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Wedding Planner's Daughter #2
The Cupid Chronicles
When the only library in Bramble, Cape Cod, announces it's in danger of closing its doors, the town residents have got to raise BIG money and FAST. Thirteen-year-old Willa Havisham must put her crush on Joey Kennelly on the back burner to save the library, but the question is: How? Willa's best friend, Tina, is positive that her compatibility test, expertly designed to match up every girl in school with her "perfect match," will raise the money and get everyone paired up for the Midwinter Night's Ball. Willa, an old-fashioned romantic, is not so sure. But with a little help from Shakespeare, a Southern beauty queen, and Cupid himself, romance is striking all over Bramble.
Readers will be swooning until the stroke of midnight with this delightful sequel to "The Wedding Planner's Daughter."
Readers will be swooning until the stroke of midnight with this delightful sequel to "The Wedding Planner's Daughter."
224 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2006
39 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
Coleen Murtagh Paratore
24 books232 followersI majored in English at The College of Saint Rose, in Albany, and after two internships in advertising and public relations, decided to enter the communications field, which is a place where writers can write and make a living too. I got married three months after graduation (my husband Tony and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary next August ), and we moved to Connecticut. I worked at a large advertising/pr firm during the day and got my master's in English at Trinity College nights. When we moved back to the Albany, New York area a few years later, I took a job as a publicist for Russell Sage College in Troy and soon became Director of Communications for the Sage Colleges. Our son, Christopher, was born in 1989. Two years later I took out a small-business loan, left my "safe job" and founded Books Worth Writing, to develop and publish The Remembering Book, an heirloom-quality tribute to a loved one's life (created after losing my best friend to cancer and wanting to be sure the story of her life was remembered and celebrated). This book-product is now in its 3rd printing, 10,000 copies sold. Around that same time, I began teaching as an adjunct instructor in the English Department at Russell Sage, doing freelance public relations assignments for business and nonprofit clients, and leading public-speaking workshops for women. Our son, Connor, was born in 1992 and then our third son, Dylan, in 1994.
After Dylan was born, I hopped off the career train for a few years to chase after three boys under the age of 5. I wrote a song for each of my sons and sang their special songs to them as bedtime lullabies. I kept a journal (I have on and off since college), wrote poems, and "roasts" for friends' birthdays, planted a perennial garden, a vegetable garden, read tons of books, started a book club, cleared a walking trail in the woods behind our house…and with my three young sons in tow, I returned to my "library days."
We devoured books together, morning, noon and night. We'd fill an L.L. Bean sack full of picture books every week, snuggle up on the couch, and read, read, read. I didn't know it at the time, but in addition to it being enormously FUN, this was fabulous research. As I was devoting my best creative energy to my children and sharing my love of books with them, I was soaking in lessons in characterization and plot and structure and language... feeding my writer's voice in happy hibernation.
I still didn't know that I would write children's books, yet everything in my life was leading me on that path. Ironically, I'd meet former business colleagues out and about and they'd say, "you're writing children's books, right?" I can't tell you how many people asked me that. It wasn't my goal or my intention.
Breaking into this business was the hardest and longest race I've ever run. I wrote stories for four years before I felt the work was ready. And then, once my writing was of publishable quality, it took two years of submitting before I got a contract. 179 rejections later. You've got to want it badly. You've got to read, read, read, and write, write, write and revise, revise, revise, and listen to people who are wiser than you, and learn from your rejections, and take comments from editors very seriously, and be willing to catch the fireflies of inspiration before they fly off forgotten, and, most of all, you've got to BELIEVE in yourself. Believe, believe, believe.
Emerson said "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Write on.
After Dylan was born, I hopped off the career train for a few years to chase after three boys under the age of 5. I wrote a song for each of my sons and sang their special songs to them as bedtime lullabies. I kept a journal (I have on and off since college), wrote poems, and "roasts" for friends' birthdays, planted a perennial garden, a vegetable garden, read tons of books, started a book club, cleared a walking trail in the woods behind our house…and with my three young sons in tow, I returned to my "library days."
We devoured books together, morning, noon and night. We'd fill an L.L. Bean sack full of picture books every week, snuggle up on the couch, and read, read, read. I didn't know it at the time, but in addition to it being enormously FUN, this was fabulous research. As I was devoting my best creative energy to my children and sharing my love of books with them, I was soaking in lessons in characterization and plot and structure and language... feeding my writer's voice in happy hibernation.
I still didn't know that I would write children's books, yet everything in my life was leading me on that path. Ironically, I'd meet former business colleagues out and about and they'd say, "you're writing children's books, right?" I can't tell you how many people asked me that. It wasn't my goal or my intention.
