BRIDES AND BOUQUETS 2007

Author: Laura Hamby, Lyndell King and Deb Kinnard ISBN: NA 6/2007 ANTHOLOGY Publisher: BY GRACE PUBLISHING

Three novellas form this sweet anthology, all themed for June’s main claim to fame—weddings. "Something Old-Something New" by Laura Hamby What’s a gal who’s been jilted at the altar to do? Feel sorry for herself? Or reach for her cake? "Something Borrowed" by Deb Kinnard Scott Delaney is a young woman’s dream. With everything to offer, he fears he’s incapable of falling in love. Leah Tillman has felt inferior to her lovely, accomplished sister all her life. As attendants to her sister’s wedding, this mismatched pair borrow something—God’s grace to seek happiness together. "Something Blue" by Lyndell King Pastor Nathan awaits his version of Gideon’s fleece before asking his childhood love to marry him. But a self-righteous businessman, savior of their village, asks her first! It’ll take an ugly town fountain, homicidal high heels and an irate Irishman to prove God really does work in mysterious ways.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This anthology consists of three stories: Something Old, Something New by Laura Hamby, Something Borrowed by Deb Kinnard and Something Blue by Lyndell King. Each is well written and interesting, and examines a different aspect of life leading up to a wedding.

In the first story, the bride is jilted at the altar a week before the wedding. Although she wasn't entirely committed to the marriage, the bride seems to get over being dumped in record speed. The second story deals with recognizing the right love when it comes along, and having the grace to accept it with all its layers. And the third tells the story of a young woman who has lost her father but not her spirit. She must choose between two men, and try and save a co-op while satisfying the urges of her heart.

All three stories are interesting, and strong on romance. They have a strong inspirational flavor and are fast, light, fun reading. I enjoyed this book, mostly because it features three strong writers telling intriguing tales. If you're looking for some light, breezy reading, this is the one for you!

Kay James