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Emma Rae Creations #4
Always the Baker, Finally the Bride
In "Always the Baker, Never the Bride," readers fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson, and they've gotten more acquainted with them in the two books that followed. But now it s time for the diamond to meet the road as Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all. Get reacquainted with all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your favorite diabetic baker figures out if she'll achieve her greatest goal of all: Will Emma, at last, become FINALLY the Bride?
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
25 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Sandra D. Bricker
44 books265 followersSandra D. Bricker was an entertainment publicist in Los Angeles for more than 15 years, where she attended school to learn screenwriting and eventually taught the craft for several semesters. She became a best-selling, award-winning author of Live-Out-Loud Fiction for the inspirational market, authored books such as the Jessie Stanton novels, and was best known for her Emma Rae Creation series. Over the years, as an ovarian cancer survivor, she spent time and effort toward raising awareness and funds for research, diagnostics, and a cure. Sandra lived in Toledo, Ohio before her passing in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
June 21, 2013
I was quite anxious to read the final installment in this series. To truly enjoy this book, you should read the previous three so you can get to know all the characters. As you read about the various characters in this book, you are reminded of their stories that was brought out in the other books.
The day I finished this book was a very emotional day for me. I was unable to attend a friend's wedding. During lunch, my husband and I talked about the lucky bride and groom. We then started sharing our memories of our own wedding (over 44 years ago). My goodness how things have changed over the years. So my mind was on weddings, anyway, as I started reading the final chapters that night. I cried buckets of tears during the last six chapters. I felt as if I was right there with Emma and all of her friends. The author draws you into all the raw emotions of a bride-to-be. The wedding day has some laugh-out-loud glitches, but Emma wasn't laughing. The conclusion to the book/series was delightful. You won't be disappointed in this one.
The day I finished this book was a very emotional day for me. I was unable to attend a friend's wedding. During lunch, my husband and I talked about the lucky bride and groom. We then started sharing our memories of our own wedding (over 44 years ago). My goodness how things have changed over the years. So my mind was on weddings, anyway, as I started reading the final chapters that night. I cried buckets of tears during the last six chapters. I felt as if I was right there with Emma and all of her friends. The author draws you into all the raw emotions of a bride-to-be. The wedding day has some laugh-out-loud glitches, but Emma wasn't laughing. The conclusion to the book/series was delightful. You won't be disappointed in this one.
April 12, 2013
Jackson has finally popped the question and Emma has said yes! This time instead of helping a bride pick out a cake it is Emma's turn to design her own. Which proves to be a bit difficult for her to come up with just the right design that portrays she and Jackson's personalities.
While wedding plans are going full-speed ahead Jackson has a huge decision to make for the Tanglewood that could possibly change the lives of all who work there. What was an idea to possibly relieve stress for Emma has the opposite effect at the moment and has some of their friends not very happy with them.
Then you have Aunt Sophie who insists that she is going to be Emma's Maid of Honor. Poor Aunt Sophie is continuing to become confused, but that is one thing that she seems to hang on to. And Emma is determined to make it happen.
With everything that is going on with the planning of the wedding, decisions about their future to be settled, Emma's health issues and wedding guests cancelling their attendance, one thing remains consistent; Jackson and Emma's love for each other and determination to keep their relationship and love for the Lord center in their lives. And seriously, will Emma ever be able to come up with a cake design for their special day?
I enjoyed ALWAYS THE BAKER, FINALLY THE BRIDE just as much as I enjoyed the other books in the series. I loved the fact that Jackson and Emma were finally going to get married and all of the friends and family from the other books were brought together to help them plan and celebrate. Their romance and love for each other comes across in the pages and of course there was a smattering of humor throughout the story to keep the reader smiling. With recipe's and wedding tips at every chapter ALWAYS THE BAKER, FINALLY THE BRIDE remains consistent with the rest of the books. An entertaining read!
Thanks to the publishing company Abingdon Press through NetGalley for my copy of the book for review.
While wedding plans are going full-speed ahead Jackson has a huge decision to make for the Tanglewood that could possibly change the lives of all who work there. What was an idea to possibly relieve stress for Emma has the opposite effect at the moment and has some of their friends not very happy with them.
Then you have Aunt Sophie who insists that she is going to be Emma's Maid of Honor. Poor Aunt Sophie is continuing to become confused, but that is one thing that she seems to hang on to. And Emma is determined to make it happen.
With everything that is going on with the planning of the wedding, decisions about their future to be settled, Emma's health issues and wedding guests cancelling their attendance, one thing remains consistent; Jackson and Emma's love for each other and determination to keep their relationship and love for the Lord center in their lives. And seriously, will Emma ever be able to come up with a cake design for their special day?
I enjoyed ALWAYS THE BAKER, FINALLY THE BRIDE just as much as I enjoyed the other books in the series. I loved the fact that Jackson and Emma were finally going to get married and all of the friends and family from the other books were brought together to help them plan and celebrate. Their romance and love for each other comes across in the pages and of course there was a smattering of humor throughout the story to keep the reader smiling. With recipe's and wedding tips at every chapter ALWAYS THE BAKER, FINALLY THE BRIDE remains consistent with the rest of the books. An entertaining read!
Thanks to the publishing company Abingdon Press through NetGalley for my copy of the book for review.
June 16, 2013
This is the final book in the series..or maybe not!
Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake meet in book one. Emma is a baker and Jackson was setting up a destination wedding hotel. One thing led to another and they fell in love. In the first three books, you read about how they fall in love and about their friends.
In this book, Emma and Jackson are ready to tie the knot. Of course, things can not go smoothly. Emma can not decide on a cake, Sherilyn goes into labor early and Emma becomes friends with a child, Hilde, who is hiding out in the hotel.
At times, I was like seriously, can they not catch a break in anything then, I reflect on my life and realize oh yes, this can happen--one thing after another!
Throughout the book, there are sketches that Emma makes that she may want to use for her wedding cake. Like the other books in the series, there are also recipes for different types of treats--some look really yummy that I can not wait to try them out.
Overall, like the others in this series, this book makes you feel good. In the end, the guy gets the girl (well--the marriage is official), everyone is happy, and it reminds you that is nice to have great friends around you to support and surprise as your life journey goes on.
I can see another book written in the series about maybe the first year of their marriage or for when they start a family or try to :) I love the characters and would love to read more..even if it is a spin off of Fee and Sean or Andy and Sher
Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake meet in book one. Emma is a baker and Jackson was setting up a destination wedding hotel. One thing led to another and they fell in love. In the first three books, you read about how they fall in love and about their friends.
In this book, Emma and Jackson are ready to tie the knot. Of course, things can not go smoothly. Emma can not decide on a cake, Sherilyn goes into labor early and Emma becomes friends with a child, Hilde, who is hiding out in the hotel.
At times, I was like seriously, can they not catch a break in anything then, I reflect on my life and realize oh yes, this can happen--one thing after another!