Breaking into this business was the hardest and longest race I've ever run. I wrote stories for four years before I felt the work was ready. And then, once my writing was of publishable quality, it took two years of submitting before I got a contract. 179 rejections later. You've got to want it badly. You've got to read, read, read, and write, write, write and revise, revise, revise, and listen to people who are wiser than you, and learn from your rejections, and take comments from editors very seriously, and be willing to catch the fireflies of inspiration before they fly off forgotten, and, most of all, you've got to BELIEVE in yourself. Believe, believe, believe.
Emerson said "nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Write on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
November 15, 2010
Can you imagine something you love so much closing? In the book The Cupid Chronicles Willa sees this first hand. The Cupid Chronicles is a touching story about fighting for something you love. I enjoyed this book very much and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who loves adventures and love.
The book is set in Bramble, Cape Cod and involves a teenage girl named Willa, who loves to read. Her life is amazing, until she discovers that the library is temporarily closed. She quickly runs home and discovers there are budget cuts and not enough money to keep it running. The only bright side is that Joey Kennelly is back in town! She can’t take the time on him when she’s got a library to save. Willa quickly comes up with a plan and decides that the library is the perfect cause for the freshmen classes Community service. Her class decides their going to have dances in her barn every month in order to raise 10,000 dollars by February. Just Willa’s luck the night of the final dance she falls and fractures her foot. Fortunately, some rich guests staying at her families’ inn pay the 10,000 dollars up front to her in order for the library to be saved.
Some of the main characters are Willa, Tina, Stella, Sam, Joey, Nana, and Gramp. Willa is the main character who loves to read and will fight for what she loves. Tina is Willa’s best friend who loves creating compatibility questions. Stella is Willa’s mother who used to be a wedding planner. Sam is Willa’s step father who used to be her English teacher. Joey is Willa’s crush and first date. Nana is Willa’s grandmother who owns a candy store. Gramp is Willa’s step grandfather who owned a book store.
Another important aspect of the book is the fact that Willa set up Nana and Gramp and Stella and Sam. Since her mother used to be a wedding planner she had an idea of perfectness. She now doesn’t set anybody up because she believes more in cupid. Tina always insists cupid is not real. Willa will never let Tina convince her otherwise.
In conclusion, I think the book The Cupid Chronicles is a very interesting book. I think anybody would love this book especially if you love adventure and romance. The book would be recommended to the people that love these things.
The book is set in Bramble, Cape Cod and involves a teenage girl named Willa, who loves to read. Her life is amazing, until she discovers that the library is temporarily closed. She quickly runs home and discovers there are budget cuts and not enough money to keep it running. The only bright side is that Joey Kennelly is back in town! She can’t take the time on him when she’s got a library to save. Willa quickly comes up with a plan and decides that the library is the perfect cause for the freshmen classes Community service. Her class decides their going to have dances in her barn every month in order to raise 10,000 dollars by February. Just Willa’s luck the night of the final dance she falls and fractures her foot. Fortunately, some rich guests staying at her families’ inn pay the 10,000 dollars up front to her in order for the library to be saved.
Some of the main characters are Willa, Tina, Stella, Sam, Joey, Nana, and Gramp. Willa is the main character who loves to read and will fight for what she loves. Tina is Willa’s best friend who loves creating compatibility questions. Stella is Willa’s mother who used to be a wedding planner. Sam is Willa’s step father who used to be her English teacher. Joey is Willa’s crush and first date. Nana is Willa’s grandmother who owns a candy store. Gramp is Willa’s step grandfather who owned a book store.
Another important aspect of the book is the fact that Willa set up Nana and Gramp and Stella and Sam. Since her mother used to be a wedding planner she had an idea of perfectness. She now doesn’t set anybody up because she believes more in cupid. Tina always insists cupid is not real. Willa will never let Tina convince her otherwise.
In conclusion, I think the book The Cupid Chronicles is a very interesting book. I think anybody would love this book especially if you love adventure and romance. The book would be recommended to the people that love these things.
April 20, 2020
It's hard to believe that I actually read two books in a series back in my youth. Seriously, my school was notorious for getting just one book in the series, and not necessarily the first one. But, lucky me grab book one and book two at the book fair, so I was a happy, little camper. Maybe not now though, because there's more than just two books in this super sweet series!
This middle grade, romance novel welcomes Willa back into her shenanigans. This chick, who I relate to WAY too much, has to save the library! There's an intriguing romance match that her best friend swears by... will she get her super cute crush Joey?! Hopefully Cupid strikes with his arrow.... Raising money for the library and her romantic chase will truly make this book a spectacular read.
