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Sassy Belles #2
Wedding Belles
Seven months pregnant and head over heels in love, Vivi Ann McFadden is busy pulling together the final details for her wedding to Lewis Heart, famous play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide.
But with two wedding-planners-gone-wild, a psychic giving her advice and the ceremony happening on the same day as the wildly popular Crimson Tide kick-off game, chaos reigns supreme.
Luckily, maid of honour Blake O’Hara Heart is on the job. She’ll tackle this wedding if it’s the last thing she does! But not everyone is cheering for the happy couple.
News of the upcoming nuptials has brought Lewis’s old flame back to Tuscaloosa—and she’s got a secret that could mean the end of Lewis’s marriage… before it even begins.
But with two wedding-planners-gone-wild, a psychic giving her advice and the ceremony happening on the same day as the wildly popular Crimson Tide kick-off game, chaos reigns supreme.
Luckily, maid of honour Blake O’Hara Heart is on the job. She’ll tackle this wedding if it’s the last thing she does! But not everyone is cheering for the happy couple.
News of the upcoming nuptials has brought Lewis’s old flame back to Tuscaloosa—and she’s got a secret that could mean the end of Lewis’s marriage… before it even begins.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Beth Albright
19 books181 followersBeth Albright is a Tuscaloosa native, former Days of Our Lives actress, and former radio and TV talk show host. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Journalism. She is also a screenwriter, voice-over artist and mother. She is married to her college sweetheart, Ted and mother to brilliant college student, Brooks. A perpetually homesick Southern Belle and a major Alabama Crimson Tide fan, she splits her time between San Francisco and, of course, Tuscaloosa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 16, 2015
What a cute book. Had me giggling from beginning to end. All about love, friendships, and family with a lil drama but having fun too.. I definitely recommend this book
October 24, 2013
Seven months pregnant, Vivi Ann is determined to be married before the baby arrives. But when a psychic announces there is another woman things go a little haywire. A black widow, insane wedding planners, a soon to be ex-husband who has moved on and a nosey reporter who is determined to uncover the story. Wedding Belles takes us back to Alabama and the sassy belles who manage to get themselves into trouble but somehow always land on their feet.
Nothing new. Nothing original. To be honest the story has a narrative on the level of your computer's screen saver, but I don't care. It's great fun.
Nothing new. Nothing original. To be honest the story has a narrative on the level of your computer's screen saver, but I don't care. It's great fun.
July 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book even more than book#1 Sassy Belles.
December 5, 2014
Originally published on my blog My Novel Opinion
I received an electronic copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
WEDDING BELLES is the second in a series focused on the life and friends of Blake O'Hara Heart.
WEDDING BELLES picks up a couple of months after THE SASSY BELLES. Vivi is 5 months pregnant and in the midst of planning her upcoming wedding to the Crimson Tides play by play announcer and new owner of the WCTR radio station, Lewis Heart.
While helping to plan Vivi's dream wedding, Blake is trying to hide the fact that her marriage has fallen apart, by playing the perfect wife to Harry as he runs for Senator. Blake is trying her best to hide the blossoming romance with Sonny to protect Harry from any bad tabloids, but Harry isn't holding up his end of the bargain and soon gets caught in a compromising position!
The fun really starts when Vivi and Lewis head over to the courthouse to finalize their wedding licence. Here they find out that Lewis's "fake" marriage back in college, may not be as fake as he and his "wife" thought. And when Blake discovers a connection with a murder case she is working on, Vivi and Lewis are put in danger.
The escapades of Lewis, Blake and Vivi are a riot! The wedding planners hired by Blake are hilarious and have some of the craziest ideas I've ever heard of!
While reading WEDDING BELLES, I laughed and teared up all within a few pages. I loved every moment, and didn't want it to end. I'm so glad that the Sassy Belles story continues with another installment.
And my favorite part of the whole book? The recipes included at the end. I'm yet to try them out but they sound delicious!
When I read THE SASSY BELLES a couple of months ago, I loved everything about it and couldn't wait to dig further into the lives of Blake and Vivi!
WEDDING BELLES lived up to my expectations and now I look forward to the third installment coming in September SLEIGH BELLES.
I would highly recommend WEDDING BELLES if you are looking for a light, fun read with a hint of southern charm. Blake and Vivi's characters are bubbly and adorable and there wasn't anything in this book not to love!
I received an electronic copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
WEDDING BELLES is the second in a series focused on the life and friends of Blake O'Hara Heart.
WEDDING BELLES picks up a couple of months after THE SASSY BELLES. Vivi is 5 months pregnant and in the midst of planning her upcoming wedding to the Crimson Tides play by play announcer and new owner of the WCTR radio station, Lewis Heart.
While helping to plan Vivi's dream wedding, Blake is trying to hide the fact that her marriage has fallen apart, by playing the perfect wife to Harry as he runs for Senator. Blake is trying her best to hide the blossoming romance with Sonny to protect Harry from any bad tabloids, but Harry isn't holding up his end of the bargain and soon gets caught in a compromising position!
The fun really starts when Vivi and Lewis head over to the courthouse to finalize their wedding licence. Here they find out that Lewis's "fake" marriage back in college, may not be as fake as he and his "wife" thought. And when Blake discovers a connection with a murder case she is working on, Vivi and Lewis are put in danger.
The escapades of Lewis, Blake and Vivi are a riot! The wedding planners hired by Blake are hilarious and have some of the craziest ideas I've ever heard of!
While reading WEDDING BELLES, I laughed and teared up all within a few pages. I loved every moment, and didn't want it to end. I'm so glad that the Sassy Belles story continues with another installment.
And my favorite part of the whole book? The recipes included at the end. I'm yet to try them out but they sound delicious!
When I read THE SASSY BELLES a couple of months ago, I loved everything about it and couldn't wait to dig further into the lives of Blake and Vivi!
WEDDING BELLES lived up to my expectations and now I look forward to the third installment coming in September SLEIGH BELLES.
