Cocktails and Books
Written on May 16, 2013
To begin with, I didn't really realize there were four stories in this book! I was offered it for review and I guess I just didn't pay much attention initially. Four authors writing four (five really) stories that intertwined? I was a bit sceptical as to whether it would work or not. Boy, did it ever!
The story (ies) take place in the small town of Bellfleur, Louisiana. Everybody knows each other and they are brought together by Honey & Brent's wedding. The characters all have a history together through being related or being friends through school, so although there are four stories contained here they all flow together nicely. That's not to say there's not a healthy amount of tension to add some suspense. The bride and groom have complicated relationships with many of their wedding guests which leave readers wondering if Brent & Honey will make it down the aisle together.
Grace, the wedding planner, is back in Bellefleur with something to prove. She's still nursing some wounds from high school that have left a lasting impression on her & a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Beau, the chef at Belles Fleurs, the venue where the wedding is taking place hopes to get to know her better and (spoiler alert) he gets to know her very well.
The next story is all about Eve. Eve is still pining for Brent. She was his devoted colleague for a time and she thought they shared something really special--until he proposed to Honey, that is. Brent's cousin Rainer--tall, dark and devastatingly handsome--helps Eve hatch a plan to get Brent alone so she can talk to him about her feelings. However, Rainer's help comes with a price--just a ""simple"" kiss. I won't spoil this one, except to say their kiss ends up being a bit more complicated!
We can't have a wedding without the maid of honor. Of course, Honey picks her sister for the role. This seems the obvious choice--except that Nina left Bellefleur years ago to join the circus and has never looked back. Their father, the distinguished Judge Moreau, frowned upon Nina's choices and hasn't spoken to her in years. Nina loves her sister and wants to be there for her, so she brings home her ""friend"" Alex for moral support. Can Nina finally gain the approval of her father? You will have to read and find out and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Griff is Brent's brother, but there is some tension between Griff and the Delacroix family since he didn't stay in Bellefleur & pursue the family business. Therefore, he isn't in the wedding party. Lucky for him, Pippa needs an escort so Griff steps right in. Pippa left Bellefleur the night she graduated from high school--which also happened to be the night that Brent proposed to her and she turned him down. Talk about complicated!
The romances in this book were H-O-T, but very sweet too--every romantic's dream! I loved the characters and I thought the authors did a great job of exposing them. Each story flowed right into the next. I kind of flelt like a guest at the wedding myself & felt right at home since I knew the backstories of all of the characters. I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to reading more from these authors.
Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books