Always a Bridesmaid

Elaine Hopper

 Hell has finally frozen over. After nine long years, Breanna Parker has come home to be her sister's maid of honor. Just her luck that the first person she runs into is her ex-fiance, Troy Youngwolf—the man who eloped with her ex-best friend and broke her heart. Now a widowed father and sheriff of their Florida home town, sexy bad boy Troy wants another chance and won't take no for an answer. However, every time Breanna looks at Troy or his little girl, her heart breaks anew. She can hardly wait for her sister to get hitched so she can escape back to her urban family in Ft. Lauderdale. The risk is too high that Troy may discover her most closely held secret, one with the potential to destroy them both…perhaps this time forever.

 

My Take:

Let's face it, there is only one way to write a romance.  You put two people together, you pull them apart, you put them together, you pull them apart, and this continues until eventually they stick together for good.  Where the originality and good writing comes in, is how effectively the writer can basically rip your heart out every time they pull apart, and how hard the author makes you cheer when they get together in the very end.  The writing in "Always a Bridesmaid" was wonderful, I was totally depressed when they pulled apart, and when they got together I had to restrain myself from cheering out loud.  I really grew to love these characters in this little romance, and couldn't have been happier with the ending (except for the fact that I didn't want it to end).  There was something a little strange that happens toward the end of the book that took a little bit of a departure from the theme of the book, but I think I liked it anyway.  The dialogue felt good and smooth and the characters were well fleshed out.  While this is not a well known book or author, I don't hesitate to say that I  enjoyed this book every bit as much as I would have enjoyed a Nora Roberts.  Now, while this book was a page turner, I don't think I'll ever have the need to read it again (as is the case for most romance novels for me).  That need to read a book again  is really the make it or break it aspect to jump up to the higher plane of being rated a 2, as opposed to a 3.  With this in mind, I highly recommend this book, and give it a 3, Buy at a Used Book Store.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel.

A Few Words with the Author, Elaine Hopper

The Book Buff:When and why did you begin writing?

Elaine Hopper: I've been writing since I was six. I wanted to be a reporter like Lois Lane.

TBB: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

EH: Forgiveness and to follow your heart in love and your life's pursuits.

TBB: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

EH: The only thing about "Always A Bridesmaid" that was inspired by something in my life, was the clowns. A couple people in my husband's family were professional childrens' party clowns for a number of years. I doubt that's what you expected to hear. The clowns probably sound like improbable characters. In my everyday life, the clowns were very real so why not in my characters lives?

TBB: Do you have any advice for other writers?

EH: Don't give up. Keep writing, keep submitting. Work with a critique partner or two whom you trust.

TBB: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

EH: I love to chat with my readers and fellow authors. Please visit me and leave comments at: http://www.elaineannhopper.blogspot.com Also chat with me on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/elaine_hopper

TBB: Do you have a muse?

EH: I love to write at Borders and Barnes & Nobles. While there, I like to listen to moldy oldies and also several of the American Idols.

TBB: What is the interview question you always dread being asked?

EH: Do I base my heroes on my husband? Rarely.

If you enjoyed "Always a Bridesmaid"  you need to check out Night Tales by Nora Roberts, as well as the rest of the Romance Section of The Book Buff

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated (a very mild) PG-13.  For mild sexual references (no sex scenes) and moderate language throughout.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click on the following link:

Always a Bridesmaid