These four novellas made a great collection and blended together so well. The four ladies each has a part in their wedding planning business enterprise. They are all sweet romances and each woman has her story to tell. The stories flowed so well together, it actually just seemed like one book.
The story was of good friends and some obstacles that sometimes stand in the way. The stories were are sweet and had some humor. The book will draw you in and you will enjoy it.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 stars LOVED: Finally a Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh and Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer. Both were skillfully written and felt like complete stories with perfect pacing, tension, and character growth. This isn't easy to do in a novella, but they both did it perfectly. I'd read these two stories again in a heartbeat as well as check out their backlists.
3.5 stars LIKED: The Worst-Kept Secret by Leann Betts. Cute story, though to me the romance fell a little flat and the pacing was a bit off. I'm not a fan of characters who hold tight to their assumptions, so maybe it was just me.
2.5 stars Not so much: Hemmed In by RL Ashly. I really had a hard time with this one. The "villain" was erratic and over-the-top but not in a funny way and the final reasoning behind it didn't fit. Also the romance didn't feel very romantic. I had a tough time buying into any of it, especially since the other tales clearly note how long planning and executing events takes, but in this one they pull off a miracle in two weeks including her hand sewing a wedding gown, veil, and bridesmaids dresses from scratch. Not remotely realistic.
Highs: The bookend stories, as noted above. Four friends who work together in the wedding industry was a fun concept.
Lows: Continuity issues between the books could be improved.
Bottom line: 3/4 good stories isn't a bad number. I'd definitely buy it for Ms. Shiloh's and Ms. Spencer's books alone.

Always a Wedding Planner is a sweet and heartwarming collection of four novellas that revolves around a group of best friends who own a wedding planning business. Each lady has been down on her luck when it comes to finding her Mr. Right, and each will learn that God's plan is often not what we expect, and sometimes we find love in the most unusual places.

I really enjoyed this collection, and loved how it focused on the importance of faith, family and friendship. Each story was a lovely little treat, although I personally loved the first and the fourth stories the most. The first really touched my heart as it dives into the topics of infertility and feeling inferior in a relationship, and I thought the author did a fantastic job of representing these issues authentically and intimately to the reader.

I loved the way all four stories tied together to showcase the bigger picture, and I found myself breezing through this collection pretty quick. It was clean, sweet and swoon worthy, and exactly the type of read I generally look for during the spring and summer months.

Final Rating: 4/5.

I definitely recommend this adorable collection, and I was really impressed with how well developed each of the stories was for the word count each author had to work with!

Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing for allowing me to advance read and review this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a wonderful collection of faith filled novellas! All of the stories are well written and holds your attention. I loved how each story was interconnected and made you feel like you was reading a full length novel instead of four different novellas. All of the authors did an excellent job with this collection. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this delightful book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A delightful novella collection featuring four friends who run a wedding planning business. This fun read had the feel of a rom-com, with some humor mixed into the romances, but with a bit more spiritual depth. All the stories interconnect and build on each other, so it felt more like a full length novel.
The main characters are unique and creative, with a solid friendship. It was fun to "meet" each one and the great guys who stepped up to befriend and aid them in their business. Each story begins with a theme verse and it is incorporated into the character's job or life. I liked them all. I especially enjoyed the last one with the chef. "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Ronnie's dilemma was tough, but Ty's inner dialogue had me laughing out loud more than a few times.
"Good thing his mouth was full, or he might make a fool of himself and ask her to marry him."

Fans of contemporary romances with inspiration should enjoy this fun collection.

Loved the first one. The rest held my attention but weren’t great. Glad I read them though. Clever concept.

Always A Wedding Planner is a collection of four contemporary novellas, each written by a different author. Each novella features the love story of one woman in a tight-knit group of friends and wedding planners.

