***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
“Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber.” —Publishers Weekly
The last person she wants to see in Magnolia, North Carolina, could be exactly whom she’s been waiting for…
Mariella Jacob was one of the world’s premier bridal designers, but one viral PR disaster later, she’s trying to get her torpedoed career back on track in small-town Magnolia, North Carolina. With a secondhand store and a new business venture helping her friends turn the Wildflower Inn into a wedding venue, Mariella is finally putting at least one mistake behind her. Until that mistake—in the glowering, handsome form of Alex Ralsten—moves to Magnolia too.
Mariella ruined Alex’s wedding by announcing that his starlet bride-to-be was sleeping with Mariella’s fiancé. While he’s furious when they’re forced to work together, there’s no denying Mariella is hardworking, talented…and gorgeous. In fact, though Alex keeps reminding himself that they’re enemies, something deeper is growing…daring them to admit that a rocky past might lead to something unexpectedly wonderful.
Includes a Bonus novella! Josie Trumbull has rebuilt her life after her dreams were crushed by a career-ending injury. Now she teaches ballet in Magnolia and has mostly made peace with her life and future. Until her best friend, and proprietor of the bookstore next door, Stuart Madison, takes her completely by surprise.
The Carolina Girls Series Book 1: Wildflower Season Book 2: Mistletoe Season Book 3: Wedding Season
Wedding Season by Michelle Major is the third book in her popular Carolina Girls series. This heartwarming tale with an enemies-to-lovers trope has a bit of mystery too.
Mariella Jacob never thought she’d move back to Magnolia, North Carolina, but after her bridal dress design business went under, she returns to the small town to help her friends and their burgeoning wedding business at the Wildflower Inn. Embarrassed by the implosion of her high-end design business in New York City, she yearns to lay low, put her mistakes behind her and just help her friends back in Magnolia.
Alex Ralsten runs his athletic wear business from his offices in Magnolia. His recent almost wedding was ruined by Mariella when she exposed his fiance’s cheating in a very inelegant way and further embarrassed him and his family in a very public way. He’s not happy when he finds out he’s living in the same small town as Mariella, but she’s not happy about it either.
I did enjoy this heartwarming small-town romance. The enemies to lovers trope had me rooting for these two independent people to finally figure out they needed each other. The beginning of the book drew me in quickly, but it did slow down a bit in the middle. But, it picked up in the end with a satisfying conclusion.
Mariella has some wonderful friends who support her and help her on her journey. They are well-developed side characters who adds some spark and humor to the story.
One small disappointment is the way the author treated Mariella’s meltdown in New York. After an epic meltdown, caused by too much drink and drugs, Mariella returned to Magnolia. I thought the author could have included some counseling and drug and alcohol rehab for Maribella, instead of her just returning to her small town to cure her issues.
I recommend Wedding Season to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Michelle Major
Michelle Major is the Publishers Weekly best-selling, RITA award winning author of over thirty sexy and sweet contemporary romances. She loves second-chances love stories, smart heroines and strong heroes. A Midwesterner at heart, she’s made the Rocky Mountains her home for nearly half her life and is thrilled to share her books with readers.
Another book I enjoyed, but have not posted my review yet. Good point about the counselling Wendy, I didn’t think of that.
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. I’ll have to check this book out.
This sounds fun and heartwarming. I see your point about the way issues has been dealt. It doesn’t sound right. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Tessa. I guess I’m used to books that handle these issues with counseling etc.
I love the trope and the added mystery. It looks like these are companion novels and will work as standalone?
Yes, Kimberly. It’s a series of stand-alone novels. I should have added that to my review!
Enemies to lovers and a little bit of mystery – sounds like a book I’d love. Excellent review!
Thank you, Tessa, I think you’d enjoy this one.
Interesting plot and I appreciate your calling out the flaws that are important although not major. Good, honest review, Wendy.
Thank you, Linda.
Great review, I love small-town settings. I love the cover!
That cover is one of the prettiest I’ve seen
I have never read the author before. The story sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for putting it on my radar.
Thank you, Nadene. This is the first time I’ve read this author, but won’t be the last!
Great review, Wendy! I love the cover!
It’s gorgeous!! Thanks, Cindy!
Great and very thorough review!
Thank you, Bonnie!
I was only looking at a lovely wedding cake photo this afternoon.
This one is so beautiful!
Great review, it does sound interesting & good to hear what you thought could have been dealt with better 💕
Thank you, Jenny!
I love that cake! It looks similar to what I wanted for my wedding. Great review!
Ash @ Essentially Ash
It’s so pretty! I can totally understand why you would want it for your own wedding!
Great review Wendy; glad this worked out for the most part even if there were some things that didn’t work for you
It’s great to see that this series is still going strong. I read the first two books and they were good. Great review!
This is the only book in this series I’ve read, so now I must go back and read the rest of the series before the next one comes out!
Terrific review Wendy!🤗📚❤
Thank you, Susan!