Ozark Weddings: The Hills Are Alive with the Ring of Romance (Three-in-One Collection)

Hill Country Bride #1-3

by Anita Higman, Janice Thompson

Larkspur Dreams
The Love Song
Castles in the Air

Take a journey into the Ozarks where romance disrupts the lives of three women. Larkspur Wendell’s new neighbor Everett Holden is more interested in his computer than communication. Will Larkspur’s zest for life draw the reclusive Everett out of his shell or drive him in deeper? The vulnerability of Clair O’Neal attracts the attention of two different men. Can she trust their interest or their motives? Nori Kelly’s biological clock is ticking loud and clear. But she’s also a successful entrepreneur. So why does she only attract nerds like Zachary Martin? Will God move mountains to bring hearts together?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Romance, Christian, Contemporary Romance

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over forty books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art.
A few of Anita’s favorite things are good movies, fairytales, traveling, gardening, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Feel free to drop by Anita’s website at anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaH.... She would love to hear from you!

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, not my usual reading fare. Christian/ Romance seems to be the genre here, and perhaps YA? Surprise to me in these three stories in one book: that thirty-somethings, both males and females, could live in this day and age, yet remain so emotionally/mentally immature, a few in the never-been-kissed category.. Book was a freebie, and I had some rainy-day reading time. For personal entertainment/satisfaction/enlightenment, I'd rate one star. But to be fair to the authors, and those who appreciate this writing style (no real depth re serious matters)..three stars.

[Raina Rausch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was originally planning on giving this novella 3 stars until I read the last story. I loved it! I always enjoy an underdog win, plus I laughed out loud more than once. The hero of the story wasn't your usual romance novel kinda guy, and I appreciated the reality of that. An enjoyable quick read!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: OZARK WEDDINGS
Authors: Anita Higman and Janice Thompson
Publisher: Barbour Books
June 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60260-806-1
Genre: Inspirational/Contemporary Romance

The hills are alive with the ring of romance… and love is challenging three women to soar to new heights of hope and faith in the Ozark Mountains. (from the back cover)

Larkspur Dreams by Anita Higman: Larkspur Wendell is happy-go-lucky and she hates to see anyone in a funk. When her new neighbor, Everett Holden, moves in, he is much too solitary, and Larkspur is determined to bring him out of seclusion. Everett moved to the small town for peace and quiet, but that seems to be the last thing on Larkspur’s agenda. Will Larkspur’s attention bring Everett out of his shell? Or drive him in deeper?

The Love Song by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson: Clair O’Neal is painfully shy. She is thrust out of her comfort zone when her boss asked her to go to meet a famous author. The gathering is filled with “the beautifuls”—people Clair is convinced belongs there. She turns to leave but is stopped by image coach Glenn Yves who insists on introducing her to the author. But then Clair falls, making a spectacle of herself. Musician Hudson Mandel helps her up. Both men are attracted to Clair, but since both of them are a member of “the beautifuls” will Clair be able to trust either with her heart?

Castles in the Air by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson: Nori Kelly’s biological clock is not only ticking, it’s alarm is ringing. But men just aren’t interested in Nori, unless they are a member of the “geek” squad. Zachary Martin is a tried-and-true member of the “geek” squad and he’s truly interested in Nori. But what will it take for a nerd to win Nori’s heart?

OZARK WEDDINGS is a collection of three previously published Heartsong Presents romances, all set in Arkansas. I had read these books when they first came out several years ago. It was nice to see these three books as part of the Romancing America series, representing Arkansas.

All three stories were good, but I think the first one, Larkspur Dreams, was my favorite, maybe because it had the most humor. If you are looking for a good three-in-one collection to read, then OZARK WEDDINGS is a book to consider. $7.99. 348 pages.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely stories

This book was great, it surpassed my expectations. All of the stories were well written, had good strong characters and had humor to make you smile. I would definitely recommend this set of books, and I will look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

[Margaret Chind]

Formerly published as Ozark Weddings: The Hills Are Alive with the Ring of Romance, as well as, Larkspur Dreams, The Love Song, and Castles In The Air.