The first story, Finally A Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh, was definitely my favourite. A talented baker, Felicity, is surprised when her high-school crush arrives for a cake tasting/designing appointment. She's relieved when she learns that Will is the bride's brother, not the groom, but how exactly is a girl supposed to act around the guy who stole her heart so long ago yet never seemed to realize she existed...until now? Will and Felicity's story was super cute.

Novella number two, Hemmed In by RH Ashly tells the tale of wedding dress designer, Kiki. Kiki has had custody of her niece and nephew, Tressa and Jack, since their parents died. When she meets a handsome fireman named Bing, she finally starts to think there might be more to her story than just sewing and raising teenagers. Until Camilla enters the picture, that is. Unfortunately, this story missed the mark for me. I struggled to believe that anyone would allow someone to push boundaries as far as Camilla did. Both Bing and Kiki really needed to stand up to her bullying and ridiculous behaviour long before they let it go as far as it did. I also struggled to get past the many idioms that the author used in what seemed like every sentence. Aside from those issues, I thought Bing and Kiki's relationship was sweet and I loved the kids.

The third story is The Worst-Kept Secret by Leeann Betts. Wedding coordinator Cassie needs to hire a limousine service, but she's struggling to get past what she believes about the driver, Brady. If the rumours are true, she wants to stay as far away from him as possible. This was a sweet story of learning to never judge a book by its cover and that gossip should never be taken as truth. I really appreciated Brady's strong faith throughout the novella.

The final novella was Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer. Saffron, aka Ronnie, is an extremely talented chef, but when she mysteriously loses her ability to smell and taste, she wonders if that part of her life is gone forever. Enter Ty, the handsome (and handy) cowboy. Could he be the solution to all of Ronnie's problems? Can she trust him with her biggest secret? I quite enjoyed this one. The cheesiness was definitely there but it was still a fun read.

If you like contemporary romance with a good dose of cheesiness, you'll likely enjoy the stories in this collection.

*I received a complimentary copy of Always A Wedding Planner through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.

This is a book of four short stories. They are a group of friends, but each story is told by a different friend and written by a different author.
I like the premise of friends going into the wedding business together, each one providing a different service.
The stories were sweet and wholesome like Hallmark movies.

Always A Wedding Planner is a collection of four short stories of romances that were never expected to happen. The four wedding planners are all dear, single friends and work together in their business, Weddings by Design.
Finally a Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh- Felicity Edwards is the master cake designer and baker at Weddings by Design. When Will, whom she had a crush on in high school, comes with his sister to help her design a cake will Felicity be making her own cake soon?
Hemmed In by R.L. Ashly- Kiki Bell is the dress designer and seamstress for the business. When she comes in to find her work space in upheaval who can the culprit be? She quickly learns the not so nice new office manager has relegated her to the garage. Will she quit or will it turn out to be a blessing? When her niece and nephew, who she has custody of, call to say there is a fire she hurries home. The fireman is quite handsome but will she ever see him again?
The Worst-Kept Secret by Leeann Betts- Cassie is the business manager and handles initial calls with clients scheduling them to meet with each of the others. Many things seem to be going wrong for Amanda’s wedding plans and when they meet with the limo driver, Brady Millman, they find the limo a smelly mess. Will Brady redeem himself and win a spot in Cassie’s heart to bring him business and maybe her heart?
Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer- Saffron Fare, better known as Ronnie is the chef who plans all the menus and tastings for prospective clients along with sit down dinners or buffets for actual wedding. What will happen to her when she loses her sense of smell and taste? She does her best to cover it up by asking others’ for their opinions of her foods. When a gas leak closes her kitchen and a handsome contractor comes to fix it will there be an explosion?
Each story is unique and set in Loveland Colorado. The characters are great and we learn more about each one of the friends as we move through the four stories. I cannot recommend this book more highly and give it 5 if 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Very fun read. Each of the stories was a twist on being a wedding planner with some interesting and unique ideas. A light, summertime read.

As a whole:
I love how the four friends were all connected, and they were all present in each of the four stories. I thought it was organized very well.

