Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

 

Picture Perfect Wedding
Magnolia Brides series – Book #3
by Lynnette Austin
Release Date: November 1, 2016

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
One mistake can change everything…forever

Beck Elliot and Tansy Calhoun were inseparable-until Tansy left Misty Bottoms, Georgia, promising to come back after she finished school. Beck stayed behind to save the family business, dreaming of the day when Tansy would return. Instead, his trust and his heart were broken when she inexplicably married another man and bore his child.

Five years later, Tansy comes home, a sadder and wiser woman. Despite his anger, Beck finds it hard to avoid her and her adorable little daughter-especially with all the busybodies of Misty Bottoms going out of their way to throw him and Tansy together, hoping a lingering spark will reignite their enduring flame…

 

 

Review:

Picture Perfect Wedding by Lynnette Austin is the 3^rd book in her wonderful Magnolia Brides series.  I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series, and once again, Lynnette Austin gives us another wonderful sweet romance, with a great couple.  In the last book, we knew that Beck and Tansy would be the leads in this book, and from the start, I was hooked again. 

In Picture Perfect Wedding, Tansy Cahoun returns home after 5 years, to Misty Bottoms, leaving behind an ex husband who gambled away all their money, and later on we learn more about Tansy’s miserable marriage.  Tansy will join her friend Jenni Beth, to help with future weddings at Magnolia Brides.  Tansy plans to find a place to build her new Sweet Dreams bakery, and she has her heart set on her former fiancée, Beck’s grandfather’s house. 

Beck Elliot has a successful contracting business, but Beck has never forgotten his true love, Tansy, who left him years before.  In fact, when Tansy returns home, Beck is a bit cold and tries to avoid her; he has never been able to forget her, nor move on.  But much to their dismay, both Beck and Tansy find themselves being pushed together by family, friends, and the whole town.  Beck is a true gentleman, and forces himself to have his men help fix up Tansy’s new place, which brings him closer to her.  Tansy has a beautiful precious 4 year little girl, Gracie Bell, and she is determined not to let her daughter lose another man in their loves, even if her ex didn’t care about either of them.

Tansy is excited to be working closely with Jenni Beth and Cricket, as we watch them plan the weddings. This was a fun part, with Tansy doing the fabulous different wedding cakes, and Cricket doing the flowers.  Jenni Beth’s Magnolia Brides business is just what Misty Bottoms needs to help rejuvenate the town. 

What follows is a sweet lovable romance that will find Beck slowly trying to convince Tansy to give their love another chance.  They both needed to overcome their fears of the past, and the addition of Gracie was another perfect choice to bring them together.  I loved every moment of this book; loved the small town atmosphere; loved all the characters; and adored the wonderful couple.   Lynnette Austin has done a masterful job in each book to make us fall in love with the leading characters.   Needless to say, I love this series, and Austin is fast becoming one of my favorite romance authors.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Songs for the Bride and Groom’s First Dance

Is anything more romantic than that first dance as husband and wife? It’s unforgettable. Some bride and grooms already have “their” song, one that’s part of their journey together, the one they’ll dance to for their first spin on the dance floor as a married couple. For those who don’t, it’s important to choose the right song. One that has meaning. One that encapsulates their relationship. One they can sing to each other on the dance floor and in the years to come. For the rest of their lives, when they hear this song, they’ll be transported back to their wedding day. To new beginnings. To the start of their forever.

Unless both are extroverts, the first dance can be nerve-wracking. All eyes are on the new Mr. and Mrs. It doesn’t hurt to practice beforehand, to take an evening, push back the furniture, kick off those shoes, and enjoy the moment wrapped in each others’ arms. Hmmm…That sounds like a scene right out of a romance novel!

Then, when the bride and groom find themselves in front of friends and family, they can close their eyes or gaze into their new husband’s or wife’s eyes, and pretend it’s only the two of them. Together. In love.

In Picture Perfect Wedding, the third book in my Magnolia Brides series, Tansy Calhoun and Beck Elliot generate a lot of heat! I don’t think it’ll be long before they’re searching for their own perfect song. Because this is a second-chance romance, they’ll go for one that’s a little out of the ordinary, Back in Baby’s Arms, by Patsy Cline.

I’m back in baby’s arms,

How I missed those loving arms.

I’m back where I belong,

Back in baby’s arms.

Here’s my eclectic mix of favorite first dance songs—some old, some new:

Keeper of the Stars by Tracy Byrd. I heard Tracy perform this incredible song in the North Georgia mountains, and its poignant message has haunted me ever since. Released by Byrd in 1995, it’s timeless.

He sure knew what he was doin’

When he joined these two hearts

I hold everything

When I hold you in my arms

All of Me by John Legend. <sigh> Can I just say that Chrissy Teigen is one lucky lady? This song melts my bones!

Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran A promise of forever love regardless of future circumstances, for better or worse. It’s sheer“an” genius.

Amazed by Lone Star. A classic. The words and the message will never lose their meaning. The smell of your skin, The taste of your kiss, The way you whisper in the dark.

Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra. Dance to this one, and he’ll definitely love you to the moon and back.

So there are my top five. But wait…I have more! I love, love music, and I love, love LOVE! I just can’t stop at five.

The runners-up that I can’t leave out:

Love of My Life by Jim Buckman. Listen to these lyrics, and see if you don’t agree this is one great song!

Grow Old With Me by John Lennon. I know. The irony of this one hurts. I stood in Strawberry Fields, Central Park, a few weeks ago and wished John had been granted the gift of growing old.

At Last by Etta James. What a phenomenal song! And then the spell was cast, and here we are in Heaven, for you are mine at last. Don’t those lyrics say it all?

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis. It had to show up on this list, didn’t it? I mean, come on, he’s the King!

Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Frankie Valli. As the bride, you’ll be the center of your new husband’s world…and everyone else’s as you dance.

How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor. And it will be sweet as you and your love start your life together.

I know I’ve missed a lot of great ones! What’s your favorite? What did you choose for your first dance?

 

 

Lynnette’s publisher is offering a paper copy of PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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