Just Finished:

Synopsis: Everyone says the first year of marriage is the hardest...but what would you do if you found out you were never really married in the first place?

In this irresistible romantic comedy from award-winning author Beth Kendrick, three wildly different women form an unlikely friendship as they try to decide whether they'd do it all again.

They've had the white dresses and fancy receptions. But now that the honeymoon's over, Stella, Casey and Erin have each had to face some hard truths about the men they've married and the lives they've chosen.

So when the news breaks that the pastor who presided over their weddings failed to file a few critical pieces of paper, none of these newlyweds are rushing down to the courthouse to legalize their vows. Instead, the brides share their hopes, disappointments, and secrets while grappling with that pivotal question: Should they stay or should they go?

My Thoughts: This is the story of three different brides, told in the first person by each woman’s perspective. You’d think it would be hard to follow, but each character is so different that the story actually flowed very well.

First, there is Stella and Mark. Stella is a 24-year-old woman who marries a much older (30 years older!) man. Stella’s goal in life is to be a mother. Then she finds out on her wedding night that Mark had a vasectomy and has not interest in having more kids than the ones he already has.

Casey and Nick are in their late 20’s. Casey grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and Nick was her school’s star athlete. Casey has had to do everything in the relationship, from proposing, to buying her own ring, to making sure the groom shows up on her wedding day.

Erin and David are also in their late 20’s. Erin is a doctor and David is a pharmacologist. David is a Mamma’s Boy to the Nth degree who always seems to choose his mother Renee’s over that of his wife’s. Then there’s Renee’s habit of purposefully forgetting Erin’s deathly allergy to peanuts ~~ meaning that as far as Renee is concerned, suddenly everything tastes better with peanuts in it.

I really enjoyed the friendship that bloomed between the 3 women. They were all so different, but their friendship became very strong. I also enjoyed watching each woman rethink their relationships and being strong enough to demand the changes that they needed and deserved from their partners.

Verdict: This was Very Good. It was a great story to curl up with on a chilly weekend afternoon and I’d definitely recommend it!

Labels: Beth Kendrick, Chick Lit, Very Good

Just Finished:

Synopsis: WHEN DID ABBY FOOTE'S LIFE BECOME AN EPISODE OF LAW & ORDER?

First, a former boyfriend (who dumped Abby in the most humiliating way imaginable) is found murdered the day his engagement is announced.
Then two other ex-boyfriends report attempts made on their lives right after breaking up with her. Coincidence? Detective Benjamin Orr, of the Portland Police Department (and Very Probing Questions and Incredibly Delicious Face), doesn't think so. Neither do Abby's friends, family, coworkers and other exes–who are suddenly shaking in their shoes.

Soon enough, everyone is sucking up to her as though the Abby they know and supposedly love to death is capable of poisoning their drinks….

Is someone trying to frame her? Who? And why? She has to find out fast. Because by-the-book Ben is bound to break her heart. Which makes him next on someone's list.

My Thoughts: This was a cute story. It’s a great way to spend the weekend ~ it’s not deep, it just is what it is. I enjoyed the character of Abby. I love that she’s sarcastic and tends to say things first and then regrets them later. And I love the fact that she has date a long list of losers ~ all of whom seem to be coming out of the woodwork to apologize now that she is a suspected murderess.

I also really enjoyed Ben. I love stories that involve unrequited crushes/love/etc., etc. Ben Orr was “the one” for Abby in high school. And now, he’s the lead detective on her case, investigating her for at least one murder and 2 assaults on prior boyfriends. Trouble is, Ben doesn’t remember Abby from high school. He only knows her as the primary suspect in a murder investigation.

This is a fun and entertaining story. I’ve never read Melissa Senate before, but am definitely interested in reading more from her again. And, evidently there is supposed to be another Abby Foote novel coming out soon. I can’t wait to read it.

Verdict: This was Very Good. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end and will definitely read more Melissa Senate in the future.

Labels: Chick Lit, Melissa Senate, Very Good