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Brides and Belles #4
A White Wedding Christmas
Reunited at a Christmas wedding…
I do—two words wedding planner Natalie Sharpe will never utter. The cynic in her doesn't believe in love…but the woman in her believes in lust! When a last-minute Christmas wedding reunites her with the bride's hunky brother—Natalie's teenage crush and star of all her fantasies—Natalie wants a second chance for their first time…
But Colin Russell isn't a teen anymore. He's all man. And his every touch has her thinking about the F word—forever. Working with him on the wedding is more temptation than she can take. Will one long, hot kiss lead this reluctant bride down her own wedding aisle?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
24 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Laurence
384 books210 followersAndrea Laurence has been a lover of reading and writing stories since she learned to read at a young age. She always dreamed of seeing her work in print and is thrilled to finally be able to share her special blend of sensuality and dry, sarcastic humor with the world. A dedicated West Coast girl transplanted into the Deep South, she's working on her own "happily ever after" with her new husband and a golden retriever puppy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 22, 2015
Very good book with some fun parts and some deeply emotional ones. Natalie is a wedding planner who is excellent at her job, but doesn't believe that love really exists. She has seen too many marriages fail, including those of her own parents. In her opinion it is all hormones and doesn't last. Lust is fine - indulge and move on. When she sees Colin again she would love a chance to fulfill her teenage fantasies with him.
Colin is just as attracted to her. The problem for him is that he isn't into casual flings any longer. He is looking for the woman that he can build a future with, and he can see Natalie in that role. He can't believe that she is so anti-marriage. He had been married once before, to another woman who hadn't wanted marriage, but he had convinced her. He didn't intend to do that again.
So, though the attraction is there, they agree to be just friends as they work together to give Colin's sister the best wedding possible. The whole wedding planning was very strange. Colin was determined to give his sister Lily a dream wedding, and didn't understand why she was so uninterested in being part of the planning, leaving it all in Colin's hands. It was very interesting to see the way that he ended up just going with so many of Natalie's recommendations.
Another thing that surprises Colin about Natalie is her anti-Christmas attitude. Once he finds out why, he understands, but he's determined to change that. He bets her that she will like Christmas by his sister's wedding or he will buy her tickets for a trip to South America. I loved the way he started out slow, but began to up his game bit by bit. It was fun to see her build new and better Christmas memories thanks to Colin.
Spending as much time together as they do, their attraction soon overwhelms their vow to stick to friendship. Both of them discover that their connection is deeper than just the physical, but what they do with that knowledge is an indication of their own personalities. Colin wants to believe that now that love has entered the picture, Natalie's opinion of marriage will change. Meanwhile, Natalie is afraid of the feelings Colin has raised in her, and that like the others she has seen, won't last, leaving her heartbroken in the end.
Colin made big plans to show Natalie how he felt, and they went quite well until that moment at the Grand Old Opry. Then he went too far, and I hurt for both him and Natalie. Natalie was too afraid to trust her feelings and his, and the only thing she could do was run.
They still had to face each other for the rehearsal and wedding for Colin's sister. While standing in for the bride at the rehearsal, Natalie finally begins to face her fears and realize what she really wants, but getting Colin to listen is a whole different problem. When it came time for the wedding, I wasn't at all surprised by what Lily did. I loved Natalie's big moment, and how she dealt with the wedding crisis. I saw it coming, but that didn't make it any less romantic.
I loved the epilogue and seeing where all four couples are a year later. It was an excellent wrap up to the series.
Colin is just as attracted to her. The problem for him is that he isn't into casual flings any longer. He is looking for the woman that he can build a future with, and he can see Natalie in that role. He can't believe that she is so anti-marriage. He had been married once before, to another woman who hadn't wanted marriage, but he had convinced her. He didn't intend to do that again.
So, though the attraction is there, they agree to be just friends as they work together to give Colin's sister the best wedding possible. The whole wedding planning was very strange. Colin was determined to give his sister Lily a dream wedding, and didn't understand why she was so uninterested in being part of the planning, leaving it all in Colin's hands. It was very interesting to see the way that he ended up just going with so many of Natalie's recommendations.
Another thing that surprises Colin about Natalie is her anti-Christmas attitude. Once he finds out why, he understands, but he's determined to change that. He bets her that she will like Christmas by his sister's wedding or he will buy her tickets for a trip to South America. I loved the way he started out slow, but began to up his game bit by bit. It was fun to see her build new and better Christmas memories thanks to Colin.
Spending as much time together as they do, their attraction soon overwhelms their vow to stick to friendship. Both of them discover that their connection is deeper than just the physical, but what they do with that knowledge is an indication of their own personalities. Colin wants to believe that now that love has entered the picture, Natalie's opinion of marriage will change. Meanwhile, Natalie is afraid of the feelings Colin has raised in her, and that like the others she has seen, won't last, leaving her heartbroken in the end.
Colin made big plans to show Natalie how he felt, and they went quite well until that moment at the Grand Old Opry. Then he went too far, and I hurt for both him and Natalie. Natalie was too afraid to trust her feelings and his, and the only thing she could do was run.
They still had to face each other for the rehearsal and wedding for Colin's sister. While standing in for the bride at the rehearsal, Natalie finally begins to face her fears and realize what she really wants, but getting Colin to listen is a whole different problem. When it came time for the wedding, I wasn't at all surprised by what Lily did. I loved Natalie's big moment, and how she dealt with the wedding crisis. I saw it coming, but that didn't make it any less romantic.
I loved the epilogue and seeing where all four couples are a year later. It was an excellent wrap up to the series.
February 25, 2016
I received and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved all the Brides and Belles books so far and was looking forward to Natalie's story and it did not disappoint.
Natalie Sharpe loves to help arrange weddings, as she is a co owner of From This Moment wedding facility but she does not believe in love. All her friends have recently found their H.E.A.'s and she is surrounded by friends in love. Natalie also Hates Christmas and tries to go away at this time of year to escape it all- except this year her childhood friend Lily is getting married and wants it at her facility so Natalie asks her partners do they mind doing this wedding as a favour to her and they say yes. This is where the fun begins.
Natalie always had a crush on Lily's brother Colin when they were younger so she is dreading seeing him again at the wedding but on the day of the meeting with Lily to arrange some of the details about her wedding she is anxiously waiting to see her friend when in walks Colin and no Lily and she is instantly blown away by the attraction she still feels towards him. He then explains that he is the one arranging Lily's wedding and Natalie realizes that she will have to deal with him a lot over the following weeks.
Colin is out of his depth trying to arrange his sisters wedding, she would just like to go off and do it quietly but he wants her to have a special wedding day- so Lily tells him - YOU HAVE TO ARRANGE IT. This throws him and the lovely Natalie together. Colin is attracted to Natalie but he is not sure how she will react to him after an incident that happened in the past, he just hopes she will forgive him.
Natalie and Colin fight their attraction and decide that they will be friends only, Colin does not understand why Natalie does not like Christmas and makes a bet with her that he can get her Christmas spirit back. This is when their friendship develops into more as Colin gives it is all to win the bet.
This is a beautiful and heart wrenching story about family, divorce, friendships, trust, and of course love. The whole story flows from one part to the next and the ending is absolutely perfect. I give it a definite 5 stars and just wish there was more in this series but even though there is not I know that Andrea will have another great series coming for us soon and I can not wait. Congrats.
I have loved all the Brides and Belles books so far and was looking forward to Natalie's story and it did not disappoint.
Natalie Sharpe loves to help arrange weddings, as she is a co owner of From This Moment wedding facility but she does not believe in love. All her friends have recently found their H.E.A.'s and she is surrounded by friends in love. Natalie also Hates Christmas and tries to go away at this time of year to escape it all- except this year her childhood friend Lily is getting married and wants it at her facility so Natalie asks her partners do they mind doing this wedding as a favour to her and they say yes. This is where the fun begins.
Natalie always had a crush on Lily's brother Colin when they were younger so she is dreading seeing him again at the wedding but on the day of the meeting with Lily to arrange some of the details about her wedding she is anxiously waiting to see her friend when in walks Colin and no Lily and she is instantly blown away by the attraction she still feels towards him. He then explains that he is the one arranging Lily's wedding and Natalie realizes that she will have to deal with him a lot over the following weeks.
Colin is out of his depth trying to arrange his sisters wedding, she would just like to go off and do it quietly but he wants her to have a special wedding day- so Lily tells him - YOU HAVE TO ARRANGE IT. This throws him and the lovely Natalie together. Colin is attracted to Natalie but he is not sure how she will react to him after an incident that happened in the past, he just hopes she will forgive him.
Natalie and Colin fight their attraction and decide that they will be friends only, Colin does not understand why Natalie does not like Christmas and makes a bet with her that he can get her Christmas spirit back. This is when their friendship develops into more as Colin gives it is all to win the bet.
This is a beautiful and heart wrenching story about family, divorce, friendships, trust, and of course love. The whole story flows from one part to the next and the ending is absolutely perfect. I give it a definite 5 stars and just wish there was more in this series but even though there is not I know that Andrea will have another great series coming for us soon and I can not wait. Congrats.
March 20, 2016
There are stories that take you places and there are stories that take your breath away. Andrea Laurence takes me on a beautiful journey where love, weddings and friendship play vital roles in bringing together the story of Natalie Sharpe and Colin Russell. Another installment of Ms. Laurence’s Brides & Belles series, A White Wedding Christmas is the perfect romance to curl up with on a rainy day. The heroine has such energy and life to her. She is simple yet tough as nails. I really loved the way that the author portrayed her in the book. But has the heroine gone too far into swearing off marriage? The hero on the other hand is a charmer. I love his energy and vibe in the book. He makes the heroine think twice about marriage and all things romantic. Colin Russell must work with Natalie Sharpe in planning his sister’s wedding. During the process of all the planning, the thrill of Natalie’s super crush on Colin sparks embers into flames. Colin brings out the best in Natalie and though she doesn’t believe in love, she is aware of the instantaneous chemistry between her and her best friend’s older brother. It is how she overcomes her insecurities whilst falling hard for Colin that makes this story a worthy read. Overall, A White Wedding Christmas is a fun and flirty story.
Recommended
4.5 Stars
December 26, 2020
Got this a year or two ago at the Flint Library book sale. Kind of forgot about this one. But it caught my eye on the shelf and it IS xmas time.
So...we have Natalie who is a wedding planner who doesn't believe in love or weddings. She only believes in lust. We also have Colin who is the brother of Natalie's long-time friend. He tempts her in all the bad ways. Love....Xmas joy....marriage....forever.
Okay. I knew going in this was a second chance - kinda - story and also a book about a love cynic who gets turned to love love again and to even love Xmas again. Yes...I knew that....but OMG.
OKAY let's start with YOU Colin. You have a heart of gold. You are a gem among the terrible women in your life. Yesssss you should've just walked away. Screw your sister. Screw Natalie. They don't deserve you. Your sister is a snot - let her have no wedding. She doesn't want it. Natalie is a rude beyotch. YOU deserve a goddess who will love you and not use you.
Colin's sister....Lily (?) screw you too. Just tell Colin there is NO way and not to waste his money on a wedding you obv don't want. Woman up and don't let him waste his time.
AND YOU Natalie. You are a dang wedding planner. Yes, there are other tales where the wedding planner plans other people's happiness because they 1) don't deserve love or 2) will ever find it. Read it, watched it. HOWEVER, you are a special crazy because you DON'T believe in love at all and think weddings are dumb and a waste of money. You think love doesn't exist...that is all chemicals and biology and humans only have lust. You sit on your high horse and judge all your couples that you "help" plan their special day. Screw you lady. You don't deserve Colin. Sure your dad left your mom on xmas and I can see you not liking Xmas and not want to trust men. I feel you girl. But then DON'T get into wedding planning. What an illogical career choice. I would be fine with you, but you are just taking people's money and casting judgment on them because you expect them to just divorce and come back to you when they remarry because they are dumb and love is nonexistent. Easy money for you. GAH! Rude!!!!
Sorry. But this book just made me so mad. All the women sucked and Colin was a sucker who should've just walked away from his sister and Natalie. smh.
Overall, I was not amused and it did not create xmas joy for me even when everything worked out and everyone was happy and in love and having babies. 1 star from me. Bah humbug.
So...we have Natalie who is a wedding planner who doesn't believe in love or weddings. She only believes in lust. We also have Colin who is the brother of Natalie's long-time friend. He tempts her in all the bad ways. Love....Xmas joy....marriage....forever.
Okay. I knew going in this was a second chance - kinda - story and also a book about a love cynic who gets turned to love love again and to even love Xmas again. Yes...I knew that....but OMG.
OKAY let's start with YOU Colin. You have a heart of gold. You are a gem among the terrible women in your life. Yesssss you should've just walked away. Screw your sister. Screw Natalie. They don't deserve you. Your sister is a snot - let her have no wedding. She doesn't want it. Natalie is a rude beyotch. YOU deserve a goddess who will love you and not use you.
Colin's sister....Lily (?) screw you too. Just tell Colin there is NO way and not to waste his money on a wedding you obv don't want. Woman up and don't let him waste his time.
AND YOU Natalie. You are a dang wedding planner. Yes, there are other tales where the wedding planner plans other people's happiness because they 1) don't deserve love or 2) will ever find it. Read it, watched it. HOWEVER, you are a special crazy because you DON'T believe in love at all and think weddings are dumb and a waste of money. You think love doesn't exist...that is all chemicals and biology and humans only have lust. You sit on your high horse and judge all your couples that you "help" plan their special day. Screw you lady. You don't deserve Colin. Sure your dad left your mom on xmas and I can see you not liking Xmas and not want to trust men. I feel you girl. But then DON'T get into wedding planning. What an illogical career choice. I would be fine with you, but you are just taking people's money and casting judgment on them because you expect them to just divorce and come back to you when they remarry because they are dumb and love is nonexistent. Easy money for you. GAH! Rude!!!!
Sorry. But this book just made me so mad. All the women sucked and Colin was a sucker who should've just walked away from his sister and Natalie. smh.
Overall, I was not amused and it did not create xmas joy for me even when everything worked out and everyone was happy and in love and having babies. 1 star from me. Bah humbug.
October 14, 2025
A White Wedding Christmas by Andrea Laurence
A cozy celebration of love, holiday magic, and heartfelt moments
Andrea Laurence’s A White Wedding Christmas is a charming seasonal romance that wraps readers in the warmth of holiday spirit and the joy of new beginnings. With its lighthearted tone and emotionally satisfying arc, this novel is a perfect pick for anyone seeking a cozy Christmas read.
Reminiscent of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet, Laurence’s story centers around the enchanting world of wedding planning—a theme that brings both elegance and emotional depth. The narrative follows Natalie, a woman whose holiday cheer has dimmed, and Colin, who gently rekindles her festive spirit through thoughtful gestures and quiet magic. It’s not a grand romance filled with dramatic twists, but rather a tender journey built on small moments that matter.
This book emphasis on relationships beyond romance. Family bonds, friendship, and the shared joy of celebration are woven throughout, making the story feel rich and relatable. The snowy setting, the sparkle of wedding preparations, and the subtle emotional beats create a reading experience that’s both comforting and uplifting.
For readers who enjoy stories about love blooming in the midst of real life—with a touch of seasonal sparkle—A White Wedding Christmas delivers just the right blend of sweetness and sincerity.
A cozy celebration of love, holiday magic, and heartfelt moments
Andrea Laurence’s A White Wedding Christmas is a charming seasonal romance that wraps readers in the warmth of holiday spirit and the joy of new beginnings. With its lighthearted tone and emotionally satisfying arc, this novel is a perfect pick for anyone seeking a cozy Christmas read.