I would highly recommend WEDDING BELLES if you are looking for a light, fun read with a hint of southern charm. Blake and Vivi's characters are bubbly and adorable and there wasn't anything in this book not to love!
August 5, 2013
Taken from my blog, Alabama Letters:
I really love it when an author manages to write a sequel that is even better than the first novel in the series, and that is exactly what Beth Albright has done with Wedding Belles, the second book in the Sassy Belle's trilogy (to read the review of The Sassy Belles click HERE). I intended to write this post a couple of weeks ago. I met up with Beth Albright at the Romance Writers of America national conference in Atlanta in mid-July, and I was so excited to receive a copy of Wedding Belles! I wanted to get a review out in time for the release, but life got in the way! I finally had a chance to read it this weekend, and I really enjoyed it.
In Wedding Belles, we meet up with the same great characters from The Sassy Belles. In that book, Blake and husband Harry split up (well, for all intents and purposes!), Blake rekindled an old romance with town cop Sonny, Vivi found out lover Lewis wasn't dead, and much Dreamland BBQ sauce was shared by all involved. In this book, Albright picks up where she left off. Blake is tentatively dipping her feet into a relationship with Sonny--but will it work out? Vivi, five months pregnant with Lewis's child, is planning her wedding--but will a psychic's message about another woman in the picture prove true? And Dallas...well, Dallas is up to her usual shenanigans! (And, PS, I really want to see more of her in book 3!)
The book is just a lot of fun! We still get to experience the setting of Tuscaloosa, but I liked it much better in this book. The fever of the fall football season really comes through towards the end of the book, which is something I loved reading about! Also, I thought that the writing in this book was notably tighter than in the first novel. I really saw this come to pass in Blake's development as a character. I liked her in the first book, but I also like to see her struggle a little bit with her feelings. Overall, this book was a perfect sequel to The Sassy Belles!
I really love it when an author manages to write a sequel that is even better than the first novel in the series, and that is exactly what Beth Albright has done with Wedding Belles, the second book in the Sassy Belle's trilogy (to read the review of The Sassy Belles click HERE). I intended to write this post a couple of weeks ago. I met up with Beth Albright at the Romance Writers of America national conference in Atlanta in mid-July, and I was so excited to receive a copy of Wedding Belles! I wanted to get a review out in time for the release, but life got in the way! I finally had a chance to read it this weekend, and I really enjoyed it.
In Wedding Belles, we meet up with the same great characters from The Sassy Belles. In that book, Blake and husband Harry split up (well, for all intents and purposes!), Blake rekindled an old romance with town cop Sonny, Vivi found out lover Lewis wasn't dead, and much Dreamland BBQ sauce was shared by all involved. In this book, Albright picks up where she left off. Blake is tentatively dipping her feet into a relationship with Sonny--but will it work out? Vivi, five months pregnant with Lewis's child, is planning her wedding--but will a psychic's message about another woman in the picture prove true? And Dallas...well, Dallas is up to her usual shenanigans! (And, PS, I really want to see more of her in book 3!)
The book is just a lot of fun! We still get to experience the setting of Tuscaloosa, but I liked it much better in this book. The fever of the fall football season really comes through towards the end of the book, which is something I loved reading about! Also, I thought that the writing in this book was notably tighter than in the first novel. I really saw this come to pass in Blake's development as a character. I liked her in the first book, but I also like to see her struggle a little bit with her feelings. Overall, this book was a perfect sequel to The Sassy Belles!
August 9, 2013
Vivi and Blake are at it again! This is the second book in what I believe is called The Sassy Belles series. Vivi is seven months pregnant and trying her best to plan her wedding to Lewis Heart, the famous announcer for the Crimson Tide. Vivi has her best friend and maid of honor Blake O’Hara Heart to help though, and the two of them are sure to get into some trouble along the way. However, these two Southern belles have no idea what kind of trouble is headed their way. Lewis’s old lover is back in town and she is carrying a secret that could end the wedding before it even has a chance to start!
I am all about Southern charm and grace! I’m a Southern belle myself, you know. Vivi and Blake have me on my wit’s end at times because of the messes they get themselves into, but they sure do have the charm that comes along with any refined Southern woman. Beth Albright, the author, really sells the relationship between Vivi and Blake. They are two very realistic characters who have landed in a bit of a mess. The situations are sometimes crazy and the dialogue is always humorous!
Anything with a wedding and a cast of lunatic characters and you can count me in! Not to mention Albright does a wonderful job of setting up a sizzling, hot Southern setting. Alabama is not a place that I read about often in books, and having the groom-to-be be affiliated with the Crimson Tide only spices things up more, especially when his ex-lover comes to town. I laughed out loud at times, and thought that Vivi and Blake would be great stars in a new comedy film!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Harlequin Mira in exchange for my honest review***
I am all about Southern charm and grace! I’m a Southern belle myself, you know. Vivi and Blake have me on my wit’s end at times because of the messes they get themselves into, but they sure do have the charm that comes along with any refined Southern woman. Beth Albright, the author, really sells the relationship between Vivi and Blake. They are two very realistic characters who have landed in a bit of a mess. The situations are sometimes crazy and the dialogue is always humorous!
Anything with a wedding and a cast of lunatic characters and you can count me in! Not to mention Albright does a wonderful job of setting up a sizzling, hot Southern setting. Alabama is not a place that I read about often in books, and having the groom-to-be be affiliated with the Crimson Tide only spices things up more, especially when his ex-lover comes to town. I laughed out loud at times, and thought that Vivi and Blake would be great stars in a new comedy film!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Harlequin Mira in exchange for my honest review***
August 4, 2013
They’re baaaccckk-the wacky duo from “Sassy Belles” Blake O”Hara Heart and Vivi Ann Macfadden, return in another book about life in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Being a New England girl, I love reading books about life in the South. Blake and Vivi have found love in their lives and Vivi is getting ready to marry her man, Lewis, when they discover he has been legally married to a stripper he pretend married in college. Vivi is pregnant so a delay in the nuptials is not an option and Blake, along with her lover Sonny, end up as part of an investigation into the background of Lewis’s long forgotten “wife”. Sonny is the head of the local law enforcement and he and Blake reconnected in the previous book. Blake is technically still married to local politician Harry Heart but only until the election is over as their marriage is dead in the water.