Throughout the book, there are sketches that Emma makes that she may want to use for her wedding cake. Like the other books in the series, there are also recipes for different types of treats--some look really yummy that I can not wait to try them out.
Overall, like the others in this series, this book makes you feel good. In the end, the guy gets the girl (well--the marriage is official), everyone is happy, and it reminds you that is nice to have great friends around you to support and surprise as your life journey goes on.
I can see another book written in the series about maybe the first year of their marriage or for when they start a family or try to :) I love the characters and would love to read more..even if it is a spin off of Fee and Sean or Andy and Sher
May 4, 2013
ALWAYS THE BAKER,FINALLY THE BRIDE by Sandra D. Bricker is an interesting inspirational romance. #4 in the "Emma Rae Creations",but can be read as a stand alone. See,"Always the Wedding Planner,Never the Bride","Always the Designer,Never the Bride",and "The Big 5-Oh". You will fall in love with the characters and the plot. With a bit of humor,lots of food,Emma may just be a bride after all. It is filled with delightful recipes,a bit of trivia,wedding cake drawings,wedding tips,romance and so much more.At the end of each chapter you will find delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Who doesn't love recipes,weddings and romance,right? You will delight in this story. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last. If you enjoy Janice Thompson's "Weddings by Bella"series,you will delight in "Always the Baker,Finally the Bride". I plan to go back and read the others in this series,as this was the final book in the "Emma Rae Creations",although, I will already know the conclusion to Emma's story. A wonderful read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR (Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR (Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More)
February 27, 2019
I really like this whole series!!
July 21, 2017
This is the tale of baker Emma Rae Travis and hotel owner Jackson Drake's love story as they make their way to the alter and how their relationship and the creation of the Tanglewood Inn brought so many people into their lives and together to form an extended family. Also, how the characters at one point or another had help through their trials and tribulations from their mutual spiritual faith and some guidance by the family pastor, Miguel.
In the first book we read the tale of how the Tanglewood Inn came to be the wedding destination hotel and who was the inspiration for such a place and how that open the door for Emma Rae and Jackson to find each other. Emma Rae had one unsuccessful relationship after another before meeting Jackson. Jackson, a widower, who still pines for departed wife Desirée and how couldn't move on until he obtained some reluctant guidance by his brother-in-law, pastor Miguel Ramos. Which later helped Jackson to open his heart to Emma Rae and release any guilt he had for moving on.
In the second book was about Emma Rae's friend Sharalin, the wedding coordinator, and her relationship with her fiancé Andy as they return to Georgia after living in Chicago. There are some personal issues hindering there relationship from moving forward and some mishaps with Shar's wedding dress (twice) that turns things on its head. But with the support of their friends at the Tangelwood Inn, guidance by pastor Miguel, and some personal insight things fall into place for Shar and Andy.
The third book is about the Audrey, the wedding dress designer, and how her life starts to take a turn for the better once she is embraced by the folks at the Tanglewood Inn. Audrey arrives at the Tanglewood to help her best friend get ready for her wedding but gets a bonus when she finds love, success in her new career path in designing her new Plus Size Bridal Couture, and a new group of friends she now calls family to support her when needed.
In this last book we see all the characters from the first three books come together to help Emma and Jackson as they are heading down the aisle to say their "I Do's". Friends, Family, and Faith are key to all these books but most importantly in this final book in the series. The troubles they face are relatable and never over the top. And as many of us do when things get tough or confusing we will look for guidance, be it, from friends, family, or faith. Which is what these characters do so often.
I found it wonderful how the author incorporated scenes from the first book into this book as flashbacks. Reminding us of how Emma Rae and Jackson came to be and how those key moments shaped their relationship that lead them to their wedding day. Throughout the book you are rooting for the couple to make it to the alter even when circumstances make it not such a smooth ride. At one point it wasn't certain if they would make it as business and family clash over Jackson's decision to sell the Tanglewood and feelings were hurt. But through it out all the couple finds a way to let go whatever that bothers them to see past the moment and to look to towards the future and to do what is right not only for them but for those around them that they love. For this reason they are rewarded ten folds at the end and shown by their friends and family how blessed and loved they are.
These books were brought to my attention by my niece who shares my love for reading and one thing she and I can agree is that what makes this book series so enjoyable to read is the writing is done so well, the characters are likable, the troubles are not over the top unbelievable, the recipes sound delicious, and the faith part of the story isn't heaving handed. The Christian component of these books are not aggressively preachy but rather just showing to be an influencing and guiding hand in the relationship of many of the characters in these books; Making it inspiring and comforting.
I can't wait to recommend this book and the first three books to others the way my niece recommended them to me.
In the first book we read the tale of how the Tanglewood Inn came to be the wedding destination hotel and who was the inspiration for such a place and how that open the door for Emma Rae and Jackson to find each other. Emma Rae had one unsuccessful relationship after another before meeting Jackson. Jackson, a widower, who still pines for departed wife Desirée and how couldn't move on until he obtained some reluctant guidance by his brother-in-law, pastor Miguel Ramos. Which later helped Jackson to open his heart to Emma Rae and release any guilt he had for moving on.
In the second book was about Emma Rae's friend Sharalin, the wedding coordinator, and her relationship with her fiancé Andy as they return to Georgia after living in Chicago. There are some personal issues hindering there relationship from moving forward and some mishaps with Shar's wedding dress (twice) that turns things on its head. But with the support of their friends at the Tangelwood Inn, guidance by pastor Miguel, and some personal insight things fall into place for Shar and Andy.
The third book is about the Audrey, the wedding dress designer, and how her life starts to take a turn for the better once she is embraced by the folks at the Tanglewood Inn. Audrey arrives at the Tanglewood to help her best friend get ready for her wedding but gets a bonus when she finds love, success in her new career path in designing her new Plus Size Bridal Couture, and a new group of friends she now calls family to support her when needed.
In this last book we see all the characters from the first three books come together to help Emma and Jackson as they are heading down the aisle to say their "I Do's". Friends, Family, and Faith are key to all these books but most importantly in this final book in the series. The troubles they face are relatable and never over the top. And as many of us do when things get tough or confusing we will look for guidance, be it, from friends, family, or faith. Which is what these characters do so often.
I found it wonderful how the author incorporated scenes from the first book into this book as flashbacks. Reminding us of how Emma Rae and Jackson came to be and how those key moments shaped their relationship that lead them to their wedding day. Throughout the book you are rooting for the couple to make it to the alter even when circumstances make it not such a smooth ride. At one point it wasn't certain if they would make it as business and family clash over Jackson's decision to sell the Tanglewood and feelings were hurt. But through it out all the couple finds a way to let go whatever that bothers them to see past the moment and to look to towards the future and to do what is right not only for them but for those around them that they love. For this reason they are rewarded ten folds at the end and shown by their friends and family how blessed and loved they are.
