The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique

by Kellie Hailes

As the owner of a second-hand bridal boutique in the little village of Alfriston, Paige Alby has seen too many tear-stained owners bring in wedding dresses that signal collapsed dreams to believe in happily ever after. So being the maid of honour at her mother's fourth wedding isn't exactly something she's looking forward to... Nor is the prospect of working with Cy, her mother's admittedly handsome but far too forward wedding planner.

Cy Thorpe has spent the last few years building a wedding empire in London catering to the rich and famous. On a trip home to see his family, he takes on a small private wedding on a whim. The last thing he expected to find was love, but the more time he spends with Paige, the more he sees past her defences to the woman who has dedicated her life to saving the things others have neglected. The hopeless romantic to Paige's sworn cynic, can Cy get Paige to give him and happily ever after a chance?

Genres: Chick Lit

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2021

Reviews

[Emmahlovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful, heartwarming read. A story of hope, you can't help but believe in love.

Paige runs a second hand bridal boutique, giving dresses a second chance at a happily ever after. However, she's very cynical about love. Meeting Cy, himself not in a position to make a commitment he sees love in a much more romantic way, a connection develops. Can they both take a chance for a happily ever after? I loved these two characters, and the family dynamic was just perfect, all seeing love and life in very different ways. This was a perfect escape, I couldn't help but smile.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orion Dash for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Lori Wilen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I should like to thank NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

This was a totally charming book with loveable characters. I liked that it was set in Eastbourne, a coastal resort town as opposed to London or a big city. I wish there were really stores like Paige's I think it is a great idea. I thought the book was full of everything from beginning to end. A wonderful story, family relationships, dealing with parental passing and so much more. This was not a typical boy meets girl. Boy falls in love with girl. They live happily ever after. There were a few humps and bumps along the journey but to find them out you will need to read this delightful book.

I gave it 4.5 stars only because the first chapter or two didn't get me right into the story. However, around the middle of chapter two it clicked with me and I couldn't put it down and finished it in one sitting.

Kellie Hailes was unknown to me prior to this book so I would recommend this to lovers of British rom-com books and you will not be disappointed.

Again thank you to NetGalley for my ARC of this charming novel.

[Beatrice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5/5

Sometimes a cute, easy story is all you need, and was exactly what I needed to tide me over a book hangover. This is a light, easy read that does exactly what it says on the tin.

Paige owns a second-hand bridal boutique in a small English town. She loves giving things a second life and brides a happy day, but she herself doesn't believe in love, not one bit. Enter Cy, a handsome and charismatic wedding planner who has taken on the task of planning Paige's mother fourth wedding. This is a romantic book, so you can pretty much guarantee how the story will develop and end and there were certainly no surprises there. But, as they say, joy is to be found in the journey, not the destination.

The romance itself was cute enough, especially the one between Paige's mother and her fiancé. In contrast, I wasn't all too keen on our main characters. Cy, in particular, rubbed me the wrong way with his manipulative behaviour, lying straight off the bat and engaging Paige in a bet to win a date with her. The whole thing just got worse from there, in a series of half-truths, unreasonable and immature behaviour, and incomprehensible choices coming from both of them.

Both characters have loads of emotional baggage which, if handled correctly, can be extremely interesting and add nuance to any romance. But here they both appeared to be extremely one-dimensional, both letting one traumatic incident define them entirely in their personality and life choices.

Overall, a quick and easy read with some potential. It definitely was light-hearted and heartwarming but lacked enough nuance to engage me. Cute, but not the best romance I have read.

For more reviews, visit Book for Thought.

I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

[Roberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read and enjoyed several books by Kellie Hailes, so I was pleased to receive an ARC of The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique.

I loved Paige’s bridal boutique, and her passion for remaking things that aren’t perfect. I liked Paige too. Unfortunately, my enjoyment of this book was rather hindered by the fact that I really disliked Cy. His behaviour in the first half to three quarters of the story was manipulative, bordering on controlling. I really can’t stand people who force others into spending time with them, by making a bet, then telling the person they’re a coward if they don’t agree.

The writing is excellent and although they seemed so totally wrong for each other for most of the book, once Cy realised how awful he was being (not to mention cowardly - it annoyed me that no one called him on his cowardliness when he was constantly needling Paige about hers), I felt like they might have a chance. And I really, really liked the epilogue.

Overall, this was a well written romance, but I just didn’t enjoy it as much as most, as Cy made such a poor impression on me that I just couldn’t like him. However, if you’re less bothered by that kind of behaviour than me, then this is a good, fun romance.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Cristiana Marques · Rating 3 out of 5]

The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique: 3 ⭐

(Unpaid review: Thank you @netgalley, @kelliehailes and @oriondash for allowing me to read this eArc)

A good book to read when you need a pick me up.
I found it funny and entertaining, but felt like it needed a bit more context and a little bit more passion to the story. However, I enjoyed it a lot and enjoyed Cy and Paige fighting over who was the best at what. This book has a nice moral, it teaches us to look at love as it is and not as a word or a mechanical thing that only works the same way everytime.
The author really captured the essence of true love - me being a true romantic and all - and turned it into a really sweet love story, full of firsts.