I really enjoyed the machinations that Blake and Vivi went through to get Vivi and Lewis to the altar. The wedding planning with the Fru Fru boys was hysterical and the villainess Dallas Dubois also makes a return appearance. Blake and Sonny are a great couple with a lot of heat between them. Vivi and Lewis are just too cute together and the events leading up to the wedding give a perfect look at what their lives will be like together.
This is a really good summer read. I would recommend reading Sassy Belles first if possible because it fills in a lot of the history between all of the players. The third book in the series “Sleigh Belles” is due in September. If it is anything like the first two books it should be a fun book to read
I really enjoyed the machinations that Blake and Vivi went through to get Vivi and Lewis to the altar. The wedding planning with the Fru Fru boys was hysterical and the villainess Dallas Dubois also makes a return appearance. Blake and Sonny are a great couple with a lot of heat between them. Vivi and Lewis are just too cute together and the events leading up to the wedding give a perfect look at what their lives will be like together.
This is a really good summer read. I would recommend reading Sassy Belles first if possible because it fills in a lot of the history between all of the players. The third book in the series “Sleigh Belles” is due in September. If it is anything like the first two books it should be a fun book to read
September 19, 2013
The Sassy Belles are back and yes, readers I have found myself once again reading this series out of order by going Books #1 , 3 and then #2. In Wedding Belles , we see it time for the tying the knot of Vivi and Lewis Heart - lovers for the past 13 years , these two have had a hold on each other and now with Vivi pregnant with Baby Heart -it's finally time to settle down and do things properly. Things are going to plan until Vivi makes a trip to the local psychic who tells her that she has to be wary of another woman who has her man's heart. Normally, you can just shrug off what psychics say - but this town's psychic seems to be always pretty bang on and as it turns out thirteen years ago at a frat party - at what seemed like a prank at the time happens to be real and Lewis married a girl. To make matters worse, it seems the woman in question is back in town and she doesn't seem to give up what should as she quotes "be rightfully hers". Can Vivi keep a hold of her husband to be or will she have to play second fiddle to his "wife" ? Harry and Blake Heart are still for Harry's sake playing the happily married and supportive couple , though they have separated and Blake is seeing her high school sweetheart Sonny. How long can Harry and Blake keep up appearances especially with news reporter and Blake's arch-nemesis Dallas hanging around for a scoop ?
Like the first and last book, Wedding Belles is the perfect read for those who loved the TV Show Hart of Dixie with Zoe Hart and Lemon Breeland.
Like the first and last book, Wedding Belles is the perfect read for those who loved the TV Show Hart of Dixie with Zoe Hart and Lemon Breeland.
June 23, 2013
Vivi McFadden is getting ready to get married and have her first baby with her fiance Lewis Heart, but what she doesn't know is that he's already married. Part of some hazing in college he got roped into a "fake wedding" but what he doesn't realize is how real it was.
Also Blake O'Hara who's all but divorced her no good jerky husband except he's running for office and now she has to play the happy wife who isn't stepping out on her no good jerk of a husband with Sonny a chief homicide detective. A man she loved since she was a young belle.
Also while all this is going on Blake is also working on a murder case of her client's family of Walter Aaron's who are fighting with insurance company to get his death benefits. Which opens all sorts of issues as to who would want to kill him? Or why he got a secret marriage all of the sudden and then died. And who is the mysterious bride Mrs. Tamlyn H. Hartman Aaron?
This book was so much fun I felt like I was reading similar books I've read by Sherryl Woods her magnolia series, I would definitely put this book in with those. I love southern women stories, they have such character, dedication and lots of love to share! Definitely my new go to author for southern books and fun characters! Can't wait to see what happens next!
Also Blake O'Hara who's all but divorced her no good jerky husband except he's running for office and now she has to play the happy wife who isn't stepping out on her no good jerk of a husband with Sonny a chief homicide detective. A man she loved since she was a young belle.
Also while all this is going on Blake is also working on a murder case of her client's family of Walter Aaron's who are fighting with insurance company to get his death benefits. Which opens all sorts of issues as to who would want to kill him? Or why he got a secret marriage all of the sudden and then died. And who is the mysterious bride Mrs. Tamlyn H. Hartman Aaron?
This book was so much fun I felt like I was reading similar books I've read by Sherryl Woods her magnolia series, I would definitely put this book in with those. I love southern women stories, they have such character, dedication and lots of love to share! Definitely my new go to author for southern books and fun characters! Can't wait to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2013
Beth Albright once again brings the sass and the class Southern style in this charming, fast-paced story which is the sequel to her debut novel, THE SASSY BELLES.
Albright populates her story with a cast of quirky and personable characters that anyone would want to friends with. I really enjoyed the close friendship of Blake O'Hara Heart and her BBF Vivi McFadden - they are the kind of gals who stick together through thick and thin, and get into the most incredible situation - kind of reminds me of a certain wacky red-head and her side-kick buddy!
And I loved that "Wedding Belles" is set in Albright's hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She captures the essence of the town and it's down- home, college town atmosphere perfectly and since we were just there a few weeks ago on vacation it was fun picking out the local landmarks and settings that she uses!
If you enjoy Southern fiction with a generous dose of humor and high spirits, then WEDDING BELLES will be a genuine delight.
Albright populates her story with a cast of quirky and personable characters that anyone would want to friends with. I really enjoyed the close friendship of Blake O'Hara Heart and her BBF Vivi McFadden - they are the kind of gals who stick together through thick and thin, and get into the most incredible situation - kind of reminds me of a certain wacky red-head and her side-kick buddy!
