An August Bride by Debra Clopton

Overview: As far as Kelsey Wilcox is concerned, her last cowboy was the last cowboy.

Kelsey Wilcox has had enough of cowboys. After the last one broke her heart, Kelsey traded in her boots for flip-flops, and the open range for a bistro on the beach. Her life on Corpus Christi’s gorgeous beach might be a little lonely, but at least it’s heartbreak-free. At least until her cousin’s beachside wedding bucks Kelsey right back into the rodeo.

When unlucky-in-love Brent Corbin packed his groomsman’s tux for his friend’s wedding, he brought his boots and belt buckle with him. Brent isn’t exactly looking for love, but when he sees what appears to be a mermaid in distress, he jumps right in to rescue her.

So Kelsey finds herself plucked from the sea—and certain-drowning—by a gorgeous groomsman...in soaked cowboy boots. She’s quick to say thanks, but no thanks.

Brent dedicates the weekend to pursuing Kelsey—and Kelsey spends the weekend trying to deny an obvious match. She’s as stubborn as a wild horse, but Brent’s determination may tame her yet.

ISBN-13: 9781491521229 | Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 07/22/2014 | Series: A Year of Weddings Novella Series, #8

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My Review: I loved this story. From the very first page, to the very end, I absolutely devoured it. Kelsey Wilcox is a fantastic woman. Her faith and ideals are strong, she is stubborn, and has a strength I envy. Brent Corbin is just what I would hope for in a cowboy: strong, stubborn, handsome, and relentless in his pursuit of Kelsey. The matchmaker trio provided the perfect amount of fun. The sparring between the characters was it's own thing. I really, really enjoyed this story. It might be one of my favorites in the series.

About the author: Debra Clopton is a multi-award winning novelist and has written more than 22 novels. Along with writing, Debra helps her husband teach the youth at their local Cowboy Church. Debra's goal is to shine a light toward God while she entertains readers with her words.

Find Debra online: website, Facebook, Twitter

A July Bride by Beth Wiseman

Overview: Can she forgive the man who left her at the altar? 

Alyssa Pennington dated Brendan Myers for three years before she accepted his proposal. For almost a year, Alyssa's friends and family helped her plan a lovely wedding to take place in the church she'd grown up in. It was the happiest day of her life when she walked down the aisle to be united with the man of her dreams. But when Brendan left her at the altar, Alyssa was consumed by humiliation, embarrassment, and a broken heart that wouldn't allow her to trust anyone. Especially Brendan.

Brendan Myers knows he will spend the rest of his life regretting what he did to Alyssa, the only woman he's ever loved. Without her, his life is empty. In one fateful moment, he'd panicked, destroyed their future, and ruined everything. Now he plans to win her back. But winning back his bride might prove much more difficult than he can imagine. And even if he does get her to the altar again, will she think turnabout is fair play?

ISBN-13: 9780310339205 | Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 06/24/2014 | Series: A Year of Weddings Novellas, #7

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My Review: The only stories I've read by Beth Wiseman were in the form of Amish novellas, so this was a very different experience for me.There was a little I liked, and a lot I didn't like. t was heartfelt and sweet. I loved Brendan's pursuit of Alyssa. He knew he messed up, he confessed, and he did all he could to win her back. Sometimes his antics were hilarious. Alyssa was a borderline character for me. There were moments in the story that I really liked her and related, and there were moments I wanted to shake her! I DID NOT like her involvement with Dalton at all. It was obvious from the beginning that she shouldn't be with him, but she persisted anyway. For a Christian Fiction novella, this story references sexual thoughts quite a bit. One part of me liked the open and honestness of that because it made it more life like, and another part of me didn't like it. Overall, I did like the story, but it's not my favorite of the series.

About the Author: Award-winning, best-selling author Beth Wiseman is best known for her Amish novels, but her most recent novels, Need You Now and The House that Love Built, are contemporaries set in small Texas towns. Both have received glowing reviews. Beth's highly-anticipated novel, The Promise, is inspired by a true story. Website: www.bethwiseman.com Twitter: @bethwiseman Facebook: Fans-of-Beth-Wiseman

A June Bride by Marybeth Whalen

Overview: The reality show ended with an engagement, so why doesn’t this feel like the fairy tale she thought it would be?

The Rejection Connection hardly sounds like the place to fall in love, but Wynne Hardy walked off the reality-TV set with an engagement ring. And in the whirlwind of publicity and preparation that follows a TV-bride-to-be in her fifteen minutes of fame, Wynne barely has time to consider how she really feels about her new fiancé . . . to say nothing of how she still feels about her ex.

As the wedding plans develop, so too do Wynne’s doubts: Is she in love with Andy? Or is this really about Callum—the ex-boyfriend who sent her onto Rejection Connection in the first place? A nationally televised snub might be the best revenge . . . but is it a good reason to get married?