Individually:
- Finally a Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh 4/4/21 ***
It took me a chapter before I got into this one, but once I did, I enjoyed the light, sweet, romance of two people in their thirties looking for a serious relationship but hampered by their insecurities. I loved that Felicity was terrible at sports – I can so totally relate! Lol! I also loved that not only were they both entrepreneurs but they were both in the creative space with cake decorating and hair design.

I didn't like that the ending chapter before the Epilogue seemed anti-climatic. When Felicity finally shared her secret, there should have been more tension with Will not sure if he could accept it or not or something.

All in all, as much as I love Toni Shiloh's writing, this one was only cute and sweet but not memorable.

- Hemmed In by RI Ashley 4/10/21 ****
Loved the hero Bing, and the kids Tressa and Jack, and eventually the heroine Kiki. But the antagonist Camilla was so one-dimensional and only one sentence of an explanation of her irrationality. All in all, cute, though. I would re-read this one.

Favorite quotes:
“Work was a balm for the heart and music food for the soul.” (p. 128)

“She couldn't change the woman's narcissistic personality, but she could get creative with her responses to the office manager's demanding ways. Let the games begin.” (p. 186)

- The Worst-Kept Secret by Leeann Betts 4/12/21 ****
Cassie's story was really cute but felt a little abruptly short. Personally, the story absolutely needed the Epilogue, which means it wasn't really an epilogue but the last real chapter. Several of the events seemed a bit unbelievable.

But I really loved the other characters, how Kiki and Felicity were consistent from the previous stories. I especially loved how Camilla's “change of heart” was portrayed as not the 180 turn-around I would have assumed at the end of Kiki's story.

- Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer 4/19/21 *****
This was my favorite of them all! I guess they were saving the best for last, though I almost didn't make it there. I loved the characters, the Bible verse woven throughout both obviously and subtly, the meaning of Ronnie's name, the interesting subplot between her and her mom, and the perfect ending tying up everything from before.

The only thing I wished it had was more redemption of Camilla. I don't think she was even mentioned in this one.

Favorite quotes:
“Whoa. Hold your horses, Cowboy. No nicknames, thank you very much.” (p. 392-393)

“'Good morning.' No kidding. With her hair twisted up, sunshine in her eyes, and a plate of fresh something-or-other in her hands, he was toast.” (p. 402)

“Eerie, in a way, that both of them had family members who had appreciated the same biblical admonition. Eerie—or a God thing.” (p. 412)

“She did not depend on men for anything. Never had, until now, and she wasn't sure how she felt about that. She was an independent woman who did most things herself, even if it involved power tools. But God had seen fit to let her experience tastelessness. Why? She needed that ability.” (p. 419)

(I received a copy for free from the publisher. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own, as was the decision to write this review.)

These collaboration stories are so fun! Each author's unique presence makes each of the lead characters even more distinct, as good friends should.

These wedding planners have created quite a business team. Each of these ladies has an obstacle in their way, and are mostly tired of being single. Perfect stage for some personal and spiritual growth, and a sweet romance.

Finally a Sweetheart by Toni Shiloh: Felicity the cake whiz and her (evidently mutual) high school crush are pushed together, and have to learn to communicate the hard things, before they let silence and assumptions ruin everything.

Hemmed In by RL Ashly: Kiki the seamstress is being bullied by the new office manager, raising her niece and nephew alone, and determined not to be distracted by the handsome fireman who also leads music at church. Trusting others is hard, and not wanting to be known as a complainer allows the drama at work to go on way too long. I admired her efforts to get along and not complain, and her creative solutions to the problem, if not direct, were effective! And the kids are Awesome, as is the proposal!

The Worst-Kept Secret by Leeanne Betts: Cassie, the official Wedding Planner, organizer and detail person is definitely someone I can relate to. Organizing lots of details, but wanting to stay completely behind the scenes and far from the 'public eye' can be draining. Especially when someone keeps pushing you out front, over and over again. And losing trust in someone is hard to recover from. But with God, all things are possible! Even learning apologize, and to trust again, when misconceptions are cleared up.