And I loved that "Wedding Belles" is set in Albright's hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She captures the essence of the town and it's down- home, college town atmosphere perfectly and since we were just there a few weeks ago on vacation it was fun picking out the local landmarks and settings that she uses!
If you enjoy Southern fiction with a generous dose of humor and high spirits, then WEDDING BELLES will be a genuine delight.
August 1, 2013
I received a copy of Wedding Belles by Beth Albright in exchange for an honest review.
Even though I knew this would be the first book I was reading in the series, I still couldn’t pass it up. I mean a book about a wedding – definitely right up my alley! I also seem to be obsessed with the South lately, so I knew reading about the Southern Belles would put me in a good mood. I could tell I was missing puzzle pieces along the way, but Albright did a good job of glossing over need-to-know tidbits so I wasn’t totally in the dark about the characters and their situations. I loved all the wedding planning details and the Crimson Tide wedding that was pulled off (seriously so fun to read about all the tradition!) and I enjoyed the cliffhanger that we get when it came to Blake and her unique husband/boyfriend situation. I really hope I can snag the next book because I will want to see how her story continues!
Even though I knew this would be the first book I was reading in the series, I still couldn’t pass it up. I mean a book about a wedding – definitely right up my alley! I also seem to be obsessed with the South lately, so I knew reading about the Southern Belles would put me in a good mood. I could tell I was missing puzzle pieces along the way, but Albright did a good job of glossing over need-to-know tidbits so I wasn’t totally in the dark about the characters and their situations. I loved all the wedding planning details and the Crimson Tide wedding that was pulled off (seriously so fun to read about all the tradition!) and I enjoyed the cliffhanger that we get when it came to Blake and her unique husband/boyfriend situation. I really hope I can snag the next book because I will want to see how her story continues!
October 3, 2013
I had not read anything by this author before, but she came highly recommended by a friend who knows my reading tastes well. The story is a fast-paced, fun read. I actually listened to the audio book through audible.com. I felt the narrator did a great job capturing the warmth of the southern drawl, without overdoing it. I am from Alabama and lived in Tuscaloosa, AL--the book's main setting--for many years. So often authors make southern folks sound like there are no schools south of the Mason Dixon Line! I appreciate the humor of the book. I loved the references to big hair & aqua net hairspray, Alabama Football, Coach Bear Bryant, southern BBQ and orange pineapple ice cream! I also appreciate the author's portrayal of intelligent, funny, classy southern women! I am looking forward to seeing the author's other books on audible.com...soon, I hope! Well done and ROLL TIDE, Ms. Albright!
November 27, 2013
Wedding Belles
Oh how I loved this book! WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright was like revisiting old friends. I love Vivi and Blake and all the trouble they seem to find. Sonny is absolutely perfect and Harry is the same jerk as he was in The sassy Belles, the first book in this series. I was immediately caught up in all of Blake and Vivi's antics and troubles. Vivi is seven months pregnant and determined to marry Lewis before she gives birth to their daughter. As you are reading this book you keep thinking there is no way that is going to happen short of a miracle.
I really enjoyed revisiting the crazy characters from Tuscaloosa. I can't wait for the next book. This is a very light read that will having you laughing out loud and you quickly turn the pages to see what happens to Vivi and Blake next. Five stars all the way for me!
Oh how I loved this book! WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright was like revisiting old friends. I love Vivi and Blake and all the trouble they seem to find. Sonny is absolutely perfect and Harry is the same jerk as he was in The sassy Belles, the first book in this series. I was immediately caught up in all of Blake and Vivi's antics and troubles. Vivi is seven months pregnant and determined to marry Lewis before she gives birth to their daughter. As you are reading this book you keep thinking there is no way that is going to happen short of a miracle.
I really enjoyed revisiting the crazy characters from Tuscaloosa. I can't wait for the next book. This is a very light read that will having you laughing out loud and you quickly turn the pages to see what happens to Vivi and Blake next. Five stars all the way for me!
August 1, 2013
I loved this book! This is the second book in the Belles series… Vivi is finally getting married to her prince charming Lewis Heart and she and her best friend Blake O’Hara are fixin’ for the wedding of the century! They’ve got amazing event planners to work with and family and friends helping them. All the characters were a hoot, even Dallas who could be annoying to some. There was so much support and family and in spite of everything going on, my heart was filled with joy and excitement. I was rooting for Vivi and Lewis from the get go… It was filled with Southern charm and love. I can’t wait to start reading Sleigh Belles…
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December 29, 2014"TOP PICK! The Sassy Belles are back and sassier than ever! These steel magnolias show us just what it's really like living as a Southern belle in a cradle-to-grave football town. With clever dialogue and richly drawn characters, Albright shows once again she's a natural-born storyteller, who knows how to pen a charming tale. Regardless of game-day colors worn, this sexy and fun Southern series will have readers coming back for more!" RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars
Sassy Belles, book 2
Sassy Belles, book 2
June 7, 2013
What a great reunion with Vivi and Lewis. There wedding is the talk of the town and everyone is giving an idea and an opinion on how everything should go. Of course the baby being due right after the wedding complicates matters just a tad. Looks like we will return for number 3 with Blake and Sonny's story.
May 19, 2021
Why 2 Stars?
Spoilers below. Stop here if you don't want to know...
1. There is cheating yet her friends and family think nothing of it.
2. The h has revenge sex, even though she knows that she should wait.
3. The H still supports her cheating soon to be Ex and considers him the best candidate for the job.
4. Even after he screws her over huge, she still supports him.
If these were different, this would have been a 4-4.5 Star read for me.
Spoilers below. Stop here if you don't want to know...
1. There is cheating yet her friends and family think nothing of it.
2. The h has revenge sex, even though she knows that she should wait.
3. The H still supports her cheating soon to be Ex and considers him the best candidate for the job.
4. Even after he screws her over huge, she still supports him.
If these were different, this would have been a 4-4.5 Star read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2020
Everything you want for an easy summer read! Absolutely loved the Southern setting, colourful characters and humour!
