A fun, romantic read! The characters and story line just pull you in and make for a very satisfying read. Most definitely recommend.

Before I started reading this, I was unaware that this was a follow up to a previous book featuring these characters, which I had not read and, unfortunately, it felt like a follow up. There was a lot of back story to the characters which I was unfamiliar with, and although the author tries to catch us up, this was done by way of what felt that an information dump at the beginning of the book that stopped me engaging immediately with the plot.

Once I did get in to the book, I really did enjoy the story. The characters were likeable and interesting and they had enough going on to make an interesting tale. I liked the back drop of the one-stop wedding business and there were a lot of lovely details about the wedding planning, cakes and dresses to engage the reader who likes a wedding story line. There was also just the right touch of seasonal cheer to be pleasant but not kitchsy.

I found the story line of Ama and her romantic visions contrasting with the traditional, cultural expectations of her family really enticing, but I was a bit disappointed that the romantic aspect was not better developed or resolved, since this was a romantic book. It left me a little flat.

This was a nice book, but it felt like the middle book in a trilogy – kind of hanging with no real finale. If I had read the first book, this would probably have bothered me less as the writing, setting and characters are lovely, but as it was, I was left with a mild feeling if dissatisfaction. Mea culpa for not realising I had missed the first book.

Tessa, Natalie and Ama run Wedding Bells, a one stop shop for weddings. Still in the early days of the business you get the feeling that they are at the make or break stage of the venture.
Tessa is the event planner and head organiser. Secretly in love with Blake their contractor and silent business partner you have to admire how despite the most awkward of clients (in the form of the bride and grooms mothers) she still manages to keep calm and slowly get the bride the wedding she really wants. I loved her determination to make the business a success even down to taking on extra work for her former boss even if it means having food flung all over her by unruly children. It’s only in her personal life that she doesn’t seem to be able to quite so organised and forthright. Natalie and Ama are also dealing with their own dating dilemmas with their families determined to have a say in who they should see. It was quite amusing to see that Ama’s father had created a profile for her on a dating website in the hope of finding her a nice respectable suitor even if ultimately he was not the right one for her. You also had to feel for her whilst she struggled to do what her family wanted whilst still trying to be true to herself
One Winters Day is the second book in the series. Normally you would find that the focus would be on one particular person and in that respect this book is different as no one character takes centre stage. For me that made a nice change as it enabled me get invested in the story as I wanted to find out if they would manage to keep the business going and also find happiness with the men they meet especially as I had not read the first book in the series (although I plan to rectify this so that I can find out what happened between Tessa and Blake). This is definitely one to read in the run up to Christmas to get you in the mood for the festive season.

After finishing One Day Like This I couldn't wait to catch up with Tessa, Natalie and Ama. Then as soon as I saw the cover for One Winter's Day I was smitten, it's definitely in my top favourite covers of 2018!

Now that we are edging ever closer to a certain festive period it is the perfect time to pick up a book with a wintery feel. I wouldn't necessarily class this book as a Christmas story so if you feel it is too early for a full on Christmas story then there is no need to worry!

The story begins in Autumn and we catch up with Ama, Natalie and Tessa as they continue to grow their business. Technically this is Ama's story but Laura Briggs has easily incorporated the other two characters into the plot meaning that we still get to see quite a bit of Tessa and Natalie. I think in a way it might help to read One Day Like This first just so that you get the all important background information for the characters and it is such a gorgeous story. I really enjoyed seeing all three characters stories continue but even in book one Ama was my favourite so I loved all the parts of the story involving her. I think that family is a strong theme in this book and we see that especially with Ama and Natalie but you also have the friendships that are just as important as family too.

I love the idea of the Wedding Belles and this time they really do have their work cut out for them as they plan one couples wedding. With interfering mothers and a few scrapes along the way I was hoping that it would all end with a happy ever after.

In One Winter's Day you get friendships, weddings and even a dash of romance for this trio. There is a light and beautiful heartwarming feel that easily brought a smile to my face. I'm hoping that it will be time to catch up with this group of friends once more, roll on book three!

Sweet and charming, a wonderful combination!

