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O'Malley's (Family Saga) #4
A Christmas Wedding
"Happy families are all alike," said Tolstoy, and the O'Malley's are one of the happiest, if slightly crazy, families in current fiction. A Christmas Wedding continues the saga of Chucky, the youngest son who wants to live the quiet life of an accountant and raise a nice Catholic family. Fate, of course, has other plans for Chucky, in the person of the beautiful Rosemarie, his off-again on-again nemesis from the time he saved her life when he was a young man.Thrown out of Notre Dame on trumped up charges, Chucky ends up going to the University of Chicago. The only his lifelong enemy Rosemarie is a fellow student. They decide to be "just friends," and while they battle with each other, "just friends" turns into something neither of them expected.
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Andrew M. Greeley
382 books317 followersAndrew Greeley was a Roman Catholic priest, sociologist, journalist, and author of 50 best-selling novels and more than 100 works of nonfiction. For decades, Greeley entertained readers with such popular characters as the mystery-solving priest Blackie Ryan and the fey, amateur sleuth Nuala Anne McGrail. His books typically center on Irish-American Roman Catholics living or working in Chicago.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/andrew...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 4, 2017
This was the perfect sequel to Thirteen Weddings! I loved Thirteen Weddings and I loved Alex AND Lachie and at the time I was completely happy with the ending. However, I think it was a brilliant idea to visit these characters again and the ending of A Christmas Wedding made sense and was just perfect.
October 11, 2018
Set three and a half years on from the ending to Thirteen weddings. Now initially I was pleased with how the book ended but I had a feeling this would change when I read A Christmas Wedding and I was right.
Lachie and Bronte lasted more on a short term relationship than a long but I felt in this book Alex worked more for the long term and it was the right timing this time around.I feel they wouldn't have stood much chance in the first book but that was then and this is now. I felt for the start of the story that Lachie is still likeable to me but this girl is seriously not over Alex. There was no doubt in my mind she wanted to see Alex. Lachie and Bronte part on okay terms it's just a case of wanting different things neither hate each other. I like both Lachie and Alex in this story I didn't think i'd be saying that after Thirteen Weddings.
I love how so many other characters from the other books are fitted into each story such as Alice, Joe, Laura, Bridget, Lily and many more.
It was a little predictable but I enjoyed it the ending was exactly what Bronte wanted.
Lachie and Bronte lasted more on a short term relationship than a long but I felt in this book Alex worked more for the long term and it was the right timing this time around.I feel they wouldn't have stood much chance in the first book but that was then and this is now. I felt for the start of the story that Lachie is still likeable to me but this girl is seriously not over Alex. There was no doubt in my mind she wanted to see Alex. Lachie and Bronte part on okay terms it's just a case of wanting different things neither hate each other. I like both Lachie and Alex in this story I didn't think i'd be saying that after Thirteen Weddings.
I love how so many other characters from the other books are fitted into each story such as Alice, Joe, Laura, Bridget, Lily and many more.
It was a little predictable but I enjoyed it the ending was exactly what Bronte wanted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2018
Zucht ... zo mooi ... ongeveer alle karakters uit de boeken v Paige Toon komen ook aan bod <3
April 9, 2020
Oh wow, it was so great to catch up with characters from all of those books mentioned above again! Seriously, if you are a Paige Toon fan then this is a must-read for you. All of the characters that had cameos in this story had full on parts to play in the development of the story and we also got to find out what was going on with them, so although the main arc of the story is about Bronte, there are so many little extra min sub plots in here that really this is about all of your favourite characters.
Although this is a novella and therefore a quick read, the books takes place over quite a long period of time and so, boy does a lot happen in a short amount of pages. This book is seriously action packed with plenty to keep you turning those pages and wanting to find out what is next for Bronte. Its so hard to properly evaluate the events and the characters in this novella without giving away any spoilers so apologies for being vague but seriously, it is jam-packed with action!