Now I need to read the first and third book in this collection - didn’t realised it was the second book!!
Now I need to read the first and third book in this collection - didn’t realised it was the second book!!
January 28, 2021
Book 2 in the series was just as great as the first. So fun and sassy (pun intended). I love the story about love and friendship, mixed with a little bit of drama. Those Southern Belles are so fun!!
March 1, 2021
Difficult one to review.
I really enjoyed the storyline and characters.
I did however struggled with the heavy Southern accent but that is my issue and does not mean the narrator's performance was bad
I really enjoyed the storyline and characters.
I did however struggled with the heavy Southern accent but that is my issue and does not mean the narrator's performance was bad
May 5, 2023
I loved this story from start to finish. Blake and Vivi are wonderful, lifelong friends. They are wonderful characters and have a habit of interfering with police investigations. This story was series and funny. Can't wait to read the next book in series!
May 22, 2018
Great book! It has everything you look for in a good romance! It had thrills, love, & humor. Ic
September 9, 2018
A funny, charming read about some Alabama ladies that call themselves "Sassy Belles". A lot of crazy antics in trying to get a perfect planned wedding to go without a hitch!
March 27, 2025
very funny
I was laughing out loud! Some parts of this book are just hilarious! Can’t wait to read the next book.
I was laughing out loud! Some parts of this book are just hilarious! Can’t wait to read the next book.
July 31, 2013
WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Date published: July 30, 2013
ISBN: 13-978-0-7783-1529-2
Romantic Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Belles-...
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 4.5
It seems THE SASSY BELLES, Blake O’Hara Heart and Vivi Ann McFadden, are at it again. Stuck in the middle of chaos, murder, mystery, and mayhem that is interfering with the WEDDING BELLES being planned by Vivi and the love of her life, Lewis Heart, famous play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There is a conflict when it is learned the scheduled wedding is being planned for the same day as the wildly popular Crimson Tide Kickoff Game.
WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright is another sassy, exciting, and fun read. Well-written, WEDDING BELLES brings with it a huge dose of agitation for Vivi and Lewis when they discover that there is still another glitch in their wedding plans. With Vivi being seven months pregnant, there is little time to waste. It seems an old flame of Lewis’s is back in the picture, which could mean the end of Vivi’s marriage before it even begins.
Along with these problems come the wild Fru Fru Affair boys, the wedding planners who struggle to make the best of a chaotic situation, together with psychic interference from a local living in a nearby trailer park.
Through it all is Blake, the maid of honor, who has problems of her own, and is trying to help her overly stressed friend, Vivi, hold it together while she seeks answers to a murder, tries remaining under the radar so her husband, Harry, can win the Senate seat, yet still find time for the love of her own life, Sonny Bartholomew, who is patiently waiting for her in the background.
WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright does not disappoint. Picking up where THE SASSY BELLES left off, WEDDING BELLES is a fun, romantic romp through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with its share of southern charm and hospitality, not to mention some great recipes that are sure to whet your appetites.
Albright’s talent for originality and writing is evident as she creates yet another exciting, yet mysterious blend of suspense, chaos, and outright fun. WEDDING BELLES is a delightful page turner, filled with unique, sometimes crazy characters that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
It is easy to relate to the stress Vivi feels as she struggles to maintain her composure when her world seems to be falling apart around her. After all the problems she encountered in the first book of this series, THE SASSY BELLES, it is easy for the reader to be empathetic to her plight in WEDDING BELLES. After finally getting her man, she is beside herself when she learns how far away Lewis truly is, once an old flame comes back into his life. A flame that is ready to scorch all of Vivi’s plans for the future.
As always, Beth is the cool-headed one, an attorney who is trying to handle a baffling murder case while dealing with her friend Vivi’s problems.
As before, there is plenty of conflict in WEDDING BELLES, not just for Vivi, but for Blake as well. It seems an old thorn is intent on wreaking havoc in her life as well as trying to wreck her husband’s political career before it starts.
The Fru Fru Affair boys are an absolute delight and add a lot of humorous twists to WEDDING BELLES. I especially love the part, too, where the chickens come into play. That was so comical. I could just picture that and had a good laugh over it.
The romance between Arthur and Bonita was unexpected and added a nice heartwarming feel to WEDDING BELLES.
WEDDING BELLES is full of interesting plot twists and turns which will keep the reader easily interested in seeing how everything turns out in the end. Southern charm is found from cover-to-cover in this wonderful tale, not to mention some mystery and lots of frolicking entertainment.
Albright clearly has written another winner, one that will help us romp through the remaining summer days with pleasure and expectation. Her next story, SLEIGH BELLES, will be out in September, 2013, and I’m eager to read more of THE SASSY BELLES, to experience more of their chaotic adventures and, hopefully, meet Vivi’s new baby.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Date published: July 30, 2013
ISBN: 13-978-0-7783-1529-2
Romantic Fiction
Paperback
Reviewed by Lynne
http://www.amazon.com/Wedding-Belles-...
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 4.5
It seems THE SASSY BELLES, Blake O’Hara Heart and Vivi Ann McFadden, are at it again. Stuck in the middle of chaos, murder, mystery, and mayhem that is interfering with the WEDDING BELLES being planned by Vivi and the love of her life, Lewis Heart, famous play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There is a conflict when it is learned the scheduled wedding is being planned for the same day as the wildly popular Crimson Tide Kickoff Game.
WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright is another sassy, exciting, and fun read. Well-written, WEDDING BELLES brings with it a huge dose of agitation for Vivi and Lewis when they discover that there is still another glitch in their wedding plans. With Vivi being seven months pregnant, there is little time to waste. It seems an old flame of Lewis’s is back in the picture, which could mean the end of Vivi’s marriage before it even begins.
