The Bride Quartet

 Vision in White

 “Vision in White” is the first of four books in the Bride Quartet series.  The series is about 4 girls, who have been best friends since their childhood.  As children, they loved playing weddings, each taking turns in different roles. “Vision in White” picks up with the four of them running a full service wedding event business.

Parker, who inherited a mansion with a ballroom, forms the company, and together with the other three girls runs ‘Vows’.   Lauren, the cake decorator; Emma, the florist; and Mackenzie, the photographer, the four have created the most sought after place for weddings in Connecticut. “Vision in White” is the story of Mackenzie and Carter.

When the girls were still very young, Mackenzie was the one always bored with the parts she had to do in the play weddings, then she was given a camera as a birthday gift. From then on, she was the wedding photographer, and as she grew up became one of the best capturing great photos. Laurel, was the baker, who can make any cake look terrific. Emma was in charge of the flowers, which always had a special flare.  Of course, Parker was the one who held it all together, especially the details, and keeping the girls in sync with one another.

Carter Maguire was the hero in this first book.  He was a shy, clumsy, smart English teacher.  He was perfect for Mac, as she was the opposite of Carter.  She was the independent, career minded strong woman, to Carter quiet simple ways.  It was fun to watch them fall in love with each other, as well as to see Mac begin to watch for the things that Carter would accidentally break.  Carter wanted Mac from the start, but it was Mac who was afraid of commitment, as she has issues with her mother. This is a big part of the story, showing Mac’s mother, who only comes around when she wants something and Mac cannot handle her.  It is Parker, who usually stands up to Mac’s mother, and the other girls are always there for Mac.  It has been this way since Mac was little, and she would always stay at Parker’s house.

I really enjoyed the entire concept of this story…the friendship of the 4 girls is showed very well.  We learn everything about them.  The other characters, like the men and other family who play a big role in this series.  You get to know them like they were your friends and family.  Nora does this so well.

The weddings were also great to watch.  The planning throughout, the way they each complimented each other to ensure the wedding went off perfect, and men who will play a part for each of them, are always called to help.  It was fun to see the details, the reactions of the bride and groom and their families.

Bed of Roses

“Bed of Roses” is the second book in the Bride Quartet series.  This story belongs to Emma Grant who is the florist at Vows.  Emma is the beautiful one, who always has men who are interested in her, but as much as she enjoys her fun, she has not found anyone she truly loves.  She wants a marriage like her parents, with children and love that will last forever. She just hasn’t found what she is looking for.

Jack Cooke is friends with Parker’s brother Del, and has been friends with them all for years, and considers the girls as family.  Jack is an architect, and is always helping with to do at Vows or for Del.  He begins to admit to himself that he has feelings for Emma that is more then friendship, but tries to avoid her in fear of losing their friendship. But one night, when Emma is stranded on the road, Jack comes to help her, and kisses her.  When she returns his kiss with passion, things change.

Jack has a reputation as a ladies man, with commitment problems. He is opposite from Emma, as his parents are divorced, and it has left him with a bad taste.  Not to mention, Del would not like if he became involved with Emma.  It is Del, who like Parker, makes himself the protector of the girls.  Though Emma is willing to have a relationship with Jack, he is hesitant knowing the danger of losing his friendships.

This book continued the fun reading about the friendships, the bickering, and the threats that could harm the friendship, as well as the romance that develops between old friends, like Jack and Emma.  The wedding planning, the actual weddings and seeing the things that can and do go wrong, is what makes this story fun.  This book was a great continuation of the series.

Savor the Moment

Laurel is the heroine in Savor the Moment.  She does all the baking at Vows, with her creative and wonderful special cakes for the weddings.  Laurel is tough, has a sense of humor that is direct, and though all 4 girls are close, she is probably the closest to Parker.  She lives in the mansion with Parker, as the other two live in their own houses within the complex.  Whereas, Del always treated Laurel like a family member since they have known each other since childhood, it is Laurel who secretly loved Del.

Del became the head of the family once his parents were killed, and he considers all of the girls like just like he would Parker.  He watches over them, handles things for them, and monitors everything pertaining to them.  He is the protective brother for them all. As well as being a good friend to men like Jack, Carter and Malcom. Del also likes to have fun, with the guys and the ladies.

Laurel always hides her feelings, as she felt the Del coming from the prominently rich Brown family, was out of reach for her, even if Parker was her best friend. But a one night impulsive kiss by Laurel to Del, changed everything.  Del couldn’t forget the kiss, and despite their qualms, they both agree to date and see where these feelings will take them.  The key…no sex for thirty days.  There is a lot of sexual tension, and many doubts on both sides that this could work.  All of their family and friends work behind the scenes to help them see how they belong together.  Another reason why this series is so good.  The love and friendship is wonderful to watch, and each book has more fun and details with Vows.

Happy Ever After

The 4th and final book in the Bride Quartet series belongs to Parker Brown. She is the glue that holds Vows together.  She is the friend who has taken care of them all these years.  Parker and Del come from old upper class money, but both learned from their parents, never to let money change how you treat people.  They both have big hearts, and love their family and friends.  Parker is poised, and comes across as stand-offish to those not her friends, but she is just a bit anal with details, and is determined to run the best business she can.  She is the one who has to deal with all the problems, such as crazy temperamental brides, nagging mothers, and even the scared grooms.  Parker is never without her trusted Blackberry, which constantly rings.

Malcolm Kavanaugh, the hunky mechanic extraordinaire, has been around early on in this series.  Knowing how Roberts sets things up in her series, we knew that Malcom would be the one for Parker.  He left home long ago, having had family issues with his father.  But after he made enough money, he returned home to run a local garage, which specializes in repairing, detailing, and fixing up older antique cars. His business has become very profitable.

Throughout the series, the Brown housekeeper Mrs. G has been a mainstay, as she loves all her girls, as well as the men.  It’s her special cooking that brings them together often.  In this case, Mrs. G plays a big part in helping Malcolm and Parker come together.

Malcolm has been watching Parker for awhile, though no one thought they could possible become a couple.  But finally, after much teasing, Parker agrees to go out on a date with Malcolm.  He takes her on his Harley, and they end up having a great time, and another date follows.  It is great to see the two of them discover love, and to conquer many issues for both of them. Parker tries to get him to open up and talk about his past, finally when Malcolm sees that he can lose Parker, he knows he has to trust her and be able to discuss his life. Malcolm understands Parker’s need for full control, and works with her to allow her to let go at times.

This was a great last book. I loved being able to see all the girls and their men constantly throughout the entire series.  They were a team, and the book portrayed that.  We also got to see Mac and Carter get married.   For a fun book, great couples…The Bride Quartet is a great series to read.

Barb