[Esmare · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how all the stories are about real and relatable characters, complete with quirks, flaws and all, finding love through simple everday life without needing all the big grand romantic fuss that often seems like a necessity. Where the heroines are spunky and capable, and the heros are down to earth men that simply choose to do the right thing regardless of whether the ladies appreciate it or want to bite their heads off or what society thinks of them.

[Vicki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all three stories, but the last was my favorite. Maybe because of the similarities to my husband. Lol But I truly enjoyed all three!

[Pam McCallister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romancing America

Arkansas

Three-in-one-collection

Anita Higman & Janice Thompson

2007, 2007, 2008

Barbour Publishing

Fiction/Romance



Reviewed by Cindy Loven



Three stories in one book! All set right here in my home state. It is so fun to read books that have places you know and love.

Larkspur Dreams, finds a famous local artist welcoming a new neighbor next door. A good looking new neighbor. The attraction is instanteous and strong, on her part and it appears on his part too. Larkspur Wendell is an artist, painting water color illustrations for children's books. She also oil paints too and is working up nerve for a showing. A bit of a free spirit, she is worried that her new neighbor may be just a bit uptight and sets off on a mission to loosen him up. Loosing her heart to him, wasn't part of the plan, but it happened. A life full of distractions will have you giggling through the entirety of this heart warming story.



The Love Song, introduces us to a lonely young lady who is scared of her own shadow. Clair O'Neal has had a loveless life. Her mother died when she was a young child and she was left to be raised by a stepfather who couldnt even look at her. Never hugged, or loved on as a child, Clair is awkward, socially and personally. A beautiful girl, with a gorgeous singing voice. A talent so pure, that you know it only came from God. Will she ever face up to her fears of facing people and truly do what she loves? Or will she plug along trying to run a bookstore that she inherited. Will the shy and handsome Hudson Mandel bring her out of her shell? Will the image coaching she is receiving from Glenn Yves be the answer to her shyness? This story is an attention grabber and you will cheer on Clair as she progresses through her shyness to discover who she truly is, and perhaps even finding love along the way!



Castles in the Air, have two neighbors who are unlikely matches both looking for love. But do they even know what love is? Nori Kelly, a candy store owner and her neighbor Zachary Martin, a bonafide member of the "geek" squad both truly want to be loved. Only Zachary knows who he is in love with, the trouble is convincing the person to give him a look, and to notice him. Nori, is sure her new book, How to Catch a Dreamboat will have the answers. At least she hopes so. A great story it wraps up the book. This story was my favorite because the town it was set in, is very close to where I live and I recognized names and places and just enjoyed those discoveries in the story.



348 pages US $7.99 4 stars This book was provided for review purposes only. No payment was given for this review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three stories in different settings about three women who find renewed hope and faith as well as romance in the Ozark Mountains.
Larkspur is a children's book illustrator. When a new neighbor, Everett, moves next door, she makes it a point to welcome him. He doesn't care for her intrusions. I loved all the things that went on between Larkspur and Everett that drew them together. This story shows how opposites can attract and make each other stronger - that is the way it is with my husband and I.
In The Love Song, the title is very fitting. Claire finds herself being sought by two meen. Glenn is an image coach and helps her to find freedom within and overcome things from her past. But her heart does not go out to Glenn. Instead it responds to Hudson who is a muisician. Clair attended his sister's honor as an author for her employee who ran a bookstore. Claire is shy and doesn't adjust well to social settings (as do I) and she finds herself embarrassed when she falls on some water. Hudson is there to assist her. Was drawn into the story wondering which guy she was going to chose for sometime.
My favorite was the last one. In Castles in the Air, Zachary was considered a Geek. I so related as my husband was considered a nerd by his pictures from our wedding. At first Nori is annoyed by him but as the story unfolds, she begins to learn the real Zachary.
Nori runs a candy store and Zachary works for a corporation and is not without money. Yet he does not flaunt his money. Both love hot cocoa - the good way - not instant.
True love blossoms in this story as each begin to learn about each other. I loved the dreams. I dreamed of my husband years before I met him and my husband dreamed of me beforewe met. Sometimes God has a way of confirming his choice.