Along with these problems come the wild Fru Fru Affair boys, the wedding planners who struggle to make the best of a chaotic situation, together with psychic interference from a local living in a nearby trailer park.
Through it all is Blake, the maid of honor, who has problems of her own, and is trying to help her overly stressed friend, Vivi, hold it together while she seeks answers to a murder, tries remaining under the radar so her husband, Harry, can win the Senate seat, yet still find time for the love of her own life, Sonny Bartholomew, who is patiently waiting for her in the background.
WEDDING BELLES by Beth Albright does not disappoint. Picking up where THE SASSY BELLES left off, WEDDING BELLES is a fun, romantic romp through Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with its share of southern charm and hospitality, not to mention some great recipes that are sure to whet your appetites.
Albright’s talent for originality and writing is evident as she creates yet another exciting, yet mysterious blend of suspense, chaos, and outright fun. WEDDING BELLES is a delightful page turner, filled with unique, sometimes crazy characters that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
It is easy to relate to the stress Vivi feels as she struggles to maintain her composure when her world seems to be falling apart around her. After all the problems she encountered in the first book of this series, THE SASSY BELLES, it is easy for the reader to be empathetic to her plight in WEDDING BELLES. After finally getting her man, she is beside herself when she learns how far away Lewis truly is, once an old flame comes back into his life. A flame that is ready to scorch all of Vivi’s plans for the future.
As always, Beth is the cool-headed one, an attorney who is trying to handle a baffling murder case while dealing with her friend Vivi’s problems.
As before, there is plenty of conflict in WEDDING BELLES, not just for Vivi, but for Blake as well. It seems an old thorn is intent on wreaking havoc in her life as well as trying to wreck her husband’s political career before it starts.
The Fru Fru Affair boys are an absolute delight and add a lot of humorous twists to WEDDING BELLES. I especially love the part, too, where the chickens come into play. That was so comical. I could just picture that and had a good laugh over it.
The romance between Arthur and Bonita was unexpected and added a nice heartwarming feel to WEDDING BELLES.
WEDDING BELLES is full of interesting plot twists and turns which will keep the reader easily interested in seeing how everything turns out in the end. Southern charm is found from cover-to-cover in this wonderful tale, not to mention some mystery and lots of frolicking entertainment.
Albright clearly has written another winner, one that will help us romp through the remaining summer days with pleasure and expectation. Her next story, SLEIGH BELLES, will be out in September, 2013, and I’m eager to read more of THE SASSY BELLES, to experience more of their chaotic adventures and, hopefully, meet Vivi’s new baby.
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
October 9, 2013
Review originally posted: Traveling With T
The Sassy Belles are Back! Wedding bells are ringing for Vivi- unless the psychic’s prediction is true! Blake O’Hara Heart knows this- in the Deep South, in August, you do not upset a pregnant bride- it’s just too darn hot for that mess!
Blake is knee deep into planning her best girlfriend ever an over the top wedding and baby shower! Vivi asks Blake to have Myra Jean, trailer park psychic to the ladies in Tuscaloosa, read their futures at her combo wedding/baby shower. Blake agrees because she is the most loyal matron of honor. As part of booking Myra Jean for the shower, Vivi gets a sample reading. Oh if only Blake had herself a magic ball- then she could have known the trouble heading Vivi’s way! Myra Jean lets Vivi know there is another woman in the picture- which prompts Vivi into a full-on hissy fit. Blake mollifies Vivi by saying that it could be the baby girl (Vivi just has a feeling it’s a girl). However, it’s not long before Vivi, Lewis and Blake find out that Myra Jean is right. A woman from Lewis’s past is going to make this wedding a bit more difficult!
Blake’s law practice has problems as well. The body that was discovered while looking for Lewis is a man who recently inherited his family’s money, amongst a disagreement with his other family members. Blake is trying to find out what happened to him and who earns his inheritance since he was recently married. The barge company says he must have fallen off the boat, the insurance won’t pay till they can rule out suicide, and Blake needs to find this wife! Cal, Lewis’s computer whiz best friend, finds the wife and also finds Lewis’s first wife- when Blake realizes they have the same last name, her pretty head wonders “What if they are the same person?”
On the political front, Harry is working hard to win the November Senate election- and Blake, being the consummate Southern Belle, is going to stick by him in public and help him win this election. In private, though, Blake’s a bad girl- she’s found her true love, Sonny, and wants to make things work with him. Harry has his own private fun- and that nosy reporter, Dallas, is doing her best to crack the case on the Hearts. Dallas is worried about her job, so having the inside track on a story about a falling out between the Hearts could lead to some juicy air time.
Between getting Vivi ready for her wedding, balancing her professional and personal life with Sonny, helping Harry get elected, and finding out what happened on that barge- Blake is busier than a bee in a bonnet. Watching Vivi, her Sassy Belle best friend, on the verge of everything she’s ever longed for- makes Blake happy- and a tad bit wistful. Life is changing for the Sassy Belles- but Blake’s about to find out exactly how much life is changing!
Traveling With T’s Thoughts
The Sassy Belles are back! If you thought Blake and Vivi were going to let a wedding be a calm and serene event- you were wrong! The sassy girls are ready for whatever curveball life throws them- and life’s got quite a few!
Funny, charming, and sweet- Wedding Belles is a read that should be enjoyed with a glass of sweet tea. After reading Wedding Belles, you might feel like talking in Southern accent and watching some college football- don’t fight the feeling!
Perfect for fans of light reading, romance, and Southern Belles.
*This book was provided to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
July 24, 2013
Review Posted on Reading Lark 7/24/13: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2013/...
Grab a tall glass of sweet tea and cuddle up on your front porch - the Sassy Belles are back with a fun summer mystery packed with friendship, laughter, and down home southern comforts. Beth Albright does a beautiful job of capturing the feel of a southern summer; I could smell the blossoms and feel the humidity saturate my skin. This is a perfect summer read!