This book also has multiple settings, which I also appreciated! I enjoyed getting to travel around with Bronte a little, of course seeing other characters along the way helped too! One of my favourite things about Paige's novels is that sense of escapism and even though this is only a short read, you still get that with this novella-brilliant.
I did find that sometimes I had forgotten the plots that some of the other characters had been involved in as they were brought into the book, but the fact that they all had a little catch up, a sort of 'where are they now?' type of reminder really helped so I wouldn't worry too much if you rad the other books mentioned in the blurb a while ago. If you haven't read the other books though, I would definitely recommend reading those first so that you won't be spoiled for them if you decide to go back to them after reading this novella.
This was the perfect length for this time of year because we run of out time so quickly around the holidays. This is a great excuse to carve out some time for yourself and get away from the hectic food buying and eating and sit down and really enjoy, just like i did!
Although this is a novella and therefore a quick read, the books takes place over quite a long period of time and so, boy does a lot happen in a short amount of pages. This book is seriously action packed with plenty to keep you turning those pages and wanting to find out what is next for Bronte. Its so hard to properly evaluate the events and the characters in this novella without giving away any spoilers so apologies for being vague but seriously, it is jam-packed with action!
This book also has multiple settings, which I also appreciated! I enjoyed getting to travel around with Bronte a little, of course seeing other characters along the way helped too! One of my favourite things about Paige's novels is that sense of escapism and even though this is only a short read, you still get that with this novella-brilliant.
I did find that sometimes I had forgotten the plots that some of the other characters had been involved in as they were brought into the book, but the fact that they all had a little catch up, a sort of 'where are they now?' type of reminder really helped so I wouldn't worry too much if you rad the other books mentioned in the blurb a while ago. If you haven't read the other books though, I would definitely recommend reading those first so that you won't be spoiled for them if you decide to go back to them after reading this novella.
This was the perfect length for this time of year because we run of out time so quickly around the holidays. This is a great excuse to carve out some time for yourself and get away from the hectic food buying and eating and sit down and really enjoy, just like i did!
December 3, 2017
Paige Toon is one of my fave authors, so I was obviously very excited for this book. I adore her characters and the world she created around them, it’s always so wonderful to go back to them.
Bronte now lives in Sydney and is still happy with Lachie. A lot has changed though and we she gets a surprising email by her ex Alex everything comes up again.
Does she still have feelings for him?! Is she happy with her work?! How about Lachie?! Question after question…
I just loved following Bronte on this journey, going through so many ups and downs and figuring out what she really wants. Paige Toon captured that beautifully and I was hooked from the start. Her writing style is engaging, fresh, authentic, brilliant and just on point.
Reading about other characters from her pervious stories just adds even more uniqueness to the story. We get to catch up with so many of them and that’s just awesome.
This book is absolute perfection and it showed me once again, how talented Paige Toon is. The world she created around her characters is unique and I love, how they are all connected in some way. The ending is perfect and just makes me want to read another book by her.
BRILLIANT AND PERFECT!!!
Bronte now lives in Sydney and is still happy with Lachie. A lot has changed though and we she gets a surprising email by her ex Alex everything comes up again.
Does she still have feelings for him?! Is she happy with her work?! How about Lachie?! Question after question…
I just loved following Bronte on this journey, going through so many ups and downs and figuring out what she really wants. Paige Toon captured that beautifully and I was hooked from the start. Her writing style is engaging, fresh, authentic, brilliant and just on point.
Reading about other characters from her pervious stories just adds even more uniqueness to the story. We get to catch up with so many of them and that’s just awesome.
This book is absolute perfection and it showed me once again, how talented Paige Toon is. The world she created around her characters is unique and I love, how they are all connected in some way. The ending is perfect and just makes me want to read another book by her.
BRILLIANT AND PERFECT!!!
November 24, 2017
Always lovely to get a new book or novella by Paige Toon, any written word by her is like gold.
I love her descriptive writing style and her engaging characters and most of all revisiting characters from previous books.