These books were brought to my attention by my niece who shares my love for reading and one thing she and I can agree is that what makes this book series so enjoyable to read is the writing is done so well, the characters are likable, the troubles are not over the top unbelievable, the recipes sound delicious, and the faith part of the story isn't heaving handed. The Christian component of these books are not aggressively preachy but rather just showing to be an influencing and guiding hand in the relationship of many of the characters in these books; Making it inspiring and comforting.
I can't wait to recommend this book and the first three books to others the way my niece recommended them to me.
August 1, 2021
I just loved it!!! It made me laugh, cry and awwww alot. I loved how Emma and Jackson bantered and teased each other. It was ADORABLE!!! The plot also felt real. The pressure Emma felt as a bride before her wedding made her more relatable as a character. As for the wedding ceremony, my tears kept rolling down my face while reading it. The words they spoke were just so beautiful and profound.
This book was the perfect ending for the series.
This book was the perfect ending for the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2018
An entertaining story. Emma Rae & Jackson are finally on track to get married. Will they finally tie the knot? Will Emma finally decide on her perfect cake for their wedding? The rumors start that Jackson is selling Tanglewood. What will he decide to do? Lots of activity in the book to keep you interested and still following the story of the many characters in her books.
February 6, 2017
Perfect ending to an incredible series. ❤
This book wrapped up Emma and Jackson's relationship(s) perfectly.
I could not be happier with the way it turned out. This is definitely a series that I will reread in the future.
This book wrapped up Emma and Jackson's relationship(s) perfectly.
I could not be happier with the way it turned out. This is definitely a series that I will reread in the future.
April 17, 2021
A wonderful closing to this series
Yay! Emma's wedding is finally here. I've loved reading about the family of characters in this series, but it was so nice for Emma to finally have her story finished.
Yay! Emma's wedding is finally here. I've loved reading about the family of characters in this series, but it was so nice for Emma to finally have her story finished.
February 18, 2020
Good ending to the series.
April 3, 2023
I loved this series! It's so full of exciting twists, emotions, real life situations and a fairy tale spin!!! Such a good book!
July 27, 2023
A wonderful story of love and weddings.
January 31, 2020
When I was cleaning out my Kindle library, I found the first two books in the series and remembered really enjoying them so I checked to find that there was a final one. I don't know if my tastes have changed or if it has just been so long since I read the earlier ones that I was less invested in the characters, but this one was just meh for me. I still bookmarked several of the recipes (the brownies from an earlier book are still made frequently at my house), but didn't feel as invested in the story. It seemed a bit too predictable and Emma fell flat to me.
Read
March 12, 2017Predictable, formulaic, but comforting. A satisfying conclusion to the series that will meet readers' expectations.
June 11, 2013
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for my review in any other way. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars and also marked it as a "Recommended Read"
Two years ago we were introduced to a wonderful set of characters in Sandra Bricker's Always the Baker, Never the Bride. While that story didn't give Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake the ending I had hoped for; it was more of a happy for now type ending, Ms. Bricker has kept us up to date on the comings and goings at The Tanglewood Inn, the premier wedding destination hotel Jackson owns and where Emma creates her one of a kind cakes. Now in Always the Baker, Finally the Bride, Ms. Bricker gives us a last glimpse into Emma Rae and Jackson's life with the big event we've all be waiting for .....their very own wedding.
In love with Jackson Drake from almost the moment they met, Emma Rae Travis has spent the last couple of years creating masterpiece's for other women's weddings. Now after accepting Jackson's proposal, Emma Rae is faced with the challenge of creating the perfect cake for her own wedding reception. Unfortunately she can't make up her mind about a design or even pick out the flavor. Especially since Jackson is thinking of selling The Tanglewood Inn, something which would impact quite a few of their friends, and spending a year in Paris to give them both a chance at their dreams.
Jackson Drake can't wait to marry the woman he's been in love with for two years. When a business opportunity provides him with a chance to make a fortune and sell The Tanglewood Inn, Jackson wonders if selling would be an answer to prayer or not. While he and Emma would get the opportunity to concentrate on themselves, they'd be walking away from a business they've built together and the chance to visit with their friends on a daily basis.
The scenes between Emma Rae and Jackson are fun, full of lively dialogue and give and take. They also showcase a mature love that comes when two people know what they want, are willing to work to get it and place their trust in their shared faith in God. Ms. Bricker does a good job developing their characters, their romance and their shared understanding of what they want in life, and what's really important. While they've both had challenges to get where they are; Emma Rae is a diabetic pastry chef who can't take more than a bite of her own creations and Jackson had to recover over the loss of his first wife, both characters relish the challenges they face ahead as they forge a new life for themselves.
The secondary characters are mostly characters we've met in the previous books in this series. From Fee, Emma's Goth assistant, who always makes me laugh, to Sherilyn, the wedding designer who can't get Emma to pick out a cake and is secretly angry that Jackson is thinking of selling the hotel, to Emma's mom and dad, who's second chance at romance took place in the first book. I especially love Emma Rae's aunt, whose words of wisdom and generous heart are clearly an inspiration for everyone around her.
Will Emma Rae get up the nerve to tell Jackson she doesn't want him to sell The Tanglewood Inn? And will their wedding go off without any last minute catastrophes? You'll have to read Always the Baker, Finally the Bride to find out. While I'm really sad to see this story end, I can't wait to see what Ms. Bricker writes for us next.
Two years ago we were introduced to a wonderful set of characters in Sandra Bricker's Always the Baker, Never the Bride. While that story didn't give Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake the ending I had hoped for; it was more of a happy for now type ending, Ms. Bricker has kept us up to date on the comings and goings at The Tanglewood Inn, the premier wedding destination hotel Jackson owns and where Emma creates her one of a kind cakes. Now in Always the Baker, Finally the Bride, Ms. Bricker gives us a last glimpse into Emma Rae and Jackson's life with the big event we've all be waiting for .....their very own wedding.
In love with Jackson Drake from almost the moment they met, Emma Rae Travis has spent the last couple of years creating masterpiece's for other women's weddings. Now after accepting Jackson's proposal, Emma Rae is faced with the challenge of creating the perfect cake for her own wedding reception. Unfortunately she can't make up her mind about a design or even pick out the flavor. Especially since Jackson is thinking of selling The Tanglewood Inn, something which would impact quite a few of their friends, and spending a year in Paris to give them both a chance at their dreams.
Jackson Drake can't wait to marry the woman he's been in love with for two years. When a business opportunity provides him with a chance to make a fortune and sell The Tanglewood Inn, Jackson wonders if selling would be an answer to prayer or not. While he and Emma would get the opportunity to concentrate on themselves, they'd be walking away from a business they've built together and the chance to visit with their friends on a daily basis.