I really enjoy this series! As an adult, it's much more of a nostalgia read for me than an actual book I would have picked up. It's definitely a middle grade novel but I can easily see parents enjoying this along with their kids. It's very sweet and quick to read. It's the type of book I ate up as a kid - it's fast paced, has a kooky adventure and has a pinch of romance! Plus, weddings were my obsession as a kid. I was a closeted girly girl, what can I say?
Overall, I love this series! I really hope I can get the remainder somehow as an adult, because I only ever managed to find the first two.
Four out of five stars.
This middle grade, romance novel welcomes Willa back into her shenanigans. This chick, who I relate to WAY too much, has to save the library! There's an intriguing romance match that her best friend swears by... will she get her super cute crush Joey?! Hopefully Cupid strikes with his arrow.... Raising money for the library and her romantic chase will truly make this book a spectacular read.
I really enjoy this series! As an adult, it's much more of a nostalgia read for me than an actual book I would have picked up. It's definitely a middle grade novel but I can easily see parents enjoying this along with their kids. It's very sweet and quick to read. It's the type of book I ate up as a kid - it's fast paced, has a kooky adventure and has a pinch of romance! Plus, weddings were my obsession as a kid. I was a closeted girly girl, what can I say?
Overall, I love this series! I really hope I can get the remainder somehow as an adult, because I only ever managed to find the first two.
Four out of five stars.
Read
July 8, 2015I can't really say I enjoyed this book. I did finish it, just because that's what I'm like, I MUST finish a book, but I can't say I enjoyed it. They spelt peeking wrong twice, which made me angry.
I think I didn't like it so much because it just very middle grade, and very different from what I'm used to reading lately.
I felt that the story kept bouncing everywhere, with not very much consistency, and the characters were so irritating to me. I wouldn't let my twelve year old sister read it, because I think it gives a totally unrealistic idea of what it's like to be 14. The world is not about boys, at least, it shouldn't be, and believe me, the world I not all gonna work out in your favour.
Id give her a Narnia book or something, because at least that way you can tell between truth and fiction.
There was one plot twist which was unexpected and refreshing. Thank goodness. But it was literally in the last five pages.
I'm irritated with it. It's going to goodwill.
I think I didn't like it so much because it just very middle grade, and very different from what I'm used to reading lately.
I felt that the story kept bouncing everywhere, with not very much consistency, and the characters were so irritating to me. I wouldn't let my twelve year old sister read it, because I think it gives a totally unrealistic idea of what it's like to be 14. The world is not about boys, at least, it shouldn't be, and believe me, the world I not all gonna work out in your favour.
Id give her a Narnia book or something, because at least that way you can tell between truth and fiction.
There was one plot twist which was unexpected and refreshing. Thank goodness. But it was literally in the last five pages.
I'm irritated with it. It's going to goodwill.
October 17, 2008
This book is so cute. :D
its about a girl who loves to read like me, she isn't really into
big relationships, she has alot going on at her school.
the library is about to go out of business and she wants to save!! She comes up
with some ideas she makes dances, and aLOT of them but they unfortunaltley cant
save the library!!!Or do they...
after all this stuff happens she breaks her leg!!and so shes all lonely at her house
while every one is at the winter dance..then her love comes to her house
and they..............................................................................................................................
.........SORRY I CANT REVEAL ANY MORE INFORMATION UNTIL U READ THE BOOK..
its about a girl who loves to read like me, she isn't really into
big relationships, she has alot going on at her school.
the library is about to go out of business and she wants to save!! She comes up
with some ideas she makes dances, and aLOT of them but they unfortunaltley cant
save the library!!!Or do they...
after all this stuff happens she breaks her leg!!and so shes all lonely at her house
while every one is at the winter dance..then her love comes to her house
and they..............................................................................................................................
.........SORRY I CANT REVEAL ANY MORE INFORMATION UNTIL U READ THE BOOK..
February 28, 2009
I love the Wedding Planner's Daughter Series!!! I can't take my eyes off of them!
September 12, 2016
4.5 Stars Such a sweet, funky, charming little book. Sigh.
Ah, Willa. Ain't you a charmer. I read this book in Grade 6, thoroughly enticed by the cutesy title and the alarmingly large amount of pink on the book. And boy, did I ever love it, folks.
Willa was a headstrong, fierce girl who was the daughter of Cape Cod's most famous wedding planner. She was sweet, subtle and quirky, and had several charming moments of humor and wit. It makes me sad to know that girls like her aren't so consistent in YA these days. It's all damsel-in-distress nowadays, with the hot, sultry hero (either a vampire or some other freakish paranormal creature; take your pick) coming in to, yes, save the day. I miss the days of very human, mortal boys and bold, self-reliant girls. Sigh.
This book gave me the normal, sweet perspective on young love and believe me, it was better than what we get nowadays. But perhaps the most wonderful thing this book did for me was show me that reading books is perfectly fine, as Willa was an avid bookie. That made this book so special at a time when I, frankly, wasn't in the happiest of times. It was a cheerful, happy little thing in a not-so-cheerful time, so I am forever grateful.
Review to come. Or should I leave this as a mini review? Hmmm...
Ah, Willa. Ain't you a charmer. I read this book in Grade 6, thoroughly enticed by the cutesy title and the alarmingly large amount of pink on the book. And boy, did I ever love it, folks.
Willa was a headstrong, fierce girl who was the daughter of Cape Cod's most famous wedding planner. She was sweet, subtle and quirky, and had several charming moments of humor and wit. It makes me sad to know that girls like her aren't so consistent in YA these days. It's all damsel-in-distress nowadays, with the hot, sultry hero (either a vampire or some other freakish paranormal creature; take your pick) coming in to, yes, save the day. I miss the days of very human, mortal boys and bold, self-reliant girls. Sigh.
This book gave me the normal, sweet perspective on young love and believe me, it was better than what we get nowadays. But perhaps the most wonderful thing this book did for me was show me that reading books is perfectly fine, as Willa was an avid bookie. That made this book so special at a time when I, frankly, wasn't in the happiest of times. It was a cheerful, happy little thing in a not-so-cheerful time, so I am forever grateful.
Review to come. Or should I leave this as a mini review? Hmmm...
March 6, 2011
Genre- Romance
this book is really cute Willa is a very perky character and she has such a great upbeat character it ties this book together. In this book the character willa refrences Shakespeare lines and other books that she likes to read. I thought it was a good idea to have the character read some of the authors favorite books it was like icing on the cake it topped of this great book. The way each character had their own personality and no one was like each other made a great group of characters. I also liked the wat each character spoke how it represented them. I recommend this book for a quick read because it is a great book for a just for fun book.
this book is really cute Willa is a very perky character and she has such a great upbeat character it ties this book together. In this book the character willa refrences Shakespeare lines and other books that she likes to read. I thought it was a good idea to have the character read some of the authors favorite books it was like icing on the cake it topped of this great book. The way each character had their own personality and no one was like each other made a great group of characters. I also liked the wat each character spoke how it represented them. I recommend this book for a quick read because it is a great book for a just for fun book.
July 5, 2012
13 yr old Willa is now settled into the house nextdoor since her mother Stella married Sam and they have opened the Bramblewood Inn. Willa love, JFK (Joseph) moves back into town after having been gone for a while and he is more attractive than ever, but Willa has to watch out for Ruby trying to become the girlfriend. Then when her class takes on saving the Bramblewood Library, by doing fund raisers something does seem quite right when they reach their goal and then find out from the town council that it's another $20,000 they have to raise. Once again a fun great story with "quotes" from Shakespeare at the beginning of each chapter.
April 11, 2010
This book is about a girl named Willa Havisham and in this book she has a crush on a boy but she finds out that the library in the town is going to close. on top of that her grandfather ends up dying while on a trip to NYC. He always had a new book her every friday since he owns a book store. Willa is devistated but she has to let it go and keep going on her plan to save the library.
A story that anyone can relate to so if you like realistic fiction you will love this book.i enjoy it and give it 5 stars.
A story that anyone can relate to so if you like realistic fiction you will love this book.i enjoy it and give it 5 stars.
March 18, 2012
I really love this book. It was amazing. I read it so many times. My sister told me to read and I'm glad she did. I think some kids will like it. It has a lot of things I love in a book a good plot, interesting characters, relationship problems, crushes, and more. People who care a lot about a special thing like Willa who was determined to keep the library open will like this book. Along with the library problem she had more problems to add to the pot, like her long time crush, which she had to put on hold while working through her first problem.
July 19, 2017
Sweet and fun. A quick but captivating read💛
July 21, 2017
Definitely intended for younger readers. Wanted to read it before donating it.
June 1, 2019
Yeah I totally cried
November 28, 2022
spoko a zakonczenie urocze
January 26, 2025
Willa and JFK are kinda like marinette and adrien 1.0. Also Sam is not the step father he’s the father who stepped UP! ‼️🚨⏰⏲️🤯🤑🥰
January 20, 2025
no because Willa is a DIVA! I never understood as a kid but like…. This JFK and Willa romance is sooo perfect… I’m kicking and giggling my feet. JFK does NOT take after his namesake because he actually knows how to treat his dream girl
So funny when Tina goes “JFK IS BACK! JFK IS BACK” and all the guests are shocked and Stella says “no, not that JFK. Coffee?”
So funny when Tina goes “JFK IS BACK! JFK IS BACK” and all the guests are shocked and Stella says “no, not that JFK. Coffee?”