This is a sequel to Thirteen Weddings but also visits characters from most of her other books, so gives us a lovely insight what happened when some other novels finished. Great closure for a romance reader :)
This book was controversial as there were so many fans of Alex and Lachie that were both hoping for their happy ending, one group to keep theirs and the others to get theirs.
I won't say who got lucky in the end or if a new man get Bronte's heart after all, but I again loved Paige Toon's sense of closure. She doesn't make us hate any characters or leave anything unsaid. I can't say I was happy or unhappy about the ending, I am just glad Bronte got her happily after after all.
I love her descriptive writing style and her engaging characters and most of all revisiting characters from previous books.
This is a sequel to Thirteen Weddings but also visits characters from most of her other books, so gives us a lovely insight what happened when some other novels finished. Great closure for a romance reader :)
This book was controversial as there were so many fans of Alex and Lachie that were both hoping for their happy ending, one group to keep theirs and the others to get theirs.
I won't say who got lucky in the end or if a new man get Bronte's heart after all, but I again loved Paige Toon's sense of closure. She doesn't make us hate any characters or leave anything unsaid. I can't say I was happy or unhappy about the ending, I am just glad Bronte got her happily after after all.
April 19, 2020
Read this straight after reading Thirteen Weddings and loved it!
I enjoyed the original book but just felt Bronte had made the wrong decision as much as I liked Lachie. This book for me, resolved everything and made much more sense.
What was really nice about this book was that I loved all the characters ... well except for Fliss!
I enjoyed the original book but just felt Bronte had made the wrong decision as much as I liked Lachie. This book for me, resolved everything and made much more sense.
What was really nice about this book was that I loved all the characters ... well except for Fliss!
November 21, 2021
Fantastic book could not put it down until I finished it. Loved Thirteen weddings but this is the ending I really wanted, perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
When I saw there was a sequel to Thirteen Weddings I thought ‘oh no’…but I had to read it immediately. I was so glad the first book ended as it did, but as I got into this book, I realised how much sense it made for this to happen. Loved this little series!
December 12, 2017
a very cute story! loved it
September 11, 2023
Actual rating: 4.5⭐️
It’s the wrap-up that I need.💖 I love love love this sequel.
It’s the wrap-up that I need.💖 I love love love this sequel.
January 6, 2025
This was just a perfect short love story that I enjoyed with all my heart.
March 18, 2018
I'm being very generous with this rating, only because from the start of Thirteen Weddings my heart has been so FULL when it comes to Bronte and Alex. I'll always love their story, and now it feels complete.
November 24, 2017
Paige is one of my favourite authors. I feel like I start all my Paige Toon reviews with that sentence, but she really can do no wrong in my eyes. She is one of those authors I know I can pick up the book and read it in days because it gets me hooked from the first page. I ALWAYS enjoy a Paige book.
That being said there was a slight reluctance in reading A Christmas Wedding. I enjoyed 13 weddings and I was happy with how it ended. It did always feel that Bronte's story wasn't quite finished so I always felt that Paige would pick up the story again at some point.
As soon as I started reading I was thrown right into the gritty part as Bronte receives an email from Alex. The story is written 3 years down the line from where 13 weddings ended. It's mostly set in Sydney. Paige always paints a gorgeous picture of the places she writes about. I always finish her books wanting to travel to wherever it was set and this was no exception. With amazing ferry rides and gorgeous blue seas and blue skies it all sounds so beautiful.
Without giving anything a way Paige does turn 13 weddings inside out. For people happy with the original ending you might feel like throwing this book across the room as the characters we loved are shown in a new light. However as some one who was content with the ending, this does make 13 weddings feel more complete. I do feel parts of the story were a little rushed, it could have maybe been a full book rather than just a short story however it is still very enjoyable and easy to read.
This book gets you engrossed from the first page. It is frustrating but also gives you that warm fuzzy feeling that we love when we finish a good book.
That being said there was a slight reluctance in reading A Christmas Wedding. I enjoyed 13 weddings and I was happy with how it ended. It did always feel that Bronte's story wasn't quite finished so I always felt that Paige would pick up the story again at some point.