The scenes between Emma Rae and Jackson are fun, full of lively dialogue and give and take. They also showcase a mature love that comes when two people know what they want, are willing to work to get it and place their trust in their shared faith in God. Ms. Bricker does a good job developing their characters, their romance and their shared understanding of what they want in life, and what's really important. While they've both had challenges to get where they are; Emma Rae is a diabetic pastry chef who can't take more than a bite of her own creations and Jackson had to recover over the loss of his first wife, both characters relish the challenges they face ahead as they forge a new life for themselves.
The secondary characters are mostly characters we've met in the previous books in this series. From Fee, Emma's Goth assistant, who always makes me laugh, to Sherilyn, the wedding designer who can't get Emma to pick out a cake and is secretly angry that Jackson is thinking of selling the hotel, to Emma's mom and dad, who's second chance at romance took place in the first book. I especially love Emma Rae's aunt, whose words of wisdom and generous heart are clearly an inspiration for everyone around her.
Will Emma Rae get up the nerve to tell Jackson she doesn't want him to sell The Tanglewood Inn? And will their wedding go off without any last minute catastrophes? You'll have to read Always the Baker, Finally the Bride to find out. While I'm really sad to see this story end, I can't wait to see what Ms. Bricker writes for us next.
May 28, 2013
Sandra D. Bricker in her new book, “Always the Baker, Finally the Bride” Book Four in the Another Emma Rae Creation series published by Abingdon Press takes us into the lives of Emma Rae and Jackson.
From the back cover: Tanlewood turns into a circus as Emma Rae and Jackson head down the aisle…maybe.
We fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson – as they fell in love with each other. But when it’ s time for the diamond to meet the road, Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all.
With a dash of humor and two scoops of love, our favorite diabetic baker sets out to accomplish her greatest goal of all: Will Emma FINALLY be the Bride?
I made a mistake and my mistake was that I was not aware of the first three books in this series before I set about to read this one. While Ms. Bricker does a wonderful job of getting all the events of the first three books out of the way you would feel a lot more comfortable with these characters if you had previously read the other books. Having said that let me now say that this is a wonderful, charming romance. Emma is baker who has her own shop and does designs for other people’s weddings. Now, perhaps, it will be her turn. If so she cannot figure out what the cake will be for her wedding. Just by looking at the cover with the groom at the top of the wedding cake giving his bride a kiss and her legs sticking straight out should give you a clue that this book is going to make you laugh. Ms. Bricker does an outstanding job of bringing her characters to life and you really want their romance to succeed. I am going to go out and get the first three books in this series so I can enjoy them all over again. I am already looking forward to more from this talented author.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Tanlewood turns into a circus as Emma Rae and Jackson head down the aisle…maybe.
We fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson – as they fell in love with each other. But when it’ s time for the diamond to meet the road, Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all.
With a dash of humor and two scoops of love, our favorite diabetic baker sets out to accomplish her greatest goal of all: Will Emma FINALLY be the Bride?
I made a mistake and my mistake was that I was not aware of the first three books in this series before I set about to read this one. While Ms. Bricker does a wonderful job of getting all the events of the first three books out of the way you would feel a lot more comfortable with these characters if you had previously read the other books. Having said that let me now say that this is a wonderful, charming romance. Emma is baker who has her own shop and does designs for other people’s weddings. Now, perhaps, it will be her turn. If so she cannot figure out what the cake will be for her wedding. Just by looking at the cover with the groom at the top of the wedding cake giving his bride a kiss and her legs sticking straight out should give you a clue that this book is going to make you laugh. Ms. Bricker does an outstanding job of bringing her characters to life and you really want their romance to succeed. I am going to go out and get the first three books in this series so I can enjoy them all over again. I am already looking forward to more from this talented author.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 15, 2013
Deliciously Sweet and Funny Romance (5 Stars)
Always the Baker, Finally The Bride (Emma Rae Creation #4) by Sandra D. Bricker
I just finished reading this book and I LOVED it! If you haven’t read this entire series (Always the Baker, Never the Bride #1; Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride #2; Always the Designer, Never the Bride #3) I would strongly suggest you read it. You need to read these books in order to follow the characters and the storyline. Book 4, Always the Baker, Finally the Bride, seems to be the final in the series, but I hope the author will revisit them in a follow up novel eventually. I could read about Emma Rae, Jackson, and all the other great characters in this series for a long time to come.
Emma Rae is a fantastic baker and a diabetic! But she creates the best sweets and she decorates the best wedding cakes ever. This story continues the romance between Emma Rae and Jackson Drake, who is the owner of The Tanglewood Inn, located in Roswell, GA and being a Georgia girl myself, I love to read books set in our State.
You won’t believe some of the things that happen while planning their perfect wedding. Sandra Bricker writes a wonderful story, delightful characters and is perfectly hilarious. You’ll smile, giggle, laugh out loud and even shed some tears in this book. I would love to read this entire series again, and for me, that means it’s very much worth your time.
This is a Christian fiction, but the Christian aspects is not overpowering and I believe anyone could read these books and enjoy them. If you enjoy laughing, crying, and being totally captivated by characters in a story, then you’ll love this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Abingdon Press for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Although, I must disclose that maybe I did receive compensation, not the kind you can measure..but the kind of compensation that readers get when they are totally drawn into a book, drawn into the characters lives, and root for them, and cry with them, and laugh with them. This book did my soul good! And that is compensation enough. I would love to buy this entire series for my church Media Center.
Always the Baker, Finally The Bride (Emma Rae Creation #4) by Sandra D. Bricker
I just finished reading this book and I LOVED it! If you haven’t read this entire series (Always the Baker, Never the Bride #1; Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride #2; Always the Designer, Never the Bride #3) I would strongly suggest you read it. You need to read these books in order to follow the characters and the storyline. Book 4, Always the Baker, Finally the Bride, seems to be the final in the series, but I hope the author will revisit them in a follow up novel eventually. I could read about Emma Rae, Jackson, and all the other great characters in this series for a long time to come.
Emma Rae is a fantastic baker and a diabetic! But she creates the best sweets and she decorates the best wedding cakes ever. This story continues the romance between Emma Rae and Jackson Drake, who is the owner of The Tanglewood Inn, located in Roswell, GA and being a Georgia girl myself, I love to read books set in our State.
You won’t believe some of the things that happen while planning their perfect wedding. Sandra Bricker writes a wonderful story, delightful characters and is perfectly hilarious. You’ll smile, giggle, laugh out loud and even shed some tears in this book. I would love to read this entire series again, and for me, that means it’s very much worth your time.
This is a Christian fiction, but the Christian aspects is not overpowering and I believe anyone could read these books and enjoy them. If you enjoy laughing, crying, and being totally captivated by characters in a story, then you’ll love this series.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley and Abingdon Press for my honest opinion and did not receive any compensation for a favorable review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Although, I must disclose that maybe I did receive compensation, not the kind you can measure..but the kind of compensation that readers get when they are totally drawn into a book, drawn into the characters lives, and root for them, and cry with them, and laugh with them. This book did my soul good! And that is compensation enough. I would love to buy this entire series for my church Media Center.