Reminiscent of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet, Laurence’s story centers around the enchanting world of wedding planning—a theme that brings both elegance and emotional depth. The narrative follows Natalie, a woman whose holiday cheer has dimmed, and Colin, who gently rekindles her festive spirit through thoughtful gestures and quiet magic. It’s not a grand romance filled with dramatic twists, but rather a tender journey built on small moments that matter.
This book emphasis on relationships beyond romance. Family bonds, friendship, and the shared joy of celebration are woven throughout, making the story feel rich and relatable. The snowy setting, the sparkle of wedding preparations, and the subtle emotional beats create a reading experience that’s both comforting and uplifting.
For readers who enjoy stories about love blooming in the midst of real life—with a touch of seasonal sparkle—A White Wedding Christmas delivers just the right blend of sweetness and sincerity.
December 27, 2020
For a quick Harlequin read, it wasn’t too bad. Although I didn’t love that the main character is a wedding planner who didn’t believe in love OR marriage. It just seemed like she only went into the business to cash in on it and take advantage of other people who DO believe in it, even though she thinks all marriages are doomed to fail. I mean, if she felt that way, why not just be a divorce lawyer?
Anyway, aside from that it was a quick, entertaining read. It reminded me a bit of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet - the whole one stop wedding shop thing where a group of four friends each specialize in one aspect of weddings (photographer, florist, cakes, and planner) and they each find the perfect guy in their own book of the quartet. To be honest I really don’t mind that formula (at least Nora’s version) as it inspired me to actually become a certified wedding planner myself! Don’t worry though, I actually wholeheartedly believe in love and marriage ;)
I give this book 3 stars because it kept me interested and though I didn’t love the main character, the content was interesting (Christmas winter wonderland wedding? Yes please!) and the typical Harlequin cringe-worthy dialogue was quite minimal.
Anyway, aside from that it was a quick, entertaining read. It reminded me a bit of Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet - the whole one stop wedding shop thing where a group of four friends each specialize in one aspect of weddings (photographer, florist, cakes, and planner) and they each find the perfect guy in their own book of the quartet. To be honest I really don’t mind that formula (at least Nora’s version) as it inspired me to actually become a certified wedding planner myself! Don’t worry though, I actually wholeheartedly believe in love and marriage ;)
I give this book 3 stars because it kept me interested and though I didn’t love the main character, the content was interesting (Christmas winter wonderland wedding? Yes please!) and the typical Harlequin cringe-worthy dialogue was quite minimal.
October 24, 2023
I didn't like it. The marriage at the end was unbelievably quick, they planned a wedding for his sister but in the end they planned their own wedding.
Hero's public proposal at the concert made me cringe, they hadn't even said they loved each other and yet he proposed in front of hundreds of people. Him getting mad at her for rejecting his proposal and driving off abandoning her at a concert was not nice (he did offer to drive her home but he didn't insist and make sure she got home safe). P.
Hero's public proposal at the concert made me cringe, they hadn't even said they loved each other and yet he proposed in front of hundreds of people. Him getting mad at her for rejecting his proposal and driving off abandoning her at a concert was not nice (he did offer to drive her home but he didn't insist and make sure she got home safe). P.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2017
Lovely read .
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. Natalie and Colin are great characters and I loved their story.
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. Natalie and Colin are great characters and I loved their story.
December 17, 2018
Ši knyga buvo gera. Lengvas romanas vakarui, bet kaško trūko, kad gautų 5 žvaigždutes.
November 19, 2020
2.5. Wasn’t really to my liking - everything seemed to move to fast
June 17, 2023
Cute story
March 11, 2016
This book should so be made into a Hallmark movie. I love this story!! So sweet and I love winter weddings so it made me even that much more excited about the wedding that happened in the story!
Natalie has her own wedding planning shop that is all inclusive and has pretty much made it one of the best around. She and her team work together to offer a wedding that can not be matched and they even have their own chapel that they have the weddings in. Even though Natalie is always planning someone else's wedding, she is not so sure that she will ever find Mr. Right and settle down herself. When Natalie and her team is asked by her longtime best friend if they will make an exception for her and plan one more wedding before they all go on Christmas vacation, the whole team decides that yes, they can do that. Natalie is excited that her friend is coming to her venue to have the wedding but with only a month to pick everything out and get it all in order for the big day, she knows that it is going to get hectic.
When her best friend's brother is at the engagement party, Natalie decides to take her chances on a long time crush on him and ask him if he would like to go out with her afterwards. He declines her only for reasons Natalie will not know for awhile. When it is time to start picking things our for the wedding and planning it all, Colin, her best friends brother and her long time crush, is the one to show up and assist with the process. Colin said that his sister is not fond of a big wedding but he wants to do right by his deceased parents and give her a wedding that would make them proud. Natalie is caught off guard by this and is trying to act like Colin's refusal to go out with her after the engagement party is no big deal. Little does Natalie know that Colin is all about taking her up on the offer now.
When Colin asks Natalie to help him go through his parent's old house, the house where Natalie has so many memories of spending time with Colin and his sister, so that he can give it to his sister as a wedding gift, things begin to take a drastic turn for Colin and Natalie. Sparks fly and romances ignite all too easily. Will Colin and Natalie be able to focus long enough to get the wedding planned and over with? Andrea Laurence has a way to draw you into her stories and make you want to know how it is all going to end without stopping in the story at all! I read this one in one sitting because I could not put it down. It was super good. You will not regret reading this one for sure. Thanks for a great read!