Life in Tuscaloosa is never boring when Blake and Vivi are around. This installment has the pair planning a joint baby/bridal shower and Vivi's wedding. In pure Vivi fashion, things have to be perfect and over the top. She has been waiting awhile to make Lewis her husband after all. She's hell bent on having everything finished long before her little one arrives, but things don't always go according to plan and Vivi soon learns this the hard way. She finds out that Lewis is already married! Apparently, taking a dare at a college frat party led to a legal marriage. Vivi is beside herself with worry, but Blake swoops in to save the day. Lewis' wife has a few secrets that will make your mouth drop open.
This installment also gives readers more information on Blake's relationships. Her marriage to Harry is over, but they are choosing to keep that a secret until after the election in November. Blake must play the perfect politician's wife when all she really wants to do is spend time with her current boyfriend, Sonny. Things get more complicated when you add Dallas, the snooping local reporter, to the mix. Dallas is out to prove that Harry and Blake's marriage is a fake. It's certainly time for a little Sassy Belle damage control.
I love these characters and this town. If you're in the mood for some southern charm, romance, and home-cooked meals with a dash of mystery - this is a must read series. Spending time with Blake and Vivi is like going home; these are exactly the sort of best friends I would want if I lived in this series. This one ends with a major issue coming to light. I can't wait to see how things go with that plot point.
One Last Gripe: I didn't enjoy the mystery element of this one as much as I did in the first novel.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The characters
First Sentence: I still can't believe Myra Jean, the trailer park psychic, was right about everything!
Favorite Character: Blake
Least Favorite Character: Harry
Grab a tall glass of sweet tea and cuddle up on your front porch - the Sassy Belles are back with a fun summer mystery packed with friendship, laughter, and down home southern comforts. Beth Albright does a beautiful job of capturing the feel of a southern summer; I could smell the blossoms and feel the humidity saturate my skin. This is a perfect summer read!
Life in Tuscaloosa is never boring when Blake and Vivi are around. This installment has the pair planning a joint baby/bridal shower and Vivi's wedding. In pure Vivi fashion, things have to be perfect and over the top. She has been waiting awhile to make Lewis her husband after all. She's hell bent on having everything finished long before her little one arrives, but things don't always go according to plan and Vivi soon learns this the hard way. She finds out that Lewis is already married! Apparently, taking a dare at a college frat party led to a legal marriage. Vivi is beside herself with worry, but Blake swoops in to save the day. Lewis' wife has a few secrets that will make your mouth drop open.
This installment also gives readers more information on Blake's relationships. Her marriage to Harry is over, but they are choosing to keep that a secret until after the election in November. Blake must play the perfect politician's wife when all she really wants to do is spend time with her current boyfriend, Sonny. Things get more complicated when you add Dallas, the snooping local reporter, to the mix. Dallas is out to prove that Harry and Blake's marriage is a fake. It's certainly time for a little Sassy Belle damage control.
I love these characters and this town. If you're in the mood for some southern charm, romance, and home-cooked meals with a dash of mystery - this is a must read series. Spending time with Blake and Vivi is like going home; these are exactly the sort of best friends I would want if I lived in this series. This one ends with a major issue coming to light. I can't wait to see how things go with that plot point.
One Last Gripe: I didn't enjoy the mystery element of this one as much as I did in the first novel.
My Favorite Thing About This Book: The characters
First Sentence: I still can't believe Myra Jean, the trailer park psychic, was right about everything!
Favorite Character: Blake
Least Favorite Character: Harry
October 24, 2013
From Goodreads:
The Sassy Belles are back, and this time, wedding bells are ringing!
Seven months pregnant and head over heels in love, Vivi Ann McFadden is busy pulling together the final details for her wedding to Lewis Heart, famous play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide. But with two wedding-planners-gone-wild, a psychic giving her advice, and the ceremony happening on the same day as the wildly popular Crimson Tide kickoff game, chaos reigns supreme. Luckily, maid of honor Blake O’Hara Heart is on the job. She’ll tackle this wedding if it’s the last thing she does!
But not everyone is cheering for the happy couple. News of the upcoming nuptials has brought Lewis’s old flame back to Tuscaloosa; and she’s got a secret that could mean the end of Lewis’s marriage before it even begins.
Sexy Southern fun, with a hint of magnolia!
My Thoughts:
First off, let me say that I wrote this review months ago when I read the book, and have no idea where it went. I just realized recently when someone commented on my Goodreads post that I had the wrong review up for this book. It was for an entirely different book. Whatever happened to the review I wrote, I couldn’t tell ya.
But anyway, we’ll try again, and keep it short and sweet.
The gals in this book are great. You’ve got to love a southern belle and a little southern drama. Just when everything seems to be falling into place, something goes a little haywire and these belles are left scrambling to keep the peace.
This series is definitely a laugh-out-loud read. I was cracking up when we finally got to the wedding scene. I won’t give you any spoilers though. You’ll have to read it for yourself. I will give you a preview: A pregnant bride, two off-the-wall wedding planners, and a home Crimson Tide football game that ends with just minutes to spare before the bride is to waddle down the aisle.
I give Wedding Belles 4 out of 5 bookmarks.
The Sassy Belles are back, and this time, wedding bells are ringing!
Seven months pregnant and head over heels in love, Vivi Ann McFadden is busy pulling together the final details for her wedding to Lewis Heart, famous play-by-play announcer for the Crimson Tide. But with two wedding-planners-gone-wild, a psychic giving her advice, and the ceremony happening on the same day as the wildly popular Crimson Tide kickoff game, chaos reigns supreme. Luckily, maid of honor Blake O’Hara Heart is on the job. She’ll tackle this wedding if it’s the last thing she does!
But not everyone is cheering for the happy couple. News of the upcoming nuptials has brought Lewis’s old flame back to Tuscaloosa; and she’s got a secret that could mean the end of Lewis’s marriage before it even begins.
Sexy Southern fun, with a hint of magnolia!