June 1, 2013
There was so much that I loved about this series! I loved the friendships Emma had with Fee and Sherilyn. It made me miss having a close girlfriend. The relationship Emma had with her Aunt Sophie, who's in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's, was really sweet. And Jackson quickly becomes attached to Sophie, as well. Jackson’s three older sisters are in the mix and are always there for him. Plus, a few more lovable characters that are all unique in their own ways! Always the Baker, Finally the Bride is the fourth book in the Emma Rae Creations series.
In book 1, Always the Baker, Never the Bride, we meet Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake. Jackson buys the Tanglewood Inn and turns it into a wedding destination hotel. Emma Rae is hired at the Tanglewood to bake her award winning cakes. Books 2 and 3 bring new employees to the Tanglewood, and in book 4 we come full circle back to Emma Rae and Jackson.
In Always the Baker, Finally the Bride Emma Rae and Jackson are getting married! - or are they? You would think having put together so many weddings in the past, planning Emma’s wedding would be a breeze, but Emma has trouble designing her own wedding cake! When Jackson receives a too-good-to-pass-up offer to sell Tanglewood, his decision upsets a lot of his friends and family, including Emma Rae. As the big day approaches, and more things go wrong, Emma begins to think this wedding might not happen! Will Emma and Jackson have the future they have been dreaming about?
Dude! I love Fee!! She is one of my favorite characters! She’s Emma’s assistant. When Emma was hired at The Tanglewood, she brought Fee along with her. The two are opposites in appearance, but work well together and are close friends.
Sherilyn wasn’t my favorite person. Even in her own story (book 2) there was something about her that just didn’t click with me. In this book, the way she gets mad at Jackson about selling The Tanglewood I just didn’t like.
I loved the recipes and wedding tips placed between the chapters.
Always the Baker, Finally the Bride is a cute and humorous read! I found myself chuckling out loud a few times! I don’t think this is a stand alone. I feel you must read a least the first one to have a better understanding of the story. For those of you who want to know, it is a clean romance with Christian values. I had a lot of fun reading these!
**I received a copy of Always the Baker, Finally the Bride for my honest review.**
In book 1, Always the Baker, Never the Bride, we meet Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake. Jackson buys the Tanglewood Inn and turns it into a wedding destination hotel. Emma Rae is hired at the Tanglewood to bake her award winning cakes. Books 2 and 3 bring new employees to the Tanglewood, and in book 4 we come full circle back to Emma Rae and Jackson.
In Always the Baker, Finally the Bride Emma Rae and Jackson are getting married! - or are they? You would think having put together so many weddings in the past, planning Emma’s wedding would be a breeze, but Emma has trouble designing her own wedding cake! When Jackson receives a too-good-to-pass-up offer to sell Tanglewood, his decision upsets a lot of his friends and family, including Emma Rae. As the big day approaches, and more things go wrong, Emma begins to think this wedding might not happen! Will Emma and Jackson have the future they have been dreaming about?
Dude! I love Fee!! She is one of my favorite characters! She’s Emma’s assistant. When Emma was hired at The Tanglewood, she brought Fee along with her. The two are opposites in appearance, but work well together and are close friends.
Sherilyn wasn’t my favorite person. Even in her own story (book 2) there was something about her that just didn’t click with me. In this book, the way she gets mad at Jackson about selling The Tanglewood I just didn’t like.
I loved the recipes and wedding tips placed between the chapters.
Always the Baker, Finally the Bride is a cute and humorous read! I found myself chuckling out loud a few times! I don’t think this is a stand alone. I feel you must read a least the first one to have a better understanding of the story. For those of you who want to know, it is a clean romance with Christian values. I had a lot of fun reading these!
**I received a copy of Always the Baker, Finally the Bride for my honest review.**
May 9, 2013
Emma Mae is an outstanding Baker at The Tanglewood, an Inn catering to weddings and honeymoons. Her famous Creme Brulee cake is all the rage! Jackson, owner of the Inn and Emma are now getting married. The first three books would have been helpful to read before this one. Much of the book feels like we should already know these characters and I didn't.
I found it interesting that Emma is a diabetic baker. She makes these beautiful, tasty works of art, but can't really indulge in them because of her diabetes. The stress of running the Tea room at the Tanglewood is getting to her a little as she is trying to plan her wedding to Jackson.
A company contacts Jackson and wants to clone the hotel, and set up 5 more around the country. They are interested in purchasing the original for a very good price. Jackson and Emma could live in Paris for a year, get settled into their marriage and take some time to write and take baking classes. The problem is, the Tanglewood is their life, and the employees are like family. How will they make a decision? Emma leaves it to Jackson, as it was a dream of his late wife Desiree to have the Tanglewood up and running. Emma doesn't feel right in asking him to keep it.
I love how this has some quirky characters in it like Aunt Sophie, who is struggling with lucidity, and thinks Emma and Jackson have been married several times already. Hildie is a orphan who was living in the hotel unknown to the staff, and I enjoyed having a child in the story as well.
There are several characters and it takes awhile to get everyone straight. I think even at the end some of the secondary ones I was like.. who is that again? I think if I had read the first I would have gotten them down better.
Throughout the novel are great tips for organizing your wedding. After each chapter is a short page on topics like Tips for calming a nervous bride, Traditional wedding flowers and their meaning, and great recipes including the 6 step process of making the Creme Brule wedding cake. I think I will leave that one to the professionals!
I really enjoyed this book, and I am planning on reading the first three in the series starting with, Always the Baker, Never the Bride even though I already know the end of the story. The characters are super likeable and I didn't want the story to end. I see she has two others that go along in the series as well.
I found it interesting that Emma is a diabetic baker. She makes these beautiful, tasty works of art, but can't really indulge in them because of her diabetes. The stress of running the Tea room at the Tanglewood is getting to her a little as she is trying to plan her wedding to Jackson.
A company contacts Jackson and wants to clone the hotel, and set up 5 more around the country. They are interested in purchasing the original for a very good price. Jackson and Emma could live in Paris for a year, get settled into their marriage and take some time to write and take baking classes. The problem is, the Tanglewood is their life, and the employees are like family. How will they make a decision? Emma leaves it to Jackson, as it was a dream of his late wife Desiree to have the Tanglewood up and running. Emma doesn't feel right in asking him to keep it.
I love how this has some quirky characters in it like Aunt Sophie, who is struggling with lucidity, and thinks Emma and Jackson have been married several times already. Hildie is a orphan who was living in the hotel unknown to the staff, and I enjoyed having a child in the story as well.
There are several characters and it takes awhile to get everyone straight. I think even at the end some of the secondary ones I was like.. who is that again? I think if I had read the first I would have gotten them down better.
Throughout the novel are great tips for organizing your wedding. After each chapter is a short page on topics like Tips for calming a nervous bride, Traditional wedding flowers and their meaning, and great recipes including the 6 step process of making the Creme Brule wedding cake. I think I will leave that one to the professionals!