When Callum resurfaces at the worst possible moment, Wynne can’t help wondering if she’s made a huge mistake. Is her marriage a publicity stunt? And what happens when the cameras stop rolling, and she has a husband she barely knows?

ISBN-13: 9780310339137 | Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 05/27/2014 | Series: A Year of Weddings Novella , #6

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My Review: I will admit that while I enjoyed this novella, it's not my favorite of the series. The plot was interesting. I liked the conflicting emotions that Wynne had to deal with, but I found her particularly stubborn and kind of whiney at times. Callum's reappearance was well-timed, all three times. I didn't like Adam from the moment he was introduced. The message of the story was about trusting God instead of pushing Him away when you get hurt. Wynne has to learn to lean on the Lord for her future and her plans, rather than stubbornly sticking to what she thinks is expected of her. Overall, it was a nice story, but not my favorite.

About the Author: Marybeth Whalen and her husband Curt have been married for 22 years and are the parents of six children, ranging in age from college to elementary school. The family lives in North Carolina. Marybeth is a speaker and the author of five novels. Her newest novel, The Bridge Tender, releases June, 2014. She is the co-founder of the popular women's fiction site, She Reads www.shereads.org and is the Writer in Residence at a local private school. Marybeth spends most of her time in the grocery store but occasionally escapes long enough to scribble some words. She is always at work on her next novel. You can find her at www.marybethwhalen.com.

A May Bride by Meg Moseley

Overview: She’s prepared for her wedding all her life … but she forgot a few things.Ellie Martin, a country girl in Atlanta, often de-stresses from city life by tending the flower beds of a church near her apartment. She has dreamed of a traditional wedding all her life, a wedding like the one her younger sister is planning back in their hometown. Their single mom will pay for Alexa’s wedding, but Ellie started her own wedding fund years ago. She only needs to find a groom.

She bumps into a man who’s a guest at a wedding on the church grounds. She’s noticed him around the neighborhood, but today he introduces himself as Gray Whitby. They embark on a whirlwind romance, but her mother doesn’t trust freewheeling men like him. Standing up to Mom leads Ellie to stick up for Alexa too. When Ellie risks her own plans for her sister’s sake, Gray feels betrayed. Will he always play second fiddle?

Will Ellie and Gray reconcile their differences so her dream wedding can come true, or will the romance they’ve begun come crashing down?

ISBN-13: 9780310338703

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 4/22/2014

Series: A Year of Weddings Novella, #5

Sold by: Zondervan Publishing

Format: eBook

Pages: 140

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My Review: Having not read any of Meg Moseley's previous works, I didn't know what to expect from this author. I was not disappointed. This story of love at first sight was funny, happy, sad, and exciting all at the same time. I got caught up in the romance from the beginning. I sympathized with Ellie and her family dilemmas (I mean, who doesn't have family drama!) and I sympathized with Gray's issues with the family dilemmas (been there, done that!). Each character has a strong devotion to their faith and family. Watching them learn the balance of faith, family, and each other was so much fun! It reminds me of my own life and my own relationship struggles. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more by this fantastic author!

About the Author: Meg Moseley is a Californian transplanted to the South. For four years, she wrote human interest columns for a suburban section of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and she home-schooled for over twenty years. Mom to three grown children, she enjoys books, motorcycle rides with her husband, and gardening.

Connect with Meg: Website | Facebook | Twitter

An April Bride by Lenora Worth

Overview: A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

War changed everything . . . even their love.

Bride-to-be Stella Carson cannot wait another day to marry her longtime sweetheart, Marshall Henderson. But her plans fall to pieces when she receives the terrible news that Marshall has suffered a near-fatal head wound while serving overseas. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he asks to recover privately in a D.C. hospital, and Stella gives him space to heal. But when Marshall returns home to Louisiana, it becomes clear to them both that he is not the man he used to be.

Marshall's memories of home have disappeared, and he suffers from violent, vivid nightmares night after night. Struggling to regain their life together, Stella reintroduces him to their town, reminding him of his history and their love story and watching glimpses of recognition dance in his eyes. But there is one dark corner in his memory, one important part he can’t remember: his life with Stella.

With only weeks until the wedding, Stella and Marshall must choose between a marriage built on the past and faith in long-ago love or a very different future than the one Stella imagined.

ISBN-13: 9780310338697

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 3/25/2014

Series: A Year of Weddings Novella, #4

Sold by: Zondervan Publishing

Format: eBook

Pages: 149

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My Review: What a beautiful novella. I adored this story. When I read the description, I admit I was nervous about how I would feel about it. My soldier wasn't lucky enough to come home. I realized, though, that there are so many soldiers out there who do get to come home, but they aren't whole. Do they have the support they need? (Sorry, I got a little off topic). This story is a beautiful picture of the restoring nature of our Lord. Marshall and Stella have a huge obstacle to overcome: he can't remember her or anyone for that matter. By putting their trust in the One who knows more and can do more than they ever could, they are modeling the behaviour that we as Christians should have. I want to put my trust in the God who knows everything, don't you? Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It is a great addition to the Year of Weddings series.