[A J Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m usually disappointed in at least one story in a 3 in 1, so I read Larkspur Dreams wondering if this was the one that would disappoint. But, not so. I thoroughly enjoyed Larkspur Dreams. It was a fun, kept-my-attention read. Very satisfactory.
Now on to the second, The Love Song. Again, good settings, good characters, a good read.

All right, so it’s the third one that will disappoint. But, again, not so. Castle In The Air was a very satisfactory read. The setting and characters were particularly intriguing. Maybe my favorite of the three, or, no maybe it was Larkspur Dreams that was my favorite? Although The Love Song tugged at my heartstrings. Oh, just read them all.

So I have to recommend Ozark Weddings by Anita Higman and Janice Thompson. I found the writing well done. The settings built a story world. The characters especially believable. Filled with humor, quirkiness, and romance, I enjoyed spending a hot summer afternoon reading Ozark Weddings.

“Take a journey into the Ozarks where romance disrupts the lives of three women. Larkspur Wendell’s new neighbor Everett Holden is more interested in his computer than communication. Will Larkspur’s zest for life draw the reclusive Everett out of his shell or drive him in deeper? The vulnerability of Clair O’Neal attracts the attention of two different men. Can she trust their interest or their motives? Nori Kelly’s biological clock is ticking loud and clear. But she’s also a successful entrepreneur. So why does she only attract nerds like Zachary Martin? Will God move mountains to bring hearts together?” Barbour Publishing web page

[Jan Marie Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this delightful romantic comedy written by an extremely talented duo (Anita Higman and Janice Thompson) you get not one, not two, but THREE books all bound in one tantalizing cover. As you meet the outgoing never-met-a-stranger Lark, the extremely shy and sensitive Clair, and the successful but insecure and somewhat desperate Nori, you will become so involved in their lives that you actually feel as if you are a part of their stories. You will laugh with them and you will cry with them; you will despair with them and you will rejoice with them as they meet their male counterparts.

Can a workaholic and a free spirit possibly find common ground? Can the hurts of the past be overcome by love? Can insecurity and the stigma of divorce stifle true love? You will find the answers to these questions and more within the pages of Ozark Weddings. You will also see that, when God is in control, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. The Love Song is especially satisfying in its portrayal of Psalms 23.

The humor in the writing is refreshing - some of it is obvious and some of it is a bit more subtle. Read carefully and pay attention and you will be delighted with the results. The authors use words with great mastery and skill to paint a charming and uplifting story for the readers. The only complaint that I have with these stories is that I was not ready to say good-bye to the characters; the stories were entirely too short and left me wanting more. I highly recommend this book.

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for each of the three stories

I really enjoyed reading each of the stories included in this book. The main similarities between the stories were that the characters really felt as if they would be alone. I felt a bond with each of the ladies, so much so, I couldn't even pick a favorite if asked to do so. I definitely recommend this book. I will be looking for more of Anita Higman's books. I do enjoy her stories and will read them again.

[Carol Tietsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian romance is not my usual go to romances, but these stories were not the ball of fluff I expected. They were rife with modern problems, but the problems were not insurmountable. The stories were believable and sweet.

[Edwina Cowgill]

Three stories in one book - doesn't get much better than that! All three stories were most enjoyable, feel-good-at-the-end stories!

[Cornelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fast, romantic reads. I enjoyed each of the stories in this collection of Christian romances!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I really enjoyed these stories by Anita Higman one of my new favorite authors.