Taste and See by Davalynn Spencer: Appropriately, our Chef, Ronnie (Saffron)'s favorite verse is "Taste and See that the Lord is Good." But all of her insecurities and fears rise up when she loses her sense of smell due to an infection. The cowboy repairman hired to fix a leak becomes indispensable, on so many levels.

Thank you all for writing fun stories that point us to God in the hard parts.

I received an advance copy of this book from #NetGalley, and chose to review it here. All thoughts are my own.

This collection of stories is so cute. I loved the whole idea of four different friends owning a wedding planning company, and each one having different a specialty.
Most of these authors I have never read, but they were all a delight to read and now I have new authors to follow.
I had many times of laughter and sweet moments of romance. Each of these stories was well developed and connected smoothly. I could really see the friendship between all the ladies. Their individual skills were amazing and some of the stories made my mouth water.
If you want to read a fun, delightful, tender, collection of books regarding weddings, then this is the set for you!
While reading this collection I started to remember my own wedding and all the fun things that went all in the planning of it. What fun memories!
I highly reconned you pick it up and have fun in the world of weddings.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Barbour Publishing has put together four charming stories centered on everyone else's happily ever after. Four business partners in Weddings by Design meet their soul mates in these narratives and find their own happily ever afters.

Felicity is the cake baker who bakes dreams for brides. When Olivia's brother accompanies her to the taste testing appointment, Felicity meets the man who has loved her forever. This one was my favorite of the four. There was more character development and more fun involved in the progression of the story.

Kiki is the dress designer whose very position in the business is being sabotaged by her partner's cousin who has been hired as office manager. The office manager has her sights set on a man who has his own sights set on Kiki. This story provided more tension among the characters, but with a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.

Cassie is the introverted coordinator who needs to hire a limousine service, but has a hard time getting past her impressions of the limo owner/driver to see who he really is. Her cousin/office manager's shenanigans are still not fully dealt with in this one. This was my least favorite of the four.

Ronnie is the caterer who loses her sense of taste and smell because of a sinus infection she contracted during a cruise with her mom. She has to hire a plumber to take care of gas leak in her house and without telling him what she's doing, she enlists his help in tasting her recipes so that she provides good food for the weddings she has on her schedule. The solution to her sinus problems came almost miraculously and that, for me, was the most unsatisfying part of the tale.

Each of these novellas is sweet in its own way and entertains the reader for a while, and provides a brief escape from the duties of real life. This is a four star book.

Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Sweet stories filled with love and faith. Each story shares of obstacles for the characters to overcome. With heartwarming relationships and interesting happenings, every page drew me in and kept me reading. I will read this book again when I need a smile or two. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

This is a really sweet book of clean romantic fiction stories. I enjoyed the book and it was very easy to read, my only personal issue is that I wish they had a little more detail besides “they kissed”. That may be very petty, but once you’ve read the relationship development piece of the story, you really want a fulfilling ending! Other than this, I love how the stories are all based on the same group of people. It gives the character’s personality and a story.

All of the characters were well developed and the recurring ones seemed consistent. My only real complaint is with the office manager. Her behavior was criminal, but simply excused away and forgotten.

The first and last stories were my favorites, but I liked the way the language of the different jobs of the main characters were woven into each stories.

I wanted to love this book. I liked two stories, the first and the last. But, those middle two were super confusing. Part of that might have been the formatting that Barbour on Netgalley has. But those two stories felt off to me. Something was missing. The last one might have been my favorite. Just a personal preference thing. Overall this was a nice way to spend the evening reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Three women who are good friend and own a wedding business together. They want to meet their prince charming. This book was an enjoyable read.

ALWAYS A WEDDING PLANNER is a collection of romantic novellas in which four different authors each tell a story about one of the business partners who own Weddings by Design. I like the way the novellas flow together and the scriptures the authors use in telling their stories.
It is an enjoyable light read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.