rd: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, https://rachellechristensen.com/blog/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

*May 24^th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/

* May 25^th: http://www.iamareader.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

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Valentine's Countdown Blitz -- Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She lives in Southern California with her husband and children and a series of doomed houseplants, and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in writing for children and young adults.

 

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Facebook ~ Website ~ 
~ Twitter ~

Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she's proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn't take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president's son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South . . . and teenage Lila. After Max's family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost.
When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering decision: jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love.

Snippet:

    His arms snaked out, and he looped a finger through each of my front belt loops, drawing me to him. My hands flew to his shoulders to keep my balance. “I’ll let you show me how it’s done on one condition,” he said, resting his hands on my waist. “Let’s call it what it is: a second date. Because I don’t think you’re a kiss-on-the-first-date kind of girl. And I’m most definitely going to kiss you.”

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 

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Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance

Authors: Melanie Jacobson, Jennifer K. Clark, Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: January 1st, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62108-934-6

Paperback: 162 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but as mistaken identities abound, three heroines will put this age-old adage to the test! Showcasing a trio of LDS fiction’s finest authors, Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance is a heartwarming collection of short stories that begs the question: can true love really conquer all?

Storybook Romance by Melanie Jacobson —New York City book editor Ellie Hanover has discovered a groundbreaking manuscript that may be just what she needs to save her job. But when her anonymous correspondence with the author begins to develop into more than a professional relationship, Ellie is left wondering if her real find is actually Mr. Right.

He Loves Me Not by Jennifer K. Clark —When Kenedee spies her boss leaving flowers on her desk, she’s swept into a whirlwind of infatuation. If only he didn’t have a girlfriend . . . Undeterred, the young woman enlists in the scheme her employer’s brother has put in motion for the company’s sake in hopes that she can win over the man of her dreams. But even foolproof plans can go awry.

Fools of Us All by Julie Daines —The course of true love is never smooth, as Jane discovers when a case of mistaken identity results in a date with the man she’s admired from afar for years. But she knows all too well that masquerading as her twin sister can only go on for so long before the truth comes out.

My Review

I very much enjoyed these three romance novellas from these great authors.  I have read books from each of these ladies, so I was looking forward to these novellas.  Each were very well written.  Each read quickly and had fantastic characters.  I love and appreciate clean books that have great stories, and these novellas did not disappoint.  I especially liked the settings.  Storybook Romance was especially fun, seeing as how being an editor would be my dream job.  But, Ellie did not have my dream boss.  In He Loves Me Not, it would be very fun to live and work in Moab.  And in Fools of Us All, I actually felt really sorry for Jane.  I was pleased with how she finally makes a decision about one particular person in her life (and it wasn't the cute doctor).  Jane was an amazing girl who takes care of her mother after the accident that killed her father.  This story was a little more deeper than the others, only because of what Jane has and had to endure.  Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of romance and mistaken identities to go around!

4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

For author links, please look at the author's name at the top.

Blog tour schedule

*Jan. 12th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 13th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*Jan. 14th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

*Jan. 15th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com, http://fireandicereads.com/

* Jan. 16th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

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The Fortune Cafe by Heather B. Moore, Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson

The Fortune Cafe: A Tangerine Street Romance

Authors: Heather B. Moore, Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Mirror Press

Published: March 17th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781941145104

ebook: 280 pages

FTC FYI: Received a ebook copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to Tangerine Street

Tangerine Street is a must-see tourist stop with a colorful mix of one-of-a-kind boutiques, unique restaurants, eclectic museums, quaint bookstores, and exclusive bed-and-breakfasts. The Fortune Café, situated in the middle of this charming collection of shops and cafés on Tangerine Street, is a Chinese restaurant unlike any other because, well, to be honest, the fortunes found in the cookies all come true…

MIS-FORTUNE: Emma, a waitress at The Fortune Café will do anything to avoid opening a fortune cookie. Each fortune is rumored to somehow magically come true. Being a girl grounded in reality, she doesn’t have time for that kind of nonsense. But when trying to prevent a food fight at the café, Emma accidentally cracks open a fortune cookie: “Look around, love is trying to catch you.” If there is one thing that Harrison, her former best friend in high school is good at, it’s catching her unaware.

LOVE, NOT LUCK: Lucy has always been lucky . . . until her parents meet her fiancé’s parents at a disastrous lunch at The Fortune Café, and she breaks her lucky jade necklace. Even worse, her fortune cookie reveals that “True love is for the brave, not the lucky.” How is she supposed to read that? She’s always considered how she met her fiancé lucky. But after breaking her necklace, Lucy’s luck takes a dive. And when her fiancé dumps her, the only person she can turn to is Carter, the unluckiest guy she knows.

TAKEOUT: Stella is content in her new life of taking over her mom’s jewelry shop. No more boyfriend to worry about, and as long as she stays busy, she doesn’t have to dwell on her non-existent love life. When Evan comes into the shop with his young daughter, Stella is charmed. But she is reluctant to complicate her straightforward life, so when she reads her fortune after ordering takeout from The Fortune Café, she completely ignores it. After all, how can a fortune as vague as “Do the thing you fear and love is certain,” apply to her?

My Review

These stories are so fun!  I thoroughly enjoyed each one.  I loved how they mixed with each other subtly, but in an entertaining and important way.  I loved the main characters in each.  Especially Emma and Stella.  My heart broke for Lucy and I loved the twist of her being dumped in her story.  I don't want to reveal what happens in each, but each author does a great job of telling their stories without giving us everything at once.  Each part reads quickly and I felt satisfied after each one ended.  They're sweet, clean stories that will leave you smiling.

Book Links (see above for author websites)

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Goodreads

Painting Kisses by Melanie Jacobson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Painting Kisses

Author: Melanie Jacobson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: October 2nd, 2014

ISBN13: 9781621088516

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Lia Carswell is good at what she does, even if it isn't as glamorous as her old artist life in Manhattan. The popular waitress works hard in a small Salt Lake City diner, with the goal of easing her sister's financial strain. And with her witty personality and good looks, she's something of an enigma to the male customers who vie for her attention. Ever the professional, Lia keeps her distance, with one exception. Aidan is a breakfast regular, and his gentle, clever teasing draws Lia's attention and builds an easy rapport between them, though Lia would never let their relationship get serious, especially since he's not the only one trying to catch her eye. Her handsome neighbor Griff has been hinting that he wants more than a neighborly relationship.

Then her old New York artist life comes knocking, and an offer is made for a series of commissioned paintings. Lia knows it would ensure financial security for her family, but she doesn't know if she wants that life anymore. When she undertakes one final project, she reawakens her heart and soul. And as she finds herself falling in love and needing an outlet more and more, she realizes her paintings might be her saving grace.

My Review

This book is darling.  I instantly liked Lia.  Her spunk and attitude were my favorite things about her.  I loved how the author gradually introduced us to her life, not spilling all her secrets out in the first chapter.  I appreciated Lia even more, getting to know her and those around her, and what she especially has gone through.  I also loved the men in her life.  As much as she didn't want them around at first, they came anyway.  Aidan and Griff kept me guessing, I suspected something early about one of them.  I turned out to be right, but I loved how it all came about.  I also liked the turn the book took when Lia made her decision on who she liked and what to do with the news he shares.  What I really enjoyed were Lia's painting scenes.  Also a particular trip up to the mountains with a certain character.  Lia came alive when she started painting again and it made a difference for those around her too.  Her story is a sad one, but again, I loved how Melanie revealed it all.  Melanie did a great job with these characters and as always, her writing is creative and fun.  The relationships with Lia and her sister and especially Chloe were my favorite.  I had a clear favorite guy for her, but don't want to spoil anything for ya, it will give it away.  The romance and humor in Painting Kisses, as with Mel's other books, is spot on.

4 out of 5 stars.  Another enjoyable book from Melanie Jacobson.  Can't wait for more.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book 

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The Fortune Cafe -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Tour Schedule

The Fortune Café

a novel in three parts

MIS-FORTUNE: Emma, a waitress at The Fortune Café will do anything to avoid opening a fortune cookie. Each fortune is rumored to somehow magically come true. Being a girl grounded in reality, she doesn’t have time for that kind of nonsense. But when trying to prevent a food fight at the café, Emma accidently cracks open a fortune cookie: “Look around, love is trying to catch you.” If there is one thing that Harrison, her former best friend in high school is good at, it’s catching her unaware.

LOVE, NOT LUCK: Lucy has always been lucky . . . until her parents meet her fiancé’s parents at a disastrous lunch at The Fortune Café, and she breaks her lucky jade necklace. Even worse, her fortune cookie reveals that “True love is for the brave, not the lucky.” How is she supposed to read that? She’s always considered it lucky how she met her fiancé. But after breaking her necklace, Lucy’s luck takes a dive. And when her fiancé dumps her, the only person she can turn to is Carter, the unluckiest guy she knows.

TAKEOUT: Stella is content in her new life of taking over her mom’s jewelry shop. No more boyfriend to worry about, and as long as she stays busy, she doesn’t have to dwell on her non-existent love life. When Evan comes into the shop with his young daughter, Stella is charmed. But she is reluctant to complicate her straightforward life, so when she reads her fortune after ordering takeout from The Fortune Café, she completely ignores it. After all, how can a fortune as vague as “Do the thing you fear and love is certain,” apply to her?

 Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

About the Authors

Julie Wright started her first book when she was fifteen. She’s written over a dozen books since then, is a Whitney Award winner, and feels she’s finally getting the hang of this writing gig. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves reading, eating writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch movies. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise, but has a healthy respect for ice cream.

 Blog * Twitter * Amazon

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. After meeting her husband online, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed houseplants. Melanie is a former English teacher and a sometime blogger who loves to laugh and make others laugh. In her down time (ha!), she writes romantic comedies and pines after beautiful shoes.

Website * Amazon * Twitter

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, her latest is Finding Sheba. Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction. She’s the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Other women’s novels include Heart of the Ocean, The Fortune Café, the Aliso Creek Series, and the Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series.

Blog * Amazon * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The Fortune Cafe by Julie Wright, Melanie Jacobson and Heather B. Moore -- Book Blast

The Fortune Café

A novel in three parts

MIS-FORTUNE: Emma, a waitress at The Fortune Café will do anything to avoid opening a fortune cookie. Each fortune is rumored to somehow magically come true. Being a girl grounded in reality, she doesn’t have time for that kind of nonsense. But when trying to prevent a food fight at the café, Emma accidently cracks open a fortune cookie: “Look around, love is trying to catch you.” If there is one thing that Harrison, her former best friend in high school is good at, it’s catching her unaware.

LOVE, NOT LUCK: Lucy has always been lucky . . . until her parents meet her fiancé’s parents at a disastrous lunch at The Fortune Café, and she breaks her lucky jade necklace. Even worse, her fortune cookie reveals that “True love is for the brave, not the lucky.” How is she supposed to read that? She’s always considered it lucky how she met her fiancé. But after breaking her necklace, Lucy’s luck takes a dive. And when her fiancé dumps her, the only person she can turn to is Carter, the unluckiest guy she knows.

TAKEOUT: Stella is content in her new life of taking over her mom’s jewelry shop. No more boyfriend to worry about, and as long as she stays busy, she doesn’t have to dwell on her non-existent love life. When Evan comes into the shop with his young daughter, Stella is charmed. But she is reluctant to complicate her straightforward life, so when she reads her fortune after ordering takeout from The Fortune Café, she completely ignores it. After all, how can a fortune as vague as “Do the thing you fear and love is certain,” apply to her?

About the Authors

Julie Wright started her first book when she was fifteen. She’s written over a dozen books since then, is a Whitney Award winner, and feels she’s finally getting the hang of this writing gig. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves reading, eating writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch movies. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner. She hates mayonnaise, but has a healthy respect for ice cream.

 Blog * Twitter * Amazon

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She consumes astonishing amounts of chocolate, chick flicks, and romance novels. After meeting her husband online, she is now living happily married in Southern California with her growing family and a series of doomed houseplants. Melanie is a former English teacher and a sometime blogger who loves to laugh and make others laugh. In her down time (ha!), she writes romantic comedies and pines after beautiful shoes.

Website * Amazon * Twitter

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, her latest is Finding Sheba. Under Heather B. Moore she writes romance and women’s fiction. She’s the co-author of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. Other women’s novels include Heart of the Ocean, The Fortune Café, the Aliso Creek Series, and the Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology Series.

Blog * Amazon * Twitter

 

Tour Schedule

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Fortune-Cafe-Tangerine-Street-Romance-ebook/dp/B00J0CWFV6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394843497&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fortune+cafe

Barnes & Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fortune-caf-eacute-julie-wright/1118916954?ean=2940149191017

Kobo:
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-fortune-cafe

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19267246-the-fortune-cafe?from_search=true

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/18/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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