I really enjoyed this book, and I am planning on reading the first three in the series starting with, Always the Baker, Never the Bride even though I already know the end of the story. The characters are super likeable and I didn't want the story to end. I see she has two others that go along in the series as well.
June 10, 2013
Always the Baker, Never the Bride
Sandra D. Bricker
Book Summary: In Always the Baker, Never the Bride, readers fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson, and they’ve gotten more acquainted with them in the two books that followed. But now it’s time for the diamond to meet the road as Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all. Get reacquainted with all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your favorite diabetic baker figures out if she'll achieve her greatest goal of all: Will Emma, at last, become FINALLY the Bride?
Review: I am of a double mind about this book. The characters were streamlined throughout the series. There are obviously differences between older writers than Ms. Bricker. The main thing is a widening generational gap an example is tattoos. I am not fond of them. I never have, it has nothing to do with faith and tattoos it is more of a how I look at marking up my body. After reading one review who stated that the Christianity was not overpowering I would say it is nonexistent other than some weak poorly stated places. How can one be a Christian and not pray for the things which seldom to never occurred. Another minor but irritating point for me personally is the descriptions used ‘her smile stretched..’ it brought up pictures of rubber bands to my mind. Many of these things may seem petty but for me they interrupted the flow of reading. I found the main characters to be selfish – no children plans because they want to live in Paris not for missions but for them to enjoy it. There were a number of these things that were disturbing. I did like the supporting characters and there were a lot that surrounded this series. I liked Hilda a very real character and Aunt Sophie. These were two great characters that truly helped the main characters. I would still recommend the book because the book did have a great conclusion to this series, but this book was more secular than Christian fiction.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Abingdon Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
Sandra D. Bricker
Book Summary: In Always the Baker, Never the Bride, readers fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson, and they’ve gotten more acquainted with them in the two books that followed. But now it’s time for the diamond to meet the road as Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all. Get reacquainted with all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your favorite diabetic baker figures out if she'll achieve her greatest goal of all: Will Emma, at last, become FINALLY the Bride?
Review: I am of a double mind about this book. The characters were streamlined throughout the series. There are obviously differences between older writers than Ms. Bricker. The main thing is a widening generational gap an example is tattoos. I am not fond of them. I never have, it has nothing to do with faith and tattoos it is more of a how I look at marking up my body. After reading one review who stated that the Christianity was not overpowering I would say it is nonexistent other than some weak poorly stated places. How can one be a Christian and not pray for the things which seldom to never occurred. Another minor but irritating point for me personally is the descriptions used ‘her smile stretched..’ it brought up pictures of rubber bands to my mind. Many of these things may seem petty but for me they interrupted the flow of reading. I found the main characters to be selfish – no children plans because they want to live in Paris not for missions but for them to enjoy it. There were a number of these things that were disturbing. I did like the supporting characters and there were a lot that surrounded this series. I liked Hilda a very real character and Aunt Sophie. These were two great characters that truly helped the main characters. I would still recommend the book because the book did have a great conclusion to this series, but this book was more secular than Christian fiction.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Abingdon Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and I was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.
April 25, 2013
Emma Rae Travis begins in the first book as a fabulous baker, in a little shop. Her world opens up when she has the chance to be in on the start up of a Wedding Hotel Destination. She takes the idea of one Jackson Drake's deceased wife up a notch. Add in the quirky sisters of owner Drake who are true southern belles, he nicknames the "Hens", and Emma's assistant that raises some eyebrow and you have the beginnings of an interesting story.
As you progress through the books in the series, Emma and Jackson story continues in the background.
So...Last but not least, Always the Baker, Finally the Bride. Emma Rae Trivis, the fantastic baker just so happens to be diabetic. But she creates the best sweets and she decorates the best wedding cakes ever. This story is not the conclusion of a romance but a continuation of one between Emma Rae and Jackson Drake, who is the owner of The Tanglewood Inn.
After all this time and all that The Tanglewood Family has been through, it looks like things might finally be settling down. Not so. Emma is planning a wedding as you can guess from the title of the book. However, offers have been made to buy the wedding business and hotel. Decisions have to be made. Plans and dreams come true or put on hold? When all is said and done, everthing works out for the greater good.
Will we hear from this tight knit "family" again? Who knows, I sure hope so. The dialog between characters brings a spontaneous grin to my face. So does the quirkiness of the characters!
Sandra Bricker, you write a delightful story, with witty characters and the humor keeps coming.
This is a Christian fiction, but that viewpoint is not overpowering, just very subtle. If you enjoy laughing, crying, and being totally captivated by characters in a story, then you'll love this series.
As you progress through the books in the series, Emma and Jackson story continues in the background.
So...Last but not least, Always the Baker, Finally the Bride. Emma Rae Trivis, the fantastic baker just so happens to be diabetic. But she creates the best sweets and she decorates the best wedding cakes ever. This story is not the conclusion of a romance but a continuation of one between Emma Rae and Jackson Drake, who is the owner of The Tanglewood Inn.
After all this time and all that The Tanglewood Family has been through, it looks like things might finally be settling down. Not so. Emma is planning a wedding as you can guess from the title of the book. However, offers have been made to buy the wedding business and hotel. Decisions have to be made. Plans and dreams come true or put on hold? When all is said and done, everthing works out for the greater good.
Will we hear from this tight knit "family" again? Who knows, I sure hope so. The dialog between characters brings a spontaneous grin to my face. So does the quirkiness of the characters!
Sandra Bricker, you write a delightful story, with witty characters and the humor keeps coming.
This is a Christian fiction, but that viewpoint is not overpowering, just very subtle. If you enjoy laughing, crying, and being totally captivated by characters in a story, then you'll love this series.
May 7, 2013
Title: ALWAYS THE BAKER FINALLY THE BRIDE
Author: Sandra D. Bricker
Publisher: Abingdon Press
April 2013
ISBN: 978-1426732270
Genre: Contemporary romance
In Always the Baker, Never the Bride, readers fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson, and they’ve gotten more acquainted with them in the two books that followed.
But now it’s time for the diamond to meet the road as Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all. Get reacquainted with all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your favorite diabetic baker figures out if she'll achieve her greatest goal of all: Will Emma, at last, become FINALLY the Bride?
ALWAYS THE BAKER FINALLY THE BRIDE is the fourth book in the Emma Rae Creations series. Readers will want to read the first three books, Always the Baker, Never the Bride; Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride; Always the Designer, Never the Bride first as these books do not stand alone. I did read the first book. I’ve downloaded one of the others on Kindle for PC (but haven’t read it yet). So I was not entirely up-to-speed on this one. I did get caught up in the story despite that.
Ms. Bricker writes in her trademark humor that left me laughing—and if not laughing then smiling. During a somewhat stressful time, this book was a treat! I want to go back and read the one that I have on Kindle for PC and get the other missing one so I can fill in the pieces of this story that I missed.
The book starts out with a proposal—and Jackson stressing over it. And it goes from there—with everything that can possibly go wrong, going there with a flourish. If you love contemporary romance, you want want to miss ALWAYS THE BAKER, FINALLY THE BRIDE, or any of the Emma Rae Creations books. $14.99. 352 pages.
Author: Sandra D. Bricker
Publisher: Abingdon Press
April 2013
ISBN: 978-1426732270
Genre: Contemporary romance
In Always the Baker, Never the Bride, readers fell in love with Emma Rae and Jackson, and they’ve gotten more acquainted with them in the two books that followed.
But now it’s time for the diamond to meet the road as Jackson fields an offer to sell The Tanglewood, a move that will uproot this high-flying family act once and for all. Get reacquainted with all of the lovable and quirky characters from the first three books as your favorite diabetic baker figures out if she'll achieve her greatest goal of all: Will Emma, at last, become FINALLY the Bride?
ALWAYS THE BAKER FINALLY THE BRIDE is the fourth book in the Emma Rae Creations series. Readers will want to read the first three books, Always the Baker, Never the Bride; Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride; Always the Designer, Never the Bride first as these books do not stand alone. I did read the first book. I’ve downloaded one of the others on Kindle for PC (but haven’t read it yet). So I was not entirely up-to-speed on this one. I did get caught up in the story despite that.
Ms. Bricker writes in her trademark humor that left me laughing—and if not laughing then smiling. During a somewhat stressful time, this book was a treat! I want to go back and read the one that I have on Kindle for PC and get the other missing one so I can fill in the pieces of this story that I missed.
The book starts out with a proposal—and Jackson stressing over it. And it goes from there—with everything that can possibly go wrong, going there with a flourish. If you love contemporary romance, you want want to miss ALWAYS THE BAKER, FINALLY THE BRIDE, or any of the Emma Rae Creations books. $14.99. 352 pages.
April 25, 2013
Three years ago I opened the pages of Always the Baker, Never the Bride and fell in love with Emma Rae, Jackson and the Tanglewood Inn. How could I help myself? The characters were zany yet loveable. The setting was absolutely magical. And the storyline was witty and fast-paced. All the makings of the perfect lazy afternoon read.
Over the following years Sandra Bricker gave us the next two installments, Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride and Always the Designer, Never the Bride. Each of these books added to the depth of the relationship between Emma and Jackson while introducing us to new people and new stories.
Now we’ve come to the end, but oh what an ending! Without giving anything away let me just say that the wedding scene is more than worth the wait. This last installment takes us on a sentimental journey that involves all the people we’ve come to know and love. I enjoy the way that each person is allowed to show their strong side and their vulnerable side. There are unique types like Fee and very sophisticated individuals like Jackson’s sisters. I have to say that my favorite person besides the main characters was Aunt Sophie. We all need an Aunt Sophie in our lives.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good love story. This is the series that my book club broke our rule of never reading the sequels. We just couldn’t resist! I think each of you will be just as delighted as we were. Start from the beginning, make some of the recipes, enjoy the advice sprinkled throughout and you’ll see exactly why the Tanglewood Inn is where we all want to escape to.
Over the following years Sandra Bricker gave us the next two installments, Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride and Always the Designer, Never the Bride. Each of these books added to the depth of the relationship between Emma and Jackson while introducing us to new people and new stories.
Now we’ve come to the end, but oh what an ending! Without giving anything away let me just say that the wedding scene is more than worth the wait. This last installment takes us on a sentimental journey that involves all the people we’ve come to know and love. I enjoy the way that each person is allowed to show their strong side and their vulnerable side. There are unique types like Fee and very sophisticated individuals like Jackson’s sisters. I have to say that my favorite person besides the main characters was Aunt Sophie. We all need an Aunt Sophie in our lives.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good love story. This is the series that my book club broke our rule of never reading the sequels. We just couldn’t resist! I think each of you will be just as delighted as we were. Start from the beginning, make some of the recipes, enjoy the advice sprinkled throughout and you’ll see exactly why the Tanglewood Inn is where we all want to escape to.
October 24, 2014
I loved the first book in this series, the second and third were just okay, but this one made up for that!!! I LOVED it. I really liked the return to the original characters, nobody was forgotten. Although I still think Fee was robbed by not getting her own book. The fiercest character! She could have replaced whiny Sherilyn (i think of dark-hunters everytime i read that name).
Speaking of Sherrilyn, she went back to work the day after she gave birth? Really? Maybe I had the times messed up or something but seemed a little odd.
One thing that was never addressed in this series was...do the couples have sex? Because it is a religious romance I assumed not, but it was sort of awkwardly not mentioned. FINALLY in this book it was! Emma and Jackson, although dating for a really long time, were not having sex. It was nice to see it addressed (Sherrilyn asked).
Miguel married them, obvs, as the only preacher ever mentioned in this series.
Now, Jackson. After previously being so awesome I was extremely let down by his lameness in this book. Jackson, stop being a retard. Selling the tanglewood? Come on.
I also wasn't sold on Emmas health problems, and how going to Paris for a year would fix them. No stress sure, but it's not like people need to quit jobs. That's what counselling, exercise, and medication are for. Maybe Emma wouldn't have been so stressed if she was getting laid once in awhile. Anyways, Jackson used it as an excuse to try to sell the tanglewood which was such bs. What were you thinking Jackson!?!?!?!
Nice ending, everyone got happy endings, even the random homeless child they picked up out of nowhere. Heart warming.
Speaking of Sherrilyn, she went back to work the day after she gave birth? Really? Maybe I had the times messed up or something but seemed a little odd.
One thing that was never addressed in this series was...do the couples have sex? Because it is a religious romance I assumed not, but it was sort of awkwardly not mentioned. FINALLY in this book it was! Emma and Jackson, although dating for a really long time, were not having sex. It was nice to see it addressed (Sherrilyn asked).
Miguel married them, obvs, as the only preacher ever mentioned in this series.
Now, Jackson. After previously being so awesome I was extremely let down by his lameness in this book. Jackson, stop being a retard. Selling the tanglewood? Come on.
I also wasn't sold on Emmas health problems, and how going to Paris for a year would fix them. No stress sure, but it's not like people need to quit jobs. That's what counselling, exercise, and medication are for. Maybe Emma wouldn't have been so stressed if she was getting laid once in awhile. Anyways, Jackson used it as an excuse to try to sell the tanglewood which was such bs. What were you thinking Jackson!?!?!?!
Nice ending, everyone got happy endings, even the random homeless child they picked up out of nowhere. Heart warming.
July 22, 2013
I have read each of Sandra Bricker's books in the Emma Rae series. This is the fourth book.
Finally, Jackson has proposed to Emma, and now it's up to the baker to plan her wedding with the help of her friends at the Tanglewood Hotel.