Natalie has her own wedding planning shop that is all inclusive and has pretty much made it one of the best around. She and her team work together to offer a wedding that can not be matched and they even have their own chapel that they have the weddings in. Even though Natalie is always planning someone else's wedding, she is not so sure that she will ever find Mr. Right and settle down herself. When Natalie and her team is asked by her longtime best friend if they will make an exception for her and plan one more wedding before they all go on Christmas vacation, the whole team decides that yes, they can do that. Natalie is excited that her friend is coming to her venue to have the wedding but with only a month to pick everything out and get it all in order for the big day, she knows that it is going to get hectic.
When her best friend's brother is at the engagement party, Natalie decides to take her chances on a long time crush on him and ask him if he would like to go out with her afterwards. He declines her only for reasons Natalie will not know for awhile. When it is time to start picking things our for the wedding and planning it all, Colin, her best friends brother and her long time crush, is the one to show up and assist with the process. Colin said that his sister is not fond of a big wedding but he wants to do right by his deceased parents and give her a wedding that would make them proud. Natalie is caught off guard by this and is trying to act like Colin's refusal to go out with her after the engagement party is no big deal. Little does Natalie know that Colin is all about taking her up on the offer now.
When Colin asks Natalie to help him go through his parent's old house, the house where Natalie has so many memories of spending time with Colin and his sister, so that he can give it to his sister as a wedding gift, things begin to take a drastic turn for Colin and Natalie. Sparks fly and romances ignite all too easily. Will Colin and Natalie be able to focus long enough to get the wedding planned and over with? Andrea Laurence has a way to draw you into her stories and make you want to know how it is all going to end without stopping in the story at all! I read this one in one sitting because I could not put it down. It was super good. You will not regret reading this one for sure. Thanks for a great read!
February 28, 2017
cumplio su proposito... tan romanticamente navideño
March 14, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As the finale to the series it does not disappoint!
Wedding planner extraordinaire, Natalie is very good at her job providing people with the perfect wedding. Along with her partners, they offer full service. But Natalie doesn't believe in happily ever after. She thinks it's all just hormones. She also doesn't like Christmas and usually takes a trip over the holidays to avoid the merriment but also to run from the ghost of Christmas past.
This year, her childhood friend Lilly is getting married so she's agreed to stay in town and convinced her partners to do just one more wedding before the holidays. On the day she's set to meet Lilly to make plans, she gets the first of many surprises. Instead of Lilly, her meeting is with Lilly's brother Colin, who also happens to be the subject of all Natalie's teenage fantasies.
Over the course of the next few weeks, as Lilly is constantly ditching the wedding planning meetings, Colin keeps moving ahead with plans to give her the wedding he thinks his deceased patents would've wanted Lilly to have. He also finds his attraction to Natalie is growing. For many of the wedding decisions Colin finds himself relying on Natalie's ideas. They spend a great deal of time together and their attraction naturally increases. During one of these times, Colon finds out Natalie doesn't like Christmas and bets her he can help her get back her Christmas Spirit. If he can't, he'll buy her tickets to South America for next Christmas.
They continue planning the wedding with Lilly constantly avoiding anything to do with planning. The emotions get really intense when Colin surprises Natalie with a very public declaration. She has to do a lot of soul searching.
The day of the wedding Lilly surprises them all with a huge bombshell. In the end Natalie not only regains her Christmas spirit but gets her own Happily Ever After. One she didn't even realize she was dreaming of!
The epilogue at the end is a great added bonus to bring you up to date on the lives of all four couples in the series.
Wedding planner extraordinaire, Natalie is very good at her job providing people with the perfect wedding. Along with her partners, they offer full service. But Natalie doesn't believe in happily ever after. She thinks it's all just hormones. She also doesn't like Christmas and usually takes a trip over the holidays to avoid the merriment but also to run from the ghost of Christmas past.
This year, her childhood friend Lilly is getting married so she's agreed to stay in town and convinced her partners to do just one more wedding before the holidays. On the day she's set to meet Lilly to make plans, she gets the first of many surprises. Instead of Lilly, her meeting is with Lilly's brother Colin, who also happens to be the subject of all Natalie's teenage fantasies.
Over the course of the next few weeks, as Lilly is constantly ditching the wedding planning meetings, Colin keeps moving ahead with plans to give her the wedding he thinks his deceased patents would've wanted Lilly to have. He also finds his attraction to Natalie is growing. For many of the wedding decisions Colin finds himself relying on Natalie's ideas. They spend a great deal of time together and their attraction naturally increases. During one of these times, Colon finds out Natalie doesn't like Christmas and bets her he can help her get back her Christmas Spirit. If he can't, he'll buy her tickets to South America for next Christmas.
They continue planning the wedding with Lilly constantly avoiding anything to do with planning. The emotions get really intense when Colin surprises Natalie with a very public declaration. She has to do a lot of soul searching.
The day of the wedding Lilly surprises them all with a huge bombshell. In the end Natalie not only regains her Christmas spirit but gets her own Happily Ever After. One she didn't even realize she was dreaming of!
The epilogue at the end is a great added bonus to bring you up to date on the lives of all four couples in the series.
March 4, 2017
Although it doesn't specify in the title, this is the culmination of the Brides and Belles series and picks up with Natalie Sharpe's story. She's the one who doesn't believe in love or marriage (and yet she plans weddings!). She's planning her childhood friend's wedding and is faced with the older brother, Colin, who she had quite the crush on. But she knows the two of them are not meant to be, for one, he's looking for a wife and family and Natalie is so not going there. But when their one-night stand turns out to be three nights long and there are dates, Natalie thinks she might be a little bit in over her head.
I seem to be on a kick with stories of insecure heroines who flee from relationships. I don't mean to be, but they are everywhere. At least this heroine is up front about her romantic intentions. All she wants is a physical relationship and to maintain the friendship they started out with. Things go well until our hero overhears a conversation where Natalie admits that she's in love with Colin and he decides he's going to fight for her and pulls a TSTL move. Aside from that strange move, this was pretty good story. I liked the chemistry between the characters a lot. I did however struggle a bit with the ending...it felt a little off knowing the heroine as we did.
I seem to be on a kick with stories of insecure heroines who flee from relationships. I don't mean to be, but they are everywhere. At least this heroine is up front about her romantic intentions. All she wants is a physical relationship and to maintain the friendship they started out with. Things go well until our hero overhears a conversation where Natalie admits that she's in love with Colin and he decides he's going to fight for her and pulls a TSTL move. Aside from that strange move, this was pretty good story. I liked the chemistry between the characters a lot. I did however struggle a bit with the ending...it felt a little off knowing the heroine as we did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2015
Must read hilarious story of trying to put together a last minute Christmas Wedding without the Bride and Groom!
In this final story of Andrea Laurence's Brides and Belles series, wedding planner extraordinaire Natalie Sharpe has just been asked to plan a last minute Christmas wedding for her childhood friend Lily. Little does she know just how crazy planning this wedding is going to be. Natalie already dreads the wedding day itself because she knows she'll be seeing Lily's gorgeous brother Colin again, and after their last embarrassing encounter, she just doesn't know how she'll face him.
Colin Russell has been through a lot in his lifetime. For Colin, traditions are very important, so that's why he's pushing his sister to have a traditional wedding. After all, he raised his younger sister Lily after their parent's sudden death in a car accident when he was only 19, and some of his best memories are of their family traditions. Colin wants to make sure Lily has lasting memories of her special day - even if a fancy wedding is NOT what Lily wants.
According to Lily, her best friend's company From This Moment is the best in the wedding business, so if Colin is going to insist on a fancy wedding he can plan the wedding with Natalie. Colin isn't so sure how Natalie will react when she finds out Lily has no intention of being a part of the planning, nor does he know what to expect when HE sees Natalie for the first time since she propositioned him and he turned her down!
Come along on this journey to finding Love and the joys of Christmas rediscovered.
In this final story of Andrea Laurence's Brides and Belles series, wedding planner extraordinaire Natalie Sharpe has just been asked to plan a last minute Christmas wedding for her childhood friend Lily. Little does she know just how crazy planning this wedding is going to be. Natalie already dreads the wedding day itself because she knows she'll be seeing Lily's gorgeous brother Colin again, and after their last embarrassing encounter, she just doesn't know how she'll face him.
Colin Russell has been through a lot in his lifetime. For Colin, traditions are very important, so that's why he's pushing his sister to have a traditional wedding. After all, he raised his younger sister Lily after their parent's sudden death in a car accident when he was only 19, and some of his best memories are of their family traditions. Colin wants to make sure Lily has lasting memories of her special day - even if a fancy wedding is NOT what Lily wants.
According to Lily, her best friend's company From This Moment is the best in the wedding business, so if Colin is going to insist on a fancy wedding he can plan the wedding with Natalie. Colin isn't so sure how Natalie will react when she finds out Lily has no intention of being a part of the planning, nor does he know what to expect when HE sees Natalie for the first time since she propositioned him and he turned her down!
Come along on this journey to finding Love and the joys of Christmas rediscovered.
April 9, 2021
Full review and more
I took one star away for the cheesiest and horrid proposal.
>This is my first shot at a Mills & Boon book and I absolutely enjoyed it. Recently, I have been looking for quick, romance reads. This is perfect!
>Natalie is a strong-headed protagonist and a successful wedding planner.
>Colin is a chill, rich, handsome, everything-I`m-guessing-Mills-and-Boon-requires kind of guy.
>Colin is not cocky or annoying. The man even gets tears in his eyes! I liked that the author mentioned that.
>Their companionship begins with a bet. Colin bets Natali will fall in love with Christmas, but >Natalie knows she won't.
>The banter is fun,. There is a strong backstory to both characters that shape their attitudes in the present.
>The author threw in an unexpected twist. I liked how the characters navigate that, especially Colin.
>Colin's sister Lily is set to get married to Frankie. Colin wants a huge wedding for her, but she has zero interest. This throws light on the kind of character Colin is-not necessarily bad-but can I say a decision-maker for others?
>Natalie has a gang of girl-friends which I found a bit confusing. I had a slight feeling that the author might have wanted to explore alternate plot lines but refrained from doing so.
*Spoiler* I took one star away for the cheesiest and horrid proposal ever! It was the most typical fictional proposal you can imagine. I not only cringed but set the book aside because I was so upset. Why would you go and do something that you shouldn't be doing?
I took one star away for the cheesiest and horrid proposal.
>This is my first shot at a Mills & Boon book and I absolutely enjoyed it. Recently, I have been looking for quick, romance reads. This is perfect!
>Natalie is a strong-headed protagonist and a successful wedding planner.
>Colin is a chill, rich, handsome, everything-I`m-guessing-Mills-and-Boon-requires kind of guy.
>Colin is not cocky or annoying. The man even gets tears in his eyes! I liked that the author mentioned that.
>Their companionship begins with a bet. Colin bets Natali will fall in love with Christmas, but >Natalie knows she won't.
>The banter is fun,. There is a strong backstory to both characters that shape their attitudes in the present.
>The author threw in an unexpected twist. I liked how the characters navigate that, especially Colin.
>Colin's sister Lily is set to get married to Frankie. Colin wants a huge wedding for her, but she has zero interest. This throws light on the kind of character Colin is-not necessarily bad-but can I say a decision-maker for others?
>Natalie has a gang of girl-friends which I found a bit confusing. I had a slight feeling that the author might have wanted to explore alternate plot lines but refrained from doing so.
*Spoiler* I took one star away for the cheesiest and horrid proposal ever! It was the most typical fictional proposal you can imagine. I not only cringed but set the book aside because I was so upset. Why would you go and do something that you shouldn't be doing?
December 12, 2015
"A White Wedding Christmas" is Natalie Sharpe's story and the final book in the Brides and Belles series written by Andrea Laurence.
Natalie Sharpe is a wedding planner who dislikes the Christmas season and doesn't believe in Love. She has seen too many marriages fail and has decided that she will not become another statistic, but she enjoys planning other people's wedding days and excels at it. Natalie's childhood best friend Lily Russell, has decided to get married. Her hunky big brother Colin is pushing Lily to have the traditional wedding he knows their parents would have wanted for Lily if they were alive. Lily told Colin that if he wants the traditional wedding he can organize it through Natalie and it has to be the Saturday before Christmas. Natalie would normally be going on a trip to avoid the Christmas altogether but she decided to make the exception for her friend.
Natalie had been totally infatuated with Colin Russell when they were kids and seeing Colin again after all this time she still felt attracted to him. Lust not Love was what Natalie was after. Colin found Natalie's dislike for the Christmas season a challenge and made a bet with her that he could get her to like Christmas. Unfortunately Colin was not into casual flings, he was ready for happily ever after, which made Natalie off limits in the romance department.
I love how this story unfolds and flows throughout the book through to the end where the epilogue nicely concludes this series.
Natalie Sharpe is a wedding planner who dislikes the Christmas season and doesn't believe in Love. She has seen too many marriages fail and has decided that she will not become another statistic, but she enjoys planning other people's wedding days and excels at it. Natalie's childhood best friend Lily Russell, has decided to get married. Her hunky big brother Colin is pushing Lily to have the traditional wedding he knows their parents would have wanted for Lily if they were alive. Lily told Colin that if he wants the traditional wedding he can organize it through Natalie and it has to be the Saturday before Christmas. Natalie would normally be going on a trip to avoid the Christmas altogether but she decided to make the exception for her friend.
Natalie had been totally infatuated with Colin Russell when they were kids and seeing Colin again after all this time she still felt attracted to him. Lust not Love was what Natalie was after. Colin found Natalie's dislike for the Christmas season a challenge and made a bet with her that he could get her to like Christmas. Unfortunately Colin was not into casual flings, he was ready for happily ever after, which made Natalie off limits in the romance department.
I love how this story unfolds and flows throughout the book through to the end where the epilogue nicely concludes this series.
December 16, 2015
Natalie has had a crush on Colin, her best friend's brother, since she was a teenager. Even after losing touch with the family for about 10 years, her attraction to Colin hasn't changed. Now he's paying for his sister's wedding, and since she has no interest in planning it, Colin and Natalie have to work closely to plan the perfect winter wedding.
This is not exactly a fun and light-hearted story. Although Natalie is one of the co-owners of a wedding planning business, she doesn't believe in marriage or love. Due to the horrible break-up of her parents when she was young, Natalie doesn't believe that any relationship can last past the lust stage. She also doesn't celebrate anything to do with Christmas. It just reminds her of the crappy Christmases after the break-up of her parents.
Colin is attracted to Natalie, but he is just coming out of a painfully short marriage and divorce. He doesn't want to get hurt again, but unlike Natalie, he's willing to risk it, if it will lead to real love. As a way to break the ice with Natalie, he bets her that he can get her to like Christmas again. If he wins, he gets one kiss, and he's going to make it count!
There are a lot of fun moments as they prepare for the wedding. And Colin certainly pulls out all the stops for his Christmas campaign. It's also a nice tour of Nashville, as the couple visit some well-known sights along the way.
This is not exactly a fun and light-hearted story. Although Natalie is one of the co-owners of a wedding planning business, she doesn't believe in marriage or love. Due to the horrible break-up of her parents when she was young, Natalie doesn't believe that any relationship can last past the lust stage. She also doesn't celebrate anything to do with Christmas. It just reminds her of the crappy Christmases after the break-up of her parents.
Colin is attracted to Natalie, but he is just coming out of a painfully short marriage and divorce. He doesn't want to get hurt again, but unlike Natalie, he's willing to risk it, if it will lead to real love. As a way to break the ice with Natalie, he bets her that he can get her to like Christmas again. If he wins, he gets one kiss, and he's going to make it count!
There are a lot of fun moments as they prepare for the wedding. And Colin certainly pulls out all the stops for his Christmas campaign. It's also a nice tour of Nashville, as the couple visit some well-known sights along the way.
January 12, 2016
My return to the From This Moment wedding company was even more enjoyable than last time! I've been a fan of all of the ladies and the men that they find in this Brides and Belles series, but I think Natalie ended up being my favorite. She's such a hard-ass, control freak ... but when you hear her background, you understand why and you just want to hug her. I am so happy that she ran into Colin again after all these years ... it's a must read, so what are you waiting for?
Natalie Sharpe, co-owner in From This Moment, plans weddings for a living, but she's the biggest cynic around when it comes to love and marriage. She doesn't do love, and she never plans to say I Do!
Colin Russell is the brother of Natalie's childhood best friend, Lily. When Lily gets engaged and wants a quick wedding, Natalie gets her fellow owners to agree to help her pull one together for her during their off-time before Christmas.
While working together to make Lily's special day, Natalie & Colin find themselves unable to resist the temptation they feel around each other and agree to a temporary fling. Will Colin be able to convince Natalie that happily ever after doesn't just have to exist in fairy tales?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
Natalie Sharpe, co-owner in From This Moment, plans weddings for a living, but she's the biggest cynic around when it comes to love and marriage. She doesn't do love, and she never plans to say I Do!
Colin Russell is the brother of Natalie's childhood best friend, Lily. When Lily gets engaged and wants a quick wedding, Natalie gets her fellow owners to agree to help her pull one together for her during their off-time before Christmas.
While working together to make Lily's special day, Natalie & Colin find themselves unable to resist the temptation they feel around each other and agree to a temporary fling. Will Colin be able to convince Natalie that happily ever after doesn't just have to exist in fairy tales?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
February 27, 2016
A White Wedding Christmas is Andrea Laurence’s fourth book in her Brides and Belles series. I’ve read each book in the series and loved all of them. This is a standalone book, but I recommend reading the other books in the series just to understand some of the backstory—and also because they are all such wonderful stories.
Natalie Sharpe is a wedding planner whose life focuses around her business. Colin Russell is her best friend’s brother and has been tasked with arranging his sister’s wedding. He’s always dreamed of giving her the perfect wedding after the death of their parents but his sister could care less. So Colin enlists Natalie’s help. They plan everything from the venue to the flowers, the reception and lastly the dress.
The wedding planning draws these two friends closer to one another. And when the bride doesn’t show up at the wedding, what happens will certainly surprise the reader.
A White Wedding Christmas is heartwarming story. It was a fast paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was sad to see the series come to an end. Maybe Ms. Laurence can figure out a way to add another book to the series…It was that good!
Natalie Sharpe is a wedding planner whose life focuses around her business. Colin Russell is her best friend’s brother and has been tasked with arranging his sister’s wedding. He’s always dreamed of giving her the perfect wedding after the death of their parents but his sister could care less. So Colin enlists Natalie’s help. They plan everything from the venue to the flowers, the reception and lastly the dress.
The wedding planning draws these two friends closer to one another. And when the bride doesn’t show up at the wedding, what happens will certainly surprise the reader.
A White Wedding Christmas is heartwarming story. It was a fast paced read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was sad to see the series come to an end. Maybe Ms. Laurence can figure out a way to add another book to the series…It was that good!
Read
February 26, 2016Natalie is a cynic about marriage so her job as a wedding planner shocks Colin. Her non-Christmas spirit offers up a challenge to him to not only bring Christmas back to Natalie, but break through her cynical heart to the sweet girl he knew.
Even though Colon has suffered a loss, he wants a family and a HEA while Natalie doesn't believe in a HAE because of all the marriage failures she has seen and been a part of.
Colin bets that he can give back Christmas to Natalie while she bets he can't! Colin is always up for a challenge so let the games begin!
Andrea has created a story with characters that pulls at your heart strings while you are rooting for a HEA.
December 13, 2015
The last installment in the Brides & Belle's series is another winner for Andrea. When Colin bets Natalie that he can bring back the Christmas spirit for her she takes his bet with confidence that she will win. Little did she know it would be her heart he wins. Natalie story was the perfect ending for this series. Be sure you read Bree, Amelia and Gretchen's stories too
Read
January 12, 2016"Natalie and Colin are a complicated and passionate couple. A White Wedding Christmas is a well-written story that highlights the theme of taking a chance." (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: Brides and Belles
Miniseries: Brides and Belles
December 8, 2015
Sweet story
This is a sweet story of growth and the healing powers of love. A great couple who are able to get passed a not so good past. I enjoyed the update on this series at the end of the story.
This is a sweet story of growth and the healing powers of love. A great couple who are able to get passed a not so good past. I enjoyed the update on this series at the end of the story.
June 30, 2016
It was okay, not really much going on throughout the whole book and very predictable ending. I knew what was going to happen from very early on. The only great part was the Epilogue where we got to see all the books coming together for a short conclusion to the series.
December 3, 2015
I loved the whole series!!
This is my favorite!
I love Colin and Natalie
What a way to cute ms grinch!
And the epilogue to update us on everyone!
This is my favorite!
I love Colin and Natalie
What a way to cute ms grinch!
And the epilogue to update us on everyone!
December 15, 2015
It was good, but you knew the bride and groom the wedding was being planned for was not going to show up.
December 27, 2015
I like HEA stories as much as the next girl but this was a bit rushed. The ending felt so unrealistic - even for a harlequin.
January 15, 2016
Just ok. Slow start
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