[Carla Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book. I’ve read the majority of the Rabbits Leap series and thoroughly enjoyed them. So when I saw this new offering by Kellie Hailes I knew I just had to read it. I was not disappointed.

Another breathtakingly, heartwarming read, which I thoroughly enjoyed throughout.

I was continuously either smiling or laughing whilst reading this novel. It was the perfect escape from my usual reads; usually psychological, crime or horror. Just a great break., exploring the different ways people look at the idea of love.

Another 5 stars from from me 😊

[Frenchorchidea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh I so would like to say that I loved this book by Kellie Hailes, but unfortunately this book didn't really convinced me.... the story was cute, the main character was likeable, the storyline was good but I really disliked many of the characters of this book and I found myself being bored at many times. Unfortunately I will only give this book a 3 stars out of 5! But I am still very impatient to read the next Kellie Hailes book because I usually really enjoy her books!

[Linda Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading. Very much a holiday read as very clear how the book would end right at the beginning.

[Hope Wilkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This perfectly sums up the magic of weddings and has me thinking about my own and how beautiful marriage and falling in love truly is! Please Kellie write more like this

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kellie Hailes’ The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique is an irresistible romantic comedy that is fun, delightful and simply enchanting.

Paige Alby might own a second-hand bridal boutique, but she is also the most jaded and cynical woman in the tiny village of Alfirston. Having seen far too many brides bringing back their tear-soaked wedding dresses, Paige is of the opinion that happy endings are the stuff of fairy tales and that romance is merely a convenient excuse for florists and card companies to sell their products to the gullible. Relationships are strictly off the agenda for her and the fact that her mother has asked her to be a matron of honour at her fourth wedding has done nothing to help her change her mind or help to lower the guard which she had erected around her heart. Paige has got no reason to think that she will ever find herself falling head over heels in love – until she fate throws her in close proximity to wedding planner extraordinaire, Cy Thorpe and sparks quickly begin to fly…

Hopeless romantic Cy Thorpe has made a name for himself as a wedding planner to the rich and famous. Having dedicated his life to love and romance, Cy believes in the magic of soulmates and in finding the one, however, when he decides to take on a small private wedding on a whim, he is shocked to find himself drawn to a woman who is his complete and utter opposite in every way. Matron of Honour Paige has neither the time nor the inclination for affairs of the heart – so why can’t he stop himself from wanting to change her mind?

As the two of them find themselves getting closer and closer, Paige’s defences slowly begin to come down, but will she find the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on her own happy ending? Or will her insecurities end up costing her everything?

Kellie Hailes’ The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique is a charming, feel-good and fun romantic treat that will brighten up your day. A terrific tale about letting go of the past, healing from old wounds and the magic of falling in love, The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique is an uplifting romantic comedy with a lovely heroine you will cheer for, a gorgeous hero and plenty of mischief, emotion, drama and hi-jinks that will keep you entertained till the very last page.

An entertaining and enjoyable contemporary romance, Kellie Hailes’ The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique is not to be missed.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this was not a good book. I chose it because of the setting in a second hand bridal boutique. I worked in a bridal salon as a university student and enjoy novels about the bridal business. Of course this was a romance, which I expected, but it was not a good romance.
The two characters both had so much baggage that their lives revolved around their emotional problems. Both the man and the woman seemed one-dimensional. A critical event in each person's life defined him or her almost entirely.
The second chance bridal salon was a metaphor for Paige's problems as was her mother's wedding. The story was too simplistic to carry all of this metaphor. Simple cute romances can be a lot of fun to read. However the male character was not very likable. He made silly bets with Paige to get involved with her. He came across as dishonest.
Paige behaved like an idiot. She became involved with the guy even though she has severe relationship issues. The man lived and worked in London and was only visiting the area on holiday. She expected him to never go back to London, even though he got a job planning the wedding of a minor royal. The way she overreacted in both of these circumstances was ridiculous. Why would anybody in the wedding business give up an opportunity to plan a royal wedding? Paige is in the wedding business herself; she should certainly understand the career opportunity her boyfriend was offered. So she came across has a selfish, unreasonable person.
It was difficult to enjoy a story about two unlikable people. I really did not care what happened to them or their relationship.
So why did I even give this two stars? The concept had potential. A romance between a bridal shop owner and a wedding planner is an interesting idea. Had the story been better executed, the metaphors might have been effective. The novel did not start out badly. As it progressed, I felt bogged down by these people's emotional problems. This type of romance is supposed to be light and fun, but the characters were a real bummer.
And by the way, nobody sells a wedding gown as quickly or as easily as Paige. I'm assuming the author did absolutely no research.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance reading copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Emma's Things to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely well-written romance with really appealing characters.
Paige and Cy both work in the wedding industry but their attitudes to love could not be more different.
Paige is guarded and cynical. She owns a second hand wedding dress shop and believes in upcycling, reusing and repairing. She hates the idea that beautiful and expensive dresses are worn once and then forgotten in boxes. Usually for someone who sells the dresses, she doesn’t have much faith in love and marriage. Her mother has been married three times already and when she announces a fourth engagement Paige is less than enthusiastic.
In walks Cy, a gorgeous wedding planner. Based in London, he has family in Eastbourne and finds himself planning Diane and Simon’s wedding. One of his jobs is bringing Paige on board. His attitude to love is the opposite to hers. He is romantic and genuinely believes that true love is out there inspired by his parents long marriage.
As the plans for Diane and Simon’s wedding gather pace, Cy finds him more drawn to Paige. There is an instant spark between them and lots of banter. They are both competitive and proud of the work they do and bounce of each other.
Can their different dreams be brought together? Will Paige open her heart ti the possibility of love? Will Cy see the compromise and struggles of long relationships?
Of course there’s a happy ending! The reader would not expect anything less, but the journey is a fun one.
I loved the relationship between Diane and Simon and their wedding quite beautiful.
This is perfect summer reading – a witty and charming romance that will make even the most cynical believe in true love.