This was such a fun fluffy lighthearted read that is sure to put a smile on your face!💕 this is the second book in this delightful series, and it definitely reads as a follow up... this is not a series with a new HEA in every book, in fact nobody has found their HEA as of yet! But that’s OK, because I’m really enjoying the journey and getting to know these girls better....

The “Wedding Bells” Tessa, Natalie, and Ama are back with a new wedding to plan.... this time we have the battle of the mothers, the bride’s mother wants a glitzy glamorous wedding while the groom’s mother wants a very traditional fair... and the bride? Well she wants a princess wedding that resembles “Frozen“❄️ so how will the Bells bring this all together? There were some pretty humorous moments in this book as the wedding seem to be plagued with disasters, although I don’t think Tessa was terribly amused... I loved all the descriptions of the beautiful flowers, the lovely dress, and the scrumptious goodies!

This really is a story of these three girls discovering who they are, with some potential romance sprinkled in.... Ama is torn between her desire to find her true love and her parents traditional Indian culture... her dad went so far as to set up a profile on a dating site for her, I think I’d have some words for my dad for that! So when Ama’s heart is stolen by a non-Indian boy on a motorcycle, she’s not quite sure how this will go over with the family... but Ama is not the only one dealing with familial expectations, Natalie’s big Italian family is certain there is something wrong with her because she is not married at her age... not only that but Natalie is also dealing with a close family friend who has had a crush on her forever... Tessa is still crushing on the hot handyman Blake.... these two are terribly frustrating, their relationship seems to have not progressed much from the first book and then when a wrench is thrown into it, the brakes are applied.... three girls, three different paths to romance, will any of them find their HEA?

This book is really like spending a long afternoon gossiping with your girlfriends... although I really wish one of my friends could bake goodies like Ama! Really looking forward to the next book in the series, because this book ended on a bit of a cliffy... what will the new year bring to the Wedding Bells, both professionally and personally???

Absolutely recommend if you are a fan of books about strong women with strong female friendships with a splash of romance, however I recommend you read the first book 1st before diving into this gem!💕

*** A huge thank you to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

I really enjoyed this book, the second one in the series about Tessa, Natalie and Ama.

When I first read the blurb, I thought this book would be primarily about Ama, but it seemed to be fairly evenly about all three girls (and Blake as well), as the partners of the Wedding Belles.

Ama likes a "bad boy" but does her family get a say and persuade her to like a more suitable boy instead? Natalie is under a fair bit of pressure from her large, Italian family to settle down but is Chad going to be in her future or will Braydon get a look in at some point? And then there is the "will they, won't they" thing between Tessa and Blake. Inbetween all of that, there is a wedding they are trying to get off the ground, with a lot of ups and downs along the way.

I have to admit that the end of the book saw me a little frustrated with how things went with all of the characters in this book. I hope the next book in the series isn't too far away!

A solid 4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I found this book difficult to get into. I needed undivided attention to follow the storyline throughout this entire book. I also was a little disappointed on the ending and feel as it was somewhat of a cliff hanger for the characters Blake and Tessa.

*** I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and am leaving my review voluntarily. ***

Ok, I am only going to say this once, you do not need to have read the first book before reading this one. Shocking I know, but then ask yourself, why deny yourself! Go get the first book!!

I said it last time and I say it again, I love these girls and Blake. I love the behind the scenes of making a special day tick for couples, and did I say I love these girls!

And I have to shout about how there will be a third book *squeal* I am not sure how to contain myself, more from these girls yes!

So this story is focusing on Ama, and her meddling family trying to find her a man, setting up an online dating profile. It goes against her grain, she wants sparks, the unknown and fireworks! Not the constructed romance life the family want her to have.

However, as much as it focuses on Ama, we still see the other girls. Natalie with her big Italian family, deciding she is over the hill because she doesn’t have a man!!! Seriously! She is much more focused on her beautiful designs, and should she try her designs on the catwalk?

Tessa, dealing with her crush on Blake *swoon*, and to drum up more business, taking on a second job to pay for a billboard. The lengths she goes to, to support their business and her dreams that she has for the Wedding Belles just shows her determination.