As soon as I started reading I was thrown right into the gritty part as Bronte receives an email from Alex. The story is written 3 years down the line from where 13 weddings ended. It's mostly set in Sydney. Paige always paints a gorgeous picture of the places she writes about. I always finish her books wanting to travel to wherever it was set and this was no exception. With amazing ferry rides and gorgeous blue seas and blue skies it all sounds so beautiful.
Without giving anything a way Paige does turn 13 weddings inside out. For people happy with the original ending you might feel like throwing this book across the room as the characters we loved are shown in a new light. However as some one who was content with the ending, this does make 13 weddings feel more complete. I do feel parts of the story were a little rushed, it could have maybe been a full book rather than just a short story however it is still very enjoyable and easy to read.
This book gets you engrossed from the first page. It is frustrating but also gives you that warm fuzzy feeling that we love when we finish a good book.
July 22, 2018
PAIGE. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME.
I recently read Thirteen Weddings on holiday for the first time and fell head over heels in love with Alex and Bronte, the last chapter absolutely broke my heart when she ended up with Lachie.
I had just finished The Last Piece of my Heart today so was googling you to find some more of your books and I came across the fact you did a novella for Thirteen Weddings.
I read this in about 40 minutes. I was too excited.
I am SO happy. I’m sad that she spent so much time with somebody that didn’t end up wanting the same things as her. Also, I’m not happy that he turned into such as ass about it either. Lachie was there when she needed somebody to love her and I feel she really did love him in her own way, but to start seeing the other girl straight away. Urgh. Just irritated me. He is forever in my bad books, even though Bronte made peace with it.
BUT OH MY GOD HER AND ALEX. I was just happy that they got together. Never mind everything else. I love how they said I love you in a hotel bedroom rather than somewhere else as it really holds significance for these characters. I’m even more over the moon that Alex is so caring and loving telling her they both want the same things. I just cannot believe the ending I wanted to happen so much finally happened. I actually cried. Full on ugly tears that I couldn’t read the screen 😩
I couldn’t imagine being a fan of Thirteen Weddings and having to wait the years they did for this novella to come out. Ive never been so happy to be so late to the party.
Paige. Keep them coming gal. I’m going to purchase the whole collection ♥️
I recently read Thirteen Weddings on holiday for the first time and fell head over heels in love with Alex and Bronte, the last chapter absolutely broke my heart when she ended up with Lachie.
I had just finished The Last Piece of my Heart today so was googling you to find some more of your books and I came across the fact you did a novella for Thirteen Weddings.
I read this in about 40 minutes. I was too excited.
I am SO happy. I’m sad that she spent so much time with somebody that didn’t end up wanting the same things as her. Also, I’m not happy that he turned into such as ass about it either. Lachie was there when she needed somebody to love her and I feel she really did love him in her own way, but to start seeing the other girl straight away. Urgh. Just irritated me. He is forever in my bad books, even though Bronte made peace with it.
BUT OH MY GOD HER AND ALEX. I was just happy that they got together. Never mind everything else. I love how they said I love you in a hotel bedroom rather than somewhere else as it really holds significance for these characters. I’m even more over the moon that Alex is so caring and loving telling her they both want the same things. I just cannot believe the ending I wanted to happen so much finally happened. I actually cried. Full on ugly tears that I couldn’t read the screen 😩
I couldn’t imagine being a fan of Thirteen Weddings and having to wait the years they did for this novella to come out. Ive never been so happy to be so late to the party.
Paige. Keep them coming gal. I’m going to purchase the whole collection ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2021
I affectionately think this book should have been titled ‘the Alex ending’.
Because that is what it is, although I very much enjoyed reading it, it swiftly turned Lachie into somewhat of a loser and replaced him with Alex (as I believe the fans pressured Paige to do).
I enjoyed the ending though, even if it felt a tot manufactured. And if Lachie was such a loser then I really do believe that she wasted four years of her life on him, which felt a bit choppy, because I’m the first book he was presented as The better listener, that she could really talk to, with a more mature Head on his shoulders.
So in short, if you love the Lachie ending of 13 weddings, don’t read this, but if you were throwing your book across the room at her ending up with him instead of Alex then you will love this book/alternate (I believe) ending.
Still a great Paige read, with all the usual, slightly concerning, alcoholism.
Because that is what it is, although I very much enjoyed reading it, it swiftly turned Lachie into somewhat of a loser and replaced him with Alex (as I believe the fans pressured Paige to do).
I enjoyed the ending though, even if it felt a tot manufactured. And if Lachie was such a loser then I really do believe that she wasted four years of her life on him, which felt a bit choppy, because I’m the first book he was presented as The better listener, that she could really talk to, with a more mature Head on his shoulders.
So in short, if you love the Lachie ending of 13 weddings, don’t read this, but if you were throwing your book across the room at her ending up with him instead of Alex then you will love this book/alternate (I believe) ending.
Still a great Paige read, with all the usual, slightly concerning, alcoholism.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2017
Bronte's life is disrupted by an email from Alex - the man who broke her heart, the man she hasn't heard from in four years, the man she has still feelings for. He's coming to Sydney for work and will spent three weeks in the same building where she works. The few days of tension during which Bronte fears and, at the same time, hopes to see him have a toll on her so she decides to invite him for lunch and get it over with. But is she really over him? And will her relationship with her boyfriend Lachie survive even if they want different things?
I am a huge fan of Paige Toon so I was really looking forward to this short - although, luckily, not too short - story while (not very) patiently waiting for her new novel next year and I wasn't disappointed. I loved seeing characters from her other novels making cameos (especially Bridget and Charlie who, it seems, I can't never get enough of). The writing is captivating and keeps you glued to the page and the characters are realistic and engaging. A romantic and emotional book with a brilliant and perfect ending to a beautiful story
July 31, 2020
Three and a half years after we left Bronte behind back in Australia. Still living in Manly with Lachie she is still working for the magazine, although has opted to leave wedding photography behind. Never quite getting over the last wedding she completed - Alex and Zara's wedding.
Receiving an email from Alex telling her that he'll be in Sydney for three weeks in October her world is once again put into a spin. Not that she has ever forgotten (or moved on??) from Alex. Suddenly she is questioning life around her, from her career to her desire to have children.
Featuring several of the characters from Paige Toon's novels this short ebook offers the chance to revisit the love triangle of Bronte/Alex/Lachie as well as tie-up loose ends from other characters. I'm so pleased that Paige Toon opted to update the story as I feel it offered the ending that I'd originally hoped for, however, although drawn out it does work much better than if it had happened straight away.
Receiving an email from Alex telling her that he'll be in Sydney for three weeks in October her world is once again put into a spin. Not that she has ever forgotten (or moved on??) from Alex. Suddenly she is questioning life around her, from her career to her desire to have children.
Featuring several of the characters from Paige Toon's novels this short ebook offers the chance to revisit the love triangle of Bronte/Alex/Lachie as well as tie-up loose ends from other characters. I'm so pleased that Paige Toon opted to update the story as I feel it offered the ending that I'd originally hoped for, however, although drawn out it does work much better than if it had happened straight away.
December 2, 2017
Perfect little short read. I really enjoyed reading thirteen weddings but I wasn't completely happy with the ending, this book however ended how I hoped the series would and just amplified my feelings for this story and the characters.
The perfect ending in my opinion.
It isn't the perfect story (overall) but it is a perfectly cute one which I would definitely recommend (tip: start with 'Thirteen Weddings' then read this).
The perfect ending in my opinion.
It isn't the perfect story (overall) but it is a perfectly cute one which I would definitely recommend (tip: start with 'Thirteen Weddings' then read this).