August 4, 2014
I definitely preferred this book to the first book in the Wedding Planner's Daughter series. I felt like this one was much more realistic and had a stronger story line.
'Playing Cupid' follows Willa after her mothers job meltdown and her new marriage with the poet-next-door Sam. Sam and Stella own the Inn where Sam originally live and Willa is in the heated moment of being a teenager. She has her best friend, a sneaky sly almost-enemy but not quite and her first crush. Willa has the everyday struggles of being a teenager whilst all the adults in her life are happy. Her Nana has been married to Mr Tweed for a while and her mother is happy with her new husband. Which may explain why love is so important to Willa...love and growing her boobs 'at last'. However, just when things couldn't get tougher, Willa finds that her local library is closing down and she finds herself in the midst of it all. She has to think of a way to raise money that will also keep all of her school friends interested as well as keeping the crush, JFK, happy whilst following the rules set by her mum. And even worse then that, everything seems to go wrong - including a heart shattering loss.
Overall, I feel like the story of this book was stronger then the previous instalment in Willa's life. The characters were fleshier so you could make your own opinions and flow naturally with the book. I also feel like the actual plot was more exciting as it wasn't based strictly on love and heartache. It was more real, as it touched on everyday teenage struggles as well as the struggle of falling in love etc. It wasn't solemnly based on love, yet love was subtly added which was a very nice feature. I like the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, but these ones seemed a lot more related to the book then the first book quotes were. It was hard to assume what was going to happen when you read the quotes beforehand in the first book, but in this book it's not as brain tickling but it still doesn't give it away. It's a nice preview, something that keeps you guessing.
I really loved how the characters have adapted as well. A lot of authors fail to represent their characters as they grow. Clearly here, Willa is slightly older and although it's not been ten years plus, she's still growing and Coleen has successfully shown the subtle changes without throwing the character off and making you rethink about what the character once was.
Although this is part of a series, I feel like you don't have to read them all to get the general understanding of Willa. A lot of the previous book was mentioned in this book but in small doses so you weren't completely re-reading it, which means you don't have to relive a book but you also don't have to read it to understand it. I feel like the first book isn't important towards this book, only that it's another tale from Willa's perspective.
I love the homely setting of Cape Cod and how it's not all beaches in this book. You see a lot more of Willa's library loving side, the side where she helps out around home and in shops. I also think its a relief to see the mother of Willa, Stella, bonding again with Willa and making amends etc.
Personally, the first book wasn't for me it. It was too romance based, but I did enjoy this book. It's a light read and I got through it in a day, so it wasn't too difficult to process all of the story. I think younger readers and any young teenage girl would enjoy it. Not sure about guys though, if I'm honest.
'Playing Cupid' follows Willa after her mothers job meltdown and her new marriage with the poet-next-door Sam. Sam and Stella own the Inn where Sam originally live and Willa is in the heated moment of being a teenager. She has her best friend, a sneaky sly almost-enemy but not quite and her first crush. Willa has the everyday struggles of being a teenager whilst all the adults in her life are happy. Her Nana has been married to Mr Tweed for a while and her mother is happy with her new husband. Which may explain why love is so important to Willa...love and growing her boobs 'at last'. However, just when things couldn't get tougher, Willa finds that her local library is closing down and she finds herself in the midst of it all. She has to think of a way to raise money that will also keep all of her school friends interested as well as keeping the crush, JFK, happy whilst following the rules set by her mum. And even worse then that, everything seems to go wrong - including a heart shattering loss.
Overall, I feel like the story of this book was stronger then the previous instalment in Willa's life. The characters were fleshier so you could make your own opinions and flow naturally with the book. I also feel like the actual plot was more exciting as it wasn't based strictly on love and heartache. It was more real, as it touched on everyday teenage struggles as well as the struggle of falling in love etc. It wasn't solemnly based on love, yet love was subtly added which was a very nice feature. I like the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, but these ones seemed a lot more related to the book then the first book quotes were. It was hard to assume what was going to happen when you read the quotes beforehand in the first book, but in this book it's not as brain tickling but it still doesn't give it away. It's a nice preview, something that keeps you guessing.
I really loved how the characters have adapted as well. A lot of authors fail to represent their characters as they grow. Clearly here, Willa is slightly older and although it's not been ten years plus, she's still growing and Coleen has successfully shown the subtle changes without throwing the character off and making you rethink about what the character once was.
Although this is part of a series, I feel like you don't have to read them all to get the general understanding of Willa. A lot of the previous book was mentioned in this book but in small doses so you weren't completely re-reading it, which means you don't have to relive a book but you also don't have to read it to understand it. I feel like the first book isn't important towards this book, only that it's another tale from Willa's perspective.
I love the homely setting of Cape Cod and how it's not all beaches in this book. You see a lot more of Willa's library loving side, the side where she helps out around home and in shops. I also think its a relief to see the mother of Willa, Stella, bonding again with Willa and making amends etc.
Personally, the first book wasn't for me it. It was too romance based, but I did enjoy this book. It's a light read and I got through it in a day, so it wasn't too difficult to process all of the story. I think younger readers and any young teenage girl would enjoy it. Not sure about guys though, if I'm honest.
May 29, 2008
I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I listened to this one on CD--as I soon learned that it's really a teeny bopper book in disguise. (The cover of the version I had checked out from the library didn't look pink and swirly.)
Anyhow, it made for good comic relief while I was treacherously angsting through East of Eden, and helped me through many a night of heavy kitchen duty.
There's a lot of mind candy here, as Willa, the heroine, lives with her rigidly businesslike mother and warm, encouraging, fairy godfather-of-a-stepdad in a charming New England bed'n'breakfast inn (complete with warm maple nut muffins awaiting the guests at the crack of dawn, sunflowers and scarecrows adorning the grounds, and a big old barn replete with barn dances--situated just behind the shrub maze, of course!).
The thing I really liked about the Willa character though, was that she loves books. Especially the memories that come with connecting classic books with people and places. She even loves books to the extent that she schemes up some plans to save her town's "Bramble Library" from its demise (due to an impending Walmart, McyDees, or big box takeover of some sort).
Kind of an unrealistic theme for a teenage novel, but if you've got a tweenage daughter who's into reading faddish fluff, she's a LOT better off reading this (about a level-headed heroine who's more interested in Shakespeare than a pedicure)than whatever is out there in the book orders (with glitzy glam stickers included) right now. It was fun, it helped me get the dishes done.
Anyhow, it made for good comic relief while I was treacherously angsting through East of Eden, and helped me through many a night of heavy kitchen duty.
There's a lot of mind candy here, as Willa, the heroine, lives with her rigidly businesslike mother and warm, encouraging, fairy godfather-of-a-stepdad in a charming New England bed'n'breakfast inn (complete with warm maple nut muffins awaiting the guests at the crack of dawn, sunflowers and scarecrows adorning the grounds, and a big old barn replete with barn dances--situated just behind the shrub maze, of course!).
The thing I really liked about the Willa character though, was that she loves books. Especially the memories that come with connecting classic books with people and places. She even loves books to the extent that she schemes up some plans to save her town's "Bramble Library" from its demise (due to an impending Walmart, McyDees, or big box takeover of some sort).
Kind of an unrealistic theme for a teenage novel, but if you've got a tweenage daughter who's into reading faddish fluff, she's a LOT better off reading this (about a level-headed heroine who's more interested in Shakespeare than a pedicure)than whatever is out there in the book orders (with glitzy glam stickers included) right now. It was fun, it helped me get the dishes done.
Read
February 16, 2010This is the second book in a series and is about a thirteen year old girl named Willa, her best friend Tina, and their lives growing up in Cape Cod. There are two major issues that Willa confronts in this book. For one, the town library announces that it is financial dire straights and may have to close down. The other major issue is that Willa's crush Joey Kennelly moves back to Bramble and another girl, Ruby Sivella, seems to have her sights set on him as well. Tina decides to use scientifically designed science test to play matchmaker. She will not only be able to raise finds for her services but will also be able to get everyone a date for the up coming Midwinter Night's Ball. Although Willa doubts that science is the way to find a boyfriend, and feels that Cupid would be a better approach, she agrees to go along with the idea. This story includes many memorable scenes including Willa's comical interactions with her mother as she entertains some strange guests, the drama surrounding the library fundraiser and the entertaining adventure of watching the girls overcome obstacles along the way.
Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Cupid-Chronicle...
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Reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Cupid-Chronicle...
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/book...
Links
http://www.flipkart.com/cupid-chronic...
November 26, 2012
Reviewed by Harmony for TeensReadToo.com
Willa is back and just entering her freshman year of high school. Things are going great. Her mom and her new husband, Willa's old English teacher, are happily running a Bed and Breakfast of sorts, and things have relaxed a bit.
But Willa has two new problems now - figuring out whether JFK loves her or some other girl, and keeping the Bramble Library from closing due to lack of funds. Working as the school's Community Service leader and hosting semi-romantic dances may just help Willa save the library -- and find some romance for herself.
Following in the footsteps of the first book in the series, THE WEDDING PLANNER'S DAUGHTER, THE CUPID CHRONICLES includes the perfect amount of humor to make a laugh-out-loud funny book, without overdoing it. The writing style keeps the reader intrigued throughout the entire story, and the characters are so easy to relate to that you feel as if you're really inside their heads.
This is by far my favorite tween series and I'd recommend it to everyone, no matter what their age. I think this series may even be a good read for 7th- or 8th-graders to read in class. I can't wait to read the third book of the series, WILLA BY HEART, and hope you decide to, as well.
Willa is back and just entering her freshman year of high school. Things are going great. Her mom and her new husband, Willa's old English teacher, are happily running a Bed and Breakfast of sorts, and things have relaxed a bit.
But Willa has two new problems now - figuring out whether JFK loves her or some other girl, and keeping the Bramble Library from closing due to lack of funds. Working as the school's Community Service leader and hosting semi-romantic dances may just help Willa save the library -- and find some romance for herself.
Following in the footsteps of the first book in the series, THE WEDDING PLANNER'S DAUGHTER, THE CUPID CHRONICLES includes the perfect amount of humor to make a laugh-out-loud funny book, without overdoing it. The writing style keeps the reader intrigued throughout the entire story, and the characters are so easy to relate to that you feel as if you're really inside their heads.
This is by far my favorite tween series and I'd recommend it to everyone, no matter what their age. I think this series may even be a good read for 7th- or 8th-graders to read in class. I can't wait to read the third book of the series, WILLA BY HEART, and hope you decide to, as well.
April 20, 2020
The first book, The Wedding Planner's Daughter, was so much like a fairy tale that I was surprised to discover that it was only the first in a series. Usually I enjoy reading every book in a series, but The Wedding Planner's Daughter ended with such a fitting "happily ever after" that I really wasn't even curious to know what might have happened next.
I'm all for books including topics that young female readers can identify with, and I'm sure tween-aged girls everywhere can relate to Willa's crush on JFK. There's a big message in support of community service in this book, but the central theme is clearly romance. Throw in a predictable plot, and this book just felt too much like tween chick lit. (The first book included romance, yes, but mostly it was about Willa trying to find her place in the world around her.)
I liked some of the dialogue, especially Tina's no nonsense way of speaking. It's definitely a breezy, beachy read, and I can see how it might be a good option for an upper elementary or middle school girl who is into boys but not usually into reading.
Overall, though, it was a disappointing follow-up for me, and I don't think I'll bother reading the rest of the series unless my daughter picks them up herself first.
I'm all for books including topics that young female readers can identify with, and I'm sure tween-aged girls everywhere can relate to Willa's crush on JFK. There's a big message in support of community service in this book, but the central theme is clearly romance. Throw in a predictable plot, and this book just felt too much like tween chick lit. (The first book included romance, yes, but mostly it was about Willa trying to find her place in the world around her.)
I liked some of the dialogue, especially Tina's no nonsense way of speaking. It's definitely a breezy, beachy read, and I can see how it might be a good option for an upper elementary or middle school girl who is into boys but not usually into reading.
Overall, though, it was a disappointing follow-up for me, and I don't think I'll bother reading the rest of the series unless my daughter picks them up herself first.
December 26, 2015
I read these books out of order, actually starting with number two first. It was a cute book, a bit slow in parts for me. I am chalking that up to the fact that its not really geared at a 40 year old!! I loved all the quotes that started each chapter of this book. I also liked the relationships Willa the star of our story has with the adults in her life. She seems to be a very smart girl, that still has all the regular young girl issues but also seems to have a firm grip on the path she wants to be on in order to make it to where she wants to be in life. In particular I liked the part she played in the funeral and the words she had to say.
In all actuality, this book has a lot to say to young girls and if there wasn't a strong female role model in someone's life, well, lets say you could do a lot worse then Willa.
In all actuality, this book has a lot to say to young girls and if there wasn't a strong female role model in someone's life, well, lets say you could do a lot worse then Willa.
October 2, 2017
I read the first one and finished the second one just now and let me tell you I loved it I loved how much I could relate to Willa and the fact that it wasn’t like one of the books I recently read where the character has a love interest but is just to scared to even talk,This one however captures that not everyone is a complete snail in fro too there crushes,as for the plot twist at the end did come and random how she just fractured her foot like that one thing I loved was how this 14 year old girl has such a passion to save the library but yet doesn’t want to save it by having people feel sorry for but for putting the work into it I really liked this book and I definitely going to read the next one in like a week sooo yeah,oh and like the fact Tweed Died is just like ugh I cried I really did he was so important to her I could not stand it and I just let the tears fall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2011
Although this book isn't part of my favorite genre, I think this book was good. In a way it shows us how our parents actions impact our lives. For instance, Willa is just entering her freshman year of high school. Her mother is a wedding planner. She seems to be very passionate about her job. Willa has 2 problems and one of them is trying to stop the Bramble Library from closing due to lack of funds. Willa plans to save the library by hosting dances. Now Willa is being very passionate about her work. She planned things very well.
This books includes humor. And it doesn't really get boring. I always wanted to keep reading to find out what's going to come next. Hopefully more people read this book!
This books includes humor. And it doesn't really get boring. I always wanted to keep reading to find out what's going to come next. Hopefully more people read this book!
October 30, 2012
The book I read was The Cupid Chronicles by Coleen Murtagh Paratore. I thought this was was a very good boo to read for me and any other middle schoolers. It's excellent! The book is about how Willa try's to save the bramble library from closing. What did she do to raise 10,000 dollars? She had made tons of dances with her school friends for
Student council. But when she raised enough money the council of the city raised the prose higher to save the library Willa new they were up to something. She only had 1 month to get 20,000 dollars! She's not sure how she will do it but she will have to find a way how. I have to read the next book to know if way saved it or not! I can't wait to read on more in the series and its a fantastic book to read and I really enjoy it.
Student council. But when she raised enough money the council of the city raised the prose higher to save the library Willa new they were up to something. She only had 1 month to get 20,000 dollars! She's not sure how she will do it but she will have to find a way how. I have to read the next book to know if way saved it or not! I can't wait to read on more in the series and its a fantastic book to read and I really enjoy it.
February 11, 2008
OMG THIS SERIES KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER! First the Wedding Planner's Daughter, and now this! IT'S AWESOME! In this one, Willa is trying to save the Bramble Library from being closed and merging with another town's library. The task is to raise a LARGE amount of money, so she and her school are working extra hard to raise the money. On top of that, she is having even more problems with Joseph Kenelley (aka JFK)! But with the help of some very odd new guests at the inn, Willa (hopefully) is somehow able to raise the money for the library AND get JFK as her own.... ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2008
To put it the best that I can, this book was cute. It was energetic, funny, hopeful, touching, and overall a feel good book. I'm in love with the adult characters in the book, each one was unique enough to be interesting, and familiar enough to relate with. I really enjoyed it.
Willa, a 13 year old, works to save her town library when the city decides to cut the budget and join libraries with a neighboring town. In between community service and helping her parents run the hotel, Willa exchanges books with prominent adult figures in her life, battles it out with a fellow classmate for a boy, and worries about love and the nature of it. =]
Willa, a 13 year old, works to save her town library when the city decides to cut the budget and join libraries with a neighboring town. In between community service and helping her parents run the hotel, Willa exchanges books with prominent adult figures in her life, battles it out with a fellow classmate for a boy, and worries about love and the nature of it. =]
November 6, 2008
This book is like no other!It's magical and you can get very well interested in it.The two protagonist in this story is Willa and willa's best friend Tina.The antagonist in this book is Ruby.Ruby thinks she rules everybody and gets to tell everybody what to do,but it dosen't work like that.See willa is trying to plan the Midwinter Night's Ball.Her best freind Tina has planned this ''Perfect match''to raise money and get everyone coupled for the Midwinter Night's Ball.The only problem is will willa make it to have the winter dance.Maybe,just maybe she can with a little help from her partner Shakespeare and Cupid the magic fairy himself!
March 10, 2010
1.tittle: the wedding planner daughter cupid chronicles
author:Colennn Murtagh
genre:
why do i choose it?: because it's about wedding planner and i wish to be a wedding planner when i grow up
2.it's about love & ofcourse wedding planner the purpose of this book it's that it teach you how to be a wedding planner
3. i learn how to draw wedding dresses & how to decorate
4.I really like it because the book it's perfect for a girl that will like to be a weddin planner :)
5. i will recomended it to my friend becouse it talks about love & evryone get n love once or maybe twice
I hope you read it ms.sara :D
author:Colennn Murtagh
genre:
why do i choose it?: because it's about wedding planner and i wish to be a wedding planner when i grow up
2.it's about love & ofcourse wedding planner the purpose of this book it's that it teach you how to be a wedding planner
3. i learn how to draw wedding dresses & how to decorate
4.I really like it because the book it's perfect for a girl that will like to be a weddin planner :)
5. i will recomended it to my friend becouse it talks about love & evryone get n love once or maybe twice
I hope you read it ms.sara :D
May 18, 2017
This book in the series was shorter than the previous one, but still was a decent read. In this section of our story, Willa decides to play matchmaker yet again, but this time it’s with her friends. In addition to this, Willa’s love of books has her worried that the only library in town will close if she doesn’t help raise money to save it. Will the library be saved? Will Willa’s matchmaking be a success again? Read the second book of the Wedding Planner’s Daughter to find out!
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