I love the descriptions used by Laura, when she describes their office space, the cakes, the clothes designed, I can picture it clearly and to be honest if they were around they could have done my whole wedding!

I love seeing how they all interact and deal with the different demands both at work and at home, and see what would be the final straw for them. Plus any scene with Blake in is a bonus! It is one story but with three different love stories as we follow each Belle on their journey.

So it will come as no surprise that I loved this book, it was just what the doctor ordered something nice, filling you with happiness and hope for the future instalments to come!

Can I just take a moment to say how stunning that cover is? Wow! Such an eye catching and enchanting cover - definitely the reason why I chose to read this book, that's for sure!

Ama's family like to think that they have her best interests at heart, whilst she on the other hand, can't help but think that they're sticking their noses into her business. With Ama and her family very cultural, her father wishes that she would find a partner in keeping with their tradition. Is it up to them to decide who she falls in love with? Hell, is it even up to Ama to decide who she falls in love with?

'One Winter's Day' is split into the different outlooks of Ama, Tessa, and Natalie - three women who are completely different not only in personality, but their beliefs as well. You would have thought that working as wedding planners/designer/Baker together, that love would fall at their feet as quickly as it did for their clients. Ha....yeah right!

I must admit that I do like a novel with a wedding planner in it, as I like to be nosy and watch it all come together. This book was no different! That said, whilst I did enjoy the cultural differences where romance was concerned, I didn't end up falling head over heels with it as I felt as though something was missing. Don't get me wrong, the characters were brilliantly written separately, and I loved delving into their own journeys, but I felt as though things could have been a bit more energetic when it all came together.

Please don't take the above as a negative as I did enjoy the book, and of course that is my own personal opinion!

Laura Briggs is very talented, and it's clear that she writes with her heart and probably via her own experiences as they seemed naturally written rather than forced by Google. I thought that the book was very tender, humorous, and free spirited - I am really looking forward to reading more from this author!

Tessa, Ana and Natalie. – as they are involved in another wedding with conflicting ideas, tensions and a bit of craziness involved.

I wish I had read One Day Like This before diving into One Winter’s Day. I feel sort of like I left a huge part of the dynamics of this group of friends and business partners on the cutting room floor because there is no indication that these are connecting/series books. (aside from the “A feel good romance” near the title – that’s not a series announcement) This is an enjoyable story, don’t get me wrong here, yet there are so many sub-plots individual story lines and events that seem to be flowing from book to book… and the next book, that dropping into the middle wouldn’t have been my plan if I had realized beforehand that these were connecting stories.

While I expected Ana to be the focus of this story, in reality all three ladies pretty much had their own story lines moved forward. The idea of meshing two vastly different cultures together to form one amazing romance is appealing – that’s not what I found. So, let me wrap this up simply. I enjoyed several parts of One Winter’s Day, there are many readers who will devour this one. I feel badly that I couldn’t connect with these ladies more, but the very open-ended conclusion that obviously leads into another book simply isn’t my personal style of reading – but it might be yours so please, form your own opinion on this one.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

I have enjoyed several of Laura Briggs books but didn't realise that this was the second in a series. I felt it a shame that I hadn't read the previous novel and would have liked to have known more about the characters backgrounds.

The book is centred around three wedding planners and friends Tessa, Ama, and Natalie. All have distinct roles within the business, they are completely different and I found their stories fascinating. Ama does all the catering, including the wedding cakes. Her family wants her to have a traditional Indian matchmaker wedding, but she just wants to wait until the man of her dreams comes along. I loved Ama's family, staunch traditionalists yet incredibly loving and supportive of each other (and very funny!)

What stands out in Laura Briggs writing is the amazing detail she uses to describe the amazing bakes, beautiful gowns, and breathtaking locations. You actually feel like you have been transported to the most stunning wedding venues, with immaculate attention to detail and descriptions that bounce off the pages.

The theme isn't overly Christmassy, in fact, its perfect for this time of year when the days get colder and the nights draw in. So grab a warm blanket and hot chocolate and settle down for a gorgeous, comforting, cosy read.

I could not get into this book. A bit disappointed for that. Too much I can't/won't mentality that it took all the joy out of it after the first few chapters. Wished for better.

Tessa, Ama and Natalie couldn’t be more different or more similar, and their skills in their new and struggling wedding planning business work neatly together. Ama is of Indian descent, but all she really wants to do is bake fine pastries and find a man who will sweep her off her feet, not just a marriage to a man picked by her family. Natalie’s heart is in fashion and design, and really isn’t all that interested in romance. With her boisterous Italian family always being involved in every step of her life, and none quite understanding her casual approach to dating, she’s stuck between finding the courage to break out with her own label, and trying to keep the ‘neighbor boy’ from completely inserting himself into her life. Lastly there’s Tessa with her bad history of falling too fast, with a major crush on their ‘handyman / fourth partner Blake’ after a kiss rocked her world months before. But she’s desperate that things don’t change or get any more awkward, and frequent battles with Blake’s true love of restoration and renovation with purpose clash dramatically with Tessa’s need for ‘artistic expression’.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect here – and while I got a solid sense of everyone’s struggles with romance and relationships - most prevalent with Ama and Natalie whose families and parents were omnipresent and occasionally tone-deaf to what the women were trying to say. Ama had the worst of it by far: as she lives and works with her siblings, aunt and parents and while she’s trying to respect their more traditional aspects of life, she’s obviously got viewpoints and dreams that don’t fit with their expectations of what her life should become. Natalie’s family is omnipresent even though she has her own space – the calls, the requests for help or to come to meals, that overbearing expectation of a family that loves you to bits but doesn’t understand your own desire (or perhaps even doesn’t listen), all wrapped up with a childhood friend that everyone (including him) sees as a match for you. Tessa was a bit of the ‘tough girl I’ve got everything handled’ until I get in the presence of Blake and then I go into teenaged girl blushing - I was expecting her to punch his shoulder at any moment. She’s also worried about the future of her new partnership with the girls and their wedding planning business, not wanting to go back to the children’s party circuit with her first boss – all concerns she hasn’t shared with the others as she’s the ‘business head’ in their group – and it is she who manages the money and bills.

Honestly I was confused for most of this story as there wasn’t any real conclusions for anyone – each was mired in their own struggles with their dreams and families, and when you added in the wedding that they are planning with two very disparate mothers of the bride and groom – the funniest parts of the story were the interactions and reactions from the mothers and the mishaps that led up to the wedding. There was little to no growth for Natalie, while Ama actually finally found someone who has potential, even as she hasn’t told her family the whole story yet. Tessa – well we left her drowning her sorrows about Blake in icecream and cocoa on her mother’s sofa. No real resolution or forward progress for any but Ama, and even her progress was miniscule as her own guilt and need to please her parents was overriding her own desires. The writing here was okay, and while I could clearly imagine the smells, tastes and sights, it was the heart and the sense of determination for each of these three women that was harder to access or see.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”https://wp.me/p3OmRo-a5g/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I didn't realize that this was the second book in the series. I don't necessarily think you need to read the first one prior to reading this one as Briggs does a great job of explaining the characters and giving you a sense of their circumstances. I liked the characters although I did find Natalie and Tessa to get on my nerves at certain points in the story. The synopsis of the book made it seem like the focus would be all on Ama, who I really liked, but it's pretty evenly split between the three women. As a result, the pacing is a bit slow and loses momentum about halfway through since she explores all three characters instead of focusing on one. The ending is very open-ended for three women which I wasn't expecting, but as I am interested in continuing with the series it's not a negative. I do hope that the next novel is a bit tighter story and pacing-wise.

I really did enjoy this book, getting to follow the three girls through their stories was interesting.

2.5 Stars

I didn't realise that this book was the second of a series. I found it a bit cliched and got very annoyed with the litany of problems with their business. Was someone undermining them or should they have been doing something different...I couldn't see how they could have made a profit! There didn't seem to be much of a description of the three heroines..perhaps that was in the first book. I thought there was very little passion all round, I think I need more than one chast kiss. We didn't really get a HEA either. I won't be bothering to see what
happens next.

I was given a copy by Netgallery for my honest opinion.