About the Author: Lenora Worth has written over 45 books for three different publishers. Her first Love Inspired “The Wedding Quilt” won Affaire de Coeur’s Best Inspirational for 1997, and “Logan’s Child” won RT’s Best Love Inspired for 1998. Her suspense “Code of Honor” finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Carol Award and her “Body of Evidence” made the New York Times Bestseller list in Mass Market Paperbacks. With millions of books in print, Lenora continues to write for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense and she recently sold three books to Harlequin’s SuperRomance, still writing as Lenora Worth. Lenora also wrote a weekly opinion column for the Shreveport Times and worked freelance for SB magazine. She has now turned to full-time fiction writing and enjoying adventures with her retired husband, Don. Married for 36 years, they have two grown children—Kaleb and Carly. Lenora enjoys writing, reading and shopping … especially shoe shopping.

Connect with Lenora: Website | Twitter | Facebook

A March Bride by Rachel Hauck

Overview: Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.

Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own—right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

ISBN-13: 9780310338680

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication date: 2/25/2014

Series: Year of Weddings Series, #3

Sold by: Zondervan Publishing

Format: eBook

Pages: 142

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My Review: I just finished reading the Royal Wedding series, so you can imagine my surprise that this novella was about Suzanne and Nathaniel from Once Upon A Prince. I loved catching up with these characters! It provided a more in depth look at their characters. The novellas theme piggyback off of the message from the first story: God's got this! Don't let your fear or your past overshadow what God is bringing to your present. Overall, I loved this short, sweet look into the wedding of King Nathaniel  and sweet, Georgia Belle Suzanna!

Read my reviews of the Royal Wedding Series by Rachel Hauck.

A February Bride by Betsy St. Amant

Overview: Allie left the love of her life at the altar—to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine’s Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family’s destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress?

History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family—women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus but fears she’s destined to repeat her family’s mistakes. She can’t bear to hurt Marcus worse.

Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar—him. When the two are thrown together for his sister’s Valentine’s Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?

ISBN-13: 9780310338291
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: 1/28/2014
Series: A Year of Weddings Novella , #2
Sold by: Zondervan Publishing
Format: eBook
Pages: 116

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 My Review: This was such a cute story. Oh my soul - Marcus is a man of gold. There are not many men who would not harbor resentment and anger toward their betrothed if they were left standing at the alter! I really enjoyed watching Allie and Marcus fight their attraction for one another throughout the story and I just KNEW they would get back together. Allie's belief in her cursed dress and family failings is relatable. A lot of people think because generation after generation does one thing, they are destined to do it as well. The cycle can be broken with God and faith! Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story! I look forward to reading more by Betsy.

About the Author: Betsy St. Amant has a heart for three things – chocolate, new shoes and sharing the amazing news of God’s grace through her novels. She lives in Louisiana with her adorable story-telling young daughter, a collection of Austen novels, and an impressive stash of Pickle Pringles. A freelance journalist and fiction author, Betsy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and is multi-published in Contemporary Romance via Love Inspired and Harper Collins (Zondervan). When she’s not reading, writing, or singing along to a Disney soundtrack with her daughter, Betsy enjoys inspirational speaking and teaching on the craft of writing. Betsy is proud to be represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Visit www.tamelahancockmurray.com & www.stevelaube.com

Visit Betsy: http://www.betsystamant.com/bio/ 

Here are my reviews from the A Year of Wedding Novellas series.

A January Bride by Deborah Raney

Overview: A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.

What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser’s “pen pal” friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?

Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie’s never met the innkeeper—but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie’s alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn’s owner—a man who's likely many years her senior—and who she’s never even met.

Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she’s far from being a prospective date—even if he were ready to date again, which he’s not.

When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another’s identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom.

ISBN-13: 9780310337706
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication date: 12/24/2013
Series: A Year of Weddings Novella , #1
Sold by: Zondervan Publishing
Format: eBook
Pages: 147

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My Review: This was such a fun story! I loved the characters and the little notes they left for one another. The description of the Inn made me want to visit. The emotions of the characters was well developed, for a novella.

The characters were tangible. I could relate to their situations and their character development was well-timed. The romance between Maddie and Art seemed a little bit rushed, but other than that it was well-written.

Overall, I enjoyed this sweet story! Sometimes, it's hard to get a feel for the characters and the story line in a novella. This is not one of those novellas!

About the Author: DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title. Her books have since won the RITA Award, ACFW Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Readers' Choice Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Home to Chicory Lane, first in Deb's new Chicory Inn Novels series from Abingdon Press just released. Deb and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy life in Kansas. They have four children and five small grandchildren, who all live much too far away.

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