[Cindy Gosnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the owner of a second-hand bridal boutique in the little village of Alfriston, Paige Alby has seen too many tear-stained owners bring in wedding dresses that signal collapsed dreams to believe in happily ever after. So being the maid of honour at her mother's fourth wedding isn't exactly something she's looking forward to... Nor is the prospect of working with Cy, her mother's admittedly handsome but far too forward wedding planner.
Cy Thorpe has spent the last few years building a wedding empire in London catering to the rich and famous. On a trip home to see his family, he takes on a small private wedding on a whim. The last thing he expected to find was love, but the more time he spends with Paige, the more he sees past her defences to the woman who has dedicated her life to saving the things others have neglected. The hopeless romantic to Paige's sworn cynic, can Cy get Paige to give him and happily ever after a chance?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this.
A lovely, gently story with a cynical bridal shop owner and a man desperately looking for perfection.....on his terms. This should be a disaster but you know it isnt. Kelly Hailes is a new author to me but certainly wont be the last book i read of hers. I really enjoyed it and enjoyed looking at things from both perspectives (either character is short changed in this book) I enjoyed it and can recommend without hesitation

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wining book from Kellie Hailes.

I utterly adored the bets and banter between Paige and Cy, as they to make sure Paige's mum Diana has a great wedding to Fiancée Si, even if it is her umpteenth time down the aisle.

Although both work in a wedding related business, neither are willing to risk their own hearts and fall in love.

So their character development was lovely to see, as they come to certain realisations about everything.

A lovely quick and easy read that had me enthralled on my sunbed as I read reading poolside.

Thoroughly enjoyable and just what I needed as I read it.

Thank you to Orion Dash and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to fist say thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me the eARC. Ok let’s talk about this book, because I have mix emotions. El libro me hizo feliz me hizo sonreír tanto que me dolían los boches pero por mas feliz que estaba cy no me dejaba ser feliz completa. El fue muy manipulativo y eso que dejo muy molesta con el libro en si, pero después el cambio pero como quiera yo estaba volviendo a todo lo de antes y como se comporto. Pero el final fue maravilloso y me encanto mucho el libro pero cy eso es todo lo que tengo que decir.

[Danielle Amor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The New Beginnings Bridal Boutique is a lovely Rom Com that had me hooked from the first page.

I enjoy a good romance and this was such a heartwarming story - I absolutely loved every second of it. I really want to eat at Cy’s Dads Burger Bar as the Burgers sounded AMAZING 🤤

All the talk of Wedding Planning and Wedding Dresses has me missing planning my own Wedding 🙈

This is the first book I have read by Kellie Hailes but I have a few others on my #TBR - I cannot wait to read them as her writing style is so nice and easy to read!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book just gave me warm cozies!
Paige owns a second hand shop which also sells used/never worn wedding dresses. The dresses represent so many shattered dreams that she has no belief in happily ever after.
When her mother is being married, for the fourth time, she is a maid of honour, and meets the wedding planner. In a bit of a twist, he is the hopeless romantic and she is the jaded one.
Just a good story, well written with humour.
A super summer read.

[Laura Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paige runs a second hand wedding dress boutique. The thought of helping brides choose the perfect dress for their day is what she lives for, even if she herself is a wedding cynic. So when her mum declares she is getting married again… for the fourth time Paige is unconvinced.

Then she meets Cy, her mum’s wedding planner. Can he convince her that romance does exist?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read and enjoyed a few books by Kellie Hailes so I was delighted to see that she had a new book, especially one with such a gorgeous cover. I love the sound of Paige's Bridal Boutique, even if she is cynical about weddings and romance. This is a fun and easygoing read, good for relaxing with in the Summer. It is enjoyable and entertaining. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasant read that delights from start to finish. Read it in one sitting. Paige and Cy's bets amuse and love the idea of her wedding dress shop!
I like how Paige's relationship with her mum and her mums husband to be changes too.
Nice easy read, good fun.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute! Sure to be a Hallmark sensation!