Wednesday, March 31, 2010

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

17 comments:

Deb said...

Sounds like a fun read.

I listed this on my sidebar at
http://booknook516.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I think you're just about right on when it comes to romance novels... LOL!

Emidy @ Une Parole said...

Nice! I haven't heard of this until now. It's great that this book actually makes you get involved with the characters.

Emidy
from Une Parole

Jennifer said...

Great review! Plenty of information to help me decide if I want to read this book. Thanks!

Den Relojo said...

This is truly amazing!

Dr. Bill (William L.) Smith said...

I am a follower,

Bill ;-)

billsmith2003 (at) gmail (dot) com

Hope you'll check out my book giveaway:
http://drbillsbookbazaar.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-giveaway-back-to-homeplace.html
http://thehomeplaceseries.blogspot.com/

Wyn said...

Oh this looks so interesting. I linked to your blog on my blog with your button. I also added you to the follow, now I'm going to check out your facebook. LOL.

wyndyc at blogspot dot com

http://wynsbooks.blogspot.com

Edna said...

would love to win, this is a new blog to me


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Bookie said...

If I fall in love with the characters I will reread a book. Although, I do agree with you about romance books, they are the genre that a lot of times don't end up on my keeper shelf.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000865668343

Thanks for the giveaway.

dawnpnr at aol dot com

Martha Eskuchen said...

Opps I forgot my e-mail. mesreadsAtgmail.com

Martha Eskuchen said...

I included the giveaway in this post:
http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/04/super-book-blog-giveaways-to-check-out.html

misskallie2000 said...

Thanks for the terrific review. Sounds like a great book. Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

twitter(@misskallie2000)
tweet 4-17-10

Latest: thebookbuff Hey Book Buffs, new reviews are up, as well as some new info on the April Book Giveaway! http://www.thebookbuff.blogspot.com Retweeted by you 3 minutes ago

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Debbie F said...

Count me in! thanks

dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Unknown said...

Please count me in.

I tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Stella_ExLibris/status/12637158762

also spread the word on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000899165880&v=wall&story_fbid=120589201288410

thank you!

stella.exlibris (at) gmail DOT com

sharon54220 said...

I would love to be entered. This book sounds fantastic.

I'm a follower

sharon54220@gmail.com

Susan_Pettrone said...

I tried to post to this blog last night so I would make the cut to read and review this book but for some reason the site wouldn't take my posts! Dang it all...a day late and a dollar short! Oh well! Best of luck to you on your book! Should you need another reviewer, contact me at CANS4US@gmail.com, I can hook you up with links that show the myriad of books I've reviewed....or just google Susan Pettrone. That will lead you to a lot of my reviews too! Best of luck to you and your book!

Lori said...

I love historical fiction and Jane Austin. I read your review's on The Spurred Viscountess and The Apothecary's Daughter. They sound good, so might give them a try. Great book review site!

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