I approached One Winter's Day enthusiastically having read and enjoyed other books by Laura Briggs. And it has a lot going for it. The three girls are all interesting and their interactions with each other are engaging. The premise, whilst not original, is interesting and the set-up promised much. But then it just went nowhere; nothing seemed to happen; there was no forward momentum. In the end, I abandoned it about two thirds of the way through. I didn't hate it but I just got bored and less and less inclined to read it. I'm sorry I feel this way because I think with tighter editing things could have been so different.

This was a light, seasonal read. The three main characters were very likable and real. I liked how each of the three had her own arc, and they didn’t follow the same paths. I thought that the descriptions of Ama’s family and the trials she went through, trying to balance her Indian heritage between traditional (to make her family happy) and contemporary (making herself happy) were very well done. The phrase “happy disaster” to describe a wedding is a phrase that I think is particularly accurate (and useful)! There were times where the writing was a little too convoluted, and an editor could have tightened things up. All in all, it was an enjoyable book. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book by Laura Briggs. It is the second book in a series about a group of friends who have started a wedding business together. We meet Tessa who does all of the business aspects and the organizing. She might have gotten herself in a little over her head. There is Natalie who designs the wedding dresses and has to deal with a large Italian family with all of their expectations about her love life. Ama is the cake designer. She bakes when she isn’t helping out at her Indian family’s restaurant. All three of these women are unique and their friendship shines through.
I was expecting to read about one romantic story and instead found myself in a book about the romantic prospects of all three women. The story tells us about Tessa’s crush on the handyman/contractor, Blake. She won’t admit her feelings to anyone and things definitely get complicated and awkward for both Blake and Tessa.
Natalie isn’t ready to settle down with anyone and so she dates a lot of athletic guys. Her family doesn’t meet any of them since none of them last very long. She is also dealing with one of her childhood friends and his long time crush on her. She doesn’t want to date him, but he doesn’t seem to get the hint.
Ama is dealing with a traditional family who wants to help her meet a traditional Indian man. Her father goes so far as to set up a dating profile for her and to email her potential matches. When she meets an interesting non-Indian man at the farmer’s market, Ama has to decide whether to disappoint her family or take a chance on love.
I liked all of these different stories, but it did take a while to get into the book since it wasn’t what I was expecting. Ms. Briggs gives us a lot of background information on all three women and sometimes the storylines get a little muddled. Since there are so many stories going on, the book ends without a real resolution for any of the women. It is apparent that Ms. Briggs plans to keep the stories going throughout the series so I guess I’ll have to read the next book to see what happens to the relationships Ama, Natalie and Tessa have started in this book.

My review is written with thanks to Noelle Holten at Bookouture for inviting me on the tour, and for providing my copy of the book via Netgalley.
One third of the wedding planning trio, The Wedding Belles, Ama is looking for her own special someone. Her father is also keen for Ama to be married, and registers her with a Punjabi dating website. But Ama doesn't want an arranged marriage, and when she meets Luke, she thinks her days of dating disasters could be over. The only problem is, he rides a motorbike and has tattoos, and Ama knows her traditional parents will not approve. Will Ama follow her heart?
Having enjoyed One Day Like This, I was keen to catch up with The Wedding Belles to see where their next project took them. I enjoyed meeting them again, as the characters have a wonderful sense of humour which shines through, making them easy to relate to, and in turn, making ​One Winter's Day ​a joy to read.
The wedding that The Wedding Belles are working on in this novel has a winter theme, and the descriptions of the venue and its decorations, the flowers and the food drew me into the scene from the start. I felt completely immersed in the wedding,and this made One Winter's Day the perfect novel to read curled up on the sofa as the nights become darker.
In addition to the lighthearted romantic theme, Briggs also explores some interesting contemporary issues in One Winter's Day. ​In fact, Briggs must have read my mind as Ama's story was the one I wanted to read about in more detail. I will admit that I know very little about Punjabi culture, but I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Ama's family and their way of life, and the dilemma this presents for Ama.
There are plenty of strands to the plot which have still to be resolved, so I will be looking forward to the next book in the series!