My Thoughts:
First off, let me say that I wrote this review months ago when I read the book, and have no idea where it went. I just realized recently when someone commented on my Goodreads post that I had the wrong review up for this book. It was for an entirely different book. Whatever happened to the review I wrote, I couldn’t tell ya.
But anyway, we’ll try again, and keep it short and sweet.
The gals in this book are great. You’ve got to love a southern belle and a little southern drama. Just when everything seems to be falling into place, something goes a little haywire and these belles are left scrambling to keep the peace.
This series is definitely a laugh-out-loud read. I was cracking up when we finally got to the wedding scene. I won’t give you any spoilers though. You’ll have to read it for yourself. I will give you a preview: A pregnant bride, two off-the-wall wedding planners, and a home Crimson Tide football game that ends with just minutes to spare before the bride is to waddle down the aisle.
I give Wedding Belles 4 out of 5 bookmarks.
August 2, 2013
is is the second book in a series. I do not recommend that you dive into this series with this as your first book. I dove into this book without reading the first one and am regretting it mightily. There is very little back-story so I am finding it very difficult to work up any feelings for this group of friends and family. In addition, not knowing the back-story is making it very difficult to understand the attitudes, language and personalities of the characters. In my opinion, light reading this is not. There are so many story lines that you might lose your mind just trying to keep up with the hyperactive antics of this group of Belles.
If you do not appreciate college football and especially if you are not a fan of `Bama, you might not see the humor that this book is wrapped in.
This is n interesting mix of different stories -we have a pregnant Vivi, who has just found out that her fiancé is married. A second storyline of Blake a lawyer who is finding herself enmeshed in a hidden relationship with an old beaux while she gets a divorce from her husband who is running for the Senate. There is a thread of a story about the wedding planners, Fru Fru Caterers; they are a bit of a cliché.
I grasp that this book is about the Southern culture and the authors' knowledge of it, but for some reason the interactions and dialogue does not ring as real to me. Of course, this is merely from my point of view and my relationships with the Southerners that I call friends. Everyone just seems clichéd to me. However, alas, I am a Yankee so who am I to judge, right? LOL!
The book may be a bit difficult for ¾ of the country to understand but it still was a fun and entertaining read, with enough heat and mystery to keep you engrossed. That is if you can keep up with this zany group of characters. Bless their hearts! *ARC Supplied by publisher
If you do not appreciate college football and especially if you are not a fan of `Bama, you might not see the humor that this book is wrapped in.
This is n interesting mix of different stories -we have a pregnant Vivi, who has just found out that her fiancé is married. A second storyline of Blake a lawyer who is finding herself enmeshed in a hidden relationship with an old beaux while she gets a divorce from her husband who is running for the Senate. There is a thread of a story about the wedding planners, Fru Fru Caterers; they are a bit of a cliché.
I grasp that this book is about the Southern culture and the authors' knowledge of it, but for some reason the interactions and dialogue does not ring as real to me. Of course, this is merely from my point of view and my relationships with the Southerners that I call friends. Everyone just seems clichéd to me. However, alas, I am a Yankee so who am I to judge, right? LOL!
The book may be a bit difficult for ¾ of the country to understand but it still was a fun and entertaining read, with enough heat and mystery to keep you engrossed. That is if you can keep up with this zany group of characters. Bless their hearts! *ARC Supplied by publisher
October 12, 2013
I'm glad y'all could read this review today. Reading this second book in the Sassy Belles series and I'm transported back to Alabama in the deep south and my southern twang is getting stronger. My review of the first book is here
These are not my usual read but I loved the first book and now I'm hooked. I love the way the Sassy Belles all stick together, the parties they have, the food they cook.
In this book,Viva is getting married to Lewis but as you would expect everything does not go to plan and we are left waiting until the last possible minute before we find out if the wedding goes ahead.
Sub plots are Blake's continuing affair with her first love Sonny while pretending to still have a marriage with her husband who has political ambitions,she has to stay with him until he's elected.
There were a few sex scenes here which I think were unnecessary and didn't match the flavour of the book. There is also the horrible Dallas who is Blake's former step sister and a newspaper reporter. She is trying her best to expose Blake's relationship with Sonny and will stop at nothing to get a good story.
American football had a part to play in this book and although I don't like football or reading about it this didn't spoil the story for me as it was in the background.
These book are written by Beth Albright who starred in the American series of Days of Our Lives and I could imagine them being run as a tv series too.
I enjoyed the southern humour and laughed my way through this book. If you're looking for a sunshine read on a cold winter's night then you'll enjoy the southern hospitality in this book. I would recommend you read the first book before any others to get to know the characters. To sum it up, friends, family and fun. I now have the third book of the series,Sleigh Belles on my kindle to read.
These are not my usual read but I loved the first book and now I'm hooked. I love the way the Sassy Belles all stick together, the parties they have, the food they cook.
In this book,Viva is getting married to Lewis but as you would expect everything does not go to plan and we are left waiting until the last possible minute before we find out if the wedding goes ahead.
Sub plots are Blake's continuing affair with her first love Sonny while pretending to still have a marriage with her husband who has political ambitions,she has to stay with him until he's elected.
There were a few sex scenes here which I think were unnecessary and didn't match the flavour of the book. There is also the horrible Dallas who is Blake's former step sister and a newspaper reporter. She is trying her best to expose Blake's relationship with Sonny and will stop at nothing to get a good story.
American football had a part to play in this book and although I don't like football or reading about it this didn't spoil the story for me as it was in the background.
These book are written by Beth Albright who starred in the American series of Days of Our Lives and I could imagine them being run as a tv series too.
I enjoyed the southern humour and laughed my way through this book. If you're looking for a sunshine read on a cold winter's night then you'll enjoy the southern hospitality in this book. I would recommend you read the first book before any others to get to know the characters. To sum it up, friends, family and fun. I now have the third book of the series,Sleigh Belles on my kindle to read.
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