If you haven't read the first three books, you need to do so in order to know who everyone is in this book. If you've read my reviews before, you know I harp on authors who put in too many characters. I get that this is the end of this particular series, and I'm sure Bricker wanted to make sure all characters were included. However, I HAVE read the first three books and I still couldn't remember everyone's history. Granted, I read a LOT of books every year (more than I ever have time to review), so it's possible that I just had too many other characters floating around in my head.
The book is well-written, but there is just a LOT going on. There are health concerns with three different characters, there's an offer to purchase the hotel, there's a birth as well as the appearance of another child. And of course there is a wedding. So a LOT going on. With a lot of characters.
Overall, it's still a good read. I just wish that there would have been more character moments rather than forced drama.
Finally, Jackson has proposed to Emma, and now it's up to the baker to plan her wedding with the help of her friends at the Tanglewood Hotel.
If you haven't read the first three books, you need to do so in order to know who everyone is in this book. If you've read my reviews before, you know I harp on authors who put in too many characters. I get that this is the end of this particular series, and I'm sure Bricker wanted to make sure all characters were included. However, I HAVE read the first three books and I still couldn't remember everyone's history. Granted, I read a LOT of books every year (more than I ever have time to review), so it's possible that I just had too many other characters floating around in my head.
The book is well-written, but there is just a LOT going on. There are health concerns with three different characters, there's an offer to purchase the hotel, there's a birth as well as the appearance of another child. And of course there is a wedding. So a LOT going on. With a lot of characters.
Overall, it's still a good read. I just wish that there would have been more character moments rather than forced drama.
June 13, 2013
We initially met Emma Rae and Jackson in “Always the Baker, Never the Bride” and got to know them through “Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride”, and “Always the Designer, Never the Bride”. As each story progressed, we got to see more and more of Emma and Jackson’s relationship and success of Tanglewood grow. Now it’s their turn to have a “Happy Ending”.
As the wedding date grows closer, life seems to throw obstacles in their path. An offer to purchase “Tanglewood” throws a rather large wrench in their plans and that of their friends and family. This is greated with both good and bad reactions. It would mean big changes for all of them – and not everyone is happy about that.
I always love re-visiting characters from past books to see what has happened, are they still happy, do they have a family now, etc. It’s one of the things about a series that I love! We get to see inside the inner workings of the hotel, and the planning of Emma’s wedding – and all the stress that goes along with it!
Would I recommend this book? Of course, if you loved the rest of the series then you’ll love the conclusion to the series. It��s a sweet, fun romance that you can’t put down. I’ve always loved Sandra’s writing style and I look forward to more books by her.
As the wedding date grows closer, life seems to throw obstacles in their path. An offer to purchase “Tanglewood” throws a rather large wrench in their plans and that of their friends and family. This is greated with both good and bad reactions. It would mean big changes for all of them – and not everyone is happy about that.
I always love re-visiting characters from past books to see what has happened, are they still happy, do they have a family now, etc. It’s one of the things about a series that I love! We get to see inside the inner workings of the hotel, and the planning of Emma’s wedding – and all the stress that goes along with it!
Would I recommend this book? Of course, if you loved the rest of the series then you’ll love the conclusion to the series. It��s a sweet, fun romance that you can’t put down. I’ve always loved Sandra’s writing style and I look forward to more books by her.
May 1, 2013
What a perfect ending to a very well-done Christian fiction series! I've really enjoyed this series, and was thrilled to catch Always the Baker, Finally the Bride on NetGalley before it was archived.
I love Bricker's characters. They are realistic, easily related to, and respectable. I love the subtle faith element to her stories. They are Christian without being too 'goody-goody'. The characters pray and ask for guidance on big decisions and their faith is believable, rather than in some other Christian fiction novels where the characters are so pure they don't seem real.
I was so happy to see Emma get her happily-ever-after, as well as getting a glimpse of my other favorite characters' own HEA's. Bricker includes recipes (which were all for cakes and pastries and made me ravenously hungry) and wedding tips/trivia at the beginning of each chapter. I love those types of inclusions! They really make books interesting.
My one complaint about this book is that the conflict was resolved a little too neatly. Something about it made the book feel a little too sweet for me.
Other than that, it was a great read, and I would highly recommend this series to fans of Christian fiction, or anyone looking for a nice, clean read.
I love Bricker's characters. They are realistic, easily related to, and respectable. I love the subtle faith element to her stories. They are Christian without being too 'goody-goody'. The characters pray and ask for guidance on big decisions and their faith is believable, rather than in some other Christian fiction novels where the characters are so pure they don't seem real.
I was so happy to see Emma get her happily-ever-after, as well as getting a glimpse of my other favorite characters' own HEA's. Bricker includes recipes (which were all for cakes and pastries and made me ravenously hungry) and wedding tips/trivia at the beginning of each chapter. I love those types of inclusions! They really make books interesting.
My one complaint about this book is that the conflict was resolved a little too neatly. Something about it made the book feel a little too sweet for me.
Other than that, it was a great read, and I would highly recommend this series to fans of Christian fiction, or anyone looking for a nice, clean read.
May 31, 2013
Always the Baker Finally the Bride
By Sandra D. Bricker
Emma Rae is finally going to get married, unless life gets in the way. As the days are counting down the stress starts to get to Emma. Sherilyn goes into labor 3 weeks early. A homeless little girl decides to call Tanglewood home. Someone wants to buy The Tanglewood. The elevator keeps going out. And Emma can't decide on a cake!
As one disaster after another occurs, Emma and Jackson will be lucky if they make it to their wedding day in one piece and standing.
As Emma and Jackson try to decide what will be the next step in their lives after the wedding, they have to take a step back and decide what is important to them.
You've been asked to join Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake on an emotional journey to the aisle. Don't wait too long to RSVP or you'll miss out on all the excitement!
Throughout the book are possible sketches of wedding cakes, recipes, and wedding preparation tips to help other brides and wedding planners with their own wedding designs.
This is a delightful story that will put you in the mood for some tasty treats so be sure to have some on hand as you read Always the Baker Finally the Bride!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
By Sandra D. Bricker
Emma Rae is finally going to get married, unless life gets in the way. As the days are counting down the stress starts to get to Emma. Sherilyn goes into labor 3 weeks early. A homeless little girl decides to call Tanglewood home. Someone wants to buy The Tanglewood. The elevator keeps going out. And Emma can't decide on a cake!
As one disaster after another occurs, Emma and Jackson will be lucky if they make it to their wedding day in one piece and standing.
As Emma and Jackson try to decide what will be the next step in their lives after the wedding, they have to take a step back and decide what is important to them.
You've been asked to join Emma Rae Travis and Jackson Drake on an emotional journey to the aisle. Don't wait too long to RSVP or you'll miss out on all the excitement!
Throughout the book are possible sketches of wedding cakes, recipes, and wedding preparation tips to help other brides and wedding planners with their own wedding designs.
This is a delightful story that will put you in the mood for some tasty treats so be sure to have some on hand as you read Always the Baker Finally the Bride!
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
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