Viper Spaulding
Great romance coupled with an unsolved mystery The entire Fortune family gathers for the New Year's wedding of five couples, during which Brian meets Emmaline, though he wasn't able to remember enough to find her later. Thankfully, she runs the local antique shop where Brian goes for help in tracking down a mysterious wedding gift that was sent anonymously. Their romance is a bit unusual, since she's carrying the child of her deadbeat ex and her mother is always on hand to remind her of the consequences of her mistakes. Still, Brian only sees the positives and gives Emmaline the confidence to tune out the rest of the noise and focus on the blessings to come. This right here makes this a wonderful romance all by itself. Their HEA was delightful; I always love watching a confirmed bachelor succumb to the irresistible draw of a family. I was a bit disappointed to find that the mystery of the wedding gift was left completely hanging; I subsequently learned that this is the first in a series (each book by a different author) subtitled "The Wedding Gift," so I'm assuming that the details of this gift will be unveiled a little at a time across the future books, currently listed as six according to Goodreads. If that's the kind of adventure you're looking for, this is a nice book to start with. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Shari Bartholomew
A New Year's kiss might change the lives of Emmaline and Brian. Brian lives in New York but has come to Rambling Rose for his twin brother's wedding and he doesn't believe in commitment. Emmaline is six months pregnant and is the owner of her late grandpa's antique shop and his ready to raise her baby as a single mom. Soon a casual relationship develops, both in agreement to a month until Brian returns to New York. If only they listen to their hearts, will they have their HEA. This story is full of emotion, love and family. A little bit of mystery of a trojan horse statue, that is not solved. This is part of s series of the Fortune family but also starts a new series. Looking forward to reading more.
Andrea Romance
Antique store owner Emmaline lives a quiet life. The last thing she wants is to become the subject of gossip. It doesn't help that her mother keeps telling her she'll be shunned if anyone finds out she's pregnant, with no husband in sight. When Brian rediscovers the beauty he kissed on New Year's Eve, he's eager to get to know her better. And he's got an excuse: he needs her help discovering the provenance of a wedding gift sent to his brother. But is he ready for the complications of dating a soon-to-be single mom? This book is so lovely. It's got a strong family feel, and Emmaline's got a supportive friend circle as well. She doesn't let herself be cowed by her mother, and Brian really steps up to give her what she needs. The little mystery about the statue adds to the conflict and keeps the pages turning. It's a good choice to celebrate the new year. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.