August 20, 2018
I waited so long for this to happen. I kinda felt that the ending of Thirteen Weddings left so many things open for a sequel. Bronte was definitely still very much in love with Alex, and I never thought that her love for Lachie was as genuine. So obviously when I stumbled upon this, I was so relieved. We finally get the closure we're expecting and
December 4, 2020
Let me start by saying - it was always Alex! But boy, did Toon do Lachie dirty... he was the sweetest in thirteen weddings, and I understand the age and personality differences between him and Bronte, but to have him just get together with someone else so quickly?? Particularly Fliss - ‘shoving’ ex boyfriends of hers while he was still with Bronte. I did not enjoy that!
In the end, I’m so glad Alex and Bronte finally got their happy ending.
In the end, I’m so glad Alex and Bronte finally got their happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2017
Paige has done it again! This book completely makes up for my review of 'Thirteen Weddings'. I loved this short story so much and the ending was just perfect, I'm just disappointed that there wasn't more. I wish this was a whole book because I wanted to know absolutely everything but I hope at least that this is not the last that we hear about them! Thanks for a fantastic Christmas gift! :)
November 20, 2017
More like a 3.5
Paige Toon brings back many characters in her literary universe in this sequel to Bronte's story and gives the ultimate HEA for several of them. The story drags during the parts where Toon revisits the events of Thirteen Weddings or writes certain things readers probably inferred about.
Paige Toon brings back many characters in her literary universe in this sequel to Bronte's story and gives the ultimate HEA for several of them. The story drags during the parts where Toon revisits the events of Thirteen Weddings or writes certain things readers probably inferred about.
June 2, 2022
Paige Toon somehow seems to make us want the character to move on with someone else. I loved Lachie but Toon has written this well I also liked Alex in the end.
Many spoilers in this book if you haven’t read all the short stories.
I just need to sit and think about where all the characters are at now. It was that sort of book.
Many spoilers in this book if you haven’t read all the short stories.
I just need to sit and think about where all the characters are at now. It was that sort of book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2017
I absolutely loved this short story! Revisiting so many characters from previous books was great and weaved into the story really well. Not only was it a great story it was the sequel I hoped for and so much more! A must read for Paige Toon fans and those who have read Thirteen weddings.
November 19, 2017
This is the ending I have been waiting for. And this mini story delivered. If you're a fan of "Thirteen Weddings" you definitely don't want to miss this. Paige Toon delivers readers everything they have been waiting for.
November 23, 2017
I wasn’t sure about this one at first, but in the end I loved it! I loved to see all of my favourite characters again and this book made me fall in love with Paige Toons books again after not really enjoying the last few...
December 17, 2017
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I was so excited when I saw that Paige had written a Christmas novella. I loved Thirteen Weddings so I was very excited to see where Bronte was four years later.
Bronte is living in Australia and she's still with Lachie but is here life exactly what she envisaged? is it what she actually wants?
In Thirteen Weddings I really didn't like Alex. He was a jerk. But in the four years since Alex has really grown up. He's clearly regretful of what happened.
It was great to also catch up with some of the characters from Paige's other books. Seeing Bridget again was a highlight for me, she is such a fun character.
There were some real tear jerker moments in this book but it really was the perfect ending for Bronte.
While this may be a short book it is packed to the brim. Not one part of this story was filler. Paige's writing is fun and addictive. I couldn't tear myself away from Bronte's world. I can't wait to see what Paige brings us next.
Bronte is living in Australia and she's still with Lachie but is here life exactly what she envisaged? is it what she actually wants?
In Thirteen Weddings I really didn't like Alex. He was a jerk. But in the four years since Alex has really grown up. He's clearly regretful of what happened.
It was great to also catch up with some of the characters from Paige's other books. Seeing Bridget again was a highlight for me, she is such a fun character.
There were some real tear jerker moments in this book but it really was the perfect ending for Bronte.
While this may be a short book it is packed to the brim. Not one part of this story was filler. Paige's writing is fun and addictive. I couldn't tear myself away from Bronte's world. I can't wait to see what Paige brings us next.
December 25, 2017
It's not often that I give a novella or short story 5 stars but this one is definitely worthy. All the way through not only was I unsure how it would end but I was also unsure how I wanted it to end. The book also brought me to tears twice. It's the perfect read for the festive season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews