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Annabelle Archer #9.5
Marry and Bright
An abandoned baby. A bride who’s channeling her inner Scrooge. Can Annabelle track down who left the baby while keeping her bride from having a merry meltdown? Tis the season for mistletoe and matrimony. Wedding planner Annabelle Archer and her team are busy preparing for a winter wedding when they get something that wasn’t on their wish list—a baby left on the doorstep. Determined to find out who left the baby, Annabelle finds herself delving deep into the world of Christian motorcycle gangs all the while pulling together a holiday party and keeping her bride from throwing a holiday hissy fit. Marry and Bright, a novella, is the 11th standalone book in the hilarious Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery series. If you like larger-than-life characters, madcap capers, and an insider’s look at glamorous society weddings, then you’ll love Laura Durham’s award-winning series. Buy Marry and Bright to get cozy with this a funny, festive holiday novella today!
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2018
276 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Laura Durham
31 books268 followersI'm a writer and reformed wedding planner who loves quiet mornings, great books, paddle boarding, and blackberry cobbler.
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
I write humorous cozy mysteries about a wedding planner because I like books that make me laugh and because, after planning weddings for twenty years, I have a long list of people to kill.
To try my first novel for free, go to http://www.freebook.lauradurham.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 3, 2018
NICE NOVELLA!
It’s Christmas Season and the Wedding Belles gang are looking forward to three things in this Novella: finishing the Wedding for a Bride who acts like a Scroogzilla; waiting (im)patiently for the list of top vendors listed in the Capital Weddings Magazine (supposedly being listed can make you or break you); and planning their own Christmas party for Wedding Belles and their favorite vendors and friends. Annabelle Archer & her assistant Kate have a knack for solving mysteries - even murder mysteries. Which is quite a conundrum for Annabelle’s boyfriend Reese who’s a police detective. He wants her to be safe not running around chasing bad guys! Particularly not during the holidays! This time they don’t find a body, but Buster & Mack & find a BABY instead! It’s a beautiful baby girl! She was left on the steps of their church. Everyone is concerned but not sure how to help. They all know the don’t want the baby to get put in the foster system. Everyone pitches in to help care for “Merry” but Annabelle & Kate are relentless in finding her Mother. If you’ve read any of the other books in this series you know Annabelle is relentless when she sets her mind onto something! The adventures they get into are something else! Durham writes wonderfully descriptive passages that make you feel as though you are right beside them experiencing everything they do! It’s great entertainment and fun characters that you grow to love more and more with each book. I was provided an ARC of this book by the Author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
It’s Christmas Season and the Wedding Belles gang are looking forward to three things in this Novella: finishing the Wedding for a Bride who acts like a Scroogzilla; waiting (im)patiently for the list of top vendors listed in the Capital Weddings Magazine (supposedly being listed can make you or break you); and planning their own Christmas party for Wedding Belles and their favorite vendors and friends. Annabelle Archer & her assistant Kate have a knack for solving mysteries - even murder mysteries. Which is quite a conundrum for Annabelle’s boyfriend Reese who’s a police detective. He wants her to be safe not running around chasing bad guys! Particularly not during the holidays! This time they don’t find a body, but Buster & Mack & find a BABY instead! It’s a beautiful baby girl! She was left on the steps of their church. Everyone is concerned but not sure how to help. They all know the don’t want the baby to get put in the foster system. Everyone pitches in to help care for “Merry” but Annabelle & Kate are relentless in finding her Mother. If you’ve read any of the other books in this series you know Annabelle is relentless when she sets her mind onto something! The adventures they get into are something else! Durham writes wonderfully descriptive passages that make you feel as though you are right beside them experiencing everything they do! It’s great entertainment and fun characters that you grow to love more and more with each book. I was provided an ARC of this book by the Author. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
November 2, 2018
Spoiler-free review.
“Marry and Bright” is a fun addition to the Annabelle Archer series. There’s a mystery, but also plenty of humorous goings-on from Annabelle’s usual goofy crew. There’s advancement of various characters’ storylines—not something we always find in a holiday novella (which many authors approach as happening outside the regular timelines of their series). I thought that was great in this shorter form.
As usual for this author’s work, the story is well-written and well-edited, with no vulgarity. I noticed one continuity error that was odd, but maybe that will be explained in the next book. There was also an incident involving a supporting cast member that seems a direct rip-off of an old “Designing Women” episode. It was funny then, and funny now, but I think there should have been some acknowledgement of the earlier material. Maybe I’m the only reader of the book old enough to remember the Bernice character in “Designing Women”.
Those quibbles aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday novella. A great addition to the series. Now bring on the next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“Marry and Bright” is a fun addition to the Annabelle Archer series. There’s a mystery, but also plenty of humorous goings-on from Annabelle’s usual goofy crew. There’s advancement of various characters’ storylines—not something we always find in a holiday novella (which many authors approach as happening outside the regular timelines of their series). I thought that was great in this shorter form.
As usual for this author’s work, the story is well-written and well-edited, with no vulgarity. I noticed one continuity error that was odd, but maybe that will be explained in the next book. There was also an incident involving a supporting cast member that seems a direct rip-off of an old “Designing Women” episode. It was funny then, and funny now, but I think there should have been some acknowledgement of the earlier material. Maybe I’m the only reader of the book old enough to remember the Bernice character in “Designing Women”.
Those quibbles aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday novella. A great addition to the series. Now bring on the next!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2018
An abandoned baby left on the doorstep of a church brings the whole gang together in this Christmas story. As if that isn't mystery enough, it's that time of year for the "best of the best" vendor list - and mainstay Richard Gerard Catering isn't on it!! And diva that Richard is, he is making everyone miserable, so the gang also takes time from their main investigation to help their friend.
I liked that the entire cast of characters had a equal moment in the sun in this fun and entertaining tale. I laughed to hard to read about Leatrice (with her horrific fashion sense) wearing a tree skirt, not actually realizing that it was a tree skirt for a Christmas tree! And don't forget more of those infamous malpropisms from Kate - so funny! Thanks to the author for an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Note: While I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, I was not required to leave a review. Always happy to do so because this series is so entertaining!
I liked that the entire cast of characters had a equal moment in the sun in this fun and entertaining tale. I laughed to hard to read about Leatrice (with her horrific fashion sense) wearing a tree skirt, not actually realizing that it was a tree skirt for a Christmas tree! And don't forget more of those infamous malpropisms from Kate - so funny! Thanks to the author for an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Note: While I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, I was not required to leave a review. Always happy to do so because this series is so entertaining!
November 6, 2018
Wedding planner Annabelle and her team are busy getting ready for the holiday season and preparing for a winter wedding. What could possibly go wrong? How about a bride that is channeling her inner Scrooge and wants nothing holiday or merry to be a part of her already planned wedding. Also, the Christian biker florists have found a baby abandoned at their church and want Annabelle’s help finding her mother. Can Annabelle and her team find the baby’s mother and also keep their bride-to-be from bailing on her wedding?
If you like witty mysteries, madcap adventures, and lots of hijinks then this book has it all. With characters you can’t help but love and keep you entertained, this is the perfect holiday mystery read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you like witty mysteries, madcap adventures, and lots of hijinks then this book has it all. With characters you can’t help but love and keep you entertained, this is the perfect holiday mystery read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2024
Delightfully Entertaining!!
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the majority of the books in this series, but somehow I missed this one. I'm glad I found it because like the others it is so enjoyable. Fast paced, great characters, laugh out loud moments. And Richard reminds me so much of a very dear friend who passed away. But I see his face and hear his voice every time Richard appears in the story, the stylish dress, perfection in everything done and the over the top comments make me smile.
Well written and did I mention entertaining? :-))
A pleasant way to spend a few hours and a respite from the doom and gloom surrounding us in the world lately. I think I shall go back and reread a few more of the earlier books in this series.
🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟
I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the majority of the books in this series, but somehow I missed this one. I'm glad I found it because like the others it is so enjoyable. Fast paced, great characters, laugh out loud moments. And Richard reminds me so much of a very dear friend who passed away. But I see his face and hear his voice every time Richard appears in the story, the stylish dress, perfection in everything done and the over the top comments make me smile.
Well written and did I mention entertaining? :-))
A pleasant way to spend a few hours and a respite from the doom and gloom surrounding us in the world lately. I think I shall go back and reread a few more of the earlier books in this series.
🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟
November 5, 2018
Annabelle and her crew aren’t overwhelmed with weddings this close to Christmas, so they are planning to kick back and have a small party to celebrate the year of work. However – a tiny bundle wrapped in pink and left on the doorstep of Mack and Buster’s church changes everything.
Determined to find and help the mother, Mack and Buster (who are rapidly falling in love with this Christmas bundle) enlist the aid of their friends in finding little Marry’s mama before social services has to step in.
This was a very light and sweet novella that pulls at your heartstrings during this time of the year.
I was given this free Advanced Reader Copy and am willingly writing this review.
Determined to find and help the mother, Mack and Buster (who are rapidly falling in love with this Christmas bundle) enlist the aid of their friends in finding little Marry’s mama before social services has to step in.
This was a very light and sweet novella that pulls at your heartstrings during this time of the year.
I was given this free Advanced Reader Copy and am willingly writing this review.
May 18, 2019
I loved this story. The whole team is working together to find the mother who left her baby at the church. There are adjustments made by all of them as they learn why the baby had been left to them for help. These friends and coworkers have a lot of fun and they are always ready to help someone. You can’t go wrong reading an amusing story about friends and family. Read about Annabelle and her friends. You’ll never know what you can find going out when this group decides that they want to help everyone.
I received an arc copy of this book for free and I loved leaving a voluntary review. This review was done based on how I felt.
I received an arc copy of this book for free and I loved leaving a voluntary review. This review was done based on how I felt.
January 28, 2021
Enjoyable quick read
This is my first Annabelle Archer book, but it won't be the last. You are introduced to an interesting and quirky group of friends and coworkers. Annabelle is a wedding planner and known for getting involved in police matters. This time her biker buddy florists find a baby, Merry, left on the steps of their biker church. They want her to find the mother before they have to turn the baby over to Social Services. Meet her right hand Kate, cop boyfriend Reece and her best friend Richard. I especially enjoyed her neighbor Letrice, who was literally wearing a Christmas tree skirt. This has peeked my interest in to reading other AA full length novels.
This is my first Annabelle Archer book, but it won't be the last. You are introduced to an interesting and quirky group of friends and coworkers. Annabelle is a wedding planner and known for getting involved in police matters. This time her biker buddy florists find a baby, Merry, left on the steps of their biker church. They want her to find the mother before they have to turn the baby over to Social Services. Meet her right hand Kate, cop boyfriend Reece and her best friend Richard. I especially enjoyed her neighbor Letrice, who was literally wearing a Christmas tree skirt. This has peeked my interest in to reading other AA full length novels.
December 5, 2022
Where's Mama?
A young baby is dropped off outside a biker church and Mack and Buster fall immediately in love with her. Both refusing to turn her over to Social Services. Annabelle agrees to look for the mother before turning her over.
In the meantime, repeat wedding givers are causing their usual havoc. The bride has allowed them free hand, is now in town, and has let it be known if anything Christmassy shows up at the wedding or reception, she is gone.
Can the amateur detective solve the baby mama mystery as well as "fix" the wedding and get a Christmas party together for staff and friends? It is a fun read with characters you fully believe.
Merry Christmas.
A young baby is dropped off outside a biker church and Mack and Buster fall immediately in love with her. Both refusing to turn her over to Social Services. Annabelle agrees to look for the mother before turning her over.
In the meantime, repeat wedding givers are causing their usual havoc. The bride has allowed them free hand, is now in town, and has let it be known if anything Christmassy shows up at the wedding or reception, she is gone.
Can the amateur detective solve the baby mama mystery as well as "fix" the wedding and get a Christmas party together for staff and friends? It is a fun read with characters you fully believe.
Merry Christmas.
November 11, 2018
Intriguing
WOW! Although this may have been the latest book within the series, it's the first and only one I've read (so far). It's also my first Laura Durham book. I did not feel as though I was lost and didn't know what was going on.... No just the opposite.... I'm intrigued with this storyline and want to go back and read the enire series from the beginning to see all the excitement I missed! This is a quick story set sound Christmas but not focused solely on the holiday.... Oh wedding planning could be so much fun :).
ARC received from BookSprout for an honest voluntary review.
WOW! Although this may have been the latest book within the series, it's the first and only one I've read (so far). It's also my first Laura Durham book. I did not feel as though I was lost and didn't know what was going on.... No just the opposite.... I'm intrigued with this storyline and want to go back and read the enire series from the beginning to see all the excitement I missed! This is a quick story set sound Christmas but not focused solely on the holiday.... Oh wedding planning could be so much fun :).
ARC received from BookSprout for an honest voluntary review.
November 6, 2018
Another fun adventure with Annabelle and her crew. This did not involve dead bodies but in solving one of the two "mysteries" dealt with a very timely, controversial topic that really developed the characters of the two Lush Flower Shop owners, Mack and Buster, in a touching manner. Richard was in full drama mode in this novella; a treat for regular readers of the Wedding Planner Mysteries. If this is your introduction to Annabelle Archer, this is a good one to start your experience.
November 9, 2018
One of my most favorite Wedding Planners has an unfortunate magnetic draw for murder and wedding mayhem,
Can she, her friends, her beau, and the bulk of the wedding party survive the latest somewhat boozy nuptials?
Throw in an abandoned baby, Bikers for Jesus, and merry making that may be more goth than seasonal, all in for another great fun read - unless you are the deceased !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can she, her friends, her beau, and the bulk of the wedding party survive the latest somewhat boozy nuptials?
Throw in an abandoned baby, Bikers for Jesus, and merry making that may be more goth than seasonal, all in for another great fun read - unless you are the deceased !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 10, 2018
Annabelle and Kate are planning to have a small holiday party, but then Mack and Buster show up with a little bundle of joy! Merry was left at their church and they are determined to find and help her mother before social services steps in! They enlist the help of their friends in solving this mystery! All the while dealing with a Scrooge Bride to be!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 11, 2018
I love the characters and the story is just a compelling. Difficult to put down, I just read it right through. I enjoyed every word. I am a cozy fan, among other genres but this series has my favorite character, best friend Richard. His drama queen actions make me laugh! And of course, Annabelle is an awesome planner and person.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2018
This book by Laura Durham was the best yet! Why you ask? Because while no one dies, there is a baby whose mother needs to be found and according to Richard the most important crime to solve is why Richard Gerard Catering was left off the list of top Capital Wedding Caterers!!
Better to ask are the rumors about Annabelle and Kate joining Mack and Buster’s motorcycle club and why?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Better to ask are the rumors about Annabelle and Kate joining Mack and Buster’s motorcycle club and why?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2020
I loved Marry and Bright by Laura Durham. I always enjoy the books in the Annabelle Archer series but let's face it, some of the humor is way over the top. We still get those roll-on-the-floor moments but the focus is on the search for the mother of a baby left on the steps of the church attended by our two favorite Harley riders/florists. The portrayal of bikers who stand for the innocent is beautiful. Annabelle and her friends get to see other reformed riders as well as always-good-guy bikers as they ride side by side to stand for fallen soldiers and their families. The feel of the holidays is woven though this heartwarming Christmas novella, my favorite of the series.
November 5, 2018
The Wedding Belles series is so good, so funny and delightful it should either be illegal or fattening! This newest one does not disappoint either! This time Annabelle has an abandoned baby mystery to unravel as Christmas approaches. As usual Laura Durham tells her story masterfully and skillfully, great descriptions, wonderful characters. Don’t miss this one!
November 5, 2018
Loved this book and loved that it took a small detour from the normal. No dead bodies but still some investigations that took place and we got to know a little more about some of the characters. I always look forward to this author's new releases as they never disappoint. I can't wait until the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2018
It is the end of the wedding season. With one last wedding to go every one is relaxing.
But then a baby is found abandoned!
All the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the Wedding Belle's and their friends make for an entertaining read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But then a baby is found abandoned!
All the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the Wedding Belle's and their friends make for an entertaining read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2018
Another fun short read in the Annabelle Archer Wedding Planner Mystery series, this has all of the usual group. The mystery this time is a foundling little girl that was left on the church steps. A book I enjoyed reading from the first to the last page. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2018
Pershoppergrl
Happy Holiday novella!
November 8, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
A cute little novella with the whole Annabelle archer gang. The mystery this time is an abandoned baby, as opposed to a body! Gives a little more insight into personal lives of the characters, but as enjoyable as ever. Quick read, to put you in the holiday spirit.
Thank you for your review.
Happy Holiday novella!
November 8, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
A cute little novella with the whole Annabelle archer gang. The mystery this time is an abandoned baby, as opposed to a body! Gives a little more insight into personal lives of the characters, but as enjoyable as ever. Quick read, to put you in the holiday spirit.
Thank you for your review.
November 9, 2018
I loved this series the books keep getting better and better. I just wish I could be as collected and organized as Annabelle because she makes chaos look easy. Not only does Annabel get a baby dropped on her doorstep but her new bride is making scrooge look like the sweetest man in the world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 22, 2018
Can anything be more lovely than a Christmas story?
Annabelle, Kate, Buster and Mack are up to their eyeballs with What to do with a baby found at the Biker Church that Buster and Mack attend. It seems someone left a baby on a the church doorstep and no-one but Richard wants to send it right off to the Child Protective Services immediately.
And the hunt is on!
Annabelle, Kate, Buster and Mack are up to their eyeballs with What to do with a baby found at the Biker Church that Buster and Mack attend. It seems someone left a baby on a the church doorstep and no-one but Richard wants to send it right off to the Child Protective Services immediately.
And the hunt is on!
November 24, 2018
I really enjoy this series. It's lighthearted and funny. The characters are very real and make me want to read the next book to find out more about their lives. This was a short but sweet novella and it has a baby, a holiday party, and a Christian biker gang all rolled into one great story. Check it out!
December 6, 2018
A wonderfully short fun read that is funny and full of heart. It is well written and it includes mystery that Annabelle and her eccentric crazy crew try to solve while preparing and planning for their holiday season. An overall great enjoyable and entertaining hysterical story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2018
Good Short Read!
It is Christmas, and all the gang is together for Christmas! This year, Mack and Buster find a baby on the Bikers for Jesus Church doorsteps. Who left the baby, how do they find one of the parents, is the premise of this story. Love the scenes between. Reese and the owner of Wedding Belles!
Good Novella!
I highly recommend!
Carolintallahassee.com
It is Christmas, and all the gang is together for Christmas! This year, Mack and Buster find a baby on the Bikers for Jesus Church doorsteps. Who left the baby, how do they find one of the parents, is the premise of this story. Love the scenes between. Reese and the owner of Wedding Belles!
Good Novella!
I highly recommend!
Carolintallahassee.com
January 7, 2021
What a fantastic quick read from Laura Durham.
A biker church, an abandoned baby, and poor Richard being left out of the service providers of the year list... what a way to start the Christmas Season for Annabelle, Kate, and the gang.
Lovely recipes for Pepper Jelly Palmiers and a Cherry Walnut Brie included...
Yummy!!!
A biker church, an abandoned baby, and poor Richard being left out of the service providers of the year list... what a way to start the Christmas Season for Annabelle, Kate, and the gang.
Lovely recipes for Pepper Jelly Palmiers and a Cherry Walnut Brie included...
Yummy!!!
April 20, 2021
Love this series
The characters are so diverse yet they work.stories are different . it makes me laugh out loud.I love Richard and Kate together. The whole crazy group loves and cares about each other. I wish some of stories were longer.I don't want series to end but I can't stop reading
The characters are so diverse yet they work.stories are different . it makes me laugh out loud.I love Richard and Kate together. The whole crazy group loves and cares about each other. I wish some of stories were longer.I don't want series to end but I can't stop reading
November 6, 2018
Love spending more time with all our fave characters, especially Buster and Mack! Cant wait to read their next big wedding adventure! Keep em coming Laura!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2018
Happy holidays!
I love this series. I love the interactions between all the characters with their various quirks. This book has several mysteries, but no dead bodies this time. I can hardly wait to see the next book.
I love this series. I love the interactions between all the characters with their various quirks. This book has several mysteries, but no dead bodies this time. I can hardly wait to see the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews