About Me

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I'm a librarian by day, a writer by night, and a reader and amateur photographer in between. I love to share books and other things that interest me. My own book - The Marshal Meets His Match - released January 2013. You can also find me at www.facebook.com/ClariDees

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride

I've just finished reading the galley for Sandra D. Bricker's newest book entitled Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride. What a fun read on a long drive home!
 
I was introduced to Sandra Bricker's writing through her previous title, Always the Baker, Never the Bride. This book will make you hungry as you read it. A diabetic pastry chef creates award-winning desserts, but is unable to eat them herself. She is hired as the new pastry chef for a hotel that is becoming the newest destination wedding spot; however, life is never simple. There are many funny twists and turns, and lots of hilarious characters along the way before the happy ending.

 When I saw that there would be a sequel, I was eager to read it and was not disappointed. When we meet the main character in Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride, she is already engaged to be married, but the wedding planner extraordinaire's path to her own wedding is anything but smooth. Lost wedding dresses (yes, I said dresses, plural), old flames, allergic reactions, fierce mother-in-law-to-be, a destructive, homeless dog and a crazy actor are just a few of the problems that befall our heroine. Will love survive the seemingly endless onslaught? Is her fiance the right man for her? You'll have to read it yourself to find out!

The publisher graciously allowed me access to the galley for Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride, and I am very grateful. It is a well-written, funny yet tender story. I fell in love with the characters and wasn't ready to leave them when the book ended. Hopefully, she'll revisit these characters in a future story. Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride will be released in October by Abingdon Press. If you haven't already tried any of Sandra D. Bricker's books, it's time to give them a read.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Pride and Prejudice Revisited

My sisters and I have always loved watching the Jane Austen movies; I think we've seen every version made. I've also read several variations on the theme, but...I've found my favorite variation to date.

I ran across Darcy's Voyage as a "you might also like this" on Amazon, and I started reading its reviews. I finally got my hands on a copy this week, and, with some trepidation, started reading. By chapter two, I was hooked.

The author, Kara Louise, takes a totally different approach in the story. She places the characters in new settings and situations, and Darcy has so much more depth in this version as we see life from his viewpoint. He is even more likeable here then in the original story because we know more about him, and we hear from him as much as we hear from Elizabeth.

In the original Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice, I always wanted more Darcy and less silly sisters, less irritating mother, and less annoying Mr. Collins. In Darcy's Voyage, I got just that; much more of the likeable characters and way less of the annoying ones. Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy are the main characters, the main focus of the story.

If you like anything Pride and Prejudice, you'll like Darcy's Voyage. If you like a good, clean, romantic read, you'll like Darcy's Voyage. You don't have to have read P&P or have seen a P&P movie. This story will stand on its own. I'll be clearing a spot on my shelves for this one because I'll want to read it again.

Kara Louise has several other titles available, and Only Mr. Darcy Will Do is the next one on my reading list. Check out her books, I think you'll like what you find.